Ingredients: Baby back ribs, BBQ sauce, light brown sugar, Jack Daniels, salt and pepper.
Cook Time: 4 hours
Take however many racks of ribs you want and break them in half. Put them in a large pot, salt and pepper a little bit and cover with water. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Take the ribs out of the pot, rinse them off and put them on a baking sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil. Put a generous amount of light brown sugar in a bowl. Pour some Jack Daniels over the brown sugar and stir it around. The brown sugar will turn dark and clump together. Take this and rub it all over both sides of the ribs. Cover with the aluminum foil and cook it in the oven for 2 and a half hours.
Fire up the grill and bring it to medium heat. Put the ribs on and baste with your favorite BBQ sauce. Do this about 3 times on the top and bottom of the ribs, and let them be on the grill for about 30-45 minutes...make sure not to burn them.
They should look delicious at this point, and after 4 hours you should be pretty hungry. Enjoy.
JB
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Week Twelve
College football is a great sport and one of the reasons is because you never know how things are going to turn out. That's mostly because there is so much based on emotions and they vary from week to week. Ole Miss layed an egg against Tennessee last week and they fight LSU in Baton Rouge to the wire. Mississippi State got demolished last week at Alabama and they played a very hot Arkansas team to 2 overtimes. Who knows what will happen, I don't. That MSU was a very entertaining game and even though State lost I'm not to broken up about it. The combined record of the 4 teams State has lost to is 39-5.
I went 6-0 on my SEC picks and 1-2 on the national ones. I'm 71-16 this year in the SEC and 36-26 on the others. Here's my power rankings:
1. Auburn, 11-0 (7-0) - Next week's game has Auburn heading into Tuscaloosa in the same position Alabama came into Auburn last year...Heisman candidate and everything.
2. LSU, 10-1 (6-1) - They survived again. Next week at Arkansas could be for the right to play in a BCS bowl.
3. Alabama, 9-2 (5-2) - The Iron Bowl is going to be huge. Trent Richardson will have had 3 weeks to rest and they should be at full strength.
4. Arkansas, 9-2 (5-2) - If Knile Davis had been a part of this offense at the beginning of the season like he is now, would the Hogs be 11-0 or 10-1?
5. South Carolina, 8-3 (5-3) - Impressive spanking of Troy. The key next week is beating rival Clemson without anyone getting hurt.
6. Mississippi State, 7-4 (3-4) - I thought State played a great game vs. Arkansas it just didn't end with a W. Got to regroup for a pivitol game at Ole Miss with bowl positioning, recruiting implications, and bragging rights on the line.
7. Florida, 7-4 (4-4) - I thought there was a chance they could struggle with App. State but they didn't. I might be pulling against them next week at Florida State becuase it will have an effect of MSU's bowl position.
8. Georgia, 5-6 (3-5) - This hasn't been a good year for UGA but a win vs. GA Tech next week would go a long way towards healing the wounds. A loss and the entire fanbase is going to jump off a cliff.
9. Kentucky, 6-5 (2-5) - The Wildcats had this week off to prepare for Tennessee. This has got to be the year they break the 25-game losing streak.
10. Tennessee, 5-6 (2-5) - Tyler Brey has lead them from the abyess to the brink of bowl eligibility. Huge game next week vs. Kentucky.
11. Ole Miss, 4-7 (1-6) - This year has not gone well for the Rebs but they still almost beat LSU...it's amazing how they can play them so well but State cannot beat them.
12. Vanderbilt, 2-9 (1-7) - I read a few articles last week that questioned Vandy's commitment to the football program. I believe they don't have much of it and if that's the case then they might as well keep Robbie Caldwell...but if they are going to let him go then they need to show more of an effort to support football from a University standpoint.
