To be honest, Saturday's game was probably easier than the last 4 combined. UT is getting real complacent in their play, and that made life real easy when your defense and offense can handle "going through the motions" which is what Tennessee is doing now.
The Good...
Key players stepping up.
If it were on me to give out 3 game balls, they would have been to Andre Smith, Roy Upchurch, and Donta Hightower. Some would argue Mike Johnson because the TD score was with him lead blocking, but I discount points for missed cut blocks and just cut blocking in general. To each their own, but as many runs to the left outside area as they did, that was Smith's domain. A kudos should go to McCall too who continues to be the silent reason the running game looks better as a whole. Upchurch finally got a chance to show his game in 2 facets. First he got to shoulder the load for a while and did well. Second, he got to show his blocking skills, which are better than the others are (it also is a big reason why Terry Grant is MIA). Upchurch has the best vision of the tailbacks and when UT was clogging lanes, he had the vision to find the gap and hit it fast. That led to several of his big runs was him cutting back and finding the hole. I read a post this weekend saying Hightower had "played slow” and my first thought was what the hell was this guy watching? Hightower has quietly been the reason this defense plays better. Yes, "Mt. Cody" this and that, and he's been a big part in the stingy part, but Hightower plays like a 2nd or 3rd year player. He's been big all year and plays real well with McClain. That's an improvement from last year where Mustin and Hall didn't really compliment or help McClain that much. Hall's on the team still, but he can't beat out Hightower because Hightower plays the position the right way. The staff needs to revisit his HS and start cherry picking others because that high school staff coaches extremely well based on how ready Donta was/is.
Defensive stands
The defense opened the evening on its own five. Not exactly where you want to be to get going, but they didn't flinch and set the tone for the night. 3 plays, something like 1 yard, and FG was a win for the defense. It also sent a message to MSU, LSU, and Auburn that without Cody, they were still tougher than most. UT helped out a good bit with their fear and undisciplined play. I think they had about 3 times where they were 4th and 1 and punted, and then had about 5 penalties in the red zone that resulted in 2 missed FGs. I agreed with one commentator (Tyler Watts I think) that wondered what UT had to lose? Apparently there was a discount at the Sizzler and Fulmer wasn't gonna miss 3 for 1 rib night....
Second half show up
Show of hands for how many folks were a little uneasy at halftime only being up 10? Don't lie. The good news was that this team finally, FINALLY, decided to put someone away in the second half. Maybe it was just being up 10 or the constant barrage from Saban and the staff about it, or that UT was the weakest they've seen in 4 weeks, whatever the combo was, it was nice to see them come out and put UT away for good in the second half. The big thing that kinda told me they were going to put it down fast was the 1st UT possession. They came, saw, punted, and Bama went from there.
Karma
When I played sports, I always thought things kinda happened for a reason, and I know other coaches and players feel the same at times. Two good examples from Saturday were Fulmer taking another humiliating beating from Alabama, and Maze getting jacked up. The first one, needs no explanation I don't guess. You could rattle off the atrocities of Fulmer as easily as anyone. Maze, if you remember last week had the pose after the TD, first touch this week, he gets posed by Eric Berry, who is as good a S as you'll find in college football hands down. Now, Maze got up and tried to act like it didn't get him, but we all know better. It will be good for Maze in the long run because it is a good reminder that you can be humbled by better players, and shown up as well, so it is best to keep focus on your job and not draw undue attention to yourself. I think he's learned the lesson now. Hope so anyways.
Seeing Neyland empty in record time
We know the feeling don't we? I don't hate it for the Vols or their sorry ass fans, but I'd rather they stayed to hear Rammer Jammer or the thousands of Bama fans that had scalped UT section tickets all year.
The Bad...
Special Teams
It upgrades from usual position, but really at some point Bama's going to be in a dog fight and the ST unit will be the reason it is either a dog fight or a loss. Arenas is as dangerous to the team as he is the opponent's at times. At some point, he's got to house a big return against a good team or else his value diminishes due to the weekly muff, dangerous return, decleater, or variety of things that seem to happen. The punting is as Dr Jeykll Mr. Hyde as you can get. You are backed up in the end zone, not at the end of it but in the end zone, you have to hurry up the punt somewhat. It seemed like the blocked punt took 3 weeks to go from snap to follow thru. The reason it goes up from the usual Ugly is because they actually contained a kick or punt return team for a change. Usually, that is what has me fuming in the 2nd half.
Letting UT score a TD
It isn't that big a deal, but 29-3 sounds more like it was than 29-9. I'd say if the coaches are hunting something to work with in film or practice, that will be it.
Early play calling cuteness
The first series started out ok, but it was a little cute in the end. The first quarter as a whole was a little too cute and trying to out think Chavis's defense. The rule of thumb on UT this year has been a war of attrition and you wear them out over 3 quarters. Passing wasn't going to do it, but running and grinding on them would. The 2nd and 3rd quarters they did more running and in the 4th you could see the difference.
The Ugly...
ESPN goofed
I doubt many caught it but on Upchurch's first run of the day, the little part above the score, where they put Joe Smith 1 rush, 4 yards, had Robert Lester 1 carry, 4 yards. I guess in the down economy, even ESPN had to recycle material.
Random Thoughts
I couldn't tell you who the best team in the ACC was if I wanted to. Some weeks, I sit and think UNC is it, then they lose, but then I say well FSU is, only to watch them play and get nauseated. I would say BC was, but then they lose, the two Techs- nope. Miami- no. Wake-no. If you want to see a truly flat conference as far as the haves and have nots, the ACC is it. I would really hate to see any of them in the BCS bowls because none of them deserve to be there over any at-large team you could throw out there.
