DISQUS

OU_Ron · 11 months ago

Happy New Year everyone, and remember to let someone drive that's not been drinking..perhaps a cab driver....;-)

Ramblin' Gator · 11 months ago

Don't drink and drive, but if you must drink and drive, please drive home very fast - there's a lot of drunk people out there. ;-)

Just kidding. I wish all of you a full year of health and happiness in 2009.

OU_Ron · 11 months ago

LOL, I'm speaking from experience, I tried that once, it didn't work out too well............on the other hand, I have a lot of relatives in Houston that will be glad to drive you somewhere.........just in case you need it..:-)

1Tomcat · 11 months ago

Ron News years eve is when there are alot of amature drunks out there giving the proffessionals a bad rap- just joking. Wish everybody safe and happy new year.

War_Eagle_Atlanta · 11 months ago

I will be attending the festivities at the Chic-fil-A bowl tonight to be a neutral observer. Although I default to SEC teams in the bowls, I'm a closet GT fan, so I dunno. I think that Tech might beat them if LSU doesn't pull their tail from between their legs that they've had ever since Alabama beat them.

New Year's Day: Hungover and another year older!

Ramblin' Gator · 11 months ago

I'm in Houston, stuck watching the game on TV - DAMN!!

Ramblin' Gator · 11 months ago

Okay, it's halftime and I've changed my mind. Happy to not be there. This is the worst I've EVER seen Georgia Tech play.

Zac · 11 months ago

Sorry to have seen it, RG. I honestly thought this one would be much closer. Then again, I honestly thought Cinci would beat VA Tech. Didn't get that one right either. Now for the good news: There's always next year, and what a difference a year will make with Johnson at the helm. Best of luck!!!

Ben Prather · 11 months ago

I am just curious how I am picking just over 0.500 and leading the pick 'em...

I suspect it will not last too long though... Several of you are set up for a run.

Skip1 · 11 months ago

Wrong low confidence picks aren't a particularly big deal. But yeah, I bet someone will come from behind to win. FanoftheGame still has nine of his highest eleven confidence picks still to come.

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

Pick Alabama in the Sugar Bowl to keep your average up.

:-)

Ben Prather · 11 months ago

If I cared about my average I would have made several picks differently...

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

Is there any reason to pick if you don't care about your average?

TheMayor · 11 months ago

Holiday Bowl was great for us Duck fans last night. I am pulling for the Beaver's today (one day a year is ok). Flying home after a bowl game with a win sure beats travelling with a loss.

Happy New Year's everyone

1Tomcat · 11 months ago

Congrats Mr Mayor The Ducks beat a quality opponent and had an outstanding year
Happy New Year

TheMayor · 11 months ago

Thank you 1Tomcat...I'll take 10-3 and a Holiday Bowl any day. Happy Damn New Year to you as well

1Tomcat · 11 months ago

Got to be better than 08
everythings looking up now

Zac · 11 months ago

Congrats to your Ducks, Mr. "M". I thought the Cowboys would take that one. While the Beve's didn't look so hot, they did win, and that's all that counts. So, now the entire state of OR can be proud. Enjoy!!!

Ben Prather · 11 months ago

Was it just me, or did OSU look different without the Rogers Brothers?

TheMayor · 11 months ago

Totally different team. w/o the Hermanos de los Rogers

..best of luck against "Bama.... Ben Utes Prather.

Once again HNY everyone....drive safe or drive fast!!!!!

I heard Charles Barkley got a DUI today....? Lessons earned?

War_Eagle_Atlanta · 11 months ago

So you were in SD, Mayor? Weather very agreeable?

TheMayor · 11 months ago

Absolutely, perfect weather. Great venue. Stay Classy San Diego.

Bama_Babe · 11 months ago

Happy New Year to everyone!! Hope ya'll have safe celebrations tonight! ;)

I'm off to NOLA to bring in 2009, then coming back with a 13-1 record hopefully!

I'm going to enjoy the many games today and tomorrow as well....can't believe the season is almost over :(

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

Happy New Year!

Enjoy yourself. Knee surgery is keeping me at home this season. Alabama always draws well in the Sugar Bowl. You should have many friends there.

Roll Tide Toll!

TigerEducated · 11 months ago

WEA & I are both having birthdays tonight...

TE will be 30 years old at 12:08 am, CST, Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, B_B...I heard some news...

Kevin Steele's leaving Alabama to be the...Defensive Coordinator at Clemson?

Huh?

1Tomcat · 11 months ago

TE is that the same guy that used to be HC @ BU ? prior to Morris
We liked Morris he had success at KY , but just couldnt produce at BU
B-12 south is a tough place

OU_Ron · 11 months ago

Happy birthday TE, I wonder where your favorite nemeses ( Bleed ) has been, I'm sure he would like to wish you well also...

TigerEducated · 11 months ago

I was told never to look a gift horse in the mouth...

OU_Ron · 11 months ago

LMAO.....

TheMayor · 11 months ago

Irish JT weighs in (if he could) and says Happy Damn New Year and Birthday.

The Mayor says beee gooood everyone.

Zac · 11 months ago

I'm surprised he hasn't chimed in, given what Clausen & company did to Hawaii. Then again, it was Hawaii they did it to.

War_Eagle_Atlanta · 11 months ago

Thanks for including me, Ron...

Gee. See if I ever buy a front-end loader from YOU...

OU_Ron · 11 months ago

It was just a slip up WEA, happy Birthday....;-)..................What color would you like your loader to be..

War_Eagle_Atlanta · 11 months ago

Anything but a dingy Georgia Tech-yellow shade should do...

Zac · 11 months ago

So are you 30 too, or 32? I know you're not my age. Hope you live long my friend; live large and in charge.

Clemson_Joe · 11 months ago

...wrong place...

Clemson_Joe · 11 months ago

That's definitely the word on the street around these parts too. He, like Chavis, is from South Carolina.

War_Eagle_Atlanta · 11 months ago

The party is at The Cheetah, just after the Chic-Fil-A bowl tonight...

First table dances are on me--unless LSU wins. then they're on TE...

Ramblin' Gator · 11 months ago

Stick a dollar in a garter for me, WEA.

1Tomcat · 11 months ago

Must be a chain-there is a cheetah in Corpus Christi too
Happy birthday WEA- your libel to get a special treat-being your birthday and all

War_Eagle_Atlanta · 11 months ago

They have a Cheetah in Vegas, which is owned by the same man and his son that own the ATL one. I understand some criminal indictments fell his way in LV...

Heard there was a major cover to get in. Besides, I entered a 12-step program for strip club addiction some time ago and didn't see the need to fall off the wagon...

But if Mayor's wife is working. Hmmm....

TheMayor · 11 months ago

My wife loves the Cheetah. Working the V-Jay-Jay.

Looks like TE got to pick up a lot of $1 bills tonight

Kevin @ Fanblogs · 11 months ago

Happy Freaking Birthday, Boys.

Zac · 11 months ago

That's happy fat-friggen birthday, if you're from Pittsburgh.

Ben Prather · 11 months ago

How many Capricorns do we have here?

I plan on boycotting a Bowl game on my Birthday.

War_Eagle_Atlanta · 11 months ago

Why do chicks always use Capricorn against me when it comes to dating?

Zac · 11 months ago

I'm a Sea-Goat (never understood why that's an earth sign), but just a goat most of the time. I strike double nickles on the 11th.

