The SEC looks like the bottom of the pack when it comes to college basketball, but I have an interesting theory that might make this season seem a little more promising. I propose that it's really not that bad.
Kentucky, my Wildcats, began the season playing like a team that had butter for fingers, considering their dismal turnover rate. What was it, like 30 turnovers in the North Carolina game? But, thanks to Meeks's amazing play, did you see the Tennessee perfomance, Gillispie's team is looking a bit like the Kentucky of yore. Ten 3-pointers in one game....over 50 points. Meeks gives this die-hard UK fan a glimmer of hope for the Cats.
Arkansas. I know they're 0-and whatever in SEC play, but they beat the highly ranked Oklahoma and Texas teams in the same week.... So maybe, just maybe, since Arkansas has dropped 5 straight, including being blownout by Auburn, the SEC is tougher than once thought. I mean this is the same team that beat some tough non-conference opponents and looked like they might be poised to make a tournament run.....
I'm just saying...While Florida is the only ranked SEC team currently, surely Kentucky can't be far behind, and if given a chance to play in the tournament, who says an SEC team couldn't make a run?
Showing posts with label SEC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SEC. Show all posts
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Saturday, September 6, 2008
NCAAF Week 2
If style matters in college football, and apparently it does, then Ohio State deserves a drop in the polls. I mean, come on, if Georgia can drop from its number one perch without a loss shouldn't Ohio State fall for allowing Ohio University 145 rushing yards against its defense? In this season long chase for a make-believe college football championship, a bad day should equal a drop in rankings.
Seriously, my frustration with the BCS has led me to develop a bizarre rooting system of my own. For instance, I always pull for the SEC because I was reared on the SEC, I'm a southern girl, born and bred, and I love it. That being said, because I long for the ineptness of the BCS to be revealed more and more each year, hoping in vain that someone will come to their senses and create a playoff system that matters, I usually pull against ranked teams. Why? Sheepishly, I say, I think the pollsters are a wee bit clueless in many of their rankings and rather enjoy, perhaps too much, watching that be revealed. Unless of course it is a well-deserving ranking for an SEC team. Hey, I never said it made any sense. But, let's take the example of BYU vs. Washington, I didn't really no who to root for. BYU was ranked 8th, but I like the little PAC-10/SEC rivalry that seems to have developed, so I wasn't exactly wanting Washington to win.
The point is, with the current system, it just really doesn't matter except for end-of-season bragging rights, because truth be told, fans are left feeling empty when the national champion is nothing more than a "favorite" who had a good-enough season. Without losing one game or playing a "real" opponent, Georgia lost its number one postion because it never really "had" it to begin with. Pollsters just couldn't justify placing Ohio State number one after 2 BCS Bowl defeats in a row, or a USC who lost to Stanford the previous season. Georgia had been on an end-of-season roll and had handily defeated a highly touted Hawaii team. USC pounded UVA in week one of this season, so finally, a reason to jump Georgia.
Yes, I realize that in the grand scheme of things college football matters....not at all. It is thousands of kids doing what they love for adults who, let's face it, should really get a more productive hobby. But wouldn't it be nice to give those kids, all those teams that really deserve it, a real shot at a real National Championship?
Seriously, my frustration with the BCS has led me to develop a bizarre rooting system of my own. For instance, I always pull for the SEC because I was reared on the SEC, I'm a southern girl, born and bred, and I love it. That being said, because I long for the ineptness of the BCS to be revealed more and more each year, hoping in vain that someone will come to their senses and create a playoff system that matters, I usually pull against ranked teams. Why? Sheepishly, I say, I think the pollsters are a wee bit clueless in many of their rankings and rather enjoy, perhaps too much, watching that be revealed. Unless of course it is a well-deserving ranking for an SEC team. Hey, I never said it made any sense. But, let's take the example of BYU vs. Washington, I didn't really no who to root for. BYU was ranked 8th, but I like the little PAC-10/SEC rivalry that seems to have developed, so I wasn't exactly wanting Washington to win.
The point is, with the current system, it just really doesn't matter except for end-of-season bragging rights, because truth be told, fans are left feeling empty when the national champion is nothing more than a "favorite" who had a good-enough season. Without losing one game or playing a "real" opponent, Georgia lost its number one postion because it never really "had" it to begin with. Pollsters just couldn't justify placing Ohio State number one after 2 BCS Bowl defeats in a row, or a USC who lost to Stanford the previous season. Georgia had been on an end-of-season roll and had handily defeated a highly touted Hawaii team. USC pounded UVA in week one of this season, so finally, a reason to jump Georgia.
Yes, I realize that in the grand scheme of things college football matters....not at all. It is thousands of kids doing what they love for adults who, let's face it, should really get a more productive hobby. But wouldn't it be nice to give those kids, all those teams that really deserve it, a real shot at a real National Championship?
