What Would Buford Say?

Clearing out the Cobwebs

2007-12-03T11:40:00.000-06:00

Six in a row, yeah great. Sorry for not being more excited. I was the night of the game, but my joy has been tempered by the ridiculous nature of the contract situation with Tuberville.

First the Alabama win. Auburn did exactly what it needed to do to win the game. It pressured John Parker Wilson, had a strong running game, limited Alabama’s big plays, diversified its offense as much as could possibly be expected, and limited mistakes. The interesting thing about this game wasn’t that Auburn won, it was how uncomfortable Nick Saban looked through the whole thing. Look, I lived in Baton Rouge for the entire Nick Saban era of LSU football and he isn’t the type that looks happy a lot of times. But he never looked like he was downright upset to be on a football field and that is they way he looked in Jordan-Hare stadium. Why is anyone’s guess, but he just looked like he wanted the whole thing over with as quickly as possible. This might have been why he kicked an onside kick at the end of the game and gave Auburn an absolute strategic gift.

The bottom line is Auburn won. It’s sixth win in a row against its archrival. That hasn’t been done before. This guy didn’t do it. Neither did this guy. So congrats to the 2002-2007 Auburn football teams, you have all been a part of a crazy ride.

Now the Tuberville contract/situation/fiasco. What should be a great time for Auburn football (sixth win in a row over Alabama, young team that played well down the stretch, somewhat interesting bowl matchup, etc.) is being absolutely ruined by the ongoing power struggle between Tommy Tuberville and Bobby Lowder.

I don’t doubt that Jimmy Sexton talked with Arkansas. I don’t doubt that Arkansas made a legitimate offer. I don’t doubt that Tuberville would be crazier than a sack of weasels (HT: EDSBS) to pack his bags and move to Fayatteville.

I do know that Tuberville was offered an extension that met virtually all of his terms except for the one that is non-negotiable. I like Tuberville, I think he is a heck of a good coach and a good person, but he is downright, nutball insane if he thinks Auburn is going to get rid of the buyout. I’m fine with a slight reduction to say $4 million or $5 million. But absolute elimination or a drastic reduction is crazy and there is no way that could reasonable be argued by Tuberville or sold to the powers that be at the school. What’s odd is that Tuberville agreed to this contract with the buyout in 2004 when he had all the leverage in the world to get anything he wanted, including a buyout for firing him, but none if he wanted to leave.

Really this whole thing comes down to Tuberville wanting to not have to answer to a certain power-broker at the school. Without a buyout, Tuberville could essentially leave at anytime and that is some real leverage. I maintain that he probably doesn’t want to leave. I think he knows that he has a good thing going right now, but you never know what the future holds. As for Lowder, he is probably thinks the same as a lot of Auburn people, that “no one person is bigger than Auburn University.” The way he is going about it is a little odd. And I do think that it was Lowder that issued the anonymous tip to the Arkansas television station about Tuberville and Arkansas. Just a hunch, but I think Lowder was hoping for exactly what he got, that is a fanbase that got mad as hell at Tommy Tuberville and might force Tommy into signing a contract that he doesn’t like.

The sad part about the entire thing is that this is a real chance for the one guy who is supposed to be “independent” to show some sack and calm the waters. President Gogue, you are paid by the state, not Bobby Lowder, and your job is to run the university without interference from outside forces. So, come on, you were given the job to make tough stands and tough decisions. Get with it!!!!!!
The BCS thingy worked again didn’t it? (Turn off sarcasm) Actually, I’m not upset about Ohio State and LSU in the title game. Given that no team really stepped up, I think you basically toss all the teams in the air and see where they fall. I personally think that USC and Oklahoma might be the best two teams in the country, but what do I know. What I am pissed off about is that the wonderful BCS doesn’t prevent Southern Cal-Illinois and Virginia Tech-Kansas. If I was an ABC executive, I’m smacking the Rose Bowl selection committee right now. What the hell are they thinking? I have heard some reports that they couldn’t have possibly taken Georgia due to some obscure rule about Georgia being protected by the Sugar Bowl because LSU was gone. In that case, take West Virginia and give us a game that would at least be interesting. Instead the Rose Bowl stuck with "tradition," whatever that is, and went with 9-3 Illinois. So, the Zooker and Pete Carroll match wits. That ought to be comical. I can't tell you too much about what will happen in 2008, but I know one thing for certain, I will not be tuning into the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.

As for Kansas, it is ridiculous that Missouri plays one bad half of football all year and gets the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Yippie! That is some exciting stuff. They are likely to get steam-rolled by Arkansas, but that is for a different day. Missouri deserved a BCS bowl and it is a travesty that it won’t happen.
Really, every year that this horrid way to determine a national champion comes to a close, I’m reminded of how much Auburn was royally screwed in 2004. It isn’t just the quality of the teams playing for the title. If the AP poll had pulled out of the BCS in 2004, Auburn might have gotten a share of the national title. What does all this mean? Nothing, just me crying in my beer. Well, except for the fact that I personally think you have to base your expectations and achievements on conference titles instead of national titles. Not to say that winning the national title isn’t important, but it can be a random occurrence that can have no basis on what you do on the field. The SEC title, you can control.
Last item. Can we settle any debate that is out there regarding the best college football coach in the country? For my money, the award goes to Bob Stoops. Big Game Bob is the perfect mixture of strategy, fundamental coaching, recruiting, motivation, and management. Saturday night’s game was a microcosm of all those things rolled up into one big package. First, Oklahoma game planned perfectly for Missouri, albeit aided by their earlier game, but they knew they had equal or superior athletes in almost every position, save one, quarterback. So what do they do, they attack the one advantage that Missouri had. Chase Daniels couldn’t get his feet set all night and when he left the pocket, he was brought down with superb tackling (fundamentals). Meanwhile, on the offensive side, OU repeatedly did what they have always done, effectively mixed passing and running. They probably passed a little more than they should. Sam Bradford’s inaccuracy kept Oklahoma from scoring more in the first half. But Oklahoma capitalized on Missouri mistakes and got a lead. Despite winning the statistical battle with Oklahoma in the first half, Missouri had to claw its way back to tie. In the second half, Oklahoma kicked in the afterburners. First dialing up the pressure on Missouri’s offensive line and Daniels and then making Missouri completely one-dimensional by scoring touchdowns when they touched the ball. It was a nearly perfect half of football that demonstrated the unity of offense and defense. Again, none of this should come as a surprise, Oklahoma was favored and was supposed to win the game. But that is the point, Bob Stoops prepared his team properly and they won a game that they should have won. Sure, they lost two games this year that they had no business losing, but in one of those their quarterback was knocked out in the first quarter and they still had a chance to win it in the fourth. If you win the games you are supposed to win, good things tend to happen for you. Stoops and Oklahoma took advantage of a little fortune turning their way and didn't let go. That's why he is worth every penny that Oklahoma pays him.

Iron Bowl 2007

2007-11-21T10:06:00.000-06:00

Since I will be taking the rest of the week off, we are going to hit a few items early this week. So, how about a little Iron Bowl Preview?

First, I’m not going to talk about the Nick Saban 9/11 press conference. Saban should have known better and the rest of us just need to grow up and quit being so damn sensitive about every little thing. I mean for the media types to get their panties in a wad when Saban compares losing to ULM to 9/11 and Pearl Harbor, but not when President Bush is called a Nazi really tells me that we can’t have a serious discussion in the country any longer. So, no the Nick Saban thing isn’t worth my time….there’s football to be played.

I have to honestly say this is the strangest Iron Bowl week I have been through. I don’t know if it’s because both teams are coming in off a loss and neither side really feels that confident, if it’s the bye week, or if it’s because Thanksgiving is tomorrow, but it just doesn’t feel like the Iron Bowl is Saturday. Maybe that changes once all the leftovers have hit the fridge tomorrow night and I can get focused on the game. Hopefully, my attitude isn’t what the team is experiencing. My guess is likely not, but you never know.

So what are the keys….

When Auburn has the ball……

No mistakes. Yeah, pretty evident. Brandon Cox has to be the solid performer that he normally is against Alabama. The running backs can’t just toss the ball to the Crimson Tide like it’s a radioactive hot potato. Look at the statistics, when Auburn holds on the football, plays solid clock controlling offense it wins. When there are turnovers, sloppy play, and a lot of three and outs, well you get Mississippi State, South Florida, and Georgia.

Davis, Tate, Lester, Stewart, and Fannin, oh my. Those names should be called a lot on Saturday. It is quite evident that the quarterback and wideouts can’t get on the same page. Regardless of who is to blame, Auburn’s strength on offense lies with the running backs. The goal for Al Borges is to figure out how to get these guys productive. Sure Lester is the go-to-guy, but all of them have strengths that need to be used to their fullest potential.

Stay outside of 7. Alabama hasn’t shown much ability to consistently drive the football down the field and score. They live and die by the big play. They will hit one or two on Saturday and that’s why it is important for Auburn to be ahead by a touchdown at all times. This means scoring touchdowns inside the red zone and controlling the clock.

When Alabama has the ball….

Limit big plays. See #3 above. Muschamp must stress to the defensive backs to be prepared to run. It would be nice if some of them would actually turn around and you know get an interception every once in awhile.

Pressure the quarterback. If Auburn allows Wilson to sit back there and pick them apart or throw long bombs down the field, the game will be over in a hurry. Groves, Coleman, and Carter need to be in the backfield. Keeping good contain and not overrunning things are key, but when they get Alabama in long yardage, they need to be getting to quarterback.

Be the difference. A big play on defense, an interception return or fumble return, will be huge in this game, particularly if it is deep in either team’s territory. Scoring will be at a premium and these types of plays will be crucial.

Intangibles….

Kickoff coverage. The kickoff coverage was one bright spot from the Georgia game. There were actual kicks going down near the goal line. Obviously, if Javier Arenas can’t go, that would be big. A return guy like that would have shredded Auburn.

Get up big, early. If Auburn jumps out to a 10 or 14 point lead, that could get Alabama to quit. Clearly, there are certain corners of this Alabama team that have had their fill with Nick Saban. I’ll go on record that some of those players will be on the field on Saturday. Facing a 14 point deficit might seem too high a mountain to climb especially for what they perceive to be an egotistical jerk.

There you have it, the keys to the game. So what will happen? I have a feeling that Auburn limits mistakes and big plays, gets out to a 10 point lead and tries to coast. Alabama scores late to make it interesting and the defense comes up big at the end. Hey that sounds like a typical Iron Bowl. War Eagle and Happy Thanksgiving.

Hold It! Hold It!

2007-11-19T19:13:00.000-06:00

Hold up in that car nice gentlemen. I’m not exactly putting too much stock in the loss to Louisiana-Monroe. Embarrassing? Yes. Disgraceful? Sure. Funny as all wholly hell? No doubt. However, let’s not forget that this Alabama team is talented and this Auburn team is prone to bad plays, terrible decisions, and scratch your head play-calling. All of these will cause Auburn to get beat on Saturday.

What does the ULM loss mean? Nothing. Zero. Nada. I told Junior last week that I thought Auburn would be about a 5.5 point favorite against Alabama. They are a six point favorite. Let’s face it. Alabama wasn’t as good as they looked against Tennessee and LSU. But they aren’t as bad as they looked against ULM and FSU. Conversely, Auburn isn’t nearly as good as they looked against Florida and LSU. Nor are they as bad as they looked against Mississippi State, Georgia, and South Florida.

I would say the benchmark games for both schools are Arkansas for Alabama and Kansas State for Auburn. Both victories at home. Both down to the wire. Both featuring good defense and adequate offense. Nothing spectacular positive and negative. My sense is that Auburn is the better team and the better team normally wins the Iron Bowl. However, if Auburn as a team seriously thinks that they can roll into Jordan-Hare and win on Saturday night, they are mistaken. I really don’t think that is the case, but I guess we will find out around 7pm (Eastern) on Saturday.

Daily Double - Back in the Saddle Again

2007-11-15T19:30:00.000-06:00

Junior and I discussed it and due to a little linkage from Jerry at Joe Cribb’s Car Wash, we are going to try and get this thing going again.

So, on with the fart jokes and half-naked women...

Auburn released their 2008 Football schedule and there was much rejoicing.

The highlights include a trip to Morgantown for a little couch burning, LSU, Tennessee, and Georgia at home, the usually spate of SEC games, a cupcake to start off and a cupcake for homecoming, and the bi-annual owning of Bryant-Denny stadium. Not too shabby, Junior and I are definitely in for a little Morgantown action. Plus, Junior visited this gentleman’s establishment outside of Pittsburgh one night that I have to see.

I’m a little miffed at the inclusion of Tennessee-Martin. Auburn has no business scheduling non-Division I-A (or FBS, whatever) teams. I understand it is difficult to put together a schedule and all, but hell call anyone but a Division I-AA team.

The folks did put in two open dates, which I like. That first open date will feel great after that stretch of games. Let’s hope Kodi Burns shows big time improvement between now and September 6th.
Michael Lewis trots out another column about the inequities of big time college athletics. Okay, big time college football. In the course of his column, Lewis comes off sounding very elitist, which isn’t something I normally associate with him. Nevertheless, his argument boils down to, “Hey you Neanderthals that like college football, don’t you know you are somewhat racist and holding back poor black kids from getting their just due.” I’m generally not a fan of someone calling me racist. Particularly when they do it in a rather thinly veiled way like Lewis does with the following, “At this moment there are thousands of big-time college football players, many of whom are black and poor. They perform for the intense pleasure of millions of rabid college football fans, many of whom are rich and white.” Ahh yes, the old rich white people taking advantage of poor black people argument. I will grant Lewis that the average person supporting any given college football program is fairly well off and probably white. However, this is how they spend their entertainment dollars. Dollars, I might add, that most would consider well-earned.

But let’s peel the onion back a little more on Lewis’ column. He, of course, argues that college football programs make millions of dollars without properly compensating the labor creating those dollars. As an example, he says that Vince Young gave a donation of his labor to the University of Texas, a donation Lewis estimates to be $5 million. For that $5 million, Vince Young has made about $8.42 million dollars in salary from the Tennessee Titans in two years and is set to make an additional $17.32 million in the next four years (this is only his guaranteed money and does not include endorsements). If you consider the time value of money, $5 million over the first three years and $25.74 million over the next six, gives a return of 50 percent. I think any of us would take that on our 401(k) accounts.

Don’t think VY is a good example to use? Okay, let’s take the average scholarship football player. He attends four years of college with room and board for free. In exchange, he plays football. I’m certainly recognizing that the tradeoff isn’t fair. However, the opportunity to earn a degree is his for the taking and he has a support system that is designed to do all it can to assist him in doing so. The average differential between a college educated person and a high school educated person is about $21,000 per year (admittedly a two-year old study, we will put our intern right on conducting a more recent study...oh wait). Over a thirty-year period (assuming three percent growth in the differential each year) at a fairly modest five percent return, the present value of the education he receives is about $58,000. On a team with 85 scholarships, what does Lewis think the average “donation” is likely to be? Hard to say, but I think most of the scholarship football players are breaking even.

The largest question to ask is how is this inequity that much different than a normal student? No one who attends college is getting compensated at the time for their labors and efforts. I wasn’t given a check for the work I was putting in for Auburn’s engineering school in the mid-90s. No, I put forth effort with the expectation that I would receive future compensation that would exceed the value of the time I was expending. And this doesn’t even count the fact that I was paying to go to school. Something a scholarship athlete doesn’t do. What, you don’t think school’s benefit from their student’s achievements? Let’s see, rankings, graduate and undergraduate research, alumni donations, etc., etc., etc. Are these worth as much each year as what the athletic department rakes in? No. But the potential future earnings of the average college student and a blue-chip athlete are a little different as well.

Cheerleader of the Week (Preseason)

2007-09-05T07:32:00.000-05:00

As usual, the entire shoot can be seen here.

Daily Double - Hell is a Little Cold Edition

2007-03-05T12:58:00.000-06:00

First topic, booing. Is booing your right as a fan? When is the acceptable time to boo? Is it okay to boo pro athletes? College athletes? High-school? Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times, presents his objections to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association proposed Boo Ban.

I generally agree with Steve in the fact that I believe the ban is directed at the playful-taunting booing that occurs at most high school sporting events. I can vividly remember being at many a high school basketball game as a teenager where I and my fellow students would hurl insults at the opposing team. It was not intended to be harmful or hurtful and often the insults weren’t even true. It was just funny and juvenile humor is the most beloved genre of humor around. I present the recent success of Wild Hogs as exhibit one in defense of my argument. Anyhow, I have no issue with Steve’s argument that playful taunting is part of the allure of sports and that legislating what can and can’t be said is a dangerous road to travel down.

