By
Brian Harbach
By
Russ Mitchell
3 SEC QUESTIONS THAT NAG MORE THAN YOUR EX
(i) What was the best performance from last weekend?
Russ Mitchell:
It could go once again to LSU’s Chuck Scott, who rumbled for 114 yards and a TD on just 12 carries (though he suffered what might be a costly high ankle sprain with ‘bama up next). It could go to Hog Casey Dick, who’s 1 TD/INT, 25/38 for 385 yard day knocked Tulsa off the list of the unbeaten (a particularly sweet victory against ex-OC Gus Malzahn, who had little faith in Dick). Or ‘bama RB Mark Ingram, who racked up 113 yards and 2 TDs against Arkansas State. But is there really any doubt - the nod this week goes to Mr. Heisman himself, Tim Tebow. Tebow accounted for FIVE TDs (2 Passing / 3 Rushing), was 10/13 for 154 yards, and led his Gators to an overwhelming victory against Georgia. Well done, Tim.
Brian Harbach:
There was one and only one performance this weekend that deserves this space and that was Urban Meyer’s Florida Gators getting their respect back by dominating a good Georgia team. Meyer already coaches with a chip on his shoulder and is unafraid to upset other coaches (Randy Shannon) and he didn’t seem very worried as he called timeouts late in the game for a Tebow standing ovation. The Gator dominance over Georgia was amazing and even more shocking was the fact that Mark Richt was obviously worried about the game well before it started. His call for the onside kick early in the game was nothing more than a coach knowing he was beaten and trying to pull off a hail mary to keep it from happening.
The Gator secondary was aggressive and ball-hawking as they picked off three Matthew Stafford passes and Tim Tebow accounted for five total touchdowns in a 39 point beatdown. The dismantling of one of your biggest rivals is always an impressive accomplishment, but this being Georgia’s most talented team under Mark Richt made it even more amazing. This game showed the nation that Florida is without a doub the class of the SEC and everyone else is just trying to catch up. Urban Meyer has put the SEC on notice, he doesn’t care about running up the score, he doesn’t care about showing up other coaches, he only cares about winning.
(ii) "Will Saban’s return to Baton Rouge have a factor in the outcome of the game?"
Mitchell:
Are you kidding me?! With respect to William Congreve, Hell hath no fury like a fan base scorned. Tiger fans have had this game circled on the calendar for TWO YEARS! Literally… two years. Many folks down in the Bayou feel jilted by Saban – and like a jilted lover, they ache for the chance to hurt him back. Moreover, behind the scenes, there’s been two years of barbs traded between these two camps – be it Saban’s comments on the recruiting trail in LA (his derogatory statements about Cajuns to his often claiming credit for LSU’s post-Saban success), or Miles repeated digs at Alabama. Don’t kid yourself, folks – there’s a lot of hate here. The very fact that Saban has told reporters he’ll ‘punish’ them for bringing the matter up this week only serves to emphasize its relevance/importance.
In college football, where players are less disciplined/mature than in the pros, emotion has a stronger impact – be it emotion generated by players OR fans. Regardless of which team wins (and we’ll touch on that below), the LSU crowd (and some players) will be more geeked up for this game than a normal contest against the Tide. And if it wasn’t sweet enough, Saban arrives in BR with his new “#1” girl! So yes, Saban’s return to Baton Rouge will impact this game.
By the way, Saban was quoted this week as saying (to LSU fans), “It’s nothing personal”; which only adds fuel to the fire. CFB is about passion - the fact that it’s “not personal” to Saban just makes it more offensive to the LSU fans who do take it personally. In some ways you can’t blame Saban - this illustrates the chasm between the sport’s millionaire coaches and its die-hard fan base. For Saban, it’s all business.
Harbach:
Before Florida took Mark Richt’s team outside and roughed them up for a while, the Bulldog Nation insisted that last year’s personal foul end-zone celebration would not matter in this year’s game. That turned out to be pretty incorrect and once again we have a game with a lot of intangibles as Nick Saban returns to Baton Rouge for the first time as the Alabama head coach. Sometimes I agree that once the ball is snapped that all the off-field stuff goes away and what is left is the players, but in this situation I think the players and coaches are going to play with a chip on their shoulder all four quarters. Les Miles is going to pull out all the stops to win this game, he knows how much it matters to the LSU fans and he knows how much a win could mean for him.
