It should be an interesting game, Chuckie, but I don't have the confidence this time like I did last year. Brock Berlin is the reason for that, but damn, is Sean Taylor a hoss or what? Guy plays safety and has like 9 interceptions this season! Meanwhile, getting back to the thread - I have lived in TN pretty much my whole life (except for 2 years in grad school) and I have always followed the SEC despite being a Miami fan. Alabama is one of the most storied programs in college football history, ranking right there with Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Michigan, etc. Yea, they are on probation, but I still find it hard to believe that Texas A&M is considered a "better" job than Bama even with the Tide on probation. I know some of you guys will disagree with me, but I just don't see it.
The only reason A&M could be considered better is because they're in a recruiting hotbed. Too bad OU and Texas are scooping up most of the talent in Texas...
According to Aunt Fran, most of it was from his constant butting heads with the athletic admin at Alabama. He thought the pace on the facility upgrades was far too slow for his liking and he was dissatisfied with some people there he wanted axed. Or that is the spin he tried to give us in the media. Since I am safely anonymous, here is what I know about what really went on: 1.) the rumors about Kansas and Notre Dame were.....ding-ding, true. I did some checking with folks at Notre Dame and it seems that Fran, through his cut-out in the person of his attorney, met with an Irish rep in Birmingham. Same situation with Kansas. All of this in his FIRST year with the program. Since his attorney met with these reps, he had plausible deniability to say truthfully that "he had not met or discussed with the representatives about any offer." Since I couldn't get any of these folks to go on the record and since my paper eschews confidential sources, it never got published. 2.) While he put out for public consumption about his organized, disciplined organization, he hardly suspended anyone for breaking a lot of team rules, like smoking pot, which half of the squad did (found out about that this from several non-pothead players who I have befriended over the years.) all of the time. You only got suspended for getting arrested. Now, Coach Mike Shula, to his credit, has cleaned house and suspended people who don't tow the line. 3.) He was conspiring about the possible TAMU job from the beginning of the year. I found out through more well-connected folks that a major Aggie booster flew out to Birmingham to talk to Fran's attorney in early September! Jeez, what a jerk. Then before the Hawaii game, an athletic dept. rep met with the same attorney to iron out the details. He snuck out of T-town on a private jet in the middle of the night. I found out through my aviation pals at the T-Town airport (it's good to have one's instrument rating and good to have done a lot of flying out of the T-town airport) when the jet was leaving and I was there to greet him, thanks to my one-hour convincing of my sports editor to let me drive out there. He remembered me from a press conference because I have a certain approach in press conferences, which doesn't make me a popular figure with coaches. If my question is answered to my satisfaction, I will ask again until I get a proper answer. Fran tried to brush me off by giving me a totally evasive reply that said nothing, so I rephrased and fired away. Since it was a practice and not a press conference, he tried to stare me down, but since I stand 6 foot 5, he really couldn't do that. He simply said as he rushed by me with his handlers , "[My Name], I can't comment, bye," when I asked him if he was headed to College Station. He is a coward, a liar and one of the most twisted individuals on the planet. I say twisted because he believes in his own spin, as many UA fans bought into hook-line-sinker. He was a total nutless wonder for not facing his team like a man and telling them the truth, rather than hearing it from the media. If he would have done that simple, honorable thing, I wouldn't despise him as I do today. As a journalist, I've largely divorced myself from the passions of a fan, but when it comes to him, I want to see him in ruins. I want to see him get fired and never coach again. Because if there is one thing I can't stand, it is a liar. I'm sorry Aggie fans, because I have a great deal of respect for your program, but I did enjoy seeing him get a 77-0 proctoscopy at the hands of OU. His bad karma is visiting itself upon TAMU.
Damn, no edit. What I meant to say about my approach is that when I DON'T get an answer to a question that is to my satisfaction........
Oh, you're just upset with 'bama's piss poor performance tonight. It was vile, and Timmy Chang didn't even play half the game. Hey bama, I'm surprised you didn't go Mike Raita in his ass. Raita pretty much called him a lying and deceiving scumbag just as he was leaving to College Station. That POS didn't even come back to say goodbye to his players. I'm certainly happy to see him suffer in his dream job. [SHULA=SUCKS]And Mike Shula is pathetic. I can't believe this guy. It's actually funny watching Alabama play this season because you don't know who's going to **** up the play. It's either a STUPID call by Shula or a fumble/interception/overthrow by Croyle. To me, they're Dumb and Dumber[/SHULA] So what do you hear out of Starkville? Is it official yet that Croom will be their next coach? That kind of bothers me that Alabama had a GOLDEN opportunity with this guy and blew it.
