I don't get into Halloween. I think it is pretty silly for a grown man or woman to dress up or decorate their house. I don't mean carving a pumpkin with your kid or trick or treating. But putting spider webs all over your yard and dressing up to pass out candy?
If you're going to a costume party...ok. But aren't you a little old for a costume party past college? Maybe it's just me, I haven't wanted to dress up for Halloween since I was a kid. Even in high school, I wouldn't even think about what to wear as a costume to school until the night before...and I would just give up and wear a flannel shirt to say I was a lumberjack. But really I wore flannel a lot anyway.
The dumbest thing to do is dress as a witch, or some other morbid thing. I don't know what the exact origins of Halloween are, but it's pretty synonymous with death, black magic, etc. Call me a square, but I'm not going to let my kids dress like the devil, or a witch or the grim reaper. I'm not into making Halloween an excuse to get weird.
JB
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Lions vs. Broncos
Wow, the criticism of Tim Tebow has been off the charts this week. Everyone on TV thinks he is awful. Well, I guess he did throw some bad passes. He certainly didn't look like an NFL quarterback. But he did play great in the final minutes and the Broncos did win the game. Let's remember this week when all the pundits were criticizing him. If he's able to go on to play well this year, what will they say? If he throws for 300 yards this week or any other will they say he has turned the corner? That he CAN play in the NFL? That is my guess. That they are prisoners of the moment. And if he plays well they will change their tune.
I'm predicting Tebow gets sacked 3 times today. He throws 5 passes that aren't anywhere near the receiver. He throws 2 INTs. BUT he passes for 250 yards, 2 touchdowns and the Broncos beat the Lions 24-20.
JB
I'm predicting Tebow gets sacked 3 times today. He throws 5 passes that aren't anywhere near the receiver. He throws 2 INTs. BUT he passes for 250 yards, 2 touchdowns and the Broncos beat the Lions 24-20.
JB
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Live
My Top 10 Live songs:
10. "Lightning Crashes", 1994
9. "We Deal in Dreams", 2004
8. "Selling the Drama", 1994
7. "Face & Ghost (the Children's Song)", 1999
6. "All Over You", 1994
5. "The Dolphins Cry", 1999
4. "Dance With You", 1999
3. "Overcome", 2001
2. "Run to the Water", 1999
1. "I Alone", 1994
JB
10. "Lightning Crashes", 1994
9. "We Deal in Dreams", 2004
8. "Selling the Drama", 1994
7. "Face & Ghost (the Children's Song)", 1999
6. "All Over You", 1994
5. "The Dolphins Cry", 1999
4. "Dance With You", 1999
3. "Overcome", 2001
2. "Run to the Water", 1999
1. "I Alone", 1994
JB
Friday, October 28, 2011
Week 9 Preview
Arkansas at Vanderbilt - I like the way Vandy is playing...scoring 44 points?! When has Vandy ever scored 44 points? And the offense isn't even that good. They are 4-3 and have a legit shot at a bowl. They don't need this win, but it would be huge. This will be their 6th home game already this year. Arkansas played poorly at Ole Miss..but give the Rebs credit they played above the previous standard they had set this year. Vanderbilt's D, at home, could cause some problems for Arkansas. The 'Dores certainly have to be taken seriously this year, and I think the Hogs know that. I'm tempted to say this game is close, but I think UPig will hit some long passes that Vandy won't be able to keep up with on their end. ARK 35 VU 13
Georgia vs. Florida - Georgia is a trendy pick in this one. For one, we don't know for sure if John Brantley will be 100%, and UF's other freshman QBs are not that good right now. Secondly, the Georgia defense gets Alec Ogletree back from injury and Cornelius Washington back from a 2-game suspension. Combined SEC record of the teams UGA has beaten: 1-15 (that one win was Vandy over Ole Miss). Combined SEC record of the teams FLA has lost to: 13-2 (Auburn L vs. LSU and ARK). So don't get all hopped up on the Georgia bandwagon because they've won 5 straight and Florida lost 3 straight. The Gators had lost 3 straight to West opponent going into last year as well (Bama, LSU, MSU), but still beat UGA. Florida has won this game 18 of the last 21 times. Mark Richt is 2-8 vs. Florida. Georgia's got a shot at winning the East - all 3 times they've previously won the East ('02, '03, '05)....Florida has beaten them. Georgia is a 3 point favorite, but they suck in this game. As I said before the season, no explanation needed. Florida wins.
Ole Miss at Auburn - Houston Nutt made a great run at Arkansas last week, but now he must go on the road...against a pretty good Auburn team. This will be Ole Miss' last ditch effort to make it to a bowl this year - this is a must win for that to happen. The combined record of the teams Auburn has lost to: 22-1 (and that one loss was Arkansas to the #2 team in the country, Alabama). Auburn has beat some good teams too: South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi State. They've had one of the toughest schedules in the country and have come out of it 5-3 so far. This will be an important game to lift them above what looks like will be a bunch of 6-6 SEC teams for good bowl positioning. Even though Auburn has some quarterback issues this year, they will rise above them at home vs. Ole Miss' sorry defense. The last time the Rebs won at Jordan-Hare, Eli was QB. No Eli, no win. Tigers 34-17. War Eagle.
Mississippi State at Kentucky - UK is going to wear black uniforms. If Mississippi State's history of wearing black uniforms is any indication of how they'll do, it isn't good. After Georgia's funeral game (taken behind the woodshed by Bama) in 2008 why do this? Joker Philips needs some kind of gimmick for his players to buy into. This is a huge game for the Wildcats as they have a chance, as they do vs. Ole Miss and at Vanderbilt (plus UT, but they can't beat UT) - which could get them to 6-6 if they win all 3. However, this is equally if not more important for Mississippi State, who is the better team here. MSU is a 10 point favorite, but they should win this game by even more. UK's defense is weak on it's best day, Tyler Russell should be able to slice through them like he did UAB. Kentucky played a defense of similar strength at South Carolina - they scored 3 points. Kentucky is the worst scoring and total offense in the SEC, and nearly the worst in the nation. MSU 34 UK 9
South Carolina at Tennessee - The only time I thought wearing black jerseys was cool was two years ago when, on Halloween night, Tennessee wore them vs. South Carolina. Since their main color is orange...it worked - they won 31-13 against a nationally ranked USC team. I've got a sneaking suspicion UT will try the same trick - although it's not as cool since it's not actually Halloween. Derek Dooley is taking the redshirt off Justin Worley and is starting him in place of Matt Simms. Yes, the game is at home, but as a true freshman how will it feel to have the best pass rushers in the country in your face? Ah, not good. Gamecocks win, and beat the 3.5 point spread.
Michigan State at Nebraska - So MSU has beaten Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin in consecutive weeks. Now they have to go to Nebraska? Who is making these schedules? That's all the Big Ten has to offer, and the Spartans have to play them all in one month. Too much, Nebraska wins.
Oklahoma at Kansas State - This is just great. Really, I want to watch it. How good is KSU, we are about to find out. I think they are pretty good as they have beaten Miami (FL) who looks good now and then they went to Texas Tech and beat them right before they stormed OU. This could be like a Big 12 semi-final, and the winner's game vs. Oklahoma State is for the championship of the Big 12. The spread is OU -13.5...that seems pretty high. The Sooners may be ticked about losing, but Bill Snyder coached a balanced, disciplined team who, at home, will be tough to beat by that much. I think Oklahoma wins, but only by a touchdown.
Clemson at Georgia Tech - GA Tech went and screwed this game up by losing to Virginia and Miami (FL). Miami I can see, but UVA? What if these two were 8-0 and in the Top 10...that would do wonders for the ACC. But they aren't GA Tech couldn't even get to 7-1 after that 6-0 start. Their offense has fallen off the map...but they should be able to find themselves because Clemson's defense don't bring much to the table. Conventional wisdom is that this will be a really high-scoring game...but I don't know. I was surprised to see the over/under so low at 63. I think Paul Johnson milks the clock a lot trying to play keep away, but Clemson wins 31-28.
JB
Georgia vs. Florida - Georgia is a trendy pick in this one. For one, we don't know for sure if John Brantley will be 100%, and UF's other freshman QBs are not that good right now. Secondly, the Georgia defense gets Alec Ogletree back from injury and Cornelius Washington back from a 2-game suspension. Combined SEC record of the teams UGA has beaten: 1-15 (that one win was Vandy over Ole Miss). Combined SEC record of the teams FLA has lost to: 13-2 (Auburn L vs. LSU and ARK). So don't get all hopped up on the Georgia bandwagon because they've won 5 straight and Florida lost 3 straight. The Gators had lost 3 straight to West opponent going into last year as well (Bama, LSU, MSU), but still beat UGA. Florida has won this game 18 of the last 21 times. Mark Richt is 2-8 vs. Florida. Georgia's got a shot at winning the East - all 3 times they've previously won the East ('02, '03, '05)....Florida has beaten them. Georgia is a 3 point favorite, but they suck in this game. As I said before the season, no explanation needed. Florida wins.
Ole Miss at Auburn - Houston Nutt made a great run at Arkansas last week, but now he must go on the road...against a pretty good Auburn team. This will be Ole Miss' last ditch effort to make it to a bowl this year - this is a must win for that to happen. The combined record of the teams Auburn has lost to: 22-1 (and that one loss was Arkansas to the #2 team in the country, Alabama). Auburn has beat some good teams too: South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi State. They've had one of the toughest schedules in the country and have come out of it 5-3 so far. This will be an important game to lift them above what looks like will be a bunch of 6-6 SEC teams for good bowl positioning. Even though Auburn has some quarterback issues this year, they will rise above them at home vs. Ole Miss' sorry defense. The last time the Rebs won at Jordan-Hare, Eli was QB. No Eli, no win. Tigers 34-17. War Eagle.
Mississippi State at Kentucky - UK is going to wear black uniforms. If Mississippi State's history of wearing black uniforms is any indication of how they'll do, it isn't good. After Georgia's funeral game (taken behind the woodshed by Bama) in 2008 why do this? Joker Philips needs some kind of gimmick for his players to buy into. This is a huge game for the Wildcats as they have a chance, as they do vs. Ole Miss and at Vanderbilt (plus UT, but they can't beat UT) - which could get them to 6-6 if they win all 3. However, this is equally if not more important for Mississippi State, who is the better team here. MSU is a 10 point favorite, but they should win this game by even more. UK's defense is weak on it's best day, Tyler Russell should be able to slice through them like he did UAB. Kentucky played a defense of similar strength at South Carolina - they scored 3 points. Kentucky is the worst scoring and total offense in the SEC, and nearly the worst in the nation. MSU 34 UK 9
South Carolina at Tennessee - The only time I thought wearing black jerseys was cool was two years ago when, on Halloween night, Tennessee wore them vs. South Carolina. Since their main color is orange...it worked - they won 31-13 against a nationally ranked USC team. I've got a sneaking suspicion UT will try the same trick - although it's not as cool since it's not actually Halloween. Derek Dooley is taking the redshirt off Justin Worley and is starting him in place of Matt Simms. Yes, the game is at home, but as a true freshman how will it feel to have the best pass rushers in the country in your face? Ah, not good. Gamecocks win, and beat the 3.5 point spread.
Michigan State at Nebraska - So MSU has beaten Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin in consecutive weeks. Now they have to go to Nebraska? Who is making these schedules? That's all the Big Ten has to offer, and the Spartans have to play them all in one month. Too much, Nebraska wins.
Oklahoma at Kansas State - This is just great. Really, I want to watch it. How good is KSU, we are about to find out. I think they are pretty good as they have beaten Miami (FL) who looks good now and then they went to Texas Tech and beat them right before they stormed OU. This could be like a Big 12 semi-final, and the winner's game vs. Oklahoma State is for the championship of the Big 12. The spread is OU -13.5...that seems pretty high. The Sooners may be ticked about losing, but Bill Snyder coached a balanced, disciplined team who, at home, will be tough to beat by that much. I think Oklahoma wins, but only by a touchdown.
