Tide Rolls to 23rd SEC Title in Dramatic Fashion!

Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide continued their Championship reign as they outlasted a pesky Georgia Bullfrog team in what will go down as the greatest SEC Championship game to date.  To the victor goes the spoils as the Tide get a chance to win back to back National Championships and secure their 15th title against the only other teams that has the same championship pedigree, Notre Dame.

 

 

Bama's D kept the Tide close in the first half as the coaching staff spent the first quarter debating whether they were Oregon offensively.  After falling behind by a TD, Nick finally decided to start playing Alabama football by decisively running the football. 

 

 

Give the Bullfrogs credit for answering the bell repeatedly in the second half but once Bama started running the ball then it was just a matter of time before the Tide overcame the tired Dawgs!  Hopefully Bama learned a lesson and doesn't spend the next 5 weeks exploring the Oregon Duck's offensive scheme and just keeps to the basics of running the damn football..if they do that they'll be fine..if not then wake up the echos!!

A Picture Says a 1000 Words- Who's Your Pick?

Championship Weekend Predictions

S. Carolina vs Baby Gators

The two schools who weren't good enough to play in the SEC Championship play for the prized ACC Title in Charlotte.  The Baby Gators seemed redeemed as they punished the overrated Seminoles to propel themselves as the media darlings of the week.  But on sidelines the Ole Head Ball Coach proved his mastery by playing his backup QB in the beat down of Clemson in the fake Death Valley.  When questioned about his decision to go with the backup Spurrier responded "this wasn't a SEC game so we didn't see a need to go with our starter!"  Spurrier instead acknowledged the importance of the ACC Championship and a second chance for redemption against his Alma Mater!  In the first match up Spurrier's D was up to the task by shutting down Driskel and the Baby Gator O..but unfortunately the Gamecocks turned the ball over 6 times and were out of the game before it started.  Look for Spurrier to get revenge as the Baby Gators are buying into their own hype.

Head Ball Coach   38

Baby Gators         17

 Nebraska vs Wisconsin

Uh...yea....I bet more people watch the MAC Championship between Kent State and N. Illinois!

Huskers     35

Wisconsin  21

UCLA vs Stanford

When you're a major conference and play your championship game on a Friday night...why even have it..nothing else needs to be said..

UCLA       21

Stanford   28

K-State 55

Texas    54

Oklahoma 21

TCU          31

Alabama vs Georgia

Finally...the SEC & defacto National Championship game!  Lets keep it simple..both teams are mirror images of one another.  Pundits believe Georgia has more NFL ready talent and therefore is prime for unseeding the Crimson Tide.  Vegas has it's money on the Sabanator due to his reputation for producing in these situations...and Georgia's reputation for flopping.  Bama has the advantage on the O Line and LBs, Georgia in the D- Line and DBs.  Aaron Murray is the most efficient QB in the country but has failed in the limelight of big games, AJ McCarron has been just as efficient and has delivered in similar circumstances!!  Alabama is more disciplined and tends to not turn the ball over, Georgia is undisciplined and regularly turns the ball over.  Then finally...coaching.... Saban vs Richt... I'll let you guys figure that one out!  Make no mistake this game is being won now in terms of preparation!!  Bama wins this game due to their discipline, championship experience, and their mindset!!

Bama      31

Bullfrogs 17

GSE Football Final

  What we learned...the ACC along with the Big East should have their AQ status pulled, South Carolina and Florida should play for the ACC Championship, selling your soul to Scam Newton for short term success never pays off long term, Tradition does matter as Notre Dame locks up a spot in the BCS National Championship, and Johhny Manziel can start the paper work to trademark his new alter ego.."Johnny Heisman"..enjoy it while it last!!!


 The ACC and Big East are horrible...the poor Orange Bowl gets the marquee match up between the winners of Georgia Tech-Florida State & Louisville - Rutgers...UGGGHH!!  The AQ status really sucks...the BCS selections should be based on rankings alone..#1 vs #2, #3 vs #4..etc..  Could you imagine the Ducks taking on the Baby Gators in the Sugar Bowl..or Stanford and Kansas St in the Rose Bowl...how about LSU and Georgia in the Orange Bowl...and of course Johnny Heisman and the Ole Ball Coach getting it on in the Fiesta!!!  Sorry Big Ten...ACC..Big East..we should not be subjected to bad football because one of your mediocre teams won a mediocre league championship!!

  A lot of SEC haters like to point out that other leagues are more sophisticated in their offensive schemes and that the SEC style reminds them of the stone age!!  See ball ..kill ball proved once again the supremacy of the SEC!!  Florida, Georgia, S. Carolina, and Vanderbilt destroyed any doubt that the SEC is not only the most talented..but the deepest league in college football.  The Baby Gators and the Ole Head Ball Coach quickly dispatched the hopes of the ACC elite by delivering a sound physical spanking of Florida State and Clemson respectively!!  Therefore I propose instead of watching a horrible Florida St-Georgia Tech ACC Championship bout in Charlotte, we get a rematch of  S. Carolina and Florida!!  Don't the good people of Charlotte deserve better...??

