No. I think Alabama should be #1. We will see tomorrow.
Kevin @ Fanblogs
· 1 year ago
They should ABSOLUTELY jump Alabama.
TrojanLuver1
· 1 year ago
Speaking of teams that lose TWICE before they can even win their Conference?? See Oklahoma wishing that Texas will lose twice so they can "Keep Hope Alive" for the BCS Title game.... Best BCS Buster Utah.. they have the D to Beat BYU... and it's a HOME game for the Utes!!!
Tommy_Trojan
· 1 year ago
We can't possibly be of the same gender?
D Trigger
· 1 year ago
USC is a guaranteed loser today. They can’t win games like this when they’re slightly favored against a decent team with a good tradition. Kentucky does not fall in that category. The Gamecocks can’t develop a real football tradition that includes consistent winning because they can’t win games like the game today against TN. Spurrier knows this and he’s quietly planning his exit to retirement like all the others. Same ole story. Coaches Graveyard.
U.of S.C.1978
· 1 year ago
Good post Ben. The thing is, we are right there at the point of the season where strength of schedule, should matter more than W's or L's.
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
SOS is important. This is why undefeated Tulsa will be below a two loss SEC team with a name. If you all win next week you will pass them.
U.of S.C.1978
· 1 year ago
I've got one whiny kind of complaint. What was that crap Raycom was doing where they changed the uniform colors on the players, at breaks? It looked like they were adding old history, into todays game. Disconcerting at best.
GeauxTigers0107
· 1 year ago
I'll be the first (at least in this thread) to congratulate the Gators in an impressive (understatement) win over the Tigers of LSU. Calling it merely a win would be like calling the sinking of the Titanic a boating accident.....lol. Quite simply, they kicked our azzes up one end and down the other. My prediction of 9-3, although argued vehemintly on another thread, is clearly a reality and certainly in the realm of possibility.
Congrats to all the Texas fans on here (sorry, OU_Ron) for a great win in the R-cubed. That was an awesome game to watch. In fact, it seriously delayed my cooking efforts for the gang today because I couldn't pull away from my 52"er.
Geaux Tigers Geaux SEC
Clemson_Joe
· 1 year ago
That must've been terrible to watch that classic on a 52" screen with good food waiting in the wings. Sounds like a rough day! Well, at least until the LSU/Florida kickoff...
I agree man. 9-3 is a definite possibility, but 10-2 isn't out of reach at all either.
TigerEducated
· 1 year ago
I ditched my normal routine and watched it out on the Amite River Diversion Canal...Had a sauce piquant that a friend's neighbor cooked up, and then had to take the game in on a 36" tube TV, of all things...
The one good thing was that we broke out some "Dirty Martini" shots at halftime, and then hit the Maker's Mark & 7 in the 4th quarter...I couldn't even enjoy a whole drink, to be honest, though (Very unlike me)...
Really depressing performance last night...
Clemson_Joe
· 1 year ago
I didn't even have 1 beer yesterday (since I was sitting at work for the duration). I'm hoping to do it up next Saturday though.
I don't know if you remember (I mentioned it over the summer) but for a bachelor's party next year that I'm planning, we are going to go to a new (new to us) college town for a good college football experience. After reading your's and GT's accounts of tailgating down there, I think it's the #1 choice at this point. Actually the main reason I want to go is for the food.
Zac
· 1 year ago
I had 8 hours of driving to do; so, I couldn't even drink; not to mention, I missed ALL THOSE GAMES!!!. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
Zac
· 1 year ago
"Sauce Piquant", isn't that manufactured by Benjamin Moore?
Seriously, TE, my condolences on what had to be a complete break-down. Had anyone told me there was a team out there that could beat LSU by 30, let along hang 51 points on em, I'd have joined them in their "Maker's Mark & 7" dreams. LSU is not my team, and I still can't believe it. My hat's off to FL on a stellar effort.
Bama_Babe
· 1 year ago
The Florida domination of LSU didn't surprise me at all. I actually told people all week that I thought Florida was going to win. I didn't think they would win as big as they did, though. To me, LSU was overrated - I'm not saying they aren't a good team with a lot of talent - it's just that they had only played four games. Four. And their "big win" of those 4 games was against Auburn. Not such a big win anymore, huh?
However, I know LSU will rebound and still be a tough team to beat the remainder of the season. Florida sure proved that they are better than that team that played Ole Miss. Can't wait for the rest of the season!
Roll Tide!
TigerEducated
· 1 year ago
Wow...
I guess the plug for your Crystal Ball didn't have enough length for you to bring it over here to show off your prognostication abilities?
Using your logic, one of your two "big wins" wasn't a big win, at all, was it?
To apply your own logic, even more, if we beat you & Georgia later in the season:
1.) How "big" will the UGA win be for you? 2.) How over-rated will you be?
What a joke...
Enjoy the ride, Bama_Babe...and don't forget...With the obvious predisposition to clairvoyance you've exhibited, you may want to pick up some PowerBall tickets, too!
blackdawg
· 1 year ago
TE we are going to play our 4th different left tackle next week after Vince Vance went down (knee out for the season). Kiante Tripp believe or not was moved from tackle to tight end after we lost two tight ends to injury. Cordy Glenn a true freshman will probably start at guard, our second true freshman on the line, and Clint Boling will move to left tackle. Our line is a mess right now.
TigerEducated
· 1 year ago
I notice he limped off...I hate it for the kid, because at this point in the year, his only hope is a Medical Redshirt...and after this much of the year, its liable he's burned an entire year of eligibility, which means you guys are probably going to have to adjust recruiting to fill at least one-two more spots with OL to refill...
Sturdivant rehabbing and coming back and being able to RS is going to be good news, though...You'll benefit with the extra year early in his career...
Your team is shaping up to get a lot of experience to a lot of newbie OL for the next few, and you'll have a good receiver corp and excellent line and RB for 2009, so that when you break in a new QB, you can lean on the line and the rush game to bring him along slowly...
You're lucky you have an aerial game & that same great RB this year to move the ball in spite of the pass pro & blocking issues...
Ya'll be fine, but losing another one is tough...
Bama_Babe
· 1 year ago
TE, Did I offend you in some way?? Geez. Your post would have made me feel like an idiot if I had actually mentioned anything about Alabama in my first post. Not once did I say Alabama was going to win out. Not once did I say the Clemson win was big. Not once did I say I was psychic.
Excuse me for expressing my thoughts about a game that your almighty Tigers lost. If I recall correctly, earlier in the season you stated that LSU would be favored in every game they play and you had as high of hopes for them as most Bama fans do for our team. But apparently - and this is the "logic" yourself and a few others seemingly go by - if Alabama fans think their team is good and has a chance to win a NC, they are stupid, obnoxious, and "Koolaid drinkers". But if fans of another school (i.e. you with LSU) think their team is good and has a chance to win a NC, they are just supporting their team with high hopes.
