The West will be wild and there are beasts in the East.
The SEC season kicked off in style from the Grove to the Swamp this past weekend and the conference looks stronger than ever. Scary strong.
In the East, Florida and Georgia (the two highest rated teams in the SEC) started their seasons by dominating lesser opponents. South Carolina struggled offensively, but the Gamecock defense completely stifled NC State in a 34-0 victory. Vanderbilt also won on the road against a viable Miami of Ohio team, and Kentucky continued the traveling theme by dominating Louisville in Derby town.
Tennessee was the only division team to lose, dropping a Labor Day night game to UCLA in overtime at the Rose Bowl.
Out West, the defending national champion LSU Bengal Tigers ignored the distraction of moving their game to the morning hours in response to Hurricane Gustav and overwhelmed Appalachian State.
The Tigers will have plenty of competition this year however.
Ole Miss made Houston Nutt’s debut a success by downing Memphis, and Auburn shut down Louisiana-Monroe. Arkansas snuck by Western Illinois late.
The biggest statement came from Alabama.
The Crimson Tide crushed Clemson 34-10 in the inaugural Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic in Atlanta. This was a bowl atmosphere contest against a preseason Top Ten opponent, and the Tide came ready to roll. LSU, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Alabama … should be quite a race.
The most disappointing league team was Mississippi State. The Bulldogs were sloppy and inconsistent on offense, and the defense finally wilted in a tough road loss to Louisiana Tech and up-and-coming young coach Derek Dooley.
Finally, the thoughts and prayers of all of us here at Game Day Weekly and The Campus Game go out to all our friends along the Gulf Coast. Be safe.
Here are our weekly conference power rankings … remember these change a lot week-to week so don’t despair if your team is not where it needs to be just yet.
Enjoy!
The Campus Game Weekly Conference Ratings
1. LSU … this was the best SEC team I saw over the weekend.
2. Florida … Gators were sluggish for a couple of possessions, but look mighty fast.
3. Alabama … Saban’s Tide rolled over Clemson and have a nice mix of youth and experience. Watch out.
4. Georgia … Mark Richt’s Dogs cruised over GA Southern, but the loss of DT Jeff Owens hurts.
5. Auburn … For all the talk of a new offense, the key for the Tigers is always a great D.
6. South Carolina … Defense is superior … offense still needs work.
7. Ole Miss … Rebels should probably be higher, but Nutt must still work out some kinks.
8. Tennessee ... Vols missed several chances to beat Bruins in Rose Bowl.
9. Kentucky … Boys from the Bluegrass suprised in Derby town.
10. Vanderbilt … Commodores sank decent Miami (Ohio) team on road. SC will be tougher.
11. Mississippi State ... Turnovers turn into tough loss at LA Tech.
12. Arkansas … Petrino’s porkers barely escaped with win over W. Illinois. Not pretty.
Professor's Picks
(Last Week’s Record 8-4)
(2008 Record 8-4)
Ouch - a mediocre start for the old professor as Alabama and Kentucky surprised (in a positive way!), while Big Orange and the Bullies of State faltered.
South Carolina at Vanderbilt (7:30 ET ESPN 9/4)
See SEC Game of the Week column.
Game Ball: South Carolina
Tulane at Alabama (6:30 CT 9/6)
Alabama looked awfully good as the Tide mixed in talented youngsters with experienced veterans. Both lines of scrimmage dominated Clemson. Tulane did not play in week one, and the minds of the Green Wave might understandably be on the hurricane headed toward Louisiana.
Game Ball: Alabama
LA-Monroe at Arkansas (Little Rock) (6:00 CT 9/6)
New head Hog Bobby Petrino got off to a rough start, suspending top returning rusher Michael Smith for the opening game, seeing his team fumble away the opening kickoff, and then trailing Western Illinois deep into the game. LA-Monroe could do little against the stout Auburn D (gaining only 220 total yards), but the Warhawks just might make a game of this one.
Game Ball: Arkansas
Southern Miss at Auburn (11:30 CT Raycom 9/6)
The Golden Eagles ran and passed for 633 yards in a 51-21 win over LA-LAF to kick off the Larry Fedora era. Tailback Damion Fletcher ran for 222 of those yards and two TDs. Auburn played close to the vest, rarely throwing the ball in new OC Tony Franklin’s spread attack, but easily beat LA-Monroe 34-0.
Game Ball: Auburn
Miami at Florida (8:00 ET ESPN 9/6)
The Gators played without two of their best players (LB Brandon Spikes and WR Percy Harvin) but still scored on offense, defense, and special teams to wallop Hawaii 56-10. Florida is the speediest team I saw opening weekend. Miami whipped Charleston Southern 52-7 behind QB Jacory Harris’ two TD passes. Florida should be at full-strength and ready to make a statement in this game.
Game Ball: Florida
Central Michigan at Georgia (3:30 CT FSNS 9/6)
Georgia called off the Dogs early in a season-opening 45-21 win over Georgia Southern. TB Knowshon Moreno carried only 8 times, but made them count with three touchdowns. Central Michigan is the two-time defending MAC champ with a top QB in Dan LeFevour.
