Ole Miss Game Thread

Well, we are ready to go from Amsterdam.

Internet Connection....Check

Fully stocked minibar fridge.....check

Shitty room service meal ordered.....check



10:35 am: (I'm posting in Central Standard time) And we have the first of 3, 456, 342 promotions for the Ohio State-Michigan game on Gameday. Brilliant. What I wouldn't give for those two teams to lose every game they play until they play each other.

10:55 am: Herbstreit, do you really think South Carolina is going to beat Tennessee? Come on...poor pick my man, poor pick.

11:21 am: I'm watching the game on Yahoo!'s free coverage, but if you are ever in Europe and want to watch American T.V. (well, something other than CNN), I highly recommend TVU Networks . It can be a little iffy sometimes with a poor internet connection, but I can at least watch something that doesn't have subtitles. Plus, CSTV is showing Penn-Brown. SWEET!!!!!

11:32 am: I just became aware that Blogger is screwed up and is not posting the updates. Hopefully this will be fixed soon.

11:38 am: Apparently, there is something going around. Yahoo! isn't working either. GRRRR!!!!!!

11:40 am: Yahoo! comes on just in time for me to see Ole Miss score. Beautiful. Glad to see that the defense decided to show up. Looks like the offense is going to have to score 60 today.

11:58 am: I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Auburn might want to block Patrick Willis on every play. I know that there are plays where you say, oh, we will just beat the middle linebacker to the point. Nope.

11:59 am: And a wide receiver not named Courtney Taylor catches a ball down the field. 7-7. Okay defense, restore my faith in you please.

12:02 pm: Seriously, does Auburn play defense anymore? Oh, a blitz. What a novel freakin' concept. Where did that come from?

12:08 pm: That's the first quarter. 7-7. Not horrendus. I like the play-calling so far. Seems like Borges has a little faith in the wide receivers.

12:14 pm: Hey Ole Miss, you should have scouted Auburn a little better. Don't celebrate 3rd down stops, Auburn has gone for something like 4000 fourth downs this year.

12:24 pm: That right there is why Auburn is not a great football team. No consistency. They get Ole Miss backed up and let them out of it. Ridiculous.

12:33 pm: Why isn't Auburn in hurry up mode? What the hell? You know the clock rules have changed right Tommy? Of course you do.

12:36 pm: Okay Jay Jacobs, am I going to have to write a letter to you? Why hasn't someone in Auburn's Sports Information Department not sent a letter to Lou Holtz telling him that it's Auburn University not University of Auburn. The man coached in the SEC. Ith thith hith own cruel joke?

12:40 pm: I alwasy remember the quote from Brett Farve about how to run the two minute offense effectively to win games. It went something like, "Just make first downs. Whatever play you run, if it's succesful it should be for a first down." Words to remember Al Borges.

12:42 pm: First half over. Still tied 7-7. A lot of wasted opportunities there. Two turnovers is not good. Still in control of the game. Plus, Auburn gets the ball back at the beginning of the second half. Very important to score, stop the Rebels, and score again.

1:08 pm: First possession of the second half is not promising. Auburn could use a turnover. Yeah, what was I saying about defensive consistency? Exactly. That was Robert Freaking Lane. Robert Lane. HOLY CRAP!!! A quarterback just went for 30 something yards!!!!!!!!

1:20 pm: Auburn's defense needs to come up big. A touchdown by Ole Miss here and this is going to be interesting.

1:24 pm: Well, finally someone made a play for Auburn and then the offense did their thing and got the ball in the endzone. Excellent job Eric Brock, you might get the player of the game for that one.

1:29 pm: I'm watching the Michgan-Northwestern game on TVU. Are we going to be able to go through a game on ESPN or ABC without mention of the Ohio State-Michigan game? I'm guessing no, but damn it would be nice.

1:34 pm: Excellent interception. A touchdown by the offense should wrap it up.

1:37 pm: You know I'm going to do something here that is very unexpected. I'm going to give a little credit to the Lincoln Financial crew. That is something that doesn't happen often. However, they have done a pretty good job today. A well called game. They have brought their "A" game today. I mean I haven't heard anything about the quarterback sneak today. Kudos gentlemen.

1:39 pm: I hate kickers, but 17-10. Nice job John Vaughn.

1:42 pm: And of course, asking the defense to go three and out is just way too much. Nice job. Boy Will Muschamp, you are really earning that paycheck. Third quarter ends....17-10.

1:46 pm: That was a horseshit call. I know I'm biased, but that was a horseshit call. Neither of those guys intended to hit Schaffer on that play. Horseshit.

1:49 pm: And another horseshit call leads to a touchdown. Not that I'm blaming the refs here because there is no way Ole Miss should even be close to Auburn, but come on. How was that holding? I'm stunned.

1:52 pm: Actually I'm not stunned. I predicted another SEC loss for Auburn. This team isn't good enough to go 12-0 or 11-1.

1:54 pm: Is there any question that Brandon Cox has ice running through his veins? Seriously, can you name a guy that is nails like that? Damn, dude reminds me of Derek Jeter.

2:00 pm: I would normally be happy about a field goal in the fourth quarter. If Auburn was up by 30 that is, not to get a 20-17 lead in Oxford. Pathetic.

2:12 pm: And the game in Camp Randall is over. Illinois just resorted to running an end around to the wide receiver. That pretty much sums the Zooker's career up right there. A lot of smoke and mirrors, not much substance. Although, Illinois is young and has been in some games this year. I'll go on record as saying Phil Steele will have them as a surprise team of the year next year.

2:13 pm: Does anyone get the feeling that Kenny Irons is a little pissed about the Brad Lester might be better talk?

2:17 pm: Okay, I'm going to sound like an Alabama fan......the refs are screwing us. Honestly, I'm sitting in a hotel room in Amsterdam and I could have seen where the ball should have been spotted.

2:20 pm: And that's the ball game. Nice dive to Carl Stewart. You really have to wonder what game the Ole Miss coaching staff has been watching. Auburn has only run that little dive to Carl Stewart oh like every time it has been short yardage.

2:27 pm: And that will wrap it up. A very uninspiring 23-17 win. Yep, good job Auburn. You really showed me something there. Good grief.

As a post game note, I would like to apologize for Blogger. Something is evidently screwy in our code. I don't quite understand it, but we will all live.

So, Auburn won. Not impressive, but that has been the story all year. Right now, I will take a win even if it's sloppy. However, I would like to address the 800-lb gorilla in the room. Does anyone honestly think this team will win at Alabama? Now seriously, think about that. If Auburn played Alabama today they would have lost. Alabama can exploit the poor run defense and go over the top against the inexperienced secondary. Plus, the defense is good enough to stop Auburn. All that adds up to a loss in Tuscaloosa.

The Experts are Idiots....

Yep, pretty much. Sure Detroit made mistakes, sure the Cardinals were fortunate. And yes, the Cardinals are a flawed team. However, they played the way their fans (including me) thought they could play in October. There were a lot of injuries this year that contributed to the poor record and the tailspin at the end of the season. When it truly mattered the TEAM finally stepped up. The reason no one, including every person outside of that lockeroom, thought the Redbirds could win it was because they would have to do something that hadn't done all year...play as a team. Not nine guys individually trying to win, but nine guys collectively trying to win. That means picking a guy up when he had failed (i.e. Weaver not freaking out when Duncan completely misplays a ball last night) and making something happen for the team. Plus, for all the experts and haters out there, if you think this team wasn't deserving, consider these facts. In the last six years, this has been the best team in the National League. It isn't even close. Four divisions titles, two penants, and a World title. That is a pretty gaudy resume.

So, congratulations Tony LaRussa and the St. Louis Cardinals, you did what no one thought you could do. You shocked the world. You allowed every Cardinals fan to join you on a wonderful, magical October ride that no one will ever forget. You have nothing to apologize for, no reason to feel like you stole something that isn't yours. You won the World Series and you won it for yourselves and your fans.

World Champs Baby!!!!! World Series Champs!!!!!!

SEC Picks, The Amsterdam Edition - Week #9

We were both equally good and equally horrible last week. Good picking winners, but bad picking the spread. We were identical, 6-0 straight up and 1-5 against the spread. That puts me at 37-6 straight up and 20-19 against the spread. Junior is 32-11 straight up and 16-23 against the spread. Yep, he sucks.

Here are the picks for this week. Stop by tomorrow during the Ole Miss – Auburn game. We will be live blogging and will have a game thread open. Watch us make numerous typing mistakes after being up listening to the World Series. Yeah, that's right, we are totally going to be listening to the World Series at 2 am on a Saturday.


Florida International at Alabama – Alabama favored by 35

Junior: FIU returns to the field following the off week and comes back short-handed as a result of the brawl in the Orange Bowl. Alabama 35, FIU 10.