  Western Kentucky provided a tougher test for Bama than Auburn...what a joke!!  What we learned..Chizik sold his soul for one year of glory!!  You tie yourself to questionable characters such as Scam Newton & Nick Fairley..well you get questionable results!!  The 2010 Auburn Tigers were an anomaly, great teams with great players win the SEC...not just great players!  Ask Johnny Heisman...advice to Chizik..when you coach in the SEC..whatever philosophy you believe...you better stick with it and sell it like no other!  The spread works in the SEC only if you have the likes of a Timmy Tebow, Scam Newton, or Johnny Heisman..guys that are either big enough to take the pounding...or fast enough to escape it!!  The question is whether Auburn will replace Chizik with another questionable character..Bobby Petrino!?

  The Notre Dame Fighting Irish turned the tide of irrelevancy to a birth into the BCS NCship game.  Why?.....TRADITION!  The Irish have the ingredient of arrogance that plays into the Luck of the Irish!  The same reason every Bama fan believes National Championships are their birthright!!  If Bama can overcome the NFL talent of the Georgia Bullfrogs then the nation will be treated to arguably the two most tradition rich programs in the country clashing in Miami for the Crystal Ball...in college football..it gets no better than that!

  Johnny Football put the wraps on his freshman Heisman campaign by surpassing both Timmy Tebow and Scam Newton in total yards in the SEC!  Maziel has the numbers in the toughest league to include a marquee win against Alabama...it will be interesting to see if the old school mentality of Heisman voters denies Johnny Football his well earned prize!

Turkey Weekend Pics!!

(4) Florida @ (10) Florida State

  It's great to be talking about the Baby Gators once again!  Muschamp and his group have an excellent opportunity to prove why the SEC is king against the ACC's best.  With possible BCS Title Game implications the Baby Gators have a lot to gain from this matchup.  Florida has to shut down the Seminole rushing attack and put pressure on the inconsistent EJ Manual.  The Florida offense has to be very careful not to turn the ball over and stubbornly run the ball against the high powered FSU defense.  Florida has to keep the game close and low scoring to have a shot..so they must follow their game plan to a tee...eventually wearing out the over ranked Seminoles late in the game.  If this turns into a shooting match FSU wins easily.  On the other hand Florida State has not matched up to a team of Florida's caliber all year, a team that is not intimidated and a team that has an edge!  Florida pulls the minor upset..

Baby Gators 24
FSU               21

Auburn @ (2) Alabama

  No doubt..the most intense rivalry in college football!  It's a shame this year's match up is such a mismatch.  But the sins of one Cam Newton are coming to fruition and the Auburn program is in serious trouble.  Bama's goal in this game is to put it away by halftime and rest the ones for the SEC Championship!  Another scrimmage to tighten up the tiny details and to prepare for another championship run.  On the other side of the ball it will be interesting to see how interested the War Tigers are in competing or just getting the season over to turn the page.  Either way Bama needs to put the hammer down early to end any ill fated aspirations on Auburn's behalf.

Auburn 3

Bama     41

(21) Oklahoma State @ (13) Oklahoma

  Folks...bad football doesn't deserve grade A analysis.  Oklahoma is extremely consistent in being a badly coached football team.  They never improve, they are undisciplined, they are not tough, they make the same mistakes...you get the picture.  OSU on the other hand is a oil money program that cuts corners to try and compete against the likes of their big brother.  In either case both teams are very similar with the defensive edge to the Sooners and the offensive edge to the Pokes..the difference...coaching!

OSU 42

OU   38



(1) Notre Dame @ USC

  Not even Jesus likes Lame Kiffin.......

ND   31

USC 17

Other Picks

(5) Oregon         24

(15) Oregon St  28

(19) Michigan    24

(P) Ohio St         23

(12) S. Carolina  21

(11) Clemsom    31

(8) Stanford     24

(17) UCLA        14

Georgia Tech    24
(3) Georgia       28

Creme' La SEC Rising!!!

   What we learned...the pressure of the #1 slot seems to be too much to bare!!  We'll see if Notre Dame can roll into the National Championship game bearing the weight of that position.  Kansas State is who we thought they were with the Baylor Bears blowing the doors off the Dirty Cats!!  Defense reigns supreme with the SEC like Stanford Cardinal shutting down the high flying ducks to take control of the PAC 12 North.  Finally, it looks as if the hated SEC not only has a shot to retain the National Championship, but also the Heisman!

  If the Golden Domers can hold on in LA next week..then the BCS Championship will clear up with the Irish taking on the SEC Champ...but if they lose... BCS Chaos will ensue!  SEC haters could have their worst nightmares realized if the Baby Gators can go on the road and handle their business against a talented but inconsistent Florida State team.  Even if the voters try to influence the Gators from pulling an Alabama, they might have too much computer love to stop another SEC lockout in the NCship game.  If it's close in LA.. Notre Dame could still find its way to Miami by staying ahead of Florida in the polls.  Florida State could surge ahead if they blowout the Baby Gators...or the Ducks could find their way back in the game.  Kansas State..no chance!  If Georgia and Bama takes care of business next week the SEC will be represented in the big game once again.

  Kansas State never passed my eye test and would have wasted a slot in the National Championship.  This team played well together but was exposed by a more talented average Baylor team last night.  In my opinion this would have been the same scenario if the Cats ended up in Miami against any team with the exception of  Notre Dame.  The horrible defense of Baylor stuffed Klein all night and the high flying offense exposed the Dirty Cats 'D'...if Texas can put together a complete game next week they should beat K-State.