Zac · 11 months ago

THIRTY!?! Lawd have mussy; uze wet behind de ears, boy. Live to be at least 100, TE. All the best to you and yours.

gatorhippy · 11 months ago

In Orlando for the Cap One?

Hell, yeah...

Not sure what to do tonight?

Not a clue...

Like live music?

That's a stupid question...Of course I do...I'm from Athens

No worries, Dawgs & Sparts...

Hippy's got ya covered...

Take a little trip downtown, head over to Tanqueray's and check out some friends of mine... for the bargain price of $5...

Starts at 10 but doors are opened much, much sooner...

And tomorrow before the game...

Stop by the Cap One Fan Fest after imbibing your pre-game beverages & take a listen to some other buddies of mine, Matt & Chris (formerly of Big Sky) for $10 or FREE with your Cap One Bowl Patch...

Maybe I'll be seein' ya...

;-]

War_Eagle_Atlanta · 11 months ago

Your boy, Unknown Hinson, was in town last Saturday night. I really thought about going. Tickets were only $15. That's pretty cheap to see a country-western troubador...

Nothing like a little metal with some steel guitar...

gatorhippy · 11 months ago

That's The KING of Country Western Troubadors...

You assuredly should have went, WEAtl...

You're only hurtin' yourself by not...

War_Eagle_Atlanta · 11 months ago

Yea, I know. After you mentioned it a few weeks ago, I watched a lot of stuff on line. Looks like it's right up my alley...

Can only find one song on Napster...

gatorhippy · 11 months ago

He's got live CD's at the website...

Zac · 11 months ago

And to think all this time I somehow pegged you for a Jazz Man, say a little Benny .Goodman, say Take the "A" Train. Enjoy, GH, live long enough to see tie-dyed shirts and striped bell-bottoms make a come back.

Kevin @ Fanblogs · 11 months ago

Pretty tempting party... and I'm just up the road tonight.

gatorhippy · 11 months ago

Mmmmhmmm...

Best New Years Eve deal in Orlando tonight...

I also forgot to mention, but I'll put in now especially for you, K-Hue...

The Cap-One Party Bus will be leaving from Nice N Easy at 9 AM sharp tomorrow morning...

$40 gets you beer, food and a ride to and from the stadium...

All you gotta do is get a ticket IF you wanna go to the game...

I'll be there about 8:30...

Ramblin' Gator · 11 months ago

GH, do you live in Lake Mary?

gatorhippy · 11 months ago

Not anymore...

Moved up the interstate to DeBary...

Hippy's in the country club now, brother...

Kevin @ Fanblogs · 11 months ago

Get thee to Celebration, brother.

gatorhippy · 11 months ago

Is that where you're at now?

Kevin @ Fanblogs · 11 months ago

As a domicile? Yeah.

Ramblin' Gator · 11 months ago

Do you find yourself whistling the "Leave it to Beaver" theme when driving home from work? Celebration is a time warp, but I wouldn't mind living closer to The Columbia.

Kevin @ Fanblogs · 11 months ago

There's a great sense of community. Neighbors sitting out while all the kids are riding bikes, etc. It's a lot better than walking out to get the paper and seeing three guys putting a camaro on blocks. :)

Ramblin' Gator · 11 months ago

I figured you must live or must have lived there to know about that bar as it's more of a local place. I work in Lake Mary (live in Lake Forest) so have been to a couple office "meetings" there.

gatorhippy · 11 months ago

LMAO...

I practically lived there for the last two years before we moved up to the "suburbs"...

Well...

There and the Whale...

Ramblin' Gator · 11 months ago

Too funny! I know a lot of people who consider Lake Mary to be the "suburbs".

TheMayor · 11 months ago

2 Weeks on the road, can not tell you how happy I am to be home.


Party on my brothers.

gatorhippy · 11 months ago

You so missed out on three sets of Improvisational Americana Jam if you didn't make to Tanqueray's...

But I don't feel bad for you 'cuz I'm still greedily basking in the love of Tommy & the Believers...

And Guiness...

badgerballer · 11 months ago

Happy New Year, one and all!

Tomorrow (New Years Day) is the 5th annual Pigskin Pigout at my house - consider yourself invited! 1 - 65 inch screen, 2 - 32 inch screens, 6 racks of ribs - dry rubbed then slow smoked over coals with 2 soaked hickory logs....need I say more?

And maybe even one of these - just to punish myself.
http://foodproof.com/photos/full/bacon-cheese-r...


I've got to do something, b/c watching the Pick'em is just too painful.

*ugh*

gatorhippy · 11 months ago

LMAO...

Nothing says "Wisco" like a bacon cheese roll and beer...

I think my arteries tightened up just looking at the pics...

War_Eagle_Atlanta · 11 months ago

I took a class at Auburn in under water bacon weaving...

Or was it basket weaving?

Okay, off to the Chic fil A bowl I go!!!

AUtigerman · 11 months ago

Wea

Did you hear the new running backs coach hire? Chris Luper from oklahoma State.(great hire)

Well ill admit i was rough on Chizak but he sure is putting together quite a staff.

1Tomcat · 11 months ago

Hey Man Thanks thats purty nasty stuff dude- Hell I thought I was bad feeding my in-laws road kill for Christmas a few years back, buddy of mine clipped a big doe driving a school bus.
Who in the heck would actually eat this heartattack concoction?- learn something new everyday-Heck you could recycle the grease from that stuff and fuel a diesel engine.
Adios Tomcat

badgerballer · 11 months ago

LOL

Underwater bacon weaving,.... you must've played football there. Isn't that a guaranteed "B+" for all Auburn athletes, except divers, fencers and archers??

Oh, and just as proof that there really are people who roll like this - here's a second, independent forum covering the same topic, same recipe, with heart-attack wannabes who actually ate one of these things:

http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/forums/a/tp...

Ramblin' Gator · 11 months ago

This could be a good topic for an offseason thread: Best Jock Classes.

My favorite "easy A" at GT was "Survey of Ceramic Engineering". The class was popularly known as "Bricks for Kicks". There was a similar class for textile engineering known as "Socks for Jocks".

Lewis Grizzard (may he RIP) wrote a great article on this subject, including his favorite jock class at UGA: "Insects and Man". Grizzard wrote that he got a "bee" in that class.

Clemson_Joe · 11 months ago

God rest his soul. That man was one of a kind.

Mr2Bits · 11 months ago

The QB's of the Pitt and OSU game make me want to gouge my eyes out. I have been watching since the 3rd and haven't seen a complete pass yet.These team's offenses are just AWEFUL,

Happy New Year.

Edit : Nice call on the 58 yard field goal for Pitt...this is terrible

TheMayor · 11 months ago

Hey Quarters,

The R -gers Brothers in the game ,Pitt would have lost by 35. Too bad my Ducks took them both out...seriously, I hate seeing CFB players get hurt.