That kinda leads into the annual "Why I hate the BCS format" rant. I think Bama fans may have to revisit their laughing at Auburn somewhat because Alabama could find themselves right where Auburn was a few years ago. Let's say that Texas Tech beats Texas but OU beats them, PSU runs the table against 11 nobody's and OSU, Florida beats UGA but loses to FSU, Alabama runs the table but loses to UF in the SECC. You have Texas Tech, OU, Bama, Texas, USCal, all with 1 loss and PSU with nothing on its resume to really hold to. Which 2 teams do you think are best? I can't argue for the Big 12 because their defenses are crap. Of course, either Tech, OU, Texas will be the conference champ and the others will not have a real case for it, but OU has been there before without the title. Bama would be in that boat too if they lost to UF.
Here's the other bad scenario: let's say UTx, Bama, and PSU all finish undefeated. Texas has to play Missouri again, Bama has to play UGA again, Penn St is done. Both Bama and Texas hurt themselves if they beat a team they have already beaten in the computer rankings because the computer factors SOS into their equation. My hope is that whomever gets left out of the BCS Championship gets to represent against a quality opponent. So if PSU is out, they play USCal. If Bama is out, they play someone like OU or Texas Tech. If Texas is out, they get a rematch with USCal in the Rose Bowl or something like that. I really can see a split title either way because the AP will not follow trend if there are 2 undefeated teams out there. I think the egg from the USCal/OU/Auburn mistake will be fresh still, not to mention putting an exaggerated Ohio State team in 2 straight years.
What did this game teach me?
OSU vs. Texas.
Texas is beatable if you can get enough defense after them. Oklahoma St isn't a bad team, but I wouldn't call them a great team either. They did throw more defense at Texas than they had or will see all year. The trick is to get Colt McCoy moving to his left. McCoy by the way should win the Heisman this year.
Auburn v. WVa
Good defenses wear down after 4 quarters of running around. Auburn's offense is regressing worse than Tennessee's is right now. I don't know if Auburn will reach 6 wins or not now.
UGA v. LSU
LSU and UGA don't have much in the defensive cupboard. Period. Both have enough offense to give you heartburn, but defensively, they both leave something to be desired right now. LSU's issue is just youth and they do miss Dorsey and the seniors that are gone, but I can see the talent they have it just has to grow up. Georgia's issue is that they are undersized and not real good at tackling. With UGA it is all about discipline. They lack it and I think Florida will punish them good for it.
Buy/Sell/Hold
John Parker Wilson has evolved from a game manager to play maker.
Hold. To be honest, there isn't a difference in the two because to manage the game at times the QB has to make plays. I do think the biggest thing that the staff has done with him is the play calling. Radar and Applewhite wanted him to be a vertical QB and throw the lower percentage long yard routes that required great passes and great route running from the WR. I think we could all agree that didn't ever happen, and wouldn't this year if attempted. Instead, they've shortened up and let the progressions be more suitable to Wilson's mentality. Wilson hugs to a WR, in the past it has been Hall or Brown mostly, this year it is Jones, but he'll check down to Walker a lot too. I think Mac's influence on getting him to feel comfortable with the 2nd progression is the biggest change in Wilson. It isn't his mechanics because they're still the same.
Travis McCall is still a tight end.
Sell. There was a good discussion about TE's and should McCall be at the line and Walker at "move TE" or what I call the H Back. Really, McCall is a fullback for the most part now, but his ability to play on the line warrants an H-Back lable. That's not bad. I really think he's the best fullback they've had in years, or maybe lead blocker is a better term. One person called it an art, they're right what he does is as good as it gets for the style he plays.
Phil Fulmer and Tubberville will both be fired or quit.
Buy. I think Fulmer isn't smart enough to see the tea leaves and what they mean. He still thinks he has clout, but having a losing record 2 out of 3 years won't give anyone in the SEC clout unless you are at Vandy. Tubby looks like he's already quit behind the scenes. He's smart enough to quit before being fired and is probably having his agent do some sniff work as we speak.
Florida will rip UGA a new asshole.
Buy. Meyer has issued a freeze out on players commenting to the press about UGA, they've been playing that dance bit all year, and I'll guarantee that if UF gets up 10, they'll go for 40 just to show UGA they can. No defense worth mentioning at UGA, a grudge, and a team rolling through right now makes me think they will. I really hope so, I'm tired of hearing UGA fans get cocky over things.
October 27, 2008
October 20, 2008
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly- Ole Miss
Well, you can't say the games are dull these days. I could puke up the usual spin after these games, but my throat's sore already. At some point, the leaders on the team have to step up and really take control in the 2nd half.
The Good
They finally trailed for a minute or two...
I think the true mark of this team will come when they get behind in the 2nd half or 4th quarter. If Saturday was any indication, they will respond quickly and get the lead back. The best part of falling behind was that it woke them up. The team looked like it was sleep walking through the 1st quarter a little bit. I'd chalk that up to bye week withdrawal.
Solid defensive stands
The FG and the stop on 4th and short were both nice defensive series where they would have caved in last year and gave it up. On the 4th and short, it was nice to see a linebacker (Hightower) slide to the ball and attack and not sit heeled and wait for him (Prince Hall comes to mind). When or if you get to see the replay, watch how he approaches the play and you'll want to send his HS coach a thank you card.
1st half passing
Wilson knew he would have to throw and throw often because Ole Miss dares you to. He took the dare and did a good job of spreading the wealth around to Walker, Jones, Maze, McCoy, and Stover (who got raped). He is a much better QB when you allow him to warm up to the speed of the game than he is when he tries to force the speed of the game on defenses. When he is looking to take what he can get, he is a much better QB than he is when he's going long two thirds of the game.
Mark Ingram's hustle
It won't show on the stat sheet, but Mark made several plays that kept the game going and moving in a positive direction. He does a real good job of keeping his shoulders low, his hips moving and that makes him hard to knock down on the first shot. It also means that he gets an extra 3 yards on average after the first hit. There were several times where those extra yards were the difference in punts or 1st down or 3rd and short or 3rd and don't screw up.