However, I do want to make an argument against another type of booing and insult-hurling. This generally comes not from peers of the athletes, but from others, usually male, who for some reason get upset with high-school athletes. Let me just say that if you are booing a high school athlete, you are a fairly low-level degenerate in my opinion. Sure I’m not for blowing sunshine up someone’s butt and telling them how great they are, but outright public embarrassment is another thing. And, no it’s not the same thing as booing a professional or even college athlete. A professional is being paid outright for his or her services and you, as a paying fan, are allowed to voice your opinion concerning the athlete’s performance. College athletes are not paid outright, but are given compensation for their services. For whatever reason, booing college athletes hasn’t quite caught on yet. It probably has something to do with the supporters of the university feeling some affiliation with the athletes, however vague it might be. The point to all this is that I have no issue with the regulation if it gives school administrators the right to remove patrons who are booing a high school athlete in an abusive manner. Of course, giving school administrators the right to do anything is a disaster waiting to happen. Probably the best recourse is to allow the fans to police themselves. So if you are at a high school sporting event and someone is being a complete ass, do the right thing, ask them to shut up or leave.
I’m about to write words that I swear upon the good Lord himself I never thought I would type. Bill Simmons and I agree on Scoop Jackson. Stop. Let that sink in for a minute. Yes, Bill Simmons. No, I’m not joking. No, it isn’t about the Red Sox. Bill essentially makes the same argument that I made in this space last Thursday.

By the way, a pig just flew by my window.

Daily Double - Slow Day Edition

2007-03-02T13:06:00.000-06:00

Dr. Elliot Pellman stepped down as the director of the NFL’s concussion committee yesterday. He will be replaced by Dr. Ira Casson, a neurologist from Nassau, N.Y., and Dr. David Viano, a biomechanical engineer from Wayne State University. Considering that Dr. Pellman is a rheumatologist, he wasn’t exactly qualified from the get go. Oh and he is also the team doctor for the Jets, so there is an apparent conflict of interest.

So this is a good thing right? The NFL is finally taking this issue seriously, yes? Eh, we shall see. Yes, these two doctors are not affiliated with any team, but what compensation do they get from the league? This is the same league that is run by the team owners who have a conflict of interest when it comes to the availability of the players they employ.

Now, my free-market mind recognizes that there are owners who make sure not to endanger their employees and they are probably rewarded by players wanting to stay with that team and other players wanting to come and play for said team. I’m also cool with the idea that the players are free to choose what team to play for and in fact whether they should play with injury or not. I also recognize that these players are compensated very well to play the sport. However, those assumptions are based on sound medical advice being given to the player in order to make a decision. And I question whether team or league doctors are in the position to give sound medical advice.
It’s kind of a slow day around here, so three quick blurbs and we are out for the weekend.

File this one under the “It was just a joke” category with John Kerry’s plea to get an education. Evidently the Celtics are employing Archie Bunker as their color analyst.

Splitting time between harassing Jewish kids and doing color for the Celtics

Jake Plummer = Master Negotiator. Jake the Snake wants to come to Houston so badly that he probably spending time in the humidor at Coors Field to acclimatize.

John Daly, the picture of fitness (not that I should be talking or anything) pulls a muscle trying to stop his backswing. Funny, normally when I have had a six-pack or two, the muscles are pretty loose.

Daily Double - Soapbox Edition

2007-03-01T14:46:00.000-06:00

I’ll admit, I have had some other things going on this winter and haven’t been able to devote nearly enough time to watching college basketball. But, for anyone who tuned in last night, Texas A&M and Texas played one hell of a game. I have doubted the Aggies all season long and I’m still not 100 percent sold on them being in the Final Four. However, they are clearly one of the best teams in the country and I’m saying that after they lost last night. Both of these teams have enough talent to go deep into the tournament and that was certainly on display.
Scoop Jackson slams down the race card with authority on your ass. That’s right. It seems that the statistics don’t bear out that NBA All-Star Weekend was worse than any similar weekend in Vegas. Nope, it is all a bunch of white news columnists with their racist agendas making a mountain out of a mole-hill. I can’t imagine where they would have gotten ideas that the All-Star Weekend would be Hip-Hop Woodstock, Scoop. It just boggles the mind that anyone would think that the combination of the NBA All-Star Game and Las Vegas would get out of hand.

I will agree that none of this behavior had anything to do with an actual NBA player. It is factually correct to say that not one NBA player was mentioned in the news reports of the mayhem and lawlessness. But isn’t it a little hypocritical of Scoop to bemoan the poor press coverage of the NBA’s All-Star Weekend when he himself, on the eve of the event, celebrated all the actions that were reported after the fact?

But let's get past all that. To be completely honest, the thing that drives us insane about the point that Scoop is making is do we really want to celebrate or make excuses for the culture of lawlessness that seems to permeate professional basketball players? Is it reasonable to just accept that young, black men with money will associate themselves with people who act in ways that most of society doesn’t agree with? For Scoop, and others like him, this seems to be the case that he is making. Is that not, in and of itself, a racist attitude? Because most NBA players are black and have a lot of money, they can’t help themselves; they have to be surrounded by thugs and hoodlums. Are we reading into Scoop’s argument more than what is intended? Sure, but isn’t that he is doing with others’ accounts and opinions of All-Star Weekend?

Daily Double - Scoring Some Hgh Edition

2007-02-28T10:07:00.000-06:00

It seems that the District Attorney of Albany (N.Y.) has had more luck than George Mitchell in investigating performance enhancing drugs. Granted, the DA isn’t really interested in who is receiving the drugs, just who is distributing them. Still, you have to love the tough stance that the major sports are taking with regard to this issue. That stance? Oh, it’s basically the ol’ nothing to see here, move along approach.

Look, I could honestly be fine with the major sports leagues saying, “Yes, our players use XYZ drugs, but the playing field is level.” I’m also fine with taking the stance that all performance enhancing drugs are outlawed. Just don’t be wishy-washy. And don’t condemn one man for his past transgressions while celebrating another. Oh sorry, that’s the press doing that.
I’m not a big fan of spring practice. I think it is pretty much a waste of my time trying to follow who will be the third string SAM linebacker in the fall. However, this really makes August seem so far away.

I notice Gorgeous Al Borges doesn’t show up in any of those shots. My guess is that quarterbacks have no need for agility drills. Of course, the guys at The Auburner would say that it was so early in the morning and Tommy didn't want to startle everyone with the bright luminance of Al’s presence.

Cheerleader of the Week

2007-02-28T09:40:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the delay in posting Cheerleader of the Week. Daddy pulled my internet access, but we're back up and running now. This weeks cheerleader comes to us from Oklahoma State.

As usual, the entire shoot can be seen here.

Daily Double: Nine Lives Edition

2007-02-27T09:32:00.000-06:00

This pretty much affirms my thoughts on Auburn’s offense last year. Okay, all but Borges’ omission of poor offensive line play as a factor in the decreased productivity. Clearly, the offense that we saw on the field after the Washington State game was nowhere near what Auburn fans were used to from Borges and company.

Despite what the pundits and analysts will tell you, I’m pretty optimistic about the offense this year, particularly the source of worry for most people, the offensive line. I just don’t think it could get any worse than it did last year, so four new starters may not be that big of a deal for Auburn. To be honest, I worry more about the defense than the offense. Replacing David Irons and The Flat-Footed Tackling Linebacker will not be an easy task, particularly without the likely Flat-Footed Tackling Linebacker replacement, Tray Blackmon.
Mark me down for never wanting to be within a half-mile of Rulon Gardner. The 2000 gold medalist in Greco-Roman Wrestling adds surviving a plane crash to his list of experiences. My man has certainly lived. He was stranded in the wilderness overnight while snowmobiling in Wyoming in 2002 and two years later was hit by a car while riding a motorcycle. Now he survives a watery plane crash. Are we sure this guy isn’t a weatherman from Pittsburgh?

I've been stabbed, shocked, poisoned, frozen, hung, electrocuted, and burned....I am an immortal.

Daily Double - Slow Weekend Edition

2007-02-26T09:21:00.000-06:00

I could spend this morning discussing and dissecting Ohio State and Wisconsin, but what good would it do? Everyone knows that one of those two teams will make the Final Four and lose to Florida or Oregon. The other team won’t make it out of the first weekend. I mean, their athletes just aren’t as talented as other leagues because the admissions standards at Big Ten schools are so high.

Can we just settle on Calvin Johnson as the best player available in the draft? Is it even a question? First, JaMarcus Russell shows up bulging at the seams. Then Johnson runs a legit sub-4.4 in the 40 yesterday. Let’s look at the tangibles, sub-4.4 forty yard time, 6 foot 4 inches, 45 inch vertical, 235 lbs, great hands, and good football IQ. There aren't really many important intangibles for a wideout, but the big one for Johnson is that he played with Reggie Ball and still managed to catch 43 touchdowns and 4,129 yards for his career. Imagine what he could do with an actual quarterback.

As for Russell, yeah we know he has that killer arm, but no one want’s their quarterback to be tippin’ the scales at close to 260 lbs. That is Hefty Lefty territory right there. Add to that Russell's penchant for struggling against good defenses and you have the makings of a draft day bust.

Sports Illustrated has a gallery of sports-related tattoos up on their site. I’m not a tat guy. Personally they just aren’t for me and I think they look horrendous (small caveat for military tattoos, nothin' like an Airborne or Force Recon tattoo). However, if you are going to get one, do us all a favor and make it creative, don’t just take a picture out of a magazine and put that on your back.

My favorite of the bunch? I like this guy.

If this doesn't scream Raiders fan, I don't know what does, just look at the belt. Also, does it surprise anyone that Raiders fans dominate this small sampling of fan tattoos?

Daily Double - Speechless Edition

2007-02-20T09:12:00.000-06:00

So San Diego, it’s Norv Turner. Really? That just happened didn’t it? Wow. I’m kind of speechless and really it’s the underwhelming speechlessness, not that breath-taking anticipation type of speechlessness.

There will be folks who will chime in that Turner hasn’t really ever had a chance since leaving the Dallas Cowboys for the Redskins in 1993 and that his years with the Cowboys were marked by spectacular offense. Of course, no one mentions the fact that he arrived in 1991 when most of the cornerstones of that offense were in place. Oh and by the way, he had some pretty good talent on those offensive football teams.

However, it could be argued that he falls into probably one of the best situations in the league. San Diego is loaded on both sides of the ball and the AFC West is not particularly competitive (any division with the Raiders in it is not competitive). Still, does anyone really think that Turner is an upgrade from Marty?

Oh and yes, noted Chargers fan, the might mjd, is underwhelmed as well.
Who had six days in the length between spring training opening and the first A Rod story to be filed pool? Winner, winner, chicken dinner. Here is an even bigger question, do I really care that A Rod and Jeter aren’t best friends? Where does it say that guys have to like each other to win? I know a team of guys who really weren’t all that close and won a championship. Why do I care…..wait, what did I just read?

You go from sleeping over at somebody's house five days a week, and now you don't sleep over. It's just not that big of a deal. That's happened with your friends, I'm sure. Some of your friends.
Umm, sure A Rod, when I was five I slept over at a friend's house. But, since I turned ten I think I have kept my blankie and myself at home in my big boy bed. I guess Tim Hardaway doesn’t like Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez.

Daily Double - Lundi Gras Edition

2007-02-19T09:11:00.000-06:00

Raise your hand if you wrecked at the Daytona 500 on Sunday. It would be easier to count if we asked for a show of hands that didn't wreck. As I sat watching the race yesterday, it dawned on me that NASCAR is smart for using restrictor plates at Daytona and Talladega. It makes the race more exciting with everyone bunched up. Of course, tell that to Tony Stewart, Mark Martin, or Kurt Busch. Stewart easily had one of the top five cars yesterday and Busch was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. As for Martin...man that close brother. Whew. Yep, exciting racing that kept you tuned in until the very end. Well, that is of course if you don't have a pregnant wife demanding food. Have no fear, I caught the end on the radio.

As a quick aside, I had a thought yesterday while watching the race. Does anyone else find it funny that years ago the government used to bust up stills that made ethanol from corn and now they subsidize them? I guess those mountain folk had it right all along, huh?
When did the Arkansas Razorback football program turn into the set of One Life to Live? Frank Broyles now out as AD no doubt because his meddling in the program this year finally reached a crescendo. But what does this say about Arkansas administrators and fans that they trust a certifiably crazy used car salesman more than an octogenarian who is without a doubt the school's greatest athletic figure?
Oh well, Pat Forde on the career of Frank Broyles. I personally love the Arkansas Mount Rushmore, Clinton, Broyles, Walton, and Tyson. Who would be on your state's Mount Rushmore?

Daily Double - Ice and Asphalt Edition

2007-02-16T07:59:00.000-06:00

Excellent move by the Nashville Predators. Peter Forsberg gives them an instant leg up on everyone in the Western Conference. Of course, the bigger question is will anyone actually go to the games? It is pretty rough when you have one of the best teams in the league and you still aren't drawing a crowd. I will admit that it doesn't help when ticket prices are so high, but come on Nashville.
"Gentleman start your engines." That's right, the Superbowl of Stock Car Racing is on Sunday afternoon. There is nothing Junior and I love more than crackin' open a bag of chips and a six-pack (who are we kidding, a case) of beer and watching guys go fast and turn left. It is a beautiful thing to behold. And I'm honestly interested to see how many more guys get caught cheating. Let's just say that Major League Baseball has nothing on NASCAR. You don't believe me? Well, how about Mike Bianchi?

Don't get me wrong, I don't like people breaking rules, but this is NASCAR. The "sport" is about the closest thing you will find to Pro Wrestling. We are talking about a sport that was started by guys who were breaking the law. Now I know it is all commercialized now, and NASCAR wants to put on a good show for the suits, but I like my race car drivers to be a little crazy and cheating like mad. It makes the sport fun and interesting. Instead, nearly every driver coming up now is seemingly cookie cutter. That's why the mavericks are so appealing. I offer Exhibit A as proof:

Now, who doesn't love a guy like that?

Daily Double - The Global Warming Edition

2007-02-15T07:40:00.000-06:00

Sure it is snowing like crazy in the Northeast and the rest of the country is fairly cold as well, but it is a little warmer in my part of the world because pitchers and catchers reported yesterday for the, ahem, WORLD CHAMPION ST. LOUIS CARDINALS.

Nice puff piece on Braden Looper in the Post-Dispatch. Count me as a member of the group saying that Looper and/or Wainwright are just holding a spot in the rotation until the front office can find a suitable trading partner. Sure Junior and I believe that Dave Duncan has the powers of the Almighty himself, but come on. A team that won 83 games last year now has two guys moving from the pen to their starting rotation. I don't like the sound of that at all.
Bear with me for a minute, but I give Tim Hardaway some credit. He essentially said what a majority of current NBA players wanted to say concerning John Amaechi and the prospect of playing with a homosexual teammate. Did he have to be so bold? Well, no not really. Do I personal agree with him? No. However, it is a free country and of course, ESPN is free to fire Hardaway for what he said.

I have had a week or so to think about it and my thought on the whole gay player in professional sports thing is that there surely are some players in the major league sports that are gay. So what? Big deal. The number one issue is does the guy do his job as well as he can? If so, great. And if he wants to tell people he is gay, that is his right. It is also his right to keep his personal life quiet just like if he didn't want to talk about the fact that he is an atheist or really only plays the sport because of the money. Just do your job and no one will care.

What does drive me insane are the columnists who are seemingly cheering for a gay player to admit to it. Why? What benefit would it have for that guy? Think about the questions that he would face in every city he visited. And think about what his teammates would have to go through. As a society we tend to look down on athletes who put their personal glory ahead of their teammates. Why is this any different?

Cheerleader of the Week - Who Dat?! Edition

2007-01-16T14:22:00.000-06:00

This week's Cheerleaders come to us from Junior's hometown, the New Orleans Saints. Who Dat?! Baby, Who Dat?!

As always, the entire shoot can be seen here.

But Wait......

2007-01-10T10:14:00.000-06:00

We had been told that SEC defenses are only good because no one in the SEC runs a competent offense. I guess that is down the tubes.

Again, we don’t put a whole lot of stock into bowl games. We just don’t like ‘em. Ohio State is much better than they showed last night. Better than Florida? No, but the Bucknuts deserved to be there. It wasn’t like they had two losses or played in a weak sister conference.

Florida’s win just reinforced a fundamental idea that we at W.W.B.S. hold dear. In a matchup of evenly talented teams, a solid defensive scheme and execution wins.

Sure Chris Leak looked great, but we are not about to announce him as the second coming of Joe Montana. Evidently some Florida fans have lost their freakin’ minds and want the guy canonized for playing one decent game against a team that didn’t blitz him.

As we made numerous reference too all year, Florida was winning because of it’s defense. The offense is not difficult to defend and averaged 22.25 points per game in the eight regular season SEC games. Not exactly explosive stuff there.

Florida's Defense: Sexy like Tera Patrick, but doesn't get penetrated as often

No, the defense carried Florida throughout the season and won the game against Ohio State on Monday night. Florida’s defense gave the Gators’ offense great field position. Florida’s average starting position? Their own 45 yard line. The Gators had scoring drives of 46, 34, 71, 32 (field goal), 6 (field goal), 5, and 39 yards. In fact, only once did Florida score a touchdown when they got the ball on their own side of the field.