Tommy_Trojan · 11 months ago

Mr.Mayor:

Great game your boyz played against Oklahoma State. They looked dominate in that 2nd half. Showed this country how to play the spread. Even Mike Gandy said that Oregon just physically manhandled them in the last half. I agree, that when the Beavers didn't have the Rodgers Bros, that really made that game come out ugly. Nevertheless, after giving up something like 63 to the Ducks, the Beavers shut that team out and still won the game. That makes the PAC 10 4-0 so far, with the most for sure bet in history, comin' up tomorrow. One thing I can tell you for sure: whenever Pete Carroll starts laying out the compliments for another team and their coaching staff - that team is usually in for a brutal beatdown. I've seen this happen many times now, and what Carroll is doing is trying to help prop up that staff, because he already understands how terrible that it is really gonna be. He has hinted that there is nothing too sophisticated about Penn State. Penn State players have made mention that they are gonna play their game and that USC is gonna have to adapt to that. Man, are they gonna be in for some kinda surprise. They better be fully prepared to change their game plan after the 1st quarter. I think that Carroll already knows that they won't be able to make the adjustments. It's gonna be great.

TheMayor · 11 months ago

Tommy Trojan

I ilike Troy over PSU.. huge...one common opponent, Oregon State. So what?

I think that throws the 9PM beddie bye crowd off. East Coasters never see our games as they are toast by the end of the 1Q EST. As in no one saw us beat the Beavs by 40 last month. Those little Beavs that beat the best team in the nation.

I was so confident about the Webfoots over the Cowboys I had to lecture the younglings at the HB in the man can during Q2 pee break.. "Oh poor us, we'll never win., fire everyone" Man up boys, we are the Pac 10. We are capable of taking "the over" on our own. Despite Lou Holtz and Mark May's confidence that The Fighting Ducks would lose, the The Fighting Ducks still found a way to win. I miss Dan Fouts and Keith Jackson so much....

Somehow after Q1 I just knew that UO had the stuff to finish. I do feel bad about the beat down we put on the OSU WR and QB early on. That turf was a mess. Sundays NFL game is going to have some injuries certainly.

We did get a couple of cheap shots in on their stars. But, whoop de doo, who gives a sheet.

OK TT, men of Troy finish the deal and make us 5-0.

Happy damn New Year everyone. I hope everyone traveled well tonite, better than Chuck Barkley anyway. I heard Danny Ainge bailed Chuck out of Maricopa County...any truth to that?

Go Trojans

Go Utes

Go Ole Miss

and God forbid, gulp, Go Sooners. I just threw up in my mouth.

OU Ron & OU Fan, "we still cheat"!!! Nike coins trumps T Boone Picken coins.

Tommy_Trojan · 11 months ago

Mr. Mayor:

Actually there was two common opponents. While USC was dismantling Ohio State (putting in the 3rd string in the 3rd quarter), Penn State was mightily struggling to beat Ohio State 13-6 I think. Ohio State could have actually taken that one but choked up in the 4th quarter.

Yeh, we didn't here one peep from anybody (except for OU_Fan who has some class), about the Ducks complete and thorough dominance of Oklahoma State after halftime. Not a peep about Arizona beating the crap outta BYU either. Or, nothing about the Beavs "shutting out" Pittsburgh, when their two star offensive players were injured and out of the game. The Cal win was absolutely no surprise. The only surprise that the final score was that close.

And now here we are today, and after the beatdown that's gonna be administered to Penn State, what we're all gonna have to hear about is Georgia's great win over Michigan State. They'll all forget how handily Iowa dismantled South Carolina.

I'm against you on a couple of the teams your rootin' for.

I like Florida over Oklahoma. I like Texas Tech over Mississippi. And, I like Alabama over Utah.

Ben Prather has bad-mouthed the PAC 10 all year long, because BYU clobbered UCLA (ho-hum), and I just can't see myself hopin' for anything from Utah. Normally, I would sure be rootin' for Utah, to take down one of those mighty SEC teams. In this case - I'm hoping that Alabama beats Utah 48-0. Maybe this way, and for all future years to come, Ben Prather can get things into a little better perspective. The thing that this guy can't understand, is that the PAC 10 started six new QB's (out of ten teams), heading into this season. More monumental QB injuries (to Oregon, Oregon State, Washington State, Washington) were soon to follow. Not to mention the early exits to the NFL draft (Jonathan Stewart at Oregon, Chilo Rachel at USC, RB Torrain at Arizona State to name just a few) - and many PAC 10 teams had much to regroup from early on. It wasn't too surprising that some games were lost. But the talent is oozing. By the end of the year there could be no doubt what was gonna happen. Teams that play in mid-major conferences don't have to deal with losing players early to the NFL draft. They simply do not have that kinda talent. That is why mid-major schools can pull "the upset" early in the season on occasion. It doesn't usually happen later on. And, Utah is gonna get spanked in the Sugar Bowl.

TheMayor · 11 months ago

ABC announcers also just mentioned that Oregon State was the one opponent that these two had in common. I guess they forgot the Buckeyes as well?

My picks are based on my clients schools, makes my year start off easier if everyone's happy.

Tommy_Trojan · 11 months ago

Mr.Mayor:

Well, it's all a very mute point now, who the two teams common opponents were. The got to play each other and it was no contest by halftime. I had heard that the kid RB Blount might go pro. Any truth to that? The guy looks like Bo Jackson to me. I would really like to see this guy back and for Oregon to get into the Top 10 next year. I think that with the QB's coming back, Blount, and your USC wide recievers (Jones and Holland) - that Oregon could emerge as a real force next year. I sure hope so.

TheMayor · 11 months ago

Congratulations to your Trojans. I thought the Lions showed a lot of heart in the 2nd half. For some reason, a bunch of my friends called the house tonite so I couldn't really concentrate on the game.

I have not heard anything about Blount, I'd be dissapointed if he left but certainly I understand why these student atheletes jump at the coin...hell I would have left college for a $50k/yr job back in 1975 in a heart beat.

UO could really have a good year again next year as Cal, USC and OSU should all be at Autzen.

I can't get too excited about the Pac 10 5-0. If we had gone 7-0 I'd be more impressed. If ASU or UCLA had snuck in we could have easily been 5-2. If any of the other conferernces go 7-1 with a NC win, that is more impressive to me.

Yet, I don't think anyone would have predicted us to go 5-0.

Tommy_Trojan · 11 months ago

Mr.Mayor:

I predicted that we'd go 5-0. I'm not really too impressed when a conference gets ten teams into bowl games. It means that they didn't have any competition in their OOC games and that they'll probably lose more games than they win. Look at the ACC. They'll lose quite a few more than they win. The records looked impressive, but clearly, the records were built by playing a bunch of lousy teams.

Penn State didn't mount any comeback. Pete Carroll had mercy on the "Old man" and let his foot off the gas. That's why McNeill will keep his record. The Trojans didn't blitz Clark once the whole game. Carroll tried to keep the score respectable, for both Joe Paterno, and the pagaentry of the Rose Bowl itself. Personally, they came very close to costing me about $3,200. It was really beginning to piss me off. But I got the money. Pete Carroll needs to quit playing Mister NiceGuy and blow these teams off the planet. The reason that Florida and Oklahoma are playing for the MNC - is because Stoops and Meyer never let off the gas.

TheMayor · 11 months ago

Well on the bright side, you are up $3,200.

Zac · 11 months ago

Without question, the "Men of Troy" coasted there towards the end. Congrats, TT. Here's to next year and many more.

OU_Fan · 11 months ago

Happy New Year's everyone. Its 2009 over here in Germany and the Germans are partying like its 1999.......BOOMER!

TheMayor · 11 months ago

Happy Damn New Year OU

Thanks for being over in the EU for us....

I have you over Florida in the NC...

OU_Fan · 11 months ago

Thanks. Its an honor. Good choice............BOOMER!