Clemson at Georgia Tech - GA Tech went and screwed this game up by losing to Virginia and Miami (FL). Miami I can see, but UVA? What if these two were 8-0 and in the Top 10...that would do wonders for the ACC. But they aren't GA Tech couldn't even get to 7-1 after that 6-0 start. Their offense has fallen off the map...but they should be able to find themselves because Clemson's defense don't bring much to the table. Conventional wisdom is that this will be a really high-scoring game...but I don't know. I was surprised to see the over/under so low at 63. I think Paul Johnson milks the clock a lot trying to play keep away, but Clemson wins 31-28.
JB
Thursday, October 27, 2011
CBS Just Hit November 5th over the head with a Baseball Bat
November 5th and the 'Game of the Century' was looking awfully good. From a distance, you could see #1 LSU at #2 Alabama glowing. That 3:30 CBS game, the whole day would revolve around it. Then, instead of going to bed all hyped up like the Big 12 makes us do, we would finish the night with South Carolina at Arkansas...in a battle for the #3 & #4 teams in the SEC.
Well, SEC fans, that ain't gonna happen. CBS called up ESPN and made a deal so that the LSU/Alabama game could be at 8:00..in primetime. By contract, CBS only gets one primetime game per year, and they already used that up when they broadcast Alabama at Florida. But ESPN said okay to the trade and they will play the typical 7:00 ESPNU game at 3:30. So Ole Miss at Kentucky will sit, all by its lonesome, as the only SEC game on at 3:30. The undisputed worst two teams in the conference will duke it out to stay out of the cellar...and they will have the main stage. No, not LSU/Bama...the two best teams in the conference and nation...but Ole Miss and Kentucky.
Since there was a trade, ESPN's usual primetime games go on. And one of them is the afore-mentioned South Carolina/Arkansas game. Both teams are currently 6-1, both are Top 15, and this game will likely have huge East and maybe even West division implications. But you'll only see the first quarter, because there's no doubt...45 minutes in you're going to switch it to 'the game of the century'. Let's face it, with 5 straight national championships for the SEC, with LSU and Alabama running through that conference like it's nothing...this is the National Championship Game. Forget about January...this is it. That's what I will call it now. The SEC Championship Game is more prestigious anyway..that will take place in December, this will be for the National Title.
So...the South Carolina at Arkansas game will be broadcast against the National Championship Game? This is nuts. And even more nuts for me because Mississippi State is playing UT-Martin at 7:30 on CSS. So I've only got 30 minutes to watch before the National Championship Game comes on?! I love MSU, but I love the SEC too. I want to watch that game. And while CBS' deal about being the only SEC game on is sometimes annoying, it was going to come in handy here. We were all going to watch our teams play and then get to watch the National Championship Game. But no...
If you've got tickets to one of these night games...set the DVR. If you don't, this will be tricky. In one of my first posts on this blog, July 27, 2010, I detailed the art of watching sports on TV. November 5th is the Superbowl of watching sports on TV. Change the batteries in the remote...clear the path to the toilet for swift entry and exits. Make sure you've eaten dinner before 7:00. Make sure your wife or girlfriend has something to watch in the other room. Make sure the kids are occupied with non-noise related toys. Don't drink beer, you need to be fully aware of the situation (and take less bathroom breaks). This is it, don't get scared now.
This is how I will be handling the situation: First, prioritize. #1: Bama/LSU, #2: MSU/UT-Martin, #3: South Carolina/Arkansas, #4: Any other big time national game, #5: MTSU/Tennessee. My DVR only holds 2 recordings. So, I'm only going to be able to record one game so I can switch channels. Since Bama/LSU is the #1 game, that gets the little red dot. Outside the #3 game, I just don't care enough, so this is how it goes...
I'm going to go ahead and record the MSU game as well, and do a little maneuvering. The MTSU/UT game starts at 7:00, provided Ole Miss/UK isn't a great finish still going on, I'm starting there. Then, promptly at 7:15, change it to USC/UPig. I'm watching the entire 1st quarter - switching to the UT or other national game during commercials, then saying goodbye to the USC/UPig game. Usually ESPN show a replay of its games in the middle of the night...I'll look for it on the guide and record for a Sunday re-watch. At 8:00, the LSU/Bama game will be starting, and since I've got two recordings going on it is going to knock me off. Good timing anyway, I'm starting the MSU game....and I'm watching the entire first half...commercial free. By now it should be 9:00, and hopefully State will be winning by three scores. Time for the National Championship Game! I'll keep MSU recording while I watch the entire first half commercial free. By 10:00 I'm at halftime, about 30 minutes behind real time. I stop the recording for the MSU game (which should be in the 4th quarter by now) and flip around the other games to see what is happening. The USC/UPig game should be close to the end, and I'll see what else is out there. But not for too long...I don't want to accidentally see the score of the National Championship Game on the bottom line (which may now be mid-way through the 3rd quarter).
A quick check of the MSU score in live time and I'm back to the National Championship Game...and if heaven forbid the game is close then I will watch the rest of it, but if it isn't then I'll just start the recording again and enjoy the rest of the N.C.G. By this time I should be 45 minutes or so behind real time. Not to worry, halftime is 20 minutes..fast forward through that and I'm only 25 minutes behind. Now I can enjoy the game with no commercials. And most likely I will hit live time with about 5 minutes to go. And I'll watch the rest of the MSU game on recording after the NCG is over.
I've got a plan, but no thanks to CBS. This could've all been avoided if they'd kept the traditional 3:30 start time. Oh well, got to make the adjustment.
JB
Well, SEC fans, that ain't gonna happen. CBS called up ESPN and made a deal so that the LSU/Alabama game could be at 8:00..in primetime. By contract, CBS only gets one primetime game per year, and they already used that up when they broadcast Alabama at Florida. But ESPN said okay to the trade and they will play the typical 7:00 ESPNU game at 3:30. So Ole Miss at Kentucky will sit, all by its lonesome, as the only SEC game on at 3:30. The undisputed worst two teams in the conference will duke it out to stay out of the cellar...and they will have the main stage. No, not LSU/Bama...the two best teams in the conference and nation...but Ole Miss and Kentucky.
Since there was a trade, ESPN's usual primetime games go on. And one of them is the afore-mentioned South Carolina/Arkansas game. Both teams are currently 6-1, both are Top 15, and this game will likely have huge East and maybe even West division implications. But you'll only see the first quarter, because there's no doubt...45 minutes in you're going to switch it to 'the game of the century'. Let's face it, with 5 straight national championships for the SEC, with LSU and Alabama running through that conference like it's nothing...this is the National Championship Game. Forget about January...this is it. That's what I will call it now. The SEC Championship Game is more prestigious anyway..that will take place in December, this will be for the National Title.
So...the South Carolina at Arkansas game will be broadcast against the National Championship Game? This is nuts. And even more nuts for me because Mississippi State is playing UT-Martin at 7:30 on CSS. So I've only got 30 minutes to watch before the National Championship Game comes on?! I love MSU, but I love the SEC too. I want to watch that game. And while CBS' deal about being the only SEC game on is sometimes annoying, it was going to come in handy here. We were all going to watch our teams play and then get to watch the National Championship Game. But no...
If you've got tickets to one of these night games...set the DVR. If you don't, this will be tricky. In one of my first posts on this blog, July 27, 2010, I detailed the art of watching sports on TV. November 5th is the Superbowl of watching sports on TV. Change the batteries in the remote...clear the path to the toilet for swift entry and exits. Make sure you've eaten dinner before 7:00. Make sure your wife or girlfriend has something to watch in the other room. Make sure the kids are occupied with non-noise related toys. Don't drink beer, you need to be fully aware of the situation (and take less bathroom breaks). This is it, don't get scared now.
This is how I will be handling the situation: First, prioritize. #1: Bama/LSU, #2: MSU/UT-Martin, #3: South Carolina/Arkansas, #4: Any other big time national game, #5: MTSU/Tennessee. My DVR only holds 2 recordings. So, I'm only going to be able to record one game so I can switch channels. Since Bama/LSU is the #1 game, that gets the little red dot. Outside the #3 game, I just don't care enough, so this is how it goes...
I'm going to go ahead and record the MSU game as well, and do a little maneuvering. The MTSU/UT game starts at 7:00, provided Ole Miss/UK isn't a great finish still going on, I'm starting there. Then, promptly at 7:15, change it to USC/UPig. I'm watching the entire 1st quarter - switching to the UT or other national game during commercials, then saying goodbye to the USC/UPig game. Usually ESPN show a replay of its games in the middle of the night...I'll look for it on the guide and record for a Sunday re-watch. At 8:00, the LSU/Bama game will be starting, and since I've got two recordings going on it is going to knock me off. Good timing anyway, I'm starting the MSU game....and I'm watching the entire first half...commercial free. By now it should be 9:00, and hopefully State will be winning by three scores. Time for the National Championship Game! I'll keep MSU recording while I watch the entire first half commercial free. By 10:00 I'm at halftime, about 30 minutes behind real time. I stop the recording for the MSU game (which should be in the 4th quarter by now) and flip around the other games to see what is happening. The USC/UPig game should be close to the end, and I'll see what else is out there. But not for too long...I don't want to accidentally see the score of the National Championship Game on the bottom line (which may now be mid-way through the 3rd quarter).
A quick check of the MSU score in live time and I'm back to the National Championship Game...and if heaven forbid the game is close then I will watch the rest of it, but if it isn't then I'll just start the recording again and enjoy the rest of the N.C.G. By this time I should be 45 minutes or so behind real time. Not to worry, halftime is 20 minutes..fast forward through that and I'm only 25 minutes behind. Now I can enjoy the game with no commercials. And most likely I will hit live time with about 5 minutes to go. And I'll watch the rest of the MSU game on recording after the NCG is over.
I've got a plan, but no thanks to CBS. This could've all been avoided if they'd kept the traditional 3:30 start time. Oh well, got to make the adjustment.
JB
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
The Polls - Week 9
1. LSU, 8-0 (1): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State, W at #19 West Virginia, W vs. Kentucky, W vs. #22 Florida, W at Tennessee, W vs. #15 Auburn
2. Alabama, 8-0 (2): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Tennessee
3. Stanford, 7-0 (4): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State, W vs. #25 Washington
4. Clemson, 8-0 (6): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland, W vs. North Carolina
5. Boise State, 7-0 (5): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State, W vs. Air Force
6. Oklahoma State, 7-0 (3): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas, W at Missouri
7. Oregon, 6-1 (7): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State, W at Colorado
8. Arkansas, 6-1 (8): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn, W at Ole Miss
9. Kansas State, 7-0 (10): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech, W at Kansas
10. Michigan State, 6-1 (9): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan, W vs. #4 Wisconsin
11. Oklahoma, 6-1 (11): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas, L vs. Texas Tech
12. Wisconsin, 6-1 (12): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana, L at #16 Michigan State
13. Nebraska, 6-1 (13): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State, W at Minnesota
14. Virginia Tech, 7-1 (15): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest, W vs. Boston College
15. South Carolina, 6-1 (14): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State
16. Michigan, 6-1 (17): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State
17. Texas A&M, 5-2 (16): W vs. SMU, W vs. Idaho, L vs. #9 Oklahoma State, L vs. #16 Arkansas, W vs. Texas Tech, W vs. #21 Baylor, W at Iowa State
18. Houston, 7-0 (18): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina, W vs. Marshall
19. Texas Tech, 5-2 (19): W vs. Texas State-San Marcos, W at New Mexico, W vs. Nevada, W at Kansas, L vs. #24 Texas A&M, L vs. #14 Kansas State, W at #2 Oklahoma
20. Arizona State, 5-2 (23): W vs. UC Davis, W vs. #17 Missouri, L at Illinois, W at #25 Southern California, W vs. Oregon State, W at Utah, L at #10 Oregon
21. Southern California, 6-1 (20): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse, L at Arizona State, W at Arizona, W at Cal, W at Notre Dame
22. Penn State, 7-1 (21): W at Indiana State, L vs. #8 Alabama, W at Temple, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W at Indiana, W vs. Iowa, W vs. Purdue, W at Northwestern
23. Auburn, 5-3 (NR): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at #15 South Carolina, L at #11 Arkansas, W vs. Florida, L at #1 LSU
24. Baylor, 4-2 (NR): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State, L at #23 Texas A&M
25. Georgia, 5-2 (22): L vs. #9 Boise State, L vs. #22 South Carolina, W vs. Coastal Carolina, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, W at Vanderbilt
Cincinnati is ranked #24 and West Virginia is ranked #25 in the AP, but not in this poll.
