Pigskin Picking
Given the holiday timing of this particular college football blog, I’m envisioning a football-themed Thanksgiving Day Turducken comprised of an Oregon Duck, a Stanford Cardinal, Boston College Eagle and Kansas Jayhawk.
I suppose that dish would be a Turduckinaleagawk.
Upon further review, I’ll stick with the turkey.
Your favorite football blogger went 13-5 last week, bringing the season total to 120-50.
If this week’s picks go awry, I’ll blame it on the flu virus that announced itself with an FM radio station of a temperature yesterday (100.6).
But I’m feeling confident about my predictions. This is my 100th blog post, after all, so I want it to be special.
NATIONAL GAMES OF NOTE
Today
No. 11 USC (8-2) at No. 7 Arizona State (9-1)
USC could find itself slumming in El Paso for the Sun Bowl if it loses to the Sun Devils. As for Arizona State, is it too early to start looking forward to next season’s game against Georgia? It could feature two national title contenders.
Prediction: Arizona State 34, USC 31
Friday
No. 13 Texas (9-2) at Texas A&M (6-5)
Texas hasn’t lost since Oct. 6, while Texas A&M hasn’t one since Oct. 20.
The Aggies have an excuse for their drought — four consecutive opponents ranked 13th or better in the top 25.
It has been widely speculated that Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione is done regardless of what happens in this game.
Prediction: Texas 34, Texas A&M 17
No. 17 Boise State (10-1) at No. 14 Hawaii (10-0)
Hawaii hasn’t faced particularly stiff competition this season, but the Warriors’ perfect record becomes more impressive when their frequent flyer miles are taken into account. Hawaii has covered more than 24,000 miles heading to and from the mainland this season. If the Warriors beat Boise State, they’ll have one more long trip ahead of them: New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl.
Prediction: Hawaii 42, Boise State 38
Saturday
No. 20 UConn (9-2) at No. 4 West Virginia (9-1)
West Virginia quarterback Pat White’s two fumbles allowed Cincinnati to hang around until late in the game last week. The Mountaineers are capable of putting away UConn early if they limit turnovers.
Prediction: West Virginia 31, UConn 20
No. 3 Missouri (10-1) at No. 2 Kansas (11-0)
Let’s see. Kansas hasn’t faced Oklahoma, Texas or Texas Tech this season. Gee, do you think that has been a factor at all in the Jayhawks’ 11-0 start.
Kansas has an excellent football team, but Missouri has more than enough offense to keep pace in an up-tempo game. The curse of the No. 2 ranking will continue.
Prediction: Missouri 45, Kansas 38
SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE
Friday
Ole Miss (3-8) at Mississippi State (6-5)
I caught a lot of flak from Ole Miss fans before the season when I placed Ed Orgeron 12th in my preseason ranking of SEC coaches. I haven’t heard much from them since the Rebels 0-7 league start.
Ole Miss’ struggling offense will find its problems compounded by a Mississippi State defense that features defensive end Titus Brown (8 sacks) and linebacker Jamar Chaney (73 tackles).
Prediction: Mississippi State 17, Ole Miss 13
Arkansas (7-4) at No. 1 LSU (10-1)
Which coach is more likely to be gone at the end of the season?
LSU coach Les Miles to Michigan or Arkansas coach Houston Nutt to the unemployment line?
It’s possible that Nutt should have gotten more out of an offense that features stud running back Darren McFadden (138.1 rushing yards per game), but yardage will be tough to come by against LSU.
Prediction: LSU 35, Arkansas 20
Saturday
Alabama (6-5) at No. 25 Auburn (7-4)
Thanks to Alabama head coach Nick Saban, we now know that a loss to Louisiana-Monroe ranks slightly behind Sept. 11 and Pearl Harbor in the pantheon of American catastrophe.
If, for some reason, the Crimson Tide was to lose a sixth straight game to Auburn, we can only hope he resists the urge to liken it to the Trail of Tears or Gettysburg.
The better team normally wins in this rivalry, although there may be marginal separation now that -- miracle of miracles -- a handful of Alabama players suspended for improper receipt of textbooks have been cleared to play.
Prediction: Auburn 20, Alabama 16
No. 6 Georgia (9-2) at Georgia Tech (7-4)
A win would likely confirm Georgia for a reservation in the Sugar Bowl.
On the flip side, this game would mark the last stop on the Chan Gailey Farewell Tour. Georgia Tech athletic director Dan Radakovich has declined to discuss the future of the Yellow Jackets’ head coach, but let’s just say it’s in doubt.
Georgia has won the last six games in the rivalry.
Prediction: Georgia 31, Georgia Tech 17
No. 19 Tennessee (8-3) at Kentucky (7-4)
A win sends Tennessee to the SEC championship game. The Vols’ charmed run toward Atlanta continued thanks to a missed field goal by Vanderbilt in the last minute of regulation last week.
Tennessee has won 22 straight in the series, the second-longest winning streak over a single opponent in Division I-A.
Prediction: Tennessee 23, Kentucky 21
Wake Forest (7-4) at Vanderbilt (5-6)
This game could easily be referred to as the Brain Bowl.
Vanderbilt, which is trying to make itself bowl-eligible and end a quarter-century-long postseason drought, has experienced more than a few narrow losses this season. Look for that pattern to continue.
Prediction: Wake Forest 24, Vanderbilt 20
Florida State (7-4) at No. 12 Florida (8-3)
Is there anything Florida quarterback Tim Tebow can’t do?
Last week, he became the first player in Division I-A history to run and pass for 20 or more touchdowns in the same season. The Heisman Trophy candidate's dual threat capability should allow the Gators to win four straight in the rivalry for the first time since 1983-86.
Prediction: Florida 38, Florida State 28
No. 21 Clemson (8-3) at South Carolina (6-5)
Clemson lost a heart-breaker to Boston College, but the Tigers are fortunate to face a South Carolina team that is tanking. The Gamecocks have lost four straight. South Carolina quarterback Blake Mitchell has completed 84-of-138 passes for 970 yards and four touchdowns in his last three games.
Prediction: Clemson 30, South Carolina 27
ACC
Maryland (5-6) at N.C. State (5-6)
Both teams have missed prime opportunities to make themselves bowl-eligible in the last few weeks.
Prediction: N.C. State 24, Maryland 17
No. 8 Virginia Tech (9-2) at No. 16 Virginia (9-2)
Virginia Tech has owned this series of late, but Virginia has been surprisingly good this season thanks to its outstanding defense, clutch special teams and habit of winning close games.
Virginia defensive lineman Chris Long might prove to be better than his father, Howie, a former Oakland Raiders star.
Virginia Tech freshman quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s mobility will come into play.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 21, Virginia 17
Miami (5-6) at No. 15 Boston College (9-2)
Boston College QB Matt Ryan added to his list of Doug Flutie moments against Clemson last week. It’s doubtful he’ll need fourth quarter dramatics against one of the worst Miami teams in recent memory.