Mr2Bits · 11 months ago

What's your confidence on that? Mine is 34 for Florida which I think is the best choice.

OU_Ron · 11 months ago

Illinikevin looks like a genius, he's the only one who picked Vandy on the pick em contest......

1Tomcat · 11 months ago

Do you see that Ron- BC just gave them that final drive two 15 yarders Face Mask & late hit on the QB- just gavem the game
Should have known Vandy @ Nashville
BTW on the pickem-I did the opposite with the confidence, just realized it today and changed a couple- I had Rice at 1 which was my most confident not least and I had the Superman vs Bradford & Co at 34 or whatever thinking its a tossup
So far Texas Teams in bowls 3-0

TheMayor · 11 months ago

Texas Teams undefeated...not bad.

All Oregon teams are undefeated in the bowl bowl games this year as well.

We will see after The Cotton Bowl. I have Ole Miss....sorry, I just think Oxford has more hotties than T-Tech.

1Tomcat · 11 months ago

Mr Mayor I picked Ole Miss on the pickem site and I've been to Oxford before great place. Texas Tech had three real close games this season that coulda went the other way, so even though they are a one loss team they could very well be a four loss team. Ole Miss looks like a great team and played Fla and Bama great games. They have alot stronger D than TTech and their QB Snead is very talented.
I really have alot of respect for both coaches Nutt & Leach- ought to be a good game. Unlike SEC fans who tend to pull for their conference teams- Longhorns dont like TTech or OU.
Other than alot of great music- Waylon Jennings,Buddy Holly and Pat Green the only other thing thats come out of Lubbock are the Red Raiders-who BTW ought to change their name to Black Raiders-
Hookem Horns

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

Good win for Utah!

Zac · 11 months ago

I wasn't sure about that one either. BC looked terrible against VA Tech, and everyone knew Vandy was capable.

Tommy_Trojan · 11 months ago

Let me be the 1st to say, "THE PAC 10 SUCKS"! How on earth could USC lose to one of those lousy PAC 10 teams? Again, the SEC will pick up their 3rd "Chrystal Ball" in a row without having had to "earn it".

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

Not a 100% certain that the SEC will pick up a crystal ball this year. We for sure didn't have to earn it last year.

Tommy_Trojan · 11 months ago

BamaBorn:

I am so certain of it that I have mortgaged my whole families future on the game. Florida will blow Oklahoma smooth off the planet. How many times do we have to watch Big 10 and Big 12 teams get smoked anyway? When are we gonna put USC vs the SEC Champion? Am I the only guy in the world who understands that that is "The Game"?

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

USC vs the SEC champ?

Well Trojan, maybe that will happen when USC breaks ties with the Rose Bowl.

Geez, I hope that you still have the family after the Florida/Oklahoma game.

OU_Ron · 11 months ago

or learn how to beat Stanford and Oregon State...;-)

TheMayor · 11 months ago

OU Ron,

Don't forget Oregon...USC lost in Eugene last year 24 - 17.

OU_Ron · 11 months ago

Good point Mr Mayor, I forgot about that..

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

Good point.

BTW, In my opinion OU may just have the lethal combination that stops the gators. If Tebow went down, God forbid, what would happen to Florida. Seems to me that there are a lot of eggs in one basket.

badgerballer · 11 months ago

"I am so certain of it that I have mortgaged my whole families future on the game."

Wow. Fella, please tell me this is just an exaggeration to make a point.

Tommy_Trojan · 11 months ago

badgerballer:

It is.

TigerEducated · 11 months ago

LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!

Paterno didn't even come down from the booth at halftime? He "sent them a message" to "play Penn State Football".

Are. You. Kidding?

Yeah...That guy's the head coach, alright...LMAO!

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

JoePa has a short memory. This is the same football they played against Iowa. He's definitely the HC in name only.

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

82 years old and recent hip surgery. He would have spent the entire half time just getting down to the locker room.

He and Bowden need to stop playing their silly little game and let younger coaches have a chance.

Kevin @ Fanblogs · 11 months ago

Your blanket statement is laughable. You obviously didn't watch many FSU games. While Bowden doesn't call the plays, he wears the headset during close games and overrides the play calling. And you obviously didn't see Bowden working over the refs on live TV this year.

Paterno has turned over everything, including halftime, pre-game, post-game, and in-game... and that's without a successor on the sideline. Bowden is still actively involved, although he has given more latitude to the successor standing beside him.

"BC" · 11 months ago

great point Kevin.

Bobby Bowden is still a head coach.
he can still chew you out for making a mistake. he still knows what's going on. he has the same ability as he did at 50. as far as i can tell, he isn't losing touch.

Skip1 · 11 months ago

Maybe it's because I grew up 10 minutes away, but I love the Rose Bowl Game. Penn State/USC, doesn't get any better than this, even if the result is a blowout.

TheMayor · 11 months ago

Skip1

I can't wait it get back to another one! Such a great venue.

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

Good win for USC but in the end, no blowout.

badgerballer · 11 months ago

Final score is really not indicative of just how lop-sided the game was. USC could do anything they wanted to - on either side of the ball.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Sanchez threw for 413. When will the B(10)11 stop using a zone defense?

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

Good point.

TheMayor · 11 months ago

At least the UO's Danny O'Neil kept his Rose Bowl passing yardage record for another year!

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

Yeah, that's all that he has to hang onto since he never made it to the NFL.

TheMayor · 11 months ago

He never had any aspirations to go into the NFL, he became an ordained minister. Not all student atheletes play the game to go to the next level.

By the way, what are you hanging onto?

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

O'Neil was not drafted into the National Football League. He played part of one season with the Anaheim Piranhas of the Arena Football League before retiring from football.

Zac · 11 months ago

"...he became an ordained minister."

Now, that's what I call *Playing on Sundays.* Don't be surprised if a certain Gator does the same, after he graduates, that is.

akatheo · 11 months ago

why is it that the big 10 thinks they can play with the elite conferences. i.e. Pac 10/ SEC / Big 12

JaredIsKing · 11 months ago

because they know they can beat teams like Oregon St from the Pac-10, Florida from the SEC and Texas from the Big 12

Bama_Babe · 11 months ago

I hope you are kidding Peasant Jared...

Is that why the Big 10 has gone 1-5 so far in the bowls, and has a very good chance of finishing 1-6 with Ohio State playing Texas?? Yeah ... They would definitely beat the big teams from the SEC and Big XII. Oh and don't forget USC ... Oh that's right. They already stomped tOSU and Penn St.

Anyways, it's game day here in NOLA!! ROLL TIDE!! ;)

JaredIsKing · 11 months ago

the better question, why is it that "elite" conferences are afraid to travel north of the mason-dixon line to play big ten teams in the winter?

gatorhippy · 11 months ago

The even better question:

How do you continually come up with such silly notions, Jared?

Zac · 11 months ago

GH, obviously this is why WE don't go to Jared.

Mr2Bits · 11 months ago

Wow, just tuned into the Cotton. Hotty Toddy is going to be going crazy. Glad I picked Ole Miss but wish my confidence was more than 3

Zac · 11 months ago

The only defense against TX Tech that we've seen better than this was when they traveled to Norman.

Hotty_Toddy · 11 months ago

Someone apparently forgot to tell Ole Miss and Utah that we weren't supposed to win these games.

WITH A REBEL YELL! HOTTY TODDY GOSH OH MIGHTY! 47-34!