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. South Carolina
5. Georgia
6. Auburn
7. Florida
8. Mississippi State
9. Vanderbilt
10. Tennessee
11. Ole Miss
12. Kentucky
JB
2. Alabama, 8-0 (2): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Tennessee
3. Stanford, 7-0 (4): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State, W vs. #25 Washington
4. Clemson, 8-0 (6): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland, W vs. North Carolina
5. Boise State, 7-0 (5): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State, W vs. Air Force
6. Oklahoma State, 7-0 (3): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas, W at Missouri
7. Oregon, 6-1 (7): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State, W at Colorado
8. Arkansas, 6-1 (8): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn, W at Ole Miss
9. Kansas State, 7-0 (10): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech, W at Kansas
10. Michigan State, 6-1 (9): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan, W vs. #4 Wisconsin
11. Oklahoma, 6-1 (11): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas, L vs. Texas Tech
12. Wisconsin, 6-1 (12): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana, L at #16 Michigan State
13. Nebraska, 6-1 (13): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State, W at Minnesota
14. Virginia Tech, 7-1 (15): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest, W vs. Boston College
15. South Carolina, 6-1 (14): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State
16. Michigan, 6-1 (17): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State
17. Texas A&M, 5-2 (16): W vs. SMU, W vs. Idaho, L vs. #9 Oklahoma State, L vs. #16 Arkansas, W vs. Texas Tech, W vs. #21 Baylor, W at Iowa State
18. Houston, 7-0 (18): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina, W vs. Marshall
19. Texas Tech, 5-2 (19): W vs. Texas State-San Marcos, W at New Mexico, W vs. Nevada, W at Kansas, L vs. #24 Texas A&M, L vs. #14 Kansas State, W at #2 Oklahoma
20. Arizona State, 5-2 (23): W vs. UC Davis, W vs. #17 Missouri, L at Illinois, W at #25 Southern California, W vs. Oregon State, W at Utah, L at #10 Oregon
21. Southern California, 6-1 (20): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse, L at Arizona State, W at Arizona, W at Cal, W at Notre Dame
22. Penn State, 7-1 (21): W at Indiana State, L vs. #8 Alabama, W at Temple, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W at Indiana, W vs. Iowa, W vs. Purdue, W at Northwestern
23. Auburn, 5-3 (NR): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at #15 South Carolina, L at #11 Arkansas, W vs. Florida, L at #1 LSU
24. Baylor, 4-2 (NR): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State, L at #23 Texas A&M
25. Georgia, 5-2 (22): L vs. #9 Boise State, L vs. #22 South Carolina, W vs. Coastal Carolina, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, W at Vanderbilt
Cincinnati is ranked #24 and West Virginia is ranked #25 in the AP, but not in this poll.
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. South Carolina
5. Georgia
6. Auburn
7. Florida
8. Mississippi State
9. Vanderbilt
10. Tennessee
11. Ole Miss
12. Kentucky
JB
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Phil Collins
My Top 10 Phil Collins songs:
10. "Invisible Touch", 1986 (with Genesis)
9. "Don't Lose My Number", 1985
8. "A Groovy Kind of Love", 1988
7. "One More Night", 1985
6. "Misunderstanding", 1980 (with Genesis)
5. "That's All", 1983 (with Genesis)
4. "Another Day in Paradise", 1989
3. "I Can't Dance", 1991 (with Genesis)
2. "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now), 1984
1. "In the Air Tonight", 1981
JB
10. "Invisible Touch", 1986 (with Genesis)
9. "Don't Lose My Number", 1985
8. "A Groovy Kind of Love", 1988
7. "One More Night", 1985
6. "Misunderstanding", 1980 (with Genesis)
5. "That's All", 1983 (with Genesis)
4. "Another Day in Paradise", 1989
3. "I Can't Dance", 1991 (with Genesis)
2. "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now), 1984
1. "In the Air Tonight", 1981
JB
Friday, October 21, 2011
Week 8 Preview
This is not the best weekend of football. 4 teams have a bye and unless something unexpected happens, the games aren't looking too exciting.
Jacksonville State at Kentucky - UK looks so bad that I think everyone expects them to struggle. Two weeks of practice leading up to this game, surely they can muster a win here. Washaun Ealey plays for JSU. But Kentucky wins 27-14.
Arkansas at Ole Miss - A week off to get healthy for the Hogs, blowout time in Oxford. ARK wins 49-17.
Auburn at LSU - This will be the 3rd straight week LSU will face a quarterback who hasn't started a game all season. For Clint Mosley, it's his first career start and he's only thrown 9 passes in his college career. Now he starts going into Death Valley. Luckily the honey badger and Tharold Simon won't be playing...but I'm not sure it will make much difference. LSU will be wearing the pro-combat uniforms. Auburn keeps it close for a while, maybe with some aggressive blitzes since Ware is suspended as well. Man-to-man on the corners and hope Lee doesn't bring his 'A' game. Still, LSU is too much for Auburn, they win 31-16.
Army at Vanderbilt - This is a must-win for Vandy to keep their bowl hopes alive. Army is 120th in passing, but first in rushing. They won't throw so there won't be many INT opportunities for Heyward & Co. but they should be able to prepare well and win the game. The 'Dores are a 10 point favorite.
Tennessee at Alabama - I never thought this game would have a 29 point spread but it does. UT took Bama to the wire last time they were in Tuscaloosa - when they ended up winning the national title. There could be some look ahead, and most likely the Vols will hold close until halftime but get blown out in the second half as all Bama's opponents seem to do.
Wisconsin at Michigan State - This is the first good team Wisconsin has played. MSU has a good defense, I think Russell Wilson will struggle a little bit and the game will be close throughout...but Wisky ends up winning by 10 points late in the 4th quarter.
Washington at Stanford - I know nothing about Washington...but it's time for Stanford to go down, so I'm calling for the upset. UW by 3.
JB
Jacksonville State at Kentucky - UK looks so bad that I think everyone expects them to struggle. Two weeks of practice leading up to this game, surely they can muster a win here. Washaun Ealey plays for JSU. But Kentucky wins 27-14.
Arkansas at Ole Miss - A week off to get healthy for the Hogs, blowout time in Oxford. ARK wins 49-17.
Auburn at LSU - This will be the 3rd straight week LSU will face a quarterback who hasn't started a game all season. For Clint Mosley, it's his first career start and he's only thrown 9 passes in his college career. Now he starts going into Death Valley. Luckily the honey badger and Tharold Simon won't be playing...but I'm not sure it will make much difference. LSU will be wearing the pro-combat uniforms. Auburn keeps it close for a while, maybe with some aggressive blitzes since Ware is suspended as well. Man-to-man on the corners and hope Lee doesn't bring his 'A' game. Still, LSU is too much for Auburn, they win 31-16.
Army at Vanderbilt - This is a must-win for Vandy to keep their bowl hopes alive. Army is 120th in passing, but first in rushing. They won't throw so there won't be many INT opportunities for Heyward & Co. but they should be able to prepare well and win the game. The 'Dores are a 10 point favorite.
Tennessee at Alabama - I never thought this game would have a 29 point spread but it does. UT took Bama to the wire last time they were in Tuscaloosa - when they ended up winning the national title. There could be some look ahead, and most likely the Vols will hold close until halftime but get blown out in the second half as all Bama's opponents seem to do.
Wisconsin at Michigan State - This is the first good team Wisconsin has played. MSU has a good defense, I think Russell Wilson will struggle a little bit and the game will be close throughout...but Wisky ends up winning by 10 points late in the 4th quarter.
Washington at Stanford - I know nothing about Washington...but it's time for Stanford to go down, so I'm calling for the upset. UW by 3.
JB
Thursday, October 20, 2011
This Week's Broncos Game
Ordinarily, I couldn't care less about the Broncos. But since Tim Tebow has been named the starting quarterback I am very interested to see what happens. I hope he does well, if you want to know why you can read my post from August 16, 2010.
It seems like every writer, commentator, or supposed NFL expert says there is no way Tim Tebow will succeed in the NFL. The only person I've seen who supports him is Skip Bayless. But why is everyone so animatedly against him? I know 90% of the people on TV talking about him haven't seen any more of him than I have...which is when he plays on the field. And when he plays on the field he is pretty good...35-6 as the starting quarterback at Florida including a National Championship and Heisman Trophy. 1-2 in three starts as a rookie last year, 50% completion, 654 yards, 5 TDs and 3 INTs. No, those aren't incredible stats like Cam Newton is producing, but the way people talk about Tebow you'd think he had 0 TDs and 15 INTs in 20 attempts.
I've heard reporters say Bronco's players tell them Tebow is so awful in practice that drills take twice as long to complete. Well, that has got to be an exaggeration. I mean, for real? You're saying he basically looks like a high school player in practice, then goes into a real game and competes in the NFL? I guess if it's true then Tebow is the ultimate 'gamer'. But seeing as how Kyle Orton is hitting on 58% of his passes, averaging 195 YPG, with 8 TDs and 7 INTs, can't Tebow at least hit that mark? Especially since Orton makes four times what Tebow does, why is this even a debate?
It's amazing to me that people say Tim Tebow can't play. I'm betting that he can. People also say Vince Young can't play...even though his career NFL record is 32-17. Maybe it's because he is a vocal Christian, and people think insulting and abusing Christians is fun. I don't know, but the non-stop criticism of him as a player is ridiculous. I am really looking forward to this week's Bronco's game. I hope Tebow plays great and begins a march that last the rest of the year to shut all the skeptics up.
JB
It seems like every writer, commentator, or supposed NFL expert says there is no way Tim Tebow will succeed in the NFL. The only person I've seen who supports him is Skip Bayless. But why is everyone so animatedly against him? I know 90% of the people on TV talking about him haven't seen any more of him than I have...which is when he plays on the field. And when he plays on the field he is pretty good...35-6 as the starting quarterback at Florida including a National Championship and Heisman Trophy. 1-2 in three starts as a rookie last year, 50% completion, 654 yards, 5 TDs and 3 INTs. No, those aren't incredible stats like Cam Newton is producing, but the way people talk about Tebow you'd think he had 0 TDs and 15 INTs in 20 attempts.
I've heard reporters say Bronco's players tell them Tebow is so awful in practice that drills take twice as long to complete. Well, that has got to be an exaggeration. I mean, for real? You're saying he basically looks like a high school player in practice, then goes into a real game and competes in the NFL? I guess if it's true then Tebow is the ultimate 'gamer'. But seeing as how Kyle Orton is hitting on 58% of his passes, averaging 195 YPG, with 8 TDs and 7 INTs, can't Tebow at least hit that mark? Especially since Orton makes four times what Tebow does, why is this even a debate?