  Stanford answered the question of how Oregon would do in the SEC.  The honorable mention SEC member took the plan from Auburn and LSU and built their team on the line of scrimmage.  No matter the speed of Oregon... Stanford proved that the game of football is won and lost in the trenches...and the Cardinal dominated the Ducks in the trenches.  Yes..for all of you spread lovers..Johnny Football is doing well in the SEC..but he also lost twice at home against SEC competition.  If Stanford wins next week vs UCLA then they will have to turn around and play the same game the following Friday...if they lose Oregon will be looming if they beat the Beavers in Corvallis.

  If Bama can hold serve vs Auburn and the Bullfrogs can survive the Georgia Tech option attack.. the National Championship will once again go through Atlanta.  If the young Bama squad can refocus and get back to paying attention to the small details they should dispatch Auburn quickly.  The Bullfrogs should out-talent Georgia Tech but if they can't adjust to the triple option attack then the game could be highly contested.  With Mizzou coming into Kyle Field Johnny Football should finish his freshman season on a high note and transition to Johnny Heisman!!


 

As the BCS Turns

  The next couple of weeks we will concentrate on games that are relevant in determining the eventual National Championship match up.  Instead of picking the games we'll look at the likelihood of upsets that could shake up the BCS standings.  Onto the games...




K-State @ Baylor

Upset Likelihood - 60%

  It's obvious the K-State Wildcats aren't the innocent nice people their PR department publicizes...look at this child abuse...GSE always strives to bring you the straight facts and not what ESPN wants to sell the public!!  K-State's defense has relied on turning the ball over to Klein and company to win.  Baylor has the capability to outscore the Wildcats but cannot be sloppy and turn the ball over...because the Bears have as much of a chance as this poor little kid in stopping the K-State offense.  To pull the upset Baylor needs to get out on top early and continue to apply offensive pressure taking K-State out of their game and forcing the Cats to turn the ball over.




Wake Forest @ Notre Dame

Upset Likelihood - 10%

  Make no mistake...if Purdue and Pitt gave the Irish all they wanted The Demon Deacons certainly can, but with the the ND HFA..that ain't going to happen!  If this game is close it will be interesting to see how Notre Dame holds up in the BCS rankings, their vaunted tough schedule might be turning on them!  In the end everyone knows that this is the one team that doesn't fit into the National Championship equation and should be eliminated by USC.



Stanford @ Oregon

Upset Likelihood - 55%

  Stanford has an excellent opportunity to expose the Oregon defensive weakness by rushing the ball and ultimately controlling the time of possession by forcing the Ducks to play their game.  The Cardinal 'D' has to take away the Oregon rushing attack and make them one dimensional to have a shot.  Stanford has no margin for error and absolutely cannot turn the ball over to the Ducks offensive attack.  They must play keep away and disrupt the Oregon offensive tempo.  If they are able to limit the running game then Standford will have a better opportunity to frustrate a young QB and will be prime for the upset.

The Fine Line of Arrogance!

  Arrogance....often a term understood as a negative connotation.  But I would argue it's a necessary ingredient of any Champion.  Don't agree??? All you have to do is look at any past or current champion and I guarantee you all of them are arrogant to a certain extent!  Micheal Jordan, Tiger Woods, Lebron James, and yes..even the walking Bible...Timmy Tebow!  When all things are equal...Arrogance is what separates a Champion from a loser!  Everyone who despises Arrogance..well...is probably a loser.  But at the same time Arrogance can turn on a champion when not managed properly and usually at some point does.

   Nick Saban...either you love him or hate him...why???-Arrogance!  Easily one of the most polarizing coaches in the country, why....because he wins and is a Champion...period!  No one hates a loser!  The Arrogance of both Nick Saban and the Alabama program is what makes it the most dominant program in the nation and virtually unbeatable!  But every now and then that same Arrogance can turn around and bite you...the case this weekend vs Johnny Football and the A&M Aggies.

   There are a thousand reasons to point to why Alabama loss this weekend, from turnovers to play calling...but in the end it came down to one thing...Arrogance!  The same nasty word that makes Saban and the Crimson Tide the dominant force in the college football landscape today!  It has nothing to do with believing as a team you are better than the other team...that's a necessary component.  What it really comes down to are decisions...decisions...decisions that have third and fourth order effects.

   Klees..what the hell are you talking about???  I'll tell you..be patient!  Many will mistakenly look to the defense as the weak chink in the Bama armor this year...when in reality it is the depth at QB.  Certainly the Bama D is not as dominate as in years past but make no mistake..they ain't bad either!!  The real issue the past two weeks has been AJ McCarron.  His inaccuracy has led to quick three and outs that benefited both LSU and A&M.  Some might say it's because he finally played a tough opponent...but stats would prove different.  Also I would challenge anybody to watch the footage and show me where he was pressured into bad throws.  Despite popular belief the O line did a great job in protecting McCarron in the both games..he was virtually untouched..but still missed on key throws..that led to LSU possessing the ball and A&M jumping out to a quick lead.  So what led to McCarron's inaccuracy the past two week??? Arrogance!

   Nick Saban has been overwhelmingly successful due to his machine like process that dictates a daily regimen to be your best at all times.  This same process doesn't focus on individual accolades but rather individual responsibility to a greater good.  Early in the 4th qtr vs Miss St ..Bama had the game well in hand but still McCarron led the charge..why??  Certainly it would seem logical to get McCarron out of the game and develop depth at a key position that was the achilles heel for this team.  Instead Saban uncharacteristically went against the process and kept McCarron in the game which exposed to a big hit and a deep back bruise that led to him leaving the game.  So why would Saban expose a potential weakness and put not only McCarron..but his team at risk during a critical juncture in the season.....Arrogance!!  Some would argue the same Arrogance that caused him to not put the game into TJ Yeldon's hands on the goal line after fumbling the ball earlier in the game. 