Buford: Do you ever get the feeling that Mike Shula goes home everyday and thanks the good Lord that his father is Don Shula? Alabama 32, FIU 10.


Louisiana-Monroe at Arkansas – Arkansas favored by 37

Junior: The Hogs are rolling. This is a tune up for Arkansas, nothing more. Arkansas 41, Indians 7.

Buford: A tuneup? Really? A tuneup. I think you are overestimating UL-Monroe. If Arkansas felt like winning by 50 they could. Arkansas 48, UL-Monroe 10.


Vanderbilt at Duke – Vanderbilt favored by 10

Junior: Both looked respectable against Bama. I think Vandy will win a tight one. Vanderbilt 14, Duke 13.

Buford: This game has blowout written all over it. The only way Duke covers the spread is if Vanderbilt overlooks them. I can’t believe I just wrote those words. Vanderbilt 28, Duke 7.


Kentucky at Mississippi State – Kentucky favored by 2.5

Junior: The Junior Snoozer of the week. Cats 28, Bullys 14.

Buford: Scoff all you want, this might be the best game of the weekend. And by best I mean most likely to be decided in overtime. Kentucky 31, Mississippi State 28.


Tennessee at South Carolina – Tennessee favored by 5

Junior: I’m wondering how UT will handle the win over Bama. I certainly think they are better than they showed last weekend, but a win’s a win. And on the other hand, we all know how much the Ol’ Ball Coach loves beating UT. I expect that the Vols have had this one circled for quite awhile. This begins a very difficult stretch for UT. I like UT to get it done, though. Vols 31, Cocks 24.

Buford: Let’s see. The Gamecocks are marginal on offense and defense. The Vols are solid on both sides of the ball. The Gamecocks have Spurrier. The Vols have the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man. The Vols have Smokey (yeah, I like that name), who evidently is willing to help the Vols out. The Cocks have ……? Well, enough detailed analysis. Tennessee is just a better football team. Tennessee 31, South Carolina 18.

Phil has lost some weight, don't you think?

Florida at Georgia – Florida favored by 14

Junior: The World’s Largest Outdoor Tailgate? Whatever it is, the Dawgs are out manned, out coached, and are in big trouble. Tebow 38, Dawgs 10.

Buford: The Dawgs are clearly out matched here. The defense hasn’t come close to stopping anyone in recent weeks. The offense has looked lack luster. Clearly, Mark Richt needs to be fired. Come on Georgia fans, the man has clearly lost control of the program. Patience? What are talking about? There is no patience. Fire Mark Richt now. Florida 21, Georgia 14.


Auburn at Mississippi – Auburn favored by 17

Junior: Well, a good measuring stick for Auburn. This is a team they should beat, but by the 18 points? Not sure about that. I’m not sure Auburn can ever cover anything more than 5 or 6. Auburn 24, Ole Miss 21.

Buford: This is my “Let Junior Catch Up so we can make this thing Interesting” game of the week. You are welcome Junior. Auburn 62, Ole Miss 0.

Did We Say IT People are Nerds?

Uhhh, nevermind.

This is Liz who hails from Loveland, Ohio. She is a computer engineer somewhere in the greater Cincinnati area. Overall, Liz is great. Our only beef is that her favorite Bengal is David Pollack. Honestly Liz, Willie Anderson, he of the equine cat-scan fame, is ten times the man, literally. Plus, you don't have that weird, completely-platonic relationship with David Greene to worry about. I wonder if Pollack has pictures of Greene in his locker? Hmmm, inquiring minds......

SI cheerleader gallery here, enjoy.

SEC Power Poll - Week #8

The quest to rate the jumbled mass of football teams we know as the SEC continues. Honestly, we are still lost. Most of the top teams were on byes or were playing inferior competition. You will notice very little change this week. Yes, we are still waiting for someone to overcome their own inertia and bound into the lead. You will notice that we finally put aside our biased, homer tendencies and move Auburn down. A detailed explanation follows.

Obviously, the biggest game this weekend is Florida – Georgia. I expect there to be many signs questioning Michael Adams’ heritage, but will CBS show them? Tennessee – South Carolina should also provide some excitement. However, the most competitive game by far will be Kentucky – Mississippi State.

Power Poll – Week 9

1. Florida (6-1, 4-1) – Like primeavel hunters after a big kill, the Gators fattened and rested up. They lay in wait for the World’s Largest Michael Adams Can Kiss My Grits Party in Jacksonville. Last Game: Bye, Up Next: Georgia (in Jacksonville).
   
2. Tennessee (6-1,2-1) – I always love the Tennessee-Alabama game. These are two teams that have made an absolute living out of playing like crap for two and half quarters and then creating more excitement than is healthy for their fans in the last one and half quarters. Last Game: Beat Alabama 16-13, Up Next: at South Carolina.
   
3. LSU (6-2, 2-2) – After a bye this week, LSU plays four straight games that will essentially decide both division races. The Tigers play at Tennessee, are at home for Alabama and Mississippi, and then finish up in Little Rock against the Hogs. If they aren’t prepared, they could go 1-3 in that stretch. Last Game: Beat Fresno State 38-6, Up Next: Bye.
   
4. Arkansas (6-1, 4-0) – Not a misprint. We finally are sold on the Hogs. In fact, they might deserve to be higher. What sold us was the defense. The defense is winning games for them. The offense is not very imaginative nor surprising, but does what it is supposed to do, gain yards and chew clock. The defense is a thing of beauty. Last Game: Beat Mississippi 38-3, Up Next: UL – Monroe.
   
5. Auburn (7-1, 4-1) – As we said in the game recap for Tulane, we finally have this team figured out. It is slightly above average for an SEC team. That means 9 or 10 wins and a nice bowl game. No one is going to convince us that Auburn doesn’t have another loss ahead of them. Don’t mistake this for pessimism, it's more like realism. Auburn can hang with anyone and is easily a top ten program and top ten team right now, but our expectations have changed. We are no longer expecting BCS. Maybe a January trip to Dallas? Last Game: Beat Tulane 38-13, Up Next: at Mississippi.
   
6. Alabama (5-3, 2-3) – A stronger team than the record would indicate and most people would give them credit for. Are they strong enough to beat LSU and Auburn? I guess we will see. We think they will go 1-1 in those two games. Last Game: Lost to Tennessee 16-13, Up Next: Florida International.
   
7. South Carolina (5-2, 3-2) – Game #2 in the annual Steve Spurrier Hate Caravan. Lost to Georgia earlier in the season. What happens when the Great Pumpkin visits Colombia? Last Game: Beat Vanderbilt 31-14, Up Next: Tennessee.
   
8. Vanderbilt (3-5, 1-4) – The Commodores needed that one against South Carolina. Well, maybe next year they can make a bowl game. Last Game: Lost to South Carolina 31-14, Up Next: at Duke.
   
9. Georgia (6-2, 3-2) – Any complaints that the Dawgs are ranked this low? Name a team above them they could beat right now. Just one. Didn’t think so. Last Game: Beat Mississippi State 27-24, Up Next: Florida (in Jacksonville).
   
10. Kentucky (3-4, 1-3) – What can you say? They still have a chance at a bowl game. A small chance. The big question is has Rich Brooks done enough to keep his job? Actually, the real question is when does basketball season start? Last Game: Bye, Up Next: at Mississippi State.
    
11. Mississippi (2-6, 1-4) – With a little luck and a near perfect game, they could easily pull the upset this weekend against Auburn. Or, they could lose like they did to Arkansas. Last Game: Lost to Arkansas 38-3, Up Next: Auburn.
    
12. Mississippi State (2-6, 0-4) – Coach Croom, where is your freakin’ brain? You are on Georgia’s 22 with 18 seconds to go and down by three points. Why in the name of all that is good and holy are you throwing the football? Kickers suck, but there is a time to be brave and a time to just kick the football. Yes, you would have lost in overtime, but you had played great up to that point. You forced 5 turnovers. Maybe Georgia coughs another one up in overtime. It is decisions like this that make Alabama look good for passing you up. Last Game: Lost to Georgia 27-24, Up Next: Kentucky.

What's a Green Wave?

Auburn gets a lot of flack for its mascot situation while a certain university that shall remain unamed rarely gets questioned at all (Pot, I would like for you to meet Kettle). However, can a knowledgeable Tulane fan tell me what a Green Wave is and why it is Tulane's mascot?

That question is more important than recapping another sleep walking victory over an opponent with one good player and a bunch of others that weren’t up to the task. The game did prompt the obligatory “Tulane? Come on and schedule someone” column from a local media type. I’m just curious if Neal thinks that he is the only person upset about this? Try actually paying good money for tickets, instead of getting in free to games and getting a buffet for crying out loud, and see how upset you get when you realize that in 2007, you will really only get to see one decent game the entire year (Alabama).