My Top 5:
1. Auburn, 11-0
2. Oregon, 10-0/Boise State, 10-0
4. TCU, 11-0
5. LSU, 10-1
I was throughly impressed by Boise State beating Fresno State 51-0. Beating a team like Fresno that bad tells me you are a good team...and holding them to no points is amazing. So to prevent myself from being prisoner of the moment I looked at their schedules and the final scores to see who I though should be ranked higher, Oregon or Boise. Oregon's best win was at home vs. Stanford (10-1, would be my #6 team) - very impressive win. Boise's best win is the virtual road game vs. Virginia Tech (9-2, ranked #13 in the AP) - slightly impressive? The rest of both their schedules is pretty unimpressive. Oregon has played better teams, scoring over 50 points on almost all of them and giving up 20-30 points. Boise State has played lesser competition and scored over 50 points on almost all of them and giving up 0-15 points. So it looks like they are pretty even except for the win over Stanford is better then VA Tech, but Boise did beat Oregon in '08 and '09 so I'm just going to have to call it a dead heat for #2 in my book.
JB
I went 6-0 on my SEC picks and 1-2 on the national ones. I'm 71-16 this year in the SEC and 36-26 on the others. Here's my power rankings:
1. Auburn, 11-0 (7-0) - Next week's game has Auburn heading into Tuscaloosa in the same position Alabama came into Auburn last year...Heisman candidate and everything.
2. LSU, 10-1 (6-1) - They survived again. Next week at Arkansas could be for the right to play in a BCS bowl.
3. Alabama, 9-2 (5-2) - The Iron Bowl is going to be huge. Trent Richardson will have had 3 weeks to rest and they should be at full strength.
4. Arkansas, 9-2 (5-2) - If Knile Davis had been a part of this offense at the beginning of the season like he is now, would the Hogs be 11-0 or 10-1?
5. South Carolina, 8-3 (5-3) - Impressive spanking of Troy. The key next week is beating rival Clemson without anyone getting hurt.
6. Mississippi State, 7-4 (3-4) - I thought State played a great game vs. Arkansas it just didn't end with a W. Got to regroup for a pivitol game at Ole Miss with bowl positioning, recruiting implications, and bragging rights on the line.
7. Florida, 7-4 (4-4) - I thought there was a chance they could struggle with App. State but they didn't. I might be pulling against them next week at Florida State becuase it will have an effect of MSU's bowl position.
8. Georgia, 5-6 (3-5) - This hasn't been a good year for UGA but a win vs. GA Tech next week would go a long way towards healing the wounds. A loss and the entire fanbase is going to jump off a cliff.
9. Kentucky, 6-5 (2-5) - The Wildcats had this week off to prepare for Tennessee. This has got to be the year they break the 25-game losing streak.
10. Tennessee, 5-6 (2-5) - Tyler Brey has lead them from the abyess to the brink of bowl eligibility. Huge game next week vs. Kentucky.
11. Ole Miss, 4-7 (1-6) - This year has not gone well for the Rebs but they still almost beat LSU...it's amazing how they can play them so well but State cannot beat them.
12. Vanderbilt, 2-9 (1-7) - I read a few articles last week that questioned Vandy's commitment to the football program. I believe they don't have much of it and if that's the case then they might as well keep Robbie Caldwell...but if they are going to let him go then they need to show more of an effort to support football from a University standpoint.
My Top 5:
1. Auburn, 11-0
2. Oregon, 10-0/Boise State, 10-0
4. TCU, 11-0
5. LSU, 10-1
I was throughly impressed by Boise State beating Fresno State 51-0. Beating a team like Fresno that bad tells me you are a good team...and holding them to no points is amazing. So to prevent myself from being prisoner of the moment I looked at their schedules and the final scores to see who I though should be ranked higher, Oregon or Boise. Oregon's best win was at home vs. Stanford (10-1, would be my #6 team) - very impressive win. Boise's best win is the virtual road game vs. Virginia Tech (9-2, ranked #13 in the AP) - slightly impressive? The rest of both their schedules is pretty unimpressive. Oregon has played better teams, scoring over 50 points on almost all of them and giving up 20-30 points. Boise State has played lesser competition and scored over 50 points on almost all of them and giving up 0-15 points. So it looks like they are pretty even except for the win over Stanford is better then VA Tech, but Boise did beat Oregon in '08 and '09 so I'm just going to have to call it a dead heat for #2 in my book.