Croom is likely the man in Starkville, as my sources say. I probably should have pulled a Raita on him. I enjoyed watching that on television, because Mike made quite a spectacle of himself. But in reality, I know Mike pretty well and he told me that he was genuinely pissed at Fran, whom he agrees with me is one of the scummiest coaches in all the land. At least today I had to cover Georgia/Georgia Tech today, so I was able to come home and eat a late supper with my family, just in time to watch Alabama get their asses kicked by a pathetic Hawaii squad. After tonight, I don't know what to say about Shula. I figured he'd take his rookie lumps, but this bad? Arrgggh. But admitedly, the talent level just wasn't there this season. When you lose one of the greatest D-lines in school history, that does not bode well for your success. If there is anyone who needs to be fired, it is Kines, because that defensive scheme is about as simple as a high school's. Note to Kines, this is the 21st century. Be aggressive, blitz more than 10 percent of the time! Rader's offense looked clueless as well and the line, especially after the injury to Wes Britt, were extremely underwhelming. In my latest column, I wrote that Alabama the second worst o-line, third-worst defense and the game-day coach decision-making was some of the worst I've seen in 35 years of watching football. As far as the SEC goes, Alabama is going to be looking up at the rest of the pack for a LOOOOOOONG time.
Which might be a good time for me to convert to a (UGA) Bulldog fan. And I don't know if you have ever seen W. Britt in person, but man he's HUGE!!! I saw him last week at the new food court, using the $7 wisely for the all-you-can-eat. Talking about huge, I just thought of Kenny King. He's a giant.
What's with the angry face then? Conference and MNCs are the best ways to measure performance in the long run. bamaslammer, I think Fran will leave ATM soon enough. Some school somewhere will offer him 8 dollars more a year than he's being paid and he'll bolt.
That was some interesting stuff bama. I don't know if TX will necessarily get in a BCS game, but if it's not against UM or OSU, we'll probably get out asses kicked. Actually, even against UM we might. Can you imagine a team having two weeks to prepare for us? I have very little confidence in our staff.
I've gotten to know Wes pretty well and lemme tell you, he is one of the most decent and honorable people alive. I've always enjoyed talking to him and he showed his courage after he horrifically broke his leg by inciting the crowd at Bryant Denny. Now as for all of these two-loss clubs in the mix for BCS table scraps, I think that UT is no better or worse than the SEC's UT. They have a legit case, but they just have to pray that LSU chokes and USC inexplicably does the same. Maybe this will lead to a true playoff system, as in the rest of NCAA football. I've heard so many lame excuses why it can't be done and frankly, I'm sick of them. These are athletes and what are a few extra games going to matter? The NFL plays 16 games per team, so what's the big deal? We need to settle the natl. championship on the field, not in the innards of some god-forsaken Rube Goldberg contraption.
Yeah, I've never heard ANY sports complex quieter at any time. It was amazing what he did; I mean everyone knew something was wrong with his leg and hoped he would just get up, but when he started fist pumping and getting the crowd back into it, it was just as loud as the Oklahoma game. Even the UT fans were on their feet (at least I think it was the Tennessee game). It's too bad it was quiet again as play resumed. And man, the BCS has dodged every bullet imaginable the past few years. Everyone keeps on saying that it won't be fair for LSU/USC not to make it on the basis on the computer system. Considering USC plays OSU and LSU UGA/UT, I think there's a BIG chance one of them will lose. Thus, it will make sportswriters like yourself shut up. (jk) I'm definitely defending the BCS, but they've done pretty well (with the exception of the '98 Green Wave). It doesn't matter who plays in the game; Oklahoma will run away with the Sears/Visa/Pay-Here trophy, regardless of opponent.
3 team IMO Texas can't play with--they are OU (definetely), USC (definetly) and LSU (probably). Those teams team have excellent defenses--don't count on scoring 20 or more. Plus, Texas cannot stop a decent offense--witness about 150 points given up to OU, TT & Arkansas. Anyone who saw the Texas-Ark and LSU-Ark game know those teams are different playing fields. The piss poor defense Texas played their obvioously was no fluke--witness OU and Tech. LSU meanwhile pretty much shut down Georgia, Florida (LSU's offense lost that game), Mississippii, Auburn and Arkansas's offenses. And anyone who doesn't think OU could not easily lose to USC or LSU doesn't have much sense about college football. Texas could have trouble against Michigan. Texas will give up major points. But they might be able to score with them--as they did versus Arkansas and Tech. Still, I am a horn fan, but I would favor Michigan.
On point. Either Michigan or OSU or we get our asses kicked. Even otherwise, we still might. And as great as it would be to go to a BCS game and have 10 or 11 wins, things that need to be changed will be left alone because of this.
Hey don't count out Kstate--they do have the 2nd best defense in the Big 12. That gives them a chance against OU if Roberson and co play the cleanest offensive game of the season. A K-State upset is far less far fetched than people realize. Against Michigan it is quite possible Texas gets blown out. The way Michigan moved the ball against a far superior (to Texas) front 7 of OSU was impressive. Whether Texas can score 30 or 40 against Michigan's defense is the question. Maybe if the O-line plays strong and Vince keeps his TOs to 1 or less Texas could win a shoot out. OSU or Miami has to be Texas's dream match-ups. Both IMO are underrated because great defense doesn't get much play yet great defense can keep you competitive against anyone. In either case however it would be strength on strength, putrid (Texas defense) on putrid (Miami or OSU's offense). USC, LSU, and Michigan would be much more difficult to handle do to their balance on both sides of the ball.