Offensively, Auburn finally looks like it has gotten its act together. We are staring at back-to-back games of consistently driving the football, scoring points, and chewing up clock. Sure, Tulane’s defense was no match, but the offense was consistent. There were scores on 6 of the Tigers’ 11 possessions (and the last possession was in clock killing mode). Brandon Cox hit his first 9 passes and was 16 of 18 for 212 yards and three touchdowns. The third string tailback had 26 rushes for 156 yards. All impressive stuff when you consider Auburn was without its top two tailbacks and starters at fullback, guard, and center.

Of course, there is the defensive issue to counterbalance the offense. Well specifically, there was a Lester Ricard issue on defense. Before the game, I thought Ricard might pose problems for Auburn’s defense. Credit goes to Tulane for using the threat of Ricard running the football to get Auburn to play back on its heels, not consistently rush the passer, and give up big chunks of yardage. I’m saying this without conclusive evidence because I wasn’t in the stadium to watch it, but my guess is that the defensive gameplan was similar to the second half of South Carolina. Just like that game, Tulane was able to move the football, but just not score touchdowns. In a year full of inconsistent defense, one constant has been the play of the defense in the red zone (6 touchdowns in 20 trips to the redzone for opponents, the lowest rate in the SEC). They are to be congratulated for those efforts. Now, just figure out how to stop someone from driving the football.

After eight games, I think we have a pretty solid read on this Auburn team. There is plenty of talent to win an SEC title, but just not enough consistency. Can anyone honestly say that this team has played its best game? There hasn’t been one game this year where both sides of the ball were outstanding for the entire game. The issues on offense seem to be working themselves out. Cox has become more consistent about getting rid of the football and the young receivers are finally learning how to get open. The offensive line is the weak link, but, due to injuries, the same offensive line hasn’t been used in the last four or five games. Auburn’s defense is still trying to work the kinks out and that is truly why the team is not deserving of high rankings or praise. As funny as this will sound to a lot of Auburn fans, the low preseason ranking killed Auburn in 2004, but it is artificially supported them this year. Clearly, this team is not one of the top 5 teams in the country as the BCS standings indicated last week. They are potentially one of the top 10 and if they finish 11-1 will be deserving of a BCS bid. I just don’t see that happening right now. I think there is another loss out there somewhere. That means one thing Tiger fans, either Auburn will lose a game no one expects them to lose, i.e. Ole Miss or Georgia, or Alabama cashes in on the karma of Auburn fans, and a certain coach, using the ridiculous “One for the Thumb” mantra. Personally, I would take losing to the Rebels.

SEC Picks - Week #8

Wow, Georgia are you really that bad? What a miss by yours truly and I will give credit to Junior for getting that one correct. Of course, he wasn’t man enough to take his own team, but that’s fine. We both turned in identical records last week, 5-1 straight up and 2-2 against the spread. For the year, I am 31-6 straight up and 19-14 against the spread while Junior is lagging behind a little bit. He is 26-11 straight up and 15-18 against the spread.


Fresno State at Louisiana State – Louisiana State favored by 32.5

Junior: I always think back to the time Auburn played Fresno State and the Tiger Rags game shirt had a picture of Aubie, with the Bulldog of Fresno wearing a dunce cap. Aubie points to a map of the United States and the caption reads, “Fresno is NOT a state.” It doesn’t take much to amuse me. Tigers 55, Bulldogs 10.

Buford: Sooner or later, LSU is going to have a letdown game against a lesser opponent. One might be tempted to think that this would be the game because LSU has a bye next week before taking on Tennessee. I just can’t shake the notion that the Tigers are trying to serve notice that they are still one of the better teams in the country despite the two losses. Louisiana State 49, Fresno 10.


Mississippi State at Georgia – Georgia favored by 17.5

Junior: Bulldogs versus Bulldogs (or Dawgs, if you prefer). UGA is obviously well coached, I think they are just young. It won’t be any easier without Brown, but the Cowbells still aren’t ringing. UGA 24, MSU 3.

Still not ringing......

Buford: With Georgia coming in off a loss, it sets up well for them to get the win. I have my doubts about the offenses ability to score enough points to cover, but make no mistake Mississippi State is no Vandy. Georgia 31, Mississippi State 10.


Mississippi at Arkansas – Arkansas favored by 17

Junior: Well, if you look at common opponents, this one should go into overtime (Arkansas beat Alabama in OT, Ole Miss lost to Alabama in OT). Both teams also had competitive games against Vandy. I somewhat expect Arkansas to rollin this game, but for some reason I can’t pull the trigger. Hogs 23, Ole Miss 17.

Buford: I still have some questions about Arkansas. Yes, it is biased hate, I don’t care. I like Arkansas at about 10 points, not two touchdowns. I don’t trust such a young team with a big spread like that. Arkansas 24, Mississippi 14.


South Carolina at Vanderbilt – South Carolina favored by 3.5

Junior: Off it’s biggest victory in ages, Vandy hosts Carolina. Spurrier with two weeks to prepare is dangerous. And I bet he wishes he could replay Georgia. Cocks 27, Vandy 20.

Buford: I’m in shock that the second most interesting game on Saturday in the SEC is this one. I will watch because both teams are exciting and playing great football right now. Since we have basically been identical so far, I’m going to toss Junior a bone on this one. I’m taking Vandy at home. Not to win, but to cover in overtime, on a dropped two point conversion pass. South Carolina 25, Vanderbilt 23.


Alabama at Tennessee – Tennessee favored by 11.5

Junior: Shula takes the Tide on the road against Fulmer in what is always and exciting game. Tennessee has more than enough talent to win and Bama lacks enough coaching to really make this competitive. The only way Bama wins is if UT gives it to them like last year. My only thought on the spread being 11 is does Fulmer really want to stomp Shula? Could he take the Tuberville approach and lesson the beatdown? Nope. Vols 35, Tide 17.

Buford: Under Mike Shula, Alabama is averaging 21.4 points per game and giving up an average of 21.9 points per game. The Tide has a 6-10 record in the 16 road games they have played under Shula. However, they are 6-1-1 in their last 8 games as a dog of more than 10.5 points. All this says what exactly? The Tide tends to play tough on the road. I’m giving Junior another opportunity to catch up. Tennessee 32, Alabama 24.


Tulane at Auburn – Auburn favored by 32

Junior: The Greenies head to the Plains for Homecoming. Can Auburn score 32 points to cover is the only question you should be asking. A gimmie win after an emotional win. Didn’t this happen when Auburn played Buffalo? I think the Tigers get better results this time around. Tigers 42, Wave 6.

Buford: I can’t place my finger on why exactly, but I like Auburn’s offense to explode this week. The Greenies are terrible on defense. The matchup of the game is Lester Ricard against Auburn’s defense. Ricard is a great athlete. He doesn’t have much talent around him, but he might be able to create some problems for Auburn’s linebackers if the defensive line can’t contain him. Think Syvelle Newton without Sydney Rice. Auburn 52, Greenies 14.

SEC Power Poll - Week #8

This SEC thing is tough to figure out. We are confused on where everyone stands. We do know one thing, Mississippi State is bad. Horrid. They are last. Everyone else is a toss up. Seriously, we feel like the top four are a jumbled mess. Any of the four is capable of beating the other, so ranking them is difficult.

Big games this weekend are Mississippi at Arkansas and Alabama at Tennessee. The rest of the league is involved in crappy out of conference games, meaningless conference games, or on a bye.

Power Poll – Week 8

1. Florida (6-1, 4-1) – They retain the top spot because they lost to a good team on the road. The breaks went against them in Auburn when they had gone their way prior. We are not 100 percent sold on the offense due to the fact that the slightest amount of pressure forces Leak into the fetal position and Tebow is obviously not ready to put the team on his back and carrying them. However, we do wonder why Leak is in the game when Florida is inside the 20 yard line. Last Game: Lost to Auburn 27-17, Up Next: Bye.
   
2. Tennessee (5-1,1-1) – Not much has changed since last week. Tennessee is still the second best team in the conference and still probably couldn’t beat the Gators. Last Game: Bye, Up Next: Alabama.
   
3. LSU (5-2, 2-2) – I know not many people watched their game with Kentucky, but they actually had a running game. Yes, I said it, LSU had a running game. Jimbo Fisher, more Charles Scott please. Last Game: Beat Kentucky 49-0, Up Next: Fresno State.
   
