Tooting One's Own Horn

Last week, the Georgia Bulldogs ruined my possibility of 100% accuracy on my college football picks. Shame on the Bulldogs.

BAMA Hosts Mississippi State

Can sweet revenge be impressive enough to keep The Crimson Tide on top....?
The Mississippi State Bulldogs pay a visit to Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday night in an SEC West matchup featuring a former Bama player and assistant coach under the legendary Paul Bear Bryant, Sylvester Croom, and a current coach hoping to propel The Tide back to the top of the college football world. To STAY.
Alabama needs to pound the Bulldogs (and those other guys in two weeks) pretty good for some 'style points' in the polls, or else we could find ourselves ranked 2nd or 3rd by the time the SEC Championship Game gets here. State generally plays us tough, and I have a lot of respect for Coach Croom (He would have been MY choice over DuBose, Shula, or Price). He is having a tough time this year, but I believe he's doing things the right way over there.
That being said, we owe them a whoopin'. Not to take away from their accomplishments, but Bama has literally given them the ballgame the past two years. That won't be the case this time. The Tide has a lot at stake, and I believe they'll step it up a notch.
Revenge this week will be sweet. If we get by this one, a win in two weeks will be REAL nice.
ALABAMA 38, Mississippi State 7

This week's SEC picks go something like this:

The Rebels get bowl-eligible for the first time since 2003 by beating Louisiana-Monroe (yes, THAT Louisiana-Monroe).

Ole Miss 28, ULM 14

LSU 28, Troy 14

Steve Spurrier is a great coach. Sneaky. Innovative. Bold. Cocky. None of this will matter as the Gamecocks travel to Gainesville. The Gators are just too much, even for the Ol' Ball Coach.

FLORIDA 42, South Carolina 17

Vanderbilt and Kentucky is a toss-up. Two similiar teams, 'Cats in a bowl, 'Dores looking to be bowl-eligible.

Now for the weird. Georgia was highly-ranked. Strong, fast, un-beatable. auburn was highly-regarded. Fancy new "spread offense" and all. The Dawgs were edumacated by The Tide. The Tigers have been schooled, fooled, re-tooled and un-spooled. Georgia has played well, with the exception of a couple of spankings by Bama and Florida. Auburn, on the other hand, has sputtered after a quick start which was halted- abruptly- by none other than Mississippi State. The tigers were VERY lucky to get out of that offensive showcase alive....! The Bulldogs will be about a kajillion-point favorite, but for some reason I think this could be close. Maybe too close.

Could this be the week the tigers/plainsmen/war-eagles/whatever put it together...? Do they shock the nation...? Accidentally score a touchdown...? Upset the Dawgs..? Does Tubby Tomerville save his job...?

Not likely. GEORGIA 21, auburn 20

This Week's College Football Picks

Well, here we are again! Another Saturday, another tough SEC matchup between The University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the tennessee "vile: in tears". ESPN will showcase the contest of hated rivals to a national audience, and the hostile crowd and hot-seat that is phat fil phulmer's will be on display. ON display for Big Al to poop on!
Many of the so-called 'experts' have predicted a trap game or an upset, but don't look for that to be the case. Even without Terrence Cody, the defense should get to the viles quarterback early and often. Our coverage looks to be strong enough to keep whoever is under center back long enough for a sack or two.
Coach Saban has been preaching to The TIDE all week about a second-half letdown, so don't look for that to happen again. With so much now at stake, I doubt the players will let up.
As a BONUS, ESPN's Lee Corso picked tennessee, so we're a safe bet to Roll...!
ALABAMA 42, tennessee 14

Now for the rest of this week's SEC picks:

Kentucky matches up pretty good, but the Gators are just too much. And too strong. Looks like Florida 45, Kentucky 24

Houston Nutt makes his first trip back to Little Rock since bolting for Ole Miss. The Razorbacks are improving but still a little wobbly. The Rebels have looked strong against everyone so far. OLE MISS 31, Arkansas 10

Vanderbilt hosts Duke in what could turn out to be an entertaining game. The Commodores need this one badly if they want a bowl game, as they will enter a tough SEC stretch next. I say VANDERBILT 28, Duke 17

Georgia travels to LSU for a 2:30 slugfest. LSU is cocky and over-confident (even after the pasting they took from Florida), and Georgia is desperately trying to prove they aren't as bad as the first half of the BAMA game. I think patience and skill will win out over bravado and risk. GEORGIA 31, LSU 21

Nationally, I'm thinking...
TEXAS 38, Oklahoma State 28
PENN STATE 28, Ohio State 24
Oklahoma 42, Kansas State 27
Southern Cal 49, Arizona 17
Texas Tech 42, Kansas 38

BAMA's OFF-WEEK & PICKS

Well, BAMA is 6-0 and has a mid-season bye week. This is the way it's supposed to be, the way I was brought up to enjoy CRIMSON TIDE Football. We're back where we belong (ahead of schedule), everyone's jealous and hatin', and we have a breather before resuming our rise back to the top of the college football world. The posers and pretenders see the writing on the wall and hear the thunder of the mighty crimson herd rumbling ever closer.