Game Ball: Georgia
Norfolk State at Kentucky (6:00 ET 9/6)
Wildcats from the Bluegrass looked surprisingly strong in lambasting Louisville on the road. The Spartans of Norfolk State held Virginia State to 109 total yards in a 47-7 rout for whatever that’s worth. Probably not much.
Game Ball: Kentucky
Troy at LSU (Game postponed until November 15)
Ole Miss at Wake Forest (2:30 CT ABC/ESPN2 9/6)
The Rebels were not perfect in the opener for Houston Nutt but found enough offense to beat rival Memphis. Wake continued to look very sound as QB Riley Skinner passed for 3 TDs in a road win at Baylor. This will be a big test for both squads and could influence bowl destinations down the road. Let’s go with Rebs in mild upset.
Game Ball: Ole Miss
SE Louisiana at Mississippi State (6:00 CT 9/6)
State was the first SEC team to visit Ruston, LA, in a hundred years and it may be another century before a league team goes back. The Bulldogs were ragged with five turnovers in a 22-14 loss to LA Tech as QB Wesley Carroll threw 3 INTs and gave way for much of the game to backup Tyson Lee. Dogs should recover against SE-LA, a 34-28 winner over Alcorn.
Game Ball: Miss State
OPEN: Tennessee
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Up for Debate
South Carolina at Vanderbilt
SEC Game of the Week
August 31, 2008
ESPN 7:30 ET
Barack and Biden or Johnny Mac and Pretty Palin?
Obambi and Bulldog or Maverick and Sarah Barracuda?
Well, that choice will have to wait a couple months, but South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier has a political decision with his quarterbacks that must be made this week … Banged-Up Beecher or Sweet Smelley?
Spurrier declared the quarterback question “up for debate” following a 34-0 Thursday night victory over North Carolina State.
Normally a five-touchdown win would be cause for celebration rather than concern, but not in this instance and not with this coach. For more than half the game, the play of the SC offense and Spurrier’s hand-picked top QB – red-shirt junior Tommy Beecher – was as ugly as Hillary Clinton’s pantsuits. Beecher started for the Gamecocks, took more hits than a bag of nails at a carpenters’ convention, tossed four interceptions, and did not play after the third period because a smack to the head left him woozy.
While Beecher struggled, plenty of blame lies with the poor play of the offensive line. Beecher was sacked five times and “he was a quarterback throwing out of the basement cellar window,” Spurrier said Friday after the game referring to the constant pressure NC State applied.
Enter Chris Smelley, the sophomore reserve.
A sometime starter in 2007 (he went 4-2 in six starts), Smelley came off the bench to lead three 4th-quarter touchdown drives that included TD passes to Dion LeCorn and Jared Cook. He was five for five passing for 92 yards, all coming in the final stanza. That type performance makes a strong opening impression in any debate for future playing time. Smelley gets the start at Vanderbilt.
Although the SC offense struggled much of the game, the outcome of the contest never seemed in serious jeopardy because the Gamecock defense looked ready to handle anybody this side of the Russian army.
Forget about the Georgia Bulldogs in two weeks, send them to Tblisi to deal with a more serious red menace.
New defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson’s crew smothered the Wolfpack, allowing State only 138 total yards, forcing four turnovers, and never letting the Pack get past midfield in the second half. Altogether it was a dominating performance from a lineup that includes all-star candidates like LBs Eric Norwood and Jasper Brinkley, and CB Captain Munnerlyn.
For Vanderbilt, the defense was not nearly so fearsome but at least the Commodores definitely know who their quarterback will be.
Senior QB Chris Nickson ran for 166 yards and two touchdowns, propelling Vandy to a solid 34-13 road victory over Miami of Ohio. The Commodores rang up 269 yards rushing as a team and were never in any trouble after jumping to a 17-3 first quarter lead. The win is more impressive than it might seem at first glance because the Red Hawks played in the championship game of the tough Mid-America Conference (MAC) last season.
While the ground attack was able to put up good numbers, the tailbacks were missing in action. Three Vandy runners (Jared Hawkins, Gaston Miller, and Jeff Jennings) sputtered for only 77 yards on 25 attempts. That trio will have to produce better numbers against SC if the Commodores are to compete.
Vandy was also less than impressive through the air. Nickson passed for just 91 yards on a 9 of 16 night, with one TD throw and no interceptions. He was sacked twice.
Nickson and the Commodores will be fortunate to put up those total offense numbers against the Carolina defense.
With a large and athletic front, super-size linebackers, and an outstanding secondary, the Gamecocks look every bit one of the better defenses in a league full of them. The offense may not be up to the same level, but SC should score enough to beat Vanderbilt before getting ten days to prepare for top-ranked Georgia.
They will need to close the QB debate before that one.
Game Ball: South Carolina
SEC Game of the Week
August 31, 2008
ESPN 7:30 ET
Barack and Biden or Johnny Mac and Pretty Palin?
Obambi and Bulldog or Maverick and Sarah Barracuda?
Well, that choice will have to wait a couple months, but South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier has a political decision with his quarterbacks that must be made this week … Banged-Up Beecher or Sweet Smelley?
