Pigskin Picks
Your college football oracle rebounded nicely this past week, going 13-4 to bring the season total to 49-15.
Here’s a look at the most compelling matchups of this week:
Southeastern Conference
Auburn (2-2) at No. 4 Florida (4-0)
Florida allowed 310 passing yards to Ole Miss last weekend, which should bode well for Auburn quarterback Brandon Cox. Cox looked sharp against New Mexico State last weekend, but, well, it was New Mexico State. Plus, the Tigers have to figure out a way to stop the one-man juggernaut known as Tim Tebow.
Prediction: Florida 31, Auburn 21
Ole Miss (1-3) at No. 15 Georgia (3-1)
Mikey Henderson picked a good time to collect the first touchdown reception of his Georgia career last week. Maybe he’s out to prove he can be more than a punt returner.
Prediction: Georgia 27, Ole Miss 16
No. 22 Alabama (3-1) vs. Florida State (2-1)
A compelling matchup between programs that should play far more often. It’s interesting to play the woulda-coulda-shoulda game and wonder about what might have been for both programs if Bobby Bowden had taken the Alabama job back in 1986.
Prediction: Alabama 21, Florida State 17
No. 2 LSU (4-0) at Tulane (1-2)
It will be interesting to see how LSU uses quarterbacks Matt Flynn and Ryan Perriloux from here on out. Flynn basically played on one foot in a win over South Carolina last week and Perriloux looked smooth running various option and QB draw plays when needed.
Prediction: LSU 49, Tulane 6
Mississippi State (3-1) at No. 16 South Carolina (3-1)
Bad news for South Carolina: Star linebacker Jasper Brinkley will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Good news for South Carolina: Mississippi State is playing a freshman quarterback.
Prediction: South Carolina 17, Mississippi State 13
Florida Atlantic (3-1) at No. 14 Kentucky (4-0)
Florida Atlantic coach Howard Schnellenberger is a former UK letterman and a member of the school’s hall of fame. He also helped resurrect Louisville into a respectable program. As sharp as the Kentucky offense has been, there’s little expectation that Schnellenberger will rain on the Wildcats’ first top-15 ranking since the 1970s. Plus, UK quarterback Andre Woodson has thrown 11 TDs and not a single INT.
Prediction: Kentucky 37, Florida Atlantic 24
North Texas (0-3) at Arkansas (1-2)
Darren McFadden and Felix Jones both rushed for more than 100 yards last weekend in a loss to Kentucky. They could both threaten the 200-yard mark against North Texas' awful defense.
Prediction: Arkansas 55, North Texas 14
Eastern Michigan (2-2) at Vanderbilt (2-1)
This is the part of the season where Vanderbilt teases all of us with the potential for a bowl season.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 28, Eastern Michigan 14
Atlantic Coast Conference
No. 13 Clemson (4-0) at Georgia Tech (2-2)
Georgia Tech continued the up-and-down tilt-a-whirl ride that has defined Chan Gailey’s tenure at the school. A loss to Boston College was excusable, but the Yellow Jackets were knocked flat by Virginia. But, true to Georgia Tech’s puzzling pattern, they’ll probably pick themselves up off the deck at just the right time.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 24, Clemson 22
North Carolina (1-3) at No. 14 Virginia Tech (3-1)
Pity new North Carolina coach Butch Davis, whose team has lost three in a row. It will likely get much, much worse with resurgent Virginia Tech starting a run that also includes Miami and South Carolina.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 23, North Carolina 9
Duke (1-3) at Miami (3-1)
Duke saw the potential for a second consecutive win slip out of its grip against Navy. Meanwhile, Miami's bruises have healed nicely since Oklahoma took a sledgehammer to its body.
Prediction: Miami 34, Duke 10
UMass (4-0) at No. 12 Boston College (4-0)
UMass is a credible I-AA program, but Boston College has been on cruise control this season.
Prediction: Boston College 38, UMass 17
Maryland (2-2) at No. 10 Rutgers (3-0)
Maryland coughed up a 24-3 lead against Wake Forest last week. The Terps will find themselves struggling to keep pace from the beginning against hard-charging Rutgers tailback Ray Rice.
Prediction: Rice 28, Maryland 20
Louisville (2-2) at N.C. State (1-3)
New Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe has some 'splaining to do after a horrible tank job against Syracuse. On a happier note, quarterback Brian Brohm has done nothing to threaten his status as a potential No. 1 NFL pick.
Prediction: Louisville 41, N.C. State 27
Pittsburgh (2-2) at Virginia (3-1)
Virginia coach Al Groh was up against the wall after the Cavaliers lost their opener to Wyoming. He's quieted the criticism with three straight wins.
Prediction: Virginia 19, Pittsburgh 10
Sun Belt Conference
Louisiana-Monroe (0-3) at Troy (2-2)
Troy’s rushing defense, already ranked last in Division I, didn’t improve its standing any after allowing 345 yards in a win over Louisiana-Lafayette. At the same time, Troy quarterback Omar Haugabook (297 passing yards, 89 rushing last week) has been explosive operating out of the spread offense.
Prediction: Troy 42, Louisiana-Monroe 28
National games of interest
No. 1 Southern Cal (3-0) at Washington (2-2)
USC has been frighteningly good running the ball so far this season. Worst of all for opposing defenses, it’s impossible to key in on one tailback. Between Chauncey Washington, C.J. Gable and Joe McKnight, the Trojans have an embarrassment of riches.
Prediction: USC 41, Washington 20
No. 3 Oklahoma (4-0) at Colorado (2-2)
Oklahoma’s lowest point total to date? Fifty-one points against Miami. A 3-1 Miami team at that. Quarterback Sam Bradford is slowly playing his way into Heisman consideration.
Prediction: Oklahoma 52, Colorado 13
No. 5 West Virginia (4-0) at No. 18 South Florida (3-0)
Could prove to be one of the more exciting games of the weekend. South Florida expects a rare home sellout. Both teams love to spread the field and use mobile quarterbacks to good effect. As good as South Florida quarterback Matt Grothe has been this season, West Virginia's Pat White has been a little better. White completed 18-of-20 attempts for 181 yards against East Carolina last week -- and he's supposed to be known as a runner.
Prediction: West Virginia 38, South Florida 35
No. 7 Cal (4-0) at No. 11 Oregon (4-0)
The Oregon Duck mascot returns to the sideline after serving a suspension for administering a beat-down of the Houston Cougar a couple weeks ago. The Duck performed beyond the normal mascot boundaries, delivering some kicks and punches and administering an atomic elbow drop. The way Oregon QB Dennis Dixon is throwing the deep ball, the Ducks should pile-drive Cal.
Prediction: Oregon 31, Cal 23
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
About Those Open Mikes ...
The Web site YouTube.com is a wonderful place.
Because of it, we now have a catchphrase for the front of T-shirts and for random insertion into various conversations: ‘‘Don’t Tase me, bro!’’
Because of YouTube, we now have a means of heading off a blistering tirade from a disappointed boss or angry spouse: ‘‘Don’t Gundy me, bro!’’
If you haven’t checked out the nearly four-minute wig-out Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy staged during his post-game press conference last Saturday, please do so now at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VytIZZzee0&mode=related&search=
Take your time. I’ll give you a minute.
Anyway, Gundy went bonkers on Daily Oklahoman sports writer Jenni Carlson for a column written about the Cowboys’ quarterback change (you can find it, along with exhaustive post-Gundy-screed coverage at newsok.com). In the column, Carlson questioned whether Gundy benched starter Bobby Reid because of a less than desirable attitude and insinuated Reid lacks toughness.
Gundy’s 50-megaton tirade had a humorous quality, almost like Nick Nolte’s pivotal scene in ‘‘Blue Chips.’’
The crux of Gundy’s argument was that Reid shouldn’t be criticized because he’s a ‘‘kid’’ and an amateur athlete. Sorry, but Reid is a 21-year-old senior. He’s old enough to vote, old enough to die in Iraq. He’s no more a kid than he is an amateur. College athletes on scholarship at major programs receive advantages and perks the average student doesn’t. Plus, there’s the promise that Mr. FatCat Booster will provide a job at his car dealership if the NFL isn’t a viable career path.
‘‘Come after me!,’’ Gundy demanded. ‘‘I’m a man. I’m 40.’’
Hopefully he feels like more of a man now. At the very least, his outburst successfully distracted Oklahoma State fans from more important matters, including the Cowboys’ 2-2 start, the beatdowns it suffered at Georgia and Troy, and the 700-plus yards of total offense surrendered in a win over Texas Tech. Given the chance Monday to address the inaccuracies he perceived to exist in Carlson’s column, Gundy was surprisingly meek.
Too many fans fail to understand the role of a sports columnist when it comes to coverage of a college program. We’re not supposed to be rah-rah bandwagon drivers. We’re charged with providing commentary (opinion and analysis of the news). The goal is to inform, but also to entertain and inspire debate.
Carlson obviously succeeded in doing the latter.
There’s nothing wrong with Gundy defending a player or criticizing a newspaper columnist, but there are more constructive ways to accomplish both objectives.
I’ve been the target of many a rant from pro and college coaches and athletes in my career. Most will air their grievances in private and move on. That would have been a wiser course of action for Gundy.
Instead, he displayed a level of immaturity befitting someone far younger than 40 before leaving his press conference with one parting shot:
‘‘Makes me want to puke,’’ he said.
Well, we can at least agree on that.
On to other subjects:
* Welcome to the party, Gerald Poindexter.
The Surry County Commonwealth attorney got off the sidelines and successfully pursued an indictment of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and three co-defendants on state charges relating to the dogfighting operation operated in Virginia.
Early on, it seemed as if Poindexter and Co. were more likely to ask for an autograph from Vick than to attempt to investigate possible criminal activity.
Vick, who pleaded guilty in federal court to a dogfighting conspiracy charge, could face as many as 40 years in prison if convicted of the state charges.
While the guilty plea in federal court seemed to leave open the possibility of a return to the NFL at some point, his problems are just beginning.
Royal Bank of Canada has also accused Vick of defaulting on a $2.5 million loan and has filed suit.
* Atlanta Falcons coach Bobby Petrino says any discipline of cornerback DeAngelo Hall will be handled in-house.
No matter what sort of fine or other internal sanction Hall faces, it’s a little late.
Petrino should have benched hall for at least a series -- and possibly for the remainder of the game -- in Sunday’s 27-20 Atlanta loss to Carolina. After being penalized three times for 67 yards on one drive and giving Carolina ample opportunity to score a tying third-quarter touchdown, Hall had the gall to scream at Petrino and an Atlanta assistant coach on his way off the field.
Eventually, a couple teammates had to stand between Hall and the coaches to restore some semblance of calm.
Given the less than stellar recent history successful college coaches have had in transitioning to the NFL (Steve Spurrier anyone?), Petrino needed to act with a heavy hand.
The Web site YouTube.com is a wonderful place.
Because of it, we now have a catchphrase for the front of T-shirts and for random insertion into various conversations: ‘‘Don’t Tase me, bro!’’
Because of YouTube, we now have a means of heading off a blistering tirade from a disappointed boss or angry spouse: ‘‘Don’t Gundy me, bro!’’
If you haven’t checked out the nearly four-minute wig-out Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy staged during his post-game press conference last Saturday, please do so now at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VytIZZzee0&mode=related&search=
Take your time. I’ll give you a minute.
Anyway, Gundy went bonkers on Daily Oklahoman sports writer Jenni Carlson for a column written about the Cowboys’ quarterback change (you can find it, along with exhaustive post-Gundy-screed coverage at newsok.com). In the column, Carlson questioned whether Gundy benched starter Bobby Reid because of a less than desirable attitude and insinuated Reid lacks toughness.