So, kids what did we learn in school today? Defense, defense, defense. If you have good solid defense, you will win a lot more times than you lose.

Cheerleader of the week

2007-01-10T07:10:00.000-06:00

Two for one special! This weeks cheerleaders, from Wild Card Weekend, come to you from the Patriots and the Eagles.

As always, the entire shoot can be seen here.

Hey Cowboys Fans.....

2007-01-07T17:01:00.000-06:00

Suck It!!!!

You Always Have to Remember The Important Stuff

2007-01-04T12:06:00.000-06:00

While some folks are just flat going nuts and others are getting more and more pissed off about Nick coaching at Alabama, here at W.W.B.S., we are focusing on the important things. Things like the start of SEC basketball, getting our Cotton Bowl recap completed, the Rockets on a four game winning streak without Yao Ming, actual playoffs, and this (HT: The Mighty MJD).

Something about this is giving us a funny feeling in that special place. We aren't sure what we would do to Jessica Alba, but it would only take about 4 or 5 seconds.

The Savior of Alabama Football

2007-01-03T10:20:00.000-06:00

Let the coronation commence.

I guess this means that Tommy Tuberville is no longer the most hated man in Baton Rouge. I guess it also means that, despite the insistence from Alabama faithful to the contrary, getting a coach with a losing record against your biggest rival isn’t that big of a deal.

Congrats to Alabama. They finally stepped up and made a serious offer. So, what did they get?

They got a coach that is a coach, not a politician. No one will mistake Nick Saban for a public relations genius. In fact his contentious relationship with the media and fans was a source of comedic joy for the 4+ years I resided in Baton Rouge. Saban just coaches. He isn’t going to make nice and will be pretty much an asshole to everyone connected to the program. Yeah, I don’t think he will be invited to many big parties (not that he would attend anyway). And I wouldn’t expect him to wrap himself in the traditions at Alabama. He is his own guy, he won’t like running out of an inflatable houndstooth hat. All of this is acceptable as long as he wins, which he does frequently.

Since this blog is titled slightly in the Auburn direction, some of you might wonder about our feelings concerning this hire. We are taking a mixed stance. Obviously, Auburn can no longer mark the annual date with Alabama as a win every year. However, that really wasn’t an issue after Mike Shula was terminated. Whomever Alabama hired was going to be more competent than Shula and would have turned that losing streak around quickly. And there will be recruiting battles that will tilt to Alabama, but Auburn seems to compete with Georgia and Florida more than Alabama and it wasn’t like Mike Shula wasn’t doing a decent job of recruiting at Alabama.

We are actually excited. Sure it will be tougher to beat Alabama, but it isn’t like that has been all that easy for the last few years. Plus, Auburn won’t have to make excuses for beating Alabama by eight points. The game will mean something again and that is always a positive for Auburn. Additionally, being the free market kind of guys that we are, we feel that competition makes people stronger. Auburn’s program will have to step up and accept the challenge that Saban’s hiring presents.

And Auburn is in an exceptional position to do that. Over the last three years, Auburn has averaged 11 wins a season and played in January all three years. Had Saban been hired when Shula was hired the story would have been different. Auburn may still have had the success that it has had, but Saban would have been building at the same time. Now however, Saban and Alabama will be competing with a much stronger Auburn program and a coach who sort of knows what he is doing. Saban’s resume is excellent, in ten seasons he has won one mythical national title and two SEC titles, and has a 66.67 winning percentage while averaging 8.2 wins per year. In case anyone forgets, Tuberville has one undefeated season, one SEC title, a 66.2 winning percentage and has averaged 8 wins a year over a 12 year career and four of those years were at an Ole Miss program that was under probation. Those stats aren’t too shabby. Somehow, we don’t see Tommy Tuberville folding up shop because Alabama has hired Nick Saban.

Cheerleader of the week

2007-01-03T07:16:00.000-06:00

This weeks cheerleader of the week comes to us from the NBA's LA Clippers.

As always, the entire shoot can be seen here.

SEC Bowl Picks

2006-12-29T12:22:00.000-06:00

These picks are minus the Indy Bowl, because, well we forgot and minus Junior, because, well because I’m not sure where he is right now. Last I heard from him he was going snipe hunting with some idiot relatives we have in Louisiana. He might be dead, I don’t know. As they say…..the show must go on.

Before the picks, a word about bowl games. We hate them. Sure it’s football, which is never a bad thing and there really isn’t anything better than the orgy of football that takes place in the last three or four days of the year (of course that is when all the games were played in the last three or four days of the year instead of stretching into the second week of January). The gambler in us hates bowl games. It’s the same shade of our personality that dislikes the first two or three weeks of the NFL and college season. Trends fall apart and you never really know what you are going to get. A month off from playing can be very disruptive to a football team’s momentum at the end of the season or allows injured players that weren’t playing at full potential at the end of the season to heal and return. Then you factor in the desire to play the game and these things are a crapshoot. Please tell us what winning the Pioneer Pure Vision Bowl means. Umm, nothing really. The lone exception is the BCS Championship game. There is something to play for in that game, the mythical national title. But, let’s face it, most of the games pit two teams that don’t match up well and are usually not very good games. There are exceptions every year and there will be some this year, but on the whole the entire process is kind of overrated. Then again, we feel that the first weekend of the NCAA tournament is overrated too, so maybe you should just click on The Professional Cheerleader Blog and leave us.

When gambling on bowl games, we tend to do one of two things: 1) bet the money line if the numbers work in our favor or 2) tease lines to create obvious advantages. In the end, you are better off, just playing in a pick ‘em pool. However, duty calls, so onward…

Music City Bowl – Clemson at Kentucky – Clemson favored by 10.5

We really like Kentucky this year. This year’s team has been a refreshing change of pace to the years of mediocrity that have piled up. The smart money is for Clemson to blow them out of the water. Kentucky has struggled when facing a team with a decent defense and Clemson has been solid all year long. True, the Tigers haven’t faced a quarterback near the caliber of Andre Woodson, but they have allowed exactly 6 touchdowns through the air all year. Kentucky meanwhile will have to focus on stopping the run, something they don’t do very well. The motivation factor does favor Kentucky. This is a true reward for a program that doesn’t excel much on the football field. The stadium will be packed with Kentucky supporters and the kids will probably be generally excited. Clemson might look at the holiday trip to Nashville as a disappointment after being early ACC championship favorites. We like Clemson to win, but they probably won’t cover the 10.5.

Liberty Bowl – South Carolina at Houston – South Carolina favored by 5

Probably one of the better matchups of the bowl season. Houston has a bevy of playmakers at the skill positions and can score points in a flurry, but they have only played one defense that would be considered comparable to South Carolina and they only scored 13 points against Miami. South Carolina’s offense was stop and go all year long. At times they scored at will and showed flashes of the old Spurrier Fun and Gun. However, the offense does have a tendency to get behind in the down and distance department and that can create problems. While Houston might have an advantage in the skill player department, the game is won and lost in the trenches and South Carolina has the advantage there. We like the Gamecocks and we see them covering the 5 points fairly easily.

Chick-fil-A Bowl – Virginia Tech at Georgia – Virginia Tech favored by 2.5

The Bulldogs could not have hand picked a better matchup for their bowl game. Virginia Tech relies on its defense to win games and that is what has been Georgia’s calling card this year. Expect very low scoring (we are talking baseball game scoring) and a fairly quick pace. There really isn’t much else to say on this one save that the motivation factor favors Georgia who would like to finish the season strong to prove that they aren’t going away in the SEC. Not that anyone thought they would. This one is a pick ‘em to us, so we will go with Georgia to win and cover.

Outback Bowl – Tennessee at Penn State – Tennessee favored by 4

In the annual “Which is the Best Conference” competition, this game and the Capital One Bowl are the two that make or break the SEC every year. This game features two teams that won all the games they were supposed to win and none of the ones they weren’t. Both teams feature better than average defenses with offenses that can explode, but generally grind it out. Clearly, Tennessee has an advantage in the skill position players, but along the front lines, there is equality. That being said, Tennessee has an advantage in the motivation department. After a disappointing season last year, they are back in sunny Florida facing a good quality school with a chance to make a statement for next year. We like the Vols both as outright winners and to cover the 4 point spread.

Capital One Bowl – Arkansas at Wisconsin – Arkansas favored by 2.5

One guarantee on this game, it will be the fastest bowl game played this season. Both teams employ offenses of the running variety. We like the tailbacks in this game, where else do you find three high caliber running backs like PJ Hill, Darren McFadden, and Felix Jones? Yep, nowhere. We could go on and on about the stats and various scenarios, but it is simple, which team’s quarterback limits mistakes, manages the game, and completes enough passes on third down to keep drives alive? Our guess is Wisconsin wins back to back Capital One Bowl games and covers the number to boot.

Sugar Bowl – Louisiana State at Notre Dame – Louisiana State favored by 9.5

Everything points LSU’s way in this one. Notre Dame struggles when facing teams with speedy defenses and wide receivers. LSU has plenty of both. Notre Dame hasn’t beaten a team worth anything all year long. LSU is one of the best teams in the best conference in the country. Notre Dame is traveling a long way to get to New Orleans. LSU is playing in its backyard where the Superdome will be packed with rabid, crazed, drunk Cajuns. Clearly, LSU is going to wipe the Superdome field with the Irish, right? Right? Well, call us crazy, but we have been saying that there will be a surprise in either the Sugar Bowl or the Mythical National Championship game. We think it is here because LSU plays to the level of their competition and well, Les Miles. Notre Dame wins a high scoring affair that will probably be the best bowl game of the year and immediately crowns itself with next year’s national title.

Mythical National Title Game – Ohio State at Florida – Ohio State favored by 7.5

We think the number of analysts out there predicting a surprise by Florida is influenced by a reaction to last year’s premature crowning of Southern Cal prior to the Rose Bowl. Don’t get us wrong, we like Florida and feel that they are the only team that truly deserves to play Ohio State. We just don’t think they have enough offensively to get by what is a tough Ohio State defense. Plus, let’s look at the two guys playing the most important position on the field. Hmmm, Troy Smith…..hmmm Chris Leak……hmmmmm. We aren’t predicting a monster game for Smith because Heisman winners seem to struggle in their bowl games. However, Smith wins games for Ohio State. Leak just guides his team to victories and can lose games for them as well. Florida will play it close unlike their last visit to the desert, but in the end Ohio State will prove what has been proven all year, they are the best team in college football.

Cotton Bowl – Auburn at Nebraska – Auburn favored by 1.5

The season for our favorite team has been up and down. Home losses to Arkansas and Georgia have left a bitter taste in our mouths that can’t seem to overwhelm the joy of victories over LSU, Florida, and, of course, Alabama. However, we just don’t see the storyline of Auburn being upset about the Cotton Bowl. The matchup is to Auburn’s liking and quite honestly other than a BCS bowl, a holiday trip to Dallas is about as good as it was going to get. Surely facing Wisconsin or Penn State in Florida wouldn’t have been in the favor of a team whose defense has a penchant for allowing big plays on defense. Really, this is an interesting matchup of two teams that are identical images of each other. Both run similar offenses with quarterbacks that are steady and solid leaders who try to keep drives alive with their brains instead of their arm strength. Nebraska has chugged along with a pretty good record and has met expectations. Auburn’s record is close to what was expected, the disappointment is due more to Arkansas’ surprising run than Auburn’s failures.

Another interesting angle to this game is the month and a half layoff. The time off has allowed both Cox and Irons to get well. Neither was the player they were last year and Cox’s ineffectiveness drove the offense into a shell of its former self. By the end of the year, Irons wasn’t even the best back on the team. We are interested to see how both respond in the game. Also of interest is the wide receiver position. Someone better show us something to get us excited for next year. We are talking to you Rod Smith and Preache Rodriguez.

As goes the defense, as has gone the team. When the defense plays like crazed pitbulls, the entire team responds. When the defense is flat and gives up big plays on third down, the team plays like a bunch of girls. We have stated already that the matchup favors Auburn. Nebraska’s West Coast offense is predicated on short yardage passing with mixes of the run. It will look fairly similar to Auburn’s offense. We have been impressed with Zac Taylor. He seems to be a twin of Brandon Cox. Gutsy and effective, but lacking that big play arm. In short, we like him, he can play quarterback for us any day.

The motivation angle is important in the game between two fairly evenly matched teams. Both teams are trying to finish off somewhat exceptional seasons. Both teams are trying to generate excitement for next season. Nebraska is trying to show that it has made another step back under Callahan. Auburn is trying to erase the disappointment of a January failure last year and show that it is now firmly entrenched as a Top 10 program.

This should be very entertaining. We like Auburn to win by oh a touchdown or so. But hey we are biased, so don’t listen to us.

Cheerleader of the week

2006-12-20T11:22:00.000-06:00

This weeks Cheerleader comes from the San Diego Chargers...

As usual, the entire gallery can be seen here.

The Real God's Team

2006-12-19T08:54:00.000-06:00

We would imagine that this is a busy time at the Vatican. So, it is surprising to catch this snippet of news coming out of Vatican City yesterday.

This would definitely be interesting. We would imagine there are a fair number of Catholic men who play soccer making the recruitment very easy. "What you don't want to play for the Church? Hmm, ever hear of excommunication?"

God's team no longer wears Blue and Gold

Just our guess, but the Church probably doesn't want to get involved with some of the uglier aspects of modern professional athletes. Imagine this confession:

"Forgive me father for I have sinned, it has been three days since my last confession."

"That's okay my son...wait, Rovario, is that you? Good grief. What now?"

"Father, I have committed some impure deeds. I snorted coke off this hooker's ass, while I was banging her 17-year old daughter. Then I killed her husband and stole all of the furniture from his house."

(Sigh) "Well, your penance is an Our Father and two Hail Marys. Just be glad that you put that sweet header in against AC Milan last weekend otherwise you would totally have to self-flagellate."

Where Have You Been?

2006-12-19T08:35:00.000-06:00

Other than brief interruptions for the Cheerleader of the Week (and those will continue), we have been silent for a few days. Well, everyone needs a break. Let’s see what has happened while we were gone?

- Florida beat Arkansas to win the SEC title. Obviously, Junior and I were surprised, not totally shocked, but surprised. Florida was the better team, but Arkansas certainly didn’t help themselves by a) trying to field a punt on the 5-yard line or b) deciding that passing was the way to go. Oh well, congrats Gators.

- Michigan got jumped by Florida to lose out in the quest to get beat by Ohio State in Glendale. Michael has been trying to swallow the bitter pill, but it just isn’t going down very well. And no, we don’t have any pity for him, Michigan is a one loss team. They had their chance. No, it isn’t a very good argument, but it beats the excuses put out there a few years ago in defense of leaving out an undefeated team. I mean seriously, Michigan should have scheduled better out of conference, or not completely sucked last year, or have some iota of tradition. In the end, that would have never happened to Alabama because, you know, Alabama has won 1,352 national titles.

- Auburn’s basketball team is doing this crazy rendition of the 1998-99 team. WTF? We expect losing from the basketball team. Shit, the team is getting a new arena that will only be full for graduation and shitty Widespread Panic/Kenny Chesney concerts. I mean there are standards to uphold.

- This is a little old, but David “The Swimming God” Marsh is going to “pursue other opportunities.” Those “other opportunities” just happen to be in North Carolina working for U.S. Swimming. Don’t get us started on the shameful way that Marsh was treated. You think Mike Shula was left out in the cold? Marsh, he of 10 national titles (and those are real ones, not the mythical football titles), had to quit to get a new pool built. I know, I know no one goes to watch swim meets. Well, no one goes to watch the basketball team either. Marsh’s decision was probably made a little easier during the worst halftime in the history of modern college football when the stadium announcer failed to recognize him as the coach of the Men’s and Women’s National Title teams.

Worst halftime ever. Warning, your ears may bleed

- Alabama still has not hired a football coach and we don’t expect anyone to take control of that mass of ridiculousness until well into January. Don’t worry though, the daily updates are not going away as some people do not deal in reality and continue to beat a dead horse.

- The NFL season is slowly winding down. An update, the Texans suck. Jason Campbell has looked decent at times for Buford’s Skins. We both agree that the Saints are ensuring unrealistic expectations that will not be fulfilled because…well because they are the Saints. And on a whole, no one in the NFL is dominating.

- Speaking of the NFL, we truly can’t comprehend why, when the debate about best quarterback in the league comes up, analysts fall over themselves trying to add another name next to Peyton Manning. I know the guy has never won anything, yeah yeah bite me. Did any of you watch that game last night? Holy crap, he was unconscious. Now come on, if you compare every QB in the league at their best, there is no one even close. That being said, the Colts still won’t win the SuperBowl this year. Sorry Colts fans.

-Finally, we want to pass along our best wishes to all of you idiots that waited until the last minute to buy your Christmas gifts. Enjoy the throngs of people rushing around like complete idiots looking for the new Justin Timberlake CD for their 10-year old daughter. You could always do what we do, give such crappy gifts that no one wants you to buy them anything. ‘Tis the season.