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
NCAAF Week 1- As I See It
It seems that after a summer-long love affair with the SEC, the thrill is already gone. After last night's Tennessee loss to a PAC-10 team for the second year in-a-row, I'm sure the thrill is now probably dead. The SEC enjoyed a brief stint as media darling with 4 teams in the top 10, including Georgia's ranking of number 1, and while the rankings haven't changed much, there seems to have been a shift in the national media's attitude.
While listening to FSN radio, ESPN radio, and watching most games on various national television stations, I could hear it in the voices of the announcers as they crowned, after just 1 week of play, USC and Ohio State the most talented teams in the nation. Georgia, it seems, is headed for a fall, and over and over I heard their number 1 ranking questioned. First of all, who ranked Georgia number 1? Hmmmm.... and second, the week prior, Florida, LSU, and Georgia had all been wearing the most-talented crown. What happened in one short week? When push came to shove, was it just too difficult to truly admit that the SEC could really be the best? Florida pummeled a Hawaii team, that just the year before was in a BCS bowl. Alabama scored 34 points on the ninth ranked Clemson Tigers. Was Ohio State's 43 points over Youngstown State (aren't they a junior college) that much more impressive?
Brent Musberger, on ABC's Saturday night telecast, was saying that until proven otherwise, yes the SEC is the best conference, but he seemed to like the Big 12 to rise to the top. As he was saying this, his co-worker for the evening, Kirk Herbstreit broke the news that Arkansas State had just defeated Texas A&M. Yes, I laughed.
Look, I clearly see that Ohio State and USC are talented, clearly. But, after one week of play, why are we already ready to crown them National Champions? Have you seen Ohio State's schedule, outside of a tough match-up against USC? USC is in a PAC-10 with some talented, dangerous teams, some. UCLA showed last night that they're a team to be reckoned with. Granted, Tennessee made a few hundred foolish mistakes, but a W is a W and UCLA looked good in the second-half. I just wish we could take a more patient wait-and-see attitude with declaring teams best in the nation. Who knows when injuries can decimate a team? We've already had some scares at both Georgia and Ohio State. And based on what I saw Saturday, just on what I saw Saturday, shouldn't Florida and Alabama be in the running? It seems "until proven otherwise" the media's crush on USC and Ohio State is back on.
By the way, Auburn has some serious work to do on its offense, Again!
While listening to FSN radio, ESPN radio, and watching most games on various national television stations, I could hear it in the voices of the announcers as they crowned, after just 1 week of play, USC and Ohio State the most talented teams in the nation. Georgia, it seems, is headed for a fall, and over and over I heard their number 1 ranking questioned. First of all, who ranked Georgia number 1? Hmmmm.... and second, the week prior, Florida, LSU, and Georgia had all been wearing the most-talented crown. What happened in one short week? When push came to shove, was it just too difficult to truly admit that the SEC could really be the best? Florida pummeled a Hawaii team, that just the year before was in a BCS bowl. Alabama scored 34 points on the ninth ranked Clemson Tigers. Was Ohio State's 43 points over Youngstown State (aren't they a junior college) that much more impressive?
Brent Musberger, on ABC's Saturday night telecast, was saying that until proven otherwise, yes the SEC is the best conference, but he seemed to like the Big 12 to rise to the top. As he was saying this, his co-worker for the evening, Kirk Herbstreit broke the news that Arkansas State had just defeated Texas A&M. Yes, I laughed.
Look, I clearly see that Ohio State and USC are talented, clearly. But, after one week of play, why are we already ready to crown them National Champions? Have you seen Ohio State's schedule, outside of a tough match-up against USC? USC is in a PAC-10 with some talented, dangerous teams, some. UCLA showed last night that they're a team to be reckoned with. Granted, Tennessee made a few hundred foolish mistakes, but a W is a W and UCLA looked good in the second-half. I just wish we could take a more patient wait-and-see attitude with declaring teams best in the nation. Who knows when injuries can decimate a team? We've already had some scares at both Georgia and Ohio State. And based on what I saw Saturday, just on what I saw Saturday, shouldn't Florida and Alabama be in the running? It seems "until proven otherwise" the media's crush on USC and Ohio State is back on.
By the way, Auburn has some serious work to do on its offense, Again!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Warning: Attending Games May be Hazardous to Your Health
A catwalk and equipment looming over the floor of the Georgia Dome sway ominously. A coach and his player point to the scene with looks of concern shadowing their faces, as if to say, "Hey, what's going on here?" Above the roar of cheering SEC fans, howling wind and large claps of thunder can be heard. In a post-9/11 world, I am sure a sense of uneasiness is beginning to spread throughout the crowd.