Linebacker play
Short of the long run Davis had, they did their part to contain Ole Miss and force them to be one dimensional. I really was pleased to see them continue to shut the run down and force most of the passing game to the outside. After Cody's injury, I worried that Ole Miss would pick at the scab and just wear out the middle, but they kept it shut. Some will balk, but the big hero up front after Cody's injury was Bobby Greenwood. He kept collapsing in and swatted passes, and had 5 tackles (which is like having 8 as a 4-3 end). It was a second straight solid performance from him.
The Bad
Electric Boogaloo and other stupid things
Sure it was Maze's first college TD, but striking a pose is a sign of immaturity. I would suggest acting like you have been there before because with a coach like Saban, you might not be back there again if you cost the team. That is the point of playing, team, or at least is should be. McCoy needs that lesson too, he was lucky that a team member was near him to cover him while he started to pose. McCoy will not be spared the rod though, he laid up on his route and Wilson's pass to him got picked off. Coffee's fumble will get put on the OL, but if you hold the ball right as soon as you get it, you don't fumble and he's got to get in the frame of mind that he has to protect it as soon as he touches it. It is the small things that keep haunting this team right now.
Offensive Line play
For all the posts and comments about "dominating" the only dominating I saw all day was the Bama OL getting its hat handed to it. The run game was pretty non-existent after the half, and that led to as much of the let down and woeful performance as anything. For all the accolades and praise, they just don't whip folks off the line when it has to happen. The right side of the line continues to have problems, as evidenced by a one legged DE whipping the RT like a mule every time he came out.
2nd half ineptness continues
I hate to break it to you folks, but the National Title dreams are just that if the team doesn't figure out when the 2nd half starts. I keep reading how do you make adjustments when you are dominating the opponent, well let me be the first to say that you don't "dominate" someone half the time, and also you have to make adjustments through the course of the game. That's what timeouts and television breaks and changes of possession are for. The program pays people to take pictures of each play and send them to the coaches, it is part of the game. As to why it continues, well it is partially coaching and play calling, but it is partly because there are juniors and seniors who like to sit on their laurels more than they want to finish the job. For the yeller and screamer crowd about depth, nobody runs 25 players on both sides of the ball in conference play. As best I can tell, they run 2 deep on the line and at linebacker when they need to, not to mention formation subs for the rest, so while depth is an issue, it isn't why they come out flat or make mental errors. That's just stupid excuse making gone wild.
The Ugly
Special teams errors again....
The fake FG and the 41 yard return were both mental mistakes that continue to keep teams in the game against Alabama. Woodall never picked up the carrier on the FG. That touchdown gave Ole Miss a ton of energy and gave them a glimmer of hope that if they didn't make it, would have crushed them. Some will blurt out something stupid like, the 41 yard return didn't score, and that is true, but it led to a score. It doesn't take a great offense to go 48 yards, even if you have to use a fake FG to do it.
Random Thoughts
It is always fun to read message boards, when there is a legal situation, we get to see 400 Matlocks and when there is an injury, we get to see 400 Gray's Anatomy doctors appear. Maybe if they all bend over, these 400 can tell you if you have a roid or not. Geez.
The BCS ratings will cause gas for many, but right now, I'd say the rankings are pretty close to what I would call the top 5. Texas has made its case over Bama for number 1. Penn St still hasn't played a team that makes me respect them, that will change this week, and I'd bet we won't see PSU after this week. PSU is very slow on defense and I won't be surprised if OSU doesn't win by 2 TD. For the UGA apologists, UGA is still overrated and the SEC schedule not to mention Tech will probably cure their complaints in time.
What did this game teach me?
Tennessee v. MSU
UT can muster up offense when it has to. I wasn't surprised they won, but was surprised by how much they won. Of course, the UT defense scored 14 points and capitalized on mistakes all night.
LSU v. USCar
For those wishing death to Miles, you'll have to wait a while. LSU is pretty good when it gets down to it and while they have weaknesses, it takes more than defense to beat them. It takes a 4 quarter offense too.
Vandy v. UGA
Vandy's scrappy, but UGA is too talented to be beaten by scrappy. UGA isn't talented enough to handle the physical play that LSU, UF, AU, GT all have in them. They're scrappy and talented for the most part. UGA still underachieves week in and out and someday the boosters will get tired of 10 wins and nothing to show for it.
Kansas v. Oklahoma
OU has 0 defense to speak of, but that makes them better than 75% of the Big 12 who are in the negative range for defense.
Buy/Sell/Hold
Alabama will finish the regular season undefeated
SELL. As much as they could and really should do it, I don't know that they can overcome themselves. Also, Saban's never done it and it usually comes back to a game where they get caught offguard or for every move the other staff is there countering (Auburn). If you believe in history and the law of averages, it isn't on the team's side.
Texas is the best team in the nation.
HOLD. I think Texas has a problem if they play a real defense, and this week's OSU game will be the best litmus test against a defense that fans can go by.
Nobody should question the 2nd half play, damn it.
SELL. If we aren't allowed to, 3 big websites and 3 large egos have to start refunding or reprice their service just a tad.
Saban made them cut the grass before the game.
Who gives a shit? Sorry, but my brain hurts reading that thread.
Julio Jones has lived up to expectations.
BUY. Now, the caveat is that I didn't go by other posters grand vision and am going on my thought on him. I didn't see him as Calvin Johnson or Crabtree level number or anything crazy like that, but I thought he would be the physical presence and the goal line go to man, and he's been that.
The corners are getting picked on because they don't look for the ball.
BUY. It reminds me a lot of Dubose era play where they told them to play the WR and not the ball. I could count on both hands Saturday the number of times the corner bit on a head move and lost containment. Jackson is more prone to it and that's why they are picking on him more. Arenas has more speed to close when he gets beat and does a better job of getting the WR off route and to the S to pick up.
The Good
They finally trailed for a minute or two...