Gundy’s 50-megaton tirade had a humorous quality, almost like Nick Nolte’s pivotal scene in ‘‘Blue Chips.’’
The crux of Gundy’s argument was that Reid shouldn’t be criticized because he’s a ‘‘kid’’ and an amateur athlete. Sorry, but Reid is a 21-year-old senior. He’s old enough to vote, old enough to die in Iraq. He’s no more a kid than he is an amateur. College athletes on scholarship at major programs receive advantages and perks the average student doesn’t. Plus, there’s the promise that Mr. FatCat Booster will provide a job at his car dealership if the NFL isn’t a viable career path.
‘‘Come after me!,’’ Gundy demanded. ‘‘I’m a man. I’m 40.’’
Hopefully he feels like more of a man now. At the very least, his outburst successfully distracted Oklahoma State fans from more important matters, including the Cowboys’ 2-2 start, the beatdowns it suffered at Georgia and Troy, and the 700-plus yards of total offense surrendered in a win over Texas Tech. Given the chance Monday to address the inaccuracies he perceived to exist in Carlson’s column, Gundy was surprisingly meek.
Too many fans fail to understand the role of a sports columnist when it comes to coverage of a college program. We’re not supposed to be rah-rah bandwagon drivers. We’re charged with providing commentary (opinion and analysis of the news). The goal is to inform, but also to entertain and inspire debate.
Carlson obviously succeeded in doing the latter.
There’s nothing wrong with Gundy defending a player or criticizing a newspaper columnist, but there are more constructive ways to accomplish both objectives.
I’ve been the target of many a rant from pro and college coaches and athletes in my career. Most will air their grievances in private and move on. That would have been a wiser course of action for Gundy.
Instead, he displayed a level of immaturity befitting someone far younger than 40 before leaving his press conference with one parting shot:
‘‘Makes me want to puke,’’ he said.
Well, we can at least agree on that.
On to other subjects:
* Welcome to the party, Gerald Poindexter.
The Surry County Commonwealth attorney got off the sidelines and successfully pursued an indictment of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and three co-defendants on state charges relating to the dogfighting operation operated in Virginia.
Early on, it seemed as if Poindexter and Co. were more likely to ask for an autograph from Vick than to attempt to investigate possible criminal activity.
Vick, who pleaded guilty in federal court to a dogfighting conspiracy charge, could face as many as 40 years in prison if convicted of the state charges.
While the guilty plea in federal court seemed to leave open the possibility of a return to the NFL at some point, his problems are just beginning.
Royal Bank of Canada has also accused Vick of defaulting on a $2.5 million loan and has filed suit.
* Atlanta Falcons coach Bobby Petrino says any discipline of cornerback DeAngelo Hall will be handled in-house.
No matter what sort of fine or other internal sanction Hall faces, it’s a little late.
Petrino should have benched hall for at least a series -- and possibly for the remainder of the game -- in Sunday’s 27-20 Atlanta loss to Carolina. After being penalized three times for 67 yards on one drive and giving Carolina ample opportunity to score a tying third-quarter touchdown, Hall had the gall to scream at Petrino and an Atlanta assistant coach on his way off the field.
Eventually, a couple teammates had to stand between Hall and the coaches to restore some semblance of calm.
Given the less than stellar recent history successful college coaches have had in transitioning to the NFL (Steve Spurrier anyone?), Petrino needed to act with a heavy hand.
Thanks to my readers
I was surprised and humbled by the outpouring of e-mails elicited by last week’s column about my crazy trip home from the Alabama-Arkansas game.
For those of you who missed it, my vehicle (a rental) was hit by a drunk driver who somehow wound up on the wrong side of a divided highway. Thankfully, the Alabama State Troopers caught him and nobody was seriously injured (although the Chevy I was driving may be on the disabled list for quite some time).
I'm happy to report that my trip home from the Alabama-Georgia game was uneventful. No rental cars were injured in the process.
My purpose in writing about the accident was to modify the game day behavior of at least one person since football and alcohol have always gone together in this part of the country.
I was surprised to hear from a number of folks who seemed genuinely relieved that my ugly mugshot will continue to grace the Ledger-Enquirer sports page.
‘‘I don’t know what I would do not being able to read your column,’’ one reader wrote me. ‘‘... I laugh sometimes til I cry.’’
Thanks to everyone who checked up on me. The greatest joy I experience in this business comes from informing and entertaining the folks who buy our newspaper. E-mails like the one above were enough to make me cry.
I was surprised and humbled by the outpouring of e-mails elicited by last week’s column about my crazy trip home from the Alabama-Arkansas game.
For those of you who missed it, my vehicle (a rental) was hit by a drunk driver who somehow wound up on the wrong side of a divided highway. Thankfully, the Alabama State Troopers caught him and nobody was seriously injured (although the Chevy I was driving may be on the disabled list for quite some time).
I'm happy to report that my trip home from the Alabama-Georgia game was uneventful. No rental cars were injured in the process.
My purpose in writing about the accident was to modify the game day behavior of at least one person since football and alcohol have always gone together in this part of the country.
I was surprised to hear from a number of folks who seemed genuinely relieved that my ugly mugshot will continue to grace the Ledger-Enquirer sports page.
‘‘I don’t know what I would do not being able to read your column,’’ one reader wrote me. ‘‘... I laugh sometimes til I cry.’’
Thanks to everyone who checked up on me. The greatest joy I experience in this business comes from informing and entertaining the folks who buy our newspaper. E-mails like the one above were enough to make me cry.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Reality check
Right now, I’m picking up the shattered fragments of the crystal ball I used to predict college football outcomes.
You’d have thrown it against the wall too after the sort of performance I turned in last week. I went an unsightly 15-7, bringing my season total to 36-11.
Some mea culpas are due to the Troy Trojans, Alabama Crimson Tide and Kentucky Wildcats, who I severely underestimated.
Thursday's game
No. 20 Texas A&M (3-0) at Miami (2-1)
A significant number of Texas A&M fans have been grumbling about head coach Dennis Franchione and looking forward to the possibility of a change. But Fran will remain The Man as long as his offense keeps averaging 46.3 points and 293 rushing yards per game. Miami’s quarterback situation is unsettled, although Kyle Wright will get the start. Texas A&M doesn’t have that problem with Stephen McGee running the spread offense (263 rush yards, 9.1 per carry).
Prediction: Texas A&M 27, Miami 16
Saturday
Southeastern Conference
No. 22 Georgia (2-1) at No. 16 Alabama (3-0)
Alabama QB John Parker Wilson showed some serious moxie in guiding a game-winning drive against Arkansas last week. The Crimson Tide lacks defensive depth and could be vulnerable against Georgia's tailback tandem of Knowshon Moreno and Thomas Brown. If this were in Athens, I'd favor Georgia. But Alabama has momentum after last week and 94,000 crimson crazies behind them. Oh yeah, one more thing: The Dawgs are 1-7 in T-Town.
Prediction: Alabama 31, Georgia 27
New Mexico State (2-1) at Auburn (1-2)
Auburn’s moribund offense could have trouble keeping up with New Mexico State coach Hal Mumme’s chuck-and-duck attack. Aggies QB Chase Holbrook is throwing for 399 yards per game. Hey, isn’t that Auburn's offensive output for the entire season? Seriously, the Tigers should improve as freshman QB Kodi Burns learns and plays more.
Prediction: Auburn 23, New Mexico State 17
No. 12 South Carolina (3-0) at No. 2 LSU (3-0)
LSU coach Les Miles hasn’t said if Matt Flynn or Ryan Perrilloux will start this game, but it’s nice to have two such qualified choices. Flynn missed last week’s Middle Tennessee State game with an ankle injury, but Perrilloux filled in with 298 passing yards and three TDs. Of course, with a defense like LSU’s, you could put Jerry Lewis at quarterback.
Prediction: LSU 24, South Carolina 10
No. 3 Florida (3-0) at Ole Miss (1-2)
Four different Florida receivers have had 100-yard games already this season. Plus, head coach Urban Meyer isn’t afraid to hand the ball to them out of the spread offense. Florida’s defense isn’t overwhelming yet, but the Gators will be really scary when they improve on that side of the ball.
Prediction: Florida 41, Ole Miss 13
No. 21 Kentucky (3-0) at Arkansas (1-1)
I love Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden, but only in that platonic man-crush kind of way. He rolled up 199 yards against Alabama, but cramped late in the fourth quarter (One Arkansas fan told me it was because he carried the Hogs on his back for so long). I mean, they'd hand the ball to D-Mac on third-and-eight with everyone in the stadium knowing he’d get the ball and he’d still pound his way past the first-down marker. Too bad Arkansas' passing game is so horrendous.
Prediction: Kentucky 31, Arkansas 30
Arkansas State (1-1) at Tennessee (1-2)
Tennessee was been burned repeatedly by the big play against Cal and Florida, but should be the team carrying the blowtorch this weekend.
Prediction: Tennessee 45, Arkansas State 12
Gardner-Webb (1-1) at Mississippi State (1-2)
Big ups to Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom for engineering an upset of Auburn last week. The Bulldogs will continue to astound us by reaching the .500 mark. Defensive back Derek Pegues is a stud. Don't be surprised if he gets an interception or two. Gardner-Webb lost by 22 at Ohio earlier this season, plus the name sounds more like a law firm than a football team.
Prediction: Mississippi State 24, Gardner-Webb 7
Atlantic Coast Conference
Georgia Tech (2-1) at Virginia (2-1)
Boston College poked holes in Tech’s defense last week and exposed the offense as one-dimensional. One dimension (ie. tailback Tashard Choice) should be enough this week.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 16, Virginia 10
North Carolina (1-2) at No. 23 South Florida (2-0)
South Florida will play as a ranked team for the first time in school history. Defensive end George Selvie leads a bullish defense with 5.5 sacks.
Prediction: South Florida 31, North Carolina 17
No. 15 Clemson (3-0) at N.C. State (1-2)
Clemson has won three consecutive games against N.C. State and should extend it with the Wolfpack in a rebuilding situation.
Prediction: Clemson 21, N.C. State 13
Duke (1-2) at Navy (1-2)
Duke hasn’t won two straight games since 2003, when it toppled the imposing twosome off Western Carolina and Rice. The Blue Devils snapped a 22-game losing streak against Northwestern last week. Now they can start a new losing streak.
Prediction: Navy 27, Duke 23
Army (1-2) at No. 14 Boston College (3-0)
Boston College obliterated a good Georgia Tech defense last weekend. QB Matt Ryan is already making a strong case for ACC Player of the Year. Guiding the Eagles to their first 4-0 start in eight years wouldn’t hurt.
Prediction: Boston College 41, Army 9
William & Mary at No. 17 Virginia Tech (2-1)
Hokies freshman QB Tyrod Taylor went for 287 yards last week in his first start. It may take William AND Mary both to deal with that.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 42, William & Mary 3
Maryland (2-1) at Wake Forest (1-2)
Wake Forest has lost to a pair of quality teams in Nebraska and Boston College. Maryland, which played West Virginia tough for a half last week, is also in the mix as one of the ACC's decent under-the-radar teams.
Prediction: Wake Forest 24, Maryland 21
National games of note
No. 10 Penn State (3-0) at Michigan (1-2)
Penn State hasn’t been tested, so this game could prove to be their biggest stumbling block. Michigan rebuilt some self-esteem by waxing Notre Dame.
Prediction: Penn State 28, Michigan 24
Iowa (2-1) at No. 9 Wisconsin (3-0)
Wisconsin has napped intermittently in wins over UNLV and Citadel. The Badgers really need to get it together.
