By
Brian Harbach
By
Russ Mitchell
(With respect for Thanksgiving, we report on Wednesday this week. Both Brian and I have much to be thankful for this year – if not this season. We wish you and your families a safe and wonderful holiday.)
3 SEC QUESTIONS THAT NAG MORE THAN YOUR EX
(i) What was the best performance from last weekend?
Russ Mitchell:
First, I would like to dispel a mean-spirited rumor making the rounds on the internet. Contrary to several published reports, I will not be starting under center for the defending National Champion LSU Tigers this Friday against Arkansas. Although I do have four years of eligibility remaining.
We could give this week’s award to the Ole Miss coaching staff (particularly Offensive Coordinator Kent Austin), for a convincing road win in Baton Rouge; but it doesn’t take the Bear to game plan a team without a QB. Staying with the Rebs, we’d like to give it to their D Line for holding that Tiger rushing attack to 37 yards on 29 carries; but again, when you stack 10 in the box it just takes the sport out of it, doesn’t it. But is there really any doubt: Finally! There’s an Anthony Dixon sighting! The talented, but poorly supported, MSU tailback rumbled for a career high 179 yards (~8/ypc) and a TD, in nearly single-handedly beating Arkansas, 31-28. To that total the junior added five catches for 32 yards and 2 TDs, and in so doing, helped end a nine game losing streak to the Hogs.
Brian Harbach:
The most impressive performance this weekend was the Ole Miss Rebels, and not just the defense - the offense and the coaching staff deserve a lot of credit for the win over LSU. Everyone wants to talk about the great job the Rebel defense did against the Bengal Tigers, and yes, Peria Jerry was a dominant force all game long. But Houston Nutt did a masterful job out Miles-ing Les Miles. His fake punt call was brilliant, and executed perfectly. That play seemed to take a lot of the wind out of the LSU sails, just like the Tigers have done many times to other teams the last couple years.
Jevan Snead played turnover free football, which he had to do in order to give Ole Miss a chance, and the offense just kept making big plays. Even when they made crucial mistakes on offense, they were able to dig themselves out of the hole and come out smelling like roses. A Jevan Snead touchdown run was called back by a holding penalty... they overcame it. A false start by a wide receiver on a third down play... Ole Miss overcame it.
The Rebels have put themselves in position to play in a New Year’s Day bowl game for the first time since 2003 - which was actually the last time they played in a bowl. This team has steadily built talent over the last four years, but they needed someone to lead them. The Rebs now have a leader on the sidelines who can get the job done, and for the first time since Eli, they have a leader under center who can instill confidence in the rest of the team. Good things are on the way for the Rebels; this year was just the beginning.
(ii) "Has the SEC been overrated as a conference this season?"
Mitchell:
Wow, the die hards die hard. You think?!. What was your first clue? The fact that for most of the season we haven’t had a single team in the Top 20 in Total Offense? After the Citadel game, we finally have one (Florida, #18). How about the fact that we only have one team in the Top 20 in Scoring Offense (Florida, #3)? The next closest? Alabama at #30. Speaking of Florida, how about the fact that the Gators became the first team in modern SEC history with an average margin of victory greater than 40 points in winning six straight conference games? They’re good, but not that good. Or how about the fact that we’ve lost eight games to out-of-conference opponents (with at least two more that fell backwards into the W column)?
It’s not that the conference is bad; the SEC is still the second best conference in America, behind the Big 12. It’s just that we’re overrated – and there’s a big drop from Florida/’bama to Georgia/Ole Miss, after which it falls off a cliff. Ole Miss. That in and of itself should be enough to answer this question, but there’s more…
Alabama is ranked #1 in the country, and its signature win is… Georgia? The same team Florida beat by nearly 50 (sorry, not buying that last second garbage TD)? Clemson? Who fired its coach midway through the season? LSU? Please. Plus way too many close games against average competition.