A win over the number one team in the country that just so happens to be coached by your former coach is something that LSU will not let pass them by. If this was not the first meeting between LSU and Saban’s Tide in Baton Rouge I would say it would not be a factor in the outcome, but this being the first one I think the crowd will pretend it is a night game and the LSU coaches will have prepared better for this than any game this season. Throw in the fact that LSU still has an outside shot at playing in Atlanta, albeit very slim, the Bengal Tigers should play their best game of the year. Miles will show the fans what they have and Baton Rouge will show Saban the home field advantage he used to have.
(iii) What should every SEC fan be talking about after week ten, but isn’t?
Mitchell:
Well, that leaves out Fulmer’s firing, the disappearing act that was Knowshon Moreno, and just how many points Florida can score in a game… (i) Don’t look now, but with yet another Pick Six in the Tulane game, LSU’s QB Jarrett Lee has thrown an INT for a TD against Auburn, and in every game he’s started except South Carolina – USC’s INT was stopped at the LSU 8. That has to be a record, (ii) After going 14/31 with 2 INTs in the loss to Duke, we wonder whether Bobby Johnson is ready to bench Mackenzi Adams and make Chris Nickson the starting QB. If he’s healthy, the senior has to play. Since making the switch during the Auburn game, the ‘Dores have dropped three straight, and are now at risk of not even making a bowl game with Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee and Wake on the schedule – the easiest of which might be the reeling Vols, (iii) yup, I’m gonna write it – Auburn needs to fire Tommy now so it can go after Will Muschamp, before Tennessee does, (iv) LSU hasn’t lost two games in Death Valley in the same season since 2001 – Saban was the coach, (v) Speaking of Death Valley, only one of the 4 RBs on both team’s two deeps is healthy – LSU’s Charles Scott (ankle) and the Tide’s Glen Coffee (bicep) and Mark Ingram (knee) were banged up last Saturday. All are expected to play, (vi) ‘bama is ranked #1 in the conference in both Rushing Offense and Defense, (vii) LSU is second to last in the conference in Scoring Defense, (viii) Once again, the conference has just one team in the Top 20 in Scoring Offense (Florida, #7), and none in Total Offense, (ix) Moreover, we are down to five teams in the Top 20 in Total Defense (if nine in the Top 30).
Harbach:
For the past couple weeks we have heard all the negative things about Phil Fulmer and now that he has stepped down we need to revisit all the positive things he did at Tennessee. SEC football has become a “what have you done for me lately conference” and teams simply can’t afford to have bad seasons or they risk falling further behind. One bad mistake can set a program back years (see Tommy Tuberville) and Phil Fulmer’s mistake was not winning the big game. Fans focus on the SEC Championship games that he lost, not the Division title he won. Fans look at the blowout losses to Alabama instead of the blowout wins over Georgia. So let’s look at the positive things that Phil Fulmer did for Tennessee and talk about the good he did as the Volunteer head coach.
The starting point has to be his national championship in 1998 and his two SEC titles in 1997 and 1998. His national championship season was one of two unbeaten seasons for an SEC team in the last 11 years; only Tennessee in 1998 and Auburn in 2004 have gone through the SEC schedule unbeaten since 1998. Fulmer won the SEC East division title 5 different times in his career and won ten or more games in nine seasons. He coached Tennessee in a bowl game in 14 of 16 and if the Vols win out in 2008 it would be 15 of 17 seasons. He coached in 13 New Years day bowl games and he did have a winning record in all of the bowl games he coached. Phil Fulmer was a great coach in the SEC, he just fell behind the Florida’s, Georgia’s and Alabama’s in today’s ultra competitive SEC. It was the right time for him to step down, but just because he is leaving, doesn’t mean he did a bad job. It was just time to try something new and new doesn’t always mean better.