But that's fine with me. Hate all you want. I'll be in a good mood all week looking forward to the Ole Miss game, while you and your Tigers are sitting in the corner thinking about what you did wrong.
Lennie Collins
· 1 year ago
Could it have been something you said? Maybe it's how you said it?
TigerEducated
· 1 year ago
She's off her teleprompter, so to speak...
As if I have a problem with anyone supporting their team here...
TigerEducated
· 1 year ago
First off, let me give you a piece of knowledge I learned a long time ago...
There is no one that can make you feel anything, except for yourself. So, please don't project your feelings onto my actions or responses, here.
Yeah, Bama_Babe...You did offend me, or rather, I allowed what you said to offend me, but it has nothing to do with what you said, as much as you how you said it...
I could say, "Well, folks...I'm not surprised about Oklahoma State at all. I was telling people all week that Gundy is a MAN...He's FORTY ONE!"
I didn't because the people I'm talking to weren't the people I said that to going into the game...The next time you want to talk about how you "knew" and "weren't surprised" around here, then why not tell us beforehand? Or join our pick 'em contest so you can gloat like that?
In other words, don't talk scoreboard-or about your soothsaying ways-unless you came over here and blessed us all with it...
It's easy to write history when nobody saw it, y'know? Sort've like the way your program claimed a dozen national titles while nobody was looking? LOL...
Let's move on to my next point...I never said that you said any of those things, did I?
I simply applied the logic you used in a statement that you DID make, to your team and some of both your upcoming games and opponents and your past games and opponents.
Am I going too fast here? It shouldn't be that hard to keep up...You talked about one of our wins, and I'm merely talking about one of yours, and then did some daisy-chaining, just as you did.
I never said you mentioned Clemson. I did. I never claimed that you said you'd win out. I'll need your help here in pointing out where I did...
I guess I'll also need to back the logic down a little bit for you from here on out...It's obviously not your strong suit...
Now, before you hit respond...Re-read this message. S-l-o-w-l-y...and re-read what you wrote beforehand, too...
Then think...REALLY HARD...and THEN respond, boo...
Bama_Babe
· 1 year ago
Well, isn't someone just a little hypocritical? After Alabama beat Georgia, you posted saying you knew Georgia was "overhyped" and weren't as good as everyone thought. But, correct me if I'm wrong, I don't think you posted before the game that you thought UGA would lose. In fact, I'm almost positive you figured Bama would get pounded. However, I don't think the GA fans got on your ass like you just did mine. So I think you need to go back and read what you just posted "S-L-O-W-L-Y", if you must.
Let me ask you this, Mr. TigerEducated. Does putting people down make you feel better about yourself? Make you feel smarter? You sure do it a lot. Now let me tell you this. Do NOT insult my intelligence.
I took a small little hit at your TEAM, and you come back with a punch at me and my intelligence. Nice..
OU_Ron
· 1 year ago
Ding-Ding-Ding, round 2 about to commence....
Zac
· 1 year ago
"Let's get ready to Rumble!!!" OOPS! You did say Rd 2, didn't you. My bad...
TigerEducated
· 1 year ago
First and foremost, I was wrong about the Alabama/Georgia score. If asked, I will admit to it.
I'll also admit that UGA's got a wreck of an OL, that's only gotten worse since then.
I was wrong about our game as well. They outcoached, out schemed, put more speed on the field, and took it to us in one way: COMPLETELY.
My sense of self isn't defined by posts on an internet message board, BB, I can assure you that. What I achieve or fail to achieve in this life isn't going to be in spite of nor because of what I say and how I carry myself here.
I'm quite confident in who I am, Mrs. Babe. You want to talk of insulting your intelligence, yet you've ignored everything that prompted and warranted my response to you.
Completely. "I took a small little hit at your TEAM," is right...I don't put up with any without reciprocating in spades, BB...You haven't posted with enough frequency to ascertain this modus operandi on my part.
Think of TE like this: What you give, you get back, ten-fold...He's human, but he's a caustic human.
He doesn't suffer a lying, cheating, arrogant, snobbish, boorish, redneck-infested, Colleen-populated, cavalier, oblivious fanbase like those the University of Alabama produces in mass numbers, for an instant.
Not here, not anywhere.
I love my school and my University, and if you take a small hit, expect to get the verbal/keyboarded equivalent of a sledgehammer in return.
Once again...The next time you "tell everyone" about how you knew all along, be sure to come here and share your Miss Cleo-like abilities with all of the plebians here at Fanblogs.
Plenty of folks make picks here, and us low-country folk would be well-served to receive your manna from heaven.
Just as no one can offend you without you allowing it, no one can attack your intelligence without you first putting your intelligence-or lack thereof-on display at first.
Remember that.
The_Observer
· 1 year ago
I feel a bit sorry for TE. He is like a pitbull that has no teeth...he will certainly jump up and bite your ass, but it just doesn't hurt anymore.
Bama_Babe
· 1 year ago
You're the king of bullshit.
By your "defensiveness" , one would think i came on here and said "HAHAHA LSU GOT STOMPED! I KNEW IT! I CALLED IT ALL ALONG! I'M F'ING PSYCHIC!!!" Umm, no. I simply said that it didn't surprise me. I have a Prognosticators group, and I was the only one who picked Florida. Sorry I can't prove that to you.
You're confident, are you? Maybe cocky would be the better word. You take stabs at my intelligence AND my fanbase, but yet, you can't take a little hit on your team. Get over it. You hold your Tigers so high and put just about every other team down. But heym, if you didn't, you wouldn't be a college football fan on this blog. So what if I made a comment about LSU's loss? I'm sure you'll be the FIRST one to say something if/when Alabama loses. Will I come on here and call you stupid? No, because intelligence has nothing to do with our teams winning or losing. But go ahead. Come back and talk about my "lack thereof" intelligence. Usually those who have to downgrade others, just need an upgrade themselves.
Remember that.
TigerEducated
· 1 year ago
Remember this...I've been taking Bama down a peg here for 5 years...
I won't "be" the first one...I already was the first one...
Remember that.
Oh, and you're right about one thing....
I am the king of bullshit :)
Tommy_Trojan
· 1 year ago
Glad we got that outta the way. For a 2nd there - I almost thought that you might be forthcoming.
Zac
· 1 year ago
"I am the king of bullshit :)"
Nah, you're just King Richard.
Zac
· 1 year ago
Now...I just know I'm gonna be sorry for ask'n, but what in the name of Jill St. John is "Colleen-populated"???
Bama_Babe
· 1 year ago
Zac,
What TE is referring to is the lady that kissed Nick Saban when he first arrived at the airport in Tuscaloosa two January's ago. You see, TE likes to bash Alabama's fanbase and compare all the women to a crazy, white trash fan like Colleen. Guess he's never taken a look at the women in "Red Stick"...