Spurrier declared the quarterback question “up for debate” following a 34-0 Thursday night victory over North Carolina State.
Normally a five-touchdown win would be cause for celebration rather than concern, but not in this instance and not with this coach. For more than half the game, the play of the SC offense and Spurrier’s hand-picked top QB – red-shirt junior Tommy Beecher – was as ugly as Hillary Clinton’s pantsuits. Beecher started for the Gamecocks, took more hits than a bag of nails at a carpenters’ convention, tossed four interceptions, and did not play after the third period because a smack to the head left him woozy.
While Beecher struggled, plenty of blame lies with the poor play of the offensive line. Beecher was sacked five times and “he was a quarterback throwing out of the basement cellar window,” Spurrier said Friday after the game referring to the constant pressure NC State applied.
Enter Chris Smelley, the sophomore reserve.
A sometime starter in 2007 (he went 4-2 in six starts), Smelley came off the bench to lead three 4th-quarter touchdown drives that included TD passes to Dion LeCorn and Jared Cook. He was five for five passing for 92 yards, all coming in the final stanza. That type performance makes a strong opening impression in any debate for future playing time. Smelley gets the start at Vanderbilt.
Although the SC offense struggled much of the game, the outcome of the contest never seemed in serious jeopardy because the Gamecock defense looked ready to handle anybody this side of the Russian army.
Forget about the Georgia Bulldogs in two weeks, send them to Tblisi to deal with a more serious red menace.
New defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson’s crew smothered the Wolfpack, allowing State only 138 total yards, forcing four turnovers, and never letting the Pack get past midfield in the second half. Altogether it was a dominating performance from a lineup that includes all-star candidates like LBs Eric Norwood and Jasper Brinkley, and CB Captain Munnerlyn.
For Vanderbilt, the defense was not nearly so fearsome but at least the Commodores definitely know who their quarterback will be.
Senior QB Chris Nickson ran for 166 yards and two touchdowns, propelling Vandy to a solid 34-13 road victory over Miami of Ohio. The Commodores rang up 269 yards rushing as a team and were never in any trouble after jumping to a 17-3 first quarter lead. The win is more impressive than it might seem at first glance because the Red Hawks played in the championship game of the tough Mid-America Conference (MAC) last season.
While the ground attack was able to put up good numbers, the tailbacks were missing in action. Three Vandy runners (Jared Hawkins, Gaston Miller, and Jeff Jennings) sputtered for only 77 yards on 25 attempts. That trio will have to produce better numbers against SC if the Commodores are to compete.
Vandy was also less than impressive through the air. Nickson passed for just 91 yards on a 9 of 16 night, with one TD throw and no interceptions. He was sacked twice.
Nickson and the Commodores will be fortunate to put up those total offense numbers against the Carolina defense.
With a large and athletic front, super-size linebackers, and an outstanding secondary, the Gamecocks look every bit one of the better defenses in a league full of them. The offense may not be up to the same level, but SC should score enough to beat Vanderbilt before getting ten days to prepare for top-ranked Georgia.
They will need to close the QB debate before that one.
Game Ball: South Carolina
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Campus Game - Around the Nation
Welcome back to The Campus Game for the kickoff of the 2008 season.
Three features appear here each week.
First, my SEC Game of the Week will typically be posted on Tuesdays. The print version of the article appears in Game Day Weekly, the south's premier weekly college football newspaper (contact info is linked to the right).
On Thursdays, Around the Nation and Professor's Picks/SEC Report are posted.
Around the Nation is a brief overview of the weekend's most prominent games, along with other college football national news.
The SEC Report includes information on the conference, plus Professor's Picks ... a quick overview of the week's games plus a game prediction.
Enjoy!
Around the Nation
Opening weekend offers several games of national significance, but no true blockbusters.
The best pairing figures to be at the Georgia Dome where Alabama meets Clemson in the inaugural Chick-fil-A College Kickoff. The Tigers are favored, but the Tide has a lot of young talent. Watch for the college debuts of highly-touted freshmen DaQuan Bowers (DE-Clemson) and Julio Jones (WR-Alabama).
USC visits Virginia in an intersectional game – if Trojan QB Mark Sanchez is still mending, Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain might get playing time.
Illinois goes on the road to challenge Missouri.
Finally, Tennessee travels to Tinsel Town for a Labor Day night meeting with UCLA.
See you at kickoff!
Three features appear here each week.
First, my SEC Game of the Week will typically be posted on Tuesdays. The print version of the article appears in Game Day Weekly, the south's premier weekly college football newspaper (contact info is linked to the right).
On Thursdays, Around the Nation and Professor's Picks/SEC Report are posted.
Around the Nation is a brief overview of the weekend's most prominent games, along with other college football national news.
The SEC Report includes information on the conference, plus Professor's Picks ... a quick overview of the week's games plus a game prediction.
Enjoy!
Around the Nation
Opening weekend offers several games of national significance, but no true blockbusters.
The best pairing figures to be at the Georgia Dome where Alabama meets Clemson in the inaugural Chick-fil-A College Kickoff. The Tigers are favored, but the Tide has a lot of young talent. Watch for the college debuts of highly-touted freshmen DaQuan Bowers (DE-Clemson) and Julio Jones (WR-Alabama).