Prediction: Boston College 41, Miami 24
Duke (1-10) at North Carolina (3-8)
North Carolina coach Butch Davis could be a short-timer in Chapel Hill given Nebraska’s reported interest in him. If Davis bolts for Lincoln, they’ll always have the Duke game as a memory.
Prediction: UNC 27, Duke 13
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Just another manic Monday
A lot has happened in the last few days, and not all of it was good.
Ole Miss put 20 of its football players on probation for stealing items from the team hotel on two occasions, the Atlanta Falcons are still dreadful, Barry Bonds finally got pinched by the feds and the Atlanta Braves turned to one of their aces from oh, about 15 years ago, to help them recapture their lost magic.
Let’s attack these topics in order:
* A little advice for the Ole Miss football team: Those robes that they put in the bathrooms? They’re supposed to stay behind when you go.
Ole Miss announced Sunday that it was putting 20 of its players on probation (the fact it was announced must mean it's not double-secret) for stealing items from the team hotel on two occasions.
School officials said the purloined items, including pillows and clock radios, ranged in price from $15 to $40. The university’s statement said the players have made restitution.
Here’s what’s more shocking: The players, who have yet to be identified, will apparently be allowed to participate in Friday’s game at Mississippi State.
So the message that head coach Ed Orgeron is sending is that crime may not pay, but crime it will still allow you to play.
Lovely.
The one positive is that Ole Miss will be traveling to Starkville. There aren't any decent hotels in Starkville. I know because, having traveled around the league all these years, I've found that the best lodging option in the quaint little hamlet has a Waffle House next door. Plus, if memory serves, the clock radio at the Days Inn was bolted to the end table.
* That bug on the windshield of the Tampa Bay Bucs would be the Atlanta Falcons.
Sifting through the rubble of the 31-7 corporal punishment the Falcons received, it's impossible to avoid comparing the statistics of quarterbacks Byron Leftwich and Joey Harrington.
Leftwich: 15-of-28, 106 yards, two interceptions, two fumbles (one lost) and a chorus of boos.
Harrington: 16-of-20, 139 yards, one touchdown in garbage time and something resembling appreciation when he entered the game.
While Harrington obviously has limitations when it comes to actually getting his team into the end zone, it was hard to believe that head coach Bobby Petrino thought an injury-plagued Leftwich would give his team a better chance to win.
Even more glaring was the fact that Harrington had to learn of his demotion to second team status from a reporter.
Petrino should have told him up front. Even high school coaches know that.
This team may have two quarterbacks who are in over their head, but it’s stuck with a coach who has apparently lost his.
* I’m not a fan of Barry Bonds. He’s arrogant and surly. If he lied to a grand jury, then he should deal with the consequences.
But his federal indictment for perjury seems a little late.
Cheater or not, he’s got the all-time home run record. Hank Aaron, a good man who played clean, is in second place.
If the feds have had evidence of positive drug tests by Bonds during the season, it sure would have been nice if they’d delivered their indictment sooner.
I don’t defend what Bonds may have done, but Major League Baseball bears some responsibility for the epidemic proportions of performance enhancing drugs. MLB officials should have been asking tough questions when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa started hitting baseballs to Jupiter.
Instead, they looked the other way and watched the money pour into their coffers.
* The Atlanta Braves made a good decision signing Tom Glavine to a one-year, $8 million contract on Sunday. Yeah, he’s 42 years old and made his first start for the Braves 20 years ago, but Atlanta doesn’t need much out of its third starter.
As long as John Smoltz and Tim Hudson remain healthy and productive, the Braves can contend for the NL East pennant as long as the No. 3 can supply 12-15 wins. The pre-Glavine options can’t do that.
So a one-year contract for a 303-game winner with two Cy Young Awards is worth a gamble.
However, if Braves GM Frank Wren suggests Dale Murphy to replace Andruw Jones ...
A lot has happened in the last few days, and not all of it was good.
Ole Miss put 20 of its football players on probation for stealing items from the team hotel on two occasions, the Atlanta Falcons are still dreadful, Barry Bonds finally got pinched by the feds and the Atlanta Braves turned to one of their aces from oh, about 15 years ago, to help them recapture their lost magic.
Let’s attack these topics in order:
* A little advice for the Ole Miss football team: Those robes that they put in the bathrooms? They’re supposed to stay behind when you go.
Ole Miss announced Sunday that it was putting 20 of its players on probation (the fact it was announced must mean it's not double-secret) for stealing items from the team hotel on two occasions.
School officials said the purloined items, including pillows and clock radios, ranged in price from $15 to $40. The university’s statement said the players have made restitution.
Here’s what’s more shocking: The players, who have yet to be identified, will apparently be allowed to participate in Friday’s game at Mississippi State.
So the message that head coach Ed Orgeron is sending is that crime may not pay, but crime it will still allow you to play.
Lovely.
The one positive is that Ole Miss will be traveling to Starkville. There aren't any decent hotels in Starkville. I know because, having traveled around the league all these years, I've found that the best lodging option in the quaint little hamlet has a Waffle House next door. Plus, if memory serves, the clock radio at the Days Inn was bolted to the end table.
* That bug on the windshield of the Tampa Bay Bucs would be the Atlanta Falcons.
Sifting through the rubble of the 31-7 corporal punishment the Falcons received, it's impossible to avoid comparing the statistics of quarterbacks Byron Leftwich and Joey Harrington.
Leftwich: 15-of-28, 106 yards, two interceptions, two fumbles (one lost) and a chorus of boos.
Harrington: 16-of-20, 139 yards, one touchdown in garbage time and something resembling appreciation when he entered the game.
While Harrington obviously has limitations when it comes to actually getting his team into the end zone, it was hard to believe that head coach Bobby Petrino thought an injury-plagued Leftwich would give his team a better chance to win.
Even more glaring was the fact that Harrington had to learn of his demotion to second team status from a reporter.
Petrino should have told him up front. Even high school coaches know that.
This team may have two quarterbacks who are in over their head, but it’s stuck with a coach who has apparently lost his.
* I’m not a fan of Barry Bonds. He’s arrogant and surly. If he lied to a grand jury, then he should deal with the consequences.
But his federal indictment for perjury seems a little late.
Cheater or not, he’s got the all-time home run record. Hank Aaron, a good man who played clean, is in second place.
If the feds have had evidence of positive drug tests by Bonds during the season, it sure would have been nice if they’d delivered their indictment sooner.
I don’t defend what Bonds may have done, but Major League Baseball bears some responsibility for the epidemic proportions of performance enhancing drugs. MLB officials should have been asking tough questions when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa started hitting baseballs to Jupiter.
Instead, they looked the other way and watched the money pour into their coffers.
* The Atlanta Braves made a good decision signing Tom Glavine to a one-year, $8 million contract on Sunday. Yeah, he’s 42 years old and made his first start for the Braves 20 years ago, but Atlanta doesn’t need much out of its third starter.