I think the true mark of this team will come when they get behind in the 2nd half or 4th quarter. If Saturday was any indication, they will respond quickly and get the lead back. The best part of falling behind was that it woke them up. The team looked like it was sleep walking through the 1st quarter a little bit. I'd chalk that up to bye week withdrawal.
Solid defensive stands
The FG and the stop on 4th and short were both nice defensive series where they would have caved in last year and gave it up. On the 4th and short, it was nice to see a linebacker (Hightower) slide to the ball and attack and not sit heeled and wait for him (Prince Hall comes to mind). When or if you get to see the replay, watch how he approaches the play and you'll want to send his HS coach a thank you card.
1st half passing
Wilson knew he would have to throw and throw often because Ole Miss dares you to. He took the dare and did a good job of spreading the wealth around to Walker, Jones, Maze, McCoy, and Stover (who got raped). He is a much better QB when you allow him to warm up to the speed of the game than he is when he tries to force the speed of the game on defenses. When he is looking to take what he can get, he is a much better QB than he is when he's going long two thirds of the game.
Mark Ingram's hustle
It won't show on the stat sheet, but Mark made several plays that kept the game going and moving in a positive direction. He does a real good job of keeping his shoulders low, his hips moving and that makes him hard to knock down on the first shot. It also means that he gets an extra 3 yards on average after the first hit. There were several times where those extra yards were the difference in punts or 1st down or 3rd and short or 3rd and don't screw up.
Linebacker play
Short of the long run Davis had, they did their part to contain Ole Miss and force them to be one dimensional. I really was pleased to see them continue to shut the run down and force most of the passing game to the outside. After Cody's injury, I worried that Ole Miss would pick at the scab and just wear out the middle, but they kept it shut. Some will balk, but the big hero up front after Cody's injury was Bobby Greenwood. He kept collapsing in and swatted passes, and had 5 tackles (which is like having 8 as a 4-3 end). It was a second straight solid performance from him.
The Bad
Electric Boogaloo and other stupid things
Sure it was Maze's first college TD, but striking a pose is a sign of immaturity. I would suggest acting like you have been there before because with a coach like Saban, you might not be back there again if you cost the team. That is the point of playing, team, or at least is should be. McCoy needs that lesson too, he was lucky that a team member was near him to cover him while he started to pose. McCoy will not be spared the rod though, he laid up on his route and Wilson's pass to him got picked off. Coffee's fumble will get put on the OL, but if you hold the ball right as soon as you get it, you don't fumble and he's got to get in the frame of mind that he has to protect it as soon as he touches it. It is the small things that keep haunting this team right now.
Offensive Line play
For all the posts and comments about "dominating" the only dominating I saw all day was the Bama OL getting its hat handed to it. The run game was pretty non-existent after the half, and that led to as much of the let down and woeful performance as anything. For all the accolades and praise, they just don't whip folks off the line when it has to happen. The right side of the line continues to have problems, as evidenced by a one legged DE whipping the RT like a mule every time he came out.
2nd half ineptness continues
I hate to break it to you folks, but the National Title dreams are just that if the team doesn't figure out when the 2nd half starts. I keep reading how do you make adjustments when you are dominating the opponent, well let me be the first to say that you don't "dominate" someone half the time, and also you have to make adjustments through the course of the game. That's what timeouts and television breaks and changes of possession are for. The program pays people to take pictures of each play and send them to the coaches, it is part of the game. As to why it continues, well it is partially coaching and play calling, but it is partly because there are juniors and seniors who like to sit on their laurels more than they want to finish the job. For the yeller and screamer crowd about depth, nobody runs 25 players on both sides of the ball in conference play. As best I can tell, they run 2 deep on the line and at linebacker when they need to, not to mention formation subs for the rest, so while depth is an issue, it isn't why they come out flat or make mental errors. That's just stupid excuse making gone wild.
The Ugly
Special teams errors again....
The fake FG and the 41 yard return were both mental mistakes that continue to keep teams in the game against Alabama. Woodall never picked up the carrier on the FG. That touchdown gave Ole Miss a ton of energy and gave them a glimmer of hope that if they didn't make it, would have crushed them. Some will blurt out something stupid like, the 41 yard return didn't score, and that is true, but it led to a score. It doesn't take a great offense to go 48 yards, even if you have to use a fake FG to do it.
Random Thoughts
It is always fun to read message boards, when there is a legal situation, we get to see 400 Matlocks and when there is an injury, we get to see 400 Gray's Anatomy doctors appear. Maybe if they all bend over, these 400 can tell you if you have a roid or not. Geez.
The BCS ratings will cause gas for many, but right now, I'd say the rankings are pretty close to what I would call the top 5. Texas has made its case over Bama for number 1. Penn St still hasn't played a team that makes me respect them, that will change this week, and I'd bet we won't see PSU after this week. PSU is very slow on defense and I won't be surprised if OSU doesn't win by 2 TD. For the UGA apologists, UGA is still overrated and the SEC schedule not to mention Tech will probably cure their complaints in time.
What did this game teach me?
Tennessee v. MSU
UT can muster up offense when it has to. I wasn't surprised they won, but was surprised by how much they won. Of course, the UT defense scored 14 points and capitalized on mistakes all night.
LSU v. USCar
For those wishing death to Miles, you'll have to wait a while. LSU is pretty good when it gets down to it and while they have weaknesses, it takes more than defense to beat them. It takes a 4 quarter offense too.
Vandy v. UGA
Vandy's scrappy, but UGA is too talented to be beaten by scrappy. UGA isn't talented enough to handle the physical play that LSU, UF, AU, GT all have in them. They're scrappy and talented for the most part. UGA still underachieves week in and out and someday the boosters will get tired of 10 wins and nothing to show for it.
Kansas v. Oklahoma
OU has 0 defense to speak of, but that makes them better than 75% of the Big 12 who are in the negative range for defense.
