LSU vs Alabama Take 2

This blog post is not meant to debate whether or not there should be a rematch for the BCS National Championship. It's already set, and whether you or I like it or not it will be a rematch. My purpose in this post is simply to give you a little bit of info on why I think it will still be a great game. While LSU did win the first meeting by a field goal, I personally believe Alabama will win the National Championship. I'll give you a few reasons why.

Statistically during the first meeting Alabama had a slight edge over LSU. Alabama garnered about 60 more yards than LSU did, as well as getting more 1st downs and 3rd down conversions. This kicking teams and coaching strategy were the deciding factors in this game.

Another reason why I think Alabama has an edge is because the burden lies on LSU to prove themselves. Alabama has already lost once, so they really have nothing to lose as far as pride goes. Bobby Bowden has said himself that it is much more difficult to get a team that has already won once motivated to play in a rematch.

The last reason I expect Alabama to win is Trent Richardson. Trent is a proven workhorse. His low rushing stat from the first game will, I believe, prove to be an amazing motivator for him. I think he'll go at least over 100 yards.

I'm probably as excited about this rematch as anyone. I don't get super excited about the flashy, score every five minutes kind of games. I love to see two teams battle it out on the field. This game will be a true smash mouth battle. Hard hitting football with two strong defenses is something I love to see. There's no doubt that we will get that in this game. I can't wait.

It's Game Week!

Game Week is finally here! College football is back with a couple of must see games this weekend. All of us are looking forward to seeing how our teams actually look on the field after months of speculation. The two most anticipated games of this week in the SEC will be Oregon vs. LSU and Boise State vs. Georgia. Comparatively the other SEC schools have easy openers. It's very possible that we could have a complete SEC sweep this week. The two questionable games for me are the ones that most fans are excited to see. Well, I'm back in full force this season so here goes...my picks for SEC Week 1.



Mississippi State vs. Memphis (Thursday, 9/1/2011 @ 7PM CT on FSN)

Mississippi State goes into Memphis having to leave their signature cowbells at home, but this is one game that I don't think they'll need them. Chris Relf at QB came on strong towards the end of last season. Relf along with RB Vick Ballard gives Mississippi a competitive running game. If the Bulldogs can improve their passing game they should do well this season. With a strong ground defense Mississippi State should be able to handle this Memphis team easily.



Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky (Thursday, 9/1/2011 @ 8:15PM CT on ESPNU)

There could be a different Newton making news this season in the SEC. Morgan Newton is taking over the helm at QB this season for Kentucky. Reports are that Newton looks very good in practice, and his confidence has been growing. Western Kentucky comes in off of a struggling season to face an up and coming Kentucky football program. I think Kentucky will win big this week.



Auburn vs. Utah State (Saturday, 9/3/2011 @ 11AM CT on ESPN2)

Utah State comes in with a decent team to face a very young Auburn team. It will be interesting to see a completely different Auburn offense without Cam Newton doing everything, much like Florida was after Tim Tebow left. While Utah State is no push over team giving the Sooners a run for their money and defeating BYU last season, I don't expect them to be able to pull off this one. Auburn has a very strong advantage when they play at home. I think it will be a good game, but I think the home team advantage wins this game for the tigers.



Alabama vs. Kent State (Saturday, 9/3/2011 @ 11:21AM CT on the SEC Network)

Alabama will open up the season with the QB question looming in the air. It's very possible that they could go with a two QB system. However, while the QB may be a question for fans of the Tide there is no doubt that fans are hoping for another Heisman winner in the form of Trent Richardson. Richardson, who reportedly doesn't even know his max bench press because the strength coaches always stop him at 460, is a beast. 460 seems like a good number to me seeing as how I doubt Richardson will come across any defenders weighing that much. Kent State was 5-7 last season, and I don't expect them to be able to put up a big fight against Bama. The Tide should win big this week.



Ole Miss vs. BYU (Saturday, 9/3/2011 @ 3:45PM CT on ESPN)

BYU has a strong offense with QB Jake Heaps running things for the Cougars, but their defense is lackluster to say the least. Ole Miss has an enormously talented and large O-line making their running game their biggest offensive threat. With no solid QB though they should struggle. BYU will come in with a strong offense battling a defense that is ready to perform in the SEC. If Ole Miss can find a way to score they can win this game. This will be a game to watch and should be a good match up.