As long as John Smoltz and Tim Hudson remain healthy and productive, the Braves can contend for the NL East pennant as long as the No. 3 can supply 12-15 wins. The pre-Glavine options can’t do that.
So a one-year contract for a 303-game winner with two Cy Young Awards is worth a gamble.
However, if Braves GM Frank Wren suggests Dale Murphy to replace Andruw Jones ...
Friday, November 16, 2007
Pigskin picking
Anybody catch Arizona’s upset of second-ranked Oregon Thursday night?
The only thing more impressive than Arizona cornerback/punt returner Antoine Cason (two touchdowns) was the remarkable restraint shown by AU students after they began spilling out of the stands and on to the sideline in the final few minutes. With several thousand rabid -- and more than a few liquored-up -- students ringing the field, security could have been overwhelmed. But they waited until the clock expired before charging the field.
Can’t wait to see which ranked team gets toppled this weekend.
I actually nailed last week’s seismic upset -- Illinois over Ohio State -- to highlight a 12-6 week.
My record now stands at 107-45 by the grace of frequent appearances by Louisiana-Monroe and similar teams on the SEC schedule.
Here’s how I think it will go down this week ...
Tonight
No. 13 Hawaii (9-0) at Nevada (5-4)
The last two games will determine whether Hawaii winds up with an at-large bid to the Sugar Bowl. Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan (3,296 yards, 28 TDs) needs just one touchdown pass to break the all-time Division I career record he shares with former BYU star Ty Detmer (135 career TDs). While Brennan was knocked out of last week’s game and missed Monday’s practice, he insists he’ll be back. Nevada, which lost 69-67 to Boise State last month in a four-overtime game, could provide a lot of resistance.
Prediction: Hawaii 51, Nevada 44
SEC
No. 22 Kentucky (7-3) at No. 8 Georgia (8-2)
Not sure what more Georgia coach Mark Richt can do to motivate his team, but this should be enough: If the Bulldogs win out, they’ll likely land in the Sugar Bowl.
Prediction: Georgia 28, Kentucky 24
No. 1 LSU (9-1) at Ole Miss (3-7)
LSU has won the last five games in the rivalry, but all but one of those victories were decided by three points or less. The Tigers hung on for a 23-20 overtime victory last season.
Prediction: LSU 21, Ole Miss 17
Louisiana-Monroe (4-6) at Alabama (6-4)
Last week’s loss to Mississippi State had to be demoralizing for the Crimson Tide, but it will have an opportunity to get back on track before the Iron Bowl.
Prediction: Alabama 24, Louisiana-Monroe 10
Vanderbilt (5-5) at No. 19 Tennessee (7-3)
Vanderbilt continues its quest for bowl eligibility for the first time in a quarter century. Tennessee, which has been up and down all season, appears to be over its inconsistency now that an SEC championship game berth is in sight.
Prediction: Tennessee 31, Vanderbilt 21
Mississippi State (6-4) at Arkansas (6-4)
Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden, who topped the 1,400-yard mark last week, continues to be effective despite the Razorbacks’ lack of a fearsome passing game. While Tennessee limited him to a pedestrian output last week, he should be able to get back on track against the Bulldogs.
Prediction: Arkansas 27, Mississippi State 24
Florida Atlantic (5-4) at No. 14 Florida (7-3)
Florida QB Tim Tebow has accounted for 42 touchdowns rushing and passing. He could have half that many by halftime.
Prediction: Florida 49, Florida Atlantic 17
ACC
North Carolina (3-7) at Georgia Tech (6-4)
Georgia Tech struggled to put away Duke last week, but the Yellow Jackets can depend on a healthy and productive Tashard Choice. They are a different team without him.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 21, UNC 16
No. 18 Boston College (8-2) at No. 15 Clemson (8-2)
Clemson hasn’t won an ACC title since 1991, but the Tigers are poised to end that troublesome drought this year. A win over slumping Boston College would send the Tigers to the league title game.
Prediction: Clemson 27, Boston College 23
Miami (5-5) at No. 10 Virginia Tech (8-2)
Virginia Tech freshman quarterback Tyrod Taylor brought the Hokies back from a seemingly impossible deficit against Florida State last week. Taylor could make a clean sweep through the state of Florida, which used to be an impossible task.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 28, Miami 14
Maryland (5-5) at Florida State (6-4)
Maryland upset Boston College last week. The Terrapins seem to thrive as underdogs.
Prediction: Maryland 20, Florida State 17
N.C. State (5-5) at Wake Forest (6-4)
N.C. State has finally shown some life after an awful start.
Prediction: N.C. State 26, Wake Forest 24
Duke (1-9) at Notre Dame (1-9)
The loser of this game will stand alone as the worst team from a Bowl Championship Series conference. They’re evenly matched, at least. Duke lost 41-24 to Georgia Tech last week, while Notre Dame was a 41-24 loser against Air Force. The Fighting Irish could go winless at home for the first time since 1933 and only the third time in school history. It’s enough to make them nostalgic for the days of Dan Devine.
Prediction: Duke 19, Notre Dame 17
National games
No. 7 Ohio State (10-1) at No. 23 Michigan (8-3)
Both teams are bruised up: Ohio State emotionally after a loss to Illinois and Michigan physically. Michigan tailback Mike Hart is questionable due to a severe ankle injury, while quarterback Chad Henne’s status is in doubt due to a shoulder injury. There’s no doubt, however, about the Buckeyes’ motivation. Win and its on to the Rose Bowl as the Big 10 champion.
Prediction: Ohio State 27, Michigan 17
No. 5 West Virginia (8-1) at No. 21 Cincinnati (8-2)
West Virginia has turned the ball over just 14 times this season, but Cincinnati is adept at forcing mistakes. The Bearcats lead the nation in interceptions (22) and takeaways (35). Of course, they can only force turnovers if they catch up to West Virginia QB Pat White and tailback Steve Slaton.
Prediction: West Virginia 34, Cincinnati 27
No. 3 Oklahoma (9-1) at Texas Tech (7-4)
While the Sooners can solidify their AP poll position, thanks to Oregon’s loss Thursday night, they rank fourth in the Bowl Championship Series standings. Texas Tech has lost three of its last four games.
Prediction: Oklahoma 38, Texas Tech 28
Iowa State (3-8) at No. 4 Kansas (10-0)
Kansas owns its highest national ranking since 1968 and a No. 3 ranking in the BCS ratings (which will surely improve with a victory).
Prediction: Kansas 41, Iowa State 27
No. 6 Missouri (9-1) at Kansas State (5-5)
Since Kansas State endured a 73-31 clubbing by a horrible Nebraska team, it makes you wonder what Mizzou will do. The Tigers already own a single-season school record with 411 points.
Prediction: Missouri 49, Kansas State 30
Anybody catch Arizona’s upset of second-ranked Oregon Thursday night?