TigerEducated
· 1 year ago
Do yourself a favor...Compare Alabama women to Baton Rouge women-ANY DAY.
There's a reason the toothbrush was invented in Alabama, Bama_Babe...
If it were invented anywhere else, it would've been called the teethbrush...
War_Eagle_Atlanta
· 1 year ago
Her name is Collette, and she is NOT white trash. Somebody loved her enough to dump a fortune into her teeth...
Any chick that smiles for her mug shot is okay in my book...
I just think she drinks too much....
TigerEducated
· 1 year ago
Phenomenal...
I have seen a few things...
1.) Nobody respects the vertical threat deep against LSU compared to 2007. It's because we don't have a vertical deep threat yet with the kid still developing....and when Hatch is in, forget about it. The kid couldn't throw a K-2 sized football 40 yards downfield without Dick Cheney trying to shoot it...
This means teams are crowding the line because they don't respect the vertical passing game.
2.) Our youth at QB is also hurting the passing game. The biggest manifestation of this was on the TD pass at the half...Lee FINALLY went through a progression, and when he shifted his eyes, Mitchell caught it for 6 points...The ENTIRE secondary is watching his eyes, because as young as he is, he simply doesn't look off his receivers. We've got the most talented receivers in the conference, and because he's not a polished passer that can read a defense and check down through his progressions, we're stagnating through the air. He also started throwing off his back foot and sacrificing accuracy for lazy mechanics from the 2nd quarter on. Hence all the off-center throws...That will get better as he gets older and more experience...
3.) Lack of creativity in the rush offense. Simply put, we have an offensive line that can play with anyone. It just didn't play well last night. I'm watching the game for the 3rd time, and Herman Johnson did not play well. Our future millionaire at LG just did not play well. No other way to say it.
Ciron Black? Our future millionaire at LT? Well, he played worse than Johnson. He played possibly his worst game in an LSU uniform. If there was a block to be made, he missed it. He will grade out VERY low on this tape. VERY.
Beyond that, the playcalling, and the scheme in the rush attack is very vanilla. When we line up in the I and put Quinn Johnson in at FB, as goes Quinn Johnson, so goes Chuck Scott...Florida simply sold out to the direction that Johnson headed, as they knew Scott would follow, no matter what.
He did, and we were stuffed continually because of that and the left side of our line deciding to take the night off...
Add to that the pass offense slowing down and a freshman being unable to pull the chain to get it started, and we had a crappy game from that standpoint...
I still think this is going to be a GREAT team, and the nucleus on offense is all returning, and Lee is going to do nothing but improve. We need to go through games like this. The 2004 team-coming off a national title-ran into a Georgia team that was aggravated after losing to LSU twice the year before in Baton Rouge and Atlanta.
We took that one on the chin 48-17...
Imagine that...We beat Florida and took them off their Defending National Champion pedestal last year, on the way to winning the title ourselves, and this year, we get 51 hung on us...
It happens, but what I found most disturbing is on the defensive side of the ball with the woofing and barking after we had 30+ points hung on us...That's uncalled for and shows a lack of sportsmanship. It makes me sad for my University, honestly...
There are some internal issues that Miles is going to address this week from that standpoint, and a few other issues on defense that we need to adjust, and I've got every confidence that this team is on the way up...
TigerEducated
· 1 year ago
Why is it that everytime I try to respond to your post here it puts it at the bottom of the page?
DISQUS is operating like the LSU defense last night, evidently...
TigerEducated
· 1 year ago
Just know this...
Sauce Piquant=Good
gatorhippy
· 1 year ago
Our corndogs were delicious...
Andouille in a jalapeno corn meal dip with fries and tater salad on the side...
Of course plenty of bourbon and belgians to go around...
Thoughts on the game...
My predicted "face punching" was correct...only the roles were reversed...
Who exactly had the open date last weekend?
Jeff Demps and Janoris Jenkins = The future in the present...
LSU has the best damn band in the SEC...they were rockin' out the Pride of the Sunshine all night with a pep band...
Perhaps Ricky Jean should have consulted Geno Hayes to get a perspective on how running your mouth about takin' out the He15man works out for you...
TigerEducated
· 1 year ago
Considering the azzhat didn't even travel with the team for the game due to injury, I'd say he's learned his lesson...
He was disciplined internally after we issued the statement...He is being humbled this year after reading his press-clippings after last year's two game phenom performance in the SECCG and the BCSCG...
Still awestruck by how poorly we played on defense...Our pass rush is totally inept...We have our defensive ends taking such wide angles to the quarterback...It's so easy for a guy to just slide up into the pocket and buy time on them because our DL are getting stood up and watching for the rush up the middle...
Our Co-DC's are being looked at...Looooooooooong and hard, Hipster...
Some grumblings in Tiger Town...
The offensive performance is to be expected as far as Lee was concerned, especially considering we had the two best players on our line decide not to show up performance-wise. We showed a ridiculous amount of predictability in the rush offense. The fullback is a tell the size of Texas for us there...
You took advantage, and also completely schooled our "Co-DC" situation, which is about to come to a head after last night, I believe...
Like I said...some grumblings in Baton Rouge after last night...
GeauxTigers0107
· 1 year ago
Joe: It was painful....real painful. Luckily, most everybody ate before kickoff because not too many felt like eating after it...lol. The drinking did progress at a rapid rate though. Two of the party participants had to be driven home by non-drinkers and one even crashed here. I do agree with you...10-2 is possible, very possible. But that hinges on some serious corrections/adjustments being made to the defensive scheme and minor (for lack of a better word) corrections to the offensive side of the ball. Most of that boils down to the inexperience at QB. Lee is not a bad kid by no means. He just needs experience. Time on the field will give him that. That's why I'm not a fan of platooning QB's. It limits the starters reps, albeit only 8-10 per game. But what do I know...I'm just an armchair coach anyway...lol.
I sucked azz in the Pick 'em this week too, to make matters worse. I only got 6 pts. I would've done better to not pick and let Ben give me whatever the weeks rations were.
Geaux Tigers Geaux SEC
War_Eagle_Atlanta
· 1 year ago
THIS was no boating accident...
Tommy_Trojan
· 1 year ago
Ben:
There is no way that Texas Tech moves up for a win over Nebraska, in overtime, in their own backyard. Several one-loss teams deserve to be rated higher than them. Those might include Oklahoma, Georgia, USC and even Ohio State for all I know. I do know that Texas Tech will lose three games before the regular season is over. We've watched this team score big points for several years now. Yet, they rarely win a game against another good team. Those games are coming.
Tyler_Tech
· 1 year ago
Tommy i agree with you that we should not move up in the polls. But come on man, we all know you are still a bit sore, your thigh got knawed on by a beaver and were dissapointed that your QB threw 3 picks today. Bottom line is,(like I posted earlier), we won and we will move on to next week. Tech is historically inconsistent, but we played awfull today, completley changing the identity of our offense(threw the ball only 25 times) and still came out with a win. Mark us to lose three games if you wish, and you will join the rest at the end of the season. Sorry for the malicious talk but I had a few iced beverages today and am tired of all the SC talk. Hope your boys expect to be handed more wins while someone like UCLA shoves it down your throat to ruin your season. Peace.