4. Auburn (6-1, 4-1) – Just when we think we have this team figured out, they go and amaze us. The defense isn’t as horrendous as it looked against Arkansas, but the offense is still having trouble scoring points. They are below LSU simply because of the tepid offense. LSU’s defense is equal in every respect to Auburn’s, but the Bengal Tigers are a much better offensive football team right now. Last Game: Beat Florida 27-17, Up Next: Tulane.
   
5. Arkansas (5-1, 3-0) – Again, it is insane that we have them ranked below Auburn. We agree, insanity, but dirty habits are had to break and we just can’t cure ourselves of the Hog doubting. We will probably keep muttering to ourselves that Arkansas isn’t good when they are playing in the Sugar Bowl after celebrating their first SEC title. Last Game: Beat Southeast Missouri State 63-7, Up Next: Mississippi.
   
6. Alabama (5-2, 2-2) – A very typical Alabama game against Ole Miss. Struggle mightily and pull it out in the end. The Tide are still one of the better teams in the conference and will likely beat someone that they shouldn’t this year, but does it look like they aren’t comfortable with the offensive scheme? Honestly, they look surprised when they don’t run the ball three straight times and punt. Last Game: Beat Mississippi 26-23, Up Next: at Tennessee.
   
7. South Carolina (4-2, 2-2) – Go on a bye and get moved up in the power poll. You have to love that. Last Game: Bye, Up Next: at Vanderbilt.
   
8. Vanderbilt (3-4, 1-3) – Just a stunning upset in Athens. The Commodores should us a lot of heart by fighting back against some adversity in the fourth quarter to win it. Last Game: Beat Georgia 24-22, Up Next: South Carolina.
   
9. Georgia (5-2, 2-2) – It is strange to say it, but we just don’t trust this team right now. They will beat Mississippi State this weekend, but it is very possible that they could lose their last four games: Florida, at Kentucky, at Auburn, and Georgia Tech. Last Game: Lost to Vanderbilt 24-22, Up Next: Mississippi State.
   
10. Kentucky (3-4, 1-3) – We thought the Cats would have generated a little more offense in Baton Rouge. Obviously, that shows you how smart we are. We still like the Cats, but they are slipping a little. Use the bye week wisely Rich Brooks. Last Game: Lost to Louisiana State 49-0, Up Next: Bye.
    
11. Mississippi (2-5, 1-3) – Moral victories do not count in the standings. However, the Rebels are showing some improvement. This is a good thing because the schedule gets tougher in the next month. Last Game: Lost to Alabama 26-23, Up Next: at Arkansas.
    
12. Mississippi State (2-5, 0-3) – A solid effort against Jacksonville State. Not too shabby. Really, the Bulldogs are playing for the Egg Bowl title right now. Last Game: Beat Jacksonville State 35-3, Up Next: at Georgia.

The Gateway to the West

WWBS presents Amy, from the St Louis Rams Cheerleaders...

As our pal Wooderson would say, "I love them redheads!"

Possum's Pecker of the Week

Because no one makes Sheriff Buford T. Justice look like a possum’s pecker.......

We salute you Mr. Lamar Thomas, former Miami thug and current color analyst for CSS. It’s guys like you that make us want to throw up when the words “scholar athlete” are used. The fact that you haven’t been fired yet is equally pathetic. Cheering on college kids in a brawl, come on man, even Michael Irvin doesn’t approve of that. Yes, the same Michael Irvin who disgraces the University of Miami with every drug arrest and God-awful suit that he wears on NFL Countdown. So stand up Lamar Thomas, you are the Possum’s Pecker of the week.

Auburn vs. Florida - The Rumble in the Jungle Review

This recap is kind of small. Being at the game makes me concentrate less and obviously not make notes about things on the field. So, this is shortish. I will try better next time.

Defense

I could use a bunch of clichés about the game on Saturday. It was a tale of two halves would probably work. Instead, I will point out that essentially, Auburn’s defense finally grew a pair and grew up. Well, okay that remains to be seen, but it is definitely more promising than a week ago at this point. Kudos to Tuberville who was obviously pissed off at halftime and let his team and his staff know it. For Florida to be able to gain close to 200 yards on only 18 plays in the first half was unacceptable. The defense was unable to mount anything close to a competent attack.

I thought that the youth and inexperience on defense was contributing to the lack of aggressiveness and it seems, based on post game comments that was/is the problem. Have those issues been fixed? We shall see. The bottom line is that I finally saw what looked like an Auburn defense show up in the second half. The speed and aggressiveness confused Florida and particularly frustrated Chris Leak. There are still issues to fix, but getting the young guys to play without fear is the first step.


Offense

Just like the defense, the offense needed to get its head out of its butt and play better. It seemed that the pep talk/ass chewing helped. Auburn was able to control the clock in the second half and keep Florida’s offense off the field. The offense is still not the force that it has been in the past, but I think that is just what we will have to deal with. The line is going to give up sacks, but will hold blocks long enough some plays and steamroll defenders on others. Cox will make horrendous passes like some of those that he put at the feet of his receivers and he will also throw strikes into tight coverage to convert third downs. Sometimes the young receivers will get wide open when cornerbacks and safeties fall asleep and then there will be times that they can’t create separation. Like I said, the offense is what it is and no amount of creative play-calling and scheming will fix that. The only things that will help are 1) more Brad Lester, 2) a healthy Brandon Cox, and 3) attempting to establish something downfield in the passing game. Those three issues need work for the offense to get close to competent. Remember, Auburn’s offense is averaging around 15 ppg in SEC play. That is not good enough to beat Georgia and Alabama.


Special Teams

Matt Clark and Kody Bliss, good. John Vaughn, be glad the defense bailed you out. Oh and I hate kickers. Just saying.

Junior Enjoys Eating Crow...

SEC Picks - Week #7

What a horrendous weekend for Junior and I. We are still recovering from the ass-reaming administered by Nutt’s Razorbacks. All the Preparation H in the world can’t reduce the swelling. And oh God it doesn’t get better this week as the Gators come to town. The damage done by the high school attack is baby shit compared to what Florida’s diverse attack is going to do.

At least we were decent on the picks last week. I posted an identical 5-2 record both straight up and against the spread. Junior was 4-3 both straight up and against the spread. The yearly totals are 26-5 straight up and 17-12 against the spread for me and 21-10 and 13-16 for Junior.


Southeast Missouri State at Arkansas – No line

Junior: Arkansas coming off a huge win at Auburn, steps out of conference for a week to take on the I-AA Redhawks. Hogs score early and often in this one. Hogs 41, Redhawks 7.

Buford: A week after raping and pillaging the Loveliest Village on the Plains, the Hogs turn their attention to Southeast Missouri State. At least there will be two high school offenses in this game. One employing a high school scheme and the other employing high school talent. Yes, that’s better than what Auburn could do last week. Arkansas 31, Southeast Missouri State 0.


Jacksonville State at Mississippi State – No line

Junior: Croom gets a much needed win. MSU 17, Gamecocks 6

Buford: Win #2 Coach Croom. Of course, you are 1-1 against Division I-AA opponents, so maybe it won’t be that easy. Mississippi State 28, Jacksonville State 7.


Kentucky at Louisiana State – Louisiana State favored by 26

Junior: LSU looks to rebound against the Cats in Death Valley. I expect LSU to run the table the rest of the season. Tigers 42, Cats 10

Buford: The initial thought is that LSU should cover this spread easily, but I really wonder how great the mood is in Baton Rouge right now. The Tigers’ season is essentially over. I doubt that both Auburn and Arkansas are going to lose 3 conference games. The scary thing is that Kentucky is good enough to beat LSU. They won’t, but they could. Louisiana State 28, Kentucky 14


Vanderbilt at Georgia – Georgia favored by 13

Junior: I honestly don’t know what to think of this game. I know that UGA’s defense is better than the 50-odd points they gave up last week. And the points they scored on UT last week were a bit misleading as well, as they had a put return and a kickoff return for touchdowns. As for Vandy, they seem incapable of playing two good games in a row. If I’m going to catch Daddy, I’m going to need to go out on a limb on games like this. Vanderbilt 14, Georgia 10.

Buford: I have been impressed with Vanderbilt so far this year. They killed themselves with turnovers last week against an Ole Miss team they should have beaten. This week they are facing a ticked off Georgia team that gave up 51 points to Tennessee last week. I have my doubts about how good Georgia’s defense is, but it is good enough to beat Vanderbilt. Georgia 24, Vanderbilt 10.


Mississippi at Alabama – Alabama favored by 14.5

Junior: Can someone please explain to me how a team can be beating Florida in the Swamp in the second half one week, but be trailing Duke in the second half the next week? Alabama 21, Mississippi 10.

Buford: This will be a typically Alabama game against a team that is inferior to them. The game will be close until about half way through the third quarter when Alabama just wears down the Rebels defense and wins by 10. Alabama 27, Mississippi 17.