The only thing more impressive than Arizona cornerback/punt returner Antoine Cason (two touchdowns) was the remarkable restraint shown by AU students after they began spilling out of the stands and on to the sideline in the final few minutes. With several thousand rabid -- and more than a few liquored-up -- students ringing the field, security could have been overwhelmed. But they waited until the clock expired before charging the field.
Can’t wait to see which ranked team gets toppled this weekend.
I actually nailed last week’s seismic upset -- Illinois over Ohio State -- to highlight a 12-6 week.
My record now stands at 107-45 by the grace of frequent appearances by Louisiana-Monroe and similar teams on the SEC schedule.
Here’s how I think it will go down this week ...
Tonight
No. 13 Hawaii (9-0) at Nevada (5-4)
The last two games will determine whether Hawaii winds up with an at-large bid to the Sugar Bowl. Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan (3,296 yards, 28 TDs) needs just one touchdown pass to break the all-time Division I career record he shares with former BYU star Ty Detmer (135 career TDs). While Brennan was knocked out of last week’s game and missed Monday’s practice, he insists he’ll be back. Nevada, which lost 69-67 to Boise State last month in a four-overtime game, could provide a lot of resistance.
Prediction: Hawaii 51, Nevada 44
SEC
No. 22 Kentucky (7-3) at No. 8 Georgia (8-2)
Not sure what more Georgia coach Mark Richt can do to motivate his team, but this should be enough: If the Bulldogs win out, they’ll likely land in the Sugar Bowl.
Prediction: Georgia 28, Kentucky 24
No. 1 LSU (9-1) at Ole Miss (3-7)
LSU has won the last five games in the rivalry, but all but one of those victories were decided by three points or less. The Tigers hung on for a 23-20 overtime victory last season.
Prediction: LSU 21, Ole Miss 17
Louisiana-Monroe (4-6) at Alabama (6-4)
Last week’s loss to Mississippi State had to be demoralizing for the Crimson Tide, but it will have an opportunity to get back on track before the Iron Bowl.
Prediction: Alabama 24, Louisiana-Monroe 10
Vanderbilt (5-5) at No. 19 Tennessee (7-3)
Vanderbilt continues its quest for bowl eligibility for the first time in a quarter century. Tennessee, which has been up and down all season, appears to be over its inconsistency now that an SEC championship game berth is in sight.
Prediction: Tennessee 31, Vanderbilt 21
Mississippi State (6-4) at Arkansas (6-4)
Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden, who topped the 1,400-yard mark last week, continues to be effective despite the Razorbacks’ lack of a fearsome passing game. While Tennessee limited him to a pedestrian output last week, he should be able to get back on track against the Bulldogs.
Prediction: Arkansas 27, Mississippi State 24
Florida Atlantic (5-4) at No. 14 Florida (7-3)
Florida QB Tim Tebow has accounted for 42 touchdowns rushing and passing. He could have half that many by halftime.
Prediction: Florida 49, Florida Atlantic 17
ACC
North Carolina (3-7) at Georgia Tech (6-4)
Georgia Tech struggled to put away Duke last week, but the Yellow Jackets can depend on a healthy and productive Tashard Choice. They are a different team without him.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 21, UNC 16
No. 18 Boston College (8-2) at No. 15 Clemson (8-2)
Clemson hasn’t won an ACC title since 1991, but the Tigers are poised to end that troublesome drought this year. A win over slumping Boston College would send the Tigers to the league title game.
Prediction: Clemson 27, Boston College 23
Miami (5-5) at No. 10 Virginia Tech (8-2)
Virginia Tech freshman quarterback Tyrod Taylor brought the Hokies back from a seemingly impossible deficit against Florida State last week. Taylor could make a clean sweep through the state of Florida, which used to be an impossible task.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 28, Miami 14
Maryland (5-5) at Florida State (6-4)
Maryland upset Boston College last week. The Terrapins seem to thrive as underdogs.
Prediction: Maryland 20, Florida State 17
N.C. State (5-5) at Wake Forest (6-4)
N.C. State has finally shown some life after an awful start.
Prediction: N.C. State 26, Wake Forest 24
Duke (1-9) at Notre Dame (1-9)
The loser of this game will stand alone as the worst team from a Bowl Championship Series conference. They’re evenly matched, at least. Duke lost 41-24 to Georgia Tech last week, while Notre Dame was a 41-24 loser against Air Force. The Fighting Irish could go winless at home for the first time since 1933 and only the third time in school history. It’s enough to make them nostalgic for the days of Dan Devine.
Prediction: Duke 19, Notre Dame 17
National games
No. 7 Ohio State (10-1) at No. 23 Michigan (8-3)
Both teams are bruised up: Ohio State emotionally after a loss to Illinois and Michigan physically. Michigan tailback Mike Hart is questionable due to a severe ankle injury, while quarterback Chad Henne’s status is in doubt due to a shoulder injury. There’s no doubt, however, about the Buckeyes’ motivation. Win and its on to the Rose Bowl as the Big 10 champion.
Prediction: Ohio State 27, Michigan 17
No. 5 West Virginia (8-1) at No. 21 Cincinnati (8-2)
West Virginia has turned the ball over just 14 times this season, but Cincinnati is adept at forcing mistakes. The Bearcats lead the nation in interceptions (22) and takeaways (35). Of course, they can only force turnovers if they catch up to West Virginia QB Pat White and tailback Steve Slaton.
Prediction: West Virginia 34, Cincinnati 27
No. 3 Oklahoma (9-1) at Texas Tech (7-4)
While the Sooners can solidify their AP poll position, thanks to Oregon’s loss Thursday night, they rank fourth in the Bowl Championship Series standings. Texas Tech has lost three of its last four games.
Prediction: Oklahoma 38, Texas Tech 28
Iowa State (3-8) at No. 4 Kansas (10-0)
Kansas owns its highest national ranking since 1968 and a No. 3 ranking in the BCS ratings (which will surely improve with a victory).
Prediction: Kansas 41, Iowa State 27
No. 6 Missouri (9-1) at Kansas State (5-5)
Since Kansas State endured a 73-31 clubbing by a horrible Nebraska team, it makes you wonder what Mizzou will do. The Tigers already own a single-season school record with 411 points.
Prediction: Missouri 49, Kansas State 30
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Awards time
The Southeastern Conference won’t name its players and coach of the year until after the regular season.
So, short of steaming open the envelope, intercepting the official results before their announcement and bringing them to you early on the blog, we can always try the next best thing.
Guessing.
Here’s how the postseason awards ought to look:
Offensive player of the year:
Tim Tebow, sophomore quarterback, Florida
Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden, who has topped the 1,400-yard mark, might well be the best player in the country, but he doesn’t mean quite as much to the Razorbacks as Tebow means to the Gators.
Without a serious threat at tailback, Tebow IS Florida’s running game. He’s bowled over opposing defenders for 718 yards and 19 touchdowns despite playing the latter part of the season with a sore right shoulder. He’s not too shabby throwing the ball either, as evidenced by his 67.8 percent completion rate, 23-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio and 2,532 yards will attest.