   The question going forward for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide is can they rediscover the formula that allows Arrogance to be the key ingredient to another Championship season!

GSE Football Final

 

  It's that time of the year...BCS Mania!!  What we learned.....Johnny Football should win the Heisman, Notre Dame is an average team with a very good defense, Oregon is a great offense with a bad defense, Kansas State is a great team with average talent, and Bama's defense is good..not great! 

  Make no mistake...Johnny Football was the difference in T-Town and has been the most consistent player in the country this year!  The red shirt freshman has run wild in the tough SEC and has separated himself from the pack!   The only debate would involve Klein from Kansas State, but Johnny's ability to throw the ball accurately and the level of competition of the SEC is the difference.  Klein is a big QB that has developed an ability to throw, but it's Manziel's pure speed with his feet and his deadly accurate arm that separates him from Klein.

  The Irish continue to look average against bad competition.  I believe Notre Dame would lose head to head vs the Top 5.  So far their D has kept them undefeated but they are a trip away to LA from being exposed!  If ND had a legitimate offense then the tradition and luck of the Irish might be enough....not this year!

  Besides Bama the Ducks are the most consistent team over the last 3 to 4 years.  Chip Kelley is very Saban like in his offensive process that produces the same result week after week.  I once believed Oregon was the only team that had a shot to dethrone the SEC this year because they supposedly had their best defensive team in years.  Well... over the past two weeks we learned that their best is BAD!  Cal ran all over the Ducks last night and if it wasn't for Cal's inexperience at QB the Ducks could have easily lost.  Oregon also has injury issues on defense and I believe between Stanford, Oregon St, and probably a rematch against USC that will ultimately be their undoing! 

  Kansas State is probably the best team with the least talent.  The Cats probably have the best shot at getting to Miami... but were very fortunate to have TCU playing their backup QB.  Baylor will have a shot at home next week, but K-State's defense should get them past Waco, but Texas is playing better, has better talent, and could expose the Cats in the end! 

  Bama is the most talented and complete team in the Top 5..make no mistake!  However they are not great on the defensive side of the ball, they are very good!  On the other hand they are not average on the offensive side of the ball..they are very good!   Even on special teams they are remarkably improved!  The point being that Tide cannot lean on a great defense (ND) or a great offense (Oregon) to pull them out of close games, they have to be solid on both sides of the ball to be effective.  Yesterday A&M executed the perfect formula for beating a Saban coached team by jumping out to a big lead.  But as much as the Bama D struggled in the 1st qtr ...it was the offensive inefficiency that primarily contributed to the early deficit!  McCarron's inaccuracy led to quick possessions that gave Johnny Football three early opportunities to score in the 1st qtr before the Bama D could adjust.  The past two weeks McCarron has been uncharastically inaccurate combined with five turnovers... the Tide are fortunate to be 1-1 in that stretch!  Take away the turnovers and Bama wins going away in both games.  Whether McCarron is being affected by a back injury sustained during the Miss St game or a young D being exposed...the Tide has to clean up the turnovers and play a complete game as a team to be effective!  If they can do that then they will once again be the team no one wants to play at the end of the year!

GSE Picks of the Week

     Many would call this game for the Gamecocks...but not so fast- the Hogs have won the last three games easily blowing out the Gamecocks in the annual rivalry.  With Lattimore out and the Gamecocks once again limping through the end of the season...lookout!  Spurrier and his bunch were lucky to escape against Tennessee a couple of weeks ago, even though Petrino isn't on the sidelines his players still are.....Hogs pull the upset of the week!  GSE ALERT.....SEC EAST...lock your doors and hide your WOMEN..looks as if Petrino will be terrorizing the east with his tricky ways at Kentucky!

Hogs   28
Cocks  24

    I know - why is this game even on the board!  Bottom line..it's has to do more with Georgia's inability to play consistent disciplined football and losing the opportunity of securing the SEC East than anything Auburn has done this year.  The War Tigers only hope is for the Bullfrogs to continue to turn the ball over and keep the game close...adding more pressure to Richt and company as the game progresses.  We will learn if this Auburn team has any pride and moreover any confidence in their coach!  I think this will be closer than the experts think...but the Bullfrogs are just to talented despite their lack of execution and discipline!

Bullfrogs     24
War Tigers 17

     Big 12 game of the week ...same ole song and dance!  Can the Cats keep their dream season alive long enough to possibly get blown out by the SEC in the National Championship game??  TCU will be a tough out..and if the Horned Frogs don't turn the ball over then this game will come down to the 4th qtr or OT!!  The other question is what is really wrong with Klein??  Is it his throwing wrist or really a concussion.  If Klein is limited it could serve a decent TCU defense well!  Again in the crazy Big 12 anything can happen!  K-State wins on a controversial call in OT!!