Auburn at Florida – Auburn favored by 2.5

Junior: How good is Florida? Yes, they stomped LSU, but I’m still not sold on the Gators run defense against a team committed to the run. Although I have questions regarding the Gator defense, I know exactly what to think of the Auburn defense. As my daddy and I have discussed, Auburn’s defense simply does not match up well against physical teams that run the ball right up the middle. When Tebow’s in, he’ll pick up 7 or 8 yards a pop, just by running up the middle. I think when Leak is in, Auburn can at least contain him, as this is the type of offense that Tuberville has geared his defense to stop. On offense for Auburn, it simply comes down to can Kenny Irons run the football? If he gets 150 yards, I like Auburn’s chances. And as we said, I’m not sure Florida can stop a team committed to the run like Auburn. One last thing, CBS, why don’t you just change the telecast form “SEC Football” to “Shots of Tim Tebow’s father in an ugly hat.” Seriously, that hat was reject from the clubhouse of Caddyshack. Oh, and then tell again about The Bob Tebow Ministries. Of course, ESPN won’t let that happen. Yeah right and I will actually be Sheriff one day. Florida Tebows 14, Auburn 13. Is Tebow Spanish for “Bandit?”

Buford: This game comes down to Auburn’s offense versus Florida’s defense. Auburn’s offense hasn’t played anywhere near it’s potential. The lack of a playmaker opposite Courtney Taylor is killing the creativity that Borges has in his skull. Florida is winning because of its defense. Yes, I know the offense is leading the conference, but the difference between last year and this year is the defense. Reggie Nelson is a beast and deserves of all the man love he can get. The rest of his defensive mates swarm to the ball and create havoc wherever they go. This defense reminds me a lot of Auburn’s defense from 2004, decent size up front and speed all over the place.

Auburn’s defense was just killed last week. I think the matchups are a little better for the defense this week. Florida is not a pound it out running team. Although, they might go to that strategy after watching what Arkansas was able to do. Honestly though, Auburn was fortunate that LSU had running backs who enjoyed running sideways more than downfield and a coaching staff who seemed to be confused about the obvious weakness of the defense they were playing. I don’t know expect Florida to make similar mistakes. I think Tebow will play quite a bit and when in the game, he will run nearly 95% of the time. I know that sounds obvious, but he is simply the Gators’ best tailback, particularly with Wynn hobbled by a knee, and their best weapon to wear down Auburn’s defensive front. I expect Auburn to employ a 4-3 and try to get a lot of people into the backfield regardless of who is playing quarterback for the Gators. Leak doesn’t respond well to pressure and Tebow is not quick enough to break a play outside and get away from the speedy linebackers. Plus, making a young quarterback try to make a decision fast is usually a good thing for a defense.

Make no mistake, despite what Vegas says, Auburn is an underdog in this game. Florida is the better team, is on a roll, and should win. The only note of a caution for Florida is that they have had a tendency to start slow. If Auburn can get a 10 or 14 point lead (I really don’t know how they will do this, but…) and is able to run on Florida’s defense, the Gators are in trouble. For some reason, call it being a big homer or whatever, I think Auburn takes it. Yes, I’m wearing my Burnt Orange and Navy Blue glasses and drinking the Tiger Kool-Aid, but if you don’t pick your team then what kind of fan are you? Yeah, I’m talking to you Junior. Auburn 21, Florida 17.

Philadelphia, The City of Brotherly Love

This week, we bring you Amanda W. from the Philadelphia Eagles.


Amanda is an Assistant Manger and Personal Trainer at LA Fitness.

You have to love those Philly Cheerleaders, cute as a button with just that right amount of slutiness mixed in.

As always, the rest of the gallery is here.

SEC Power Poll - Week #7

Well, there is a little movement in the poll this week. Call it sour grapes if you want, but we still are not completely sold on Arkansas. Credit to the Hogs for kicking Auburn’s butt all over the field, but we are wondering if this is an inevitable result of the Tuberville era (preach on Brother Cribbs) or really a display of the awesome power of Arkansas. We are guessing the former, but that is why they play the games. Also, Georgia moves down due to the fact that we aren’t sure exactly who can help them get better.

In any event, the big game this weekend is between Florida and Auburn. ESPN is going full circle, so be prepared for cutaway shots of Tuberville, Meyer, and Tebow’s third cousin twice removed. Oh and good citizens of the loveliest village, more Lee Corso signs please.

Power Poll – Week 7

1. Florida (6-0, 4-0) – A lot of people keep saying Florida has been lucky. Luck doesn’t exist, fortune exists. Florida has been fortunate. However, they are a better team than Alabama and LSU plays sloppy in pretty much every big game under Les Miles. Last Game: Beat Louisiana State 23-10, Up Next: at Auburn.
   
2. Tennessee (5-1,1-1) – The Vols are getting stronger. There is no doubt they would beat any other team in the league except for the Gators. Last Game: Beat Georgia 51-33, Up Next: Bye.
   
3. LSU (4-2, 1-2) – One of these days Les Miles will win a big game. We just haven’t figured out when that will be. We think the Tigers could beat Arkansas on a neutral field and probably will beat them in Little Rock, but they are on notice. This week? Take the over in their game with Kentucky because you know JaMarcus is throwing for six toudowns. Last Game: Lost to Florida 23-10, Up Next: Kentucky.
   
4. Auburn (5-1, 3-1) – Are we homers? You damn well better believe. No justifiable reason for Auburn being here except that we are betting (hoping is more like it) that the destruction at the hands of the Nutter is more the normal Tuberville meltdown and less the sign of impeding disaster al a 2001. Just like LSU, Auburn is on notice. Improve or be dropped, I’m sure Tommy Tuberville will mention the W.W.B.S. Power Poll as being unfair in his Wednesday press conference. Last Game: Lost to Arkansas 27-10, Up Next: Florida.
   
5. Arkansas (4-1, 3-0) – A lot of sour grapes right here. Arkansas has improved there is no doubt, but are still completed unbalanced in offensive strategy. Way too much credit is being given to the Hogs game planning and not enough to their execution and Auburn’s lack thereof. Credit where credit is due, Arkansas has underrated talent on defense and the offensive lines. However, we feel they have more to prove. Like, oh I don’t know, actually mounting a balanced strategy. Of course, when you average 10 yards a carry, you don’t have to be balanced. Last Game: Beat Auburn 27-10, Up Next: Southeast Missouri State.
   
6. Alabama (4-2, 1-2) – Played a very mediocre opponent and it showed. Sure Duke was only down two points going into the fourth quarter, but make no mistakes, Alabama was in control of the game. The biggest distress for Joe Kines is that Duke scored two touchdowns on Alabama. Those were the first two offensive touchdowns they had scored all year. One touchdown on your fourth stringers with three minutes to go is one thing, but two scores on your first team is somewhat distressing. Last Game: Beat Duke 30-14, Up Next: Mississippi.
   
7. Georgia (5-1, 2-1) – Not really sure what Mark Richt learned from the game with Tennessee. We are sure that the defense benefited from facing weak offenses in the first five games. We are also sure that the quarterback situation will not get better this season. Any one here doubting that if Tennessee had scored more than 52 Spurrier would have tried to beat it when he makes a return trip to Athens in 2008? Last Game: Lost to Tennessee 51-33, Up Next: Vanderbilt.
   
8. South Carolina (4-2, 2-2) – Probably underrated them last week because we assumed that their game against Auburn was a fluke due to Auburn being flat. Wait, what does that say about Arkansas? Last Game: Beat Kentucky 24-17, Up Next: Bye.
   
9. Kentucky (3-3, 1-2) – Still on track for six wins. The schedule gets dramatically tougher from here on out. We are still impressed with the Wildcats. Last Game: Lost to South Carolina 24-17, Up Next: at Louisiana State.
   
10. Vanderbilt (2-4, 0-3) – A little too much to ask to beat Ole Miss on the road I guess. No rest for the weary, good luck in Athens this weekend. Last Game: Lost to Mississippi 17-10, Up Next: at Georgia.
    
11. Mississippi (2-4, 1-2) – Nice win against Vanderbilt. Enjoy it for awhile because it might be the last SEC win you get this year. Last Game: Beat Vanderbilt 17-10, Up Next: at Alabama.
    
12. Mississippi State (1-5, 0-3) – The only thing that is going to save your season now Sylvester Croom is to beat Ole Miss. Last Game: Lost to West Virginia 42-14, Up Next: Jacksonville State.