The only real knock against Tebow would be the Gators' three losses, which are more easily attributable to a suspect defense.
As for Tebow's other selling points, consider his cult-like following. On the Web, at TimTebowfacts.com, there are colorful but dubious claims about the extent of his powers a la Chuck Norris.
Among the claims are:
‘‘Tim Tebow can't finish a 'color by numbers' because his markers are filled with the blood of FSU players. Unfortunately, all blood is dark red.’’
And ...
‘‘Tim Tebow has the greatest Poker-Face of all time. He won the 1983 World Series of Poker, despite holding only a Joker, a Get out of Jail Free Monopoloy card, a 2 of clubs, 7 of spades and a green #4 card from the game UNO.’’
Defensive player of the year:
Glenn Dorsey, senior defensive tackle, LSU
It’s rare that a defensive tackle gets this kind of love, but Dorsey was a viable Heisman Trophy candidate for most of the season. Name another SEC defender who affects offensive gameplans and performance to such an extent. On a given pass play, Dorsey is likely to draw the attention of the center, an offensive guard and a running back left in the backfield to pass-block. He chokes up the middle of the field, occupies an inordinate amount of blockers and makes plays with quickness that belies his 6-2, 300-pound frame.
So far, 11.5 of his 53 tackles have been for lost yardage. He also shares the team lead with six quarterback sacks, a surprisingly high total for a down lineman.
It’s no wonder Auburn chop blocked him back in October. It might be the only way to stop him.
Newcomer of the year:
Knowshon Moreno, redshirt freshman tailback, Georgia
Moreno, who started the year sharing carries with Thomas Brown and Kregg Lumpkin, has established himself as the most dependable component of Georgia's newly potent offense.
He will undoubtedly find himself among the early leaders for the 2008 Heisman Trophy based on how he's performed in big games this year. He gashed Florida for 188 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries and shredded Auburn for 101 yards and two scores on 22 carries. In the last four games, Moreno has piled up 642 yards — an average of 160.5 yards per outing.
In his No. 24 jersey, the 5-foot-11, 207-pounder strongly resembles former Auburn star Carnell Williams. The season numbers -- 200 carries, 1,104 yards, 11 touchdowns -- are comparable to what Williams did for Auburn in 2004.
Coach of the year:
Sylvester Croom, Mississippi State
Croom inherited a horrible situation when he accepted the Mississippi State program. He took over a probation-strapped program with limited resources and recruiting presence, but the Bulldogs are bowl-eligible now for the first time since 2000.
The Bulldogs don’t play aesthetically pleasing football at all. Freshman quarterback Wesley Carroll isn't dynamic, but has been effective managing games, while defensive end Titus Brown is an absolute freak.
Mississippi State won at Auburn, knocked off a formerly-14th ranked Kentucky team on the road and clubbed 21st-ranked Alabama last weekend by forcing turnovers, controlling the line of scrimmage, pounding the run and playing good defense.
In doing so, Croom has proven that it's possible to win at Mississippi State without cheating.
The Southeastern Conference won’t name its players and coach of the year until after the regular season.
So, short of steaming open the envelope, intercepting the official results before their announcement and bringing them to you early on the blog, we can always try the next best thing.
Guessing.
Here’s how the postseason awards ought to look:
Offensive player of the year:
Tim Tebow, sophomore quarterback, Florida
Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden, who has topped the 1,400-yard mark, might well be the best player in the country, but he doesn’t mean quite as much to the Razorbacks as Tebow means to the Gators.
Without a serious threat at tailback, Tebow IS Florida’s running game. He’s bowled over opposing defenders for 718 yards and 19 touchdowns despite playing the latter part of the season with a sore right shoulder. He’s not too shabby throwing the ball either, as evidenced by his 67.8 percent completion rate, 23-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio and 2,532 yards will attest.
The only real knock against Tebow would be the Gators' three losses, which are more easily attributable to a suspect defense.
As for Tebow's other selling points, consider his cult-like following. On the Web, at TimTebowfacts.com, there are colorful but dubious claims about the extent of his powers a la Chuck Norris.
Among the claims are:
‘‘Tim Tebow can't finish a 'color by numbers' because his markers are filled with the blood of FSU players. Unfortunately, all blood is dark red.’’
And ...
‘‘Tim Tebow has the greatest Poker-Face of all time. He won the 1983 World Series of Poker, despite holding only a Joker, a Get out of Jail Free Monopoloy card, a 2 of clubs, 7 of spades and a green #4 card from the game UNO.’’
Defensive player of the year:
Glenn Dorsey, senior defensive tackle, LSU
It’s rare that a defensive tackle gets this kind of love, but Dorsey was a viable Heisman Trophy candidate for most of the season. Name another SEC defender who affects offensive gameplans and performance to such an extent. On a given pass play, Dorsey is likely to draw the attention of the center, an offensive guard and a running back left in the backfield to pass-block. He chokes up the middle of the field, occupies an inordinate amount of blockers and makes plays with quickness that belies his 6-2, 300-pound frame.
So far, 11.5 of his 53 tackles have been for lost yardage. He also shares the team lead with six quarterback sacks, a surprisingly high total for a down lineman.
It’s no wonder Auburn chop blocked him back in October. It might be the only way to stop him.
Newcomer of the year:
Knowshon Moreno, redshirt freshman tailback, Georgia
Moreno, who started the year sharing carries with Thomas Brown and Kregg Lumpkin, has established himself as the most dependable component of Georgia's newly potent offense.
He will undoubtedly find himself among the early leaders for the 2008 Heisman Trophy based on how he's performed in big games this year. He gashed Florida for 188 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries and shredded Auburn for 101 yards and two scores on 22 carries. In the last four games, Moreno has piled up 642 yards — an average of 160.5 yards per outing.
In his No. 24 jersey, the 5-foot-11, 207-pounder strongly resembles former Auburn star Carnell Williams. The season numbers -- 200 carries, 1,104 yards, 11 touchdowns -- are comparable to what Williams did for Auburn in 2004.
Coach of the year:
Sylvester Croom, Mississippi State
Croom inherited a horrible situation when he accepted the Mississippi State program. He took over a probation-strapped program with limited resources and recruiting presence, but the Bulldogs are bowl-eligible now for the first time since 2000.
The Bulldogs don’t play aesthetically pleasing football at all. Freshman quarterback Wesley Carroll isn't dynamic, but has been effective managing games, while defensive end Titus Brown is an absolute freak.
Mississippi State won at Auburn, knocked off a formerly-14th ranked Kentucky team on the road and clubbed 21st-ranked Alabama last weekend by forcing turnovers, controlling the line of scrimmage, pounding the run and playing good defense.
In doing so, Croom has proven that it's possible to win at Mississippi State without cheating.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Pigskin picking
If you’re looking for something more dubious than Hawaii’s 8-0 record, look no further than my weekend college football picks.
I went a ho-hum 9-5 last week, thanks to by ability to underestimate Arkansas and overstate the capability of Boston College. The season total now stands at 95-39.