NFL Cheerleader of the Week

2006-12-14T07:48:00.000-06:00

This weeks cheerleader comes from the San Diego Chargers.

As always, the entire shoot can be seen here.

Spurrier? No. Saban? Nyet. Hot Rod?

2006-12-08T14:55:00.000-06:00

I wonder if the conversation went anything like this:

Mal Moore: "Coach Rodriguez, Mal Moore here with the University of Alabama. How'd you like to coach the Tide this year?"

Rich Rodriguez: "Gee, I don't know...."

Mal: "What do you mean, you don't know? This is your chance to coach at Alabama."

Rich: "Let me get back to you, will ya, Mal? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls."

Who's got next?

(HT: EDSBS for the shirt)

NFL Cheerleader of the Week

2006-12-06T08:29:00.000-06:00

Daddy's pick for cheerleader of the week, from the Miami Dolphins.

The rest of the gallery can be seen here.

Step away from the ledge....

2006-12-06T07:49:00.000-06:00

Junior is on suicide watch today as word is coming down that Auburn might have its own coaching search to conduct following the Cotton Bowl. Evidently, Al is quite serious about pursuing the Stanford job. So for Gorgeous Al Borges, Junior and I have come up with a list of pros and cons for the Stanford job.

Pros: New stadium, Free golf lessons from Tiger, Napa Wine Country a short drive away, and access to ground breaking research on particle physics at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center home of several Nobel Laureates that surely can help work out complex pass routes and blocking schemes.

Cons: Earthquakes, Training table consists of tofu, rice cakes, and soy milk, Earthquakes, the state of California is on a mission to eliminate anything that can even be remotely perceived as fun (smoking, strip joints, drinking, pro set offenses with mutiple formations), and did we mention Earthquakes.

Definitely not a tofu and bean sprout salad kind of guy

In all seriousness, Al has earned it and we say good luck to him if he goes. Now, I just have to go check on Junior, he has been in the bathroom a really long time.

Baby You Can Drive My Car.....

2006-12-04T16:36:00.000-06:00

The final power poll of the season will be out later this week and we will surely have some comment on the SEC Championship and the bowl picture.

For now, a little recap on Alabama's head coaching search thus far.

Other songs considered: Can't Buy Me Love, Help!, and Helter Skelter

SEC Picks - Championship Edition

2006-12-02T07:25:00.000-06:00

We are saving the Power Poll until after the SEC Championship game, since it would be a little redundant to do two of them really close together. So, other than watching with awe and wonder at what the genius Mal Moore will do with his coaching vacancy, we have been piddling around at work and dreaming Saturday and wonderful football matchups.

Mal Moore - Souper Genius

Last week saw Buford going 6-0 and 4-2. More excellence from yours truly. Junior? He turned in a measly 4-2 and 3-3. So, I am easily in front with an overall record of 64-10 (36-32-1). Junior is looking up from the bottom of the hill as he is 58-16 (30-36-1).

This weekend the SEC Title game will take place. We are both hoping that Atlanta enjoys the influx of jean shorts and men who squeal like pigs.

Arkansas at Florida – Florida favored by 2.5

Junior: Well, the anti-BCS in me is screaming for a Gator win here. Nothing would make me happier than another fine mess. I just don’t see how Florida is the favorite and can win in a shootout, since I know McFadden and Jones are going to run for 300 yards total. No disrespect to UF’s defense, but the running backs at Arkansas shredded LSU’s defense. On defense, Arkansas isn’t great, I just don’t have faith in Leak/Tebow to finish drives. Arkansas 38, Florida 31.

Buford: I’m with Junior. I like both teams. I think both teams deserve to be in the top ten, maybe even the top five. Plus, I will go out on a limb and say that this will probably be one of the better SEC championship games in recent history. Neither team is remarkably better than the other. In the end, I just trust Arkansas’ ability to control the clock and keep the ball away from Chris Leak and Company more than I trust the Gator’s ability to toss the ball all over the place, score quickly, and keep pace. Arkansas 31, Florida 24.

Normally we only cover SEC games, but we take a break to pick what is really an event. A chance to watch two football teams filled with actual student athletes. Without further ado, the Army-Navy picks.

Army at Navy – Navy favored by 20

Junior: Semper Fi! GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY! Navy 42, Army 10.

Buford: I think the old Devil Dog is getting the best of him. Those Marines can be a little crazy sometimes. All that time sniffing shoe polish and singing little ditties about his rifle and his gun have turned Pfc Junior a little loco. Oh, there is no way Army wins. But there is also no way Navy covers. Pride is what it is all about here. Navy 35, Army 27.

NFL Cheerleader of the week

2006-11-30T11:13:00.001-06:00

This weeks cheerleader comes to us from "your" New England Patriots.

As always, the entire gallery can be seen here.

SEC Picks - Week #13

2006-11-24T09:24:00.000-06:00

Finally, a little bit of difference in the records last week. If it wasn’t for some heroics from JaMarcus Russell and Dwayne Bowe, we would have had the same records, so let’s not get too excited.

I am sitting at 58-10 and 32-30-1 while Junior is at 54-14 and 27-33-1. It is unlikely there will be much difference in our straight up winners, but a little drama is possible in the picks against the spread.

This week features what should be solid games involving SEC teams. In fact, Kentucky at Tennessee is the only double digit spread and the game might possibly be closer than that. In other words, good weekend to sit on the couch and do nothing. That's what makes this weekend so great, the wives go shopping and we are free to watch football.

Kentucky at Tennessee – Tennessee favored by 18.5

Junior: The Wildcats are attempting to move up the bowl ladder. The winner of this game may go to the Peach, although Tennessee probably has that locked up and could improve with a solid win. Tennessee 27, Kentucky 10.

Buford: Kentucky has had a solid year that could be improved with a big win here. Ummmm, very unlikely. Kentucky can throw the football (#1 in passing in the SEC), but Tennessee has a solid defense that will limit what the Cats can do. Tennessee will struggle early and pull away late. Tennessee 31, Kentucky 14.

Georgia Tech at Georgia – Georgia favored by 1.5

Junior: Georgia, off their big win over Auburn, hosts what very well could be the ACC champions. Tech 41, Bulldogs 14.

Buford: I’m fighting the urge to forget that Tech is destined to be a 7-5 team. It is difficult. A better bet on this game would be the under. It is currently set at 43. That’s not too bad considering the defenses in this game. This is scary, but I like the Bulldogs. Georgia 14, Georgia Tech 10.

Florida at Florida State – Florida favored by 9.5

Junior: F$U is terrible. Good. I hate them because of the Bandit. Florida 42, Florida State 10.

Buford: Florida is a better team. Florida is on a roll. And don’t forget, Florida has Tim Tebow, aka God. Florida 38, Florida State 3.

Mississippi State at Mississippi – Mississippi favored by 3

Junior: Both teams have really shown signs of life the last few weeks. Ole Miss had LSU on the ropes and State beat Alabama. I just think that Ole Miss is a little better, plus they are at home. Rebels 21, Bulldogs 20.

Buford: This might be the best game of the weekend. A guess here, the Bulldogs will fight and fight hard, but yeah the Rebels are at home. Mississippi 21, Mississippi State 17.

South Carolina at Clemson – Clemson favored by 5

Junior: I know how much Spurrier enjoys beat a Bowden, I don’t think it happens this weekend. Clemson 24, South Carolina 13.

Buford: South Carolina has been right on the cusp several times this year. Call me crazy, but they get it done this time and start building for the SEC championship run next year. South Carolina 21, Clemson 18.

Louisiana State at Arkansas – Pick

Junior: I’m wondering if Arkansas is caught looking ahead to the SEC Championship and a possible shot at Ohio State. Tigers 31, Hogs 30.

Buford: Do I still doubt Arkansas? Stupidly, yes. Don’t get me wrong, I think they are good. But this is by far the most talented team they have played all year. I just like LSU’s ability to make this into a track meet. Louisiana State 38, Arkansas 27.

SEC Power Poll - Week #13

2006-11-24T09:21:00.000-06:00

We probably should have had this up yesterday or the day before, but hey it’s Thanksgiving, cut us some slack. Last weekend taught us that Auburn is better than Alabama and not much more really. Only one piece of movement this week. The games this weekend will settle once and for all if LSU is truly better than Arkansas, if South Carolina can finally get over the hump and beat a good football team, if Georgia’s performance against Auburn was a trend or a fluke, and if Mississippi or Mississippi State is the worst team in the SEC. So, this week, little movement, but next week expect a lot of movement.

Power Poll – Week 13

Florida (10-1, 7-1) – Question. What does the win over Western Carolina prove? About the same as the win over Florida State will prove. Last Game: Beat Western Carolina 62-0, Up Next: at Florida State.

LSU (9-2, 5-2) – Well, that was about what I expected. Mississippi was playing better and clearly LSU overlooked them. Now, stop the run, force Arkansas to beat you throwing the football and turn this puppy into a track meet. Last Game: Beat Mississippi 23-20, Up Next: at Arkansas.

Arkansas (10-1, 7-0) – Normally, one might say that facing the pressure that comes with possibly winning the SEC and heading to the national title game would cause a team to fold. But, who would you rather have to diffuse the pressure for you team than Houston Nutt? Do you honestly think Arkansas is even remotely tight? Last Game: Beat Mississippi State 28-14, Up Next: Louisiana State.

Auburn (10-2, 6-2) – Six SEC wins with a team that never got a week off isn’t too shabby. However, the season should have resulted in a trip to Atlanta. That’s the standard in Auburn now. Last Game: Beat Alabama 22-15, Up Next: Bowl Game.

Tennessee (8-3, 4-3) – A win over Kentucky will shore up a solid season for Tennessee. I think this is what the people in Knoxville wanted all along. Last Game: Beat Vanderbilt 39-10, Up Next: Kentucky.

South Carolina (6-5, 3-5) – A beatdown of Clemson will but a nice shine on a disappointing season. Of course, to do this the Gamecocks will have to beat a solid team. Not a great team, just a solid team. And they will have to do it on the road. We shall see? Last Game: Beat Middle Tennessee State 52-17, Up Next: at Clemson.

Kentucky (7-4, 4-3) – So, the big question is who deserves a bowl game more, Alabama or Kentucky. My guess is both. Who gets the SEC’s bowl spot? Well, that is a different question. A good performance in Knoxville will go a long way to help Kentucky’s cause. Last Game: Beat Louisiana-Monroe 42-40, Up Next: at Tennessee.

Alabama (6-6, 2-6) – The central question in my mind is if the administration is truly talking to people about the head coaching job. If so, Mike
Shula should just go ahead and resign. Does anyone really think he can save his job next season? It would take eight to nine wins. Is that possible? Look at the schedule, I don’t think it is. Last Game: Lost to Auburn 22-15, Up Next: Bowl Game.

Georgia (7-4, 4-4) – A strong performance against Calvin Johnson and company in Athens this weekend might move them up in the W.W.B.S. poll. I know Mark Richt and company are counting on that. Last Game: Bye, Up Next: Georgia Tech.

Vanderbilt (4-6, 1-7) – It kind of fell apart for Vanderbilt at the end of the season. That is what happens when you play 12 straight weeks. Of course, playing Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee probably didn’t help. Last Game: Lost to Tennessee 39-10.

Mississippi State (3-8, 1-6) – Not a bad showing against Arkansas this past weekend. Honestly, winning the Egg Bowl won’t prove much. Except that the Bulldogs aren’t the worst team in the conference. Is the Croom experiment over? Probably not. One more year? Probably, but how do you measure improvement? A bowl game? A 0.500 season? That is the central question. Last Game: Lost to Arkansas 28-14, Up Next: at Mississippi.

Mississippi (3-8, 1-6) – The Rebels had a fairly decent game in Baton Rouge. Albeit against a team that was clearly overlooking them, but still. It was kind of disappointing the way that one ended. Will they have a little better luck this week? Last Game: Lost to Louisiana State 23-20, Up Next: Mississippi State.

NFL Cheerleader of the Week

2006-11-21T23:04:00.000-06:00

This weeks cheerleader is from the world famous Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders...
As usual, the entire gallery can be seen here.

Junior feels Shula's pain

2006-11-21T10:08:00.000-06:00

Copied from an Auburn message board, but I feel Shula's pain...

Bo Schembechler, 1929-2006

2006-11-17T12:10:00.000-06:00

It's never easy when God calls home one of his children. Rest in peace Bo, the world of college football mourns.

He really is in The Big House now.

SEC Picks - Week #12

2006-11-17T10:32:00.000-06:00

Bank it, Junior and I will not have the same record this week. For three straight weeks we have been pumping out identical records. This past week, we both were 5-0 straight up and 3-2 against the spread. While we are humming along at 53-9, for me, and 48-14, for Junior, straight up, the bookies are making money off of our 30-27-1 and 25-30-1 against the spread records. Not good. We don’t like owing bookies. We would be fine if it wasn’t for Junior.

Western Carolina at Florida – No Line

Junior: Florida takes out some BCS anger on the Catamounts. Florida 47, Western Carolina 6.

Buford: I guess my high school team wasn’t available this weekend. I shouldn’t laugh, Auburn is probably going to end up opening with the Catamounts next season. Florida 28, Western Carolina 21.

Middle Tennessee State at South Carolina – South Carolina favored by 15.5

Junior: Cocks get their sixth win and lock up the Peach Bowl. South Carolina 42, MTSU 14.

Buford: First game we disagree on this week. I like South Carolina to win, but they won’t cover. Middle Tennessee is a decent team, currently leading the Sun Belt. The Gamecocks haven’t made anything easy this year. South Carolina 28, MTSU 17.

Louisiana-Monroe at Kentucky – Kentucky favored by 19.5

Junior: The Cats are already bowl eligible and will attempt to improve their stock. If Alabama beats Auburn, Kentucky might be in the Independence Bowl. Otherwise, they head to the Music City Bowl. Cats 33, ULM 9.

Buford: Kentucky rolls. Kentucky 42, ULM 21.

Mississippi at Louisiana State – Louisiana State favored by 27.5

Junior: What will we see more of? LSU scoring TDs? Coach O screaming? Or Billy Cannon highlights? LSU 37, Ole Miss 14. Oh, Billy Cannon Punt Return Highlights 2.

Buford: I remember a few years ago when Eli Manning came into Baton Rouge and beat LSU. It was a magical night. It really was. Eli was great. Hmmm, haven’t picked an upset yet. Okay, why the hell not? Mississippi 21, Louisiana State 17.

Arkansas at Mississippi State – Arkansas favored by 14

Junior: The juggernaut that is Mississippi State football hosts the pathetic excuse for a team, the Razorbacks. Bow Wow, I say. State 3,142,857, Hogs 0. Croom pulls the starters out at halftime to rest them for the Egg Bowl (Assuming that Coach O even bothers to show up for that game). Honestly, the winner of the BCS title game is nothing short of a sham, unless the coaches admit that it’s nothing more than a runner-up to the Bulldogs.

For everyone, not named Travis – The Hogs are rolling. At this point, I think they are the class of the SEC and it’s a damn shame that if they win out, they are left out of the BCS title game just because they started out of the Top 25. Although I think State has improved (after all, they beat Alabama, and that is something I’m not sure Auburn can do), Arkansas is clearly the best team in the SEC. Arkansas 42, State 10.

Buford: Wow, Junior has a little pent up anger at Travis. Look man, he is just expressing his opinion that we are idiots. And, truthfully, we are. However, we didn’t go to State, so…… As for this game, Arkansas is rolling. But they have also started to get a little publicity. I actually like Mississippi State in this spot. At home against a team that will be looking ahead to the Tigers from Louisiana State and dreaming about playing in Tempe. I’m not saying that State wins, but they cover. Arkansas 28, State 17.

Auburn at Alabama – Auburn favored by 3

Junior: I can’t think of any reason why I should pick Auburn. We can’t play defense, our quarterback is injured, our wide receivers (except for Courtney Taylor) can’t get open. I should pick Alabama to kick the ever loving shit out of Auburn. The only thing I think of is that when his back is against the wall and everyone expects the Tigers to fold, Tubs pulls something out of his ass. Call this one wishful thinking. Auburn 27, Tide 13. BEAT BAMA!!!!! PUNT, BAMA, PUNT!!!!! ROUND THE BOWL, DOWN THE HOLE, ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!

Buford: The saying goes that generally the better team wins the Iron Bowl. I just can’t figure out if Auburn is the better team. I think both teams have been average this year. Auburn has the better resume, but the game is in Tuscaloosa. Auburn probably has a slight edge in talent, but the matchups favor Alabama. Auburn has the edge in coaching, but do not discount the motivation that Alabama has after losing four straight and the associated “Fear the Thumb” nonsense. This game reminds me of the Georgia game a lot. A tough rivalry game against an opponent who is better than the record indicates. In the end, I like Auburn because I do think they are the better team. Plus, I think after a season of being incorrect on Auburn, the bookmakers finally got close. Auburn 31, Alabama 30.