Tommy_Trojan
· 1 year ago
Tyler:
We're not gonna lose to UCLA this year. I doubt if we'll lose another game. Not that we're so great - it's just that the PAC doesn't have any more great teams to beat us. We already have handled Oregon and Arizona State. California can never beat us and Arizona doesn't look quite as capable now. I'm not bantering USC right now. We do have a history of closing out the season very strong (sans the UCLA game two years back).
Which is exactly opposite of Texas Tech. Tech's history is that they finish poorly. They always start off pretty strong, rolling up very impressive offensive stats at weak OOC competition, and then fade at the end of their tough Big 12 schedule. I'm not knocking your team. Fact is: you probably play in the toughest division that there is. You still have to play Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State this year. I don't know who you've got left from the North. All I know is that is quite a gauntlet, and Texas Tech historically, has never closed the deal. Maybe they can do it this year. But, I am not quite so sure that they deserve such lofty status until they actually do it. That's all I'm saying. I did not take a hit at Texas Tech per say. I'd just want to see them take down a Top Ten opponent before we want to place them in the Top Five.
PrinceMarko
· 1 year ago
1. Alabama 2. Texas 3. Penn State 4. USC 5. Florida 6. Texas Tech 7. BYU 8. Oklahoma 9. Georgia 10. Oklahoma State
Florida and Bama will cannibalize each other, Texas and Oklahoma State will do the same.
Basically if falls to the hands of Penn State winning out and USC winning out. IF they do, they are in the National Championship. If they dont, Florida, Alabama, BYU, Oklahoma, Texas and Georgia are looking to sneak in.
bevo
· 1 year ago
You devalue BYU's win over UCLA. Yet, you do not devalue Alabama's win over Clemson. Can you explain the logic?
Who does Penn State play? Ohio State?
It is long past time for SoS to return to the process. Too many teams (Ohio State, Georgia, Texas Tech) load up on Division I-AA or piss poor Division I-A teams.
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
Oh, I have devalued Alabama's win over Clemson. Trust me.
Their win over Georgia is where their value comes from. Texas probably beat a better team but Alabama won much more convincingly. I think the win by Florida over LSU is as impressive, but a loss hurts their credibility.
GA_Boy
· 1 year ago
Texas will jump BAMA in the polls.
Lennie Collins
· 1 year ago
This is how it should be:
1) Alabama 2) Texas 3) Penn State 4) Texas Tech 5) Oklahoma
Skip
· 1 year ago
I could see Alabama jumping to #1 in the AP poll and the coaches opting for Texas. I'd vote for Alabama based on the schedule. Their schedule has been moderately tougher, even with a disappointing Clemson, and three of their hardest four games have come on the road.
That said, under the current BCS system, there is no practical difference between the top two rankings. Teams in those two spots hold a joint #1. The real question is about who gets left out at #3.
JLack84
· 1 year ago
Here's a general question for all the SEC fans out there: How likely do you guys see an SEC championship match-up between an unbeaten Alabama team against a one loss Florida team? I realize that may be a bit of a stretch given the way in which teams are constantly being upset this year, but when you stop to look at it Alabama and Florida both only have 1 or 2 humps left to climb on their schedules. Alabama's toughest opponent (while they certainly won't sleep on anyone) looks to be LSU - a team that is struggling due to lack of depth at the QB position. Florida, on the other hand, merely has to best UGA in the "World's Largest Cocktail Party" in Jacksonville and everything else seems like smooth sailing from there.
Bottom line: In my opinion if Alabama can beat LSU and Florida can beat UGA I believe those two teams have a strong chance of running the table and meeting in the SEC championship. Who else is with me?
Zac
· 1 year ago
JLack84, I'm not an SEC, but am fascinated by that conference race, and hope you'll accept my perspective.
Bama & FL have some very interesting games coming up and a surprisingly number of games in common. Both host(ed) KY & Ole Miss, and both travel(ed) to GA & TN. Thus far Bama has an uninspired win against KY to go with their impressive offensive performance (only an 11 pt win, however) at GA. FL has the 1 pt home loss to Ole Miss, but an impressive 24 pt win at TN. While both play LSU, FL had them at home (Ungracious hosts they were.), while Bama has the unenviable task of being their guests.
Among Bama's remaining games are the home stand against Ole Miss & the visit to TN. In addition to their visit to LSU, they also host Auburn. FL hosts KY before visiting GA AND Vandy, before hosting SC & visiting FSU (an emotion packed non-conference game).
By comparison, it's hard to argue that either team will have or has had the more challenging road. In my opinion, to more accurately compare the 2, AL's showings against MS, TN, & LSU are key (can't count out MS St or Auburn). FL's games against KY, GA, Vandy & SC are key. Not to mention, FSU plays Clemson, which Bama beat. How FSU does in this game, as well as how FL does against FSU could also provide good comparison data between the 2.
Bottom line: If Bama plays everyone the way they played Clemson & GA, they could win out. Otherwise, there are arguably 4 or even 5 potential stumbling blocks left on their schedule. If FL plays their remaining half the way they played LSU, even if Bama gets to the SEC championship game, it won't matter. I think Bama has at least 1 loss in their 2nd half, and that could prevent them from getting there. Right now, it looks like it could be a FL/LSU rematch. JMO.
blackdawg
· 1 year ago
FL and GA play in Jacksonville FL, neutral field, "The World Largest Cocktail Party."
Unsolved_Mr_Ease
· 1 year ago
Die hard Bama fan here...... I have been impressed with Bama, but don't think they can beat the team that molested OU Saturday. Texas is for real. So is Bama, but taking out the #1 team they should jump the Tide. We will see shortly.......................
1) Texas 2) Bama 3) Penn State 4) Texas Tech 5) Florida
Clemson_Joe
· 1 year ago
Texas should be #1. They looked like #1 and beat the previous #1.
1. Texas 2. Alabama 3. Penn State 4. Florida 5. Oklahoma
It won't be this way, but in my world it is.
Tommy_Trojan
· 1 year ago
The Polls are out on. Texas is # 1, Bama # 2, Penn State # 3. And then they start getting stupid - as usual. I can't believe that the coaches have moved Texas Tech to # 4 - after their pathetic showing against Nebraska. The AP lists them at # 6 - probably more reasonable.
Vick
· 1 year ago
Texas Tech has one of the most under rated football programs in the country. While the Nebraska match was a wake up call from complacency but we did prevail in the end.
The NE strategy to keep the TT offense off the field and engage the defense by running the ball for most of the game was brilliant. And that did expose a big weakness in the defense area.