IN FOCUS: Which Coach / Player is in the Spotlight this week?
Mitchell:
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. Once again – for those of you in the back – the LSU Secondary is very immature. When it has to concentrate on the pass AND support the run, it has failed to do the latter– LSU opponents have repeatedly broken free for long runs this season. In order to counter this, LSU Defensive Line must put pressure on Tide QB John Parker Wilson, and make ‘bama one dimensional. To do this, the oft-celebrated Jackson must live up to his lofty reputation. Minus a two sack game against South Carolina, the Tiger DE has been something of a disappointment since emerging as a ‘future’ star his sophomore year. For a second straight season, he fails to lead his team in sacks, despite being surrounded by talent that should free him up. If Jackson has a game equal to his suggested talent, and by doing so, disrupts JPW enough that LSU’s Secondary can focus on run support, LSU will win this game. He’s the senior leader – it’s up to him.
Harbach:
The LSU Offensive Line . Terrence Cody will be back this weekend and in order to beat Alabama, LSU is going to have to control the line of scrimmage and control Cody. Alabama is not a big play offense; they are a physical running team that likes to control the clock. If LSU can control the clock they may be able to hang with Alabama and maybe hit a big play or two. The offensive line has to give the LSU quarterbacks time to make plays and they have to pave the way for Charles Scott to keep the chains moving. If LSU does not run the ball well in this game, they will not leave with a victory.