USC visits Virginia in an intersectional game – if Trojan QB Mark Sanchez is still mending, Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain might get playing time.
Illinois goes on the road to challenge Missouri.
Finally, Tennessee travels to Tinsel Town for a Labor Day night meeting with UCLA.
See you at kickoff!
Professor's Picks and Around the SEC Week 1
Welcome to the first issue of Around the SEC for the 2008 season.
Don’t know about you, but I have had enough swimming, gymnastics, and relay races to last another four years. Like old Hank, Jr., I’m ready for some football – SEC style.
So, ice down the coolers, heat up the grill, and tailgate with us each week for conference news and previews of upcoming games.
Before we get to the first week’s action, a quick review of last season and a glance at some of this year’s story lines is in order.
For a second consecutive season, an SEC team won the national title. LSU thumped Ohio State 38-24 in the BCS championship game, leading the league to a final bowl record of 7 wins and 2 losses. Mississippi State, Alabama, Kentucky, Auburn, Tennessee, and Georgia joined the Bengal Tigers as bowl victors.
Individually, QB Tim Tebow of Florida became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy after accounting for a conference-record 55 touchdowns last fall. Former Arkansas RB Darren McFadden was the runner-up and also the second selection in the NFL draft, going to Oakland.
This season several story lines prevail ...
Georgia is the top-rated team in most national polls, with up to another half-dozen or more conference squads garnering Top 25 rankings depending on the source.
Houston Nutt moved from Arkansas to become head coach at Ole Miss, and the Rebels could be a surprise team in the West. Bobby Petrino, after a disastrous NFL stint with Atlanta, takes over for Nutt in Fayetteville, but most prognosticators pick the pigs to struggle.
The conference also signed a huge TV contract with ESPN this week to match an earlier commitment with CBS. More on those in future postings.
Here are our first set of weekly ratings (remember these fluctuate a lot during the year), followed by Professor's Picks for Week One.
Enjoy!
The Campus Game Weekly Conference Ratings
1. Florida … Gators talent and schedule puts them atop heap to start season.
2. Georgia … talented Dogs are national darlings, but injuries and schedule cause concern.
3. LSU … defending champs have few questions; but the one at quarterback is big.
4. Auburn … Tigers are excited about fast-paced new offense.
5. Tennessee … last year’s East champs are being overlooked by many.
6. Alabama … Tide lost a bunch of close ones last season, but talent level is rising.
7. South Carolina … Spurrier’s Gamecocks look great on D, at quarterback not so much.
8. Mississippi State … Bulldogs have a bruising running game and rugged D.
9. Ole Miss … Don’t be surprised if Rebels surprise, but road schedule is a challenge.
10. Kentucky … Rich Brooks and the Wildcats will be hard-pressed to keep bowl streak alive.
11. Arkansas … Hogs lost a ton of offensive talent.
12. Vanderbilt … Tough to find more than four or five wins for Dores.
Professor's Picks
2008 Record 0-0
(2007 Final Record: 73-21)
NC State at South Carolina (8:00 ESPN 8/28)
Tommy Beecher gets the start at QB for Carolina, but if he struggles it might turn into a Thursday night game of musical chairs with the quarterbacks. The Gamecocks figure to be very stingy on defense. Linebackers Eric Norwood and Jasper Brinkley are huge (both 270+), and corner Captain Munnerlyn could be an All-American. That should be the difference.
Game Ball: South Carolina
Vanderbilt at Miami (Ohio) (7:30 ET ESPNU 8/28)
Expect a low scoring game Thursday night as we have the unusual pairing of an SEC team traveling to play a MAC squad. The Commodores should have enough talent to get by the Red Hawks, even though Miami did play in the MAC championship game last season. Let’s call a close one for Vandy.
Game Ball: Vanderbilt
Alabama vs. Clemson (at Georgia Dome) (8:00 ET ABC 8/30)
See SEC Game of Week column.
Game Ball: Clemson
Western Illinois at Arkansas (7:00 ET 8/30)
The Petrino era starts in Fayetteville against the Leathernecks of WIU. While the Hogs cannot replace Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, veteran QB Casey Dick and RB Michael Smith should help get the new regime off to a nice start.
Game Ball: Arkansas
Louisiana-Monroe at Auburn (7:00 ET 8/30)
The Tigers will finally get to fight someone other than their own teammates when the Warhawks of LMU visit. The new spread offensive attack is what everybody is waiting to see. Also, think Tiger fans remember that LMU beat Alabama last year?
Game Ball: Auburn
Hawaii at Florida (12:30 ET Raycom 8/30)
The Gators enter the season as Game Day Weekly’s #1 team and a national title contender. Hawaii was last seen being blown out in the Sugar Bowl, and the Warriors have since lost their head coach and a bunch of players. The Gators have not.
Game Ball: Florida
Georgia Southern at Georgia (12:30 ET PPV 8/30)
The highly-hyped Bulldogs start the season against pass-happy Southern. The Bulldogs have some injuries and suspensions, so finally playing a game should be a fun release. Expect a 15-20 point win.