SEC Power Poll - Week 12

2006-11-16T06:47:00.000-06:00

Well, here is the poll. It has morphed into some terrible version of what we originally intended. Now we are just trying to keep the water from filling the boat because this thing has so many holes in it. Hey, that’s what actually playing the games will do for you. Oh and we certainly recognize that there are strong arguments (pro and con) for each of the positions. But, our poll, screw you.

Big rivalry weekend here at W.W.B.S., we are just hoping the good guys win and the bad guys lose. Outside of that little football game in Tuscaloosa, there isn’t much on the slate. Everyone else is tangling with a high school team or one of the Mississippi squads, which is kind of the same thing.

Power Poll – Week 12

Florida (9-1, 7-1) – Firmly into Atlanta. Now setting sights on how to stop Darren McFadden. Good luck. Last Game: Beat South Carolina 17-16, Up Next: Western Carolina.

LSU (8-2, 4-2) – Basically we are talking about a lost season for LSU. They are probably going to win out and be the Auburn of 2006, the team that the pundits claim is the best team in the conference at the end of the year. This, of course, assumes Arkansas wins the SEC title. And what does that get LSU? A trip to Dallas, a lot of media praise, and unrealistic expectations for 2007. Well, okay the last one probably isn’t true, but we will see. Last Game: Beat Alabama 28-14, Up Next: Mississippi.

Arkansas (9-1, 6-0) – They are literally running away with the SEC West division. All that remains is one more win. Beat Mississippi State and you are West Champs and heading to Atlanta. Last Game: Beat Tennessee 31-14, Up Next: at Mississippi State.

Auburn (9-2, 5-2) – Yes, we are biased and will be damning this position after a humiliation in Tuscaloosa this weekend, but when Auburn plays it’s best game it can beat anyone below it and most of the teams above it. When Auburn just shows up, well, they get creamed like last Saturday. Perhaps we should move them down considering they have only shown up for six quarters all year. Last Game: Lost to Georgia 37-15, Up Next: at Alabama.

Tennessee (7-3, 3-3) – It is always nice to have Vanderbilt and Kentucky to end the season. It ensures a good feeling heading out of the regular season. Wait? What? The Vols lost to Vandy last year? When did this happen? Where were we? Last Game: Lost to Arkansas 31-14, Up Next: at Vanderbilt.

South Carolina (5-5, 3-5) – With Middle Tennessee State on the docket this week, the Gamecocks lie in wait for what appears to be a vulnerable Clemson team (we can’t believe we just typed that sentence). The Gamecocks could be 8-2. Coulda, woulda, shoulda. Last Game: Lost to Florida 17-16, Up Next: Middle Tennessee State.

Alabama (6-5, 2-5) – Another team that seems to be hard luck losers. Or hard luck winners as they have struggled with teams they shouldn’t have had problems with. I know, big words coming from an Auburn alum. Last Game: Lost to Louisiana State 28-14, Up Next: Auburn.

Kentucky (6-4, 4-3) – Yeah baby we’re going bowling. SWEET!!!!! Just remember, a contract extension for Rich Brooks is a bad, bad, bad idea. Last Game: Beat Vanderbilt 38-26, Up Next: Louisiana-Monroe.

Georgia (7-4, 4-4) – The rumors of the demise were greatly overstated. Of course, it helps a lot when the opposing team's quarterback throws four balls right at your defensive backs. Oh, did we mention all four interceptions were thrown within Auburn’s 40 yard line? Yeah, let’s not start up the “Offense is back” parade in Athens quite yet. We will be very surprised if the Dawgs beat Georgia Tech. Hate? Bias? Damn straight. Would you expect anything less? Last Game: Beat Auburn 37-15, Up Next: Bye.

Vanderbilt (4-7, 1-6) – God Vanderbilt should have more to show for this season than a 4-7 record and home for the holidays. Yep, pretty much a win over Tennessee (making it an actually winning streak) would solve all those blue feelings. Last Game: Lost to Kentucky 38-26, Up Next: Tennessee.

Mississippi State (3-7, 0-5) – Barely squeaked out a win over Bye this past week. It was close. This prompted Coach Croom to pronounce that a true turning point has been achieved. I mean they are on a two game winning streak. Last Game: Bye, Up Next: Arkansas.

Mississippi (3-7, 1-5) – After squaring off with Mississippi State in the morning, Bye made a quick trip to Oxford for the doubleheader. This time, Bye was not as fortunate. It probably had something to do with fatigue because it certainly wasn’t due to the overwhelming force that is Ole Miss football. Last Game: Bye, Up Next: at Louisiana State.

Great Moments in Iron Bowl History

2006-11-15T15:26:00.000-06:00

1996 - When leaving Legion Field, following a heartbreaking loss, Buford and Junior were accosted by several large woman wearing “Alabama Law” sweatshirts. Surrounded by a sea of Crimson and White, the leader of the whales showed her remarkable intellect by telling Buford and Junior that they “Sucked” and that they had just had their “asses whipped.” Buford, without missing a beat, politely pulled a Dean Wormer, and told her, “Miss, Fat, Drunk, and Stupid, is no way to go through life.”

Has three sisters that went to Alabama Law School.

NFL Cheerleader of the Week

2006-11-15T10:45:00.000-06:00

This weeks Cheerleader comes from the Miami Dolphins.

As always, the entire shoot can be seen here.

Dear Santa.....

2006-11-13T10:15:00.000-06:00

Anyone interested in some early Christmas shopping for Ol' Buford? Well, delete "Frank Shirley" and insert "Tommy Tuberville."

Sounds about right....

Hey Tempe, Guess Who's Coming For Dinner?

2006-11-13T09:18:00.000-06:00

What was the worst part about #3 Louisville, #4 Texas, #5 Auburn, and #8 California losing last week? Well, we think there are two things.

#1 – The BCS will be saved. For the huffing and puffing over the last month about what if this, what if that, the damned thing is off life support and somewhat breathing on its own. While there is a little bit of trouble on the horizon if certain things don’t happen, the most pathetic, dipshit way of determining who is the best (or as we like to say prettiest) college football team is still alive.

#2 – We have to deal with this idiot again. We thought we were done with him.

That is enough to make us puke, but we should have known that he would show back up.

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, Zip-a-dee-ay....

2006-11-13T05:53:00.000-06:00

.... my oh my what a wonderful day. Plenty of sunshine headin' my way, zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay.

We could rant on and on about why there was no sustained blitzing of a freshman quarterback on the road. We could ask why Brandon Cox was not sat down for at least one possession after he obviously had lost his cool and was not properly focusing on the correct things. We could even question why Tommy Tuberville’s teams struggle in games they are supposed to win.

However, we are taking a positive spin on things here at W.W.B.S. Keeping that frame of reference, here are ten things to be positive about after Saturday’s debacle.

No wasted money on hookers, blow, and booze in Tempe. Cause let’s face it, Tampa is nice, but it can’t touch Phoenix when it comes to partying.

Extra vacation days for 2007, since Auburn’s bowl game will be in December.

Talk of Tuberville leaving for Miami/Texas A&M/Whatsamatta U can be held off for another year.

No season ticket price increase this offseason.

Mike Shula is still Alabama’s coach.

Auburn is all set for 2007 – The Rebound Season.

At least this isn’t basketball, so our top three players aren’t going transfer due to issues with the coach. And on that note, Jeff Lebo must be a real asshole.

Can spend the holidays in relative ease and not worrying about putting “our one-loss record” at risk.

Only one more game that we have to spend watching idiots where bright orange pants and bow ties. Who said this looks good? Is this the new fraternity outfit now? What happened to a nice seersucker suit with some white bucks? Come on fellas, let’s show some class and go old school.

Repeat after me, Alabama sucks and if you have to pick one of the two to lose, be honest, it’s Georgia.

Okay, back to regularly scheduled programming.....Bitchin' and Whinin'. Which really is quite good.

SEC Picks - Week #11

2006-11-10T04:44:00.000-06:00

My attempts at allowing Junior to catch up is getting nowhere. We both had identical 4-3 straight up and 3-3 against the spread records last week. I’m doing my best, but I can’t help it if the boy can’t make the right selections. The overall records run out to 48-9 straight up and 27-25-1 against the spread for yours truly and 43-14 straight up and 23-28-1 against the spread.

Let’s see if Junior can catch up this week. Probably not, but everyone has to dream don’t they?

Vanderbilt at Kentucky – Kentucky favored by 2.5

Junior: Kentucky is playing for a bowl game. I like the Cats at home. Cats 21, Vandy 10.

Buford: Of all the games this weekend, this looks to be the least interesting. That means it will be a 4 OT thriller. Because Kentucky is at home, they get the W and Rich Brooks moves towards a contract extension. Kentucky 27, Vanderbilt 24.

Alabama at Louisiana State – Louisiana State favored by 18

Junior: Umm....What can I say about Bama that hasn’t been said already. Mississippi State? Wow. Just…..wow. I have a feeling this is going to be ugly. Very ugly. Louisiana State 45, Alabama 10.

Buford: Alabama is backed into a corner. There is always reason to fear a team that has spent the week being told how bad they are. Particularly one that has talent, but has been held back by their coach. There is no reason that Alabama should even stay on the field with LSU. Which is exactly why they will win. Okay, let’s just say we are hoping from a karmic standpoint they win. We will put this out as the Let Junior Catch-up Game of the Week. Alabama 17, Louisiana State 15.

South Carolina at Florida – Florida favored by 13

Junior: The Ol’ Ball Coach returns to the Swamp in what should be a fun game. I think he has enough in his bag to keep it close. Florida 31, South Carolina 24.

Buford: A lot is being made about Spurrier’s return to The Swamp. And he will certainly have a good plan on offense. Unfortunately, the Gamecocks will be playing Florida’s defense. It would be a story if South Carolina beat the Gators two years in a row. However, you know Urban Meyer has had this game circled in the calendar for ohhhh about a year. Florida rolls, big time. Florida 28, South Carolina 10.

Tennessee at Arkansas – Arkansas favored by 5.5

Junior: This will be Arkansas’ first real test since stomping Auburn. I like Arkansas to win, but I think Tennessee will cover. Arkansas 24, Tennessee 20.

Buford: This game would be very competitive and probably dangerous for Arkansas with Erik Ainge playing. I don’t have that same level of confidence in Jonathan Crompton. Tennessee is the type of team that could beat Arkansas (see strong running, decent possession offense), but the Hogs are just too strong this year. Plus, Arkansas wants to make a statement. Arkansas 35, Tennessee 17.

Georgia at Auburn – Auburn favored by 13

Junior: I can’t believe the line in this game. Thirteen points? Look, UGA is done, but they aren’t that bad. If Auburn struggles against the line versus Arkansas State, why in the world would I take them to cover. Auburn 17, Georgia 13.

Buford: Considering that in 109 years of these two teams playing there is two points separating them, I’m just not feeling the 13 point spread. That is not talking down your team, that is just brutal reality staring you in the face. Oh and I HATE Georgia. Auburn 27, Georgia 21.

SEC Power Poll - Week #11

2006-11-09T14:16:00.000-06:00

Last weekend proved to be a very normal weekend in SEC. Sure. There was a lot of what we thought there would be, close games and upsets. But really, does this change much in the SEC? We really don’t see Alabama losing more games than they win against Mississippi State. Ditto for Georgia. The real question is where we stand with regard to the top 4 or 5 teams. See below for our pros and cons on each team.

This weekend features something special. Every game looks to be competitive. That is mainly because the Mississippi teams are not playing, but we digress. Not every game will be good or competitive of course, but you have some compelling storylines for nearly every single game. Well, the picks will come later. Right now, it’s rankings time baby!!!!

Power Poll – Week 11

Florida (8-1, 6-1) – The Gators have defense and a lot of fortune going for them. That defense is stout, very stout. We are talking French body order stout. The weakness on the Gators seems to be offense, but really the offense has just sputtered since the second half of the Auburn game. Coincidently, that is when the Gators stopped benefiting from a short field. See Urban, a strong running game does help. Well, he knows that he just doesn’t have his guy running the football. Last Game: Beat Vanderbilt 25-19, Up Next: South Carolina.

LSU (7-2, 3-2) – The pros include a sexy offense that scores 40 on high school teams and a strong defense. The cons are no running game and thus no ability to control the clock and keep opponents’ offenses off the field. We doubt they would have beaten Tennessee with Erik Ainge on the field, but that is the reality right now, so that is what we are going with. Last Game: Beat Tennessee 28-24, Up Next: Alabama.

Arkansas (8-1, 5-0) – We like the Hogs a lot. In fact, we feel they are a strong team and Darren McFadden is an absolute beast. You pair the strong running game with probably one of the better defenses in the SEC (though not statistically) and you have a strong group with which to dominate opponents. What we don’t like about the Hogs is that they aren’t particularly strong at quarterback. That will lose games to strong defenses (unless said defense decides it doesn’t want to show up for an 11:30 kickoff in October, just saying Will Muschamp). Our question still remains, can the Hogs win from behind? Of course, they generally don’t have to do so. Last Game: Beat South Carolina 26-20, Up Next: Tennessee.

Auburn (9-1, 5-1) – The early season offense issues seem to have worked themselves out which bodes well for Auburn. We like pretty much every aspect of this team save one. The Tigers just don’t seem to have that moxie or gusto required of a true championship team. Yes, yes, you are saying forget 2004, this team wins. We would argue that the wins have been more a result of schedule. Flip Auburn’s road and home games and we are looking at a 8 or 9 win team instead of a 10 or 11 win team. Now, ask yourself the same question of the 2004 team. Auburn just doesn’t seem to leave it all out there and has not played a perfect game all year long. The pessimist in us sees this as indicative of a 1-1 finish and a solid, but not spectacular bowl performance. The optimist sees two straight wins against rivals and a BCS bowl game (after not having to play in the SEC championship). Last Game: Beat Arkansas State 27-0, Up Next: Georgia.

Tennessee (7-2, 3-2) – Robert Meachem is a big pro, so too is a stronger than expected defense that has kept on going despite the loss of so many lineman to graduation. The cons are injuries and a slow running game. This is the reason that Tennessee has dropped so much. Jonathan Crompton can’t beat any of the teams above the Vols. Last Game: Lost to Louisiana State 28-24, Up Next: at Arkansas.

South Carolina (5-4, 3-4) – The Gamecocks are improving, despite the loss to Arkansas, but continue to be an enigma. We like the defense a lot and we, of course, enjoy super stud Sydney Rice. We wonder what is going on with the offense from a consistency standpoint. Plus, like Steve says, the Gamecocks haven’t learned to win. Yet. Last Game: Lost to Arkansas 26-20, Up Next: at Florida.

Alabama (6-4, 2-4) – Due to the karma of a rivalry, we are big on Alabama despite the current evidence of less than dynamic offense and a surprising lack of focus on defense. We do like the defense and the offense has the potential to be very explosive. The downside of the Tide starts at the top. Mike Shula is clearly in over his head and plays to lose more than to win. He also doesn’t have faith in his team or himself and we don’t know too many successful coaches that fit that profile. Is Alabama overrated in our poll? Let’s just say there is some “irrational exuberance” for us. Whether the bubble pops remains to be seen. Last Game: Lost to Mississippi State 24-16, Up Next: at Louisiana State.

Vanderbilt (4-6, 1-5) – The strong points for Vanderbilt have been the quarterback play and the defense. We are pleasantly surprised by Chris Nickson. He has shown a lot of poise and really thrived while filling some rather huge shoes. What we don’t like is the overall level of talent in the program. Bobby Johnson has done an admirable job and will be patrolling the sidelines for another program soon (Alabama?), but he just doesn’t have the tools necessary. Last Game: Lost to Florida 25-19, Up Next: at Kentucky.

Kentucky (5-4, 3-3) – This is a nice team that we probably should have ranked a little higher. We like their effort and the offense is spectacular. Rafel Little and Andre Woodson are worth the price of admission. What we don’t like is a defense that is not particularly strong and the fact that Rich Brooks is still the coach. Probably the worst idea that Kentucky could get is to give Brooks a huge extension. Ask yourself what happens when Woodson and Little are gone next year. Last Game: Beat Georgia 24-21, Up Next: Vanderbilt.

Georgia (6-4, 3-4) – There is talent abound at Georgia, but not where it needs to be. After being a particularly strong team at the line positions, there has been a huge dropoff this year. Yes, Quentin Moses is a force to be reckoned with, but one man can only do so much. We have been very disappointed with the will of this team as well. The Bulldogs have flat out quit in the four games they lost this year. That is a huge issue for Mark Richt. Last Game: Lost to Kentucky 24-21, Up Next: at Auburn.

Mississippi State (3-7, 0-5) – A big pro is Michael Henig. How do you not root for Henig? The kid’s got guts and has had some kind of bad luck. We also like Coach Croom as a person, not as a football coach. The dislikes include no talent and no scheme that is worth anything. They showed up strong at Alabama, but we feel that might be the shooting star scenario, one final flameout before death. Maybe we are wrong though, maybe the Bulldogs have turned a corner. Last Game: Beat Alabama 24-16, Up Next: Bye.