But we’re moving on.
As Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey said following his team’s nationally-televised pratfall against Virginia Tech, there’s still a lot to play for.
SEC
No. 18 Auburn (7-3) at No. 10 Georgia (7-2)
You know how this rivalry is supposed to work. The visiting team wins. Auburn has won six of its last seven in Sanford Stadium.
Georgia has plenty of motivation to change that. The Bulldogs could play their way into the SEC East title and a Sugar Bowl berth. That's so powerful that head coach Mark Richt really shouldn't bother with the artificial emotion-producer of breaking out the black jerseys.
Still, historical trends mean something.
Prediction: Auburn 20, Georgia 16
No. 21 Alabama (6-3) at Mississippi State (5-4)
Mississippi State ranks second in the league in red zone offensive touchdowns and red zone defense. Don't be surprised if the Bulldogs make it interesting.
Prediction: Alabama 17, Mississippi State 13
No. 17 Florida (6-3) at South Carolina (6-4)
Tim Tebow gets all the love, but Florida wide receiver/tailback Percy Harvin has two straight 100-yard rushing performances to his credit. After watching what Darren McFadden and Felix Jones did to South Carolina last week, Florida coach Urban Meyer should let him have as many carries as he needs to get a third.
Prediction: Florida 28, South Carolina 20
Arkansas (6-3) at No. 22 Tennessee (6-3)
McFadden resurrected his Heisman Trophy hopes with an SEC record 321 yards against South Carolina last week. Felix Jones (114.3 yards per game) also has the potential to devastate a Tennessee defense that allows 412 total yards per game.
Prediction: Arkansas 35, Tennessee 24
Louisiana Tech (4-5) at No. 2 LSU (8-1)
LSU coach Les Miles can put away his horseshoe. The Tigers won’t need fourth quarter good fortune this week.
Prediction: LSU 42, Louisiana Tech 13
No. 25 Kentucky (6-3) at Vanderbilt (5-4)
The Vanderbilt Bowl Watch continues. The Commodores need just one more win to become eligible for postseason play for the first time in a quarter century.
Prediction: Kentucky 31, Vanderbilt 21
ACC
Georgia Tech (5-4) at Duke (1-8)
If Georgia Tech plays the way it did in last Thursday’s home loss to Virginia Tech, this won’t be a gimme.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 17, Duke 6
Florida State (6-3) at No. 11 Virginia Tech (7-2)
Virginia Tech quarterback Sean Glennon has been solid of late, while Florida State QB Drew Weatherford and the Seminoles’ offense are starting to look alive.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 24, Florida State 21
No. 23 Virginia (8-2) at Miami (5-4)
Virginia might be the least impressive of the two-loss teams, but the Cavaliers find a way to get it done.
Prediction: Virginia 20, Miami 17
No. 8 Boston College (8-1) at Maryland (4-5)
Boston College QB Matt Ryan threw for 415 yards against Florida State, but Matty Ice’s teammates melted under pressure. The Eagles shouldn't have any trouble getting back on track this week.
Prediction: B.C. 31, Maryland 13
North Carolina (3-6) at N.C. State (4-5)
It doesn’t seem right, but UNC coach Butch Davis’ name is coming up as a candidate for various Big 12 job searches.
Prediction: UNC 20, N.C. State 13
Wake Forest (6-3) at No. 20 Clemson (7-2)
Clemson’s tailback tandem of James Davis and C.J. Spiller should provide the edge in a tough matchup.
Prediction: Clemson 27, Wake Forest 17
National games of interest
Texas A&M (6-4) at No. 7 Missouri (8-1)
Texas A&M athletic director Bill Byrne said recently that he would wait until the end of the season to decide the future of head coach Dennis Franchione. What's left to decide? The Aggies are a combined 2-12 against Big 12 rivals Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma under Fran’s watch. Consider this the continuation of his farewell tour.
Prediction: Missouri 41, Texas A&M 21
Texas Tech (7-3) at No. 15 Texas (8-2)
Texas running back Jamaal Charles has turned in monster performances the last two weeks. Texas Tech leads the nation in passing offense (482.1 yards per game), but the Red Raiders’ defense had better gang tackle Charles.
Prediction: Texas 34, Texas Tech 30
No. 5 Kansas (9-0) at Oklahoma State (5-4)
Best ESPN College GameDay sign seen so far this season: ‘‘Our coach can eat your coach,’’ which featured a mug shot of hefty Kansas coach Mark Mangino. He could singlehandedly star in the hit comedy ‘‘Two and a Half Men’’ by himself. The Jayhawks appear to have a similarly prodigous appetite for destruction as evidenced by their 76-39 rout of Nebraska last week.
Prediction: Kansas 49, Oklahoma State 28
No. 13 Michigan (8-2) at Wisconsin (7-3)
Wisconsin scared Ohio State for a little while last weekend. The Badgers have won 13 straight at home, but Michigan has been on a roll since opening losses to Appalachian State and Oregon. Michigan receiver Mario Manningham (59 catches, 949 yards, nine TDs) has been clutch of late.
Prediction: Michigan 21, Wisconsin 17
Illinois (7-3) at No. 1 Ohio State (10-0)
Ohio State’s defense has allowed just seven touchdowns this season. They’ll get tested by Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall (1,314 yards). The Illini’s defense, which has registered 34 sacks, could be a surprise. Got a hunch something crazy could happen.
Prediction: Illinois 21, Ohio State 20
No. 12 Southern Cal (7-2) at No. 24 Cal (6-3)
As good as this game could be, a better confrontation will occur outside the stadium. Cal officials will battle activists perched in a grove of trees slated for destruction.
Prediction: USC 27, Cal 20
If you’re looking for something more dubious than Hawaii’s 8-0 record, look no further than my weekend college football picks.
I went a ho-hum 9-5 last week, thanks to by ability to underestimate Arkansas and overstate the capability of Boston College. The season total now stands at 95-39.
But we’re moving on.
As Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey said following his team’s nationally-televised pratfall against Virginia Tech, there’s still a lot to play for.
SEC
No. 18 Auburn (7-3) at No. 10 Georgia (7-2)
You know how this rivalry is supposed to work. The visiting team wins. Auburn has won six of its last seven in Sanford Stadium.
Georgia has plenty of motivation to change that. The Bulldogs could play their way into the SEC East title and a Sugar Bowl berth. That's so powerful that head coach Mark Richt really shouldn't bother with the artificial emotion-producer of breaking out the black jerseys.
Still, historical trends mean something.
Prediction: Auburn 20, Georgia 16
No. 21 Alabama (6-3) at Mississippi State (5-4)
Mississippi State ranks second in the league in red zone offensive touchdowns and red zone defense. Don't be surprised if the Bulldogs make it interesting.