But all is not lost yet. We did win over the Sooners & lost out real close to Long Horns last season. Hopefully the team is working on its defensive strategies based on lessons learnt.
With an improved defense, TT will be a formidable team to compete for the national championship. Lets wait and watch.
Zac
· 1 year ago
"With an improved defense, TT will be a formidable team to compete for the national championship."
That's the key to Tech's success the rest of the way. The defense has to forget about the laud Tech's offense garners, and just play to shut down their opponent. Last year Tech didn't have much of a defense. This year, though improved, it's still not enough. They have to get even better. Not to mention, how will Tech respond when they go up against a team with a legitimate and consistent defense? That remains to be seen. Like yourself, I can't wait to see how it all pans out. Enjoy!!!
Frank STL
· 1 year ago
Wow, we wonder if Chase thinks TT played dirty. Should have stayed focused, instead of pointing back and making false acusations about NE. Maybe this will help him going forward.
Go Tigers!
grover
· 1 year ago
I think this week was actually only so-so for a BYU/Utah/Boise to make it to the championship game, The loss that was needed there was Wisconsin over Penn State.
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
With the Gauntlet Texas has (4 ranked teams ahead) and Alabama has (3 ranked teams ahead) Penn State has only two ranked teams ahead and should be favored in both.
If BYU or Utah go they have to play someone, and that someone would most likely Penn State.
At the beginning of the week we were 20 losses by top teams away, now we are 16 away, with 8 weeks left to go. The very long odds are a little shorter, never been shorter.
Penn State sweeping the Big 10 can help in other ways as well. The Wisconsin loss eliminated Wisconsin from any reasonable chance at the top 14 and BCS eligibility. If we can't get to the title game, having two teams from our conference in the BCS would be a nice consolation prize.
If Penn State beats Michigan State and Ohio State, and Ohio State loses another one along the way, who else from the Big 10 can get into the top 14? Minnesota? Northwestern?
A loss by California will knock them out of BCS eligibility consideration. The Big East? Moving on... The ACC? Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and North Carolina are in the top 25 and won't play each other unless Wake Forest plays Virginia Tech. Florida State, Boston College and Georgia Tech could use a loss as well.
With 8 weeks left plenty of room is left for things to get shaken up. For example TCU could beat BYU or Utah could lose to Colorado State this week.
grover
· 1 year ago
Instead of thinking about it in terms of teams and losses, think in terms of conferences. Four BCS conferences are in play that can each send a max of 1 team. Here is how I see the BYU/Utah title game possibility:
1. SC needs to lose 1 game. That eliminates the Pac10
2. Penn State needs to lose 2 games. That eliminates the Big 10. Penn State has been dominant enough that a 1 loss Penn State > undefeated MWC team.
I think Ohio States poor showing against USC and the fact of what has happened to them in the last 2 title games will keep an undefeated MWC > 1 loss Ohio State. It would be close, but I think this year undefeated MWC gets in ahead of 1 loss Ohio State.
Wisconsin was already eliminated from this discussion last week with 2 losses. That's why the 3rd loss is not nearly as important as the missed opportunity with Penn State.
3. The SEC and Big 12 teams at the top need to beat each other up. One of these conferences needs to emerge with the conference champion a 2 loss team, since a 0-1 loss SEC or Big 12 champ >> 0 loss MWC.
I think the game to watch will be next week TX-Missouri. What you would want is a Missouri loss. Then the Big 12 north champ will have 2 losses. If Texas trips up after that and has 1 loss coming into the title game and MO wins a rematch then the Big 12 eliminates itself from the title game.
Of course this is all a LONG way away, and you are certainly right about BYU/Utah losing this or any other week.
But it should all be fun to watch...
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
We are arguing semantics on the national title possibilities. A lot of outs exist, including Boise State if Utah and BYU both stumble. I fear an Ohio State, with wins over Penn State, Michigan State, Illinois and Michigan, passes an undefeated MWC team. This fear is greatly tempered with the fact this result is highly unlikely.
Wisconsin came in when I considered what it would take for Utah and BYU to both get a BCS bowl, regardless of whether one is the title game.
Zac
· 1 year ago
"With the Gauntlet Texas has (4 ranked teams ahead) and Alabama has (3 ranked teams ahead)..."
Ben, I'm a little slow, as usual. Who are Bama's 3 remaining ranked teams to play? After this weekend, I can only imagine 1. Have the poles ranked a 3-3 Arkansas or 4-3 Auburn? Are either 2-4 MS St or TN ranked? Is Ole Miss (3-3) ranked on the strength of having beaten FL...by 1? Right now, LSU is legitimately the only ranked team AL faces. Coming off the win against OK, TX still has MO, OK St, TX Tech (in back-to-back weeks), and KS. In my opinion, that's a gauntlet.
Clemson_Joe
· 1 year ago
Yeah, I only see one more real test for Alabama. They have a much easier road than Texas does. I still maintain that Kansas is extremely overrated though.
Ben Prather
· 1 year ago
Ok, I don't know what I was looking at, I think I was looking at the schedule before the new ranking were updated and didn't look at the teams. LSU and the championship game are two.
I really like the road Texas has ahead, and really hope Alabama drops one to an over looked SEC team.
I do know this year looks like my teams best shot ever and a shot like this is not likely for another decade.
Matthew
· 1 year ago
I think Texas has everything lined out for a championship season. Are any other Boise State fans on this... Oregon is auctioning off a game ball from OUR win at Autzen... http://www.goducks.com/auctions
All Comments
Congrats to all the Texas fans on here (sorry, OU_Ron) for a great win in the R-cubed. That was an awesome game to watch. In fact, it seriously delayed my cooking efforts for the gang today because I couldn't pull away from my 52"er.
Geaux Tigers
Geaux SEC
I agree man. 9-3 is a definite possibility, but 10-2 isn't out of reach at all either.
The one good thing was that we broke out some "Dirty Martini" shots at halftime, and then hit the Maker's Mark & 7 in the 4th quarter...I couldn't even enjoy a whole drink, to be honest, though (Very unlike me)...
Really depressing performance last night...
I don't know if you remember (I mentioned it over the summer) but for a bachelor's party next year that I'm planning, we are going to go to a new (new to us) college town for a good college football experience. After reading your's and GT's accounts of tailgating down there, I think it's the #1 choice at this point. Actually the main reason I want to go is for the food.
Seriously, TE, my condolences on what had to be a complete break-down. Had anyone told me there was a team out there that could beat LSU by 30, let along hang 51 points on em, I'd have joined them in their "Maker's Mark & 7" dreams. LSU is not my team, and I still can't believe it. My hat's off to FL on a stellar effort.
To me, LSU was overrated - I'm not saying they aren't a good team with a lot of talent - it's just that they had only played four games. Four. And their "big win" of those 4 games was against Auburn. Not such a big win anymore, huh?