Which really sums it up – the conference is simply average this season. Harbach’s a bright guy, and he knows the SEC better than most. But don’t buy the excuses – the conference is simply full of average teams compared to the breadth of quality we have fielded in previous years. Are these the necessary growing pains from evolving into the “Spread” offense? No, not enough teams are moving there to cause this degree of mediocrity. Parity? Nope. Too many young QBs? Perhaps, though is this a symptom or the cause? It certainly isn’t coaching brain power…
Bottom Line: There’s a lot at stake for the conference this weekend, with two of our better teams playing supposedly inferior ACC foes (Florida v. FSU and Ga. Tech v. UGA). Regardless, it’s been a disappointing season for most SEC fans.
Harbach:
The term overrated is floated around so much in regards to the SEC because the conference is held to such high standards year after year. Was the SEC overrated this season? Of course it was; the league is built up every year by the Media as the infallible guiding light of college football. There is no way for the SEC not to be overrated year after year, even though it has the best players, the best coaches and the best teams. Any upset loss is blown out of proportion by the four letter network, it is impossible for any conference to win every out of conference game, and for every team favored not to be upset. Personally, I wouldn't want it any other way. The SEC is hated by all other conference fans because it is the best; it is the same reason everyone eventually hates a winner. Any chink in the armor causes an immediate overreaction, and opposing fans run to the nearest message board to flame all things SEC.
The most important question is if the SEC is the best conference in the country, and the answer to that is…ABSOLUTELY. Teams that have struggled the last couple years are getting better each week and that is beginning to bring more competition to an already deep conference. Teams like Ole Miss, Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State are getting better coaching staffs, better players and becoming more competitive in the league. The standards that the SEC has set for itself are impossible to match each year.
If a year where the SEC is likely the favorite to win a third straight national championship is considered a disappointment, I think SEC fans will be just fine with that. If a year where the SEC sends another eight or nine teams to bowl games is a down year, too bad for us. If we see another dominant bowl performance by the SEC, including two BCS wins for the third straight season, and that's viewed as a down year, I guess I will agree. We should have three BCS teams this season because Georgia is better than half of the teams that will get in the BCS anyways. Since the SEC is always held to impossible expectations, I guess I won’t be happy until the SEC puts three teams in BCS games. Sure it’s impossible, but so are the standards we are held to.
(iii) What every SEC fan should be talking about after week 13, but isn’t?
Mitchell:
Well, that leaves out anything to do with LSU QBs, who will be coaching the other Tigers next season, and whether or not the Gators will drop 50 on the Seminoles… (i) Sorry – it’s too much fun to follow a train wreck… With seven Pick Sixes (and two INTs returned inside the 10), LSU’s QBs are responsible for nearly 25 percent of all the points scored against the Tigers this season. Yes, the defense has been bad, but who needs enemies with friends like that, (ii) Once again, Vandy QB Chris Nickson gets knocked out of a game (shoulder), and the "Dores sucomb. Since we gave him the benefit of the doubt for starting but not finishing the Auburn win, he goes to 6-1 with the loss. (iii) Speaking of the Vols - did y'all see that passing stat line in the 20-10 win? 4-of-9 for 20 yards, no TDs and 2 INTs. Isn't there another Manning/Clausen around? Wait, scratch Clausen, (iv) Is it just us, of is Nick Saban flying way under the radar right now? We know Alabama had the bye, but things are awfully quiet for a “#1” team in the nation, (v) It appears that the SEC’s All-Purpose yardage leader, Hogs’ TB Michael Smith, will not play against the reeling Tigers Friday due to a strained hamstring – he’s just one of several Arkansas players out due to injury, (vi) Looks like Chris Smelley will start at QB for the Gamecocks – just don’t hold us to it, (vii) Hey Cameron, was it an iMac? Just think, if it was an assault rifle, then Meyer could simply switch him from QB to the DL, (yes, THAT Ronnie Wilson – just google it). The top 1% of the 1%, eh Urban, (viii) LSU has lost three straight conference games for the first time since 1999, (ix) The conference has just one team in the Top 20 in Scoring Offense (Florida, #3), and now thanks to the Citadel, one in Total Offense (Florida, #18), (x) However, we are down to four teams in the Top 20 in Total Defense (‘bama, UT, Florida, USC).