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

I have to say, I think Ole Miss is going to explode next year. Hey, why don't you rub off some of that "not supposed to win these games" magic onto my Buckeyes for this Monday night? They're going to need all the help they can get.

Hotty_Toddy · 11 months ago

Tom, we'll definately be aiming toward the SEC title next year. Most of our folks are returning, with the exception of a few losses including Peria Jerry and Michael Oher.

We just got tired of no one giving us a chance all year, even after we kept winning. And every one in the country, at least 91% of every one, didn't think we could do it. I knew we could. Mark May on ESPN of course didn't give us a chance. So the feeling is bitter sweet when you get to throw it back in all the doubter's faces. Hopefully you'll get that feeling if your team wins. ;)

Side Note: Even on the top 10 plays tonight, they didn't have a SINGLE OLE MISS PLAY! The Jevan Snead TD pass to Mike Wallace between those two defenders didn't make it, but the crappy little inward pass from Harrell to Crabtree did?! Are you kidding?! ESPN analysts are living in a fantasy world.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

I still saw that TD pass in the game highlights. Orgeron did a great job getting Snead to come to Ole Miss; do you think Nutt will do as good of a job at recruiting? (Side note...the book Meat Market...if you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.)

Anyway, I'm becoming more of a Ole Miss fan as time goes by, since they're always the underdog and have an incredible amount of talent around there. Too bad Orgeron couldn't put that talent to good use.

Hotty_Toddy · 11 months ago

I really don't know, Tom. All you hear from Arkansas fans is that Nutt is a terrible recruiter, won't do it well and we'll be regretting that decision in a year or two. But we've already picked up alot of great comittments, including one I think from Raymond Cotton, a dual-threat QB that was originally committed to Auburn.

So time will tell, we'll have to see.

Skip1 · 11 months ago

How much does someone like Phil Fulmer get paid to be an analyst? It has to be a substantial number to make it worth his while--but arguably it's priceless in terms of credibility for ESPN. What's a hundred thousand dollars or so between friends for a couple weeks' work with all the millions rolling in from Toilet Bowls across the country (no offense to the bowls, I love 'em).

Mr2Bits · 11 months ago

Wrong Place

Clemson_Joe · 11 months ago

When are coaches going to learn that under the current clock rules, if you are losing and there is 3 minutes or less in the game, you MUST go for it on 4th down. I would be willing to bet that no more than 2 times this season has a coach been in this situation, punted, and won. It's absolutely absurd. These coaches get paid so much money and they are just getting away with this buffoonery, without any repercussions whatsoever. It is my understanding that the coaches job is to give his players a chance to win the game.

Clemson_Joe · 11 months ago

Holy #*&" Utah is up 14-0 on Alabama. Wow, just wow.

Mr2Bits · 11 months ago

Someone tell BamaBabe to flash her sweater kittens as she needs to wake up her red elephants

Kevin @ Fanblogs · 11 months ago

Too late -- ben beat her to it.

Zac · 11 months ago

"Sweater Kittens"???

I've heard of "Sweater Puppies" before. I always thought the feline reference was in regards to...something else. Ya got me with that one.

Mr2Bits · 11 months ago

Yea they have always been sweater kittens or dos chi chi's to me

Clemson_Joe · 11 months ago

Both are new to me. They're sweater cows to me. I think I actually stole that one off of Stewie Griffin, but it's been in my active vocabulary for quite some time now.

Mr2Bits · 11 months ago

Does anyone know if Ben's phone has web browsing or do we get to enjoy the site without the "I told you so's" until he gets back to his hotel/Utah?

Kevin @ Fanblogs · 11 months ago

He has text... but I don't have his # anymore. :(

TigerEducated · 11 months ago

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guys...This is a masterful performance by the Utah Offensive Coordinator...

Saban's two Achilles' tendons have been the back out of the backfield, and a no-huddle that won't let him sub in wholesale on the line and in the secondary, as well as his actual plays, etc...

MASTERFUL job by the playcaller, early on...and this Alabama team is NOT set up to comeback. John Park Wilson taking shots downfield after he's already been hit half a dozen times in 10:00...Watch out for turnovers!

Clemson_Joe · 11 months ago

I agree. Saban is being completely taken to school so far. This has been astounding.

Now, can they keep it up?

Kevin @ Fanblogs · 11 months ago

21-0 Utah is the best thing that could have happened... for Fox.

Ben's got his mojo working!!!! (TE -- do we need a new open thread?)

OU_Ron · 11 months ago

Ben may have his laptop with him, if he does, he'll post a new thread by half time ;-)

Zac · 11 months ago

I never saw this coming. It was like a cross between GA/WVU & OK/WVU. Great job Utes!!!

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Definitely. If Utah holds this lead and beats Bama, Ben's going to let me have it. And rightfully so. No matter, I still win because BC will be put back in his place, and I respect Ben infinitely more than I do BC.

Clemson_Joe · 11 months ago

You certainly do not stand alone there, my man.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

I assumed as much. Do you think Bama can come back?

Clemson_Joe · 11 months ago

I picked them with 33 confidence points in the pick'em, and a Bama loss will absolutely sink my slim chances of winning this thing....

...but, I'm really liking the way the Utes are playing in this game, and I'd love to see them finish the job. I personally think they're going to do it.

What's your take?

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

I thought Bama would overpower these guys, especially since Utah squeaked by Michigan by only 2.

What do I know? Obviously, I don't know jack about predictions.

thebuckstopshere · 11 months ago

This might be a tad early but from what I see, Ben is gonna have some numbers to crunch. Exactly how does one calculate the amount of CROW that will need to be appropriated, for all who doubted? I'm sure theres an appropriate value based on a variable ratio of the amount of shit that was talked. Or something i'll leave it for him to fathom its over my head like the color differential thingy..................

Kevin @ Fanblogs · 11 months ago

Ben owes me big for shaming him into making the trip!

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Good on you. Someday, my wife and I will have the money to go on all these bowl trips...although I hope we'll be going to playoff games instead! ;-)

Zac · 11 months ago

Now I'm really wishing I bought tickets!!!

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

I will add one thing, just for fun...where's all that S-E-C SPEEEEEEEED we've been hearing all about? Looks like Utah has all the SPEEEEEEEED.

Wretch. What a myth. Oh, and after Herbstreit's commentary on USC last night, I've completely disowned him as a Buckeye. I think he's working on divorcing his wife tonight so he can work on gettin' himself some Trojan love.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Game on, fellas. Phenomenal punt return.

Bama_DevilDog · 11 months ago

That punt return showed a little bit of that speed.

But there is alot more coming.

Second half new ball game!

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

I didn't see speed as much as I saw strength, balance, and desire. And there are a lot more facets to a player's ability and winning a football game than the player's 40 times.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Wilson is a senior. Why is he throwing late, across his body, over the middle without squaring his body?

Clemson_Joe · 11 months ago

All through the bowls I've been saying the same thing. How do these kids make it to their final game as a senior QB and absolutely butcher the fundamentals like that? It's been endlessly frustrating for me. I want it to stop.

thebuckstopshere · 11 months ago

He doesn't have enough time too break wind let alone set his feet and deliver a strike.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Then he doesn't have any business throwing across his body, late, and over the middle, does he? How about throwing it OB like he's supposed to?

thebuckstopshere · 11 months ago

No, I'm just saying its kinda the result of being pressured and throwing on the run.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Oh, he's definitely rattled. Very surprising play from a senior, in my opinion.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Did Bama forget how to tackle and catch the ball during their time off?