Mississippi (3-7, 1-5) – What do we like about Mississippi? Not much. We like Coach O who brings his own unique self to the cult of personality that is SEC head coaches. Other than that this team plays sloppy and undisciplined. There doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason to either offensive or defensive scheme. Really, they are playing out the string. Last Game: Beat Northwestern State 27-7, Up Next: Bye.

NFL Cheerleader of the week

2006-11-08T21:02:00.000-06:00

From the Tampa Bay Bucs, the NFL Cheerleader of the week...

As always, the entire shoot can be see here.

SEC Picks - Week #10

2006-11-03T08:50:00.000-06:00

Another week, more excellence from your humble sheriff and his erstwhile deputy son. We both went 7-0 straight up and 4-2-1 against the spread last week. The overall records stand at 44-6 straight up and 24-22-1 against the spread for Buford. While Junior sits at 39-11 straight up and 20-25-1 when battling the line. Yes, he still sucks.

Let’s just go ahead and call this weekend what it is, Upset Saturday in the SEC. There are four home underdogs this weekend. It is a good weekend to be Auburn and Alabama. They are the only two home favorites.

Northwestern State at Mississippi – No Line

Junior: The O takes out some frustration as Ole Miss wins easily. Rebels 41, Northwestern State 14.

Buford: The Rebels are going to win. By a safety, on the last play of the game. Mississippi 2, Northwestern State 0.

Florida at Vanderbilt – Florida favored by 14.5

Junior: Florida has had a bad habit of playing down to the level of their competition (but not like Auburn or Bama), so I'll take Vandy to cover. Gators 35, Vandy 24

Buford: I’m very close to calling for the upset here. And yes, I mean the straight up upset. However, Florida is too good defensively to let a game get away from them before they can pull it out. Florida 24, Vanderbilt 13.

Mississippi State at Alabama – Alabama favored by 14.5

Junior: I'm so torn where to pick this one, I know Bama will win, it's the classic "keep the other team hanging around until the 4th quarter, and then return a pick for a TD to ice it" type game that Bama has trademarked over the past 20 years or so. I just can't pull the trigger on MSU covering, for some reason. Bama 21, MSU 3.

Buford: Alabama hardly ever struggles with Mississippi State. They usually win going away and then the entire fanbase starts claiming another national title. Alabama 28, Mississippi State 7.

Georgia at Kentucky – Georgia favored by 6.5

Junior: I really think that playing well against UF last weekend will help UGA out these last couple of weeks. Sure, their QB is young, but UGA has loads of talent. I think UGA wins, but it's close. Dawgs 23, Cats 17

Buford: The Bulldogs are destined to get to a bowl game given the hot start to the season. The Cats can make one by finishing hot. Ladies and gentlemen, this is your battle for the bowl lineup. The winner goes to Nashville, the loser to Shreveport. I like Kentucky in this one simply because the game is in Lexington. Kentucky 17, Georgia 14.

Arkansas at South Carolina – Arkansas favored by 2

Junior: Obviously, in the Justice household, we're going to be big Cocks fans this week. I'm just not sure the Ole Ball Coach's defense can stop the Hogs running game. Hogs 28, Cocks 24.

Buford: I’m interested to see how Arkansas responds to this game. Beside the fact that they beat Auburn, I like Arkansas. They play the game with crispness and I feel they are getting somewhat of a bump rap because of the loss to USC. They can certainly play and are a better team than South Carolina. However, as the senile old man on Gameday says, “Not so fast my friend.” Spurrier will find a way to beat the Hogs’ defense. The big question is can South Carolina’s defense standup and stop McFadden and Jones. South Carolina 28, Arkansas 24.

Louisiana State at Tennessee – Louisiana State favored by 3

Junior: At the beginning of the year, this looked like it could have been a preview of the SEC Championship game. Given LSU's ability to blow big games, I'm taking UT. Vols 21, Tigers 20.

Buford: I want the Tigers to win. I really do. I need the Tigers to win. Plus, I know it’s a revenge game. I know LSU was pissed about Tennessee’s come from behind win in Baton Rouge last year. I just can’t do it. I can’t take LSU on the road, with Russell, and THE HAT. History is very important. Hopefully they will prove me wrong. Tennessee 14, LSU 10.

Arkansas State at Auburn – Auburn favored by 31

Junior: This better be the blowout we've been waiting for all season long. Tigers 51, Ark St 7.

Buford: Why oh why would I pick Auburn to cover? Besides, Junior has to catch up somehow. Tigers 35, Arkansas State 17.

NFL Cheerleader of the Week

2006-11-02T08:01:00.000-06:00

I wish the Bandit had run to Denver, so Daddy and I could have seen the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders.

As always, the entire gallery can be seen here.

SEC Power Poll - Week 10

2006-11-02T03:20:00.000-06:00

The real world has stepped in and given us a big ol’ slap in the head this week. Plus, the whole time difference is not helping. Oh well, you know what they say, excuses are like…….

If you tuned in expecting to see changes, you will be sorely disappointed. We have a saying that there can only be one upset in the SEC per weekend. This weekend sanity reigned in the SEC. This spells doom for the favorites this weekend.

Big games this weekend include the Rumble by the River (LSU at Tennessee) and…..and…..Mississippi State at Alabama? Nope. Florida at Vanderbilt? Nope. Arkansas at South Carolina?

Power Poll – Week 10

Florida (7-1, 5-1) – Everyone in Gator land is worried sick about the offense. I don’t see why, the defense is what is winning games. Last I checked, the defense is still chugging along. Last Game: Beat Georgia 21-14, Up Next: at Vanderbilt.

Tennessee (7-1, 3-1) – It’s real simple Tennessee, stop the run and make Russell throw to win the football game. Sounds crazy I know, but that is the strategy. Last Game: Beat South Carolina 31-24, Up Next: Louisiana State.

LSU (6-2, 2-2) – Okay, very simple. Repeat after me, Run the football with authority. You must establish the running game. Jamarcus scares the crap out of everyone with a good running game. Otherwise, he a statue that can through the ball 80 yards, but will make decisions that kill you. Last Game: Bye, Up Next: at Tennessee.

Arkansas (7-1, 4-0) – I’m sure in Arkansas they are going crazy as why this team isn’t getting more publicity. Hey, #1, you live in Arkansas and #2, if the Hogs had actually beat another team besides Auburn maybe they would. Now, the Hogs get their chances in the next month. If they finish 11-1, they will get my endorsement. Last Game: Beat UL-Monroe 44-10, Up Next: at South Carolina.

Auburn (8-1, 5-1) – Another week, another win. Since we are Auburn fans, we tend to fluctuate somewhere between unrestrained joy at being 8-1 and ranked in the top ten to wondering when the other shoe will drop. This week allows some introspective. Consider the three year run that Auburn is on? Yep, it is a thing of beauty. Last Game: Beat Mississippi 17-13, Up Next: Arkansas State.

Alabama (6-3, 2-3) – Struggling with Florida International a week after they suspended 18 players due to the Brawl in the Orange Bowl? This is Alabama Football. Last Game: Beat Florida International 38-3, Up Next: Mississippi State.

South Carolina (5-3, 3-3) – We would like to say that South Carolina is showing improvement, but we see more of just leveling. We don’t see the explosiveness that Spurrier is known for. In fact, we see a team winning with a good defense. Holy Crap!!! Lloyd Carr has infected Steve Spurrier. Last Game: Lost to Tennessee 31-24, Up Next: Arkansas.

Vanderbilt (4-5, 1-4) – Okay Bobby Johnson, you win two of the next three to get Vandy to a bowl game and you will be coach of the year. Last Game: Beat Duke 45-28, Up Next: Florida.

Georgia (6-3, 3-3) – The Dawgs did everything they could to give the game away in Jacksonville. Have they packed it in for the season yet? Guess we find out this week. Kentucky can beat Georgia. We aren’t going to say it will happen just yet, but Georgia better be ready. Last Game: Lost to Florida 21-14, Up Next: at Kentucky.

Kentucky (4-4, 2-3) – A nice strong effort against Mississippi State. Tough game this weekend against Georgia, but 2-2 over the next four games gets you to Nashville or Shreveport. That would be excellent. Last Game: Beat Mississippi State 34-31, Up Next: Georgia.

Mississippi (2-7, 1-5) – A perfect game would have beat Auburn on Saturday. Oh well. There is still the Egg Bowl. Last Game: Lost to Auburn 23-17, Up Next: Northwestern State.

Mississippi State (2-7, 0-5) – Will the Bulldogs get a win in the SEC this year? They have been so close, but just can’t turn that corner. Last Game: Lost to Kentucky 34-31, Up Next: at Alabama.

Ole Miss Game Thread

2006-10-28T11:18:00.000-05:00

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....

2006-10-28T10:08:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-27T13:54:00.000-05:00

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?

2006-10-26T01:53:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-24T07:04:00.000-05:00

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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?

2006-10-23T00:43:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-20T09:36:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-20T08:24:00.000-05:00

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

2006-10-19T00:04:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-16T10:28:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-16T10:14:00.000-05:00

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...

2006-10-16T10:06:00.000-05:00

SEC Picks - Week #7

2006-10-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-11T16:40:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-10T08:09:00.000-05:00

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

2006-10-09T15:55:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-09T13:05:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-09T11:25:00.000-05:00

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

2006-10-09T08:46:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-09T07:36:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-08T14:28:00.000-05:00

"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

2006-10-06T08:36:00.000-05:00

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...

2006-10-06T08:33:00.000-05:00

but Toot Toot

A Brief History Lesson

2006-10-04T14:22:00.000-05:00

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!!!

2006-10-04T09:24:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-03T11:27:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-03T10:10:00.000-05:00

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

2006-10-02T17:16:00.000-05:00

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Whoa, They Did What?

2006-10-02T14:35:00.000-05:00

I'm all for traditions. Hell, I went to school that puts toilet paper into trees after a win and has both a mascot and a yell. Traditions are great. But, someone really needs to explain this to me:

It's just weird. And not kind of funny weird, but sadistic, Hannibal Lecter weird. And I know they aren't really squeezing maybe 30 or 40 years ago they actually squeezed, but that was a different time. Back then, men were men and there were no women around to roll their eyes and laugh (A&M wasn't coed until 1973). But now, well now it looks kind of dumb.

Again, I'm not making light of some of the unique traditions that A&M has, particularly those that are in honor of the men who have served this country. I think those are great. I'm just wondering how twisted in the mind you have to be to think that squeezing your testicles is going to help some 19 year old, who deep down could give two shits less about the traditions, sack a quarterback. Crazy man, just crazy.

Now screaming at a ref from the top row of a stadium that is full of 90,000 people? Well that is complete lucid and even expected.

If there is an Aggie out there that can explain this, please do.

Madden Vs Junior - Week 4

2006-09-30T10:03:00.000-05:00

Junior once again beats Madden, edging the Xbox360 3-2 (one push). Junior nailed Jax covering against the Colts, Cincy beating the Steelers, and Carolina covering vs TB. Madden called the Browns covers against the Ravens, and Denver over the Pats.
Overall, Junior is 15-13, and holds a two game advantage on John Madden 2007.

Week 4 of the NFL Season promises to put some space between Junior and Madden, as we've agreed on only 5 of the 14 games. On to the picks:

San Diego at Baltimore - SD is a 2.5 point favorite as they travel to Baltimore. Madden predicts a Ravens victory, 35-28. I think the Bolts get it done, and win, 21-17

Minnesota at Buffalo - The Bills are a 1 point favorite over the Vikings. Madden says Bills 16 - 3. I like Brad Johnson to get the job done here, as Minnesota wins 17-13.

NO and Carolina - Who Dat?! Who Dat?! The question I was asking myself last Monday was "Who Dat?! And what did you do to the Saints?" The saints looked good, and they look to put their perfect record on the line, as they go to Carolina as 7 point dogs. Madden likes the Saints to cover, 20-17. I think Carolina wins straight up, 27-14.

Miami at Houston - Ok, I'll admit I was wrong about Miami being a playoff caliber team. I think the NFL should penalize the Dolphins 3 points every time Daunte does that stupid rolling move. In any event, Miami goes to Houston at 3.5 favorites. Both teams stink. Madden thinks Houston wins 48-28. I don't think either team will crack 17, but Miami wins 14-6.

Dallas at Tenn - Tuna brings his team to Nashville as 9 point favorites. Madden expects Tenn to score 31 and win by 10. I don't see it. The Titans are terrible. Dallas 31 - 10.

Jax at Washington - The Jags are a 3 point favorite on the Skins. I really really like the Jags D, I think they can hold Portis in Check. Madden Skins win 48-10. My pick says Jags 23 - Skins 14.

Seattle at Chicago - In a battle of division leaders, Da Bears are 3.5 favorites to the visiting Seahawks. Madden likes Seattle to cover, but lose 40-37. I think Chicago covers, and wins, but not with scores that large. 24-17.

GB at Philly - The Favre Farewell tour takes a stop Monday night in Philly, as the Eagles host the Pack. The Packers are 11 point road underdogs. Madden likes GB to cover, but still lose, 24-16. I think GB's the worst team in the NFC (Thank you AFC for giving us teams like Houston, Cleveland and The Titans). Philly 34 - Packers 17.

Check back next week for the results.

And Go Gators.

Breaking News

2006-09-30T08:17:00.000-05:00

In a bizarre twist today, Paul Finebaum, noted columnist and talk-show host in Alabama, wrote a reasoned, well-thought out column for the Mobile Register. Read it here.

In other news, Lucifer is leaving Hell due to the rapid cooling taking place.

More at 11.

Remember to Pray

2006-09-29T15:26:00.000-05:00

One more quick thing from Colombia. The Patron Saint of Pump-Fake-Biting/Flat-Footed-Tackling Defenders was at it again last night. From Mark Schlabach's article on the game:

With three minutes left, it appeared South Carolina had made the play that would force overtime and would indeed have a chance to win. On first-and-5 from the Auburn 35, Newton pump-faked to the right side, and linebacker Will Herring bit on the bluff. With the Tigers blowing their pass coverage, redshirt freshman Jared Cook ran past three defenders. Newton lofted a perfect pass down the middle of the field. Cook ran under it and the football hit him in the hands at the goal line.

St. Will F'king Herring be praised. Amen.

Nightmare in Colombia on Thursday the 28th

2006-09-29T14:44:00.000-05:00

Don’t get all hysterical on me about the title of this post. Wasn’t that game like a bad mid-1980’s slasher film? It scared the living hell out of you even though you knew a happy ending was coming.

Cast

Slasher: Steve Spurrier/Syvelle Newton

This fits both of them really. Both terrorized Auburn. The Ball Coach with his excellent, well thought game plan and adjustments and Newton because he would not die.

Stupid Football Player Who Gets Knifed in the Stomach While Making Out with the Cheerleader: Will Muschamp

Dude looked like he didn’t even see it coming. I have never seen a coach that looked so damn lost on the sideline. Just like you never go make out in a place named Crystal Lake or Serenity Creek, you don’t rush 3 guys against a quarterback who got beat out by Blake Mitchell and an offensive line starting two true freshmen. What happened the three times Auburn blitzed on the last drive? Three incompletions. It wasn’t his entire fault. You know Tuberville told him at the start of the fourth quarter to play it conservative, don’t give up the big play, let them dink and dunk down the filed and waste time. Not a bad strategy, but still maddening.

Miscellaneous Extra Cast Members that are Graphically Slayed Before Your Eyes: Auburn’s Secondary and Linebackers

This was a horrid night for the secondary. Poor coverage, poor tackling, poor scheme. Ugh. Some died quickly (Zach Gilbert), some died slowly (Linebackers), some were barely scratched (David Irons).

Hero That Stands Up and Kills the Slasher: Tommy Tuberville/Al Borges/Brandon Cox

Don’t get me wrong, Tuberville got Auburn into trouble by playing very conservative defense in the fourth quarter, but he gets credit for the onside kick. Brilliant move. Al and Brandon get credit for the offense. Brandon Cox has balls of steel. Tuberville and Borges did all they could to set him up for failure by going for it on 4th and 6 and 3rd and 21, but he came through.

True to form, the slasher was seemingly killed, but came alive for one more scene. If the offense picks up one or two first downs on the lone fourth quarter drive, the game is pretty much over. However, South Carolina would not die. Give credit to them for staying in the game and not quitting. Oh and a little credit to Auburn’s defensive scheme which allowed them to drive down the field.

So where does this leave us? I have no idea. None. This team hasn't put together the complete team effort. One week the offense looks good and defense terrible, the next week vice versa. But hey, Auburn is 5-0, 3-0 in the SEC and on the way to a trip to Atlanta. As The Car Wash is saying, it could be worse.

SEC Picks - Week #5

2006-09-28T06:05:00.000-05:00

Another week, more domination by your humble sheriff. I went 7-2 straight up and 4-4 against the spread last week, raising the season record to 14-3 and 10-5, respectively. Junior? Well, he is struggling, but I’m sure he will get better soon. He was 6-3 straight up and 3-5 against the spread last week. For the year, he is 10-7 straight up and 4-11 against the spread.