Prediction: Alabama 17, Mississippi State 13
No. 17 Florida (6-3) at South Carolina (6-4)
Tim Tebow gets all the love, but Florida wide receiver/tailback Percy Harvin has two straight 100-yard rushing performances to his credit. After watching what Darren McFadden and Felix Jones did to South Carolina last week, Florida coach Urban Meyer should let him have as many carries as he needs to get a third.
Prediction: Florida 28, South Carolina 20
Arkansas (6-3) at No. 22 Tennessee (6-3)
McFadden resurrected his Heisman Trophy hopes with an SEC record 321 yards against South Carolina last week. Felix Jones (114.3 yards per game) also has the potential to devastate a Tennessee defense that allows 412 total yards per game.
Prediction: Arkansas 35, Tennessee 24
Louisiana Tech (4-5) at No. 2 LSU (8-1)
LSU coach Les Miles can put away his horseshoe. The Tigers won’t need fourth quarter good fortune this week.
Prediction: LSU 42, Louisiana Tech 13
No. 25 Kentucky (6-3) at Vanderbilt (5-4)
The Vanderbilt Bowl Watch continues. The Commodores need just one more win to become eligible for postseason play for the first time in a quarter century.
Prediction: Kentucky 31, Vanderbilt 21
ACC
Georgia Tech (5-4) at Duke (1-8)
If Georgia Tech plays the way it did in last Thursday’s home loss to Virginia Tech, this won’t be a gimme.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 17, Duke 6
Florida State (6-3) at No. 11 Virginia Tech (7-2)
Virginia Tech quarterback Sean Glennon has been solid of late, while Florida State QB Drew Weatherford and the Seminoles’ offense are starting to look alive.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 24, Florida State 21
No. 23 Virginia (8-2) at Miami (5-4)
Virginia might be the least impressive of the two-loss teams, but the Cavaliers find a way to get it done.
Prediction: Virginia 20, Miami 17
No. 8 Boston College (8-1) at Maryland (4-5)
Boston College QB Matt Ryan threw for 415 yards against Florida State, but Matty Ice’s teammates melted under pressure. The Eagles shouldn't have any trouble getting back on track this week.
Prediction: B.C. 31, Maryland 13
North Carolina (3-6) at N.C. State (4-5)
It doesn’t seem right, but UNC coach Butch Davis’ name is coming up as a candidate for various Big 12 job searches.
Prediction: UNC 20, N.C. State 13
Wake Forest (6-3) at No. 20 Clemson (7-2)
Clemson’s tailback tandem of James Davis and C.J. Spiller should provide the edge in a tough matchup.
Prediction: Clemson 27, Wake Forest 17
National games of interest
Texas A&M (6-4) at No. 7 Missouri (8-1)
Texas A&M athletic director Bill Byrne said recently that he would wait until the end of the season to decide the future of head coach Dennis Franchione. What's left to decide? The Aggies are a combined 2-12 against Big 12 rivals Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma under Fran’s watch. Consider this the continuation of his farewell tour.
Prediction: Missouri 41, Texas A&M 21
Texas Tech (7-3) at No. 15 Texas (8-2)
Texas running back Jamaal Charles has turned in monster performances the last two weeks. Texas Tech leads the nation in passing offense (482.1 yards per game), but the Red Raiders’ defense had better gang tackle Charles.
Prediction: Texas 34, Texas Tech 30
No. 5 Kansas (9-0) at Oklahoma State (5-4)
Best ESPN College GameDay sign seen so far this season: ‘‘Our coach can eat your coach,’’ which featured a mug shot of hefty Kansas coach Mark Mangino. He could singlehandedly star in the hit comedy ‘‘Two and a Half Men’’ by himself. The Jayhawks appear to have a similarly prodigous appetite for destruction as evidenced by their 76-39 rout of Nebraska last week.
Prediction: Kansas 49, Oklahoma State 28
No. 13 Michigan (8-2) at Wisconsin (7-3)
Wisconsin scared Ohio State for a little while last weekend. The Badgers have won 13 straight at home, but Michigan has been on a roll since opening losses to Appalachian State and Oregon. Michigan receiver Mario Manningham (59 catches, 949 yards, nine TDs) has been clutch of late.
Prediction: Michigan 21, Wisconsin 17
Illinois (7-3) at No. 1 Ohio State (10-0)
Ohio State’s defense has allowed just seven touchdowns this season. They’ll get tested by Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall (1,314 yards). The Illini’s defense, which has registered 34 sacks, could be a surprise. Got a hunch something crazy could happen.
Prediction: Illinois 21, Ohio State 20
No. 12 Southern Cal (7-2) at No. 24 Cal (6-3)
As good as this game could be, a better confrontation will occur outside the stadium. Cal officials will battle activists perched in a grove of trees slated for destruction.
Prediction: USC 27, Cal 20
Thursday, November 08, 2007
The waiting game
AUBURN, Ala. — One of the more interesting developments in all of this Tommy Tuberville-to-Texas A&M talk may be the populist outpouring it has spawned.
There’s actually a Web site — keeptommytuberville.com — and an Internet petition requesting Auburn officials grant Tuberville a 5-year contract extension.
Tuberville labeled all of the speculation about his future ‘‘good talk.’’
Here’s something worth talking about:
What if Auburn bombs these last two games against Georgia and Alabama?
What if the Tigers finish this season on a downer, with the same 7-5 record that nearly cost Tuberville his job in 2003?
Recent history proves this state can be a volatile place. The pendulum of public opinion can suddenly turn into a slingblade that lops off heads.
That’s not meant to suggest that a disappointing finish to the season would bring that sort of result for Tuberville, whose body of work over the last three full seasons has been outstanding.
But his constant candidacy (real or imagined) for jobs with the Dallas Cowboys, LSU, Arkansas and Miami could wear thin with some Auburn fans. If he milks the attention too much, especially in the wake of a down season, he runs the risk of alienating president Jay Gogue, athletic director Jay Jacobs and his most ardent supporters.
As good as the Tigers have been under Tuberville of late, and as chilly as it might feel in the shadow of Nick Saban, Auburn would have a hard time justifying a salary of more than $3 million per year for its head coach. Given the current price of crude oil, the presence of so many petroleum industry employees in and around College Station, Texas, and Texas A&M’s 2-12 record against Texas, Oklahoma and Texas A&M under Dennis Franchione, the Aggies probably wouldn’t hesitate to open the checkbook.
Lengthening Tuberville’s contract, bumping his pay to $3 million immediately and making his assistant coaches the highest-paid in the SEC (a status currently enjoyed by Alabama assistants) could allow Auburn to silence the Texas A&M talk.
Tuberville has to be rankled by the fact that Saban received a $4 million-per-year contract and sudden savior status despite being in the state less than five minutes and not yet having the opportunity to prove himself in an Iron Bowl.
Tuberville will make $2.8 million next season, then graduate to $3 million in 2009 unless his contract gets re-structured. For a coach who has won just one Southeastern Conference title in nine seasons, that’s a lot of money.
Granted, he inherited a dismal situation when he arrived after the 1998 season. But, Jetgate notwithstanding, his fanbase could reasonably expect more bang for the bucks.