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Could they telegraph that running play any more than they did? Their o-line was completely stood up.

thebuckstopshere · 11 months ago

Bama players are geting beat up they just lost another one.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

What do you think our chances are on Monday night?

thebuckstopshere · 11 months ago

I'm optimistic to a degree, i'll be happy if we make a game of it. I haven't decided if all the talk about using both QB's is a ploy or not. I'm thinking we should just try and run it down their throats with a healthy Wells.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Yeah. The closer the game gets, the less optimistic I'm becoming. I'm hoping the Northwestern/Missouri game was a good indicator. NU gave that game away, IMHO.

thebuckstopshere · 11 months ago

Speaking of two quarterbacks in the back field, did you by chance catch the Ravens game? They lined Flacco up wide right, snapped it to Smith who tossed it to Flacco and then rolled out to the left, Flacco threw it right back and hit smith wide open and he gained like thirty yards on the ground before the turf monster tripped him up. It was exciting to see a NFL team run that kind of play. but anyways maybe Troy called Tressel and suggested the play, because the next day is when i first heard talk about the Boekman and Pryor backfield

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

I saw the play you're talking about. I'd love to see the tendency breaking play calling from the 2007 Penn State game show up on Monday night.

1Tomcat · 11 months ago

Thats a real good Idea, ya hope they do that- run it down their throats.
The Texas D is all about stop the run
This game is going to be a geat one an tOSU is gonna play hard, these teams really matchup well and I just hope Texas brings their A game because if they do the Bucks will be in for a surprize.
Hookem-Horns

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Hmmmm...a pick 6 would make this game very interesting.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Wow. Talk about a jinx.

TigerEducated · 11 months ago

Guys...The theme of this game is questions, and answers...

Utah has answered Alabama in the 2nd half.

Start the half with a false start and a turnover? Give up a touchdown?

Answer with one of your own.

Give up a few long drives? Answer by bowing your back and forcing a field goal, which Tiffin's having a terrible time with.

Get pinned back with a big special teams play with Alabama looking to flip field position?

Answer by moving the chains once, and then uncorking a great punt of your own to maintain field position...

The biggest question of the night, though, is the pressure Utah's brought on Wilson, consistently. He has been hit, and it shows. He has made some odd throws, and its because he's not stepping into his passes. He's not stepping into them because he feels those hits the Utes laid earlier, and he feels the pressure they're still sending now.

Again, this Alabama team is NOT set up to comeback in the 2nd half. Utah knew this.

Credit the coaching staff of Kyle Whittingham for a great performance coaching and motivating this team...It's been a wonderful performance...

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

I agree with what you're saying, but there's still plenty of time left.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Not anymore.

Bevo_Boy · 11 months ago

Not anymore. Utah's done it again!

Not really sure why I'm rooting for them, though. I guess because I've never liked Bama and they're my only other choice lol

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

IMHO, you're rooting for them because they're the underdog. BTW, I'm getting more and more nervous about Monday night. If OSU gets beat again on the national stage, it's going to feel a lot like the '90s again. Very nauseating.

GO BUCKS!

Bevo_Boy · 11 months ago

Idk what to think about the game right now. Both teams have a lot to play for, although only Texas has a shot at (though a very slim shot) splitting the NC. Around here (eastern IN) a bunch of Texas fans popped up out of nowhere after Texas beat OU, then disappeared after the Tech game, and now they're OSU fans! I'm fairly confident going into the game, but there are quite a few ex-Texas fans telling me otherwise lol

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Considering the last 3 national TV games OSU has played, I'd be confident if I were you, too.

Plus...OSU will be starting a freshman QB.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Intentional grounding.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

The looks on the Alabama fans faces right now is priceless.

thebuckstopshere · 11 months ago

priceless and very familiar for us OSU fans.........

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Exactly. It's about time someone else felt the pain. Bleed Crimson...enjoy the looooong wait until the 2009 season, baby!

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

31-17. Alabama got punked by a Mountain West Conference team. Classic! So much for that SEC SPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED!

TigerEducated · 11 months ago

Let's be honest, I said before, Wilson isn't the guy you want to lean on...

He had 8 sacks tonight, and that's because Andre Smith caused three guys to shuffle on that line...It showed...

The pressure on defense, and the one dimensional rush-based attack was a lethal combination for Alabama once they went down early...

The first scoring drive for the Utes, along with the interception by Wilson, which Utah also capitalized on, sealed Alabama's fate. They had to go to the air, and they couldn't make it a line of scrimmage affair in the 2nd half.

Pass blocking was a terrible performance tonight for the Crimson Tide. Runblocking, however, went very well for them. The early spark and the gameplan was masterful.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

All true.

I'm going to steal Ben's thunder a bit here, and point out that Utah is the only undefeated team to win a BCS bowl game this season. And they won't be National Champs because we have a beauty contest in the BCS instead of a playoff system.

Hey Kevin. I think you've just found the team that would love to take on USC--or any other team out there for that matter.

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

Great sportsmanship Tom. I think you have your SEC teams mixed up through. Florida is the team with the speeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed!

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

"Great sportsmanship Tom."

If that was sarcastic, and I think it was, I hope you've been reading the rest of my comments, because the only Bama fan I have a beef with is Bleed Crimson. I told Ben Prather that Bama would mop the floor with Utah. Oops.

"I think you have your SEC teams mixed up through. Florida is the team with the speeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed!"

LOL! True...true. :-)

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

Yeah, I don't care for Bleed Crimson either. Sorry man.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

No apology necessary. I deserved it. I should've been more thoughtful of all the other Bama fans. I'm usually more careful than that, so please allow me to apologize.

ROLLTIDE_73 · 11 months ago

Ben Congrats Utah looked great tonight we looked like Crap...Its about all I can say

TigerEducated · 11 months ago

C'mon, man...What did you think about the early start?

Better yet...What about the no-huddle early taking Mt. Cody completely out of the game?

I want to see the post-game press conference to see what Saban says.

No other way to say it other than the Coach Of The Year got completely outcoached...

ROLLTIDE_73 · 11 months ago

No doubt the early no huddle killed us. they had a great game plan and a much better team than I think most of them gave them credit for.I wont trash talk the players on the team. the loss of smith turned out to be huge I think he could have man handled Krueger.
But with two Starting O linemen out it was two much.JPW isnt the Guy you want to have to win the game for you.His roll all season has been more dont loose the game.....I end with this Im happy of the turn around this season 12-2 is a great season no matter what anyone says and we will get better...Roll Tide and everyone have a great off season.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Classy comment...I empathize with you RT_73. I've been where you are, twice (so far). Trust me though, the sun will come up tomorrow.

ROLLTIDE_73 · 11 months ago

Thanks I know that we are better than what we showed on the field tonight but hey it is what it is.

WarEagleFan · 11 months ago

Utah is the NATIONAL CHAMPS....... Not in a BIG SIX conference no big deal just beat every team on your schedule and then BLOW them up in the Bowl Game. UNDEFEATED what a great TEAM. The AP should split the Title and give them Half they deserve it.
Hey Ben I owe you an apology No cinderalla this year enjoy the moment all of the fans have earned it and then some.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Agreed on all counts. I'm happily eating my crow though, knowing BC is crying in his beer somewhere.