SEC POWER RANKINGS
Mitchell
1 Florida – Vandy always plays UF tough – wake up, Urban
2 Alabama – Heeeeeeeere kitty kitty kitty…
3 Georgia – Really want to drop them behind LSU, but how?
4 LSU – Looked downright average against Tulane
5 USC – Spurrier defeats Fulmer; Laughs last. Why aren’t we surprised
6 Ole Miss – Great win against Auburn! Nutt doing better than we expected
7 Kentucky – (up from 8) Bowl Eligible!
8 Arkansas – (up from 9) Take that, Gus! Way to go, Dick
9 Vandy – (down from 7) Once again, time to go back to the winning QB
10 MSU – Another tough loss for the Dawgs
11 Tennessee – Don’t worry, Fulmer – you’re legacy is set
12 Auburn – What have you done with Big Game Tommy!?!
Harbach
1 Alabama – Nick Saban brings the Tide to his old stomping grounds
2 Florida – I think Urban Meyer just used another timeout
3 Georgia – I bet Richt never pulls another stunt in an SEC game again
4 LSU – Huge game for LSU’s title hopes, huge game for Les Miles
5 South Carolina – (up from 6) Stephen Garcia has been the key to their success
6 Vanderbilt – (down from 5) Looking for win six, not looking good with the Gators coming to town
7 Ole Miss – A win away from the postseason, decent bowl looking possible
8 Kentucky – Two 1 point wins over Arkansas and MSU have the Cardiac Cats thinking bowl
9 Arkansas – The Hogs won their second game over a ranked team by beating Tulsa
10 Auburn – Homecoming mercifully not on Pay-Per-View
11 Tennessee – Fulmer out, Wyoming coming in, can the Vols get back on track?
12 MSU – Off this week to prepare for a possible third straight win over Alabama
THREE GAMES TO DVR
Mitchell:
1) No. 1 Alabama (9-0) v. No. 16 LSU (6-2), November 8. On many a radio show I said Alabama’s win over UT was my lock of the season – and were this game anywhere other than Baton Rouge, this would be a close second. Which is a shame. Forget the hype – dig deep into the numbers. First, LSU (or perhaps its fan base) is a different team for day games. Look it up. LSU is ranked dead last in the conference in defensive INTs (just 4), and is #95 in the nation in TO Margin – ‘bama isn't great, but it's better (#41). LSU’s Secondary doesn’t seem able to support the run – and ‘bama’s got a bruising tailback in Coffee. Watch for at least one break away TD run. Speaking of national rankings, ‘bama is #2 in Rushing D, #4 in Total D, and #6 in Scoring D. Holy D, Batman! Finally, you and I both know LSU’s RsFR QB Jarrett Lee is going to toss at least one pick six – why break with tradition. True, the game’s being played in Death Valley – however, last Saturday’s game against Tulane was in BR, and the Tiger’s looked pedestrian in that contest. Passion only takes you so far…
Alabama 31, LSU 13
2) No. 5 Florida (7-1) v. Vanderbilt (5-3) November 8. At this moment, Florida is the best team in America. And Vandy isn’t. The ‘Dores may have lost three straight, but they nearly always play inspired football against the Gators – with or without the Florida playbook. However, with the National Championship on the line, the only way Florida loses this game is if Meyer is unable to get his team’s attention. Which would make him a terrible coach. Meyer may play footloose and fancy free with the rules, but he’s far from a terrible coach…
Florida 42, Vanderbilt 10
3) Arkansas (4-5) v. South Carolina (6-3), November 8. This might be the best game of the weekend. Arkansas has really been playing inspired football of late; given its youth/inexperience, new coaching staff and a rash of injuries, the Hogs have been quite competitive. The way this team started, Ar-Kansas fans should be pleased. And were this game anywhere but Columbia, the Hogs just might pull it off. But even with USC's inconsistency at QB, there’s just too many seniors on this Gamecocks team…
South Carolina 24, Arkansas 17
Season Record: 21-9
Harbach:
1) Alabama (9-0) v. LSU (6-2), November 8. After LSU was taken to the woodshed at home a couple weekends ago by Georgia their SEC Western title hopes were all but shot. It is very unlikely that they will play in Atlanta this year, but if you think the fans, players and coaches are going to let this game get past them, you are very mistaken. Les Miles has a National Championship, but he needs to beat Nick Saban to put the faith back in the LSU faithful. Miles is a great coach, he is loved and respected in Baton Rouge, but winning this game will do wonders for him. I would have felt better about the LSU win if this was at night, but even in the afternoon the crowd should be ready for a special reunion. This is going to be a low scoring, defensive battle. I like the home team.
LSU 13, Alabama 10
2) Florida (7-1) v. Vanderbilt (5-3) November 8. This game looks like a blowout on paper, but when you dig a little deeper you see a desperate Vanderbilt team that has had two weeks to prepare and stew about their loss to Duke. Florida is fat and happy after getting their revenge on Georgia and will have no interest in playing this game for 4 quarters. The Florida speed is too much for Vandy to overcome, but the Gators will be sloppy and have a number of turnovers. Florida pulls away in the fourth, but this will be a competitive game for 3 quarters, Vandy does not get win number six this weekend.
Florida 31, Vanderbilt 21
3) Arkansas (4-5) v. South Carolina (6-3), November 8. The new Spurrier vs. the real Spurrier will be taking place in Columbia this weekend as Bobby Petrino goes up against the Darth Visor. South Carolina has more talent than Arkansas right now, but Petrino has showed a lot of guts and genius with some of his offensive play calling this season. If Stephen Garcia plays the whole game South Carolina is going to win, if not I like Arkansas. Garcia has added a new gunslinger dimension to the Gamecock offense and the team seems to feed off of his energy. Spurrier has not been overly positive in his comments about Garcia, but he never is with any of his quarterbacks. I am betting Garcia plays and finishes this game and South Carolina wins a close one.
South Carolina 28, Arkansas 27
Season Record: 20-10
Yell at Brian: Brian Harbach
Yell at Russ: Russ Mitchell
Y’all Play Nice - Week Ten, October 30, 2008
Y’all Play Nice - Week Nine, October 23, 2008
Y’all Play Nice - Week Eight, October 16, 2008
Y’all Play Nice - Week Seven, October 9, 2008
Y’all Play Nice Week Six, October 2, 2008
Y’all Play Nice Week Five, September 25, 2008
Y’all Play Nice Week Four, September 18, 2008
Y’all Play Nice Week Three, September 11, 2008
Y’all Play Nice Week Two, September 4, 2008
Y’all Play Nice Week One, August 27, 2008
Y’all Play Nice Preseason, August 21, 2008
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