Prediction: Wisconsin 21, Iowa 16
Right now, I’m picking up the shattered fragments of the crystal ball I used to predict college football outcomes.
You’d have thrown it against the wall too after the sort of performance I turned in last week. I went an unsightly 15-7, bringing my season total to 36-11.
Some mea culpas are due to the Troy Trojans, Alabama Crimson Tide and Kentucky Wildcats, who I severely underestimated.
Thursday's game
No. 20 Texas A&M (3-0) at Miami (2-1)
A significant number of Texas A&M fans have been grumbling about head coach Dennis Franchione and looking forward to the possibility of a change. But Fran will remain The Man as long as his offense keeps averaging 46.3 points and 293 rushing yards per game. Miami’s quarterback situation is unsettled, although Kyle Wright will get the start. Texas A&M doesn’t have that problem with Stephen McGee running the spread offense (263 rush yards, 9.1 per carry).
Prediction: Texas A&M 27, Miami 16
Saturday
Southeastern Conference
No. 22 Georgia (2-1) at No. 16 Alabama (3-0)
Alabama QB John Parker Wilson showed some serious moxie in guiding a game-winning drive against Arkansas last week. The Crimson Tide lacks defensive depth and could be vulnerable against Georgia's tailback tandem of Knowshon Moreno and Thomas Brown. If this were in Athens, I'd favor Georgia. But Alabama has momentum after last week and 94,000 crimson crazies behind them. Oh yeah, one more thing: The Dawgs are 1-7 in T-Town.
Prediction: Alabama 31, Georgia 27
New Mexico State (2-1) at Auburn (1-2)
Auburn’s moribund offense could have trouble keeping up with New Mexico State coach Hal Mumme’s chuck-and-duck attack. Aggies QB Chase Holbrook is throwing for 399 yards per game. Hey, isn’t that Auburn's offensive output for the entire season? Seriously, the Tigers should improve as freshman QB Kodi Burns learns and plays more.
Prediction: Auburn 23, New Mexico State 17
No. 12 South Carolina (3-0) at No. 2 LSU (3-0)
LSU coach Les Miles hasn’t said if Matt Flynn or Ryan Perrilloux will start this game, but it’s nice to have two such qualified choices. Flynn missed last week’s Middle Tennessee State game with an ankle injury, but Perrilloux filled in with 298 passing yards and three TDs. Of course, with a defense like LSU’s, you could put Jerry Lewis at quarterback.
Prediction: LSU 24, South Carolina 10
No. 3 Florida (3-0) at Ole Miss (1-2)
Four different Florida receivers have had 100-yard games already this season. Plus, head coach Urban Meyer isn’t afraid to hand the ball to them out of the spread offense. Florida’s defense isn’t overwhelming yet, but the Gators will be really scary when they improve on that side of the ball.
Prediction: Florida 41, Ole Miss 13
No. 21 Kentucky (3-0) at Arkansas (1-1)
I love Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden, but only in that platonic man-crush kind of way. He rolled up 199 yards against Alabama, but cramped late in the fourth quarter (One Arkansas fan told me it was because he carried the Hogs on his back for so long). I mean, they'd hand the ball to D-Mac on third-and-eight with everyone in the stadium knowing he’d get the ball and he’d still pound his way past the first-down marker. Too bad Arkansas' passing game is so horrendous.
Prediction: Kentucky 31, Arkansas 30
Arkansas State (1-1) at Tennessee (1-2)
Tennessee was been burned repeatedly by the big play against Cal and Florida, but should be the team carrying the blowtorch this weekend.
Prediction: Tennessee 45, Arkansas State 12
Gardner-Webb (1-1) at Mississippi State (1-2)
Big ups to Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom for engineering an upset of Auburn last week. The Bulldogs will continue to astound us by reaching the .500 mark. Defensive back Derek Pegues is a stud. Don't be surprised if he gets an interception or two. Gardner-Webb lost by 22 at Ohio earlier this season, plus the name sounds more like a law firm than a football team.
Prediction: Mississippi State 24, Gardner-Webb 7
Atlantic Coast Conference
Georgia Tech (2-1) at Virginia (2-1)
Boston College poked holes in Tech’s defense last week and exposed the offense as one-dimensional. One dimension (ie. tailback Tashard Choice) should be enough this week.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 16, Virginia 10
North Carolina (1-2) at No. 23 South Florida (2-0)
South Florida will play as a ranked team for the first time in school history. Defensive end George Selvie leads a bullish defense with 5.5 sacks.
Prediction: South Florida 31, North Carolina 17
No. 15 Clemson (3-0) at N.C. State (1-2)
Clemson has won three consecutive games against N.C. State and should extend it with the Wolfpack in a rebuilding situation.
Prediction: Clemson 21, N.C. State 13
Duke (1-2) at Navy (1-2)
Duke hasn’t won two straight games since 2003, when it toppled the imposing twosome off Western Carolina and Rice. The Blue Devils snapped a 22-game losing streak against Northwestern last week. Now they can start a new losing streak.
Prediction: Navy 27, Duke 23
Army (1-2) at No. 14 Boston College (3-0)
Boston College obliterated a good Georgia Tech defense last weekend. QB Matt Ryan is already making a strong case for ACC Player of the Year. Guiding the Eagles to their first 4-0 start in eight years wouldn’t hurt.
Prediction: Boston College 41, Army 9
William & Mary at No. 17 Virginia Tech (2-1)
Hokies freshman QB Tyrod Taylor went for 287 yards last week in his first start. It may take William AND Mary both to deal with that.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 42, William & Mary 3
Maryland (2-1) at Wake Forest (1-2)
Wake Forest has lost to a pair of quality teams in Nebraska and Boston College. Maryland, which played West Virginia tough for a half last week, is also in the mix as one of the ACC's decent under-the-radar teams.
Prediction: Wake Forest 24, Maryland 21
National games of note
No. 10 Penn State (3-0) at Michigan (1-2)
Penn State hasn’t been tested, so this game could prove to be their biggest stumbling block. Michigan rebuilt some self-esteem by waxing Notre Dame.
Prediction: Penn State 28, Michigan 24
Iowa (2-1) at No. 9 Wisconsin (3-0)
Wisconsin has napped intermittently in wins over UNLV and Citadel. The Badgers really need to get it together.
Prediction: Wisconsin 21, Iowa 16
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
It can’t hurt
Say, you don’t suppose Atlanta Falcons general manager Rich McKay regrets trading away Matt Schaub in the offseason and putting all of his eggs into Michael Vick’s basket.
Right now, the remnants of those eggs are a runny, gooey mess.
Let’s take inventory, shall we?
Schaub is 2-0 as the starter for the Houston Texans.
Vick is suspended indefinitely due to his role in operating a dog fighting operation and the Falcons will soon attempt to recoup $22 million paid to him in bonuses. Risking the future on him was difficult to grasp anyway since there was real question as to whether he would ever develop into a competent passer.
Meanwhile, Joey Harrington is 0-2 as a starter, the team has been outscored 37-10 and, suddenly, the brightest hope for this season involves playing poorly enough to possibly receive a No. 1 draft pick next April.
Oh yeah, almost forgot.
Because of McKay and Co.’s risky decision to let Schaub go, the Falcons are now prepared to pay yet another two-year, $6 million contract in the quest to find a band-aid for the open sore they call quarterback.
Next up: Byron Leftwich, the former Jacksonville Jaguars starter who was released just after preseason.
He won’t get a crack at the job immediately, because there’s a new system and different terminology that requires an adjustment period. But if Harrington doesn’t improve his play this weekend, it won’t be long before Leftwich gets his chance.
So far, Harrington has completed 35 of 52 passes for 399 yards, but has yet to throw a touchdown pass (unless you're including the opposing defense). Two Harrington interceptions have been returned for touchdowns. He’s also proven to be as stiff as the Empire State Building, having been sacked 13 times in two games.
Atlanta coach Bobby Petrino called out Harrington the other day for holding the ball too long. It shouldn't be long before he calls Leftwich’s number.
‘‘As I've said for some time, we've been looking to add a quarterback to the mix since D.J. Shockley's injury in the preseason," Petrino said in a statement released by the Falcons. "Joey Harrington remains our starting quarterback and Chris Redman is still No. 2, but signing Byron Leftwich presented us a unique opportunity to add a veteran with tremendous experience to our quarterback group."
Reading between the lines: He hopes Leftwich will be good to go soon.
Leftwich represents an intriguing acquisition. As the Jags’ starter from 2003-06, he passed for 9,042 yards, 51 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. He has, however, missed 15 games the last two years due to recurring ankle problems.
This is what the Falcons have been reduced to: Dumpster-diving for Jacksonville’s cast-offs.
But even a banished starter with a bum ankle can’t be any worse than what we've already seen.
Say, you don’t suppose Atlanta Falcons general manager Rich McKay regrets trading away Matt Schaub in the offseason and putting all of his eggs into Michael Vick’s basket.
Right now, the remnants of those eggs are a runny, gooey mess.
Let’s take inventory, shall we?
Schaub is 2-0 as the starter for the Houston Texans.
Vick is suspended indefinitely due to his role in operating a dog fighting operation and the Falcons will soon attempt to recoup $22 million paid to him in bonuses. Risking the future on him was difficult to grasp anyway since there was real question as to whether he would ever develop into a competent passer.
Meanwhile, Joey Harrington is 0-2 as a starter, the team has been outscored 37-10 and, suddenly, the brightest hope for this season involves playing poorly enough to possibly receive a No. 1 draft pick next April.
Oh yeah, almost forgot.
Because of McKay and Co.’s risky decision to let Schaub go, the Falcons are now prepared to pay yet another two-year, $6 million contract in the quest to find a band-aid for the open sore they call quarterback.
Next up: Byron Leftwich, the former Jacksonville Jaguars starter who was released just after preseason.
He won’t get a crack at the job immediately, because there’s a new system and different terminology that requires an adjustment period. But if Harrington doesn’t improve his play this weekend, it won’t be long before Leftwich gets his chance.
So far, Harrington has completed 35 of 52 passes for 399 yards, but has yet to throw a touchdown pass (unless you're including the opposing defense). Two Harrington interceptions have been returned for touchdowns. He’s also proven to be as stiff as the Empire State Building, having been sacked 13 times in two games.
Atlanta coach Bobby Petrino called out Harrington the other day for holding the ball too long. It shouldn't be long before he calls Leftwich’s number.
‘‘As I've said for some time, we've been looking to add a quarterback to the mix since D.J. Shockley's injury in the preseason," Petrino said in a statement released by the Falcons. "Joey Harrington remains our starting quarterback and Chris Redman is still No. 2, but signing Byron Leftwich presented us a unique opportunity to add a veteran with tremendous experience to our quarterback group."
Reading between the lines: He hopes Leftwich will be good to go soon.
Leftwich represents an intriguing acquisition. As the Jags’ starter from 2003-06, he passed for 9,042 yards, 51 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. He has, however, missed 15 games the last two years due to recurring ankle problems.
This is what the Falcons have been reduced to: Dumpster-diving for Jacksonville’s cast-offs.
But even a banished starter with a bum ankle can’t be any worse than what we've already seen.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Pigskin Picking, Week 3
After badly misinterpreting what would happen in Athens last weekend and picking the right type of outcome but the wrong winner in the Auburn-South Florida game, I'm back to give it the old college try again. Even with those two significant miscalculations, I went 10-3 and boosted my season record to 21-4. Here's how this week's games of interest should unfold:
Tonight
No. 3 West Virginia (2-0) at Maryland (2-0)
The Mountaineers have too much speed on offense with TB Steve Slaton, QB Pat White and newcomer Noel Devine.