Coping With A Loss

Here at W.W.B.S., we are in to public service. So for those out there trying to cope with a gut-wrenching, manhood robbing, kick-in-the-balls loss, we are here for you. There are a number of ways to relieve stress and make yourself feel better. You could try a long walk, meditation, yoga even works for some people. Us? Junior and I are drinking heavily and reliving the glory days with our favorite post-game meltdown.

Atlanta? Atlanta? We got our butts whipped by a high school coach and you want to talk about makin' it to Atlanta?

Ahh, feels much better.

Possum's Pecker of the Week

Because no one makes Sheriff Buford T. Justice look like a possum's pecker....

Might as well have announced that Auburn wouldn't cover the spread so I could have at least made some money.

Yep, really looked good discussing the national title. How about actually making sure your defense can stop an offensive strategy that it knows about oh six months ago.

Runners Up:

David and Kenny Irons - For post-game gems such as:

"It's very disappointing, knowing you see a team that's not that great," Irons said. "They're not LSU, not Florida, not Georgia. It just shows that in the SEC you can lose to anybody. There's a lot of teams out there shooting for us. We just have to fight our way back up."

"We ran the ball on them pretty well," said Irons, who came into the game leading the league in rushing. "We can run the ball on any team. The run is always going to be there."

"He [McFadden] didn't prove anything," Irons said. "He's a running back. He ran the ball. That's what he's supposed to do. That's his job. He didn't prove anything."

"I thought that [Touchdown pass to Marcus Monk] was offensive pass interference," Irons said. "Their man was pushing our guy down. We can't put our hands on receivers. He made a play. And we've got to live with that. That gave them a little momentum there."

Drew Bledsoe - For just sucking

Bobby and Jeff Bowden - The only more blatant example of nepotism is the fact that my son has a job, but it's close.

The Saturday Review - Week #6

Wonderful weekend for watching college football wasn’t it? Sorry the review is a little light, after the butt-whooping that Auburn got from Arkansas, I needed to go for a long walk.

1. LSU just doesn’t play smart. Dropped passes, fumbled snaps, stupid pass plays. Bo Pelini going with three down lineman when Florida is up by 16 and likely to run the ball, run the ball, run the ball. Oh and I didn’t mention not passing into the endzone on the last play of a game.
   
   

2. I have to say that Colt McCoy impressed me. I really didn’t think he would step up today, but he did. Of course, Aaron Ross won that game for Texas and also assured himself of being taken in the first three rounds in April. Oh and like I said after they lost to Ohio State, Texas will be 11-1 (make that 12-1) come December 4th. I’m telling you, expect them to be in Glendale.
   
   

3. While the defense may not be as good as originally thought, Missouri is a pretty good team. They should be ranked close to #15 this week. It looks like the game on November 4th in Lincoln will be for the Big 12 North.
   
   

4. Wow, Oregon, I thought your defense was better than that. Pretty scary that California probably cost itself an appearance in the national title game by not being prepared for Tennessee.
   
   

5. Speaking of the Vols, mark my words. If you make those mistakes against a team with an actual offense, you will lose. Unless it’s LSU because they will find a way to lose the game as well. As for Georgia, I remain unimpressed. I know it is easy to say that, but the Dawgs don’t have enough offense or defense to beat Florida, Auburn, or Georgia Tech. Plus, that game in Lexington looks pretty difficult right now. It probably won’t be, but if you are a Georgia fan, you are probably a little scared right now.
   

6. Oh and Georgia, don't think I didn't see you copying the Auburn Tigers and walking out of the tunnel arm and arm. All I have to say is "Click ... Clack."
   

I Hope I Don't Jinx Them

VEB has an excellent breakdown of LaRussa's startling change of pace for the NLDS against the Padres. I agree that more of this type of managing is necessary. The Redbirds are a flawed team that will not win doing the traditional, by-the-book managing. Kudos to Tony for actually steping outside of his comfort zone and doing what has to be done. Of course, having a stud like Chris Carpenter to hand the ball to twice gives you a little leeway.

One Word: Stud

What's that you say? No one around here cares about baseball and specifically the Cardinals? Bite me, my blog, I can do what I want.

Tray Blackmon - Little Ball of Hate

Like Dante, Tray Blackmon has endured his journey through the afterlife and come out the other side. Yippie. Let the hyperbole begin.

My thoughts? The guy has never played a snap of college football in his life, I remain unconvinced that he will be a great addition until he actually does something on the field. High school superlatives are great, but remember, Ron Powlus was supposed to win the Heisman ten times. Plus, how does his presence really change anything? It's not like Blackmon is 6' 2" and 245 lbs. He is another safety playing linebacker. The defensive line is the real issue. Sure Blackmon is fast and hits hard and I'm sure that he will be very motivated to make some plays. However, he will also overrun plays because of his youth and inexperience.

Arkansas Game and a First Half Review

"Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

-Satayanna

That was fun wasn't it? The maiming that South Carolina started, Arkansas finished. The game reminded me of another one I saw last January.

I know that hindsight is always 20/20. However, in hindsight, you had to see this coming, right? Playing against a team that is built to expose the small Auburn defense and coming in off a bye week. The game was early and Auburn has not shown a quick start ability all year. It was the slow start that doomed Auburn. After going down 10-0 and showing no ability to stop what the Razorbacks were doing on offense, Auburn was in a precarious situation. In the second half down by two touchdowns, the game was essentially over. Auburn doesn’t have the offensive capability to recover when down 14 points. This is especially true when the defense seemed unable to stop the running game.

Since we are now half-way through the season, a little analysis of the game and of the team so far and a few questions that need to be asked and answered by the coaching staff and the team. Oh and to remind you, here is what I thought before the season.

Offense

Why is Auburn reduced to trying trick plays? Especially early in a game. Don’t get me wrong, it is easy to criticize the call because it doesn’t work. I actually don’t have a problem with the call. In fact, you have to do something to get the defense out of the “Must Stop Kenny Irons” mode. However, Arkansas was on its heels and you try a gadget play. I just have a hard time believing that Auburn is less talented on offense than nearly ever single team it plays.

That being said, he is a nice guy and I will never forget what he did against Alabama in 2002, but please no more Tre Smith. He is probably the least talented running back on the team.

Why not use the three timeouts before the half? Granted, you have to stop someone, which didn’t happen, but still use the timeouts because you weren’t getting ball back at the beginning of the second half.

Can someone other than Courtney Taylor get open consistently? A bigger issue is can the offensive line provide protection for Brandon Cox to get the ball to them? It seems to me that Borges doesn’t trust Cox or the receivers or the offensive line. He has opened the offense up in the past two years, but not this year.

Speaking of Al Borges, where is the imaginative play calling that showed up in his first two seasons? In the first half of the game Saturday, I was sitting on the couch basically calling the same plays. If I can guess correctly 60 to 70 percent of the time, I’m pretty sure a college defensive coordinator can as well.


Defense

The most disappointing thing about the Arkansas game? As a defense Auburn knew what was coming and didn’t stop it. I’m okay with the long pass play to Monk and McFadden’s long run. Those two plays hurt, no doubt, but mistakes happen. The bigger issue was continuing to allow Arkansas to dominate the line of scrimmage and not standing up and doing something.

This team just doesn’t seem aggressive enough. I’m not sure it’s scheme, I think it is youth and inexperience. The players look like they are sitting back and waiting for the play to come to them. In previous years, guys flew to the ball with reckless abandon but tackled well and didn’t over run the play. What is the difference? Youth. Except for Herring and Irons, most of those guys are young and haven’t started prior to this year. Inexperience causes guys to worry about what might happen and they haven’t been in enough situations to know what is likely coming at them. One would think this would improve in the second half of the season. I guess we will find out.


Special Teams

Have I mentioned I hate kickers? Kody Bliss or Eddie Gran (or both) you are an idiot. Someone please tell me what the hell is wrong with the regular punt formation. I mean the guy is averaging 50 yards per kick.

Really, overall the special teams have been great. Probably the best part of the team. I still hate kickers though.


Strategy/Coaching

The young defense has to learn how to step up and stop someone, while limiting the big plays. Again, part of this is inexperience, but part of it is scheme as well. Of the remaining games, only two offenses pose a problem to Auburn’s defense. One of those is Florida because of the scheme and the talent that they have on that side of the ball. The other is Alabama. Alabama is essentially the same team as Arkansas. Will Muschamp has his work cut out for him.

Offensively, the offensive line woes have to be eating Hugh Nall up. I’m betting that he hasn’t been getting much sleep recently. Couple that with the lack of another big play threat opposite Courtney Taylor and Al Borges also has his work cut out for him. I’m wondering if one of the results of the loss to Arkansas will be to start playing Tim Hawthorne or Montez Billing or one of the speedsters that are currently slated to play in the secondary. It might not be a bad idea. Oh and if you do that, don’t tell anyone in the media please.