Game Ball: Georgia
Appalachian State at LSU (5:00 CT ESPN 8/30)
Everybody – including Les Miles and the Bengal Tigers – remembers what ASU did to Michigan at the Big House last season. The Mountaineers will provide a nice challenge to LSU’s vaunted defensive front, but don’t expect an upset.
Game Ball: LSU
Memphis at Ole Miss (7:00 ET 8/30)
Expectations are high in Oxford, with the debuts of coach Houston Nutt and QB Jevan Snead causing much of the excitement. Both lines are huge and have some talent, so the Rebels should have plenty to handle the Tigers, who must replace two-year starting QB Marty Hankins. Count on a nice start to the Nutt era.
Game Ball: Ole Miss
Mississippi State at Louisiana Tech (6:45 ET ESPN2 8/30)
State hopes to build on last season’s success, but a trip to Ruston is no picnic. MSU looks for QB Wesley Carroll to improve over his freshman season and RB Anthony Dixon (the first State soph ever to rush for 1000 yards) to continue his strong work. The defense should be able to handle La Tech, where coach Derek Dooley is the only head coach in Division I (FBS) to also serve as AD.
Game Ball: Miss State
Kentucky at Louisville (3:30 ET ESPN 8/31)
With only 13 starters returning, Kentucky will be hard-pressed to win (or even get to) a third straight bowl game. After years of relying on offense, the Big Blue defense may need to carry the load this year. Louisville disappointed in coach Steve Kragthorpe’s first season after being highly-rated in pre-season so the heat is on in Derby town.
Game Ball: Louisville
Don’t know about you, but I have had enough swimming, gymnastics, and relay races to last another four years. Like old Hank, Jr., I’m ready for some football – SEC style.
So, ice down the coolers, heat up the grill, and tailgate with us each week for conference news and previews of upcoming games.
Before we get to the first week’s action, a quick review of last season and a glance at some of this year’s story lines is in order.
For a second consecutive season, an SEC team won the national title. LSU thumped Ohio State 38-24 in the BCS championship game, leading the league to a final bowl record of 7 wins and 2 losses. Mississippi State, Alabama, Kentucky, Auburn, Tennessee, and Georgia joined the Bengal Tigers as bowl victors.
Individually, QB Tim Tebow of Florida became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy after accounting for a conference-record 55 touchdowns last fall. Former Arkansas RB Darren McFadden was the runner-up and also the second selection in the NFL draft, going to Oakland.
This season several story lines prevail ...
Georgia is the top-rated team in most national polls, with up to another half-dozen or more conference squads garnering Top 25 rankings depending on the source.
Houston Nutt moved from Arkansas to become head coach at Ole Miss, and the Rebels could be a surprise team in the West. Bobby Petrino, after a disastrous NFL stint with Atlanta, takes over for Nutt in Fayetteville, but most prognosticators pick the pigs to struggle.
The conference also signed a huge TV contract with ESPN this week to match an earlier commitment with CBS. More on those in future postings.
Here are our first set of weekly ratings (remember these fluctuate a lot during the year), followed by Professor's Picks for Week One.
Enjoy!
The Campus Game Weekly Conference Ratings
1. Florida … Gators talent and schedule puts them atop heap to start season.
2. Georgia … talented Dogs are national darlings, but injuries and schedule cause concern.
3. LSU … defending champs have few questions; but the one at quarterback is big.
4. Auburn … Tigers are excited about fast-paced new offense.
5. Tennessee … last year’s East champs are being overlooked by many.
6. Alabama … Tide lost a bunch of close ones last season, but talent level is rising.
7. South Carolina … Spurrier’s Gamecocks look great on D, at quarterback not so much.
8. Mississippi State … Bulldogs have a bruising running game and rugged D.
9. Ole Miss … Don’t be surprised if Rebels surprise, but road schedule is a challenge.
10. Kentucky … Rich Brooks and the Wildcats will be hard-pressed to keep bowl streak alive.
11. Arkansas … Hogs lost a ton of offensive talent.
12. Vanderbilt … Tough to find more than four or five wins for Dores.
Professor's Picks
2008 Record 0-0
(2007 Final Record: 73-21)
NC State at South Carolina (8:00 ESPN 8/28)
Tommy Beecher gets the start at QB for Carolina, but if he struggles it might turn into a Thursday night game of musical chairs with the quarterbacks. The Gamecocks figure to be very stingy on defense. Linebackers Eric Norwood and Jasper Brinkley are huge (both 270+), and corner Captain Munnerlyn could be an All-American. That should be the difference.
Game Ball: South Carolina
Vanderbilt at Miami (Ohio) (7:30 ET ESPNU 8/28)
Expect a low scoring game Thursday night as we have the unusual pairing of an SEC team traveling to play a MAC squad. The Commodores should have enough talent to get by the Red Hawks, even though Miami did play in the MAC championship game last season. Let’s call a close one for Vandy.
Game Ball: Vanderbilt
Alabama vs. Clemson (at Georgia Dome) (8:00 ET ABC 8/30)
See SEC Game of Week column.