However, I know LSU will rebound and still be a tough team to beat the remainder of the season. Florida sure proved that they are better than that team that played Ole Miss. Can't wait for the rest of the season!
Roll Tide!
I guess the plug for your Crystal Ball didn't have enough length for you to bring it over here to show off your prognostication abilities?
Using your logic, one of your two "big wins" wasn't a big win, at all, was it?
To apply your own logic, even more, if we beat you & Georgia later in the season:
1.) How "big" will the UGA win be for you?
2.) How over-rated will you be?
What a joke...
Enjoy the ride, Bama_Babe...and don't forget...With the obvious predisposition to clairvoyance you've exhibited, you may want to pick up some PowerBall tickets, too!
Sturdivant rehabbing and coming back and being able to RS is going to be good news, though...You'll benefit with the extra year early in his career...
Your team is shaping up to get a lot of experience to a lot of newbie OL for the next few, and you'll have a good receiver corp and excellent line and RB for 2009, so that when you break in a new QB, you can lean on the line and the rush game to bring him along slowly...
You're lucky you have an aerial game & that same great RB this year to move the ball in spite of the pass pro & blocking issues...
Ya'll be fine, but losing another one is tough...
Did I offend you in some way?? Geez.
Your post would have made me feel like an idiot if I had actually mentioned anything about Alabama in my first post.
Not once did I say Alabama was going to win out.
Not once did I say the Clemson win was big.
Not once did I say I was psychic.
Excuse me for expressing my thoughts about a game that your almighty Tigers lost. If I recall correctly, earlier in the season you stated that LSU would be favored in every game they play and you had as high of hopes for them as most Bama fans do for our team. But apparently - and this is the "logic" yourself and a few others seemingly go by - if Alabama fans think their team is good and has a chance to win a NC, they are stupid, obnoxious, and "Koolaid drinkers". But if fans of another school (i.e. you with LSU) think their team is good and has a chance to win a NC, they are just supporting their team with high hopes.
But that's fine with me. Hate all you want.
I'll be in a good mood all week looking forward to the Ole Miss game, while you and your Tigers are sitting in the corner thinking about what you did wrong.
As if I have a problem with anyone supporting their team here...
There is no one that can make you feel anything, except for yourself. So, please don't project your feelings onto my actions or responses, here.
Yeah, Bama_Babe...You did offend me, or rather, I allowed what you said to offend me, but it has nothing to do with what you said, as much as you how you said it...
I could say, "Well, folks...I'm not surprised about Oklahoma State at all. I was telling people all week that Gundy is a MAN...He's FORTY ONE!"
I didn't because the people I'm talking to weren't the people I said that to going into the game...The next time you want to talk about how you "knew" and "weren't surprised" around here, then why not tell us beforehand? Or join our pick 'em contest so you can gloat like that?
In other words, don't talk scoreboard-or about your soothsaying ways-unless you came over here and blessed us all with it...
It's easy to write history when nobody saw it, y'know? Sort've like the way your program claimed a dozen national titles while nobody was looking? LOL...
Let's move on to my next point...I never said that you said any of those things, did I?
I simply applied the logic you used in a statement that you DID make, to your team and some of both your upcoming games and opponents and your past games and opponents.
Am I going too fast here? It shouldn't be that hard to keep up...You talked about one of our wins, and I'm merely talking about one of yours, and then did some daisy-chaining, just as you did.
I never said you mentioned Clemson. I did. I never claimed that you said you'd win out. I'll need your help here in pointing out where I did...
I guess I'll also need to back the logic down a little bit for you from here on out...It's obviously not your strong suit...
Now, before you hit respond...Re-read this message. S-l-o-w-l-y...and re-read what you wrote beforehand, too...
Then think...REALLY HARD...and THEN respond, boo...
After Alabama beat Georgia, you posted saying you knew Georgia was "overhyped" and weren't as good as everyone thought. But, correct me if I'm wrong, I don't think you posted before the game that you thought UGA would lose. In fact, I'm almost positive you figured Bama would get pounded. However, I don't think the GA fans got on your ass like you just did mine. So I think you need to go back and read what you just posted "S-L-O-W-L-Y", if you must.
Let me ask you this, Mr. TigerEducated. Does putting people down make you feel better about yourself? Make you feel smarter? You sure do it a lot.
Now let me tell you this. Do NOT insult my intelligence.
I took a small little hit at your TEAM, and you come back with a punch at me and my intelligence. Nice..
I'll also admit that UGA's got a wreck of an OL, that's only gotten worse since then.
I was wrong about our game as well. They outcoached, out schemed, put more speed on the field, and took it to us in one way: COMPLETELY.
My sense of self isn't defined by posts on an internet message board, BB, I can assure you that. What I achieve or fail to achieve in this life isn't going to be in spite of nor because of what I say and how I carry myself here.
I'm quite confident in who I am, Mrs. Babe. You want to talk of insulting your intelligence, yet you've ignored everything that prompted and warranted my response to you.
Completely. "I took a small little hit at your TEAM," is right...I don't put up with any without reciprocating in spades, BB...You haven't posted with enough frequency to ascertain this modus operandi on my part.
Think of TE like this: What you give, you get back, ten-fold...He's human, but he's a caustic human.
He doesn't suffer a lying, cheating, arrogant, snobbish, boorish, redneck-infested, Colleen-populated, cavalier, oblivious fanbase like those the University of Alabama produces in mass numbers, for an instant.
Not here, not anywhere.
I love my school and my University, and if you take a small hit, expect to get the verbal/keyboarded equivalent of a sledgehammer in return.
Once again...The next time you "tell everyone" about how you knew all along, be sure to come here and share your Miss Cleo-like abilities with all of the plebians here at Fanblogs.
Plenty of folks make picks here, and us low-country folk would be well-served to receive your manna from heaven.
Just as no one can offend you without you allowing it, no one can attack your intelligence without you first putting your intelligence-or lack thereof-on display at first.
Remember that.
By your "defensiveness" , one would think i came on here and said "HAHAHA LSU GOT STOMPED! I KNEW IT! I CALLED IT ALL ALONG! I'M F'ING PSYCHIC!!!"
Umm, no. I simply said that it didn't surprise me. I have a Prognosticators group, and I was the only one who picked Florida. Sorry I can't prove that to you.
You're confident, are you? Maybe cocky would be the better word.
You take stabs at my intelligence AND my fanbase, but yet, you can't take a little hit on your team. Get over it. You hold your Tigers so high and put just about every other team down. But heym, if you didn't, you wouldn't be a college football fan on this blog. So what if I made a comment about LSU's loss? I'm sure you'll be the FIRST one to say something if/when Alabama loses. Will I come on here and call you stupid? No, because intelligence has nothing to do with our teams winning or losing. But go ahead. Come back and talk about my "lack thereof" intelligence.
Usually those who have to downgrade others, just need an upgrade themselves.
Remember that.
I won't "be" the first one...I already was the first one...
Remember that.