It's amazing to me that people say Tim Tebow can't play. I'm betting that he can. People also say Vince Young can't play...even though his career NFL record is 32-17. Maybe it's because he is a vocal Christian, and people think insulting and abusing Christians is fun. I don't know, but the non-stop criticism of him as a player is ridiculous. I am really looking forward to this week's Bronco's game. I hope Tebow plays great and begins a march that last the rest of the year to shut all the skeptics up.
JB
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Mid Season Grades
A lot of people said last week was mid-season, well I say this week is mid-season. 13 weeks of football plus Championship Saturday makes 14 weeks...we just finished Week 7 so it is mid-season now.
Best Defenses
1a. LSU, (A+) - They are incredible. The defensive line is stacked. They are stacked at linebacker. The secondary is second to none. Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne make up the best cornerback duo in the country. They have speed everywhere, and I think they have a little more of it than Bama.
1b. Alabama, (A+) - They are incredible as well. Their linebackers and safeties are the best in the country, Upshaw and Barron probably being the best at their position in the country. D Line is good, corners are excellent. I think their coaching is a little better than LSU.
3. Georgia, (A-) - They have a lot of playmakers on defense, and they are evenly scattered throughout, with an underrated D Line. They've come a long way from '09 and even last year.
4. Florida, (B+) - The Gators just have a solid defense. They have been overlooked a little bit due to the offense's great start, and then sharp decline...but the D has been pretty consistent.
5. South Carolina, (B) - The Gamecocks have the best defensive line in the SEC. The back seven aren't on the same level although they do have some good players in Shaq Wilson and Stephon Gilmore. They've played well enough for USC to contend.
6. Mississippi State (B) - The Dawgs have steadily improved week by week including their best performance last week vs. South Carolina. After a slow start Fletcher Cox is asserting himself as the best player on the team. Cameron Lawrence has been a welcomed surprise at linebacker and Johnthan Banks has stepped up as the best cornerback with 5 INTs.
7. Vanderbilt (B-) - They have played well all year, keeping Vandy in all their games but one, and in that one they held Bama close until the 2nd half. They lead the SEC with 15 interceptions, Casey Heyward with 5 of them.
8. Arkansas (C) - The Hog's D was touted as Bobby Petrino's best defense since he's been at Arkansas. They haven't really lived up to that billing. They've been good enough to win some games but they are going to have to be better to make a run down the stretch.
9. Tennessee (C-) - The Vol's have some talent here but they are young like the rest of the team and have struggled at times. They play hard, but don't have much depth right now.
10. Auburn (D+) - The plus is for some improved play of late, but they still aren't very good.
11. Kentucky (D) - This was supposed to be UK's strength this season. Danny Travathan is one heck of a player to have to play on such a poor unit.
12. Ole Miss (D-) - The Rebs are allowing almost 450 yards per game and over 6 yards per play.
Best Offenses
1. Arkansas (A) - Tyler Wilson is as good as advertised. If Knile Davis would not have gotten hurt, they would probably get an A+. As solid as they are, Bama's D got to them. We'll see how much they improve as we move towards their meeting with LSU at the end of the year.
2. Alabama (A-) - If Bama wins the 'Game of the Century', Trent Richardson will likely win the Heisman Trophy. They have the best offensive line in the SEC, and A.J. McCarron has done exactly what they need out of him...and maybe a little more. They are not explosive, but they are rock solid.
3. Georgia (B+) - Aaron Murray will most likely be a Top 10 NFL draft choice in a couple of years, he is a really good quarterback. He still has trouble throwing interceptions, but with the receivers he has, decent O line, and the emergence of Isiah Crowell, they are good...how good would they be if Ealey and King weren't knuckleheads?
4. South Carolina (B+) - This of course is a grade based on how good they are to this point of the season, we'll see how losing Marcus Lattimore effects the rest of the season. Trading Garcia for Shaw hasn't hurt them so far, and they have plenty of explosiveness, however, much of that may be negated if they cannot find a running game in the 2nd half.
5. LSU (B) - The Tigers might be really good, but who would know when you're watching a Les Miles coached team. They line up and beat you up. They've shown some flair with some big plays so far this season, and they may be saving a few wrinkles for the 'Game of the Century'...which they match Bama pretty well here except a slightly lesser O line and they don't have a tailback like Richardson.
6. Auburn (C) - Michael Dyer is a stud. McCalleb is fast. Emory Blake is good. But Gus Malzahn is having major problems with his quarterbacks. Frazier isn't ready, but Trotter and Mosley can't do the job.
7. Mississippi State (C-) - Things have been really rocky for what was expected to be a really good unit. The O line has been injury-proned and Chris Relf did not live up to expectations. Tyler Russell has played decent over the last game and a half. Vick Ballard is a good running back, but the wide receivers need to step up.
7. Florida (C-) - With John Brantley, UF is much better than this. But since he hasn't played the last two and a half games, that has to be taken into consideration. Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps look like world-beaters against lesser teams, but are MIA against a good defense.
7. Tennessee (C-) - As it was with Florida, with Bray at UT they are a lot better than this. Add Justin Hunter too and Tennessee would be close to an 'A'. If Touren Poole would live up to expectations they'd get that 'A'. But things haven't really worked out so far and the Vols are struggling.
10. Vanderbilt (D) - Larry Smith has been bad ever since he got to Vandy. Rodgers isn't that much better, but they seem to find a way to get a big play at times. They are not very good right now, but when a Vandy offense is #10 on this list, that's a good thing for the 'Dores.
11. Ole Miss (D-) - They should not be this bad. With one of the most highly-touted offensive lines in the preseason, three serviceable QBs, three talented running backs, and some really good wide receivers you have to wonder how this can happen. But it has, and they can't do hardly anything on this side of the ball.
12. Kentucky (F) - This is just awful. Isn't Joker Philips supposed to be an offensive coach? Morgan Newton has regressed, and they have no one to come close to replacing Cobb, Locke, etc.
Best Coaching Jobs
1. Gene Chizik, AUB - He may have won the national championship last year, but he lost an unprecedented amount of players off that team. Still, he's managed to win close games and forge their way into the Top 20 at 5-2.
2. James Franklin, VU - Vandy is a hard place to coach, but so far he has taken care of business against an FCS school, beaten the defending Big East Champs, clobbered Ole Miss, played tough at South Carolina, tough considering what he was up against at Alabama, and took Georgia to the last play of the game. And Vandy will probably end up in a bowl this year.
3. Les Miles, LSU - In year's past it seemed like LSU was winning in spite of Miles. But this year it seems like he has elevated their play. LSU lost a bunch of talent off last year's team, but they have replaced it and played better than most expected. With all the preseason distractions, he held them together and they ripped through the toughest September anyone faced this year.
4. Mark Richt, UGA - Georgia could have easily folded after being 0-2 and everyone calling for Richt's head. But they have won 5 in a row behind a stout defense and a solid offense. Richt is off the hot seat for now and the Dawgs have a great shot at winning the East.
5. Nick Saban, UA - Saban is the best coach in the SEC, be it recruiting, X's & O's, or motivation. He broke everyone's will they have played this year and will most likely to do the same until November 5th...and they may do it there too. He has Bama running like a well-oiled machine.
6. Steve Spurrier, USC - Much slower than an actual gamecock, Spurrier has brought South Carolina towards the top of the SEC. He's still a great coach, and despite some poor play from his players, he has still managed to get his team to 6-1 and in the driver's seat in the East.
7. Bobby Petrino, ARK - No one likes Petrino, but everyone agrees he can coach. After getting wiped clean at Alabama and losing 35-17 at halftime to Texas A&M, he got his team up off the mat and they went on to win that game and beat Auburn handily. They are still alive in the West, even though they need some help, and they are a quality, Top 10 team.
8. Dan Mullen, MSU - Things haven't worked out the way everyone in Starkville had hoped so far this year, but it hasn't been because State hasn't played hard. MSU has been in every game, and has only lost to teams who are currently in the Top 25. Mullen hasn't been able to get an SEC win yet, but he has developed a team that is very tough to beat.
8. Derek Dooley, UT - The mess he inherited at Tennessee was a tough job, and he's got good players but no depth. Now injuries have forced the Vols into a tough place and getting to a bowl game will turn into a really good season at this point.
10. Will Muschamp, UF - Muschamp hasn't done a bad job, but he hasn't done anything to improve off of last year, and the Gators may be in jeopordy of having a worse record. He doesn't have the type of players he would like to have, but Florida still has boatloads of talent that he should be able to do something with.
11. Houston Nutt, UM - This have gone from bad to worse this year at Ole Miss. He coached the Fresno State game like it was the Superbowl. Unless a miracle happens, he is going to be fired, and they may not wait until the end of the season.
12. Joker Philips, UK - Kentucky looks like a team that wouldn't make a bowl in the MAC. They are playing horribly, maybe the worst team in the SEC in at least 10 years. He is only in his second year, so he will probably get to keep his job...but the leash will be short heading into 2012.
Bowl Projections
BCS National Championship Game: Alabama vs. LSU winner
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. LSU loser
Capitol One Bowl: Georgia
Cotton Bowl: Arkansas
Outback Bowl: South Carolina
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Auburn
Gator Bowl: Florida
Music City Bowl: Tennessee
Liberty Bowl: Mississippi State
BBVA Compass Bowl: Vanderbilt
JB
Best Defenses
1a. LSU, (A+) - They are incredible. The defensive line is stacked. They are stacked at linebacker. The secondary is second to none. Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne make up the best cornerback duo in the country. They have speed everywhere, and I think they have a little more of it than Bama.
1b. Alabama, (A+) - They are incredible as well. Their linebackers and safeties are the best in the country, Upshaw and Barron probably being the best at their position in the country. D Line is good, corners are excellent. I think their coaching is a little better than LSU.
3. Georgia, (A-) - They have a lot of playmakers on defense, and they are evenly scattered throughout, with an underrated D Line. They've come a long way from '09 and even last year.
4. Florida, (B+) - The Gators just have a solid defense. They have been overlooked a little bit due to the offense's great start, and then sharp decline...but the D has been pretty consistent.
5. South Carolina, (B) - The Gamecocks have the best defensive line in the SEC. The back seven aren't on the same level although they do have some good players in Shaq Wilson and Stephon Gilmore. They've played well enough for USC to contend.
6. Mississippi State (B) - The Dawgs have steadily improved week by week including their best performance last week vs. South Carolina. After a slow start Fletcher Cox is asserting himself as the best player on the team. Cameron Lawrence has been a welcomed surprise at linebacker and Johnthan Banks has stepped up as the best cornerback with 5 INTs.
7. Vanderbilt (B-) - They have played well all year, keeping Vandy in all their games but one, and in that one they held Bama close until the 2nd half. They lead the SEC with 15 interceptions, Casey Heyward with 5 of them.
8. Arkansas (C) - The Hog's D was touted as Bobby Petrino's best defense since he's been at Arkansas. They haven't really lived up to that billing. They've been good enough to win some games but they are going to have to be better to make a run down the stretch.
9. Tennessee (C-) - The Vol's have some talent here but they are young like the rest of the team and have struggled at times. They play hard, but don't have much depth right now.
10. Auburn (D+) - The plus is for some improved play of late, but they still aren't very good.
11. Kentucky (D) - This was supposed to be UK's strength this season. Danny Travathan is one heck of a player to have to play on such a poor unit.
12. Ole Miss (D-) - The Rebs are allowing almost 450 yards per game and over 6 yards per play.
Best Offenses
1. Arkansas (A) - Tyler Wilson is as good as advertised. If Knile Davis would not have gotten hurt, they would probably get an A+. As solid as they are, Bama's D got to them. We'll see how much they improve as we move towards their meeting with LSU at the end of the year.