This was stated so eloquently on the GUMP for HEISMAN Blog seen here: http://www.gump4heisman.com/my_weblog/2008/10/the-alabama-football-fans-guide-to-following-the-2008-auburn-tigers.html?cid=134236075#comments

**HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READING!**

(So highly, in fact, that I've added a permanent link over in the right-hand column!)

On a totally un-related note, I am compelled to comment on the sorry state of officiating that has been rampant this season. At first, I thought it was just a conspiracy directed at my beloved Crimson Tide, but as I see more and more games, I realize it is much more than that. Is it incompetence? Is it a visual disability? A failure to properly train the officiating staff on the rules and etiquette of the game? All of the above? Or is it something more sinister...?

I was still agitated about the 'no-calls' on obvious infractions during the Georgia game-- a block in the back AND a tackle of our guys during the Dawgs' return for td, for example -- I couldn't see straight. Then, during the Kentucky game, Julio Jones and the defender are running down-field, jockeying for position. The defender is grabbing Julio's jersey, and then pushes him off! Julio makes a great catch anyway, fights for more yardage, AND IS FLAGGED FOR INTERFERENCE!!! WTF...?!

I was really agitated until I saw the officials helping Missouri against Nebraska later that evening. Then a phantom call gives Michigan another chance to win. I sure hope something is done about this before some coach goes all "Woody Hayes" on a deserving referee...!

Stay tuned....!

Now to this week's picks. Pretty good slate of games on tap, beginning with the Wildcats of Kentucky hosting the South Carolina Gamecocks. Kentucky played tough defense and had a LOT of help from the officials, or ALABAMA would have beaten them by 3 touchdowns last week. (Watch the replays if you don't believe me!)The Cocks finally played like Spurrier intended last week, so this will be a good match-up. Surprisingly, the Wildcats are more talented, maybe too much for the ol' ball coach. KENTUCKY 28, South Carolina 24

Just what the Bulldogs need: GEORGIA 34, tennessee 10

Poor Tony Franklin. He can't take the blame for this one. auburn 17, Arkansas 14

The Bayou Bengals visit the Swamp (which will be a suitable name after two days of rain!) as Florida hosts LSU. The Gators want to prove they're better than they've shown. The Tigas want the same. I think LSU might be a little too strong, and if they get to Tebow a few times this could get out of hand. LSU 38, Florida 28

Nationally, Oklahoma probably holds off Texas, 35-31.

Penn State 28, Wisconson 17

Missouri 38, Oklahoma State 17

First Picks of October

Ah-ight. Last week is over, The TIDE is #2, and an undefeated Kentucky Wildcat team is coming to visit in a nationally-televised SEC matchup. Alabama has been reminded and lectured all week about the second-half letdown in the Georgia game, so don't look for anyone to come out flat. Kentucky has been opportunistic if un-spectacular, but they ARE 4-0. Not sure how well they'll do if we can stop them outside of the red zone. We have to avoid giving up the big plays.
The 'Cats match up pretty well at skill positions, but will be out-slugged and mugged by our big D. Look for Bama to pull away in the second half.
ALABAMA 42, Kentucky 14.

Okay, here's the rest of the picks:

Tebow & the Gators take out their frustrations on a reeling Razorback squad. Arkansas should be able to finally score a few points, but not nearly enough. Will Petrino last the season...? Florida 54, Arkansas 14

tennessee is just not very good. It's obvious that David Cutcliffe has always been the one responsible for much of tennessee's success. The 'viles' should get some relief against Northern Illinois. But not much. Will fatty fulmer's time finally be up....? If so, who's next in line...? tennessee 14, NI 10

The Gamecocks visit The Rebels in a wacky match-up that's anybody's ball game. Spurrier is not very happy with the lack of progress by South Carolina's squad. If he can't find a quarterback to run his offense, might the Ol' Ball Coach reeeeally consider making a move over to Knoxville...? Ole Miss 21, Carolina 13

Now the UGLY: Isn't that 'spread offense' something...? auburn better hope they get it together. ESPN's Gameday is in Nashville for the first time EVER! To see -- this is not a typo-- an UN-DEFEATED VANDERBILT host the tigers/war-eagles/plainsmen/whatever. The Commodores are ranked and rolling while making very few mistakes, and tubby's tigers have been less-than-impressive so far this season. Will the Vandy Cinderella story continue...? Or will auburn find their footing and bring the 'Dores back down to Earth...? Can the tigers overcome their own ineptitude...? Will they implode on national tv..
And don't be surprised to see THIS guy outside the stadium in Nashville. If things go as they have all season, he MAY just have a job by halftime...!
Not likely. auburn 21, vanderbilt 17

The TIDE is ROLLING IN...!