Harbach:
As I began writing the answer to the SEC being overrated, a stat popped into my head that would have been a strong argument, but it was so surprising that it is actually a perfect fit for what every one should be talking about. By the end of this bowl season, every team in the SEC will have played in a bowl game at some point in the last two years. For all that the SEC is getting dumped on for being “overrated” this year, that is a pretty impressive stat in terms of conference depth. The Big 10 also accomplished this feat if you look at the last two seasons, but the Big 10 has not been compared to the SEC in years, and does not have the depth at any level to stand up with the SEC of late.
The Big 12, Pac 10, Big East and ACC all have had multiple schools go years with out a bowl game, and that shows a serious lack of depth. Of course, this year the SEC was bailed out by Vanderbilt going to a bowl for the first time since 1982; but the Commodore program has become more and more competitive under Bobby Johnson. The SEC does not have a weak link - there is no sure win in the conference and that is year after year.
IN FOCUS: Which Coach / Player is in the Spotlight this week?
Mitchell:
Kodi Burns, QB, Auburn. The Auburn defense will be ok. It’ll come down to whether its offense can keep ‘bama off the field. That means RUN, KODI, RUN! However, there’s no plausible reason to believe he’ll do this against a Tide rushing defense ranked #3 in the nation; other than perhaps blind hope for those on the Plains. If this game were being played in Auburn - maybe there's a shot. But if it’s one thing that ‘bama has shown this year, it's a disciplined football team. It'll take talent to beat this team, and Auburn doesn't have it this season. Still, Kodi’s legs will be the key – watch here.
Harbach:
John Parker Wilson, QB Alabama. Six straight losses in what is arguably the greatest rivalry game in College Football puts a lot of pressure on the quarterback for the team trying to break the streak. John Parker Wilson has been an excellent game manager this season, he has not had any meltdown games, and seems to have matured a lot in the last 10 months. He is a good SEC quarterback, and has an opportunity to break a streak that grates on all Alabama fans. Winning this game would make him a hero, and bring him one step closer to one of the biggest player turnarounds in SEC history. If he loses this game and plays poorly, it is going to stay with him for the rest of his life. Wow. Alabama has bigger goals this year than beating Auburn, but this game is always goal number one before the SEC starts. Wilson can still be a game manager and beat Auburn, but he can’t make any mistakes or they just could lose.
SEC POWER RANKINGS
Mitchell
1 Florida – Hey, eight different players scored against the Citadel
2 Alabama – There’s no way…
3 Georgia – Good thing the ‘jackets are coming to the Hedges
4 Ole Miss – Ok, I’ll go four deep after the road win in BR, but that’s it
As we noted last week, we can no longer in good conscious rank any more SEC teams in a list with the word “Power” in the title.