Well, I won lunch from an Aggie co-worker in our annual bet, but this year it felt like stealing with A&M as banged up as they were this year. I won't soak my friend this year (i.e. make him take me to Tony's for lunch)...probably go to Lankford's Grocery for a burger and fries.
Tozai, You are giving Florida State way too much credit. They lost to a mediocre Clemson team and got taken to the limit by some decent at best ACC schools like G-Tech and NC State. Desert Scar, I agree on OU/USC. They are better coached, and equally as fast as Texas on both sides of the ball. I do not agree with LSU. They have played all their big games at Tiger Stadium this year, one of the best homefield advantages in college football. The only exception to the rule was at Ole Miss, but Ole Miss outside of Eli Manning just isn't that good. Plus, UT dismantled LSU last year. Now, I know most of LSU's starters returned and UT lost Simms, but if you want to use the Arkansas game as a barometer for both teams, keep in mind Vince Young sat on the sidelines the entire game vs Arkansas, and that the Hogs weren't all banged up like they were this past Saturday. Cedric Cobbs in particular was healthy week two, and banged up for LSU. Also the LSU-Arkansas game was tied for awhile, and the Hogs did their part to help LSU pull away with 5 turnovers that led to 38 unanswered points. I believe LSU has a great defense, its Nick Saban's trademark, but to me the SEC is experiencing a bit of a downtime. Tennessee is not the Tennessee of old, Florida is talented, but young and schizophrenic, Georgia has been blah all year long, and Auburn was one of the most overrated teams in the country. I just don't think LSU has been tested. Ole Miss just proved that outside of LSU the SEC West is a cesspool of mediocrity that they could take advantage of. It didn't hurt that Arkansas got ravaged by injury and Auburn never lived up to the hype. And as far as UT's defense goes, until Carl Reese learns how to cover a quick slant timing offense, OU and Tech will give UT fits. The last time I checked, LSU is a power football, play action offense. The Arkansas game gives me cause for concern as LSU has better playmakers than the Razorbacks, but I think that Arkansas game was an aberration for UT. They have one game a year like that and Arkansas was that game. I just don't think LSU has the overall team speed or gimmicky offense like OU, USC(the former) or Tech(the latter) that gives UT fits. Also as good as the Tiger defense is, besides the fact they have played mostly home games, they have not faced a quarterback that has even half the running ability of Vince Young, and Cedric Benson has run the ball better than he ever has the last month. Plus, I would think the UT players would want to have a good BCS showing to prove they belong among the elite. Now, LSU wants revenge from last year which would make things very interesting and while LSU obviously would and should be favored, I think UT could win that game. No way do I see it as a blowout like I could see USC or OU. UT can compete with any team in the BCS outside of those two because none are quite as fast(maybe Miami/FSU), experienced and well coached. OU and USC would drive UT nuts because they are as fast as them, but better coached and prepared. I don't think Michigan, LSU or OSU are overly faster, but I do think LSU and OSU are better coached. FSU I think would lose to UT because they just aren't that good. Miami is interesting because they have the team speed and the pedigree, but it all would depend on how Berlin or Crudup would do because they are what has held the Canes back(plus the injury to Gore). By no means do I think UT is on the same level as OU or USC, its just I'm not as enamored with LSU as most and the rest of the BCS is a crapshoot in terms of teams being on a game, off another. By no means do Mack's coordinators give me confidence in winning any of these games, but I think outside of OU and USC, they would be entertaining, good, well played games. That's all.
I wasn't even considering FSU. We got taken to the limit by a decent Tech team, KSU (who is overrated), and lost to Arkansas. I wouldn't say we'd get killed by them, but they could easily beat us if Rix makes passes like he did at the end. Who cares if LSU's lineup is the same. We don't improve as a team, and other teams do from year to year. We have a better running game, but our offense overall is far below where it should be. Our defense has regressed and our secondary is horrible. Even Vasher if overrated. I don't know enough about LSU's offense to say they'd blow us out, but you'd agree OU and USC would. OSU obviously wouldn't. Michigan might depending on their game plan. Michigan is like us so it'd be an intereting matchup. FSU and Miami would be very hard fought games. I don't think we'd play Miami or OSU though. So FSU would be better for us than Michigan. Rank your preferrable matchups and most likely Preferrable 1. OSU 2. FSU 3. Miami 4. Michigan Likely ( I haven't really looked into all the possibilities) 1. LSU 2. Michigan 3. FSU Also has it been said it's a lock we get in even if Georgia wins?