That's right, Georgia. Black makes you look sexy. Assume the position. Accept your fate. Now, go clean yourself up and fix Big Al a drink and some dinner, bitch! The SEC, as well as the rest of the nation, has been served notice.
The following photo was sent to me by Scottie Willis, fellow Tide fan and purveyor of All Fine Things Crimson:

Thank you, Scottie!

After last nights destruction of the Georgia Bulldogs, The University of Alabama Crimson Tide can no longer fly under the radar or be overlooked. After yet another dismantling of a pre-season top-10 team, folks are paying attention. And wondering just what to think.
To upcoming opponents, I offer a word of advice: Take some pain medication. At least a half hour before kickoff. Maybe it will ease the oncoming trauma.
Until, that is, YOU REALIZE 'THE PROCESS' IS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE! In other words, get used to it. All the haters and naysayers, please shut your pie-holes. You'll get your turn.
Roll Tide.

Tide Cooks up Hogs in Fayetteville: This Week's Picks

Normally, you could say this would be an old-fashioned, grind-it-out-up-the-middle contest, but now real life ain't that way. Sure, you'll see Ingram and Coffee and Upchurch and Grant get some carries, but look for this to be an aerial affair. Heck, if the Arkansas passing game is as good as they say, this could look like a flea circus with JP Wilson linging to Julio, BJ Scott, Stover and the gang! The guess here is that our "D", with Cody whipping their All-American center and friends all day, will keep the Razorbacks off their rhythm.
ALABAMA 28, Arkansas 17

Is the offense of the Plainsmen playing opossum...? tubby better hope not, and the chant will be "Whoa, eagle...!" If the tigers from this state aren't saving up, and the offense is as sluggish here as it was last week, this could get ugly fast. I look for it to be closer than what many expect:
LSU 24, auburn 20

The Gators ARE this much better....
Florida 48, Tennessee 14

The Bulldogs should stroll into next week undefeated and ripe for pickin'....
Georgia 28, Arizona State 17

The Jackets aren't nearly as good as auburn.....
Mississippi State 10, Georgia Tech 7

Although Spurrier will want more points, this is just what the 'Cocks need:
South Carolina 35, Wofford 7

This could be the most interesting SEC game this weekend!
Ole Miss & Vandy= Toss-up!

THIS WEEK'S PICKS (A Little Late...!)

Okay, I'm pushing for time, so I'll get right to my picks of this week's SEC football games and other contests of note or interest:

Coach Saban only had to point to last week's lackluster performance as a prime example of a let-down, and hopefully the message hit home. Look for more faces to pop up in the rotation- some new, some familiar- as more folks get game-time experience before the start of the conference slate. The Tide rolls:

ALABAMA 45, Western Kentucky 10

tennessee 35, UAB 10

Spurrier seems to be inside Richt's head, but I think this time Georgia is a touch more loaded, and the 'Cocks are playing scared: Georgia 31, S. Carolina 14

Kentucky 28, Middle Tennessee 17

Vanderbilt (On a Roll!) 27, Rice 14

Ole Miss 38, Samford 3 (Nutt is instilling confidence and everyone will get to play!)

LSU 64, North Texas 7 (Tigers feel they have something to prove with long layoff and early patsies on schedule...!)

auburn travels to Starkville to meet a confident Mississippi State, who has been successful as of late against Alabama teams. The guess here is the tigers will be ready.

auburn 34, MSU 17

Arkansas & Texas postponed due to Hurricane Ike, and Florida is idle.

In non-SEC action, look for the Trojans to shut the Buckeyes up as Southern Cal will probably roll over Ohio State. USC 41, OSU 21

Penn State 28, Syracuse 14

Clemson 21, NC State 10

Oklahoma 38, Washington 28

Michigan 14, Notre Dame 13

UCLA 21, BYU 20

This Week's College Football Picks

Okay, I had a pretty good opening weekend, with only Mississipi State and tennessee messing up my record! I didn't get to see the Bulldogs play since they were on opposite Our Guys, so hopefully they can pull it together. I had mixed emotions about the vols' trip to LA, as it's always hard to root for anything orange. I had hoped the SEC would make a strong showing, but they bellied-up and stunk up the joint. I must admit it IS satisfying to watch fulmer squirm.

On to this week's picks:

Georgia will whip Central Michigan (and they better win big or they could drop even further in the biased liberal-media polls): 45-14

Ole Miss should handle Wake Forest on the road: 21-7

Kentucky lights it up against Norfolk State: 48-17

Arkansas improves against Louisiana-Monroe: 24-14

Mississippi State edges SE Louisiana: 10-3

Florida will embarass the over-rated Miami: 44-24

auburn wins over Southern Miss: 34-10

This brings me to this week's game: We'll see how Coach Saban keeps the players grounded and focused after last week. If my guess is correct, The Tide should continue to roll, and more players will see action this week and next as Bama prepares for the brutal SEC slate starting in two weeks.