Buy/Sell/Hold
Alabama will finish the regular season undefeated
SELL. As much as they could and really should do it, I don't know that they can overcome themselves. Also, Saban's never done it and it usually comes back to a game where they get caught offguard or for every move the other staff is there countering (Auburn). If you believe in history and the law of averages, it isn't on the team's side.
Texas is the best team in the nation.
HOLD. I think Texas has a problem if they play a real defense, and this week's OSU game will be the best litmus test against a defense that fans can go by.
Nobody should question the 2nd half play, damn it.
SELL. If we aren't allowed to, 3 big websites and 3 large egos have to start refunding or reprice their service just a tad.
Saban made them cut the grass before the game.
Who gives a shit? Sorry, but my brain hurts reading that thread.
Julio Jones has lived up to expectations.
BUY. Now, the caveat is that I didn't go by other posters grand vision and am going on my thought on him. I didn't see him as Calvin Johnson or Crabtree level number or anything crazy like that, but I thought he would be the physical presence and the goal line go to man, and he's been that.
The corners are getting picked on because they don't look for the ball.
BUY. It reminds me a lot of Dubose era play where they told them to play the WR and not the ball. I could count on both hands Saturday the number of times the corner bit on a head move and lost containment. Jackson is more prone to it and that's why they are picking on him more. Arenas has more speed to close when he gets beat and does a better job of getting the WR off route and to the S to pick up.
October 11, 2008
Random Thoughts from the bye week
The football Gods have given us the best week in the world to be off. After the KY game and the three ring circus at Auburn, Clemson, and the 2 heavyweight fights (OU/UTx, LSU/UF), Bama fans get the best of all worlds this weekend....
As an unbiased observer, Auburn has issues....
It is interesting that the school decided to cut Franklin in mid stream. That's pretty unheard of in College for coordinators and assistants. I think some of the hype and optimism that Auburn and its fans had was unjustified, but then again they had a sample of it against Clemson last year to base off of. In the end, you can't mix and piece different coaching styles together and expect it to work. Frankenstien's monster wasn't exactly perfect after all, and neither was Auburn's scrap iron offense. The question is, after all the dust settles, who is to blame?
Is it Tony Franklin's for bringing a style that didn't work against the SEC's traditionally tough defenses? Is it Tubberville's for not letting Franklin run the offense the way he would elsewhere? Is it the administration or AD's for not mediating this thing up front? You could argue all of them and have a substantive case.
When I watched Auburn against LSU, I could see them starting to find a groove with it some, it wasn't great or awe inspiring, but they had some rhythm to it. Then, after that defeat, Auburn just kinda fell off the wagon. The thing that kept jumping out at me was that the offense didn't look like Franklin's prototype. The formations looked like they were his, but the play calling and routes didn't favor his mold. The "airraid" is not a possession offense, nor is it a run first style of play. That kept popping up in the games I saw was that they tried to be a run first, run dominate team and that just isn't how the spread works.
The spread is a controlled passing, short pass substitutes the run, draw/option oriented game plan. It can work in the SEC, the last two champions (UF, LSU) both use it in their arsenal. Kentucky did with Mumme (Franklin's last stop in the SEC) and it was effective but they never were a threat to the SEC elite. The spread eagle failed because the coaches never accepted the principles of it. They wanted to run old Auburn offenses through the formation changes that Franklin brought. That's like saying you want to run the dime defense through the 4-3, or you want your punter to be a good safety on punt coverage.
The soap opera that now has occured is sad in a way. I don't want to see a rival team down when Bama appears to be fully turning the corner. I want Auburn and Tennessee to be on their best level. The excuses are less valid when that happens. Coach Bryant used to say something to the effect of "The same things win that always win, but when we lose, we come up with a new set of excuses." I want Auburn and UT to have little in the way of new or old excuses.
Speaking of UT, their spread system hasn't arrived yet. At some point, I wonder if Clawson just quits and tells the media that Fulmer sat on his play calling. That poor fella is getting scapegoated for the UT offense being so horrible, but the truth is that they too are trying to run the traditional plays through Clawson's method. Unlike Auburn, they aren't incorporating the formations, just the theory. Tennessee has to win against UGA this week to have any claim to the East, but don't expect it to happen.
Early Bowling for All
I saw where CBS, ESPN, and Rivals had their bowl predictions out. I guess Christmas decorations aren't the only thing getting earlier and earlier these days. Geez.
CBS has Bama v. OU in the BCS Championship in Miami. Maybe it is just me, but I think it is way early to have either there with such certainty given they both have huge games ahead. Also, I think OU has yet to have their traditional choke game. They also have Vandy v. Wake in the Chick Fil A bowl. They end the season with each other, doubt that happens unless that game sets a new high for competition. As for the rest of the conference, they have LSU in the Sugar (probable if they lose to Bama), Auburn in the Liberty, USCar in the Cotton (nah), Georgia in the Cap 1 (likely), UT in the Music City (I pray so), Ole Miss in the Indy (thankfully Bama won't go there AGAIN), and Florida in the Outback. A real stinker looming in their schedule is Va Tech v. Cincy in the Orange Bowl.
Rivals has Bama v. Penn St. Nostalgic yes, likely no. PSU hasn't played a soul yet. They did beat Oregon St, at home, but is that really a bench mark? The road schedule for PSU is tough and they face the elite from here in (@Wisc, Mich, @OSU, MSU). They also have LSU in the BCS game (maybe this week and Bama will decide), USCar in the Indy (likely), Vandy in the Music City (how evil and wrong), Kentucky in the Chick Fil A (nope), Georgia in the Outback (maybe), Florida in the Cap 1 (possible), Auburn in the Cotton (no way), and Ole Miss in the Liberty (probable).