2. Alabama (A-) - If Bama wins the 'Game of the Century', Trent Richardson will likely win the Heisman Trophy. They have the best offensive line in the SEC, and A.J. McCarron has done exactly what they need out of him...and maybe a little more. They are not explosive, but they are rock solid.
3. Georgia (B+) - Aaron Murray will most likely be a Top 10 NFL draft choice in a couple of years, he is a really good quarterback. He still has trouble throwing interceptions, but with the receivers he has, decent O line, and the emergence of Isiah Crowell, they are good...how good would they be if Ealey and King weren't knuckleheads?
4. South Carolina (B+) - This of course is a grade based on how good they are to this point of the season, we'll see how losing Marcus Lattimore effects the rest of the season. Trading Garcia for Shaw hasn't hurt them so far, and they have plenty of explosiveness, however, much of that may be negated if they cannot find a running game in the 2nd half.
5. LSU (B) - The Tigers might be really good, but who would know when you're watching a Les Miles coached team. They line up and beat you up. They've shown some flair with some big plays so far this season, and they may be saving a few wrinkles for the 'Game of the Century'...which they match Bama pretty well here except a slightly lesser O line and they don't have a tailback like Richardson.
6. Auburn (C) - Michael Dyer is a stud. McCalleb is fast. Emory Blake is good. But Gus Malzahn is having major problems with his quarterbacks. Frazier isn't ready, but Trotter and Mosley can't do the job.
7. Mississippi State (C-) - Things have been really rocky for what was expected to be a really good unit. The O line has been injury-proned and Chris Relf did not live up to expectations. Tyler Russell has played decent over the last game and a half. Vick Ballard is a good running back, but the wide receivers need to step up.
7. Florida (C-) - With John Brantley, UF is much better than this. But since he hasn't played the last two and a half games, that has to be taken into consideration. Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps look like world-beaters against lesser teams, but are MIA against a good defense.
7. Tennessee (C-) - As it was with Florida, with Bray at UT they are a lot better than this. Add Justin Hunter too and Tennessee would be close to an 'A'. If Touren Poole would live up to expectations they'd get that 'A'. But things haven't really worked out so far and the Vols are struggling.
10. Vanderbilt (D) - Larry Smith has been bad ever since he got to Vandy. Rodgers isn't that much better, but they seem to find a way to get a big play at times. They are not very good right now, but when a Vandy offense is #10 on this list, that's a good thing for the 'Dores.
11. Ole Miss (D-) - They should not be this bad. With one of the most highly-touted offensive lines in the preseason, three serviceable QBs, three talented running backs, and some really good wide receivers you have to wonder how this can happen. But it has, and they can't do hardly anything on this side of the ball.
12. Kentucky (F) - This is just awful. Isn't Joker Philips supposed to be an offensive coach? Morgan Newton has regressed, and they have no one to come close to replacing Cobb, Locke, etc.
Best Coaching Jobs
1. Gene Chizik, AUB - He may have won the national championship last year, but he lost an unprecedented amount of players off that team. Still, he's managed to win close games and forge their way into the Top 20 at 5-2.
2. James Franklin, VU - Vandy is a hard place to coach, but so far he has taken care of business against an FCS school, beaten the defending Big East Champs, clobbered Ole Miss, played tough at South Carolina, tough considering what he was up against at Alabama, and took Georgia to the last play of the game. And Vandy will probably end up in a bowl this year.
3. Les Miles, LSU - In year's past it seemed like LSU was winning in spite of Miles. But this year it seems like he has elevated their play. LSU lost a bunch of talent off last year's team, but they have replaced it and played better than most expected. With all the preseason distractions, he held them together and they ripped through the toughest September anyone faced this year.
4. Mark Richt, UGA - Georgia could have easily folded after being 0-2 and everyone calling for Richt's head. But they have won 5 in a row behind a stout defense and a solid offense. Richt is off the hot seat for now and the Dawgs have a great shot at winning the East.
5. Nick Saban, UA - Saban is the best coach in the SEC, be it recruiting, X's & O's, or motivation. He broke everyone's will they have played this year and will most likely to do the same until November 5th...and they may do it there too. He has Bama running like a well-oiled machine.
6. Steve Spurrier, USC - Much slower than an actual gamecock, Spurrier has brought South Carolina towards the top of the SEC. He's still a great coach, and despite some poor play from his players, he has still managed to get his team to 6-1 and in the driver's seat in the East.
7. Bobby Petrino, ARK - No one likes Petrino, but everyone agrees he can coach. After getting wiped clean at Alabama and losing 35-17 at halftime to Texas A&M, he got his team up off the mat and they went on to win that game and beat Auburn handily. They are still alive in the West, even though they need some help, and they are a quality, Top 10 team.
8. Dan Mullen, MSU - Things haven't worked out the way everyone in Starkville had hoped so far this year, but it hasn't been because State hasn't played hard. MSU has been in every game, and has only lost to teams who are currently in the Top 25. Mullen hasn't been able to get an SEC win yet, but he has developed a team that is very tough to beat.
8. Derek Dooley, UT - The mess he inherited at Tennessee was a tough job, and he's got good players but no depth. Now injuries have forced the Vols into a tough place and getting to a bowl game will turn into a really good season at this point.
10. Will Muschamp, UF - Muschamp hasn't done a bad job, but he hasn't done anything to improve off of last year, and the Gators may be in jeopordy of having a worse record. He doesn't have the type of players he would like to have, but Florida still has boatloads of talent that he should be able to do something with.
11. Houston Nutt, UM - This have gone from bad to worse this year at Ole Miss. He coached the Fresno State game like it was the Superbowl. Unless a miracle happens, he is going to be fired, and they may not wait until the end of the season.
12. Joker Philips, UK - Kentucky looks like a team that wouldn't make a bowl in the MAC. They are playing horribly, maybe the worst team in the SEC in at least 10 years. He is only in his second year, so he will probably get to keep his job...but the leash will be short heading into 2012.
Bowl Projections
BCS National Championship Game: Alabama vs. LSU winner
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. LSU loser
Capitol One Bowl: Georgia
Cotton Bowl: Arkansas
Outback Bowl: South Carolina
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Auburn
Gator Bowl: Florida
Music City Bowl: Tennessee
Liberty Bowl: Mississippi State
BBVA Compass Bowl: Vanderbilt
JB
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The Polls - Week 8
1. LSU, 7-0 (1): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State, W at #19 West Virginia, W vs. Kentucky, W vs. #22 Florida, W at Tennessee
2. Oklahoma, 6-0 (3): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas
3. Alabama, 7-0 (2): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss
4. Wisconsin, 6-0 (4): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana
5. Stanford, 6-0 (7): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State
6. Clemson, 7-0 (8): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland
7. Boise State, 6-0 (5): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State
8. Oklahoma State, 6-0 (6): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas
9. Arkansas, 5-1 (10): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn
10. Oregon, 5-1 (9): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State
11. Kansas State, 6-0 (12): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech
12. Nebraska, 5-1 (13): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State
13. Virginia Tech, 6-1 (16): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest
14. South Carolina, 6-1 (14): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State
15. Auburn, 5-2 (19): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at #15 South Carolina, L at #11 Arkansas, W vs. Florida
16. Michigan State, 5-1 (15): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan
17. West Virginia, 5-1 (11): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland, L vs. #1 LSU, W vs. Bowling Green, W vs. UConn
18. Michigan, 6-1 (18): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State
19. Texas A&M, 4-2 (17): W vs. SMU, W vs. Idaho, L vs. #9 Oklahoma State, L vs. #16 Arkansas, W vs. Texas Tech, W vs. #21 Baylor
20. Illinois, 6-1 (23): W vs. Arkansas State, W vs. South Dakota State, W vs. #24 Arizona State, W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Northwestern, W vs. Indiana, L vs. Ohio State
21. Georgia Tech, 6-1 (20): W vs. Western Carolina, W at MTSU, W vs. Kansas, W vs. North Carolina, W at North Carolina State, W vs. Maryland, L at Virginia
22. Houston, 6-0 (21): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina
23. Arizona State, 5-2 (24): W vs. UC Davis, W vs. #17 Missouri, L at Illinois, W at #25 Southern California, W vs. Oregon State, W at Utah, L at #10 Oregon
24. Baylor, 4-2 (NR): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State, L at #23 Texas A&M
25. Washington, 5-1 (22): W vs. Eastern Washington, W vs. Hawaii, L at #17 Nebraska, W vs. Cal, W at Utah, W vs. Colorado
Georgia is ranked #25 in the AP, but not in this poll.
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. South Carolina
5. Auburn
6. Georgia
7. Florida
8. Mississippi State
9. Tennessee
9. Vanderbilt
11. Ole Miss
12. Kentucky
JB
2. Oklahoma, 6-0 (3): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas
3. Alabama, 7-0 (2): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss
4. Wisconsin, 6-0 (4): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana
5. Stanford, 6-0 (7): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State
6. Clemson, 7-0 (8): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland
7. Boise State, 6-0 (5): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State
8. Oklahoma State, 6-0 (6): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas
9. Arkansas, 5-1 (10): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn
10. Oregon, 5-1 (9): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State
11. Kansas State, 6-0 (12): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech
12. Nebraska, 5-1 (13): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State
13. Virginia Tech, 6-1 (16): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest
14. South Carolina, 6-1 (14): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State
15. Auburn, 5-2 (19): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at #15 South Carolina, L at #11 Arkansas, W vs. Florida
16. Michigan State, 5-1 (15): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan
17. West Virginia, 5-1 (11): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland, L vs. #1 LSU, W vs. Bowling Green, W vs. UConn
18. Michigan, 6-1 (18): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State
19. Texas A&M, 4-2 (17): W vs. SMU, W vs. Idaho, L vs. #9 Oklahoma State, L vs. #16 Arkansas, W vs. Texas Tech, W vs. #21 Baylor
20. Illinois, 6-1 (23): W vs. Arkansas State, W vs. South Dakota State, W vs. #24 Arizona State, W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Northwestern, W vs. Indiana, L vs. Ohio State
21. Georgia Tech, 6-1 (20): W vs. Western Carolina, W at MTSU, W vs. Kansas, W vs. North Carolina, W at North Carolina State, W vs. Maryland, L at Virginia
22. Houston, 6-0 (21): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina
23. Arizona State, 5-2 (24): W vs. UC Davis, W vs. #17 Missouri, L at Illinois, W at #25 Southern California, W vs. Oregon State, W at Utah, L at #10 Oregon
24. Baylor, 4-2 (NR): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State, L at #23 Texas A&M
25. Washington, 5-1 (22): W vs. Eastern Washington, W vs. Hawaii, L at #17 Nebraska, W vs. Cal, W at Utah, W vs. Colorado
Georgia is ranked #25 in the AP, but not in this poll.
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. South Carolina
5. Auburn
6. Georgia
7. Florida
8. Mississippi State
9. Tennessee
9. Vanderbilt
11. Ole Miss
12. Kentucky
JB
Monday, October 17, 2011
LOST
I really enjoy the television show LOST. I did not watch the show from its inception, but I quickly caught up when my wife and I rented the DVDs from Netflix in the winter of 2009. We watched them as fast as we could because it was so entertaining. It's an hour long show, and we watched the first 4 seasons in about 2 months, then finished up the 5th season on regular TV. The bad news was, we had to wait 8 months for the 6th season after rapidly watching the previous episodes.
Over this past summer there was nothing to watch after work so we watched the entire show again from the beginning on instant Netflix. I think LOST is one of those shows you can easily watch twice, even though you know what is going to happen because you catch a lot of the stuff you missed the first time.
It's a science fiction show, but it's a really good one. In our down time, me and my wife like to find a good show and watch it from the beginning. This one is probably my favorite, with a close second being Friday Night Lights. The story is good, the acting is good, it's entertaining, suspenseful, and trying to keep up with what's going on keeps you wanting to watch the next one. I recommend it.