Prediction: West Virginia 42, Maryland 24
Friday
Oklahoma State (1-1) at Troy (0-2)
Troy's defense looked awful against Arkansas and Florida, two offenses that will make many other opponents look dreadful.
OSU can score a lot of points, but the Trojans seem to bring their A game when a Bowl Championship Series conference opponent makes a rare visit to their stadium.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 38, Troy 34
Saturday
Southeastern Conference games
No. 16 Arkansas (2-0) at Alabama (2-0)
If you're not a big fan of forward passes, this game could be for you. Alabama will try to establish RB Terry Grant, who has been impressive in his first two games. Arkansas features the explosive tandem of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. Who knows? You might even see McFadden throw a pass or two out of the ''Wildcat formation.''
Prediction: Arkansas 23, Alabama 21
Mississippi State (1-1) at Auburn (1-1)
Auburn QB Brandon Cox has looked miserable in the first two games, throwing four interceptions and demonstrating a continued lack of poise. But if he wants to feel better about himself, he should talk to MSU starter Michael Henig, who tossed six INTs in an opening loss to LSU.
Prediction: Auburn 28, Miss. State 10
Western Carolina (0-2) at No. 23 Georgia (1-1)
Georgia should work out the many offensive kinks it showed last week while working out the scoreboard.
Prediction: Georgia 52, Western Carolina 6
No. 22 Tennessee (1-1) at No. 5 Florida (2-0)
Florida QB Tim Tebow faced little resistence in opening wins against Western Kentucky and Troy. Fortunately for the Gators, Tennessee's defense hasn't been any better than the first two it faced. Look for Florida receivers Percy Harvin and Cornelius Ingram to have big games.
Prediction: Florida 41, Tennessee 30
South Carolina State (1-1) at No. 17 South Carolina (2-0)
Maligned South Carolina QB Blake Mitchell had an efficient outing against Georgia last week, but he should have a comfortable bench seat by halftime of this one.
Prediction: South Carolina 45, S.C. State 7
No. 9 Louisville (2-0) at Kentucky (2-0)
NFL scouts will take note of what Louisville QB Brian Brohm and Kentucky QB Andre Woodson do in this one. Louisville's defense took a night off last week in a 58-42 win over Middle Tennessee State, but the Battle of the Bluegrass should capture their interest.
Prediction: Louisville 38, Kentucky 31
Middle Tennessee State (0-2) at No. 2 LSU (2-0)
MTSU scared the feathers off Louisville last week. The Blue Raiders' spread offense is hard to stop, but so is LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey.
Prediction: LSU 56, MTSU 13
Ole Miss (1-1) at Vanderbilt (1-1)
Vanderbilt QB Chris Nickson got knocked around and injured against Alabama last week, but his backup played well.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 17, Ole Miss 13
Atlantic Coast Conference games
No. 21 Boston College (2-0) at No. 15 Georgia Tech (2-0)
This will reveal two things: 1. How good is Georgia Tech? 2. Can Taylor Bennett be effective throwing the ball if an opponent loads up to stuff the run?
Prediction: Georgia Tech 27, Boston College 17
Florida State (1-1) at Colorado (1-1)
Take the second half of the Clemson and UAB games, put them together and Florida State's offense doesn't look so miserable.
Prediction: FSU 21, Colorado 13
Furman (1-1) at No. 20 Clemson (2-0)
Yeah, Clemson players have heard about the Appalachian State-Michigan game. There won't be a repeat if Clemson running backs James Davis and C.J. Spiller take control early.
Prediction: Clemson 45, Furman 14
Ohio (2-0) at No. 18 Virginia Tech (1-1)
The Hokies are favored by 20 1/2 points, even after last week's 48-7 humiliation at LSU. I'm not convinced this offense can score 20 1/2 points on anyone right now.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 20, Ohio 3
Virginia (1-1) at North Carolina (1-1)
Remember when folks said Virginia would be the league's surprise team this year? Remember when everyone said Al Groh would bring NFL toughness to Virginia?
Still waiting for evidence of either.
Prediction: UNC 17, Virginia 13
Army (1-1) at Wake Forest (0-2)
Wake Forest has been the ACC's hard luck team, losing close games to Boston College and Nebraska, but RB Kenneth Moore should help bring a close to the skid.
Prediction: Wake Forest 31, Army 17
Florida International (0-2) at Miami (1-1)
Miami players ought to be mad enough to swing their helmets at somebody after last week's 51-13 pummeling at Oklahoma.
Prediction: Miami 49, Florida International House of Pancakes 7
Wofford (1-0) at N.C. State (0-2)
If N.C. State keeps playing as poorly as it did the first two weeks, Wolfpack fans may invite Chuck Amato to come back.
Prediction: N.C. State 28, Wofford 13
Duke (0-2) at Northwestern (2-0)
Duke officials probably thought that scheduling Northwestern would prevent an 0-for-2007 from happening. Sorry, guys.
Prediction: Northwestern 27, Duke 14
National games of interest
No. 1 USC (1-0) at No. 14 Nebraska (2-0)
The last time a No. 1 team visited the Children of the Corn was 1978. Top-ranked Oklahoma lost 17-14 that year. USC should win, but it may lose its No. 1 ranking to LSU if the margin isn't wide enough.
Prediction: USC 31, Nebraska 21
Notre Dame (0-2) at Michigan (0-2)
Michigan RB Mike Hart guaranteed victory over Notre Dame. Unless the Irish have installed the Statue of Liberty play that Oregon used to flummox the Wolverines last week, his guarantee should be as safe as a sunrise.
Prediction: Michigan 38, Notre Dame 14
No. 10 Ohio State (2-0) at Washington (2-0)
Tyrone Willingham is slowly improving Washington, but the Huskies aren’t ready for a breakout win just yet.
Prediction: OSU 24, Washington 14
After badly misinterpreting what would happen in Athens last weekend and picking the right type of outcome but the wrong winner in the Auburn-South Florida game, I'm back to give it the old college try again. Even with those two significant miscalculations, I went 10-3 and boosted my season record to 21-4. Here's how this week's games of interest should unfold:
Tonight
No. 3 West Virginia (2-0) at Maryland (2-0)
The Mountaineers have too much speed on offense with TB Steve Slaton, QB Pat White and newcomer Noel Devine.
Prediction: West Virginia 42, Maryland 24
Friday
Oklahoma State (1-1) at Troy (0-2)
Troy's defense looked awful against Arkansas and Florida, two offenses that will make many other opponents look dreadful.
OSU can score a lot of points, but the Trojans seem to bring their A game when a Bowl Championship Series conference opponent makes a rare visit to their stadium.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 38, Troy 34
Saturday
Southeastern Conference games
No. 16 Arkansas (2-0) at Alabama (2-0)
If you're not a big fan of forward passes, this game could be for you. Alabama will try to establish RB Terry Grant, who has been impressive in his first two games. Arkansas features the explosive tandem of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. Who knows? You might even see McFadden throw a pass or two out of the ''Wildcat formation.''
Prediction: Arkansas 23, Alabama 21
Mississippi State (1-1) at Auburn (1-1)
Auburn QB Brandon Cox has looked miserable in the first two games, throwing four interceptions and demonstrating a continued lack of poise. But if he wants to feel better about himself, he should talk to MSU starter Michael Henig, who tossed six INTs in an opening loss to LSU.
Prediction: Auburn 28, Miss. State 10
Western Carolina (0-2) at No. 23 Georgia (1-1)
Georgia should work out the many offensive kinks it showed last week while working out the scoreboard.
Prediction: Georgia 52, Western Carolina 6
No. 22 Tennessee (1-1) at No. 5 Florida (2-0)
Florida QB Tim Tebow faced little resistence in opening wins against Western Kentucky and Troy. Fortunately for the Gators, Tennessee's defense hasn't been any better than the first two it faced. Look for Florida receivers Percy Harvin and Cornelius Ingram to have big games.
Prediction: Florida 41, Tennessee 30
South Carolina State (1-1) at No. 17 South Carolina (2-0)
Maligned South Carolina QB Blake Mitchell had an efficient outing against Georgia last week, but he should have a comfortable bench seat by halftime of this one.
Prediction: South Carolina 45, S.C. State 7
No. 9 Louisville (2-0) at Kentucky (2-0)
NFL scouts will take note of what Louisville QB Brian Brohm and Kentucky QB Andre Woodson do in this one. Louisville's defense took a night off last week in a 58-42 win over Middle Tennessee State, but the Battle of the Bluegrass should capture their interest.
Prediction: Louisville 38, Kentucky 31
Middle Tennessee State (0-2) at No. 2 LSU (2-0)
MTSU scared the feathers off Louisville last week. The Blue Raiders' spread offense is hard to stop, but so is LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey.
Prediction: LSU 56, MTSU 13
Ole Miss (1-1) at Vanderbilt (1-1)
Vanderbilt QB Chris Nickson got knocked around and injured against Alabama last week, but his backup played well.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 17, Ole Miss 13
Atlantic Coast Conference games
No. 21 Boston College (2-0) at No. 15 Georgia Tech (2-0)
This will reveal two things: 1. How good is Georgia Tech? 2. Can Taylor Bennett be effective throwing the ball if an opponent loads up to stuff the run?
Prediction: Georgia Tech 27, Boston College 17
Florida State (1-1) at Colorado (1-1)
Take the second half of the Clemson and UAB games, put them together and Florida State's offense doesn't look so miserable.
Prediction: FSU 21, Colorado 13
Furman (1-1) at No. 20 Clemson (2-0)
Yeah, Clemson players have heard about the Appalachian State-Michigan game. There won't be a repeat if Clemson running backs James Davis and C.J. Spiller take control early.
Prediction: Clemson 45, Furman 14
Ohio (2-0) at No. 18 Virginia Tech (1-1)
The Hokies are favored by 20 1/2 points, even after last week's 48-7 humiliation at LSU. I'm not convinced this offense can score 20 1/2 points on anyone right now.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 20, Ohio 3
Virginia (1-1) at North Carolina (1-1)
Remember when folks said Virginia would be the league's surprise team this year? Remember when everyone said Al Groh would bring NFL toughness to Virginia?
Still waiting for evidence of either.
Prediction: UNC 17, Virginia 13
Army (1-1) at Wake Forest (0-2)
Wake Forest has been the ACC's hard luck team, losing close games to Boston College and Nebraska, but RB Kenneth Moore should help bring a close to the skid.
Prediction: Wake Forest 31, Army 17
Florida International (0-2) at Miami (1-1)
Miami players ought to be mad enough to swing their helmets at somebody after last week's 51-13 pummeling at Oklahoma.
Prediction: Miami 49, Florida International House of Pancakes 7
Wofford (1-0) at N.C. State (0-2)
If N.C. State keeps playing as poorly as it did the first two weeks, Wolfpack fans may invite Chuck Amato to come back.
Prediction: N.C. State 28, Wofford 13
Duke (0-2) at Northwestern (2-0)
Duke officials probably thought that scheduling Northwestern would prevent an 0-for-2007 from happening. Sorry, guys.
Prediction: Northwestern 27, Duke 14
National games of interest
No. 1 USC (1-0) at No. 14 Nebraska (2-0)
The last time a No. 1 team visited the Children of the Corn was 1978. Top-ranked Oklahoma lost 17-14 that year. USC should win, but it may lose its No. 1 ranking to LSU if the margin isn't wide enough.