JB
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Thoughts on the NFL II
I am probably more interested in the NFL right now than I have been in four or five years. And that is surprising because Mississippi State is 7-4. I'm still not interested enough to watch games around the league but I've got greater anticipation when the Falcons are about to play. The birds are enjoying quite a start to the season at 7-2 and maybe people around the country are starting to take notice. If Matt Ryan and Roddy White (MVP candidate) can stay healthy I think they can get home field advantage throughout...their remaining schedule is pretty weak.
The last time I gave some thoughts on the NFL (after week 4) I said I thought the Steelers were the favorite to win the Superbowl. They are still in contention at 6-3 but I don't know if they are the favorite anymore. Really, I don't think anyone is the favorite like it was last year with the Saints and Colts. I would say there is nine teams in contention for the Superbowl right now: Jets, Patriots, Ravens, Steelers, Colts, Saints, Falcons, Giants, and Eagles.
To me there is no doubt the most dangerous team in the NFL is the Eagles. Who knows what Micheal Vick could do you? That is what I loved about Vick when he played for the Falcons from '02-'04. He was like Cam Newton is for Auburn right now, but you could replace Newton's physicality with Vick's pure speed. But 3rd and short or even 3rd and long he could break a run that turned the game around. It's too bad he wasn't focused because just as he was becoming a better player his attitude changed and he became a thug in '05 and '06 and his game and the Falcons record dropped off. But right now he is the player we all knew he could be if he put his mind to it. I'm glad the Falcons have Matt Ryan though, no ill feelings towards Vick...but if he beats Atlanta in the playoffs I will not be happy about it.
JB
The last time I gave some thoughts on the NFL (after week 4) I said I thought the Steelers were the favorite to win the Superbowl. They are still in contention at 6-3 but I don't know if they are the favorite anymore. Really, I don't think anyone is the favorite like it was last year with the Saints and Colts. I would say there is nine teams in contention for the Superbowl right now: Jets, Patriots, Ravens, Steelers, Colts, Saints, Falcons, Giants, and Eagles.
To me there is no doubt the most dangerous team in the NFL is the Eagles. Who knows what Micheal Vick could do you? That is what I loved about Vick when he played for the Falcons from '02-'04. He was like Cam Newton is for Auburn right now, but you could replace Newton's physicality with Vick's pure speed. But 3rd and short or even 3rd and long he could break a run that turned the game around. It's too bad he wasn't focused because just as he was becoming a better player his attitude changed and he became a thug in '05 and '06 and his game and the Falcons record dropped off. But right now he is the player we all knew he could be if he put his mind to it. I'm glad the Falcons have Matt Ryan though, no ill feelings towards Vick...but if he beats Atlanta in the playoffs I will not be happy about it.
JB
Friday, November 19, 2010
College Football - Week 12
There seems to be a huge sentiment among the 'experts' in college football that Auburn will lose to Alabama next week and Boise State will play Oregon in the BCS Title Game. I'm glad people are opening up to the possibility of Boise playing for the title but I think this has more to do with people preparing for Auburn's demise. With all the speculation around Cam Newton there is no doubt that most people think he is guilty of the allegations. While people are saying the right thing, innocent until proven guilty, they know deep down which way they are leaning. So, I think a lot of people will be rooting for Alabama in the Iron Bowl because they don't want to see a possible tainted Champion. As far as the possibility of Auburn losing but still making it, I don't think so. Because of what I just said, if Auburn loses to Bama they are going to drop faster than a led zeppelin and probably land 6th or 7th in the polls...too far down to make it back.
I'm 1-0 already this week, Bama beat Georgia State. I also can't lose with Georgia, Auburn, and Kentucky because they are finally taking their bye week.
One would think South Carolina will get to enjoy Senior Day with an easy victory over Troy but I'm not sure it will be a route. Troy only lost at Oklahoma State, who is now #10 in the BCS, by 3 points in week 2. Still, South Carolina wins this game. The way Florida played last week who knows what could happen against Appalachian State but I think they'll find a way to get it done.
Tennessee should be able to take one more step towards bowl-eligibility this week at Vanderbilt. UT's always had Vandy's number and mostly because they are better, this year is no different even with the Vol's struggles. Tyler Brey looks like the real deal and I look for them to cover the nine point spread easily.