JB
Over this past summer there was nothing to watch after work so we watched the entire show again from the beginning on instant Netflix. I think LOST is one of those shows you can easily watch twice, even though you know what is going to happen because you catch a lot of the stuff you missed the first time.
It's a science fiction show, but it's a really good one. In our down time, me and my wife like to find a good show and watch it from the beginning. This one is probably my favorite, with a close second being Friday Night Lights. The story is good, the acting is good, it's entertaining, suspenseful, and trying to keep up with what's going on keeps you wanting to watch the next one. I recommend it.
JB
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Sister Hazel
My Top 10 Sister Hazel songs:
10. "All For You", 1997
9. "Your Winter", 2000
8. "Change Your Mind", 2000
7. "Running Through the Fields", 1994
6. "Vacation Rain", 2010
5. "Swan Dive", 2003
4. "Life Got in the Way", 2003
3. "Champagne High", 2000
2. "Hopeless", 2003
1. "Sword & Shield", 2003
JB
10. "All For You", 1997
9. "Your Winter", 2000
8. "Change Your Mind", 2000
7. "Running Through the Fields", 1994
6. "Vacation Rain", 2010
5. "Swan Dive", 2003
4. "Life Got in the Way", 2003
3. "Champagne High", 2000
2. "Hopeless", 2003
1. "Sword & Shield", 2003
JB
Friday, October 14, 2011
Week 7 Preview
South Carolina at Mississippi State - State's best chance to win is if somehow Chris Relf gets his confidence back and reverts back to the player he was the last three games of 2010 and the first two games of this year. If that were to happen, they will win. But I'm not going to hold my breath, so I think Russell should play the majority, if not all the game. There is a 50/50 chance South Carolina will destroy State's O line and/or Russell or Relf throws a few picks and they win by three touchdowns. Then there's a 50/50 chance the game will come down to the wire. If it comes down to the wire then you're looking at another 50/50 chance between who wins. So I give USC the edge with a 75% chance of winning, MSU obviously with a 25% chance.
LSU at Tennessee - No Tyler Bray? Tauren Poole is non-existent this year? LSU by four touchdowns.
Alabama at Ole Miss - The Rebs stink, and I mean they are no good this year. They play awful and Houston Nutt will undoubtedly be fired by December 1st. But they are getting Bolden and Davis back this week, they are at home, and I believe they have enough to beat a 25.5 point spread. Bama by 17.
Florida at Auburn - Still no Jeff Brantley for the Gators. Barrett Trotter looked miserable last week, but he gets to return home to friendly Jordon-Hare. 'The Family' just got even closer with the announcement that the NCAA has cleared Auburn in the Cam Newton investigation, they will be rocking on Saturday night. Both of these teams are looking for some kind of relief after playing a brutal couple of games, Florida especially. I look for this game to be low scoring. Auburn has dominated recently, winning 3 of the last 4 meetings (including UF's only loss in '06 NC season and beating UF when ranked #1 in '03). Auburn 20 Florida 17.
Georgia at Vanderbilt - This is nice, all the games involving SEC teams this week are among SEC teams. Georgia wins by two scores as long as they don't start dreaming of the world's largest outdoor cocktail party. Bold prediction: game is tied going into the 4th quarter.
Michigan at Michigan State - MSU by 10.
Baylor at Texas A&M - Baylor is a fraud. A&M by 14.
Georgia Tech at Virginia - GT is -7...I think the game is even closer. GT 28 UVA 27.
Oklahoma State at Texas - UT is a fraud too. OSU by 21.
Arizona State at Oregon - ASU pulls the upset, 31-28.
JB
LSU at Tennessee - No Tyler Bray? Tauren Poole is non-existent this year? LSU by four touchdowns.
Alabama at Ole Miss - The Rebs stink, and I mean they are no good this year. They play awful and Houston Nutt will undoubtedly be fired by December 1st. But they are getting Bolden and Davis back this week, they are at home, and I believe they have enough to beat a 25.5 point spread. Bama by 17.
Florida at Auburn - Still no Jeff Brantley for the Gators. Barrett Trotter looked miserable last week, but he gets to return home to friendly Jordon-Hare. 'The Family' just got even closer with the announcement that the NCAA has cleared Auburn in the Cam Newton investigation, they will be rocking on Saturday night. Both of these teams are looking for some kind of relief after playing a brutal couple of games, Florida especially. I look for this game to be low scoring. Auburn has dominated recently, winning 3 of the last 4 meetings (including UF's only loss in '06 NC season and beating UF when ranked #1 in '03). Auburn 20 Florida 17.
Georgia at Vanderbilt - This is nice, all the games involving SEC teams this week are among SEC teams. Georgia wins by two scores as long as they don't start dreaming of the world's largest outdoor cocktail party. Bold prediction: game is tied going into the 4th quarter.
Michigan at Michigan State - MSU by 10.
Baylor at Texas A&M - Baylor is a fraud. A&M by 14.
Georgia Tech at Virginia - GT is -7...I think the game is even closer. GT 28 UVA 27.
Oklahoma State at Texas - UT is a fraud too. OSU by 21.
Arizona State at Oregon - ASU pulls the upset, 31-28.
JB
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Best Coaching Jobs in the Country
With the firing of Mike Stoops at Arizona, I wondered where they ranked among the best coaching jobs in the country. So I figured I make my own list. I'll use the following criteria: 1. Conference affiliation (that's why I'm only including BCS schools + Notre Dame), 2. Pay, 3. Difficulty of recruiting (good players in the area + facilities), 4. History and tradition of program (plus fan support), 5. Do coaches typically leave or stay when they have success, 6. How quick is the A.D.'s/fan's trigger to fire you for one bad season?, 7. Climate at location of school (if it's freezing 9 months out of the year or brutally hot 9 months out of the year then that sucks to most everyone). One thing I did not include is whether it is in a rural or urban environment. Typically, writers and other folks think being in a city means it's better. Well, it doesn't. Half the nation likes the country better, half likes the city better, so I'm disqualifying that from the criteria.
I based it all on a points system. 1 to 5 for each of those seven categories. 5 is excellent, 1 is as poor as it gets. If it's in category #1 (conference affiliation -- SEC 5 stars, Big 10 & PAC 12 4 stars, ACC & Big 12 3 stars, Notre Dame 2 stars, and Big East 1 star) then I multiplied it by 7 (seven categories). If it's category #7 (climate) then I multiplied by 1 and you can fill in the rest from there. Add up all the points and here is what I came up with:
*All of these are based on right now, with no regard for which conference they will be in next year.
*140 was a perfect score
1. Florida, 136
2. LSU, 131
3. USC, 126
4. Alabama, 125
4. Georgia, 125
6. Texas, 123
7. Auburn, 122
7. Tennessee, 122
9. Ohio State, 120
10. Penn State, 119
10. South Carolina, 119
10. Oklahoma, 119
13. Mississippi State, 118
14. Arkansas, 116
14. Ole Miss, 116
16. Florida State, 112
17. Texas A&M, 111
17. Michigan, 111
19. Notre Dame, 106
20. Kentucky, 104
20. UCLA, 104
22. Iowa, 99
22. Oklahoma State, 99
22. Virginia Tech, 99
25. Clemson, 97
25. Wisconsin, 97
27. Stanford, 94
27. California, 94
27. Arizona, 94
27. Arizona State, 94
31. Illinois, 93
32. Michigan State, 92
32. Missouri, 92
34. Nebraska, 91
35. Oregon, 90
35. North Carolina, 90
35. Georgia Tech, 90
38. Purdue, 89
38. Wake Forest, 89
38. Colorado, 89
41. Miami (FL), 88
41. N.C. State, 88
41. Texas Tech, 88
44. Vanderbilt, 85
44. Virginia, 85
46. Maryland, 82
47. Washington, 80
47. Northwestern, 80
49. Kansas State, 79
50. West Virginia, 77
51. Pittsburgh, 76
52. Baylor, 75
53. Indiana, 73
53. Utah, 73
55. Rutgers, 71
56. Louisville, 67
56. Minnesota, 67
58. South Florida, 66
58. Kansas, 66
58. Iowa State, 66
58. Oregon State, 66
62. Washington State, 61
63. Cincinnati, 57
64. Duke, 56
65. Boston College, 54
65. UConn, 54
67. Syracuse, 47
JB
I based it all on a points system. 1 to 5 for each of those seven categories. 5 is excellent, 1 is as poor as it gets. If it's in category #1 (conference affiliation -- SEC 5 stars, Big 10 & PAC 12 4 stars, ACC & Big 12 3 stars, Notre Dame 2 stars, and Big East 1 star) then I multiplied it by 7 (seven categories). If it's category #7 (climate) then I multiplied by 1 and you can fill in the rest from there. Add up all the points and here is what I came up with:
*All of these are based on right now, with no regard for which conference they will be in next year.