Game Ball: Clemson
Western Illinois at Arkansas (7:00 ET 8/30)
The Petrino era starts in Fayetteville against the Leathernecks of WIU. While the Hogs cannot replace Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, veteran QB Casey Dick and RB Michael Smith should help get the new regime off to a nice start.
Game Ball: Arkansas
Louisiana-Monroe at Auburn (7:00 ET 8/30)
The Tigers will finally get to fight someone other than their own teammates when the Warhawks of LMU visit. The new spread offensive attack is what everybody is waiting to see. Also, think Tiger fans remember that LMU beat Alabama last year?
Game Ball: Auburn
Hawaii at Florida (12:30 ET Raycom 8/30)
The Gators enter the season as Game Day Weekly’s #1 team and a national title contender. Hawaii was last seen being blown out in the Sugar Bowl, and the Warriors have since lost their head coach and a bunch of players. The Gators have not.
Game Ball: Florida
Georgia Southern at Georgia (12:30 ET PPV 8/30)
The highly-hyped Bulldogs start the season against pass-happy Southern. The Bulldogs have some injuries and suspensions, so finally playing a game should be a fun release. Expect a 15-20 point win.
Game Ball: Georgia
Appalachian State at LSU (5:00 CT ESPN 8/30)
Everybody – including Les Miles and the Bengal Tigers – remembers what ASU did to Michigan at the Big House last season. The Mountaineers will provide a nice challenge to LSU’s vaunted defensive front, but don’t expect an upset.
Game Ball: LSU
Memphis at Ole Miss (7:00 ET 8/30)
Expectations are high in Oxford, with the debuts of coach Houston Nutt and QB Jevan Snead causing much of the excitement. Both lines are huge and have some talent, so the Rebels should have plenty to handle the Tigers, who must replace two-year starting QB Marty Hankins. Count on a nice start to the Nutt era.
Game Ball: Ole Miss
Mississippi State at Louisiana Tech (6:45 ET ESPN2 8/30)
State hopes to build on last season’s success, but a trip to Ruston is no picnic. MSU looks for QB Wesley Carroll to improve over his freshman season and RB Anthony Dixon (the first State soph ever to rush for 1000 yards) to continue his strong work. The defense should be able to handle La Tech, where coach Derek Dooley is the only head coach in Division I (FBS) to also serve as AD.
Game Ball: Miss State
Kentucky at Louisville (3:30 ET ESPN 8/31)
With only 13 starters returning, Kentucky will be hard-pressed to win (or even get to) a third straight bowl game. After years of relying on offense, the Big Blue defense may need to carry the load this year. Louisville disappointed in coach Steve Kragthorpe’s first season after being highly-rated in pre-season so the heat is on in Derby town.
Game Ball: Louisville
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Hungry for the V in Atlanta
Alabama vs. Clemson
SEC Game of the Week
August 30, 2008
ABC 8:00 ET
"What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have?"
When Clemson and Alabama fans hungry for the kickoff of college football season converge on the Georgia Dome Saturday night, thousands will stop by The Varsity – an Atlanta landmark on Spring Street famous for scrumptious chili dogs, tasty onion rings, and employee lingo more difficult to decipher than the spread offense.
The first words those fans will hear at the V is “what’ll ya have?”
How about a naked dog?
Not a bare Bulldog fan from Athens, just a plain hot dog on a bun (if you order a “hot dog” you’ll get it with chili and mustard).
Want to go PC?
Don’t worry about being politically correct with opposing fans … a PC is plain chocolate milk (over ice).
Care for an F.O?
This gets tricky. Typically at the Varsity that’s a frosted orange, a cold, creamy drink. However, if Clemson doesn’t win this game there might be another type of frosted orange in Atlanta. And, it will not be sweet.
Both squads will be hungry for the V (victory) in Atlanta.
Alabama is hungry like your growing teenager.
You know the Tide is getting bigger and stronger and soon may be able to handle most any item on the college football menu. You just are not sure if they are ready for a full course meal with the grown folks. A win over a Top Ten team in what will be a bowl-like atmosphere would announce that Nick Saban’s Bama boys are back in the big time.
On the other side, Clemson is hungry like the fellow who has not had dessert.
He has had the appetizers and salads of the December bowls, the meat and potatoes of a program with great talent, great fans, and grand expectations. Now, Clemson is ready to top it all off with the taste of a BCS bowl. The Tigers should win the ACC and could contend for a national title.
However, a loss in this game to a team projected by most to finish no better than third in the SEC West would cause Clemson fans more heartburn than two all-the-way dogs and a side of strings (2 chili dogs with onions and an order of french fries).
So who will feast and who will leave Atlanta famished?
These factors will determine a winning recipe:
Offensive Backfields: On paper, Clemson’s offensive backfield should be the dominant unit in the game. QB Cullen Harper makes few mistakes, and the running back tandem of James Davis and C.J. Spiller is possibly the best duo in college football. For Bama, senior QB John Parker Wilson holds a bunch of school records but can be plagued by big mistakes. His turnovers against FSU, LSU, and Mississippi State last season were significant in three close losses. Terry Grant is a serviceable running back, but not of Davis-Spiller caliber. Both units need to put points on the board.