Ole Miss is going to Baton Rouge to have revenge taken out on them for the last two years. I don't give them a shot against what has turned out to be a good LSU team. Normally, this game is pretty close, but Ole Miss looks like they have quit, LSU is motivated from the last two years and I think this kick in the teeth will be just what the doctor ordered for a State fan like myself.
CBS may be playing the 'Magnolia Bowl' but the real game of the week is Arkansas at Mississippi State. That is just stating facts because both teams are ranked. Somehow this game gets pushed to the back-burner every year. Finally the SEC has a TV contract so it has to be televised. Arkansas is favored by three points and I think that is a fair spread. Knile Davis has emerged as a stud in the Hogs backfield and State will need to stop him to make them one-dimensional. Corey Broomfield played horrible at Bama and was a contributing factor is all three of their long touchdown runs...hopefully he will show up. I'm not so sure about this game, and for the first time this year I am going to pick against MSU. It will be a close game, but I'm not sure State has enough to defend Arkansas' weapons; Arkansas' offense may be better than Auburn's right now.
Virginia Tech over Miami, Iowa over Ohio State, Nebraska over Texas A&M.
JB
I'm 1-0 already this week, Bama beat Georgia State. I also can't lose with Georgia, Auburn, and Kentucky because they are finally taking their bye week.
One would think South Carolina will get to enjoy Senior Day with an easy victory over Troy but I'm not sure it will be a route. Troy only lost at Oklahoma State, who is now #10 in the BCS, by 3 points in week 2. Still, South Carolina wins this game. The way Florida played last week who knows what could happen against Appalachian State but I think they'll find a way to get it done.
Tennessee should be able to take one more step towards bowl-eligibility this week at Vanderbilt. UT's always had Vandy's number and mostly because they are better, this year is no different even with the Vol's struggles. Tyler Brey looks like the real deal and I look for them to cover the nine point spread easily.
Ole Miss is going to Baton Rouge to have revenge taken out on them for the last two years. I don't give them a shot against what has turned out to be a good LSU team. Normally, this game is pretty close, but Ole Miss looks like they have quit, LSU is motivated from the last two years and I think this kick in the teeth will be just what the doctor ordered for a State fan like myself.
CBS may be playing the 'Magnolia Bowl' but the real game of the week is Arkansas at Mississippi State. That is just stating facts because both teams are ranked. Somehow this game gets pushed to the back-burner every year. Finally the SEC has a TV contract so it has to be televised. Arkansas is favored by three points and I think that is a fair spread. Knile Davis has emerged as a stud in the Hogs backfield and State will need to stop him to make them one-dimensional. Corey Broomfield played horrible at Bama and was a contributing factor is all three of their long touchdown runs...hopefully he will show up. I'm not so sure about this game, and for the first time this year I am going to pick against MSU. It will be a close game, but I'm not sure State has enough to defend Arkansas' weapons; Arkansas' offense may be better than Auburn's right now.
Virginia Tech over Miami, Iowa over Ohio State, Nebraska over Texas A&M.
JB
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Basketball Schools vs. Football Schools
There are a bunch of college sports out there. Some schools have more than others, but most major colleges have a baseball, basketball, and football team. Outside of the south and maybe the west, baseball isn't a big sport. It's all about basketball and football. There are basketball schools and there are football schools.
While I was at Mississippi State the football team was horrible, they never won more than three games in a season the entire time I was there. But while I was in Starkville the basketball team made three NCAA tournament appearances, went to the NIT final four, and won the SEC in 2004...arguably State's best team ever. Perennially, State was at the top of the SEC West in basketball, and at the bottom of the West in football. So I thought, is Mississippi State a basketball school?
When you say basketball school the names that pop into your head are Kentucky, North Carolina, Indiana, Kansas. At all of those schools winning in basketball outweighs winning in football. In 2006 Florida won the national championship in both sports. They were excited about the basketball championship but it was no where near the level of winning it all in football.
If you had asked me, while I was at State, if I would trade an NCAA tournament appearance for a bowl game I would have said yes. In fact, if we could've gone to a New Year's Day game I would've traded our 25-2 SEC Championship season. I would rather State win the SEC in football than go to the Final Four in basketball. The only thing that could outweigh a SEC title in football would be a national championship in basketball. The fact is, I care more about football than basketball and I'd rather us be better in football...and I think most MSU fans feel that way.