*140 was a perfect score
1. Florida, 136
2. LSU, 131
3. USC, 126
4. Alabama, 125
4. Georgia, 125
6. Texas, 123
7. Auburn, 122
7. Tennessee, 122
9. Ohio State, 120
10. Penn State, 119
10. South Carolina, 119
10. Oklahoma, 119
13. Mississippi State, 118
14. Arkansas, 116
14. Ole Miss, 116
16. Florida State, 112
17. Texas A&M, 111
17. Michigan, 111
19. Notre Dame, 106
20. Kentucky, 104
20. UCLA, 104
22. Iowa, 99
22. Oklahoma State, 99
22. Virginia Tech, 99
25. Clemson, 97
25. Wisconsin, 97
27. Stanford, 94
27. California, 94
27. Arizona, 94
27. Arizona State, 94
31. Illinois, 93
32. Michigan State, 92
32. Missouri, 92
34. Nebraska, 91
35. Oregon, 90
35. North Carolina, 90
35. Georgia Tech, 90
38. Purdue, 89
38. Wake Forest, 89
38. Colorado, 89
41. Miami (FL), 88
41. N.C. State, 88
41. Texas Tech, 88
44. Vanderbilt, 85
44. Virginia, 85
46. Maryland, 82
47. Washington, 80
47. Northwestern, 80
49. Kansas State, 79
50. West Virginia, 77
51. Pittsburgh, 76
52. Baylor, 75
53. Indiana, 73
53. Utah, 73
55. Rutgers, 71
56. Louisville, 67
56. Minnesota, 67
58. South Florida, 66
58. Kansas, 66
58. Iowa State, 66
58. Oregon State, 66
62. Washington State, 61
63. Cincinnati, 57
64. Duke, 56
65. Boston College, 54
65. UConn, 54
67. Syracuse, 47
JB
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The Polls - Week 7
1. LSU, 6-0 (1): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State, W at #19 West Virginia, W vs. Kentucky, W vs. #22 Florida
2. Oklahoma, 5-0 (3): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas
3. Alabama, 6-0 (2): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt
4. Wisconsin, 5-0 (4): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska
5. Stanford, 5-0 (7): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado
6. Clemson, 6-0 (8): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College
7. Boise State, 5-0 (5): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State
8. Arkansas, 5-1 (10): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn
9. Oklahoma State, 5-0 (6): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas
10. Oregon, 4-1 (9): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal
11. Michigan, 6-0 (11): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern
12. Georgia Tech, 6-0 (12): W vs. Western Carolina, W at MTSU, W vs. Kansas, W vs. North Carolina, W at North Carolina State, W vs. Maryland
13. Illinois, 6-0 (16): W vs. Arkansas State, W vs. South Dakota State, W vs. #24 Arizona State, W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Northwestern, W vs. Indiana
14. Kansas State, 5-0 (17): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri
15. Nebraska, 5-1 (14): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State
16. Virginia Tech, 5-1 (19): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL)
17. South Carolina, 5-1 (15): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky
18. Auburn, 4-2 (24): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at #15 South Carolina, L at #11 Arkansas
19. Arizona State, 5-1 (18): W vs. UC Davis, W vs. #17 Missouri, L at Illinois, W at #25 Southern California, W vs. Oregon State, W at Utah
20. West Virginia, 5-1 (13): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland, L vs. #1 LSU, W vs. Bowling Green, W vs. UConn
21. Baylor, 4-1 (20): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State
22. Texas, 4-1 (22): W vs. Rice, W vs. BYU, W at UCLA, W at Iowa State, L vs. #2 Oklahoma
23. Texas A&M, 3-2 (21): W vs. SMU, W vs. Idaho, L vs. #9 Oklahoma State, L vs. #16 Arkansas, W vs. Texas Tech
24. Michigan State, 4-1 (23): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State
25. Houston, 6-0 (25): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. South Carolina
5. Georgia
6. Auburn
7. Florida
8. Tennessee
9. Mississippi State
10. Vanderbilt
11. Ole Miss
12. Kentucky
JB
2. Oklahoma, 5-0 (3): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas
3. Alabama, 6-0 (2): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt
4. Wisconsin, 5-0 (4): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska
5. Stanford, 5-0 (7): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado
6. Clemson, 6-0 (8): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College
7. Boise State, 5-0 (5): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State
8. Arkansas, 5-1 (10): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn
9. Oklahoma State, 5-0 (6): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas
10. Oregon, 4-1 (9): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal
11. Michigan, 6-0 (11): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern
12. Georgia Tech, 6-0 (12): W vs. Western Carolina, W at MTSU, W vs. Kansas, W vs. North Carolina, W at North Carolina State, W vs. Maryland
13. Illinois, 6-0 (16): W vs. Arkansas State, W vs. South Dakota State, W vs. #24 Arizona State, W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Northwestern, W vs. Indiana
14. Kansas State, 5-0 (17): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri
15. Nebraska, 5-1 (14): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State
16. Virginia Tech, 5-1 (19): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL)
17. South Carolina, 5-1 (15): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky
18. Auburn, 4-2 (24): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at #15 South Carolina, L at #11 Arkansas
19. Arizona State, 5-1 (18): W vs. UC Davis, W vs. #17 Missouri, L at Illinois, W at #25 Southern California, W vs. Oregon State, W at Utah
20. West Virginia, 5-1 (13): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland, L vs. #1 LSU, W vs. Bowling Green, W vs. UConn
21. Baylor, 4-1 (20): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State
22. Texas, 4-1 (22): W vs. Rice, W vs. BYU, W at UCLA, W at Iowa State, L vs. #2 Oklahoma
23. Texas A&M, 3-2 (21): W vs. SMU, W vs. Idaho, L vs. #9 Oklahoma State, L vs. #16 Arkansas, W vs. Texas Tech
24. Michigan State, 4-1 (23): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State
25. Houston, 6-0 (25): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. South Carolina
5. Georgia
6. Auburn
7. Florida
8. Tennessee
9. Mississippi State
10. Vanderbilt
11. Ole Miss
12. Kentucky
JB
Monday, October 10, 2011
Bicyclists
Bicyclists really annoy me, especially on two lane roads. Why are you riding your bike on a road where cars drive? And why would you ride your bike on a two lane road, where if the driver of a car isn't paying ut-most attention he might hit you and send you flying over your handlebars into a ditch?
The worst are those who ride their bikes on the road when there is a perfectly good sidewalk two feet away. This really irritates me. What is the purpose of the sidewalk if you aren't going to use it? They will slow down traffic for a mile rather than use the sidewalk. I understand sharing the road when there is no sidewalk, I can deal with it. But you should be issued a ticket if you are riding on the road when there is a sidewalk you should be riding on.
JB
The worst are those who ride their bikes on the road when there is a perfectly good sidewalk two feet away. This really irritates me. What is the purpose of the sidewalk if you aren't going to use it? They will slow down traffic for a mile rather than use the sidewalk. I understand sharing the road when there is no sidewalk, I can deal with it. But you should be issued a ticket if you are riding on the road when there is a sidewalk you should be riding on.
JB
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Eric Clapton
My Top 10 Eric Clapton songs (includes all the bands he was in, solo, etc.):
10. "Cocaine", 1977
9. "Key to the Highway", 1970 (with Derek & The Dominos)
8. "Sunshine of Your Love", 1967 (with Cream)
7. "Little Wing", 1970 (with Derek & The Dominos)
6. "Wonderful Tonight", 1978
5. "Have You Ever Loved a Woman", 1970 (with Derek & The Dominos)
4. "Crossroads", 1968 (with Cream)
3. "Let it Rain", 1972
2. "White Room", 1968 (with Cream)
1. "Layla", 1970 (with Derek & The Dominos)
JB
10. "Cocaine", 1977
9. "Key to the Highway", 1970 (with Derek & The Dominos)
8. "Sunshine of Your Love", 1967 (with Cream)
7. "Little Wing", 1970 (with Derek & The Dominos)
6. "Wonderful Tonight", 1978
5. "Have You Ever Loved a Woman", 1970 (with Derek & The Dominos)
4. "Crossroads", 1968 (with Cream)
3. "Let it Rain", 1972
2. "White Room", 1968 (with Cream)
1. "Layla", 1970 (with Derek & The Dominos)
JB
Friday, October 7, 2011
Week 6 Preview
You never know what can happen in college football, but there look to be some monster clashes down the road. Clemson at Georgia Tech on October 29th could be one of them. Clemson is #8 right now, and Georgia Tech is #13...both have 3 very winnable games before their meeting...so both could be 8-0 going into the game, and if that is the case they will both most likely be in the top 6 or 7 in the country. Then there's the big one: LSU at Alabama. There doesn't seem to be anything standing in the way of this game being between both of these teams being 8-0 and a #1 vs. #2 matchup. And then there's the possibility of Oklahoma at Oklahoma State on December 3rd being a game between two undefeated teams. But, of course, the chance of all three of these games being the monster clashes I'm demonstrating is almost 0% because teams always get upset. And that is what makes college football great.
First on the docket, my beloved Bulldogs. They've been playing pretty poorly of late, especially on offense. But UAB is horrible. Even in Birmingham MSU should win big. If this is another LA Tech game, I'll be pissed. I don't think it will be, but it won't be the blowout Memphis was. I'm looking for State to win 31-17.
Kentucky at South Carolina - Losing to Auburn at home has got to be pretty devastating for the Gamecocks and their extremely high expectations for this season (I stupidly picked them for the BCS Title). Stephen Garcia is playing horrific. But Morgan Newton is playing worse. USC cannot struggle in this game and expect to hold onto the East with Georgia gaining fast. But the recipe for beating them has been laid out by Auburn in 3 times now....load up and go for broke to stop Lattimore, Garcia sucks. USC wins.
Florida at LSU - Florida is going into Death Valley with a true freshman quarterback. So no one is giving them a chance and they are a 14 point underdog. After getting thumped by Alabama at home that spread almost looks too thin. But you have to remember that Les Miles will probably get up by two scores and milk the clock and win by 10 or something. And who knows, while everyone loves Miles right now, he is still the same coach that everyone consistently scratched their head with the past few years. LSU may find a way to turn this game into a close one...but it shouldn't be that close with the disadvantages Florida has right now.
Georgia at Tennessee - This is a pretty big game. Tennessee is tied for the lead in the SEC East - in the loss column, but they still don't have an SEC win. If they want to have a shot at the division this year this is a must win. I picked UT before the season, but I didn't know UGA's defense would be this good....they are much much better than I expected. Tyler Bray looks really great, but I don't think he'll be able to throw for 300 yards in this one unless they get far behind. Georgia is has the best defense in the SEC on 3rd down...Tennessee has the best offense in the SEC on 3rd down - something's got to give. This game will be close into the 4th quarter but I like Georgia to win, and possibly get into the Top 25 next week.
Vanderbilt at Alabama - Protect all your playmakers Vandy, don't get injured. Save your energy for a game you've got a chance in.
Auburn at Arkansas - All of the sudden this game became a Top 15 matchup. A game I'm sure Arkansas fans had marked as a 'W' has become a game in question. Gene Chizik is coach of the year 1/3 of the way through the season in my estimation, I don't know how they've done it. Somehow the Auburn D managed to play great against South Carolina, but will that hold up against an Arkansas offense that executes a lot better? The Hog's D is playing pretty horrible, and is probably the reason they aren't going to end up contending to the SEC West at season's end. This should be a very entertaining game, between two schools that defy typical SEC logic to win games. The over/under is 63.5....I'll take the over. Arkansas by a field goal.
Texas vs. Oklahoma - The Horns have managed to quietly sneak up to #11, but I have a feeling they are going to come crashing back to earth this week. OU by three touchdowns.
Where did Illinois come from? They are 5-0 and looking at their upcoming schedule they have a good shot to be 9-0 before hosting Michigan and Wisconsin. Ron Zook has really been all or nothing there.
JB
First on the docket, my beloved Bulldogs. They've been playing pretty poorly of late, especially on offense. But UAB is horrible. Even in Birmingham MSU should win big. If this is another LA Tech game, I'll be pissed. I don't think it will be, but it won't be the blowout Memphis was. I'm looking for State to win 31-17.
Kentucky at South Carolina - Losing to Auburn at home has got to be pretty devastating for the Gamecocks and their extremely high expectations for this season (I stupidly picked them for the BCS Title). Stephen Garcia is playing horrific. But Morgan Newton is playing worse. USC cannot struggle in this game and expect to hold onto the East with Georgia gaining fast. But the recipe for beating them has been laid out by Auburn in 3 times now....load up and go for broke to stop Lattimore, Garcia sucks. USC wins.
Florida at LSU - Florida is going into Death Valley with a true freshman quarterback. So no one is giving them a chance and they are a 14 point underdog. After getting thumped by Alabama at home that spread almost looks too thin. But you have to remember that Les Miles will probably get up by two scores and milk the clock and win by 10 or something. And who knows, while everyone loves Miles right now, he is still the same coach that everyone consistently scratched their head with the past few years. LSU may find a way to turn this game into a close one...but it shouldn't be that close with the disadvantages Florida has right now.
Georgia at Tennessee - This is a pretty big game. Tennessee is tied for the lead in the SEC East - in the loss column, but they still don't have an SEC win. If they want to have a shot at the division this year this is a must win. I picked UT before the season, but I didn't know UGA's defense would be this good....they are much much better than I expected. Tyler Bray looks really great, but I don't think he'll be able to throw for 300 yards in this one unless they get far behind. Georgia is has the best defense in the SEC on 3rd down...Tennessee has the best offense in the SEC on 3rd down - something's got to give. This game will be close into the 4th quarter but I like Georgia to win, and possibly get into the Top 25 next week.
Vanderbilt at Alabama - Protect all your playmakers Vandy, don't get injured. Save your energy for a game you've got a chance in.
Auburn at Arkansas - All of the sudden this game became a Top 15 matchup. A game I'm sure Arkansas fans had marked as a 'W' has become a game in question. Gene Chizik is coach of the year 1/3 of the way through the season in my estimation, I don't know how they've done it. Somehow the Auburn D managed to play great against South Carolina, but will that hold up against an Arkansas offense that executes a lot better? The Hog's D is playing pretty horrible, and is probably the reason they aren't going to end up contending to the SEC West at season's end. This should be a very entertaining game, between two schools that defy typical SEC logic to win games. The over/under is 63.5....I'll take the over. Arkansas by a field goal.
Texas vs. Oklahoma - The Horns have managed to quietly sneak up to #11, but I have a feeling they are going to come crashing back to earth this week. OU by three touchdowns.