Finish the Game: Neither of these teams was able to consistently clean its plate at the end of games last season. Clemson is a fine front-running team, but the Tigers were a middling 2-2 in games decided by seven points or less. Alabama was excruciatingly close to a terrific season in 2007. All six of the Tide’s losses were by a touchdown or less. This game might be determined by which team learned more from those close losses.
Confidence (SEC-ACC): There is no longer a serious debate about the supremacy of the SEC in college football. National championship game blowouts the past two seasons, the reigning Heisman winner, five coaches with national titles (including Saban) … SEC teams swagger onto the field with as much confidence as Michael Phelps diving into a swimming pool. On the other hand, the ACC struggles. Clemson is the only conference team being mentioned as a national title contender, yet the Tigers have many doubters because of the nasty habit of losing a game or two they shouldn’t each year.
So, what’ll ya have?
My gut tells me Alabama will win this game, but my head says Clemson is too good. I’ll go with the Tigers, but try to soothe my stomach by stopping at the Varsity before the game.
Game Ball: Clemson
SEC Game of the Week
August 30, 2008
ABC 8:00 ET
"What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have?"
When Clemson and Alabama fans hungry for the kickoff of college football season converge on the Georgia Dome Saturday night, thousands will stop by The Varsity – an Atlanta landmark on Spring Street famous for scrumptious chili dogs, tasty onion rings, and employee lingo more difficult to decipher than the spread offense.
The first words those fans will hear at the V is “what’ll ya have?”
How about a naked dog?
Not a bare Bulldog fan from Athens, just a plain hot dog on a bun (if you order a “hot dog” you’ll get it with chili and mustard).
Want to go PC?
Don’t worry about being politically correct with opposing fans … a PC is plain chocolate milk (over ice).
Care for an F.O?
This gets tricky. Typically at the Varsity that’s a frosted orange, a cold, creamy drink. However, if Clemson doesn’t win this game there might be another type of frosted orange in Atlanta. And, it will not be sweet.
Both squads will be hungry for the V (victory) in Atlanta.
Alabama is hungry like your growing teenager.
You know the Tide is getting bigger and stronger and soon may be able to handle most any item on the college football menu. You just are not sure if they are ready for a full course meal with the grown folks. A win over a Top Ten team in what will be a bowl-like atmosphere would announce that Nick Saban’s Bama boys are back in the big time.
On the other side, Clemson is hungry like the fellow who has not had dessert.
He has had the appetizers and salads of the December bowls, the meat and potatoes of a program with great talent, great fans, and grand expectations. Now, Clemson is ready to top it all off with the taste of a BCS bowl. The Tigers should win the ACC and could contend for a national title.
However, a loss in this game to a team projected by most to finish no better than third in the SEC West would cause Clemson fans more heartburn than two all-the-way dogs and a side of strings (2 chili dogs with onions and an order of french fries).
So who will feast and who will leave Atlanta famished?
These factors will determine a winning recipe:
Offensive Backfields: On paper, Clemson’s offensive backfield should be the dominant unit in the game. QB Cullen Harper makes few mistakes, and the running back tandem of James Davis and C.J. Spiller is possibly the best duo in college football. For Bama, senior QB John Parker Wilson holds a bunch of school records but can be plagued by big mistakes. His turnovers against FSU, LSU, and Mississippi State last season were significant in three close losses. Terry Grant is a serviceable running back, but not of Davis-Spiller caliber. Both units need to put points on the board.
Finish the Game: Neither of these teams was able to consistently clean its plate at the end of games last season. Clemson is a fine front-running team, but the Tigers were a middling 2-2 in games decided by seven points or less. Alabama was excruciatingly close to a terrific season in 2007. All six of the Tide’s losses were by a touchdown or less. This game might be determined by which team learned more from those close losses.
Confidence (SEC-ACC): There is no longer a serious debate about the supremacy of the SEC in college football. National championship game blowouts the past two seasons, the reigning Heisman winner, five coaches with national titles (including Saban) … SEC teams swagger onto the field with as much confidence as Michael Phelps diving into a swimming pool. On the other hand, the ACC struggles. Clemson is the only conference team being mentioned as a national title contender, yet the Tigers have many doubters because of the nasty habit of losing a game or two they shouldn’t each year.
So, what’ll ya have?
My gut tells me Alabama will win this game, but my head says Clemson is too good. I’ll go with the Tigers, but try to soothe my stomach by stopping at the Varsity before the game.
Game Ball: Clemson
Thursday, August 7, 2008
2008 SEC West Best-Worst Scenarios
With the 2008 college football season just weeks away, enjoy The Campus Game's "Best-Worst Scenarios" for the Southeastern Conference.
These are not overall predictions (those will be posted the week of August 30th when regular weekly columns begin); instead this is an analysis of reasonable best-worst case seasons for each SEC team.
Scenarios are listed alphabetically.
SEC West
These are not overall predictions (those will be posted the week of August 30th when regular weekly columns begin); instead this is an analysis of reasonable best-worst case seasons for each SEC team.
Scenarios are listed alphabetically.