Prediction: USC 31, Nebraska 21
Notre Dame (0-2) at Michigan (0-2)
Michigan RB Mike Hart guaranteed victory over Notre Dame. Unless the Irish have installed the Statue of Liberty play that Oregon used to flummox the Wolverines last week, his guarantee should be as safe as a sunrise.
Prediction: Michigan 38, Notre Dame 14
No. 10 Ohio State (2-0) at Washington (2-0)
Tyrone Willingham is slowly improving Washington, but the Huskies aren’t ready for a breakout win just yet.
Prediction: OSU 24, Washington 14
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Over the hill
ATHENS, Ga. — Checking the scoreboard ticker during a break in the South Carolina-Georgia game, we find this:
Oregon 39, Michigan 7 at the end of the third quarter.
Alabama-Birmingham 17, Florida State 3 midway through the second quarter.
Which begs the question:
If Michigan and FSU both start this season 0-2, who gets the first room assignment at the Shady Groves Rest Home for Past-Their-Prime Head Coaches?
Lloyd Carr or Bobby Bowden?
ATHENS, Ga. — Checking the scoreboard ticker during a break in the South Carolina-Georgia game, we find this:
Oregon 39, Michigan 7 at the end of the third quarter.
Alabama-Birmingham 17, Florida State 3 midway through the second quarter.
Which begs the question:
If Michigan and FSU both start this season 0-2, who gets the first room assignment at the Shady Groves Rest Home for Past-Their-Prime Head Coaches?
Lloyd Carr or Bobby Bowden?
Saturday surprises
ATHENS, Ga. — I know people in Southeastern Conference country might not care so much, but I have to ask anyway:
How long will it take Michigan coach Lloyd Carr to either resign or get fired?
His Wolverines are down 32-7 ... in the second quarter ... to Oregon ... after giving up a touchdown run on a fake Statue of Liberty.
The replay should be hitting YouTube right about, oh, now.
Getting burned on that is about as bad as falling for the old "I got yer nose'' trick you grandfather might have pulled when you were a kid.
As for other interesting developments, check out Washington. The Huskies are up 24-10 over No. 22 Boise State at the half and will be 2-0 if they finish off the Broncos.
You think some folks in South Bend might wish that they hadn't been so hasty in pushing Tyrone Willingham out the door?
I love how karma works its magic every so often.
ATHENS, Ga. — I know people in Southeastern Conference country might not care so much, but I have to ask anyway:
How long will it take Michigan coach Lloyd Carr to either resign or get fired?
His Wolverines are down 32-7 ... in the second quarter ... to Oregon ... after giving up a touchdown run on a fake Statue of Liberty.
The replay should be hitting YouTube right about, oh, now.
Getting burned on that is about as bad as falling for the old "I got yer nose'' trick you grandfather might have pulled when you were a kid.
As for other interesting developments, check out Washington. The Huskies are up 24-10 over No. 22 Boise State at the half and will be 2-0 if they finish off the Broncos.
You think some folks in South Bend might wish that they hadn't been so hasty in pushing Tyrone Willingham out the door?
I love how karma works its magic every so often.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Pigskin Pickin' -- Part II
I felt pretty good about my prognostications from the opening week of football season. Went 11-1 and about nailed the Auburn-Kansas State final (I said 21-13), but it’s not as if there were very many balanced matchups.
Week 2 should provide a more stringent litmus test of my clairvoyance.
As always, feel free to make some predictions in the comments section.
Saturday’s games of interest
Southeastern Conference
No. 9 Virginia Tech (1-0) at No. 2 LSU (1-0)
Neither team did much to validate its ranking in the opening week. Virginia Tech sputtered in a 17-7 win over an East Carolina team playing its backup quarterback. LSU waxed Mississippi State 45-0, but didn't find the accelerator until the second half.
Prediction: LSU 14, Virginia Tech 10
South Carolina (1-0) at No. 11 Georgia (1-0)
This is a fun role reversal: After years of torturing Georgia fans while at Florida, Steve Spurrier considers a win over the Bulldogs to be a sign of validation for his South Carolina program. Given the Gamecocks’ potentially tumultuous quarterback situation, he’ll have to wait a while. You don’t suppose he’d want Matthew Stafford, do you?
Prediction: Georgia 31, South Carolina 16
South Florida (1-0) at No. 17 Auburn (1-0)
Auburn managed an appalling 1.7-yard-per-carry rushing average in a narrow win over Kansas State. The Tigers really, really, really miss Brad Lester, who is out indefinitely for academic reasons. Right now, behind an inexperienced offensive line, the offense looks even worse than it did in 2006. That's not encouraging at the moment since South Florida is expected to be better than Kansas State.
Prediction: Auburn 24, South Florida 20
Alabama (1-0) at Vanderbilt (1-0)
Vanderbilt receiver Earl Bennett went Coo-Coo For Cocoa Puffs last week, catching 13 passes for 223 yards and three TDs in a win over Richmond. I’m guessing Alabama’s defense will be a little better than what Richmond offered.
Prediction: Alabama 27, Vanderbilt 21
Troy (0-1) at No. 4 Florida (1-0)
Before the season, I thought Troy might scare the bejabbers out of Florida. The Trojans played Arkansas tough for three quarters, but got worn down by the Razorbacks’ running game. Without stud defensive end Kenny Mainor, who was arrested for possession of wacky weed, the Trojans will likely experience another second-half fade.
Prediction: Florida 49, Troy (the school, not the sports columnist) 21
Southern Miss (1-0) at No. 24 Tennessee (0-1)
If Tennessee defenders learned how to wrap up on tackles in the last few days, the Vols should be OK. If not, the trendy preseason SEC East pick can expect some problems down the road against Florida and Georgia.
Prediction: Tennessee 30, Southern Miss 17
Mississippi State (0-1) at Tulane (0-0)
I want to believe that Sylvester Croom is a decent coach caught in a horrible situation. While Croom inherited an undeniably atrocious situation at Mississippi State, a loss to Tulane would really undermine his efforts to make it better.
Prediction: Mississippi State 16, Tulane 13
Kent State (1-0) at Kentucky (1-0)
Kentucky QB Andre Woodson is one bad mutha. Just saying.
Prediction: Kentucky 41, Kent State 14
Missouri (1-0) at Ole Miss (1-0)
Mizzou QB Chase Daniel is an exciting player and he should be geeked up about playing against an Ole Miss defense that allowed 343 passing yards to Memphis last week. Ole Miss beat Memphis because it intercepted four passes, but Mizzou won't be nearly as mistake-prone.
Prediction: Mizzou 34, Ole Miss 24
Atlantic Coast Conference
Samford (0-1) at No. 21 Georgia Tech (1-0)
Georgia Tech exposed Notre Dame as being unfit for even the Carquest Bowl this season. Coach Chan Gailey has warned his team not to fall into the trap that consumed Michigan last week, but Samford isn’t nearly as good as Appalachian State.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 45, Samford 10
Miami (1-0) at No. 5 Oklahoma (1-0)
This doesn’t have quite the same appeal as it did in the mid-1980s when Brian Bosworth was rocking that gooberish haircut and the Hurricanes were accepting $100 handshakes from Luther Campbell. Randy Shannon should get Miami back on track before too long. New Okie QB Sam Bradford looked sharp last week, but should become well acquainted with 6-foot-8 Miami defensive end Calais Campbell.
Prediction: Oklahoma 21, Miami 20
No. 16 Nebraska (1-0) at Wake Forest (0-1)
Will somebody please explain to me how it worked out that Nebraska is traveling to Winston Salem? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
As for the matchup, Wake Forest had problems stopping the pass last week and that’s not good since that’s sort of what Nebraska does now.
Prediction: Nebraska 38, Wake Forest 27
UAB (1-0) at Florida State (0-1)
UAB wanted to hire Jimbo Fisher in the offseason, but couldn't work out the right money. If UAB boosters happened to catch the FSU-Clemson game, they might be happy it didn’t happen. In fairness, Florida State's failings have more to do with diminished recruiting hauls and an apparent loss of energy by head coach Bobby Bowden. Right now, he looks like a lost old man whose coaching method seems to be wandering the sideline and whining ‘‘Where’s my pudding?’’
Prediction: FSU 28, UAB 14
Just for kicks
No. 19 TCU at No. 7 Texas
Texas moved the ball well, but let Arkansas State hang around last weekend. TCU has excellent team speed and should have a chip on its shoulder from playing in the Longhorns' shadow.
Prediction: TCU 27, Texas 24
Lenoir-Rhyne (0-1) at Appalachian State (1-0)
I’ve hopped aboard the Appy State bandwagon after last week’s cataclysmic upset of Michigan. Lenoir-Rhyne went 3-8 last year and sounds like a female country singer, so the Mountaineers should cruise.
Prediction: Happy Appy 45, Lenoir-Rhyne 3
I felt pretty good about my prognostications from the opening week of football season. Went 11-1 and about nailed the Auburn-Kansas State final (I said 21-13), but it’s not as if there were very many balanced matchups.
Week 2 should provide a more stringent litmus test of my clairvoyance.
As always, feel free to make some predictions in the comments section.
Saturday’s games of interest
Southeastern Conference
No. 9 Virginia Tech (1-0) at No. 2 LSU (1-0)
Neither team did much to validate its ranking in the opening week. Virginia Tech sputtered in a 17-7 win over an East Carolina team playing its backup quarterback. LSU waxed Mississippi State 45-0, but didn't find the accelerator until the second half.
Prediction: LSU 14, Virginia Tech 10
South Carolina (1-0) at No. 11 Georgia (1-0)
This is a fun role reversal: After years of torturing Georgia fans while at Florida, Steve Spurrier considers a win over the Bulldogs to be a sign of validation for his South Carolina program. Given the Gamecocks’ potentially tumultuous quarterback situation, he’ll have to wait a while. You don’t suppose he’d want Matthew Stafford, do you?
Prediction: Georgia 31, South Carolina 16
South Florida (1-0) at No. 17 Auburn (1-0)
Auburn managed an appalling 1.7-yard-per-carry rushing average in a narrow win over Kansas State. The Tigers really, really, really miss Brad Lester, who is out indefinitely for academic reasons. Right now, behind an inexperienced offensive line, the offense looks even worse than it did in 2006. That's not encouraging at the moment since South Florida is expected to be better than Kansas State.
Prediction: Auburn 24, South Florida 20
Alabama (1-0) at Vanderbilt (1-0)
Vanderbilt receiver Earl Bennett went Coo-Coo For Cocoa Puffs last week, catching 13 passes for 223 yards and three TDs in a win over Richmond. I’m guessing Alabama’s defense will be a little better than what Richmond offered.
Prediction: Alabama 27, Vanderbilt 21
Troy (0-1) at No. 4 Florida (1-0)
Before the season, I thought Troy might scare the bejabbers out of Florida. The Trojans played Arkansas tough for three quarters, but got worn down by the Razorbacks’ running game. Without stud defensive end Kenny Mainor, who was arrested for possession of wacky weed, the Trojans will likely experience another second-half fade.
Prediction: Florida 49, Troy (the school, not the sports columnist) 21
Southern Miss (1-0) at No. 24 Tennessee (0-1)
If Tennessee defenders learned how to wrap up on tackles in the last few days, the Vols should be OK. If not, the trendy preseason SEC East pick can expect some problems down the road against Florida and Georgia.
Prediction: Tennessee 30, Southern Miss 17
Mississippi State (0-1) at Tulane (0-0)
I want to believe that Sylvester Croom is a decent coach caught in a horrible situation. While Croom inherited an undeniably atrocious situation at Mississippi State, a loss to Tulane would really undermine his efforts to make it better.