AUBURN, Ala. — One of the more interesting developments in all of this Tommy Tuberville-to-Texas A&M talk may be the populist outpouring it has spawned.
There’s actually a Web site — keeptommytuberville.com — and an Internet petition requesting Auburn officials grant Tuberville a 5-year contract extension.
Tuberville labeled all of the speculation about his future ‘‘good talk.’’
Here’s something worth talking about:
What if Auburn bombs these last two games against Georgia and Alabama?
What if the Tigers finish this season on a downer, with the same 7-5 record that nearly cost Tuberville his job in 2003?
Recent history proves this state can be a volatile place. The pendulum of public opinion can suddenly turn into a slingblade that lops off heads.
That’s not meant to suggest that a disappointing finish to the season would bring that sort of result for Tuberville, whose body of work over the last three full seasons has been outstanding.
But his constant candidacy (real or imagined) for jobs with the Dallas Cowboys, LSU, Arkansas and Miami could wear thin with some Auburn fans. If he milks the attention too much, especially in the wake of a down season, he runs the risk of alienating president Jay Gogue, athletic director Jay Jacobs and his most ardent supporters.
As good as the Tigers have been under Tuberville of late, and as chilly as it might feel in the shadow of Nick Saban, Auburn would have a hard time justifying a salary of more than $3 million per year for its head coach. Given the current price of crude oil, the presence of so many petroleum industry employees in and around College Station, Texas, and Texas A&M’s 2-12 record against Texas, Oklahoma and Texas A&M under Dennis Franchione, the Aggies probably wouldn’t hesitate to open the checkbook.
Lengthening Tuberville’s contract, bumping his pay to $3 million immediately and making his assistant coaches the highest-paid in the SEC (a status currently enjoyed by Alabama assistants) could allow Auburn to silence the Texas A&M talk.
Tuberville has to be rankled by the fact that Saban received a $4 million-per-year contract and sudden savior status despite being in the state less than five minutes and not yet having the opportunity to prove himself in an Iron Bowl.
Tuberville will make $2.8 million next season, then graduate to $3 million in 2009 unless his contract gets re-structured. For a coach who has won just one Southeastern Conference title in nine seasons, that’s a lot of money.
Granted, he inherited a dismal situation when he arrived after the 1998 season. But, Jetgate notwithstanding, his fanbase could reasonably expect more bang for the bucks.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Empty nesters
ATLANTA -- We’re eight minutes into the first quarter here at the Atlanta Falcons-San Francisco 49ers game, but there are plenty of seats available if you still want to come.
Yep, plenty of seats.
I'm guessing somewhere in the neighborhood of 15,000.
Looks like the Falcons’ streak of home sellouts will end at 56 games, which is a shame since it’s not like the franchise can look forward to a winning streak any time soon.
ATLANTA -- We’re eight minutes into the first quarter here at the Atlanta Falcons-San Francisco 49ers game, but there are plenty of seats available if you still want to come.
Yep, plenty of seats.
I'm guessing somewhere in the neighborhood of 15,000.
Looks like the Falcons’ streak of home sellouts will end at 56 games, which is a shame since it’s not like the franchise can look forward to a winning streak any time soon.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Walk it out, Tech
ATLANTA -- This is a bad sign for Georgia Tech’s football team.
The halftime entertainment played to louder cheers.
It was understandable given the Yellow Jackets’ 17-3 halftime deficit to Virginia Tech and the fact that Outkast performed at midfield.
Andre 3000 and Big Boi did their thing.
If Georgia Tech’s offense had near the rhythm of that duo, the Yellow Jackets wouldn’t be staring 5-4 in the face.
ATLANTA -- This is a bad sign for Georgia Tech’s football team.
The halftime entertainment played to louder cheers.
It was understandable given the Yellow Jackets’ 17-3 halftime deficit to Virginia Tech and the fact that Outkast performed at midfield.
Andre 3000 and Big Boi did their thing.
If Georgia Tech’s offense had near the rhythm of that duo, the Yellow Jackets wouldn’t be staring 5-4 in the face.
Wardrobe dysfunction
ATLANTA — In a move of generosity practically unheard of in college football, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets gave Virginia Tech the shirts off their backs.
Literally.
About 30 minutes before the scheduled 7:45 p.m. kickoff here at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Virginia Tech circulated a news release in the press box informing the media that four of its starters were missing their game jerseys.
Quarterbacks Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon, as well as defenisve backs Kam Chancellor and Brandon Flowers, wound up shirtless during a pre-game equipment check.
When members of the Virginia Tech equipment staff arrived at the stadium this afternoon, they noticed that the jerseys of the four players were missing.
‘‘The missing jerseys are a mystery at this point,’’ the Virginia Tech sports information department reported in a release. ‘‘There is no evidence of any break-in. A representative of both Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech looked over the video surveillance tape and saw nothing suspicious. All entrances to the locker room have either remained locked, manned by security or under video surveillance.''
So, if you happen to see any Virginia Tech game jerseys floating around on eBay, how about letting the school know, OK?
Virginia Tech’s clothing-deprived quartet received some assistance from their host in their time of need. Georgia Tech lent the Virginia Tech players white road jerseys for tonight's game. Only problem is that Virginia Tech wears burnt orange trim rather than black and gold. So Virginia Tech's equipment folks put tape over the Tech logos and the names on the backs of the jerseys. From the press box, it was tough to tell a difference.
Virginia Tech officials were hoping that replacement jerseys would arrive just before the game and in the midst of it.
ATLANTA — In a move of generosity practically unheard of in college football, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets gave Virginia Tech the shirts off their backs.
Literally.
About 30 minutes before the scheduled 7:45 p.m. kickoff here at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Virginia Tech circulated a news release in the press box informing the media that four of its starters were missing their game jerseys.
Quarterbacks Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon, as well as defenisve backs Kam Chancellor and Brandon Flowers, wound up shirtless during a pre-game equipment check.
When members of the Virginia Tech equipment staff arrived at the stadium this afternoon, they noticed that the jerseys of the four players were missing.
‘‘The missing jerseys are a mystery at this point,’’ the Virginia Tech sports information department reported in a release. ‘‘There is no evidence of any break-in. A representative of both Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech looked over the video surveillance tape and saw nothing suspicious. All entrances to the locker room have either remained locked, manned by security or under video surveillance.''
So, if you happen to see any Virginia Tech game jerseys floating around on eBay, how about letting the school know, OK?
Virginia Tech’s clothing-deprived quartet received some assistance from their host in their time of need. Georgia Tech lent the Virginia Tech players white road jerseys for tonight's game. Only problem is that Virginia Tech wears burnt orange trim rather than black and gold. So Virginia Tech's equipment folks put tape over the Tech logos and the names on the backs of the jerseys. From the press box, it was tough to tell a difference.
Virginia Tech officials were hoping that replacement jerseys would arrive just before the game and in the midst of it.
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