K-State  38
TCU      35

Game of the Week....Can Johnny Football roll into T-Town and pull the upset...sure!  Can Johnny Football keep the Bama D off balance and get out to a quick lead and dictate the pace to Bama...sure!  Can the A&M D- Line get after McCarron and force the Bama O to be inconsistent...sure!  Can the emotion of pulling off a late comeback @ LSU cause a lack of intensity for Bama....sure!  The chance that Saban won't have his bunch ready to execute @ game speed = 0%!!  Bama will once again prove why a spread team has little chance of success against a Saban D!!  In a preview of a probable National Championship match up against Oregon...Yes we all know what LSU did against Bama's D...but there is only ONE LSU - don't get that fact twisted- Bama runs away with the game!

Johnny Football    17
Bama                   35

GSE Football Final

    

  What we learned.........Notre Dame's home field advantage once again was instrumental in pulling the Irish out of the fire, Oregon's defense is not all that great, but probably good enough to get the Ducks to the National Championship game, and the LSU talent still wasn't  good enough to make up for Les Miles' coaching gaffes!!

 

   Notre Dame escaped another close call in South Bend in a game where the Pitt Panthers executed a perfect game plan, but couldn't overcome a phantom pass interference call and a high snap on a FG try in OT.  Pitt moved the ball effectively all day but could not deliver the decisive blow when it mattered most.  Notre Dame again found a way win against an inferior opponent at home as their magical season remained intact.  The Irish continue to play a duel QB system, while rushing effectively, the offense continues to struggle.  On the other side of the ball Manti Teo and company had issues slowing down a very balanced Pitt attack with Graham rushing well over a 100 yds and Sunseri completing big plays in the passing game.   In the end ND won, but with the understanding there will be no HFA in LA at the end of the year!

 

   The Ducks are who we thought they were!  In a season where we thought Oregon dressed out a defense to go along with their explosive offense.... after a 62-51 victory in LA we discovered the Ducks are all about just outscoring the opponent.  With Cal, Standford, Oregon St, and a home PAC 12 Championship game left it looks as if the Ducks will score their way to Miami.

 

   On Saturday night in Death Valley it looked as if the Bengal Bayou Tigers where well on their way to REDEMPTION....but poor ole Les outcoached his talent again!  LSU dominated 3 qtrs of this game controlling the time of possession by QB Mettenberger delivering deadly accurate passes on 3rd down....over and over!  At times it looked as if Alabama offense could do as it wished, but due to the LSU 3rd down efficiency on offense.. AJ McCarron and Bama "O" could not establish any rhythm.  Meanwhile Mettenberger and the LSU bunch were gassing Saban's "D" by executing a game plan that seemed to be the right formula to pull the upset.  But with a 2 turnover edge, a 400+ yd offensive performance,  Mettenberger's perfect QB play, the Bayou Tigers could not overcome a botched FG fake, a failed onside kick attempt, 2 missed FGs, and a stuffed 4th and 1 attempt...and of course AJ McCarron!

 

 

GSE Picks of the Week

Upset Special

     Ok - you got me...I have no anaylytical reason to support my pick.  Pitt hasn't provided any proof they are capable of pulling off the upset.  However I do believe that Notre Dame is not as good as projected and their schedule not as tough as advertised.  As far as their win in Norman, nowadays lots of team win in Norman!  The Irish have had close calls at home against Michigan, Purdue, Stanford, and BYU.  Pitt will not be intimidated and the QB of Pitt & brother of the Alabama Safety (Sunseri) lead his team to the unthinkable upset!

Pitt - 20

ND  - 19

Big 12 Shootout of the Week

     Another game in which the Cats are very capable of losing if they get behind early.  The issue is OSU's defense, the fact that K-State is really the only Big 12 team that fields a defensive squad to go along with their offensive prowess really makes it hard for me to see a way the Cowboys can pull of the upset.  K-State is the best team in the Big 12 this year and they'll once again dispatch a typical one dimensional threat from their conference foes.

K-State - 49

OSU      - 24



Oregon Blowout of the Week

     First...as a friend of mine would say.."don't get it twisted"...the Ducks are the second best team in the country!!  Notre Dame wouldn't make it to halftime and K-State could not keep up with the hectic paced Quack Attack.  On the otherside of the coin.....I warned everyone of the overrated USC team lead by an overrated Lame Kitten!  Botton line Oregon is a well diciplined efficient team...USC isn't!

Ducks - 48

USC    - 24

Game of the Week

     

     The game that will determine whether Bama get's a shot at winning back-to-back championships.  Alabama holds a 24-9-2 edge in Baton Rouge, including a 28 year run where Bama was unbeaten in "Death Valley" (71'-99')!!  Since Nick Saban's arrival @ Bama in 07'  The Tide and Tigers have split the 6 game series with both winning and losing at home equally.  With the exception of the 21-0 National Championship blowout all of the games have come down to the 4th quarter or overtime with a 3.8 point differential.  The point being these are even teams that result in games that come down to 1-2 key plays.  This year both defenses are carbon copies and the special teams equal.  The difference seems to be in the growth and evolution of one offense and the decline of another!  LSU has a new QB in Mettenburger who has not experienced what he will see Saturday noght in terms of defense.  Alabama's AJ McCarron has seen and performed twice against the same defense.  LSU is struggling on the O-Line, Bama has the best O-Line in the country!  LSU has Les Miles..Bama Has Nick Saban....Any Questions???  Only thing that keeps this game close is Bama Turnovers!

Bama - 31

LSU   - 10

Why Muschamp was the Right Choice for Florida

  

      Even after a disappointing loss to an overrated Georgia team it's easy to see that Florida picked the right man for the job!  Will Muschamp has the Baby Gators on the right path turning an undisciplined finesse bunch into a physical hard nosed football team that can compete at an elite level.  The Gators are still in transition but the difference in Muschamp's second year is obvious and the future very promising!