We have both decided that Ole Miss' membership to the SEC is being revoked. They lost to an ACC team for crying out loud. Sure Mississippi State lost to Tulane, but the Greenies used to be in the SEC.

The picks are up early because of the Auburn-South Carolina tilt tonight in Colombia. In other games, Florida and Alabama will get together for the revenge game of the year in Gainesville. Uhhh, go Gators. Any team whose fans do this, doesn’t deserve support. I can take naming the dog Bear or Crimson, but honestly, getting married in a football stadium? No thanks. Of course, she was wearing a red dress, so let’s just see how long this thing lasts. Good luck kids.

Tennessee at Memphis – Tennessee favored by 13.5

Junior: UT seems to be back on track and cruising. Vols 24, Tigers 10.

Buford: Memphis isn’t the same without DeAngelo Williams. My boy put it exactly right, the Vols seem to have reached cruising altitude. They are right on track for 9 wins. Vols 31, Memphis 14.

Mississippi State at Louisiana State – Louisiana State favored by 31

Junior: Guess that streak stops at one, eh Bulldogs? Tigers 63, Bulldogs 6.

Buford: Eh? Eh? Are you Canadian? I think the Bandit is Canadian. I hate the Bandit. Moving on. I really think the Bulldogs have a pretty good defense. Plus, this one starts at 11:30. Those damn Cajuns don’t like getting up that early. Louisiana State 38, Bulldogs 10.

Central Michigan at Kentucky – Kentucky favored by 6

Junior: Can the Wildcats make it to a bowl game this year? They’ll need gimmies like this one if they are going to do it. Cats 35, Central Michigan 17.

Buford: Call me crazy, but this one is closer than it should be. I think the Cats will win, but I just don’t see them covering. Kentucky 24, Central Michigan 21.

Temple at Vanderbilt – Vanderbilt favored by 33

Junior: If this were basketball, the Owls might win. It’s not and they don’t. Dores 17, Owls 7.

Buford: Has Vanderbilt ever been favored by 33? Good Lord. I know Temple sucks, but what does Vegas know that I don’t know? Vanderbilt 35, Temple 0.

Georgia at Mississippi – Georgia favored by 17

Junior: Mark Richt if you don’t blow these chumps away, I’ve lost all respect for you. I don’t give a damn about a QB controversy or not. Georgia 31, Ole Piss 7.

Buford: Word out of Oxford is that Schaffer’s hold on the quarterback position is slipping. He will start this week, but Seth Adams is breathing down his neck. Of course, none of this matters because the defense really sucks. Georgia 24, Mississippi 3.

Alabama at Florida – Florida favored by 13.5

Junior: I think the Gators remember last year’s beat down and returns the favor in kind. Gators 38, Alabama 13.

Buford: Does Shula bring Tiffin on the plane to Gainesville? Will it alter his play calling? But hey, I like Shula. I think he is doing a fine job. In fact, he deserves a raise and an extension. Florida 35, Alabama 21.

Auburn at South Carolina – Auburn favored by 14.5

Junior: The Tigers visit the Cocks on a Thursday night game. I’m excited since he’s stuck in Kansas City for work. If you’re in the Plaza, stop by George Brett’s and look for the goofy looking guy with the Auburn hat on. I don’t know what to think of Auburn’s offense after these last two games. Yes, on paper, Auburn should win. In real life, I’m scared to death. In the end, though, I think AU’s defensive line is the difference, as the Tigers win. Auburn 28, Cocks 17.

Buford: Let’s see, Auburn’s defense is strong and South Carolina’s offense is really terrible. South Carolina’s defense is an unknown since they haven’t played a strong offense. Yes, I’m throwing Georgia into the weak offense category. Auburn’s offense is a juggernaut on the ground. The question is will anyone but Courtney Taylor catch the ball Thursday night? How about some throws to the tight ends? Is it bad when you are complaining about how your team hasn’t looked good? Sure, but that is the beauty pageant world of college football. Auburn 31, South Carolina 10.

Sundays Are Great Aren't They?

2006-09-27T08:03:00.000-05:00

This week we give you Sabrina from the Seattle Sea Gals....

The rest of the SI gallery is here. Enjoy.

SEC Power Poll - Week #5

2006-09-26T07:41:00.000-05:00

We move kind of slow here at W.W.B.S. I’m still wearing leisure suits and Junior still sucks on his thumb sometimes. Having said that, you can understand why there is little movement in the poll this week. No one was particularly surprising last weekend.

Power Poll – Week 5

Florida (4-0, 2-0) – Big time revenge game this weekend. If the Gators win on Saturday will Meyer cry again like last year? Last Game: Beat Kentucky 26-7, Up Next: Alabama.

Auburn (4-0, 2-0) – Waiting for an offensive explosion. Last Game: Beat Buffalo 38-7, Up Next: at South Carolina (Thursday).

LSU (3-1, 0-1) – Nice JV scrimmage against the Greenies. Oh look, another easy win this weekend. Last Game: Beat Tulane 49-7, Up Next: Mississippi State.

Georgia (4-0, 1-0) – It is tempting to move them down for the close win against Colorado, but it doesn’t happen. That was close though wasn’t it? I imagine the Dawgs will start scoring on Ole Miss in the pregame warmups and won’t stop until the bus pulls out of Oxford. Last Game: Beat Colorado 14-13, Up Next: at Ole Miss.

Tennessee (3-1,0-1) – Nice quality win against Marshall. It was close in the first half, but that is what happens when the game is delayed for close to 45 minutes. Plus, Tennessee always needs about a half to wake up. Last Game: Beat Marshall 33-7, Up Next: at Memphis.

Arkansas (3-1, 2-0) – Big game from McFadden and the offensive line. However, you are now playing with house money Houston Nutt. You will have to pay up soon. Last Game: Beat Alabama 24-23, Up Next: Bye.

Alabama (3-1, 1-1) – Mike Shula you really don’t get much support. Great game plan, great calls at the end of the game. I think you deserve a contract extension. Let me call Mal Moore. Last Game: Lost to Arkansas 24-23, Up Next: at Florida.

Kentucky (2-2, 1-1) – You have to like a team that shows spunk. Rich Brooks is saving his job. Just keep it up Rich and you won’t get fired. Last Game: Lost to Florida 26-7, Up Next: Central Michigan.

Vanderbilt (1-3, 0-2) – Okay, you got on the board. Now, win a second game and then plan for Ole Miss and lay in wait for Georgia. Last Game: Beat Tennessee State 38-9, Up Next:Temple.

South Carolina (3-1, 1-1) – Big game on Thursday night. You are going to have to stop Kenny Irons. Good luck. Last Game: Beat Florida Atlantic 45-6, Up Next: Auburn (Thursday).

Mississippi State (1-3, 0-2) – Very nice win on the road against UAB. I’m glad you guys showed up. Last Game: Beat Alabama-Birmingham 16-10, Up Next: at Louisiana State.

Mississippi (1-3, 0-1) – Pathetic, just pathetic. Wake Forest was beat up big time and you couldn’t even put a touchdown on the board. This is an embarrassing football team. Coach O, you better get control of your football team and soon. Last Game: Lost to Wake Forest 27-3, Up Next: Georgia.

A pictorial representation of the St Louis Cardinals

2006-09-26T07:32:00.000-05:00

The SS Cardinal

Week #4 Review

2006-09-25T08:05:00.000-05:00

Nice little weekend of college football. However, the old maxim was proven true yet again. Never trust a soccer player wearing football pads.

Hmmmm…..Scrubs marathon on Comedy Central versus an afternoon of football. Thank you for TIVO.
How do two teams like Colorado and Georgia play such great defense for 3 and a half quarters and then crappy defense for the final half a quarter? The prevent defense might be the worst idea since the Maginot Line. Actually the Maginot Line wasn’t a bad idea, the implementation was poor. How about the FlowBee? Now that was a bad idea.
Crazy BCS thought. What happens if Auburn goes undefeated, no one else does, and LSU finishes with one loss? Do Auburn and LSU play in the National Title game?
Say what you will about Troy Smith, but that is what Heisman trophy winners do for their teams. Uh oh, I think I just sounded like Lee Corso. If I had used a lisp, I would have sounded like Lou Holtz.
Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp said that Buffalo scheme presented problems for Auburn in the first half. If Buffalo’s scheme creates problems, what is Florida’s scheme going to do?
Yes, the Gators are rolling right now. But the two storylines for me from that game are: 1) Kentucky can actually play football and 2) How had is it? Tebow comes in and he is going to run the ball. Cue obligatory 65 yard TD bomb by Tebow on October 14th in Auburn.
If last week was Separation Saturday, this week was Letdown Saturday. There were some teams that were just off on Saturday. Did anyone look good?
Am I the only one who wonders if Arkansas just woke up? They looked like an actual football team out there, which hasn’t happened for two years.
Tom O’Brien, you obviously didn’t learn anything from your game against Central Michigan. Now you just went from ACC contender to also-ran. Actually, I wrote that before I saw the fumble that created the opportunity for NC State. I apologize Tom, you were trying to do the right thing.
The Alabama-Arkansas game is exhibit numero uno for why I hate kickers. Mike Shula relied on his kicker to make field goals. It affected his play selection even after Tiffin showed that he was having an off day. Similar to Auburn-LSU last year, when a kicker misses two field goals, you should just start going for it inside the 30. I hate kickers and Alabama fans now know why.
That being said, how did a Joe Kines defense give up 173 on the ground to a team with a freshman quarterback? Wow.
Memo to John L Smith, you are supposed to shut the offense down in the fourth quarter, not halftime. I appreciate it, now you ensured that we will all be subjected to arguments about why a one-loss Notre Dame team is better than [insert undefeated team of choice].
Speaking of Notre Dame, how badly do the ESPN guys want to give Brady Quinn the Heisman? Is Fowler having wet dreams about handing it to Quinn in December? The guy has played five or six decent quarters this year and he is the best player in America? What am I missing? The defense and Michigan State’s horrid play selection won that game on Saturday night, not Brady Quinn.

Auburn - Buffalo Review

2006-09-25T07:38:00.000-05:00

To be honest, I’m glad it wasn’t on TV. I probably would have started drinking excessively. Well, more excessively than normal.

Highlights

Offensive Line – A good performance against an overmatched team, but a good performance nonetheless. Brandon Cox was kept clean and the running backs ran wild. Congrats. Now, let’s make it two in a row.

Lowlights

Coaching – This team was not ready to go and that is a coaching problem. I know it was Buffalo, but come on. All this game did was provide justification for those people who want to support another team besides Auburn in the polls in a few weeks. If you want to limit the offense because you don’t want to get Brandon Cox hurt, say that after the game. The issue with the conservative play calling is that it might kill Auburn in a game where they need to be in a groove.
Defense – The reason this wasn’t a blowout sooner is because the defense let Buffalo control the clock and grind it out on them.
Receiving Corps – Can someone other than Courtney Taylor step up? The defensive gameplan against Auburn is official, simply stack the box to stop the running game and roll coverage toward Courtney Taylor. If these guys are capable, then call their number Al Borges. Otherwise, get someone in there who can do the job.

I know it was Buffalo and essentially Auburn treated the game as an open date, particularly with a short week ahead. I'm not ready to declare the sky if falling or Auburn is dead or the worst #2 team in the history of the modern world. It was Buffalo. And we won 38 to 7 without our best tailback, one of Brandon Cox's legs, a defensive back, and a linebacker. Sure the game should have been a laugher, but with the short week coming up. Who cares? I just want a little more consistency and some explosion from the offense. Remember, this is a beauty contest and has to be treated as one. Unfortunately USC scored 20 points and beat Arizona and no one talks about the lack of offensive production.

Buffalo Game Thread

2006-09-23T11:49:00.000-05:00

Feel free to stop by while you are watching the game on Pay-Per-View or over the internet.

WAR EAGLE!!!!

SEC Picks - Week 3

2006-09-22T06:21:00.000-05:00

After last week, Junior now understands why I’m the Sheriff and he is the Deputy. Yours truly went 7-1 straight up and 6-1 against the spread while Junior went 4-4 and 1-6, respectively.

Oh and Coach Orgeron, Junior is the one who left the bag of flaming dog poop on your doorstep Saturday night. Email me and I will give you his address so you can be sure to dispense proper punishment.

Moving on to this week, there are no real must-see matchups. The premiere matchup will be Arkansas and Alabama in Fayetteville. Two teams with zero offense and above average defenses. Sign me up. Oh who am I kidding? I will be good and liquored up and watching the game on Saturday.

Colorado at Georgia – Georgia favored by 27.5

Junior: Is the honeymoon over in Boulder for Dan Hawkins? After UGA whips them, it might be. Georgia 48, Colorado 10.

Buford: I know I sound like a broken record, but Mark Richt has those boys playing well on defense. What to make of Colorado? I wonder if all that new age, zen-focusing screwed them up? Maybe you should go back to all-night coke and stripper parties Coach Hawkins? Georgia 35, Colorado 3.

Buffalo at Auburn – Auburn favored by 43

Junior: Word out of Auburn is that Kenny Iron’s won’t play. He will be nursing wounds from last week’s war. Auburn will win, but I’m not sure they will cover. Auburn 41, Buffalo 10.

Buford: Anytime one of your starting guards is visibly pissed off after winning a huge game, you know that the next week’s opponent is in trouble. The offense looked terrible last weekend and really hasn’t gotten into sync all year. Add that to the defense getting back a senior linebacker who hasn’t played all year and you have trouble for Buffalo. It appears that Brandon Cox will play, but Irons won’t. I imagine that if Kenny had run for 200 last weekend, he would be playing for that Heisman campaign, but we can all pack away the buttons. Auburn 52, Buffalo 7.

Marshall at Tennessee – Tennessee favored by 22.5

Junior: The Herd come into Rocky Top and the Vols will be out for revenge. Tenn 35, Marshall 9.

Buford: I wonder if Matthew McConaughey be on the Marshall sideline? Marshall’s defense is giving up 4.2 yards per carry. That spells trouble in Knoxville. Tenn 31, Marshall 14.

Tennessee State at Vanderbilt – No Line

Junior: I know nothing about Tennessee State, but Vanderbilt wouldn’t shock me by losing to a I-AA team. However, I can’t pull the trigger on that one. Vandy 14, Tenn State 13.

Buford: You will have to excuse my young son. He is an idiot who knows nothing about football. Vandy 35, Tenn State 17.

Florida Atlantic at South Carolina – South Carolina favored by 29

Junior: Cocks make it two in a row. USC 21, FAU 7.

Buford: I think South Carolina looked at Alabama’s non-conference schedule this year and said, “Oh yeah, we can play crappier teams than you.” Is anyone really confident in the Gamecocks covering any spread this year? South Crackalacky 24, FAU 10.

Mississippi State at Alabama-Birmingham – UAB favoried by 10

Junior: I guess the MSU family is paying the price for Jackie Sherrill? How bad do you suck when Tulane manhandles you? Blazers 33, Bulldogs 21.

Buford: What is over/under on number of newspaper articles to be written this year that have to words “Croom” and “good man” in them? UAB 24, Bulldogs 17.

Tulane at Louisiana State – LSU favored by 36.5

Junior: LSU’s offense finds the endzone early and often. I have a feeling the Greenies are going to pay for a loss last weekend. Bengal Tigers 55, Tulane 6.

Buford: So, what is like to be a Tulane fan in Tiger Stadium? About as much fun as a Christian in Rome. Tigers 48, Tulane 7.

Kentucky at Florida – Florida favored by 23

Junior: Well, Florida looked decent on some drives last week and bad on others, but they got out of Knoxville with a W. And they’ll kick the snot out of the Wildcats. Florida 41, Kentucky 10.

Buford: Tennessee last week, Kentucky this week, revenge/grudge match with Alabama next week. Hmm, I smell a let down. Trust me, at the end of the season we will look back and realize this game is when Kentucky started to look like a bowl team. Florida 34, Kentucky 24.

Wake Forest at Mississippi – Ole Miss favored by 2.5

Junior: Coach O better be busting some heads this week in practice. Rebels 27, Wake 13.

Buford: This is the week that we look back and realize that Ole Miss is not a bowl team. What is up with the defense not stopping anyone? Super stud Patrick Willis does still play for Ole Miss, right? He didn’t decide to leave for the NFL after fall camp, right? Protestants Preachers 21, Rebels 17.

Alabama at Arkansas – Arkansas favored by 2.5

Junior: As much as I want to pick the Hogs in this one, I just can’t. Both teams struggled against Vandy (although Bama should have won by much more). Both teams have great running backs. I think the difference is Bama’s D. Bama in a nail biter. Alabama 21, Arkansas 20.

Buford: I have an idea for Mike Slive. Instead of working on the conference’s reputation for cheating, do something important. Move either the Auburn-LSU or Tennessee-Florida game back a week so I don’t have to watch crappy football. Life is too short for crappy beer and crappy football. This is an example of crappy football. This will probably come down to a field goal by a freakin’ kicker. I hate kickers. Alabama 17, Arkansas 14.