Prediction: Mississippi State 16, Tulane 13
Kent State (1-0) at Kentucky (1-0)
Kentucky QB Andre Woodson is one bad mutha. Just saying.
Prediction: Kentucky 41, Kent State 14
Missouri (1-0) at Ole Miss (1-0)
Mizzou QB Chase Daniel is an exciting player and he should be geeked up about playing against an Ole Miss defense that allowed 343 passing yards to Memphis last week. Ole Miss beat Memphis because it intercepted four passes, but Mizzou won't be nearly as mistake-prone.
Prediction: Mizzou 34, Ole Miss 24
Atlantic Coast Conference
Samford (0-1) at No. 21 Georgia Tech (1-0)
Georgia Tech exposed Notre Dame as being unfit for even the Carquest Bowl this season. Coach Chan Gailey has warned his team not to fall into the trap that consumed Michigan last week, but Samford isn’t nearly as good as Appalachian State.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 45, Samford 10
Miami (1-0) at No. 5 Oklahoma (1-0)
This doesn’t have quite the same appeal as it did in the mid-1980s when Brian Bosworth was rocking that gooberish haircut and the Hurricanes were accepting $100 handshakes from Luther Campbell. Randy Shannon should get Miami back on track before too long. New Okie QB Sam Bradford looked sharp last week, but should become well acquainted with 6-foot-8 Miami defensive end Calais Campbell.
Prediction: Oklahoma 21, Miami 20
No. 16 Nebraska (1-0) at Wake Forest (0-1)
Will somebody please explain to me how it worked out that Nebraska is traveling to Winston Salem? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
As for the matchup, Wake Forest had problems stopping the pass last week and that’s not good since that’s sort of what Nebraska does now.
Prediction: Nebraska 38, Wake Forest 27
UAB (1-0) at Florida State (0-1)
UAB wanted to hire Jimbo Fisher in the offseason, but couldn't work out the right money. If UAB boosters happened to catch the FSU-Clemson game, they might be happy it didn’t happen. In fairness, Florida State's failings have more to do with diminished recruiting hauls and an apparent loss of energy by head coach Bobby Bowden. Right now, he looks like a lost old man whose coaching method seems to be wandering the sideline and whining ‘‘Where’s my pudding?’’
Prediction: FSU 28, UAB 14
Just for kicks
No. 19 TCU at No. 7 Texas
Texas moved the ball well, but let Arkansas State hang around last weekend. TCU has excellent team speed and should have a chip on its shoulder from playing in the Longhorns' shadow.
Prediction: TCU 27, Texas 24
Lenoir-Rhyne (0-1) at Appalachian State (1-0)
I’ve hopped aboard the Appy State bandwagon after last week’s cataclysmic upset of Michigan. Lenoir-Rhyne went 3-8 last year and sounds like a female country singer, so the Mountaineers should cruise.
Prediction: Happy Appy 45, Lenoir-Rhyne 3
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Biggest sports upset ever?
I’m still trying to wrap my head around what Appalachian State accomplished last weekend at the Big House in Ann Arbor.
While the Mountaineers are the two-time defending Division I-AA national champs, their 34-32 win at Michigan should stand alone as the most monumental upset in college football history to date. No ranked Division I team had lost to a team from a lower-tier classification until last weekend.
It might also deserve placement on a top-five list of the greatest upsets in sports history.
Here are my top five:
5. Citadel 10, Arkansas 3 in 1992. Arkansas coach Jack Crowe got fired the very next day.
4. Appalachian State 34, Michigan 32. The Mountaineers confirmed that team speed remains college football's great equalizer.
3. Chaminade over Virginia in 1982. The NAIA Silver Swords (great nickname) from Hawaii reenact the moment that David slung a rock into Goliath's eye. They took down a Ralph Sampson-led Virginia team in college basketball's greatest upset. This should have been the first clue that the 7-foot-4 Sampson might not pan out in the NBA.
2. The Miracle on Ice in 1980. The United States topples the Soviet juggernaut in ice hockey during the Winter Olympics despite having a roster filled with only a handful of viable NHL prospects.
1. Down goes Tyson. Buster Douglas, an absolute pug of a heavyweight with dubious technique and questionable resolve, makes Mike Tyson kiss the canvas in 1990 for the first time in his career.
I remember watching it unfold as a college student. A bunch of us ordered the fight on pay-per-view (why I don't know since Douglas was a 42-to-1 longshot) and I practically choked on my pizza slice when Buster downed Tyson with a five-punch combination.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around what Appalachian State accomplished last weekend at the Big House in Ann Arbor.
While the Mountaineers are the two-time defending Division I-AA national champs, their 34-32 win at Michigan should stand alone as the most monumental upset in college football history to date. No ranked Division I team had lost to a team from a lower-tier classification until last weekend.
It might also deserve placement on a top-five list of the greatest upsets in sports history.
Here are my top five:
5. Citadel 10, Arkansas 3 in 1992. Arkansas coach Jack Crowe got fired the very next day.
4. Appalachian State 34, Michigan 32. The Mountaineers confirmed that team speed remains college football's great equalizer.
3. Chaminade over Virginia in 1982. The NAIA Silver Swords (great nickname) from Hawaii reenact the moment that David slung a rock into Goliath's eye. They took down a Ralph Sampson-led Virginia team in college basketball's greatest upset. This should have been the first clue that the 7-foot-4 Sampson might not pan out in the NBA.
2. The Miracle on Ice in 1980. The United States topples the Soviet juggernaut in ice hockey during the Winter Olympics despite having a roster filled with only a handful of viable NHL prospects.
1. Down goes Tyson. Buster Douglas, an absolute pug of a heavyweight with dubious technique and questionable resolve, makes Mike Tyson kiss the canvas in 1990 for the first time in his career.
I remember watching it unfold as a college student. A bunch of us ordered the fight on pay-per-view (why I don't know since Douglas was a 42-to-1 longshot) and I practically choked on my pizza slice when Buster downed Tyson with a five-punch combination.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
What the @#&%?
If this doesn't get you excited about the first Saturday of college football season, check your pulse.
Appalachian State 34, Michigan 32.
Do not adjust your blog. It really went down that way in Ann Arbor.
It's the first time a Division I-AA team has knocked off a ranked I-A opponent.
Even if the Wolverines run the table the rest of the way, there’s no way they fight their way back into the BCS hunt. No way at all.
They could drop from No. 5 in the nation to the ignominy of ''others receiving votes.''
On the bright side, there's a very strong possibility they could land the No. 2 ranking in next week's I-AA poll ... behind Appy State.
If this doesn't get you excited about the first Saturday of college football season, check your pulse.
Appalachian State 34, Michigan 32.
Do not adjust your blog. It really went down that way in Ann Arbor.
It's the first time a Division I-AA team has knocked off a ranked I-A opponent.
Even if the Wolverines run the table the rest of the way, there’s no way they fight their way back into the BCS hunt. No way at all.
They could drop from No. 5 in the nation to the ignominy of ''others receiving votes.''
On the bright side, there's a very strong possibility they could land the No. 2 ranking in next week's I-AA poll ... behind Appy State.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Pigskin picks
College football season came along at just the right time.
Finally, mercifully, we have something to talk about other than a certain quarterback/canine torturer and the Atlanta Braves' slow fade to unconsciousness.
I'm watching ‘‘College Football Live'' on ESPN right now and I have chills. They just showed footage from Mississippi State's pep rally and Sylvester Croom was talking about ''seizing the opportunity.''
The guy may not win many football games, but he gives a good speech.
I'm going to seize this opportunity to make a few predictions. Feel free to contribute your own in the discussion forum:
Thursday night
No. 2 LSU at Mississipp State
LSU returns 15 starters from an 11-2 team. Matt Flynn takes over for JaMarcus Russell at quarterback, but he’ll have no trouble thanks to targets like Early Doucet.
Prediction: LSU 31, Mississippi State 10
Saturday’s games of SEC/ACC interest
Oklahoma State at No. 13 Georgia
The Cowboys could present problems for the Bulldogs, who are breaking in new starters at defensive end, linebacker and cornerback. Oklahoma State averaged more than 200 yards per game rushing and passing last season, but their opponents moved the ball almost as well against a suspect defense.
Prediction: Georgia 28, Okie State 24
Kansas State at No. 18 Auburn
The absence of tailback Brad Lester could prevent Auburn's offense from breaking out in a big way. Auburn may get tested a little, but next week’s game against South Florida should really worry them.
Prediction: Auburn 21, Kansas State 13
Troy at No. 21 Arkansas
This could be a trap game for Arkansas, given Troy’s quirky offense and confidence coming off a bowl season. If the Trojans follow the lead of some enterprising Razorback fans and file a Freedom of Information Act request for Houston Nutt’s cell phone records before kickoff, they might distract him into forgetting for a moment that he has Darren McFadden and Felix Jones to carry the offense.
Prediction: Arkansas 31, Troy 21
Western Carolina at Alabama
The Nick Saban Era begins. Reckon anybody will show up for this one?
The Tide drew more than 92,000 for their spring game, but that occasion offered the promise of better competition.
Prediction: Ragin’ Sabans 42, Catamounts 3
Georgia Tech at Notre Dame
Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis declined to reveal the identity of his starting quarterback to the masses until the first offensive snap.
Yawn.
Might be a bigger deal if the Irish were expected to be better than 7-5.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 20, Golden Domers 10
No. 15 Tennessee at No. 12 California
The Vols administered a 35-18 beatdown last year in Knoxville, but Cal acts as if it never happened. Tennessee’s secondary should handle Cal star wideout Desean Jackson and QB Nate Longshore well enough to expose another Pac-10 pretender.
UT Erik Ainge has a broken pinky finger on his throwing hand, but will still play.
Prediction: Tennessee 21, Cal 17
Western Kentucky at No. 6 Florida
Why even bother scheduling this one?
Better still, why bother talking about it?
Prediction: Defending National Champions 45, Western Kentucky 7
Eastern Kentucky at Kentucky
The Wildcats should take an early lead in the race for the state championship. That should hold up until they face Louisville.
Prediction: Kentucky 38, Eastern Kentucky 20
Richmond at Vanderbilt
The Commodores keep hope alive that they will end their bowl drought this season. Which means it won't be until next week before the extinguishment of all hope begins.
Prediction: Vandy 28, Richmond 13
Louisiana-Lafayette at South Carolina
Academic problems will keep South Carolina quarterback Blake Mitchell on the sidelines, but coach Steve Spurrier has dealt with turmoil at the position in the past. Prized recruit Chris Smelley will get the start and he might not relinquish the job.
Prediction: South Carolina 28, Laughfayette 10
Ole Miss at Memphis
I ranked Ed Orgeron at the bottom of my preseason ranking of SEC coaches. One Ole Miss fan wrote back: ''You'd better be ready to apologize when we're in Atlanta.''
The e-mailer probably meant he would be in Atlanta on vacation.
Surely he didn't mean to suggest the Rebs would be playing for the league title.
Prediction: Ole Miss 14, Memphis 10
College football season came along at just the right time.
Finally, mercifully, we have something to talk about other than a certain quarterback/canine torturer and the Atlanta Braves' slow fade to unconsciousness.
I'm watching ‘‘College Football Live'' on ESPN right now and I have chills. They just showed footage from Mississippi State's pep rally and Sylvester Croom was talking about ''seizing the opportunity.''
The guy may not win many football games, but he gives a good speech.
I'm going to seize this opportunity to make a few predictions. Feel free to contribute your own in the discussion forum:
Thursday night
No. 2 LSU at Mississipp State
LSU returns 15 starters from an 11-2 team. Matt Flynn takes over for JaMarcus Russell at quarterback, but he’ll have no trouble thanks to targets like Early Doucet.