     Taking over for Urban Meyer was tough in terms of expectations, but even tougher than expected because of the fragmented nature in which Meyer left the Florida program.  Muschamp was left with the remnants of an offense that simply didn't work anymore against the power brokers of the SEC.  He also had to deal with cleaning up a program in which numerous players had run ins with the law.  He had a rebuilding job to say the least in which he had refocus the program on a new formula to return the Gators to the top of the SEC.  Instead of a trash talking, individual based superstar culture, Muschamp adopted a concept that focused on the TEAM.  Instead of praising the glory of individual players, he focused on TEAM accomplishments.  No longer would one player dominate the headlines in Gainesville, instead the TEAM would be the story!  No longer in victory would one player's accomplishments be celebrated or in defeat one players' tears suffered!....Now that Gators celebrate and suffer as a TEAM! 

     Even though the job is not complete it's easy to see why the Gators will once again be the best TEAM in the east.  With a pretentious Georgia program and a South Carolina program that has seem to reach its full potential, Florida is well on its way to SEC East dominance.  The funny thing is he has done in two years what the Texas program is still struggling to figure out!

What is the State of Oklahoma Football??

     After another big game disappointment it seems as if the Sooners have come to a crossroad in whether they are National Championship contending program any longer.  With the exception of the Red River Rilvary the Sooners have historically struggled in BCS games that mattered.  In his 14 years at Oklahoma, Stoops has dominated the Big 12 winning seven league titles and one National Championship in four National Title Game appearances.  He also has got the best of Texas going 9-5 against their border rivals.  During his tenure Oklahoma has been held in high regard by the pollsters by giving the Sooners National Championship consideration year in and out...and the BCS system has certainly been VERY favorable to the Sooners.  So what is the problem??

     I find myself comparing Oklahoma to Georgia lately..but that isn't really fair to Stoops because he's won more consistently at a higher level .  But lately both Richt and Stoops seem to have similar struggles with their program, whether inexplicably losing games they are heavily favored in, losing big games, or dealing with player discipline issues.  Both Georgia and Oklahoma seem to lack a certain toughness that ultimately effects their ability to compete in tough close games.  Another factor is Stoops' fast start at Oklahoma where he won the National Title in his second year and Oklahoma really dominated the national scene for the first five to seven years of his run at Oklahoma.  His only fault was losing three National Championship games to LSU (03'), USC (04'), and Florida (08').  I believe this adds to an already anxious fan base that has been thirsting for a National Crown since the Orange Bowl victory over Florida State in 2000.  Has the pressure finally got the best of Stoops or is this just a bump in the road?  Is the Oklahoma fan base spoiled??  Should they be happy with dominating the Big 12...or has those days seen their end too??  Bob Stoops used to be known as "Big Game Bob" for a reason, now it seems to be a national punchline!

GSE Football Final

 
     We saw the BCS picture clear up a little as contenders separated themselves from pretenders.  Georgia reclaimed the reigns of the SEC East, Bama dismantled another challenger that didn't measure up, Oregon continued to quietly roll along, and Notre Dame proved they were for real in Norman. 

     The Georgia Bulldogs came to fight in Jacksonville bullying the young Baby Gators in a game that will ultimately determine the SEC East.  Both teams were sloppy and undisciplined in a game that was hard to watch.  Both defenses dominated, but the Baby Gators were the team this week to turnover the ball in crucial situations and learned how that fact can make the best team average...and that doesn't cut it in the SEC..even against the Bullfrogs!!

     Mississippi State came into Bryant-Denny Stadium looking for a program defining win and left with a clear understanding that Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide are at a different level.  The Bulldogs couldn't get anything going against the Tide as Alabama salted the game away early.  Bama continues to prove they are in a class to themselves, but once again next week they will face there first "REAL" challenge of the year at Death Valley!

     Where Bama gets respect, Oregon continues to be dismissed.  Along with Bama- Oregon has ended every game they played by halftime.  The Ducks are incredibly efficient and consistent, the only change are the wacky-cool uniforms!  Once again the Ducks zoomed out to a 56-0 halftime lead over Colorado and cruised to a 70-14 victory.  The Ducks are the only team that can contend with Bama in my opinion, and I believe poor Lame Kitten and the Trojans are in real trouble when this bunch shows up in LA next week!

     Notre Dame had their season on the line where they would either be exposed or prove themselves as a legitimate National Title contender.  The Irish physically punished a finesse Sooner bunch who once again failed in a big moment proving if you punch Stoops' team in the face they will falter!!  Notre Dame's offense responded nicely driving for a TD after Oklahoma tied the game late.  It will be interesting to see how this young Notre Dame team handles success in the upcoming weeks.