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

Congrats to Utah. Excellent game!

TigerEducated · 11 months ago

Losing Andre Smith hurt BAD...But, that start was a dagger...21-0...That start buries a team that can't chuck it efficiently...and without a line to protect him, SJJPW wasn't going to get it done vertically.

Tom_Blogical · 11 months ago

Classy comment, sir.

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

I for one would have loved to see Utah play for the NC. Very impressive on offense and defense.

TigerEducated · 11 months ago

208 yards of total offense against Utah...

31 yards rushing?

Are. you. kidding?

Zac · 11 months ago

Without a doubt, this was ANOTHER great win for UT & the Mountain West. The one thing that will likely be on everyone's mind is, "To Split the NC or To not Split the NC?"

Before we answer this, lets make some comparisons with Boise St's run a few years ago.

Boise beat 6 bowl teams in the regular season; 5 of them won their bowl games.

UT beat 5 bowl teams in the regular season; 3 of them were winners. They also played Webber St (Play-off Div.) - 9-3 regular season; 10-4 after 2nd round.

Boise played 11-2, OK (Big 12 Champ). They led early on; OK came back to take the lead; Boise wins by 1 on game's final play.

UT played 12-1, AL (SEC Runner-Up). Utes led big early on; AL pulled w/in 4, but never led; Utes win by 14.

Now consider AL vs. FL & UT.

AL led twice in the game against FL. Glen Coffee rushed for over 100 yards in that game. AL lost by 11, having scored 20 on FL.

AL never led against UT. AL garnered all of 208 yds Total Offense; 31 yds rushing on 33 attempts. One of their 2 TD's was a highlight reel, game changing performance wanna-be, punt return by Javier Arenas. The other score came courtesy of one of the few heads-up plays by the Bama defense resulting in a UT fumble returned 10 yards to the UT 30. Bottom line: AL lost by 14, having scored 17 on UT.

Conclusion: If OK beats FL, the aforementioned comparison is arguably mute. If, however, FL "upsets" OK, then, I don't see how we can't have a split NC. (Yo, guys, before I state the obvious, somebody occupy Regan so he don't hear this.) Maybe they should play off.

"BC" · 11 months ago

wow. so alabama looked TERRIBLE tonight. i honestly cant figure out how this team won 12 games.
no competition? possibly.
no injuries to the O-Line? probably.

but i think what's being overlooked here is how good utah was. especially that QB. he was deadly accurate all night.
Utah's defensive front is what surprised me the most. they BEAT alabama's offensive line and were the first team all year to do it.
i think another thing that is being overlooked is that a RUNNING team lost TWO starting O-Linemen. one of which was the best lineman in the country. that is a HUGEEE factor. it can be overcome when you're playing a greatly inferior team, but when you're playing a good team like Utah, it hurts BAD as we saw tonight.

Alabama had to rely on JPW tonight. and every alabama fan knows that equals a loss.

and go ahead and dish out the smack talk if it makes you feel any better.
but don't get it twisted. Utah is a great team.
i believe that if we had Andre Smith we would've won, but oh well. we had an abysmal offense, and a lackluster defense tonight.

oh, and props to coach Wittingham. he coached an excellent game, and outcoached Saban.

one thing that i'm worried about for the future, is the spread offense. it almost seems like Nick Saban's defense has no answer for it...

here's my emotional state right now:
alright, tonight sucked, but we've got another top 5 recruiting class on the way, and JPW is GONNEEE!
we'll be better next year, just wait and see. we'll actually have a BALANCED offense.

here's to signing day and the 2009 season!

TigerEducated · 11 months ago

Good job of owning up...I'm very amazed the "best coach in the world" was outcoached, myself.

Saban's good for about an egg-or two-per year, and it happened in the worst possible time.

You hearing anything about what happened in the locker-room at the half, BC?

I'm hearing Saban melted down on Kevin Steele over the 1st half defensive performance.

NOT a good situation, and it shows your boys attitude, and ego. I've seen the no huddle and the back out of the backfield/underneath sit-down routes eat his defenses multiple times.

Running Cody out there early is also just begging a team to go no-huddle as well.

Saban needs to develop an adjustment for the playcalling and the substitution patterns for the no huddle issue. It is one he has not developed a solution to in 5 years.

As for your worries about the spread, face it, BC, it's a fad that's sticking. Everyone's going to have issues with it. I think your biggest problem was the start and the turnover by Wilson.

10 points by your offense was more of a result of them having to go away from their bread and butter run to set up the pass philosophy. The good news is, as you say, you get to make a fresh start at QB. The book on JPW read verbatim tonight.

You hit the kid, you keep your safeties back to help out the corners on passing downs, and you hit him early, pressure him regularly, and he folds after he gets hit. He stops stepping into throws, he checks down, and he starts to feel the pressure. Decent athlete, live arm, bad intangibles.

Pretty fitting that his last collegiate pass attempt was an interception.

A word of warning to you regarding 2009. Don't-not for an instant-bet your season on a first year starter. I've given you words of warning in the past, and this one's from the heart, man.

The rumor is that Star is moving to WR in the Spring, and Saban & Coach Mac actually went after our 4-star guy out of MS, Chris Garrett, who just said on a Scout Video at the Under Armor game, "They couldn't pay me a million dollars to play for Alabama." AJ did not grow this season like they hoped he would, and between this McElroy guy and McCarron, you are going to be shorthanded heading into '09 at QB.

With AJ having to redshirt (He's way to sleight to play next year), and Star not being the guy, they're going to HAVE to sign a JUCO as most of the good talent at QB is gobbled up already.

Your QB situation is secondary to OL concerns (as I'm guessing Smith as well as Caldwell are gone). You need to look to hang your hat on your defense next year. It should improve a good bit. But, don't hope your greenhorn QB position is about to magically start winning games with a line in a state of flux.

Great season, bad ending, hope for the best on February, and good luck in '09....except when you face us in Tuscaloosa!

"BC" · 11 months ago

god. im still on new year's eve schedule.

first off, last year y'all won a NC with a first-year starter at QB. look at how much Ole Miss improved with Snead. don't tell me a new starter at QB automatically means a less productive offense.
Personally, i believe that AJ McCarron and Greg McElroy will both develop into MUCH better QBs than JPW.
i'm prepared for the growing pains. the stupid throws, the INTs. but god, after 3 years of watching JP, im just desperate to see a pass hit a receiver in stride. i know i'll see it next year. the only times i saw it this year were when McElroy entered the game.
and also, i dont see why everyone thinks McCarron needs to bulk up. he's 6' 4" and has a powerful arm. he's also pretty quick. i mean, why does a QB need to be big? it certainly helps (Tebow), but isn't necessary (Colt McCoy)
AJ McCarron is listed as 6'4" and 190 lbs.
Colt McCoy and Graham Harrell are both 6'3" and 200 lbs.
and i've been told McCarron has been working out a lot since his commitment, as well as learning the offense.
according to his interview, nick saban told him he has the ability to start next season. so that's what he's striving for. it may happen it may not.

As far as our line, DJ Fluker will be all-SEC as a freshman. believe that.
i don't think it will be as good as it was this year, but certainly head and shoulders above what you saw out there tonight.