ESPN has 2 views from Schlabach and Feldman. Mark has LSU in the BCS, Bama in the Sugar v. BYU (that's either a great game or the Fiesta Bowl all over again), USCar in the Liberty, UGA in the Cotton (possible), Florida in the Cap 1, Vandy in the Outback (that would be good for them), Auburn in the Chick Fil A (doubtful), Kentucky in the Music City, UT in the Papajohns.com (fitting), Ole Miss in da Shreeve. Feldman has Bama in the BCS vs. Missouri (see BYU), Florida in the Sugar (possible), Vandy in the Liberty (possible), GA in the Cotton, LSU in the Cap 1 (maybe but I think BCS realm is their home for now), Auburn in the Outback, Ole Miss in the Chick Fil A (too high), Kentucky in the Papajohns, UT in the Shreeve (oh happy days).
Me personally, if asked on today where they go I'd have to guess, and that's all it is because the bowls will take based on draw and not rank: (First is most likely/2nd/3rd etc)
BCS1- Bama
Until beaten, they are running the strongest in the conference
BCS2- LSU/Florida winner
The Sugar Bowl will take LSU if they have 1 or 2 losses and are in the BCS top 10, Florida if they lose the SECC and have 1 or 2 losses.
Liberty- Ole Miss/Vandy/Auburn
Ole Miss will fill the stands best, so would Vandy.
Cotton- UGA/UF
The West is usually the holder of the Cotton slot, but the West's best are too high for it, and Auburn is too weak. UGA may have to travel to cold and shitty Dallas. Florida would rather suck lemons than go here.
Cap 1- UF/LSU/UGA/Kentucky/Auburn
This one is hard to predict because they like Florida, but if they go to the BCS, it gets into a toss up then.
Outback- Vandy/ Auburn/Ole Miss
I may be wishing on a star here, but I really like the pairing of Vandy in the Outback this year.
Chick Fil A- Kentucky/Vandy/UGA
Kentucky is most likely to go here if they can do what they usually do. Vandy is also a possibility and would travel well. Georgia with 3 or 4 losses is also an insulting option.
Music City- UT/Vandy/Ole Miss/Auburn
Tennessee sucks pretty bad, and this is the home for teams that suck.
Papajohns.com- Auburn
Playing in B'ham is insulting and sadly they'd fill the stadium.
Independence- USCar
Should get 6 to 7 wins in the end.
As an unbiased observer, Auburn has issues....
It is interesting that the school decided to cut Franklin in mid stream. That's pretty unheard of in College for coordinators and assistants. I think some of the hype and optimism that Auburn and its fans had was unjustified, but then again they had a sample of it against Clemson last year to base off of. In the end, you can't mix and piece different coaching styles together and expect it to work. Frankenstien's monster wasn't exactly perfect after all, and neither was Auburn's scrap iron offense. The question is, after all the dust settles, who is to blame?
Is it Tony Franklin's for bringing a style that didn't work against the SEC's traditionally tough defenses? Is it Tubberville's for not letting Franklin run the offense the way he would elsewhere? Is it the administration or AD's for not mediating this thing up front? You could argue all of them and have a substantive case.
When I watched Auburn against LSU, I could see them starting to find a groove with it some, it wasn't great or awe inspiring, but they had some rhythm to it. Then, after that defeat, Auburn just kinda fell off the wagon. The thing that kept jumping out at me was that the offense didn't look like Franklin's prototype. The formations looked like they were his, but the play calling and routes didn't favor his mold. The "airraid" is not a possession offense, nor is it a run first style of play. That kept popping up in the games I saw was that they tried to be a run first, run dominate team and that just isn't how the spread works.
The spread is a controlled passing, short pass substitutes the run, draw/option oriented game plan. It can work in the SEC, the last two champions (UF, LSU) both use it in their arsenal. Kentucky did with Mumme (Franklin's last stop in the SEC) and it was effective but they never were a threat to the SEC elite. The spread eagle failed because the coaches never accepted the principles of it. They wanted to run old Auburn offenses through the formation changes that Franklin brought. That's like saying you want to run the dime defense through the 4-3, or you want your punter to be a good safety on punt coverage.
The soap opera that now has occured is sad in a way. I don't want to see a rival team down when Bama appears to be fully turning the corner. I want Auburn and Tennessee to be on their best level. The excuses are less valid when that happens. Coach Bryant used to say something to the effect of "The same things win that always win, but when we lose, we come up with a new set of excuses." I want Auburn and UT to have little in the way of new or old excuses.
Speaking of UT, their spread system hasn't arrived yet. At some point, I wonder if Clawson just quits and tells the media that Fulmer sat on his play calling. That poor fella is getting scapegoated for the UT offense being so horrible, but the truth is that they too are trying to run the traditional plays through Clawson's method. Unlike Auburn, they aren't incorporating the formations, just the theory. Tennessee has to win against UGA this week to have any claim to the East, but don't expect it to happen.
Early Bowling for All
I saw where CBS, ESPN, and Rivals had their bowl predictions out. I guess Christmas decorations aren't the only thing getting earlier and earlier these days. Geez.
CBS has Bama v. OU in the BCS Championship in Miami. Maybe it is just me, but I think it is way early to have either there with such certainty given they both have huge games ahead. Also, I think OU has yet to have their traditional choke game. They also have Vandy v. Wake in the Chick Fil A bowl. They end the season with each other, doubt that happens unless that game sets a new high for competition. As for the rest of the conference, they have LSU in the Sugar (probable if they lose to Bama), Auburn in the Liberty, USCar in the Cotton (nah), Georgia in the Cap 1 (likely), UT in the Music City (I pray so), Ole Miss in the Indy (thankfully Bama won't go there AGAIN), and Florida in the Outback. A real stinker looming in their schedule is Va Tech v. Cincy in the Orange Bowl.
Rivals has Bama v. Penn St. Nostalgic yes, likely no. PSU hasn't played a soul yet. They did beat Oregon St, at home, but is that really a bench mark? The road schedule for PSU is tough and they face the elite from here in (@Wisc, Mich, @OSU, MSU). They also have LSU in the BCS game (maybe this week and Bama will decide), USCar in the Indy (likely), Vandy in the Music City (how evil and wrong), Kentucky in the Chick Fil A (nope), Georgia in the Outback (maybe), Florida in the Cap 1 (possible), Auburn in the Cotton (no way), and Ole Miss in the Liberty (probable).