Prediction: LSU 31, Mississippi State 10
Saturday’s games of SEC/ACC interest
Oklahoma State at No. 13 Georgia
The Cowboys could present problems for the Bulldogs, who are breaking in new starters at defensive end, linebacker and cornerback. Oklahoma State averaged more than 200 yards per game rushing and passing last season, but their opponents moved the ball almost as well against a suspect defense.
Prediction: Georgia 28, Okie State 24
Kansas State at No. 18 Auburn
The absence of tailback Brad Lester could prevent Auburn's offense from breaking out in a big way. Auburn may get tested a little, but next week’s game against South Florida should really worry them.
Prediction: Auburn 21, Kansas State 13
Troy at No. 21 Arkansas
This could be a trap game for Arkansas, given Troy’s quirky offense and confidence coming off a bowl season. If the Trojans follow the lead of some enterprising Razorback fans and file a Freedom of Information Act request for Houston Nutt’s cell phone records before kickoff, they might distract him into forgetting for a moment that he has Darren McFadden and Felix Jones to carry the offense.
Prediction: Arkansas 31, Troy 21
Western Carolina at Alabama
The Nick Saban Era begins. Reckon anybody will show up for this one?
The Tide drew more than 92,000 for their spring game, but that occasion offered the promise of better competition.
Prediction: Ragin’ Sabans 42, Catamounts 3
Georgia Tech at Notre Dame
Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis declined to reveal the identity of his starting quarterback to the masses until the first offensive snap.
Yawn.
Might be a bigger deal if the Irish were expected to be better than 7-5.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 20, Golden Domers 10
No. 15 Tennessee at No. 12 California
The Vols administered a 35-18 beatdown last year in Knoxville, but Cal acts as if it never happened. Tennessee’s secondary should handle Cal star wideout Desean Jackson and QB Nate Longshore well enough to expose another Pac-10 pretender.
UT Erik Ainge has a broken pinky finger on his throwing hand, but will still play.
Prediction: Tennessee 21, Cal 17
Western Kentucky at No. 6 Florida
Why even bother scheduling this one?
Better still, why bother talking about it?
Prediction: Defending National Champions 45, Western Kentucky 7
Eastern Kentucky at Kentucky
The Wildcats should take an early lead in the race for the state championship. That should hold up until they face Louisville.
Prediction: Kentucky 38, Eastern Kentucky 20
Richmond at Vanderbilt
The Commodores keep hope alive that they will end their bowl drought this season. Which means it won't be until next week before the extinguishment of all hope begins.
Prediction: Vandy 28, Richmond 13
Louisiana-Lafayette at South Carolina
Academic problems will keep South Carolina quarterback Blake Mitchell on the sidelines, but coach Steve Spurrier has dealt with turmoil at the position in the past. Prized recruit Chris Smelley will get the start and he might not relinquish the job.
Prediction: South Carolina 28, Laughfayette 10
Ole Miss at Memphis
I ranked Ed Orgeron at the bottom of my preseason ranking of SEC coaches. One Ole Miss fan wrote back: ''You'd better be ready to apologize when we're in Atlanta.''
The e-mailer probably meant he would be in Atlanta on vacation.
Surely he didn't mean to suggest the Rebs would be playing for the league title.
Prediction: Ole Miss 14, Memphis 10
Monday, August 27, 2007
All in all, not bad
ATLANTA — After another quarter of rumination, my opinion remains unchanged.
It’s difficult for me to see the Atlanta Falcons as anything more than a 7-9 team this season, but I’m impressed with what I’ve seen from them against the Bengals tonight.
Quarterback Joey Harrington looked pretty sharp -- 13-of-21 for 164 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in a little more than a half of work. Running back Jerious Norwood made a sweet run along a tight-rope to turn a short dump pass into a 12-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
Head coach Bobby Petrino's offense has been creative in getting its play-makers involved. Tight end Alge Crumpler has lined up in the backfield as a fullback and he’s been flexed out wide. Harrington has been particularly crisp operating out of a five-wide receiver shotgun formation. His 28-yard touchdown pass to Adam Jennings in the first half came out of the spread.
Yep, it's preseason and there are issues for this team to address, but the Falcons look far from hopeless.
ATLANTA — After another quarter of rumination, my opinion remains unchanged.
It’s difficult for me to see the Atlanta Falcons as anything more than a 7-9 team this season, but I’m impressed with what I’ve seen from them against the Bengals tonight.
Quarterback Joey Harrington looked pretty sharp -- 13-of-21 for 164 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in a little more than a half of work. Running back Jerious Norwood made a sweet run along a tight-rope to turn a short dump pass into a 12-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
Head coach Bobby Petrino's offense has been creative in getting its play-makers involved. Tight end Alge Crumpler has lined up in the backfield as a fullback and he’s been flexed out wide. Harrington has been particularly crisp operating out of a five-wide receiver shotgun formation. His 28-yard touchdown pass to Adam Jennings in the first half came out of the spread.
Yep, it's preseason and there are issues for this team to address, but the Falcons look far from hopeless.
Settling in
ATLANTA -- When it comes to athleticism, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Joey Harrington will never be mistaken for Michael Vick.
But after watching him here in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome, I’m impressed. Yes, it’s only a preseason game, but he’s shown off some nimble feet and a lively throwing arm.
More importantly, he hasn’t thrown into double coverage, committed any turnovers or done the mind-numbing things that caused people to write him off when he was in Detroit.
Harrington just directed a smart, 10-play, 80-yard touchdown drive to give the Falcons an early lead against Cincinnati. He’s 6-for-6 for 76 yards so far, and his 28-yard scoring strike to Adam Jennings was a thing of beauty. Working with five receivers out of the shotgun, Harrington looked off the safety before laying a beautiful ball into Jennings' hands on a post-corner route.
I’m becoming convinced Harrington may be better than advertised.
However, I remain unconverted on the possibility of the Falcons being anything more than a 7-9 team this season.
ATLANTA -- When it comes to athleticism, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Joey Harrington will never be mistaken for Michael Vick.
But after watching him here in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome, I’m impressed. Yes, it’s only a preseason game, but he’s shown off some nimble feet and a lively throwing arm.
More importantly, he hasn’t thrown into double coverage, committed any turnovers or done the mind-numbing things that caused people to write him off when he was in Detroit.
Harrington just directed a smart, 10-play, 80-yard touchdown drive to give the Falcons an early lead against Cincinnati. He’s 6-for-6 for 76 yards so far, and his 28-yard scoring strike to Adam Jennings was a thing of beauty. Working with five receivers out of the shotgun, Harrington looked off the safety before laying a beautiful ball into Jennings' hands on a post-corner route.
I’m becoming convinced Harrington may be better than advertised.
However, I remain unconverted on the possibility of the Falcons being anything more than a 7-9 team this season.
So, what happens now?
ATLANTA — It's two hours before kickoff, and there are three vehicles in the Georgia Dome parking lot I've chosen.
It's two hours before kickoff of the Atlanta-Cincinnati exhibition game, and there’s little in the way of tailgating or enthusiasm.
It's two hours before kickoff and, for the streetcorner entrepreneurs, business is as slow as rush hour traffic on the Downtown Connector. A vendor stands beneath a tent a block from the stadium, waiting for someone, anyone, to walk up and express interest in buying a jersey. There's Warrick Dunn’s No. 28, Alge Crumpler's 83 and there, hiding on a hanger at the end of the line, a No. 7.
It’s two hours before kickoff and there are no PETA activists picketing at the gates. Nor is there any grand mobilization of Michael Vick supporters.
Just an empty dome and the realization that Monday’s developments in a Richmond, Va., courtroom likely set Atlanta pro football back more than a decade.
The Falcons will undoubtedly move on without Vick, but what’s your take on the apology issued by the quarterback? Do you believe Vick struck the right chord with his remarks and do you think they will carry any weight with either the U.S. District Court Judge Henry Hudson or NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, the men who will ultimately determine his punishment and possibility for a return to pro football?
I'll weigh in with a column in Tuesday morning’s Ledger-Enquirer.
ATLANTA — It's two hours before kickoff, and there are three vehicles in the Georgia Dome parking lot I've chosen.
It's two hours before kickoff of the Atlanta-Cincinnati exhibition game, and there’s little in the way of tailgating or enthusiasm.
It's two hours before kickoff and, for the streetcorner entrepreneurs, business is as slow as rush hour traffic on the Downtown Connector. A vendor stands beneath a tent a block from the stadium, waiting for someone, anyone, to walk up and express interest in buying a jersey. There's Warrick Dunn’s No. 28, Alge Crumpler's 83 and there, hiding on a hanger at the end of the line, a No. 7.
It’s two hours before kickoff and there are no PETA activists picketing at the gates. Nor is there any grand mobilization of Michael Vick supporters.
Just an empty dome and the realization that Monday’s developments in a Richmond, Va., courtroom likely set Atlanta pro football back more than a decade.
The Falcons will undoubtedly move on without Vick, but what’s your take on the apology issued by the quarterback? Do you believe Vick struck the right chord with his remarks and do you think they will carry any weight with either the U.S. District Court Judge Henry Hudson or NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, the men who will ultimately determine his punishment and possibility for a return to pro football?
I'll weigh in with a column in Tuesday morning’s Ledger-Enquirer.
Monday, August 20, 2007
The Little Stiff-Arm Guy
Got an express mail envelope from the Downtown Athletic Club the other day, the contents of which finally got me revved up about the impending start of college football.
Enclosed was the informational packet the group sends to its Heisman Trophy voters at the start of every season. I've been a voter for the last four years, one of 800 or so nationwide, and I take it seriously.
In addition to fanning out all over the Southeast to cover games on Saturdays, I record West Coast games and other matchups of interest so I can get a look at players I might not otherwise see first-hand.
My ballot last year looked like this:
1. Troy Smith, Ohio State (Yeah, I wanted to take that one back after the BCS championship game)
2. Darren McFadden, Arkansas
3. Ian Johnson, Boise State (felt better about that after his Statue of Liberty touchdown run against Texas in the Fiesta Bowl)
Just off my list were former Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson, who would have had a second-place vote if not for the fact that I witnessed the Clemson game in person and saw him get shut out, and Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan.
I'll admit I have a few fundamental problems with the description of the Heisman Trophy. It doesn't truly measure the best overall player in the country. It's for the guys who play the glamor positions. I try to consider linemen and defensive players before putting together my ballot, but they're more difficult to judge. There's more of a statistical body of work for quarterbacks, running backs, etc., than there is for strong safeties and left tackles.
Thankfully, the Outland Trophy and Nagurski Award give a nod to those guys.
That said, here's my preseason watch list. Feel free to contribute your own in the discussion forum.
PRESEASON HEISMAN FAVORITES
1. Darren McFadden, Arkansas: A big tailback with blazing speed (Hmm, Bo and Herschel come to mind). He shredded defenses for 1,647 yards and 14 TDs despite sharing carries with another 1,000-yard rusher in Felix Jones. He's the most dynamic running back I've seen in a while. D-Mac also deserves props for the three TD passes he threw for last season out of the Wildcat formation. What separates him from others, in my mind, is that he produces against the SEC's top defensive units.
2. Steve Slaton, West Virginia: If his teammate, QB Pat White, is the fastest player on the field most Saturdays, then Slaton is the second-fastest by a split second. Check this out: 7.2 yards per carry last season and 1,744 yards out of the Mountaineers' spread option offense. He's probably my favorite player to watch. White should get some love from voters as well, especially if his passing becomes more prominent.