So the bottom line in differentiating whether a school is a basketball or football school isn't necessarily what they are good at, but which sport would the fans rather be good in. If Mississippi State tanked in football for the next 15 years and the basketball team went to a couple final fours, maybe a championship...then that sustained winning and football losing might sway the tide, but for now State is a football school...just like almost every other school in the country.
JB
I'm picking Alabama to beat Georgia State tonight.
While I was at Mississippi State the football team was horrible, they never won more than three games in a season the entire time I was there. But while I was in Starkville the basketball team made three NCAA tournament appearances, went to the NIT final four, and won the SEC in 2004...arguably State's best team ever. Perennially, State was at the top of the SEC West in basketball, and at the bottom of the West in football. So I thought, is Mississippi State a basketball school?
When you say basketball school the names that pop into your head are Kentucky, North Carolina, Indiana, Kansas. At all of those schools winning in basketball outweighs winning in football. In 2006 Florida won the national championship in both sports. They were excited about the basketball championship but it was no where near the level of winning it all in football.
If you had asked me, while I was at State, if I would trade an NCAA tournament appearance for a bowl game I would have said yes. In fact, if we could've gone to a New Year's Day game I would've traded our 25-2 SEC Championship season. I would rather State win the SEC in football than go to the Final Four in basketball. The only thing that could outweigh a SEC title in football would be a national championship in basketball. The fact is, I care more about football than basketball and I'd rather us be better in football...and I think most MSU fans feel that way.
So the bottom line in differentiating whether a school is a basketball or football school isn't necessarily what they are good at, but which sport would the fans rather be good in. If Mississippi State tanked in football for the next 15 years and the basketball team went to a couple final fours, maybe a championship...then that sustained winning and football losing might sway the tide, but for now State is a football school...just like almost every other school in the country.
JB
I'm picking Alabama to beat Georgia State tonight.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Coolest Album Covers
Jack Johnson - "In Between Dreams"
The Beatles - "Abbey Road"
Jimmy Buffett - "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes"
Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young - "Deja Vu"
The Allman Brothers Band - "Eat a Peach"
Eric Clapton - "Slowhand"
Pearl Jam - "Ten"
Pink Floyd - "Dark Side of the Moon"
Van Halen - "Van Halen II"
Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Californication"
Creed - "Human Clay"
Monday, November 15, 2010
Week Eleven
I thought Auburn looked frustrated and really lacked focus in the first quarter against Georgia. They had a couple unsportsmanlike penalties, two dropped balls, and Cam Newton gave a brat-like stiff arm to a defender. But after that he and the rest of the team really settled down and ended up looking like the Auburn team that we've seen all year. It will be interesting to see what happens over the next two weeks before the Iron Bowl with all the Newton allegations, hopefully it will die down though...I need to get some work done.
A least a few of Mississippi State's players were obviously not over the loss of Nick Bell. There wasn't the same focus and determination we've seen all year, and State got creamed. If it wasn't for the mercy of Nick Saban the score would've completely been out of hand. That is something I will commend Saban for, there has been several opportunities this year to put up a huge number but he's backed off for the sake of being a good sport.
Congratulations to South Carolina. It's really been a banner year for that school. I'm pretty sure they had only won a national championship in track before 2010, and then this spring they won the baseball national championship. Now, they've won the SEC East, something they had never even come close to doing. I thought this would be their year, and it was.
I was 4-1 on my SEC picks and 1-2 nationally. So that's 65-16 SEC and 35-24 around the country for the year. Power Poll:
1. Auburn, 11-0 (7-0) - We'll just see if Cam Newton is still eligible for the Iron Bowl...and likewise if Auburn is eligible for the SEC Championship Game and BCS Title Game. But if they are they've got a great chance to win all three.
2. LSU, 9-1 (5-1) - Nice win over ULM, they finally didn't struggle with a lesser team. 'Magnolia Bowl' next week.
3. Alabama, 8-2 (5-2) - I was impressed by their ability to come out firing vs. MSU. They are still a great team and after a scrimmage vs. Georgia State they will be quite a test for Auburn.