ESPN has 2 views from Schlabach and Feldman. Mark has LSU in the BCS, Bama in the Sugar v. BYU (that's either a great game or the Fiesta Bowl all over again), USCar in the Liberty, UGA in the Cotton (possible), Florida in the Cap 1, Vandy in the Outback (that would be good for them), Auburn in the Chick Fil A (doubtful), Kentucky in the Music City, UT in the Papajohns.com (fitting), Ole Miss in da Shreeve. Feldman has Bama in the BCS vs. Missouri (see BYU), Florida in the Sugar (possible), Vandy in the Liberty (possible), GA in the Cotton, LSU in the Cap 1 (maybe but I think BCS realm is their home for now), Auburn in the Outback, Ole Miss in the Chick Fil A (too high), Kentucky in the Papajohns, UT in the Shreeve (oh happy days).
Me personally, if asked on today where they go I'd have to guess, and that's all it is because the bowls will take based on draw and not rank: (First is most likely/2nd/3rd etc)
BCS1- Bama
Until beaten, they are running the strongest in the conference
BCS2- LSU/Florida winner
The Sugar Bowl will take LSU if they have 1 or 2 losses and are in the BCS top 10, Florida if they lose the SECC and have 1 or 2 losses.
Liberty- Ole Miss/Vandy/Auburn
Ole Miss will fill the stands best, so would Vandy.
Cotton- UGA/UF
The West is usually the holder of the Cotton slot, but the West's best are too high for it, and Auburn is too weak. UGA may have to travel to cold and shitty Dallas. Florida would rather suck lemons than go here.
Cap 1- UF/LSU/UGA/Kentucky/Auburn
This one is hard to predict because they like Florida, but if they go to the BCS, it gets into a toss up then.
Outback- Vandy/ Auburn/Ole Miss
I may be wishing on a star here, but I really like the pairing of Vandy in the Outback this year.
Chick Fil A- Kentucky/Vandy/UGA
Kentucky is most likely to go here if they can do what they usually do. Vandy is also a possibility and would travel well. Georgia with 3 or 4 losses is also an insulting option.
Music City- UT/Vandy/Ole Miss/Auburn
Tennessee sucks pretty bad, and this is the home for teams that suck.
Papajohns.com- Auburn
Playing in B'ham is insulting and sadly they'd fill the stadium.
Independence- USCar
Should get 6 to 7 wins in the end.
October 7, 2008
Kentucky
Welcome to the new home for the postings of the "GBU". After much discussion with moderators and board members who desired to read this train of thought, it was decided to outsource it to stay in compliance on both sides. Basically, now, if you hit the link from BOL, you've taken ownership in your actions. Ain't that something? Anyways...
The Good…
Even in a let down, they get the win...
The Good…
Even in a let down, they get the win...
Last year and the year before, a let down game would have brought on a loss, but this year they have found ways to win in spite of themselves. That is a change that is worth noting because it has been years since that was the case.
Rushing attack carries the day
The three headed running attack of Coffee, Ingram, and Upchurch have been the most consistent part of the offense all year. They also have begun to establish their roles in the backfield. Coffee is the starter and load carrier. Ingram is the short yardage bruiser. Upchurch is the change of pace back that explodes when he runs. Ingram's injury hampered him much of the game, you could see it even on that nice swivel cut right early in the game that he wasn't full steam yet. Upchurch continues to improve, but for whatever reason he can't gain the staff's confidence to let him loose more often. Coffee just keep running forward and getting yards and finds that acorn once a week that gets him a huge run.
Forcing Kentucky to become 1 dimensional
The nice thing about Kentucky is this, if they want to win, they have to have real balance. Their defense is good enough to keep them in most games, but if their offense is going to win, they have to establish the running game. That's how they beat LSU last year. They lined up and ran or threw out of the same formations. The Tide defense stayed in the nickel almost 90 percent of the game because they had to honor the run early. They kept Kentucky hemmed up at the line of scrimmage and that forced Kentucky to become extremely one dimensional after the half.
Linebacker play
It was nice to see Hightower and McClain continue to grow fast. They don't play like a true sophomore or a true freshman do they? That's the real key to the defense is that they work well together, and have grown in the line of fire and kept the mental errors that plagued the linebackers last year, especially down the stretch, to a minimum. Terrance Cody has a part in this, but they have been in position for the most part on pass coverage, and that is all them. I don't know that I call Fanney a linebacker in all honesty, he's played hand down about all year and rushed from the end all year. Reamer has been limited in his P/T due to the use of the nickel, so he's been a part time player the majority of the year. When he has played, he has been rather good at covering his corner.
Specialists
When you see the heading, you probably think Tiffin or Arenas, not this week. You'll find them later on, unfortunately. The specialists that I'm impressed with are guys like Anders, Upshaw, McCall, etc. They have 1 purpose when they are out there, and for the last 3 or so games, they have hit the mark each week. Anders is a good pass rusher, he won't be asked to play linebacker like Reamer or the two middles are, but he can blitz and rush protect at the line. Upshaw is about the only quality highlight on special teams coverage and his p/t at Jack will grow from that. McCall is in the game to block and about 3 or 4 times a game you will see him make the seal block that springs the runner for the key runs. Not a lot of talk about these guys because it doesn't show on the stat line, but McCall and Anders are a part of why their respective sides look better this fall. McCall especially. They have allowed him to move and help the OL shore up the weak spots from last year and that is getting the backs from the line to the second level.