GSE Picks of the Week

     (11) Mississippi St. @  (1) Alabama     ESPN 8:30 est



     It's another week in which Bama plays it's first legitimate opponent .  Alabama has blown its way through the schedule with every game effectively over by halftime.  Dan Mullen has finally delivered at Miss. State and has his undefeated Bulldogs poised to make a program defining statement.  Both teams mirror each other statistically and both play the same physical brand of football.  State's Tyler Russell is having a breakout year at QB throwing for over 1500 yds 15 TDs and 1 INT.  The Bulldogs also play great defense giving up only 14.4 points per game making them probably the most complete team Bama has played all year.  Bama comes into to the contest with the overall #1 ranked defense in the nation surrendering 8.3 points per game, no surprise.  Bama complements the 'D' with an incredibly balanced and efficient offense.  AJ McCarron is completing 68.8% of his passes with close to 1500 yds - 16 TDs - 0 INTs.  TJ Yeldon and Eddie Lacy shine in the running game with both rushing over 500 yds and Amari Cooper is blooming into the go to WR and becoming the Julio Jones threat Bama has been missing since 2010.  Bama is favored by 24, Miss State is better than the line and will keep it close until the 4th....

Bama    - 31
Miss St - 17



     (5) Notre Dame @  (8) Oklahoma     ABC 8:00 est



      Can Notre Dame continue their comeback tour, can Oklahoma show up for a big game (besides Texas)!  The Irish bring in the #2 scoring defense in the nation hoping to upend the high flying Sooner offense.  The Sooners are talented on defense too and face a sluggish Irish offense that ranks poorly in most offensive stats.  The question is will the Notre Dame defensive pressure get to Laundry Jones and create some turnovers to keep the Irish in the game.  It would seem if the Sooners can get north of the 20 point threshold, they should win.  Even with Big Game Bob leading the way- I believe that the Sooners will still win!

Oklahoma    - 27
Notre Dame - 13


      (2) Florida vs  (10) Georgia     Jacksonville CBS 3:30 est


     It wouldn't be right if the Baby Gators weren't in the picks..now would it!!  This is just like the Red River Shootout.....The Greatest Cocktail Party in the World is owned by the Gators!!  Georgia legitimately has the most talented team in the SEC East, but Florida is the best TEAM in the SEC East.  In a big game that counts why would the Bullfrogs even show up, we all know Richt has struggled in this series and there is no reason to believe he won't struggle in this game.  The stats don't matter..the Gators secure their reservations to Atlanta!

Baby Gators - 41
Bullfrogs      - 24

The Great Escape!

     Coming off a big weekend in Gainesville where the Baby Gators dispatched their old coach and continued their march through the SEC East, one can't help to think of other former Gator coaches who left in their prime for greener pastures.   Many Gator fans frolicked in joy over beating a man who they felt betrayed Florida when he went to test the NFL waters in Washington D.C.  After a short stint with the Redskins, Spurrier realized the error of his ways and returned to Gainesville to retake the reigns of a struggling Florida program that thirsted for Spurrier's dominant Gator teams!  Only one problem - apparently Florida felt that the Ole Head Ball Coach needed to interview for the job!  Instead of making up -  Spurrier took his visor to South Carolina and Florida courted a young Urban Meyer who was coming off a Fiesta Bowl win with Utah.  I wonder if Spurrier interviewed at South Carolina?

     The prude decision to move on seemed to work for Florida as Urban Meyer compiled a 65-13 record during his six years at Florida.  During that time his teams won two SEC and National Championships while the Gator fan base had a national love affair with their infamous quarterback - Tim Tebow!!  It seemed as if the Gator Nation had turned the page on the Ole Head Ball Coach and  rekindled the magic of the the 90's.   As the 2009 season played out Tebow and the Gators were well on their way to back-to-back National Championships that would have capped off Tebow's career as supposedly the greatest college football player.  A third BCS Championship in four years amidst all of the Tebow hysteria would have conveniently erased any kind notion to the Ole Head Ball Coach in the minds of Gator fans everywhere.  So what happen to Camelot??

    December 5th, 2009 - SEC Championship
      A rematch from the previous SEC Championship where the Gators beat Nick Saban's #1 Alabama team with Tebow taking the game over in the 4th quarter to put the Gators over the top.  This time the #1 Gators returned looking to complete their first undefeated season and to finish Tebow's career in style.  Alabama came in ranked second looking for redemption and a shot at their first National Championship since 1992.  Bama romped to a decisive 32-13 victory in what was ultimately a changing of the guard as Saban ceased control of the SEC and National scene. 

     Meanwhile Meyer flirted with early retirement as he faced an uncertain Tebowless future but mustard enough inspiration to coach Tebow's final victory in the Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati.  Urban struggled with the notion of life without Tebow, but moreover the reality that his Gator team was no longer on top of the SEC.  He and the Gators struggled during the 2010 season in an uninspired 8-5 effort - to include another devastating defeat at the hands of Saban in Tuscaloosa.  Meyer realized that he probably should have retired after the Sugar Bowl and made the decision to re prioritize his life, spend time with his family and to retire his Florida post.  Certainly Meyer had an incredible run at Florida where he was recognized as a relentless recruiter and a coach who delivered in big games.  The only negative matter was the 30 players arrested during his six year tenure. 

     So what is the difference between the rebuked Spurrier and the revered Meyer?  Is it because Spurrier left after 12 years of dominating the SEC to try his hand in the NFL as opposed to Meyer who retired due to health and personal reasons in half of the time?  Is it the fact that Meyer happen to be the coach during the Tim Tebow era?  Doesn't Danny Wuerffel count as the Tebow of the 90s or the Spurrier of the 60s?--Doesn't Spurrier deserve the same respect??  Whatever the case one thing is certain, we can all be thankful for the great Ohio State medical program that seemed to contribute to Urban's miraculous recovery!