Tennessee vs. Montana (Saturday, 9/3/2011 @ 5PM CT PPV only)

Tennessee comes in with a young team still struggling to get back to the top of the SEC. Montana thinks they have a shot to win this game, but I don't think their young offensive line will be able to handle the Vols defense. Tennessee should come out on top in this game, and may surprise a lot of people. They have not been a real topic of discussion in the off season, but you never know what can come out of the SEC.



Florida vs. Florida Atlantic (Saturday 9/3/2011 @ 6PM CT on ESPNU)

We finally get to see what Muschamp and Weis are doing with this Gator squad. Florida should win this decisively just because of the amount of talent they have. This should be a good chance for us to see what Florida is working with this season.



South Carolina vs. East Carolina (Saturday, 9/3/2011 @ 6PM CT on FSN)

East Carolina really doesn't stand a chance against the Gamecocks. South Carolina comes in with a seasoned QB in Garcia, an exceptional RB in Lattimore, and the oh so underrated Jeffrey. South Carolina is my pick to win the SEC East, and this game should just be a stepping stone on the way there.



Arkansas vs. Missouri State (Saturday, 9/3/2011 @ 6PM CT on PPV only)

There's really not much to say here. Arkansas QB gets to come out and get his feet wet with a game that should be an easy win for the Hogs. Missouri State just doesn't have the size, strength, or talent to hang with Arkansas. Arkansas should win this one easily.



Vanderbilt vs. Elon (Saturday, 9/3/2011 @ 6:30PM CT on CSS)

I honestly don't know much about Elon, and I'm going to pick Vanderbilt just because they can compete somewhat in the SEC. Now Vanderbilt does come in to this season with a new coach, but they are returning a somewhat experienced team. Hopefully this season will help Vanderbilt continue the improvement that we've seen in recent years.



Georgia vs. Boise State (Saturday, 9/3/2011 @ 7PM CT on ESPN)

This is without a doubt one of the must see games of Week 1. Georgia will have to be firing on all cylinders to win this game. Broncos QB Kellen Moore is a proven leader and winner. Boise State had no problems going in and pulling out the win against Virginia Tech last season, and I'm sure they're itching to do the same thing to Georgia. Technically Georgia goes in to this game as the underdog according to most of the bookies out there, but I don't see that. The SEC is the premier conference in college football, and even our worst teams can usually hold their own against the other conferences. The key for Georgia to win against Boise State will be their defense. If Georgia can put lots of pressure on Kellen Moore very early on they should be able to pull out the win. This will definitely be a game the nation will have their eyes on. I'm picking the Bulldogs to pull out the win proving that the SEC is a force to be reckoned with. Boise State hasn't faced an SEC team since Georgia stomped them 48-13 in 2005. No doubt they have been one of the top teams in the nation, but they haven't been to the SEC in awhile.



LSU vs. Oregon (Saturday, 9/3/2011 @7PM CT on ABC)

A week ago I didn't doubt that LSU would win this game, but the loss of QB Jordan Jefferson is a major blow for the Tigers. This game is the biggest game of the week by far. LSU could win this game, but they'll have to do it with defense. Oregon is loaded offensively with Darren Thomas and LaMichael James both returning, and they are ready to prove something against the SEC. LSU has strong lines which may help them pull out the win, but I really think the key is defense. If LSU can stop LaMichael James and the Mad Hatter can do what he normally does the Tigers may very well win. I'm going to go out on a limb and pick LSU to win this game solely because I think they may be able to battle a little better than Oregon. This should be an all out in the trenches battle, and I think SEC teams are more suited for those simply because they face more of them.



So, there you have it my preview of Week 1. I can't wait to see the action this week. Go SEC!

Has the NCAA lost control?