ALABAMA 45, Tulane 7

LSU's home game with Troy has been postponed until November 15

tennessee is luckily idle

First Picks of College Football Season

Well, we're here again. First week of football season. Bama on national TV.
Hurricane brewing in the Gulf of Mexico. Looks like things are back to normal.

This means picking football games. The USC Gamecocks and Vanderbilt Commodores started the SEC slate off on a positive note with decisive victories. This should continue, for the most part. Every team in the Conference has a good chance to be 1-0 before Conference play begins. Hopefully, the Tide can keep the trend alive. I'll probably be way off, but what the heck!

Without too much fluff or fanfare, here we go:
Look for Georgia to top Ga. Southern, 34-10
LSU will thump Appalachian State (no sneakin' up!) 42-17
Florida gets Hawaii (June! Come back, June!) 44-14
MSU should get by La. Tech 21-10 (we'll see if Croom's for real)
Arkansas most likely will overpower W. Illinois 29-6
auburn will pound La.-Monroe (no upset here!) 52-17
Ole Miss should to Memphis 17-14 (Nutt finds a way!)
Kentucky outplays Louisville, 27-24 (Brooks will bring consistency)
tennessee should finally win a big one over UCLA, 31-21

This brings me to Atlanta on Saturday night. ALABAMA plays Clemson on national network television Saturday night. The Tigers are ranked #9 and The TIDE is an underdog.
We match up pretty well, and we'll get a chance early to see how these highly-touted freshmen will do on a big-time, national stage. I'M DRINKIN' THE KOOL-AID! My pick: Bama's young studs out-jump, out-run, and out-muscle the Tigers.

UPSET SPECIAL!
ALABAMA 31 Clemson 21

CRAP! Corso Picks BAMA

Well, hopefully it's not the usual 'kiss of death'. Normally anytime that hack from ESPN, Lee Corso, picks us when we host ESPN Gameday, we roll over. And lose. On national tv. With the college football world watching. (My favorite Corso moment is when he questioned Gene Stallings about his strategy, and Coach Stallings replied "Well, I guess that's why I'm coaching a championship team and you're announcing or analyzing or talking about it.....")
Except this time it's different. I think The Tide is better prepared and hungry for another victory at home over a ranked opponent on national television. It's about time. I believe we are about evenly matched with the Georgia Bulldogs, but I think we can actually claim (legitimately) home-field advantage for a change.
I think the oddsmakers' 31/2 points us about right.
Prediction: ALABAMA 28, Georgia 24

My OTHER Picks:
WHY in the world would anyone outside of Gainesville actually want to see this? Fortunately, due to technical difficulties, no one will have to, as it is mercifully pre-empted. Apologies to Glover and the Rebel nation......
FLORIDA 1,000,000 Ole Miss 3

Spurrier's pretty sneaky, but I think the Bayou Bengals are just too strong....
LSU 31, South Carolina 28

The Razorbacks nearly pulled another one out over the Tide last week. Do they have enough in the tank to stop The Wildcats? History says probably not.
Kentucky 31, Arkansas 28

Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions are just a little too strong for the enigmatic Wolverines.
PENN STATE 24, Michigan 10

Irish will finally score......to no avail
MICHIGAN STATE 28, Notre Dame 3

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while......
auburn 5, New Mexico 3

TIDE Wins SEC Opener Over Commodores

Well, The Alabama Crimson Tide beat Vanderbilt yesterday in a typical SEC struggle. We didn't look too strong, and they made more mistakes than we did, or it could have been a lot closer than the 24-10 margin.
Flashes of brilliance, near-misses, and timely Vandy penalties kept this from being a squeaker. Terry Grant looked good, Javier Arenas was flashy, and John Parker Wilson was oh-so-close a couple of times. The defense was steady, and lucky that Vandy was sloppy and penalty-prone. Still, it's a "W", we're 1-0 in SEC play.
We'll have to kick it up a notch against Arkansas (idle this week), and up again the following week against Georgia.
Ole Miss went belly-up. South Carolina beat #11 Georgia. (I kinda saw this one coming, as I felt the Dawgs MAY have been a bit overrated.) I was hoping they'd be undefeated when we played them. Florida won. Freakin' Mississippi State even pulled one out. LSU destroyed Virginia Tech. Those Tigers look STRONG. Tennessee unfortunately overpowered Southern Miss.
And The University of South Florida beat auburn.
All in all, a good SEC football weekend.
Nationally, Penn State beat Notre Dame(0-2), and Oregon pounded Michigan(0-2).