3. John David Booty, USC: The Beastie Boys once asked the question: ''Professor, what's another word for pirate treasure?'' The answer: ''I believe it's Booty! Booty! Yes, that's what it is.'' His stats were nice enough -- 3,347 passing yards, 29 TDs, nine interceptions and a 61 percent completion rate. But he runs the offense of a potential national champion. That's enough to merit consideration, although I'm not entirely convinced he's the best quarterback in the country. I'm digging Brian Brohm at Louisville, Brennan at Hawaii, White at West Virginia, Andre Woodson at Kentucky and Colt McCoy at Texas.
4. Ian Johnson, Boise State: In addition to willing Boise to victory against Texas in last season's bowl game, this guy rolled up 1,714 yards and 25 TDs. He was the engine that drove a very good and very underappreciated team. He's kind of a grinder, not the sort of guy who breaks off big, flashy runs, but very dependable.
5. Colt Brennan, Hawaii: Last season's work was the stuff of a fevered XBoxers imagination -- 5,549 passing yards, 58 TDs and a 72.6 percent completion rate. I know, I know. The run-and-shoot also gave us the likes of Andre Ware and David Klingler, but hear me out. The mighty Warriors could sneak into the top 25 this year and they could do even better than that. They might be this year's Boise, a surprise team that challenges for a BCS berth.
On the fringe: Mike Hart (RB, Michigan), Brian Brohm (QB, Louisville), Percy Harvin (WR/RB, Florida), Desean Jackson (WR, Cal).
Got an express mail envelope from the Downtown Athletic Club the other day, the contents of which finally got me revved up about the impending start of college football.
Enclosed was the informational packet the group sends to its Heisman Trophy voters at the start of every season. I've been a voter for the last four years, one of 800 or so nationwide, and I take it seriously.
In addition to fanning out all over the Southeast to cover games on Saturdays, I record West Coast games and other matchups of interest so I can get a look at players I might not otherwise see first-hand.
My ballot last year looked like this:
1. Troy Smith, Ohio State (Yeah, I wanted to take that one back after the BCS championship game)
2. Darren McFadden, Arkansas
3. Ian Johnson, Boise State (felt better about that after his Statue of Liberty touchdown run against Texas in the Fiesta Bowl)
Just off my list were former Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson, who would have had a second-place vote if not for the fact that I witnessed the Clemson game in person and saw him get shut out, and Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan.
I'll admit I have a few fundamental problems with the description of the Heisman Trophy. It doesn't truly measure the best overall player in the country. It's for the guys who play the glamor positions. I try to consider linemen and defensive players before putting together my ballot, but they're more difficult to judge. There's more of a statistical body of work for quarterbacks, running backs, etc., than there is for strong safeties and left tackles.
Thankfully, the Outland Trophy and Nagurski Award give a nod to those guys.
That said, here's my preseason watch list. Feel free to contribute your own in the discussion forum.
PRESEASON HEISMAN FAVORITES
1. Darren McFadden, Arkansas: A big tailback with blazing speed (Hmm, Bo and Herschel come to mind). He shredded defenses for 1,647 yards and 14 TDs despite sharing carries with another 1,000-yard rusher in Felix Jones. He's the most dynamic running back I've seen in a while. D-Mac also deserves props for the three TD passes he threw for last season out of the Wildcat formation. What separates him from others, in my mind, is that he produces against the SEC's top defensive units.
2. Steve Slaton, West Virginia: If his teammate, QB Pat White, is the fastest player on the field most Saturdays, then Slaton is the second-fastest by a split second. Check this out: 7.2 yards per carry last season and 1,744 yards out of the Mountaineers' spread option offense. He's probably my favorite player to watch. White should get some love from voters as well, especially if his passing becomes more prominent.
3. John David Booty, USC: The Beastie Boys once asked the question: ''Professor, what's another word for pirate treasure?'' The answer: ''I believe it's Booty! Booty! Yes, that's what it is.'' His stats were nice enough -- 3,347 passing yards, 29 TDs, nine interceptions and a 61 percent completion rate. But he runs the offense of a potential national champion. That's enough to merit consideration, although I'm not entirely convinced he's the best quarterback in the country. I'm digging Brian Brohm at Louisville, Brennan at Hawaii, White at West Virginia, Andre Woodson at Kentucky and Colt McCoy at Texas.
4. Ian Johnson, Boise State: In addition to willing Boise to victory against Texas in last season's bowl game, this guy rolled up 1,714 yards and 25 TDs. He was the engine that drove a very good and very underappreciated team. He's kind of a grinder, not the sort of guy who breaks off big, flashy runs, but very dependable.
5. Colt Brennan, Hawaii: Last season's work was the stuff of a fevered XBoxers imagination -- 5,549 passing yards, 58 TDs and a 72.6 percent completion rate. I know, I know. The run-and-shoot also gave us the likes of Andre Ware and David Klingler, but hear me out. The mighty Warriors could sneak into the top 25 this year and they could do even better than that. They might be this year's Boise, a surprise team that challenges for a BCS berth.
On the fringe: Mike Hart (RB, Michigan), Brian Brohm (QB, Louisville), Percy Harvin (WR/RB, Florida), Desean Jackson (WR, Cal).
Friday, August 17, 2007
On an island
Two of the co-defendants in the dogfighting case involving Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick entered guilty pleas today.
That leaves Vick isolated and puts some serious pressure on him.
Apparently, federal prosecutors have entered into evidence a photo that shows Vick and the other three defendants with a pitbull they entered into a dog fight. There's been non-stop speculation about whether Vick would try to enter a plea rather than go to trial and risk a five-year prison sentence (and possibly more if racketeering charges are added on).
Do you think Vick’s NFL career is over no matter what course of action he follows?
Two of the co-defendants in the dogfighting case involving Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick entered guilty pleas today.
That leaves Vick isolated and puts some serious pressure on him.
Apparently, federal prosecutors have entered into evidence a photo that shows Vick and the other three defendants with a pitbull they entered into a dog fight. There's been non-stop speculation about whether Vick would try to enter a plea rather than go to trial and risk a five-year prison sentence (and possibly more if racketeering charges are added on).
Do you think Vick’s NFL career is over no matter what course of action he follows?
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Barrypalooza
ATLANTA — It’s 11 p.m. here at Turner Field. The Braves beat the Giants 5-4, Atlanta manager Bobby Cox cursed his way into the recordbooks, Barry Bonds remains stuck on 758 career homers and Hank Aaron left town to avoid the circus.
Here's a possible talking point for loyal blog readers (OK, this one’s for you, Mom) -- Does the fact that Aaron headed out of town for the duration of the Atlanta-San Francisco series do anything to diminish his reputation for class?
Aaron congratulated Bonds when he hit No. 756, although it was done via videotape and more than likely through gritted teeth. But it was a nice gesture and Aaron was universally applauded for reaching out to Bonds even though the Giants’ slugger has been universally painted as a test subject for BALCO chemists.
This isn't intended to be a referendum on Bonds' guilt or innocence. The book ''Game of Shadows'' lays out some pretty interesting -- and credible -- information, but Bonds has insisted he never knowingly took performance enhancing drugs. The Mitchell investigation will hopefully answer questions about the authenticity of his record.
But I'm wondering whether Aaron missed an opportunity tonight as a baseball statesman.
Should he have stuck around, welcomed Bonds to Turner Field, shaken his hand and posed for photographs?
Would doing so have marked another step for Aaron on the high road or would it have been seen as a false front?
What do you think?
ATLANTA — It’s 11 p.m. here at Turner Field. The Braves beat the Giants 5-4, Atlanta manager Bobby Cox cursed his way into the recordbooks, Barry Bonds remains stuck on 758 career homers and Hank Aaron left town to avoid the circus.
Here's a possible talking point for loyal blog readers (OK, this one’s for you, Mom) -- Does the fact that Aaron headed out of town for the duration of the Atlanta-San Francisco series do anything to diminish his reputation for class?
Aaron congratulated Bonds when he hit No. 756, although it was done via videotape and more than likely through gritted teeth. But it was a nice gesture and Aaron was universally applauded for reaching out to Bonds even though the Giants’ slugger has been universally painted as a test subject for BALCO chemists.
This isn't intended to be a referendum on Bonds' guilt or innocence. The book ''Game of Shadows'' lays out some pretty interesting -- and credible -- information, but Bonds has insisted he never knowingly took performance enhancing drugs. The Mitchell investigation will hopefully answer questions about the authenticity of his record.
But I'm wondering whether Aaron missed an opportunity tonight as a baseball statesman.
Should he have stuck around, welcomed Bonds to Turner Field, shaken his hand and posed for photographs?
Would doing so have marked another step for Aaron on the high road or would it have been seen as a false front?
What do you think?
History at the Ted
ATLANTA — Barry Bonds’ first visit to Atlanta as Major League Baseball's career home run leader was a bust.
He’s still stuck on 758 and still hasn't spoken with Hank Aaron face-to-face since passing him on the home run chart.
Bonds drew a pair of walks and hit into a fielder’s choice before being replaced by Rajai Davis in the bottom of the fifth inning.
The most exciting moment of the night thus far came after the fifth inning, when Atlanta manager Bobby Cox got ejected for the 132nd time in his career. Home plate ump Larry Young rang him up a few moments after Chipper Jones went down looking at a called third strike to end the inning.
They didn't stop the game and memorialize the moment, but they should have.
Cox became Major League Baseball's all-time leader in ejections.
Maybe one day, after Cox’s eventual enshrinement in Cooperstown, the hall of fame display will feature an audio file of his favorite profanity.
ATLANTA — Barry Bonds’ first visit to Atlanta as Major League Baseball's career home run leader was a bust.
He’s still stuck on 758 and still hasn't spoken with Hank Aaron face-to-face since passing him on the home run chart.
Bonds drew a pair of walks and hit into a fielder’s choice before being replaced by Rajai Davis in the bottom of the fifth inning.
The most exciting moment of the night thus far came after the fifth inning, when Atlanta manager Bobby Cox got ejected for the 132nd time in his career. Home plate ump Larry Young rang him up a few moments after Chipper Jones went down looking at a called third strike to end the inning.
They didn't stop the game and memorialize the moment, but they should have.
Cox became Major League Baseball's all-time leader in ejections.
Maybe one day, after Cox’s eventual enshrinement in Cooperstown, the hall of fame display will feature an audio file of his favorite profanity.
Avoidance issues
ATLANTA — The Barry Bonds Watch here at Turner Field as allowed me to witness the following:
A lead-off walk on a 3-1 pitch in the second inning.
An intentional walk with two outs and a runner on second in the third inning.
Atlanta right-hander John Smoltz hasn't given Behemoth Barry anything to hit so far, but the strategy hasn't worked out in the Braves' favor. They’re down 3-0 in the top of the fifth, with Bonds having scored twice, and are absolutely getting handled by San Francisco righty Kevin Correia, who came in with a 1-6 record and 4.14 ERA. He’s had excellent command, but the Braves' free swinging approaches at the plate are making him look like Jake Peavy of a lesser god.
ATLANTA — The Barry Bonds Watch here at Turner Field as allowed me to witness the following:
A lead-off walk on a 3-1 pitch in the second inning.
An intentional walk with two outs and a runner on second in the third inning.
Atlanta right-hander John Smoltz hasn't given Behemoth Barry anything to hit so far, but the strategy hasn't worked out in the Braves' favor. They’re down 3-0 in the top of the fifth, with Bonds having scored twice, and are absolutely getting handled by San Francisco righty Kevin Correia, who came in with a 1-6 record and 4.14 ERA. He’s had excellent command, but the Braves' free swinging approaches at the plate are making him look like Jake Peavy of a lesser god.
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