Oh, and you're right about one thing....
I am the king of bullshit :)
Nah, you're just King Richard.
What TE is referring to is the lady that kissed Nick Saban when he first arrived at the airport in Tuscaloosa two January's ago. You see, TE likes to bash Alabama's fanbase and compare all the women to a crazy, white trash fan like Colleen. Guess he's never taken a look at the women in "Red Stick"...
There's a reason the toothbrush was invented in Alabama, Bama_Babe...
If it were invented anywhere else, it would've been called the teethbrush...
Any chick that smiles for her mug shot is okay in my book...
I just think she drinks too much....
I have seen a few things...
1.) Nobody respects the vertical threat deep against LSU compared to 2007. It's because we don't have a vertical deep threat yet with the kid still developing....and when Hatch is in, forget about it. The kid couldn't throw a K-2 sized football 40 yards downfield without Dick Cheney trying to shoot it...
This means teams are crowding the line because they don't respect the vertical passing game.
2.) Our youth at QB is also hurting the passing game. The biggest manifestation of this was on the TD pass at the half...Lee FINALLY went through a progression, and when he shifted his eyes, Mitchell caught it for 6 points...The ENTIRE secondary is watching his eyes, because as young as he is, he simply doesn't look off his receivers. We've got the most talented receivers in the conference, and because he's not a polished passer that can read a defense and check down through his progressions, we're stagnating through the air. He also started throwing off his back foot and sacrificing accuracy for lazy mechanics from the 2nd quarter on. Hence all the off-center throws...That will get better as he gets older and more experience...
3.) Lack of creativity in the rush offense. Simply put, we have an offensive line that can play with anyone. It just didn't play well last night. I'm watching the game for the 3rd time, and Herman Johnson did not play well. Our future millionaire at LG just did not play well. No other way to say it.
Ciron Black? Our future millionaire at LT? Well, he played worse than Johnson. He played possibly his worst game in an LSU uniform. If there was a block to be made, he missed it. He will grade out VERY low on this tape. VERY.
Beyond that, the playcalling, and the scheme in the rush attack is very vanilla. When we line up in the I and put Quinn Johnson in at FB, as goes Quinn Johnson, so goes Chuck Scott...Florida simply sold out to the direction that Johnson headed, as they knew Scott would follow, no matter what.
He did, and we were stuffed continually because of that and the left side of our line deciding to take the night off...
Add to that the pass offense slowing down and a freshman being unable to pull the chain to get it started, and we had a crappy game from that standpoint...
I still think this is going to be a GREAT team, and the nucleus on offense is all returning, and Lee is going to do nothing but improve. We need to go through games like this. The 2004 team-coming off a national title-ran into a Georgia team that was aggravated after losing to LSU twice the year before in Baton Rouge and Atlanta.
We took that one on the chin 48-17...
Imagine that...We beat Florida and took them off their Defending National Champion pedestal last year, on the way to winning the title ourselves, and this year, we get 51 hung on us...
It happens, but what I found most disturbing is on the defensive side of the ball with the woofing and barking after we had 30+ points hung on us...That's uncalled for and shows a lack of sportsmanship. It makes me sad for my University, honestly...
There are some internal issues that Miles is going to address this week from that standpoint, and a few other issues on defense that we need to adjust, and I've got every confidence that this team is on the way up...
DISQUS is operating like the LSU defense last night, evidently...
Sauce Piquant=Good
Andouille in a jalapeno corn meal dip with fries and tater salad on the side...
Of course plenty of bourbon and belgians to go around...
Thoughts on the game...
My predicted "face punching" was correct...only the roles were reversed...
Who exactly had the open date last weekend?
Jeff Demps and Janoris Jenkins = The future in the present...
LSU has the best damn band in the SEC...they were rockin' out the Pride of the Sunshine all night with a pep band...
Perhaps Ricky Jean should have consulted Geno Hayes to get a perspective on how running your mouth about takin' out the He15man works out for you...
He was disciplined internally after we issued the statement...He is being humbled this year after reading his press-clippings after last year's two game phenom performance in the SECCG and the BCSCG...
Still awestruck by how poorly we played on defense...Our pass rush is totally inept...We have our defensive ends taking such wide angles to the quarterback...It's so easy for a guy to just slide up into the pocket and buy time on them because our DL are getting stood up and watching for the rush up the middle...
Our Co-DC's are being looked at...Looooooooooong and hard, Hipster...
Some grumblings in Tiger Town...
The offensive performance is to be expected as far as Lee was concerned, especially considering we had the two best players on our line decide not to show up performance-wise. We showed a ridiculous amount of predictability in the rush offense. The fullback is a tell the size of Texas for us there...
You took advantage, and also completely schooled our "Co-DC" situation, which is about to come to a head after last night, I believe...
Like I said...some grumblings in Baton Rouge after last night...
It was painful....real painful. Luckily, most everybody ate before kickoff because not too many felt like eating after it...lol. The drinking did progress at a rapid rate though. Two of the party participants had to be driven home by non-drinkers and one even crashed here. I do agree with you...10-2 is possible, very possible. But that hinges on some serious corrections/adjustments being made to the defensive scheme and minor (for lack of a better word) corrections to the offensive side of the ball. Most of that boils down to the inexperience at QB. Lee is not a bad kid by no means. He just needs experience. Time on the field will give him that. That's why I'm not a fan of platooning QB's. It limits the starters reps, albeit only 8-10 per game. But what do I know...I'm just an armchair coach anyway...lol.
I sucked azz in the Pick 'em this week too, to make matters worse. I only got 6 pts. I would've done better to not pick and let Ben give me whatever the weeks rations were.
Geaux Tigers
Geaux SEC
There is no way that Texas Tech moves up for a win over Nebraska, in overtime, in their own backyard. Several one-loss teams deserve to be rated higher than them. Those might include Oklahoma, Georgia, USC and even Ohio State for all I know. I do know that Texas Tech will lose three games before the regular season is over. We've watched this team score big points for several years now. Yet, they rarely win a game against another good team. Those games are coming.
We're not gonna lose to UCLA this year. I doubt if we'll lose another game. Not that we're so great - it's just that the PAC doesn't have any more great teams to beat us. We already have handled Oregon and Arizona State. California can never beat us and Arizona doesn't look quite as capable now. I'm not bantering USC right now. We do have a history of closing out the season very strong (sans the UCLA game two years back).
Which is exactly opposite of Texas Tech. Tech's history is that they finish poorly. They always start off pretty strong, rolling up very impressive offensive stats at weak OOC competition, and then fade at the end of their tough Big 12 schedule. I'm not knocking your team. Fact is: you probably play in the toughest division that there is. You still have to play Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State this year. I don't know who you've got left from the North. All I know is that is quite a gauntlet, and Texas Tech historically, has never closed the deal. Maybe they can do it this year. But, I am not quite so sure that they deserve such lofty status until they actually do it. That's all I'm saying. I did not take a hit at Texas Tech per say. I'd just want to see them take down a Top Ten opponent before we want to place them in the Top Five.