With all the uproar about Miami right now many people are expecting the NCAA to come down very hard on the rule breakers. I guess I just wonder if there's really any point anymore. Has anyone noticed how truly busy student athletes are these days? Most of us would never devote that amount of time to anything we weren't getting paid for. I'm not suggesting the colleges start paying athletes as a rule, but what is the harm in students receiving a few perks?

It's funny because we are expecting college students to do what none of us would do in reality. I'd be surprised to find anyone who would turn down a free vehicle that has been offered to them. Plus, who's going to turn away a free vacation? It's been shown season after season that numerous improprieties happen at numerous schools in numerous sports. The NCAA has lost control in this area obviously. The question is should they really struggle to regain it?

I know that without regulations anarchy can creep in. So where do we find a happy medium between anarchy, regulated chaos, and strict legality? That's pretty much what we're dealing with. All I know is, I don't have an issue with who's worked hard to get to where they are receiving some benefits for it.


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Are you Ready?!?!?!

There is absolutely no question in my mind that I am ready for college football to begin. With the NFL lockout finally over I have been able to whet my appetite by catching a bit of action on the gridiron. No matter what though my heart will always be with the college game. With all of that being said, I feel the need to relaunch and break out my blogging tools again. We'll start with a few of my thoughts on what this season in the SEC may hold for us. I'm feeling a little rusty, but so what here goes nothing...

First things first, who do I expect to be the SEC Champions at the end of this season? I have to go with Alabama. Now, if you have read or really even looked at my blog there is no doubt that my loyalty lies with the Tide. That being said there are numerous reasons why I believe Bama will top the SEC this year. First of all, Trent Richardson. The guy is a beast. If Richardson can stay healthy I agree with many who believe Alabama may have another Heisman contender on their hands. He finished with 700 yards rushing and almost 300 yards receiving last season, and that was running tandem with Mark Ingram. I expect him to dominate the ground for the Tide this season. On top of that, Alabama is returning 17 starters this season. With the likes of Richardson, Maze, and Hanks on offense Alabama has some great weapons. Don't forget the defense though with Dont'a Hightower, Dre Kirkpatrick, and Mark Barron just to mention a few. Alabama should come out very strong this season. The one question everybody has is about the QB race between McCarron and Sims. We'll find out who gets the spot soon, or maybe Saban will go with a 2 QB system. Hmmm...could be interesting.

There are also lots of other teams and coaches to watch this season. South Carolina should be strong this season with Garcia, Lattimore, and Jeffrey returning. The question is can Garcia stay out of trouble. Jeffrey proved against Bama last season that he is just as much of a threat as Lattimore is. I expect to see South Carolina make a real run for the East.

What is Florida going to show up with this season? Who knows, but with Muschamp and Weis at the helm it should definitely be interesting. Weis had a tough gig at Notre Dame no doubt, but he may find the SEC to be even tougher. Florida definitely has some talent as always, so I expect them to do well this season. Arkansas should be another team who comes out swinging. With 13 returning starters and a promising QB in Tyler Wilson, they should make the West tough.

Mark Richt at Georgia looks to have a shot at redeeming himself this season. He has a good bit of talent. He may put Georgia back among the top of the SEC. Houston Nutt on the other hand should just be thankful that most Ole Miss fans are really just interested in the tailgating. I don't expect Ole Miss to really show us much this season on the field. Mississippi State does have Chris Relf though. He could seriously be a breakout player this season. He started looking good at the end of last season. It will be interesting to see what kind of growth he's had during the off-season. Then we have LSU. One of the most talent filled teams in the West, but one of the craziest coaches in the entire NCAA. You never know what's going to happen when the Mad Hatter is in charge.

Finally, there is the returning National Championship team at Auburn. Unfortunately they are only returning with 8 starters. They are a virtually inexperienced team who will be crippled by the loss of their saving grace last season, Cam Newton. I don't expect a stellar season for the champs, but I could always be wrong.

Can't wait to follow the season with all of you. Keep checking my blog for updates, and let's keep it in the SEC for the 6th year in a row!

Relaunch Coming Soon!

Thankfully, it isn't too long before the 2011 football season begins. Unfortunately due to some time demands and other things my blogging suffered last season. I plan to get back on the blogging bandwagon this season. Stay tuned for future posts!