The Bad…
Playing how you practice
A lot of folks think this is a stab at the coaches. Sometimes it is, but this time it is on the players. The coaches can yell, shout, do whatever, but at some point the players have to handle their prosperity. We all knew they would not go into this week's game with the same focus as UGA. Nobody would, but you could tell from the penalties, missed assignments, arm tackles, and the usual issues that result from a sloppy practice week it wasn't what the staff had in mind. The officiating left something to be desired, but some of the penalties were there. It wasn't the officials picking on Bama as much as they came from lack of focus. The old adage still holds true, you play like you practiced and it was self evident.
Secondary playI'm not thrilled that the corners have gone back to playing the WR and not the ball. I'm also starting to notice there is always a point in the game where a safety makes a mistake in Cover 2 and the result is a touchdown or big play. Now, CBS said it was Rashaad's mistake that lead to the late TD. That's partly true. He did bite on the TE when he shouldn't have, but Sharrief was the goat on the play. At the time of the game, I thought the same because a SS or FS should never go forward if there is a go route. Johnson released like he was supposed to from corner and would have been on the TE because the TE cut back towards MJ. Sharrief released too early from his quarter zone and that caused the confusion. This is a common issue now in the last 2 games. Bama gets up by playing aggressive and hard nosed, then gets into a conservative containment defense (quarter cover 4 or cover 2/3 nickel) and they can't handle the assignment play. They like swarming and moving and not thinking and reacting. I'd say the secondary gets a long week of practice at them because they've been a goat the last 2 games in the 4th.
The Ugly…
Special teams
It isn't a week of GBU without it. Arenas is special, no denying it, but he's dangerous on both sides. He will be the return man until he gets torn in two, but the staff is going to get tired of the living on the edge play that gets him in trouble. I like the effort, and the desire to make something happen, but not every play is that play. There are times where a fair catch is the best play you can make. Tiffin had a bad day, no major issue other than I hope it doesn't continue on through the year like it did 2 years ago. He did hit the late FG and I'll hope it stays true from there, but his play was a big reason why KY was back in the game. Return coverage continues to be the worst aspect of this team. They give up too much yardage even when they don't let the opponent house one. That will be the other long stare of the bye week is return coverage.
Random Thoughts…
Can the spread work in the SEC?
It can, but it has to have true balance and execution to work. Auburn's issue is that they can't decide how much "spread" they want to run and how much traditional I formation they want to have. Same for UT, their new OC is being asked to build a hybrid form of "spread" and it looks like crap. Is it Franklin or Clawson's fault? Partially, but the Head Coach for both have a lot to do with it. Tubs and Fulmer have both watered down and kept their thumb on the play calling and philosophy and that won't work for either OC. Both coaches are struggling to understand the concept of the spread and the OC's can't help them get there. Most observers have said what AU is running isn't Franklin's "airraid" style of play, it is cut and paste Tubs and Franklin. Clawson isn't even getting that much input. Remember, part of the success of the spread is that it sets up fast and runs a semi-hurry up offense.
I think watching UF use it and win is evidence it can work, but at UF they have the capacity to run with Tebow and Harvin and the rotation of RB's they have. The spread is a pass to set up the run style of offense and depends on the zone blocking and execution at the line to work. It can score big, but cannot win shootouts because it requires balanced production to work. Auburn and UT both need to watch Florida and even LSU to a degree if they want to see how a spread field offense can win in the SEC.
If Alabama could harness Vandy's discipline and focus with Alabama's talent, there wouldn't be a team in the nation to stop them.
Vandy is not special when you look at their players. There isn't a high talent guy or a 5 star freshman changing their look. They are just 100 percent all in on Bobby Johnson's way. They are full speed into his vision and the discipline they show in the game each week is a signature of his coaching. I still say Johnson pound for pound is one of the best, if not the best, coaches in the SEC, and this season is putting it in stone. It was fun to root for Vandy and know they had a real shot. I wish Bama's players could keep that kind of discipline week in and out, if they could- there wouldn't be anything between them and the BCS championship. I can see Saban's focus growing on the players, but for every Georgia game, there is that Tulane or Kentucky let down. Of course I say this and Vandy loses to MSU next week and it is all square one stuff.
What did this game teach me?
Auburn v. Vandy
Talent doesn't beat a team effort. That's the difference in where Vandy is and Auburn is. Auburn wants to out talent you and Vandy takes 22 guys and beats you together.
Ole Miss v. USCar
Never count out the Ol Ball Coach. He won't win the SEC this year, but he can dictate who does. USCar isn't a bad team, they just haven't gotten the execution on offense they need. Ole Miss continues to have those growing pains where they win or play above themselves and then follow up with a loss. Nutt is a good coach, the jerk in him may jade your view, but from an x's and o's perspective he's a good coach. He has talent but he has to change the culture still and that takes time.
Army v. Tulane
Tulane really wasn't that good after all, but that wasn't something I learned, hopefully some others learned it. You know the ones of you who flood my email about Tulane.
Texas A&M v. Okie State
Kines still can't stop the inside trap. Insert your youtube video here...
Buy/Sell/Hold
The dark horse national champion contender is Texas Tech.
BUY. I think we're about to find out how good they are, but with their offense and improving defense (or at least it looks better against the opponents they've faced) they have a shot. A lot of folks thought KSU would catch them, they didn't come close.
The Big 12 is the best conference in the nation.
SELL. The SEC is still the flagship there. The difference right now is that the SEC has put some marquee match ups on the board and the 12 is just now starting in on their conference slate. After this week, don't be surprised if Chokelahoma and Missouri are both outside looking in.
Vandy will win the East.
SELL. There is a lot of hope and dreams in this team, but let's be real. They just don't have the "it" they need for UF and UGA yet. I like a good Rudy story like the next guy, but it just ain't so.
Saban and RLB like the old carry the football punishment.
BUY. It was always fun to torture the RB during the week if he had the drops. I think a good dose of humility and getting into his head to hold the ball with 2 hands will do Glen good. You can run for 200 yards and that's nice, but what would have happened if that last fumble cost Bama the game? Do you care then? No.
Got a suggestion or wanna discuss outside the board? Email me at bevil_76@yahoo.com .
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