Harbach
1 Alabama – After six straight losses to Auburn, the Tide is ready for revenge
2 Florida – This team looks better than the Championship team from 2006
3 Georgia – Two weeks to prepare for the option, will Athens be ready at noon?
4 Ole Miss – (up from 6) The Rebel D showed up LSU all game long
5 LSU – (down from 4) Both sets of SEC Tigers have serious problems at quarterback
6 South Carolina – (down from 5) Smelley is starting at Clemson…Uh Oh
7 Vanderbilt – Didn’t even show up for the Tennessee game, shocking result
8 Kentucky – Win over Tennessee and LSU loss might make their season Peachy
9 Auburn – (up from 9) Tuberville has never lost to UGA & 'Bama in the same season
10 Tennessee – (up from 11) Eric Berry is a joy to watch play college football
11 MSU – (up from 12) Good win for the 'Dawgs; Egg Bowl another positive step
12 Arkansas – (down from 9) Both teams need to win the Battle for the Boot. Badly
THREE GAMES TO DVR
Mitchell:
1) Auburn (5-6) v. No. 1 Alabama (11-0), November 29. If you’ll pardon the pun, Auburn’s one chance to win this game (Kodi’s legs) runs right into the Tide’s strong suit – rushing defense. But that’s been the Tigers luck all season. It’s hard to believe Auburn won’t be playing in a bowl game. Well, look on the bright side – more time for Tubby to work on in-state recruiting. And if last year was any indication, he needs the extra time. Harbach – you’re showing your colors, brother.
Alabama 34, Auburn 9
2) No. 4 Florida (10-1) v. No. 20 Florida State (8-3) November 29. If no team is playing better than Florida, then why are they ranked #4? We can appreciate ‘bama, who is at least undefeated. But Florida’s only ranked below Texas because the pollsters know it doesn’t matter, as the Tide and Gators will go head-to-head. Before that, though, Florida must take care of its rivals to the north. The SEC is a lesson in mediocrity this season, but the ACC is just plain bad. The Florida D Line is banged up, and rushing is a strength of the Seminole offense. Meanwhile, don’t look now, but FSU’s pass defense is ranked #4 in the nation, it’s #4 in sacks, #1 in tackles for loss, #21 against the run, and #7 overall. Did we mention FSU plays in the ACC?
Florida 41, Florida State 21
3) No. 22 Georgia Tech (8-3) v. No. 11 Georgia (9-2), November 29. UGA has had two weeks to heal and get ready for the option. This is going to be a tight game, and were it played in Atlanta, we might be prepared to give the nod to the Yellow Jackets. But not between the Hedges. Not the day they’re honoring Larry Munson... U-P-S-E-T…
Georgia Tech 34, Georgia 24
Season Record: 27-12
Harbach:
1) Auburn (5-6) v. Alabama (11-0), November 29. Auburn has been the biggest disappointment in the SEC this year. The spread was a disaster, the Offensive Coordinator was fired after 6 games and they have no offense whatsoever. Tommy Tuberville knows one game can save his job because it has saved it before and now would be the best time for Auburn to play their best game of the year. Alabama wants this game desperately, but they have bigger fish to try in Atlanta. The Tide will come out motivated and ready to play, but Kodi Burns makes a couple plays with his feet and leads Auburn to the upset win, and on to Shreveport.
Auburn 17, Alabama 7
2) Florida (10-1) v. Florida State (8-3) November 29. The Florida State record and ranking this season is very deceiving, they are not a good football team and two of their eight wins are over FCS opponents to go along with that brutal ACC schedule. Florida is fine tuned machine right now on offense and the defense is causing turnovers like crazy. The Florida State quarterbacks will be rattled early and often. Florida wins this game easily and shuts it down for Alabama early in the fourth quarter.
Florida 52, Florida State 14
3) Georgia Tech (8-3) v. Georgia (9-2), November 29. With two weeks to prepare for the Georgia Tech option attack, UGA should be plenty prepared and ready to take on the rival Yellow Jackets. Since this is likely to be Stafford and Moreno’s swan song in Athens they will be coming out swinging early and often. We should be hearing chants of one more year from the crowd in the third quarter as both players get a standing ovation when they exit the game well in hand in the fourth quarter. A spread passing game would cause UGA problems, the running attack they will handle just fine.
Georgia 38, Georgia Tech 20
Season Record: 24-15
email Brian: Brian Harbach
email Russ: Russ Mitchell
Y’all Play Nice - Week Thirteen, November 20, 2008
Y’all Play Nice - Week Twelve, November 13, 2008
Y’all Play Nice - Week Eleven, November 6, 2008
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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