    

    

  

GSE Football Final

     In a week that saw little change in the Top 10 - we confirmed a couple of things.  The Baby Gators are for real, Collin Klein killed one Heisman candidacy while becoming the front runner for the prized trophy, and no matter the coach, whether Dr. Lou or the Head Ball Coach, no one can seem to cure what ails the South Carolina program....losing!

     Muschamp and his Baby Gators once again continued their Cinderella season by dispatching Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks.  It was not a conventional win with the Gamecocks turning the ball over 3 times in the first half contributing to a Baby Gator 21-6 halftime lead.  But turnovers always help determine the winners in these games, and a good team takes advantage of those opportunities!  It looks as if the Gators have swam their way out of the swamp and are on a one way path to Atlanta, with of course some Bulldog and Seminole for snacks along the way!

     West Virginia was exposed once again, this time against the national Cinderella team Kanasas State.  The throwback Cats keep rollin' along in the Big 12 and moving up in the BCS rankings.  Their QB Collin Klein also took hold of the Heisman baton this week as he accounted for 7 TDs this week (3 passing, 4 rushing) and is second behind AJ McCarron in passing efficiency.  Already dispatching the Sooners, the Wildcats may well be on their way to Miami, and with a stop at the Downtown Athletic Club for Collin Klein.

     The South Carolina Gamecocks have once again collapsed!  One thing that neutralizes any advantage in football is turnovers, and the poor Ole Head Ball Coach was helpless Saturday in the stadium he branded watching his Gamecocks turn any chance of winning over to Muschamp's Baby Gators.  It will be interesting to see if the Gamecocks can recover or lose to an upcoming Arkansas team that has had their number over the last several seasons!

GSE Picks of the Week

BYU (4-3)

              
 

@ (5) Notre Dame (6-0)     3:30 EST  (NBC)



Upset of the Week

 

This is a matchup of two very good defensive teams who rank nationally and two very similar offenses that are struggling.  I'm going out on a limb going against the ND HFA, but the Irish have notoriously struggled in these type games, especially with a road trip to Norman looming.  With help from Irish turnovers I'm picking the Cougars to upend the Irish this weekend which will ultimately cause the Irish to fall apart in the second half of the season.
 

BYU - 20

ND   - 17

(4) Kansas State (6-0)

 

 

@ (13) West Virginia (5-1)     7:00 EST (FOX)

Big 12 Game of the Week
 

After the collapse of Geno Smith and the Mountaineers most people will side with a very solid Kansas State team that doesn't do anything spectacular but win.  The Wildcats remind me of the Gene Stallings Alabama teams of the early 90's.  They play great defense, don't turn over the ball, and control the ball offensively through a solid running game and a QB that doesn't make mistakes.  This almost always leads to a close game that comes down to 4th quarter execution.  The only danger to this approach is if a team is able to jump out to a quick lead and take them out of their game plan.  There is every reason in the world to believe Kansas State should win this ballgame, their defense is superior and their ball possession offense will lead to the disruption of the rhythm of the West Virginia offense.  But for some reason I believe West Virginia will jump out to a quick lead and pressure the Wildcats in a way they haven't confronted this season, that combined with the HFA...Mountaineers pull the upset!
 

W. Virginia - 41

Kansas St   - 35

(6) LSU (6-1)

 

                  

@ (18) Texas A&M (5-1)     12:00 EST  (ESPN)

The 'Hat' vs Johnny Football
 

LSU kept their National Championship hopes alive by running over Spurrier and the nasty Gamecocks last week @ Death Valley.  Johnny Football and the Aggies survived a shootout against La. Tech in Shreveport last weekend as the Heisman contender newcomer broke his own SEC record by piling up 577 total yds and 6 TDS.  The Bengal Tigers bring in a great defense and some renewed confidence into Kyle Field, Texas A&M brings a sophisticated offensive attack and better than average defense..to include the 12th Man.  This game comes down to who is able to effectively run the ball.  The Aggies have to be able to play a physical brand of football to have a chance against the likes of LSU.  Certainly a high scoring game favors the Aggies and if their defense can shut down the run early and force Mettenberger to make plays then Texas A&M will have an excellent shot of upsetting the mighty LSU Tigers.  I don't believe the LSU offensive deficiencies are solved by running for 258 yds against S. Carolina in one game...obviously most teams are going to win if they can run for that many yards...ultimately Mettenberger is going to have to win a game for LSU.  With the ineffectiveness of the LSU offense I really think this game is a toss up!! But in the end I just don't think Johnny Football and the Aggies are at the level to beat a football team of LSU's caliber!
 

LSU   - 28

A&M - 24

 

(7) South Carolina (6-1)

 

 

@ (2) Florida (6-0)     3:30 EST  (CBS)

Game of the Week - Spurrier returns to the House He Built!

 

Most of the pundits agree that the Baby Gators are playing a little over their head.  Muschamp has the Gators playing tough defense and running the ball with physicality as the Gators transition from a finesse offensive scheme.  Certainly when the Gators have had their backs to the wall..they have responded this season.  Spurrier and his Gamecocks are coming off another loss to an SEC West opponent that physically dominated the prized Gamecock D- Line.  The opponent that Florida shut down in Spurrier's Swamp.  But in my estimation Spurrier's Gamecocks are a better team then the Baby Gators at this point.  Florida's HFA will be a factor but Clowney and his counterparts ought to be able to pressure Driskel into some key turnovers that will ultimately lead to another Spurrier victory in the fable Swamp! 

HBC             - 24

Baby Gators - 21