Junior Vs Madden. Week 2 wrap up, Week 3 picks.

2006-09-19T18:15:00.000-05:00

Quick wrapup of week two. I nailed 4, while Madden got 3. I got the Atlanta, Indy, Seattle, and Dallas games, while the 360 predicted the Minnesota, NY Giants, and New Orleans games. In games where we agreed, we were 3-5. So on the season, Junior is 7-8, while Madden is 6-9.

Now, onto this weeks games:

Jax at Indy. Madden likes Manning and the boys to cover the 9 points. I disagree, but I'm worried about the Jags offense. I like Indy to win a close game, but for Jax to beat the spread. Indy 21 - Panthers 16.

Chicago at Minnesota. Chicago visits the HHH Metrodome in an early season clash of NFC Norris leaders, and is a 3 point favorite over the home team Vikings. Madden takes Minnesota to win outright, 35-17. I like Chicago to win, 28-21.

Cincy at Pit. The Steelers are a three point favorite on the visiting Bengals. The ole 360 says the Steelers will win 34-20. I'm not sure they are clicking on the offensive side of the ball yet, Bengals 28 - Steelers 10.

Carolina at TB. Panthers are a 3 point favorite on the road to Tampa Bay. I love the Caddy, but man, Tampa stinks. Madden says Bucs 19 - Panthers 9. I say it's more like Carolina 28 - TB 10.

Baltimore at Cleveland. The Browns, which might be the worst team in football, are a 6 point underdog at home to the visiting Ravens. Madden expects the Browns to pull a shocker and win 20-19. I'm sorry, but I just can't pick any team that lost to the Saints (I'm looking at you also, Green Bay). Ravens 27 - Browns 9.

Denver at New England. The Plummer Boys go on the road to face Tom Brady and the Pats, and are 6.5 road dogs. Madden goes with Denver to cover, but still lose 37-34. I like New England to win outright, 17 - 10.

We'll be back next week to see the results.

POWER POLL - Week #4

2006-09-19T13:32:00.000-05:00

Seperation Saturday gave us some movement in the poll, but not where you would think. I’m still high on LSU and Tennessee. Both were impressive in their respective losses and both showed poor game plans in those losses.

Power Poll – Week 4

Florida (3-0, 1-0) – Probably a little ahead of Auburn in terms of offense right now, but it is very close. Last Game: Beat Tennessee 21-20, Up Next: Kentucky.

Auburn (3-0, 2-0) – Defense is playing well. The offense needs to pick it up to continue to win games. Last Game: Beat LSU 7-3, Up Next: Buffalo.

LSU (2-1, 0-1) – The official “Matt Flynn Starting Quarterback” pool is open. I say give it to the Florida game. One question Jimbo, where was the vertical passing game? Last Game: Lost to Auburn 7-3, Up Next: Tulane.

Georgia (3-0, 1-0) – Officially in waiting mode for October 7th when the Vols come to town. Until then, they don’t move up and they don’t move down. Last Game: Beat Alabama-Birmingham 34-0, Up Next: Colorado.

Tennessee (2-1,0-1) – You just lost to a better team. Sometimes that happens. No shame in losing to a better team. Last Game: Lost to Florida 21-20, Up Next: Marshall.

Alabama (3-0, 1-0) – A good showing against UL-Monroe. Big game this weekend against Arkansas. Last Game: Beat UL-Monroe 41-7, Up Next: at Arkansas.

Arkansas (2-1, 0-0) – Well, let’s see what you have Houston Nutt, Gus Malzahn, Mitch Mustain, and Darren McFadden. This one is for third place in the SEC West. You better show up. Last Game: Beat Vanderbilt 21-19, Up Next: Alabama.

Kentucky (2-1, 1-0) – Very impressive win against Ole Miss. Now, you just have to keep your head on straight and try to do the same in Gainesville. Last Game: Beat Mississippi 31-14, Up Next: Florida.

Vanderbilt (0-3, 0-2) – Just keep believing. You are going to beat some teams this year. Last Game: Lost to Arkansas 21-19, Up Next:Tennessee State.

South Carolina (2-1, 1-1) – Barely beating Wofford isn’t going to cut it. Is the honeymoon over Steve?Last Game: Beat Wofford 27-20, Up Next: Florida Atlantic.

Mississippi (1-2, 0-1) – I warned you that Kentucky was good enough to beat you. Now, you are playing for worst in the conference honors. Please don’t defame the good name of the SEC and lose to Wake Forest. Last Game: Lost to Kentucky 31-14, Up Next: Wake Forest.

Mississippi State (0-3, 0-2) – I think you are looking at 1-11 Bulldogs. Hey, at least the offense scored. Last Game: Lost to Tulane 32-29, Up Next: Alabama-Birmingham.

Week #3 Review

2006-09-18T09:09:00.000-05:00

The review is kind of light due to the fact that I was in a stadium and not watching the games.

Umm, four turnovers will kill you won’t it Notre Dame?
LSU can say what they want, but the receivers and defensive backs were going after each other all day. There were plenty of opportunities for the refs to call penalties. That being said, Zack Gilbert tackled Doucet on that last play.
Yes, Kentucky beat Ole Miss on Saturday. Kentucky over Ole Miss. Very nice Ed Orgeron.
The fact that LSU lost 7-3 on the road and dropped four spots in each poll and Tennessee lost 21-20 at home and only dropped two shows what is wrong with polls. Auburn and LSU are not as impressive as Michigan and Tennessee because they didn’t score points. When was putting 21 points on the board a requirement for being a good team? Auburn and LSU will score this year, but evidently, that might not be good enough and this is reason #1 why the NFL is better than college football.
All the hype that left Notre Dame didn’t have to travel very far. Michigan is now the single most overrated team in the country.
If I would have told you 15 years ago that Louisville would be on a two game winning streak over Miami, you would have thought I was crazy.
Chris Leak for Heisman?
I would like to make a simple proposal, any coach who loses to Dennis Franchione at Texas A&M should be fired on the spot. Bobby Ross, you let your team down on Saturday night.

Auburn - LSU Review

2006-09-17T08:11:00.000-05:00

Last time I checked, winning ugly is still winning. That was an old-fashioned football game. Defense and punting. For a minute I thought we were back in the 70s. Yes, I was wrong about it being a blowout that was clear from the get go.

Highlights

Kenny Irons – It wasn’t a pretty 70 yards, but needing to pick up critical yardage in the 3rd quarter, Kenny put the team on his back and carried them down to the red zone.
Will Muschamp & The Auburn Defense – Three hundred yards is a lot to give up, but only three points were on the scoreboard. Keeping LSU’s running game to just 42 yards on 23 attempts is outstanding. Repeat this performance ten more times and we will see each other in Tempe.
Kody Bliss – Mr. MVP. For a third straight week, Auburn will have an SEC player of the week. Six punts for an average of 48.2 per punt. Very nice. Field position was very important and the punter made the difference in this one.

Lowlights

Al Borges – I know it was a conservative game, but good Lord man, could you throw down the field at least once or twice? That was really conservative play calling. You really need to step it up in the next few weeks, points might be needed against Florida in a month.
Offensive Line – Four sacks. Four. Ridiculous.
JaMarcus Russell – You have a cannon for an arm and one day you will be making a lot more money than me. However, the NFL would like you to know that you can’t play dumb with the game on the line. You can’t take a sack when you don’t have a timeout and you have to throw the ball into the endzone. I give some credit to Auburn’s defense, they put some pressure on Russell. But, I also think Russell let the pressure of the situation get to him.

Enjoy this one for 24 hours and then put it behind you. That is the old saying and now the toughest task for Tommy Tuberville is to keep his team focused and grounded. They need to stay focused on Buffalo and on South Carolina. Florida will be here soon enough. One of the best parts about the 2004 team was they were consistent. They always came to play regardless of the praises that everyone gave them. For this team to reach the ultimate goal, they will have to do the same. That and score some freakin points.

Who is the Best?

2006-09-14T19:09:00.000-05:00

Now that we got the JV games out of the way, we can focus on the most important of them all this week, LSU at Auburn.

When last we left this fair duo, Auburn had missed five field goals (including one in overtime) and LSU had dropped two touchdown passes in route to a 20-17 thriller in Baton Rouge. Well, the band is back together and these two will lock horns in a matchup that will probably determine uber-team of the SEC this year.

Not much else can be written about this game. LSU comes in with a chip on its shoulder because it feels disrespected due to Auburn’s press clippings. I have talked about this already, but wanted to point out something Chris Low says on ESPN, if LSU had an established SEC coach and a running back that was receiving hype for the Heisman (deserved or not), it would be getting plenty of press. To my LSU brethren out there, I feel your pain.

Let’s be honest, both teams are damn near mirror images of each other. Both teams have had a lot of success in recent years, are very talented at nearly every position, have a cornucopia of speed at the skill positions, and two very capable head coaches that recruit well and run seemingly tight ships.

Hey celebrate great football and great football teams. These two combined with Georgia are the class of the SEC and have been for just about six years. Think about the games that each of these three teams have played against each other in the last few years. All of them have been outstanding contests. Each is an entry in the college football history books.

That being said, War Damn Eagle!!!!! I hope we beat the hell out of LSWho?

Louisiana State at Auburn – Auburn favored by 3

Junior: Jimbo vs. Muschamp: If Auburn can tackle, they have a chance. Based on what I’ve seen the first two weeks, they can’t. Advantage: LSU. Borges vs. Pelini: Why doubt Gorgeous? Advantage: Auburn. This one could be a track meet, but as Han Solo said, “I’ve got a bad feeling…” LSU 37, Auburn 28.

Buford: I can’t fight the feeling that this is going to be a blowout. I know that sounds crazy, but this game has run in streaks in recent years. There were blowouts in 2002 and 2003 (31-7 on either side), a 10-9 Auburn win in 2004, and a 20-17 LSU win last year. I think a blowout is on the docket and is certainly possible because I don’t think either defense is as good as they have been in the last few years. The real problem is that I can’t decide which offense is better or which offense will make the most mistakes. Auburn has seemingly played better competition and LSU hasn’t gone on the road. However, LSU’s offense has looked like world-beaters and Russell looks very impressive. Russell is an experienced quarterback, but then again Kenny Irons is a senior. You see? Very difficult. In fact, based on what I’ve written so far, the game should be close. My gut just tells me otherwise. I think the game will come down to coaching, who protects the quarterback better, which quarterback steps up and leads his team to victory, and luck. I think Auburn has the coaching advantage and LSU has the protection advantage. Oh hell… Auburn 34, LSU 7. Yes, I’m a homer and I’m probably wrong.

SEC Picks - Week 2

2006-09-14T18:46:00.000-05:00

We will get to the hulking, monstrosity of a game in a little bit. First, Junior and I pick the unimportant SEC games this week. Without further ado….

Florida at Tennessee – Florida favored by 4

Junior: I’m not sold on either team to be honest. Which UT team will show up? The one that smoked Cal, or the one that squeaked by Air Force? Will Florida’s defense stop a decent offense? Tenn 21, Florida 20.

Buford: I’m going to agree with my boy on this one. Both teams are a question mark. This one comes down to two things: 1) Who can protect their respective quarterback and 2) Will Tennessee play ultra conservative like they have in recent years? I’m tending to think that this is an up and down and rather sloppy game. There will be a lot of turnovers with neither side taking the advantage until late in the game. I like Tennessee in this one because I don’t think Florida will be able to run on that Tennessee defense, which will set up long yardage on 3rd down for Mr. Leak and Tennessee will be able to really get after him. Tenn 27, Florida 24.

UL-Monroe at Alabama – Alabama favored by 24

Junior: Can Bama score 24 points? Bama has Sarah Jessica Parker at QB, ULM has a serviceable QB. Bama also has Darby and a defense. Bama 25, ULM 13.

Buford: I can see it now, Alabama will win this week and next and Sports Illustrated will put John Parker Wilson on it’s cover and proclaim Alabama to be back. Back to reality, this is a test game for Alabama. Any hint of a struggle will be trouble. I expect them to score easily and, I can’t believe I’m going to say this, cover the 24. Alabama 31, ULM 0.

Arkansas at Vanderbilt – Arkansas favored by 6

Junior: Ok, I’ll be honest, I know nothing about Arkansas outside of McFadden. That and if Mitch Mustain is related to the former Megadeth frontman Dave Mustain, Arkansas will have a QB quite capable of rocking for three more years. How good is Vandy’s D? They really played well against a much more talented Bama team last weekend. Can they hold in check one of the top three backs in the SEC again? Hogs 24, Vandy 10.

Buford: Mega what? Good Lord boy, that’s tha devil’s music. Dumbshit. It appeared that the young Mr. Mustain settled down last week against Utah State. Don’t let the Alabama/Vandy game fool you, Alabama had a few turnovers in scoring position. That game should have been worse than it was. This game is in Nashville, so Vandy will cover, but Arkansas will win. Piggies 24, Vandy 21.

Alabama-Birmingham at Georgia – Georgia favored by 17

Junior: Good game for Richt to have his young guys get some playing time. Dawgs 35, Blazers 10.

Buford: I didn’t see Georgia’s defense being this good. There is definitely some talent on that side of the field. There is talent on the offensive side too, but it is going to be slow going with Stafford at quarterback. In this game, I could play quarterback and Georgia would win. Dawgs 30, UAB 10

Mississippi at Kentucky – Kentucky favored by 2.5

Junior: How badly is the Orgeron going to smash the odds makers in Vegas? A road dog? To Kentucky? Wow. Something tells me that the Orgeron will have the Rebels fired up. Especially after that beatdown from Mizzou last week (Go Tigers). Rebs 17, Cats 14.

Buford: I’m really concerned about Ole Miss. No way, did I think they were as bad as they have looked thus far. Kentucky has some offensive firepower and the Rebels haven’t shown the ability to stop anyone. Additionally, Kentucky is treating this like the Super Bowl. Cats 20, Rebels 10.

Tulane at Mississippi State – State favored by 10.5

Junior: Worst in the SEC vs. Worst in CUSA. Bulldogs 14, Greenies 3.

Buford: Uffff…thinking about this game makes me have to throw up. This could be a 0-0 tie after five overtimes. Greenies 10, State 3.

Wofford at South Carolina - Off

Junior: Just what the offense needs, right Steve? USC 31, Wofford 0.

Buford: My question is would Smelley Cock have started this game anyway? USC 42, Wofford 10.

Junior Vs Madden - Week 2

2006-09-14T12:59:00.000-05:00

It's Junior vs. Madden. We used Madden 2007 on our Xbox 360 and simulated week two of the NFL Season. We'll take who beat the spread according to Madden, and then compare that with my guesses, to see who’s smarter: Junior Justice or John Madden. Only taking the games where we were different.

Carolina vs Minnesota – The Panthers are a 2 point favorite on the road at Minnesota. Madden picked this one 27-17 in favor of the Vikings. I think despite losing last week, Carolina is one of the top three teams in the NFC, so I'm going with the Panthers to win.

Tampa Bay vs Atlanta – Atlanta is a 6 point favorite to the road Bucs. Madden believes that not only with the Bucs cover, but they'll win straight up, 23-16. I disagree, Tampa has the Cadillac and decent receivers, but their QB is terrible. I like Atlanta to cover this one.

NY Giants Vs Philadelphia – Giants are 3 point underdogs on the road vs the Eagles. Madden predicts a Giants victory 17-10. Maybe it's because I saw "Invincible" last night, and I'm clouded with Eagles Images, but I think Philly will win.

New Orleans vs Green Bay – I'm not sure what kind of strange drugs that the programmers in EA Sports were taking when they wrote the code for this game, but it obviously is for sale on the streets of Vegas, as the odds makers have made the Saints a 2 point favorite. On the Road. Against Brett Favre. I wouldn't bet against Favre, unless he was playing the Bandit (but don't tell Daddy). Madden says Saints 30 - Packers 21. I disagree, Packers win this game.

Houston vs Indianapolis – Houston visits the Colts and are 13.5 dogs. Madden expects the Colts to win, but for the Texans to cover, losing 21-20. I normally don't like anything to do with spreads this large in the pros, but I have a feeling that Manning and Harrison are going to have a big big day. Indy covers.

Arizona vs Seattle – Certainly one of the teams that raised some eyebrows last week, the Cardinals head to Seattle as 7 point dogs in a early NFC West match up. Madden expects the Cardinals to cover, losing 24-19. I think Shawn Alexander wakes up, and has at least 2 TDs, helping Seattle cover. Unless it's the Madden cover jinx working against me.

Washington vs Dallas – My favorite rivalry in the NFL. Dallas is a 6 point favorite on the Redskins. Daddy is going to side with Madden on this one, as he predicts the Skins to win straight up, 31-20. I disagree. I think the Redskins underachieve more than any other team in the NFL. I expect Dallas to cover in this one.

We'll post the results early next week.