4. Arkansas, 8-2 (4-2) - The Hogs have made their way back up to #4, and they've quietly won four in a row. Next week at Mississippi State could be a battle for the Cotton Bowl.
5. South Carolina, 7-3 (5-3) - The SEC schedule is over and the Gamecocks are East Champs! I'm glad they came through for me. Now we'll see if they can finish strong vs. Troy and Clemson.
6. Mississippi State, 7-3 (3-3) - I have been forced to drop my beloved dawgs. I almost don't even count that game with respect to evaluating the season as a whole due to the off the field distractions. They need to rebound this week to get ready for a really good Arkansas team.
7. Florida, 6-4 (4-4) - Their SEC schedule is also over and they have a horrible record for their standards. The offense reached new lows...in week 11! I think it's safe to say they miss Mullen and Tebow. And I think they should fire Addazio, because when you have that much talent you've got to be able to find a way to move the ball.
8. Georgia, 5-6 (3-5) - Another East team whose SEC schedule is over. Now it's crunch time and they've got two weeks to prepare for 'clean old fashioned hate' with Georgia Tech. They really need a bowl game to work on the defensive strategy.
9. Kentucky, 6-5 (2-5) - 2010 will make 5 straight bowl games for the Cats. That is quite an impressive streak for a program with their history. Joker Philips has continued Rich Brooks legacy, now we'll see if he can get over the hump in the coming years. He's got two weeks to prepare his team for the first hump which is finally beating Tennessee...and this is the year to do it.
10. Tennessee, 4-6 (1-5) - Finally got an SEC win, and did it in very convincing fashion. Tyler Brey looks like he could be a star in this league. Plus it gets easier next week at Vanderbilt.
11. Ole Miss, 4-6 (1-5) - I don't know if Jeramiah Masoli was suffering ill-effects from his concussion or not but he looked awful Saturday. Getting beat 52-14 by a 3-6 team has to be the low point of Houston Nutt's career...on the field. They've got to win out at LSU and vs. Mississippi State to make a bowl, don't think it's gonna happen.
12. Vanderbilt, 2-8 (1-6) - I watched every snap of the game at Kentucky and I really think they played well. I'm going to take back what I said about Robbie Caldwell last week, I didn't realize just how many injuries they've suffered. Vandy played really well for 3+ quarters on Saturday, just came up short. Having said that, I won't blame them if they have a coaching change.
My Top 5:
1. Auburn, 11-0
2. Oregon, 10-0
3. Boise State, 9-0
4. TCU, 11-0
5. LSU, 9-1
I was a little suspisious going into the week with Oregon going into Cal with them being undefeated at home this year, but I never had any clue they'd lock into a defensive struggle. TCU and Oregon both looked vunerable, so that means everyone in the Top 4 has played a close game they had to pull out this year. With Utah going down and VA Tech continuing to rise, Boise State is positioning themselves to be in the BCS Title Game should Auburn or Oregon go down. Auburn plays at Alabama, and Oregon plays Arizona and at Oregon State. Those are some pretty tough games for the top teams, should be an exciting finish.
With the NY Giants horrible loss at home to the Cowboys the Falcons officially have the best record in the NFC. I'm not going to say they are the best team because the Saints are the Superbowl Champs, and they are still good. So even though the Falcons beat them in New Orleans, I'll wait for the game in Atlanta before I pass that judgement. But the Falcons are for real, and their schedule down the stretch is pretty light so watch out home-field advantage in the NFC, the Falcons are coming. P.S. Matt Ryan is 18-1 at home in his career.
JB
A least a few of Mississippi State's players were obviously not over the loss of Nick Bell. There wasn't the same focus and determination we've seen all year, and State got creamed. If it wasn't for the mercy of Nick Saban the score would've completely been out of hand. That is something I will commend Saban for, there has been several opportunities this year to put up a huge number but he's backed off for the sake of being a good sport.
Congratulations to South Carolina. It's really been a banner year for that school. I'm pretty sure they had only won a national championship in track before 2010, and then this spring they won the baseball national championship. Now, they've won the SEC East, something they had never even come close to doing. I thought this would be their year, and it was.