SEC West
Alabama: Best 10-2 ... Worst 6-6
Probable Wins: Tulane, Western Kentucky, Kentucky, Arkansas State
Probable Losses: @Georgia, @Tennessee, @LSU
Swing Games: Clemson (@Atlanta), @Arkansas, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Auburn
Comment: Talent level is rising for Tide, but may be year away from conference elite status.
Arkansas: Best 6-6 ... Worst 2-10
Probable Wins: Western Illinois, LA-Monroe, Tulsa
Probable Losses: @Texas, Florida, @Auburn, LSU
Swing Games: Alabama, @Kentucky, Ole Miss, @South Carolina, @Mississippi State
Comment: Bobby Petrino is likely to struggle for a year as the Hogs lost a ton of offensive talent.
Auburn: Best 11-1 ... Worst 8-4
Probable Wins: LA-Monroe, Southern Miss, @Vanderbilt, Arkansas, UT-Martin
Probable Losses: None
Swing Games: @Mississippi State, LSU, Tennessee, @West Virginia, @Ole Miss, Georgia, @Alabama
Comment: Auburn should probably be favored in the West, but the visits to the Mississippi schools and to Bama will not be easy.
LSU: Best 11-1 ... Worst 8-4
Probable Wins: Appalachian State, Troy, North Texas, Mississippi State, Tulane, Alabama, Ole Miss, @Arkansas
Probable Losses: @Florida
Swing Games: @Auburn, @South Carolina, Georgia
Comment: Road trips to Florida and Auburn should determine whether defending champs repeat as division winners.
Ole Miss: Best 8-4 ... Worst 5-7
Probable Wins: Memphis, Samford, Vanderbilt, LA-Monroe
Probable Losses: @Florida, Auburn, @LSU
Swing Games: @Wake Forest, South Carolina, @Alabama, @Arkansas, Mississippi State
Comment: Don't be surprised if the Rebels surprise. Ed Orgeron left much talent in Oxford ... still, those five road games are tough and finding more than 8 wins seems a stretch at this point.
Mississippi State: Best 8-4 ... Worst 5-7
Probable Wins: SE Louisiana, Vanderbilt, MTSU, Kentucky, Arkansas
Probable Losses: @LSU, @Tennessee
Swing Games: @LA-Tech, Auburn, @Georgia Tech, @Alabama, @Ole Miss
Comment: The two Mississippi schools are intriguing in the West. Sylvester Croom has built a solid program and several of those swing games are winnable.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
2008 SEC East Best-Worst Scenarios
With the 2008 college football season just weeks away, enjoy The Campus Game's "Best-Worst Scenarios" for the Southeastern Conference.
These are not overall predictions (those will be posted the week of August 30th when regular weekly columns begin); instead this is an analysis of reasonable best-worst case seasons for each SEC East team (West will be posted within the week).
Scenarios are listed alphabetically.
SEC EAST
These are not overall predictions (those will be posted the week of August 30th when regular weekly columns begin); instead this is an analysis of reasonable best-worst case seasons for each SEC East team (West will be posted within the week).
Scenarios are listed alphabetically.
SEC EAST
Florida: Best 12-0 ... Worst 9-3
Probable Wins: Hawaii, Miami, Ole Miss, @Arkansas, Kentucky, @Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Citadel
Probable Losses: None
Swing Games: @Tennessee, LSU, Georgia, @FSU
Comment: Schedule is favorable for Gators but beware trip to Rocky Top early.
Georgia: Best 12-0 ... Worst 8-4
Probable Wins: Georgia Southern, Central Michigan, Vanderbilt, @Kentucky, Georgia Tech
Probable Losses: None
Swing Games: @South Carolina, @Arizona State, Alabama, @LSU, Tennessee, Florida, @Auburn
Comment: Doggone tough schedule may keep Georgia from SEC title game.
Kentucky: Best 7-5 ... Worst 4-8
Probable Wins: Norfolk State, MTSU, Western Kentucky, Vanderbilt
Probable Losses: @Alabama, @Florida, @Mississippi State, Georgia, @Tennessee
Swing Games: @Louisville, South Carolina, Arkansas
Comment: Wildcats will be hard pressed to continue bowl streak after significant personnel losses.
South Carolina: Best 9-3 ... Worst 6-6
Probable Wins: NC State, @Vanderbilt, Wofford, UAB, Arkansas
Probable Losses: @Florida, @Clemson
Swing Games: Georgia, @Ole Miss, @Kentucky, LSU, Tennessee
Comments: Gamecock defense should be stout, but QB questions persist for The Visor.
Tennessee: Best 10-2 ... Worst 8-4
Probable Wins: UAB, Northern Illinois, Mississippi State, Wyoming, @Vanderbilt, Kentucky
Probable Losses: None
Swing Games: @UCLA, Florida, @Auburn, @Georgia, Alabama, @South Carolina
Comment: Defending division champs being overlooked by many, but could be dangerous.
Vanderbilt: Best 5-7 ... Worst 2-10
Probable Wins: Duke
Probable Losses: South Carolina, @Ole Miss, Auburn, @Mississippi State, @Georgia, Florida, Tennessee
Swing Games: @Miami (Ohio), Rice, @Kentucky, @Wake Forest
Comment: I do not see a .500 season for Commodores.
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