We'll also have a better HB lineup with Glen Coffee, Trent Richardson, and Mark Ingram.
remember there were only 9 seniors on this year's team, and only 3 that we'll really miss...

i think we're going to win the national championship next year

TigerEducated · 11 months ago

Matt Flynn had a ridiculous amount of experience in games by his senior year. He'd also played almost the whole way in the 2005 SEC Championship Game, as well as starting and winning the 2006 Peach Bowl (Where he won the MVP).

AJ McCarron weighed in at the Under Armor game under 175 pounds. He's simply too small. This is the word I get from your staff and your people. Not mine. So, when you're disagreeing with this opinion, then you're telling Alabama folks they're wrong, not me.

As for Nick Saban telling him he's got an opportunity to start next year...BC...Do you really think he'd tell him anything else? Better yet, he also told him he'd be a part of a 1 QB class, and then AJ's family found out he's still actively looking for a JUCO warm body as well as trying to get on some HS QB's late.

The way to tell if Saban's lying to a recruit is to see if his lips are moving. AJ's family loves Alabama too much to renege, but his dad let Saban have it for the lies he told the family during the recruiting process.

Tommy_Trojan · 11 months ago

BC:

You are insane. If anybody is gonna be all-SEC (DJ Fluker), as a freshman, then your conference has really got to suck. Especially if it's a lineman. He may start for Alabama - but he is certainly not going to be all-SEC as a freshman. And, your QB McCarron is not gonna start either. Freshmen QB's who can normally start are redshirt freshmen. The last notable true freshmen to start at QB, was Jimmy Clausen at Notre Dame, and you can bet your butt that Saban isn't gonna let that happen to him. Michigan also started a true freshmen last year.

Any QB needs one year to even learn the system. If they start this kid McCarron - you will be lucky to finish the season at 3-9, just like Notre Dame in 2007, and Michigan in 2008. I can't understand what you are in a hurry for? McElroy is gonna be your QB next year. TE is absolutely correct. What is Saban gonna tell some kid, who doesn't want to hear that he isn't good enough to start, that he isn't good enough? No, he's gonna tell him that he's God's gift to the SEC conference, and then try and make him into a QB. That's the way that it really works. Playing College football is just a little different than High School ball. This QB McCarron is rated all that high anyway. What is he - like the 64th player in the country? Clausen was rated # 1 when he completely flopped. Why don't you just leave the thinkin' to Nick Saban. He might know what is best for your team.

DuckCanuck · 11 months ago

Isn't that the same as saying the Pac-10 must really suck if Jacquizz Rogers of Oregon State, also a freshman, were name Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year? 'Cause he was.

Bama_Babe · 11 months ago

I'll post more tomorrow, but I just wanted to congratulate Ben and his Utes. They looked pretty darn good tonight, and their undefeated season is one to be proud of.

As for Bama, my thoughts on the game will come in the morning...

TigerEducated · 11 months ago

2:58am CST and you're NOT OUT IN NEW ORLEANS?

All I can is wow...

Bama_Babe · 11 months ago

Actually, I was out in New Orleans...I was sitting at Cafe du Monde on my iPhone waiting on a server when I posted that above...had just left bourbon and my cousin and I had a craving for some beignets...

So ok, TE...I want the truth. What did you do with my Crimson Tide boys? Where did you lock them up? And where in the world did you find their replacements? Wal-Mart? Because those players on the field last night were NOT the same ones who played the previous 13 games this season. I don't even know where to begin...

ANDRE ANDRE ANDRE. I was right about the pass protection problem. And the loss of Mike Johnson was a KILLER. They had been practicing all week with him at LT and the rest of the line moved around, and then when he went down, I knew it was going to be an even longer night for the offense. Drew Davis did a good job at RT all season, but there is a reason the LT is the 2nd highest paid position in the NFL...and he is simply not made for it. Everyone knows that JPW is not the QB that can make plays when he has pressure....actually, pressure doesn't even begin to describe what the Utes were bringing. John Parker simply had no time whatsoever. He's not to blame for the entire offense's flop, but he didn't help the situation. I could have strangled him when he overthrew WIDE OPEN Stover. Hate for him to have to leave with a performance like that though..and that goes for all 9 seniors.

The story of the game was the 1st quarter. After Utah's first drive, I had that horrible feeling in my stomach - that feeling that you know you are in trouble. Props to Whittingham and staff for putting together an awesome gameplan. They struck fast and hard. They beat us at our own game : the line of scrimmage.

31 rushing yards you ask? There wasn't even time to get a running game going...Utah knew if they got up, it would be hard for Bama to come back with a passing game. I was way off when I said I thought Coffee and Co would still run for 100 yards, but 8 sacks for 53 yards did not help at all...

I can't come up with an explanation as to why the entire team was so off. No one came to play, with the exception of Bobby Greenwood, Javier (at points), and maybe a few others. There were signs of life in 2 minute spurts throughout the game, but that was it. Kareem Jackson totally forgot how to tackle. That play was right in front of where I was sitting and almost made me puke. Marquis Johnson forgot how to cover. He was beat all night long. I was very surprised at the poor performance of the defense. But I guess Utah's offense gets much of that credit. Everyone underestimated them, except for maybe Mr. Prather.

With all that said, I am still proud of this team for accomplishing the things it did this season. WAY overachieved. The future is looking bright (even though I may have to wait til 2010). I'll take 12-2 over 7-6 ANYDAY. It just hurts that we couldn't win the games that mattered...

I'm trying to get as many positive things out of this as possible, but it's tough. Maybe Saban can use his "finish" speech for motivation for 2009. Maybe it will make the players even more hungry than they already would have been. Whatever it may be, ending with this disappointment is going to be tough thing to get me through the offseason.

Bring on National Signing Day....

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

Thanks to TE's extensive coverage of Alabama football, (especially the losses), no need for Bama fans to ever have to Google anything. I'm thinking that he's a closet fan.

:-)

burn_after_reading · 11 months ago

Can we come to an overwhelming understanding now that this 'week in week out' difficult SEC schedule is a worthless argument. Utah struggled to beat TCU in the Mountain West, and then destroyed Alabama. The same Alabama that walked through the SEC. The south needs a reality check. And it should start with CBS's Gary Danielson.

Kevin @ Fanblogs · 11 months ago

No can do. Danielson gets paid to prime the SEC pump, otherwise CBS might not break even on those billions to the SEC.

Zac · 11 months ago

I have to wonder how TCU feels, knowing they arguably should have won that game against the Utes. Woulda, coulda, shoulda...it's the scoreboard that counts.

BamaBorn · 11 months ago

Haven't seen this posted on the blog yet.

Smith made it official on Saturday.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=380...

Husker_Chris · 11 months ago

Not to be a total homer... And sorry that my posts have been so erratic, school has been a beyotch for me last semester, BUT where's the love for the Huskers? Pelini's first year 9-4 is not too bad, ey? With very winable games going into the last minutes with VT and overtime with TT, they could have realistically been 11-4. I believe RG owes the Big Red at least a little acknowledgment after his gloomy gus predictions about our rookie coach...

Zac · 11 months ago

No shortage of love for the Big Red Machine where I live. Ask any of the dozens of guys with whom I work and love the Huskers. I told em all NE was gonna win it. I even got to tell a couple of em during half-time that they'd come back. Nut'n but a bunch-o-happy boyz round here.

OU_Ron · 11 months ago

Pick em contest looks very close.........miss just one of the next 3 games and you will be out of the running for the top spot, real close between the top 5 or 6..