As for the head coach, I don’t buy the thought that Tuberville is reining Borges in with his play calling. The play calling is more likely a product of Borges not being comfortable with the offense being able to produce big plays. I say this because Tuberville has been more daring this year than the last two years. The fake punt against Washington State, the onside kick against South Carolina, and attempting to convert nine fourth downs (one that was fourth and nine) all point to a lack of trust in the defense to make a stop.

I guess Tuberville doesn’t have to worry about polls and playoffs and what not for the rest of this year or next. That’s fine. His biggest job will be to get his team ready to play every freakin’ week and make it to Atlanta. Hoping to make it to the national title game is nice, but winning the SEC is the only goal that Auburn really controls every year. Making it to Atlanta is still possible. I seriously doubt if Arkansas can beat Tennessee and LSU. Throw in a determined effort from another team that surprises a very young Arkansas team and Auburn makes it to Atlanta, if it doesn’t lose another game.

SEC Picks - Week #6

A couple more weeks like last week and Junior is going to catch the Sheriff. I would blame it on the Bandit, but since Florida State can’t seem to muster anything close to a football team this year, he is in hiding. Anyhow, both Junior and I had sterling straight up 7-0 records last week. And we were mirror images against the spread where I was 2-5 and Junior was 5-2. This brings the season records to 21-3 straight up and 12-10 against the spread for me and 17-7 straight up and 9-13 against the spread for Junior.

The next two weeks will answer a lot of questions in the SEC. Who is better, LSU, Florida, Auburn? Can Kentucky play in December? How much further can Ole Miss slide into obscurity? Who will Georgia turn to next to jumpstart the offense? Will Phil Fulmer choose the Burger King Quadstacker or Hardee’s Monster Thickburger for the pre-game meal?


Duke at Alabama – Alabama favored by 29

Junior: Bama’s offense looks to get back on track and by that I mean actually score a touchdown. How long will Shula play the first stringers in a rout? Tide 45, Duke 3.

Buford: It’s too bad these two basketball schools can’t get a home and home going in December, now that would be something to watch. The football version will be less than stellar. Alabama 31, Duke 7.


West Virginia at Mississippi State – West Virginia favored by 26

Junior: Coach Croom, I’ve never asked for much, but could you please keep this respectable? West Virginia 31, State 7.

Buford: People of Starkville, hear my plea, hide your couches, keep them locked inside your houses. I still want to know how in the hell West Virginia agreed to come to Starkville. Granted, Starkville will probably be a step up for most West Virginia fans. West Virginia 31, Mississippi State 14.


Vanderbilt at Mississippi – Vanderbilt favored by 1.5

Junior: Zzzzzzzzzz............ Vandy 17, Ole Miss 6.

Buford: I have seen it all, first Vanderbilt is a 33 point favorite at home, now they are a favorite on the road. This combined with Alabama’s proclivity as a passing team surely means the end is nigh. Question, if Mississippi loses to Vanderbilt in Oxford, will Ole Miss fans now accept questions concerning the genius move of firing David Cutcliffe? Vanderbilt 17, Mississippi 14.


South Carolina at Kentucky – South Carolina favored by 6.5

Junior: I wonder if the revamped Gamecock offense that we saw last week versus Auburn will continue this week? I think the Ole Ball Coach has found a player. Coacks will beat either Tennessee, Florida, or Clemson. And they roll over the Cats. Cocks 27, Cats 10.

Buford: This line seems off to me. I’m not saying that Kentucky will win because I think South Carolina has better talent and I know they have better coaching. However, one good night against a very cautious Auburn defense, isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement of the Gamecock offense. Syvelle Newton looked great, but he still makes dumb mistakes. That being said, South Carolina actually has a defense. That is more than I can say for the other Wildcat opponents except for Florida. South Carolina 21, Kentucky 17.


Tennessee at Georgia – Tennessee favored by 2.5

Junior: UGA’s luck runs out. Vols win a low scoring affair. Vols 13, Dawgs 7.

Buford: I really thought Mark Richt would have the offensive issues ironed out by now. I’m a little disappointed. Tennessee looks to be rolling and has been tested by better competition. However, just like Bob Stoops has Mack Brown’s number, remember Mark Richt owns Phil Fulmer. Plus, Georgia has a monster defense. Albeit, aided by the fact that they haven’t faced an offense in the upper half of D-1A. Tennessee 17, Georgia 10.


Louisiana State at Florida – Louisiana State favored by 2.5

Junior: How good is Florida? How good is LSU? Florida took it to Alabama last week in a game that I thought was closer than the final score really indicated. LSU has played exactly one team this year and have a big L to show for it (thank you SEC officials). Florida’s defense has the bend but don’t break thing going for them and they seem to make good adjustments. We’ll know a lot more about the SEC division races after this game. Lose, and LSU is out of it, cause Auburn isn’t going to drop 3. If Florida loses, the winner of Tennessee-Georgia has new life (and I mean no disrespect to Georiga, as they are 5-0, but they have got to be the team most likely to not finish undefeated). I like the Bayou Bengals. Louisiana State 24, Florida 10.

Buford: I have been back and forth on this game all week. Both teams have great defenses. LSU’s is probably a little stronger. Both teams have offenses that can look great at times and not so great as well. I have to question LSU ability to win the game if they can’t run the football. Passing all over the field will beat Tulane and Mississippi State, but in a defensive struggle they have to be able to control the clock and use the running game in the redzone. In their game against Auburn, the lack of a running threat hampered them when they got inside Auburn’s 25 yard line. Florida has been effective running the football, but will find it difficult to do so against the best defense they will face this year. Not much analysis, I know. This one comes down to gut feel and home field advantage. Florida 17, LSU 10.


Arkansas at Auburn – Auburn favored by 16.5

Junior: Is Auburn capable of playing a complete game? Arkansas goes to the Plains in a game that usually gives Auburn fits. This game always scares me, but I think talent and more experience overcome talent and no experience. Auburn 27, Arkansas 14.

Buford: While I think the line is a little too high, I can’t see Auburn’s defense having two off games in a row. Plus, against South Carolina, Auburn was facing one of the best offensive minds in the history of college football. Against Arkansas, well, not so much. The game plan is simple, stop McFadden, make Mustain beat you, and in obvious passing situations, blitz, blitz, blitz, blitz. And remember, it usually isn’t Arkansas #1 back that kills Auburn, so Felix Jones will probably look like a Heisman trophy winner come 2 o’clock Saturday. Defensively, Auburn must begin to show the ability to get three and outs otherwise trouble looms against Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. That starts with limiting the yardage on 1st down. Arkansas is giving up 171 yards per game on the ground and 190 through the air. The only problem for Auburn’s offense should be how many times they get the ball. Auburn 24, Arkansas 10.

Not to Toot My Own Horn...

but Toot Toot

A Brief History Lesson

Memorandum

To: Will Muschamp, Defensive Coordinator Extraordinaire of the Auburn Tigers

From: Buford T. Justice
Re: Arkansas Backup Tailbacks

Mr. Muschamp,

First, let me thank you for contributing your defensive genius to the Auburn Football team. You sir are both a scholar and a gentleman.

My topic of note this week is reserve tailbacks at Arkansas. I feel that it is my duty to shed light on the fact that backup tailbacks for the Razorbacks seem to be the windshield to the Auburn defense’s bug. I know that you were a graduate assistant in 1995 and 1996. However, this issue with backup tailbacks has really been acute since roughly 1999.

I personally was able to witness two Auburn-Arkansas games (2001 and 2002) that single-handedly provided a paycheck to Fred Talley in the NFL. It was bad enough that he got away with it in 2001, but 2002 was especially painful given that his performance was in conjunction with a 426 yard undressing of Auburn. Needless to say, a repeat of this type of performance will not endear you to the hearts of the faithful at Jordan-Hare this weekend.

I know that those 2001 and 2002 teams featured Matt Jones and Cedric Cobbs. I understand that it is sometimes tough to prepare for more than two guys. I mean Jon Lovett could only do so much. Plus, tackling was never Auburn’s strong suit in the early Tuberville years.

Due to this history lesson, I feel it is my obligation to ensure that you become intimately familiar with this gentleman:

I'm Felix Jones

His name is Felix Jones. He is the backup to Darren McFadden at Arkansas. Yes, it is amazing that the God-like tailback has a backup, but it is so. Mr. Jones is 6’-0” and weighs 208. He is a sophomore and is known by the nickname “The Cat.” This is due in part to his given name and to his ability to evade capture. “The Cat” has two known aliases Freel Lovine and Luscious Sullivan. Please be aware, this man has trained at the foot of a master of guile, the man’s full name is not known, but he goes by the assumed moniker of “The Nutter.” No known pictures of “The Nutter” have ever been produced.