2. Texas
3. Penn State
4. USC
5. Florida
6. Texas Tech
7. BYU
8. Oklahoma
9. Georgia
10. Oklahoma State
Florida and Bama will cannibalize each other, Texas and Oklahoma State will do the same.
Basically if falls to the hands of Penn State winning out and USC winning out. IF they do, they are in the National Championship. If they dont, Florida, Alabama, BYU, Oklahoma, Texas and Georgia are looking to sneak in.
Who does Penn State play? Ohio State?
It is long past time for SoS to return to the process. Too many teams (Ohio State, Georgia, Texas Tech) load up on Division I-AA or piss poor Division I-A teams.
Their win over Georgia is where their value comes from. Texas probably beat a better team but Alabama won much more convincingly. I think the win by Florida over LSU is as impressive, but a loss hurts their credibility.
1) Alabama
2) Texas
3) Penn State
4) Texas Tech
5) Oklahoma
That said, under the current BCS system, there is no practical difference between the top two rankings. Teams in those two spots hold a joint #1. The real question is about who gets left out at #3.
Bottom line: In my opinion if Alabama can beat LSU and Florida can beat UGA I believe those two teams have a strong chance of running the table and meeting in the SEC championship. Who else is with me?
Bama & FL have some very interesting games coming up and a surprisingly number of games in common. Both host(ed) KY & Ole Miss, and both travel(ed) to GA & TN. Thus far Bama has an uninspired win against KY to go with their impressive offensive performance (only an 11 pt win, however) at GA. FL has the 1 pt home loss to Ole Miss, but an impressive 24 pt win at TN. While both play LSU, FL had them at home (Ungracious hosts they were.), while Bama has the unenviable task of being their guests.
Among Bama's remaining games are the home stand against Ole Miss & the visit to TN. In addition to their visit to LSU, they also host Auburn. FL hosts KY before visiting GA AND Vandy, before hosting SC & visiting FSU (an emotion packed non-conference game).
By comparison, it's hard to argue that either team will have or has had the more challenging road. In my opinion, to more accurately compare the 2, AL's showings against MS, TN, & LSU are key (can't count out MS St or Auburn). FL's games against KY, GA, Vandy & SC are key. Not to mention, FSU plays Clemson, which Bama beat. How FSU does in this game, as well as how FL does against FSU could also provide good comparison data between the 2.
Bottom line: If Bama plays everyone the way they played Clemson & GA, they could win out. Otherwise, there are arguably 4 or even 5 potential stumbling blocks left on their schedule. If FL plays their remaining half the way they played LSU, even if Bama gets to the SEC championship game, it won't matter. I think Bama has at least 1 loss in their 2nd half, and that could prevent them from getting there. Right now, it looks like it could be a FL/LSU rematch. JMO.
1) Texas
2) Bama
3) Penn State
4) Texas Tech
5) Florida
1. Texas
2. Alabama
3. Penn State
4. Florida
5. Oklahoma
It won't be this way, but in my world it is.
The NE strategy to keep the TT offense off the field and engage the defense by running the ball for most of the game was brilliant. And that did expose a big weakness in the defense area.
But all is not lost yet. We did win over the Sooners & lost out real close to Long Horns last season. Hopefully the team is working on its defensive strategies based on lessons learnt.
With an improved defense, TT will be a formidable team to compete for the national championship. Lets wait and watch.
That's the key to Tech's success the rest of the way. The defense has to forget about the laud Tech's offense garners, and just play to shut down their opponent. Last year Tech didn't have much of a defense. This year, though improved, it's still not enough. They have to get even better. Not to mention, how will Tech respond when they go up against a team with a legitimate and consistent defense? That remains to be seen. Like yourself, I can't wait to see how it all pans out. Enjoy!!!
Go Tigers!
If BYU or Utah go they have to play someone, and that someone would most likely Penn State.
At the beginning of the week we were 20 losses by top teams away, now we are 16 away, with 8 weeks left to go. The very long odds are a little shorter, never been shorter.
Penn State sweeping the Big 10 can help in other ways as well. The Wisconsin loss eliminated Wisconsin from any reasonable chance at the top 14 and BCS eligibility. If we can't get to the title game, having two teams from our conference in the BCS would be a nice consolation prize.
If Penn State beats Michigan State and Ohio State, and Ohio State loses another one along the way, who else from the Big 10 can get into the top 14? Minnesota? Northwestern?
A loss by California will knock them out of BCS eligibility consideration. The Big East? Moving on... The ACC? Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and North Carolina are in the top 25 and won't play each other unless Wake Forest plays Virginia Tech. Florida State, Boston College and Georgia Tech could use a loss as well.
With 8 weeks left plenty of room is left for things to get shaken up. For example TCU could beat BYU or Utah could lose to Colorado State this week.
1. SC needs to lose 1 game. That eliminates the Pac10
2. Penn State needs to lose 2 games. That eliminates the Big 10. Penn State has been dominant enough that a 1 loss Penn State > undefeated MWC team.
I think Ohio States poor showing against USC and the fact of what has happened to them in the last 2 title games will keep an undefeated MWC > 1 loss Ohio State. It would be close, but I think this year undefeated MWC gets in ahead of 1 loss Ohio State.
Wisconsin was already eliminated from this discussion last week with 2 losses. That's why the 3rd loss is not nearly as important as the missed opportunity with Penn State.
3. The SEC and Big 12 teams at the top need to beat each other up. One of these conferences needs to emerge with the conference champion a 2 loss team, since a 0-1 loss SEC or Big 12 champ >> 0 loss MWC.
I think the game to watch will be next week TX-Missouri. What you would want is a Missouri loss. Then the Big 12 north champ will have 2 losses. If Texas trips up after that and has 1 loss coming into the title game and MO wins a rematch then the Big 12 eliminates itself from the title game.
Of course this is all a LONG way away, and you are certainly right about BYU/Utah losing this or any other week.
But it should all be fun to watch...
Wisconsin came in when I considered what it would take for Utah and BYU to both get a BCS bowl, regardless of whether one is the title game.
Ben, I'm a little slow, as usual. Who are Bama's 3 remaining ranked teams to play? After this weekend, I can only imagine 1. Have the poles ranked a 3-3 Arkansas or 4-3 Auburn? Are either 2-4 MS St or TN ranked? Is Ole Miss (3-3) ranked on the strength of having beaten FL...by 1? Right now, LSU is legitimately the only ranked team AL faces. Coming off the win against OK, TX still has MO, OK St, TX Tech (in back-to-back weeks), and KS. In my opinion, that's a gauntlet.
I really like the road Texas has ahead, and really hope Alabama drops one to an over looked SEC team.
I do know this year looks like my teams best shot ever and a shot like this is not likely for another decade.