I was 4-1 on my SEC picks and 1-2 nationally. So that's 65-16 SEC and 35-24 around the country for the year. Power Poll:
1. Auburn, 11-0 (7-0) - We'll just see if Cam Newton is still eligible for the Iron Bowl...and likewise if Auburn is eligible for the SEC Championship Game and BCS Title Game. But if they are they've got a great chance to win all three.
2. LSU, 9-1 (5-1) - Nice win over ULM, they finally didn't struggle with a lesser team. 'Magnolia Bowl' next week.
3. Alabama, 8-2 (5-2) - I was impressed by their ability to come out firing vs. MSU. They are still a great team and after a scrimmage vs. Georgia State they will be quite a test for Auburn.
4. Arkansas, 8-2 (4-2) - The Hogs have made their way back up to #4, and they've quietly won four in a row. Next week at Mississippi State could be a battle for the Cotton Bowl.
5. South Carolina, 7-3 (5-3) - The SEC schedule is over and the Gamecocks are East Champs! I'm glad they came through for me. Now we'll see if they can finish strong vs. Troy and Clemson.
6. Mississippi State, 7-3 (3-3) - I have been forced to drop my beloved dawgs. I almost don't even count that game with respect to evaluating the season as a whole due to the off the field distractions. They need to rebound this week to get ready for a really good Arkansas team.
7. Florida, 6-4 (4-4) - Their SEC schedule is also over and they have a horrible record for their standards. The offense reached new lows...in week 11! I think it's safe to say they miss Mullen and Tebow. And I think they should fire Addazio, because when you have that much talent you've got to be able to find a way to move the ball.
8. Georgia, 5-6 (3-5) - Another East team whose SEC schedule is over. Now it's crunch time and they've got two weeks to prepare for 'clean old fashioned hate' with Georgia Tech. They really need a bowl game to work on the defensive strategy.
9. Kentucky, 6-5 (2-5) - 2010 will make 5 straight bowl games for the Cats. That is quite an impressive streak for a program with their history. Joker Philips has continued Rich Brooks legacy, now we'll see if he can get over the hump in the coming years. He's got two weeks to prepare his team for the first hump which is finally beating Tennessee...and this is the year to do it.
10. Tennessee, 4-6 (1-5) - Finally got an SEC win, and did it in very convincing fashion. Tyler Brey looks like he could be a star in this league. Plus it gets easier next week at Vanderbilt.
11. Ole Miss, 4-6 (1-5) - I don't know if Jeramiah Masoli was suffering ill-effects from his concussion or not but he looked awful Saturday. Getting beat 52-14 by a 3-6 team has to be the low point of Houston Nutt's career...on the field. They've got to win out at LSU and vs. Mississippi State to make a bowl, don't think it's gonna happen.
12. Vanderbilt, 2-8 (1-6) - I watched every snap of the game at Kentucky and I really think they played well. I'm going to take back what I said about Robbie Caldwell last week, I didn't realize just how many injuries they've suffered. Vandy played really well for 3+ quarters on Saturday, just came up short. Having said that, I won't blame them if they have a coaching change.
My Top 5:
1. Auburn, 11-0
2. Oregon, 10-0
3. Boise State, 9-0
4. TCU, 11-0
5. LSU, 9-1
I was a little suspisious going into the week with Oregon going into Cal with them being undefeated at home this year, but I never had any clue they'd lock into a defensive struggle. TCU and Oregon both looked vunerable, so that means everyone in the Top 4 has played a close game they had to pull out this year. With Utah going down and VA Tech continuing to rise, Boise State is positioning themselves to be in the BCS Title Game should Auburn or Oregon go down. Auburn plays at Alabama, and Oregon plays Arizona and at Oregon State. Those are some pretty tough games for the top teams, should be an exciting finish.
With the NY Giants horrible loss at home to the Cowboys the Falcons officially have the best record in the NFC. I'm not going to say they are the best team because the Saints are the Superbowl Champs, and they are still good. So even though the Falcons beat them in New Orleans, I'll wait for the game in Atlanta before I pass that judgement. But the Falcons are for real, and their schedule down the stretch is pretty light so watch out home-field advantage in the NFC, the Falcons are coming. P.S. Matt Ryan is 18-1 at home in his career.
JB
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