“The Nutter” is wanted for questioning in the matter of a stolen game plan for Clueless Mike of Tuscaloosa. I believe you know Clueless.

As I have mentioned, Jones is particularly adept at disguise and trickery. You will not know he is present until he has already damaged you and your defense. This man is considered extremely dangerous. Please heed this warning and prepare.

Regards,



Buford T. Justice
President and CEO of What Would Buford Say?
Humble Sheriff of Texarkana County, Texas

Straight from the ATL!!!

Checking in with W.W.B.S. this week is Jessica T. of the Atlanta Falcons:

In the interest of full disclosure, Jessica is an Auburn University student. She likes to golf and, in true southern fashion, has a dog named Mr. Bojanles.

The rest of the SI gallery can be found here.

Quickies

What? College football involves hype. When did this happen? I'm outraged.

Even though the Redbirds are likely going to be sweep victims of the Padres, I still love October baseball.

SEC Power Poll - Week #6

Ho hum, another week, another power poll. LSU was the only team that really impressed and considering they played a high school team, well I can’t realistically propel them up the poll. The next two weeks will provide a lot of answers in the SEC. They will also provide some incredible games. This week you have Florida-LSU, Tennessee-Georgia, Kentucky-South Carolina, and Auburn-Arkansas.

Power Poll – Week 6

1. Florida (5-0, 3-0) – Kind of sluggish in the first half against Alabama. I was not really all that impressed, but the Gators are doing what it takes to win and that counts for something. Last Game: Beat Alabama 28-13, Up Next: Louisiana State.
2. Auburn (5-0, 3-0) – I expect a much better defensive game to be played and coached against Arkansas. At least the defense better show improvement. Last Game: Beat South Carolina 24-17, Up Next: Arkansas.
   
3. LSU (4-1, 1-1) – A nice little tuneup for Florida. I’m wondering if LSU can beat Florida if they can’t run the ball. Oh and thank you Les Miles for inserting the scrubs so that LSU didn’t cover. Last Game: Beat Mississippi State 48-17, Up Next: at Florida.
   
4. Georgia (5-0, 2-0) – Could this be the worst undefeated team in the country? Vols are coming to town this weekend. Last Game: Beat Ole Miss 14-9, Up Next: Tennessee.
   
5. Tennessee (4-1,0-1) – Erik Ainge is getting it together in time for a roadie to Athens. They didn’t move up because I think they were beneficiaries of Tommy West’s idiocy in firing Joe Lee Dunn. Last Game: Beat Memphis 41-7, Up Next: at Georgia.
   
6. Alabama (3-2, 1-2) – Overall a great game. Like I said after Tennessee lost to Florida, sometimes you just lose to a better team. It doesn’t feel good, but there is no shame in that. Last Game: Lost to Florida 22-13, Up Next: at Florida.
   
7. Arkansas (3-1, 2-0) – Tough road game this week in Auburn. However, a lot is setting you up for the upset. It’s an early game, which you always like as a road team. Auburn plays Florida next week. Auburn is a little gimpy in the secondary and on the offensive line. The big question is can you be more than one-dimensional on offense? Last Game: Bye, Up Next: at Auburn.
   
8. Kentucky (3-2, 1-1) – Half way to being bowl eligible. Good job Cats. Now, you have to contain Syvelle Newton, Steve Spurrier, and the rest of those pesky Gamecocks. Last Game: Beat Central Michigan 45-46, Up Next: South Carolina.
   
9. Vanderbilt (2-3, 0-2) – I fully expect Vanderbilt to beat Ole Miss this weekend. Vandy, don’t disappoint me. I’m your biggest fan. Last Game: Beat Temple 43-14, Up Next: at Mississippi.
   
10. South Carolina (3-2, 1-2) – Don’t listen to what anyone tells you Steve Spurrier, you are not ruining your legacy with what you are doing at South Carolina. That was one hell of a game plan you put together last Thursday and you took what Auburn was giving you and exploited it. Now you just have to convince Sydney Rice to stay one more year. Last Game: Lost to Auburn 24-17, Up Next: at Kentucky.
    
11. Mississippi State (1-4, 0-3) – How do you let LSU just go crazy on you in the passing game? And really when does the offense show up? Please show the rest of the country that the SEC is better than the Big East. I’m not saying you have to win, but let’s try to keep it close. Say 20 points? Last Game: Lost to Louisiana State 48-17, Up Next: West Virginia.
    
12. Mississippi (1-4, 0-2) – Sinking further and further to the depths of the conference. Georgia was roasted and ready for the upset and the Rebels couldn’t do it. Last Game: Lost to Georgia 14-9, Up Next: Vanderbilt.

The Saturday Review - Week #5

Kind of a calm weekend before some questions get answered in the SEC next weekend, the Pac-10 has it’s championship game (yes the one that doesn’t involve USC), and the Red River Rivalry.

1. Just wondering if Tommy West woke up on Saturday morning, got into the shower, shaved, ate breakfast, and then realized that he had fired Joe Lee Dunn or if it was sometime, oh, about the start of the second quarter when Ainge had fired his 10th completion and was in route to a four touchdown game. Some things look really good on paper, Tommy West, and some things don’t.
   
   

2. Can someone please just tell me if Missouri is for real? I like what they have done, but they haven’t played anyone. What does a 15 point win over Colorado at home mean? This is important information due to the gambling possibilities coming up later in the season. They play at Texas Tech, at A&M, at Nebraska, and get Oklahoma at home. Inquiring minds, with gambling addictions, want to know.
   
   

3. JaMarcus Russell is just sick. Do you think pro scouts do anything but drool all over him or what? How would you like to be Russell come January when agents start clamoring for him? I’m talking crazy shit is going to go down……girls, drugs of every kind, etc. Damn, in the time it took me to write this, he threw two touchdown passes and picked a pass off when he was inserted to play defense. He is a newer version of Daunte Culpepper. Okay, a slower, less-mobile version of Daunte Culpepper.
   
   

4. Am I crazy or can Syracuse make it to a bowl game? They just gutted out a nice overtime win against Wyoming. I checked, they have winnable games against Pittsburgh and Connecticut (in the Carrier Dome), and at Cincinnati. That would put them at 6-6 and in a bowl game. It would be a step in the right direction. Let’s not get crazy, but it is possible.
   
   

5. I was intrigued by the Texas A&M-Texas Tech tilt. Both teams could make some noise in the Big 12. I’m not saying they are sure things to beat Oklahoma or Texas, but they could put a scare into both of them. Plus, anytime you get to watch Mike Leach and the Aggies, you know some crazy shit is going down because Mike Leach will do anything and Aggies are just, well crazy.
   
   

6. I love Va Tech. Underrated for so many years and now overrated almost every year. Frank Beamer, you lost to Chan Gailey. Although Calvin Johnson is Calvin Johnson. I really can't wait for people in New York to say, "Who is this Calvin Johnson kid? Where did he come from?" Northerners talk about how people in the South know nothing about things north of the Mason-Dixon line, but it is funny to see guys get drafted and read sportswriters talk about how they came out of nowhere. I can almost promise you that come this time next year, Bill Simmons will talk about what a steal Patrick Willis or Quinton Culberson was for the Pats.
   
   

7. I’m really impressed with Mike Shula. He got his team ready to play today. That is tough to do after a devastating loss last week. The score was closer than it should have been because Alabama played a great first half and Florida looked too focused on getting revenge and not focused enough on playing the game. Kudos to Alabama aside. You have to run the ball better if you want to get the ball in the endzone. Alert to LSU and Auburn, Alabama will beat someone they aren’t supposed to this year. You have been warned.
   
   

8. ABC/ESPN kills me. To set up Iowa-Ohio State as a possible stumbling block for the Buckeyes is laughable. Iowa almost lost to Syracuse. Drew Tate aside, that is not a good defense that Kirk Ferentz has in Iowa City. Sure Michigan is the obvious next roadblock, but Ohio State might want to concern themselves with Michigan State and Minnesota. The Buckeyes give up yards on the ground. So far the offense has done enough to keep teams from running the football on them, but what happens when the offense has an off game? Remember, the Spartans and Gophers can run the football.
   
   

9. Well, well, well, speaking of running the football, do you think USC misses Reggie Bush and LenDale White? The lack of a running game almost doomed USC against Washington State. And I won’t point out the fact that Auburn beat Washington State by 26 and USC beat them by six. That is a ludicrous comparison.
   
   

10. Georgia only beating Ole Miss by five is a statement game both ways. For Ole Miss, it is a statement about how crappy that program is right now. Of course, we already knew that. For Georgia, it’s a statement of how far they have to go offensively.