Where did Illinois come from? They are 5-0 and looking at their upcoming schedule they have a good shot to be 9-0 before hosting Michigan and Wisconsin. Ron Zook has really been all or nothing there.
JB
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Doubleback
I really hate to doubleback. If you're going to go somewhere, and then come back that is fine. But if you are going somewhere and you have to pass it to go somewhere else and then come back, not a fan.
Say you're at the grocery store, and you need to go to the pet store next. But you left your 30% off dog food coupon at home...and dog food is expensive so you want to go home and get it. I really don't like passing the pet store to go home, get the coupon, then go back to the pet store. Am I willing to pay full price? No. But I'd rather go home, and take an alternate route to the pet store or go to a different one than doubleback to the pet store.
I am crazy? Maybe. But I really don't like to doubleback. And if I'm going to a particular destination, and there is a different way back to where I came from that will take the same amount of time...let's take that different way back.
JB
Say you're at the grocery store, and you need to go to the pet store next. But you left your 30% off dog food coupon at home...and dog food is expensive so you want to go home and get it. I really don't like passing the pet store to go home, get the coupon, then go back to the pet store. Am I willing to pay full price? No. But I'd rather go home, and take an alternate route to the pet store or go to a different one than doubleback to the pet store.
I am crazy? Maybe. But I really don't like to doubleback. And if I'm going to a particular destination, and there is a different way back to where I came from that will take the same amount of time...let's take that different way back.
JB
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Top Individual Players in the SEC
One third of the way through the season, here's who I think are the best players in the SEC. And since the SEC is based on QB's who execute, running the football, and defense...those are all I'm putting on here.
Quarterback:
1. Aaron Murray, UGA
2. Tyler Wilson, ARK
3. Tyler Bray, UT
4. John Brantley, UF
5. A.J. McCarron, UA
6. Jarrett Lee, LSU
7. Barrett Trotter, AU
8. Stephen Garcia, USC
9. Chris Relf, MSU
10. Randall Mackey, UM
Running Back:
1. Marcus Lattimore, USC
2. Trent Richardson, UA
3. Michael Dyer, AU
4. Isiah Crowell, UGA
5. Eddie Lacy, UA
6. Vick Ballard, MSU
7. Touren Poole, UT
8. Spencer Ware, LSU
9. Chris Rainey, UF
10. Jeff Scott, UM
Top 20 Defensive Players:
1. Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
2. Courtney Upshaw, UA
3. Melvin Ingram, USC
4. Donta Hightower, UA
5. Morris Claiborne, LSU
6. Mark Barron, UA
7. Brandon Boykin, UGA
8. Jadaveon Clowney, USC
9. Jaye Howard, UF
10. Ryan Baker, LSU
11. Dre' Kirkpatrick, UA
12. Danny Trevathan, UK
13. Sam Montgomery, LSU
14. Bacarri Rambo, UGA
15. Casey Hayward, VU
16. Janoris Jenkins, UF
17. Devin Taylor, USC
18. Kwame Gathers, UGA
19. Cameron Lawrence, MSU
20. Kendrell Lockett, UM
JB
Quarterback:
1. Aaron Murray, UGA
2. Tyler Wilson, ARK
3. Tyler Bray, UT
4. John Brantley, UF
5. A.J. McCarron, UA
6. Jarrett Lee, LSU
7. Barrett Trotter, AU
8. Stephen Garcia, USC
9. Chris Relf, MSU
10. Randall Mackey, UM
Running Back:
1. Marcus Lattimore, USC
2. Trent Richardson, UA
3. Michael Dyer, AU
4. Isiah Crowell, UGA
5. Eddie Lacy, UA
6. Vick Ballard, MSU
7. Touren Poole, UT
8. Spencer Ware, LSU
9. Chris Rainey, UF
10. Jeff Scott, UM
Top 20 Defensive Players:
1. Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
2. Courtney Upshaw, UA
3. Melvin Ingram, USC
4. Donta Hightower, UA
5. Morris Claiborne, LSU
6. Mark Barron, UA
7. Brandon Boykin, UGA
8. Jadaveon Clowney, USC
9. Jaye Howard, UF
10. Ryan Baker, LSU
11. Dre' Kirkpatrick, UA
12. Danny Trevathan, UK
13. Sam Montgomery, LSU
14. Bacarri Rambo, UGA
15. Casey Hayward, VU
16. Janoris Jenkins, UF
17. Devin Taylor, USC
18. Kwame Gathers, UGA
19. Cameron Lawrence, MSU
20. Kendrell Lockett, UM
JB
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Polls - Week 6
1. LSU, 5-0 (1): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State, W at #19 West Virginia, W vs. Kentucky
2. Oklahoma, 4-0 (3): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State
3. Alabama, 5-0 (2): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida
4. Wisconsin, 5-0 (4): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska
5. Stanford, 4-0 (7): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA
6. Clemson, 5-0 (8): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech
7. Boise State, 4-0 (5): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada
8. Oklahoma State, 4-0 (6): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M
9. Auburn, 4-1 (15): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at #15 South Carolina
10. Oregon, 3-1 (9): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona
11. Arkansas, 4-1 (10): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M
12. Texas, 4-0 (11): W vs. Rice, W vs. BYU, W at UCLA, W at Iowa State
13. Michigan, 5-0 (12): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota
14. Georgia Tech, 5-0 (13): W vs. Western Carolina, W at MTSU, W vs. Kansas, W vs. North Carolina, W at North Carolina State
15. Nebraska, 4-1 (14): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin
16. Virginia Tech, 4-1 (21): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson
17. Illinois, 5-0 (19): W vs. Arkansas State, W vs. South Dakota State, W vs. #24 Arizona State, W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Northwestern
18. Kansas State, 4-0 (20): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor
19. South Carolina, 4-1 (18): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt
20. Arizona State, 4-1 (22): W vs. UC Davis, W vs. #17 Missouri, L at Illinois, W at #25 Southern California, W vs. Oregon State
21. West Virginia, 4-1 (16): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland, L vs. #1 LSU, W vs. Bowling Green
22. Florida, 4-1 (17): W vs. Florida Atlantic, W vs. UAB, W vs. Tennessee, W at Kentucky, L vs. #4 Alabama
23. Baylor, 3-1 (25): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State
24. Texas A&M, 2-2 (24): W vs. SMU, W vs. Idaho, L vs. #9 Oklahoma State, L vs. #16 Arkansas
25. Florida State, 2-2 (23): W vs. LA-Monroe, W vs. Charleston Southern, L vs. #4 Oklahoma, L at #15 Clemson
This is the first week where I think this poll would include all the teams that are ranked in the current poll. Team who may be in next week: Houston, they are 5-0 and play East Carolina next week.
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. Florida
5. Auburn
6. South Carolina
7. Georgia
8. Tennessee
9. Mississippi State
10. Vanderbilt
11. Ole Miss
12. Kentucky
JB
2. Oklahoma, 4-0 (3): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State
3. Alabama, 5-0 (2): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida
4. Wisconsin, 5-0 (4): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska
5. Stanford, 4-0 (7): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA
6. Clemson, 5-0 (8): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech
7. Boise State, 4-0 (5): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada
8. Oklahoma State, 4-0 (6): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M
9. Auburn, 4-1 (15): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at #15 South Carolina
10. Oregon, 3-1 (9): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona
11. Arkansas, 4-1 (10): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M
12. Texas, 4-0 (11): W vs. Rice, W vs. BYU, W at UCLA, W at Iowa State
13. Michigan, 5-0 (12): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota
14. Georgia Tech, 5-0 (13): W vs. Western Carolina, W at MTSU, W vs. Kansas, W vs. North Carolina, W at North Carolina State
15. Nebraska, 4-1 (14): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin
16. Virginia Tech, 4-1 (21): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson
17. Illinois, 5-0 (19): W vs. Arkansas State, W vs. South Dakota State, W vs. #24 Arizona State, W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Northwestern
18. Kansas State, 4-0 (20): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor
19. South Carolina, 4-1 (18): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt
20. Arizona State, 4-1 (22): W vs. UC Davis, W vs. #17 Missouri, L at Illinois, W at #25 Southern California, W vs. Oregon State
21. West Virginia, 4-1 (16): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland, L vs. #1 LSU, W vs. Bowling Green
22. Florida, 4-1 (17): W vs. Florida Atlantic, W vs. UAB, W vs. Tennessee, W at Kentucky, L vs. #4 Alabama
23. Baylor, 3-1 (25): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State
24. Texas A&M, 2-2 (24): W vs. SMU, W vs. Idaho, L vs. #9 Oklahoma State, L vs. #16 Arkansas
25. Florida State, 2-2 (23): W vs. LA-Monroe, W vs. Charleston Southern, L vs. #4 Oklahoma, L at #15 Clemson
This is the first week where I think this poll would include all the teams that are ranked in the current poll. Team who may be in next week: Houston, they are 5-0 and play East Carolina next week.
SEC Power Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. Florida
5. Auburn
6. South Carolina
7. Georgia
8. Tennessee
9. Mississippi State
10. Vanderbilt
11. Ole Miss
12. Kentucky
JB
Monday, October 3, 2011
Hash Browns
These are so good and so easy. Some people call them home fries...I think that is a dumb name.
I use a cast iron skillet, but you can use whatever skillet you want. Put a nice layer of vegetable oil in it and turn the stove on medium heat...let it warm for about 5-6 minutes.
Peel about half of a potato per serving. Chop them up into cubes, about the size or smaller of a sugar cube. Then place them in the skillet. About every minute or so, move the potatoes around on the skillet so they don't stick to the bottom.
After a couple minutes, evenly spread some paprika on the potatoes. A couple minutes later, some seasoned salt. A couple minutes later, some tony's...then slightly less on the salt a couple minutes after that. After 10 minutes have gone by, put about a tablespoon of butter in the skillet. It should start sizzling, and turn the heat up to medium-high. Keep it there for 4-5 minutes and continue moving the potatoes around. Take them out of the skillet and place them on a paper towel, pat them down and eat them.
JB
I use a cast iron skillet, but you can use whatever skillet you want. Put a nice layer of vegetable oil in it and turn the stove on medium heat...let it warm for about 5-6 minutes.
Peel about half of a potato per serving. Chop them up into cubes, about the size or smaller of a sugar cube. Then place them in the skillet. About every minute or so, move the potatoes around on the skillet so they don't stick to the bottom.
After a couple minutes, evenly spread some paprika on the potatoes. A couple minutes later, some seasoned salt. A couple minutes later, some tony's...then slightly less on the salt a couple minutes after that. After 10 minutes have gone by, put about a tablespoon of butter in the skillet. It should start sizzling, and turn the heat up to medium-high. Keep it there for 4-5 minutes and continue moving the potatoes around. Take them out of the skillet and place them on a paper towel, pat them down and eat them.
JB
Saturday, October 1, 2011
R.E.M.
With Mississippi State playing in Athens today, and since they broke up last week after 30 years, I thought I'd do my Top 10 R.E.M. songs:
10. "(Don't Go Back To) Rockville", 1984
9. "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite", 1992
8. "Parakeet", 1998
7. "Orange Crush", 1988
6. "Losing My Religion", 1991
5. "At My Most Beautiful", 1998
4. "Drive", 1992
3. "She Just Wants To Be", 2001
2. "Sweetness Follows", 1992
1. "The One I Love", 1987
JB
10. "(Don't Go Back To) Rockville", 1984
9. "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite", 1992
8. "Parakeet", 1998
7. "Orange Crush", 1988
6. "Losing My Religion", 1991
5. "At My Most Beautiful", 1998
4. "Drive", 1992
3. "She Just Wants To Be", 2001
2. "Sweetness Follows", 1992
1. "The One I Love", 1987
JB
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