The concern was obviously warranted but not because of the fury of terrorists, it was the wrath of mother nature that wreaked havoc on the SEC tournament and the Dome. And while many fans are bemoaning the SEC's decision to bar fans from the new tournament venue, my concern is of a different variety.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution describes the scene inside Friday night's Alabama/Mississippi State game as follows: "The game was stopped after the Dome roof shook and debris-including nuts and bolts and washers- fell to the ground from the tarpaulin-covered ceiling. The game was halted and the teams retreated to their respective locker rooms while fans in attendance were encouraged to remain in their seats." (Atlanta Journal Constitution, 3/14/08)
What?! Wait a minute. Thousands of fans are sitting in the Georgia Dome downtown Atlanta watching a game unaware that tornadoes howl just outside sending nuts, bolts, and, I don't know, possibly steel beams flying to the ground, and the first indication of concern is Gottfried and players pointing to the ceiling. Was no one in that building aware that severe weather was in the area? Is there no Dome official who watches the radar or at least the Weather Channel when a tornado warning is in the area? What if the Dome had received a direct hit? Is it able to withstand that? As I understand it, a weather announcement wasn't even made until AFTER the game had been stopped and the Dome had already been damaged. I obviously was not there, nor do I know the answer to any of these questions. But I'd be a tad upset if I were sitting in the Dome with my kids or watching my own child play basketball, and there's a tornado directly outside, and no one inside is even aware. What if the catwalk had crashed to the floor hitting the players or fans?
What if....what if....is a question that has been floating around in my mind since Friday night. I don't know much about the structural soundness of the Dome, but I do know the venue was moved because the damage was more than had previously been thought, meaning it wasn't sound enough to house fans for games on Saturday. I guess I'm just wondering if there is an evacuation plan for fans, not just players, in case of a tornado or hurricane or heaven forbid, a terrorist attack. Do you make an announcement so people at least have the option to get under their seat and cover their heads? I realize anything involving thousands is tricky, and I guess they were certainly safer inside than out, but is there a plan better than sit here and hope for the best? During a severe tornado warning, do you at least call off the action on the court, where equipment looms just overhead and pull the players to safety?
Perhaps, I'm overreacting, but I'm concerned with the lack of concern over the events of Friday night's game. As a matter of fact, this isn't the first time the Dome's had problems. In 1995, just after a football game, roof panels collapsed after heavy rain wiping out 500 seats and concrete supports.(AJC, 3/16/08) What if that had happened Friday night? As one who loves basketball and plans to attend the NCAA regionals here in Birmingham, I would just like to know that these sort of safety concerns have been discussed and prepared for in my own town.
See following link for photos:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jSsOxras_DX9mDm0WOptfY7W_LLwD8VDP2J00
The concern was obviously warranted but not because of the fury of terrorists, it was the wrath of mother nature that wreaked havoc on the SEC tournament and the Dome. And while many fans are bemoaning the SEC's decision to bar fans from the new tournament venue, my concern is of a different variety.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution describes the scene inside Friday night's Alabama/Mississippi State game as follows: "The game was stopped after the Dome roof shook and debris-including nuts and bolts and washers- fell to the ground from the tarpaulin-covered ceiling. The game was halted and the teams retreated to their respective locker rooms while fans in attendance were encouraged to remain in their seats." (Atlanta Journal Constitution, 3/14/08)
What?! Wait a minute. Thousands of fans are sitting in the Georgia Dome downtown Atlanta watching a game unaware that tornadoes howl just outside sending nuts, bolts, and, I don't know, possibly steel beams flying to the ground, and the first indication of concern is Gottfried and players pointing to the ceiling. Was no one in that building aware that severe weather was in the area? Is there no Dome official who watches the radar or at least the Weather Channel when a tornado warning is in the area? What if the Dome had received a direct hit? Is it able to withstand that? As I understand it, a weather announcement wasn't even made until AFTER the game had been stopped and the Dome had already been damaged. I obviously was not there, nor do I know the answer to any of these questions. But I'd be a tad upset if I were sitting in the Dome with my kids or watching my own child play basketball, and there's a tornado directly outside, and no one inside is even aware. What if the catwalk had crashed to the floor hitting the players or fans?
What if....what if....is a question that has been floating around in my mind since Friday night. I don't know much about the structural soundness of the Dome, but I do know the venue was moved because the damage was more than had previously been thought, meaning it wasn't sound enough to house fans for games on Saturday. I guess I'm just wondering if there is an evacuation plan for fans, not just players, in case of a tornado or hurricane or heaven forbid, a terrorist attack. Do you make an announcement so people at least have the option to get under their seat and cover their heads? I realize anything involving thousands is tricky, and I guess they were certainly safer inside than out, but is there a plan better than sit here and hope for the best? During a severe tornado warning, do you at least call off the action on the court, where equipment looms just overhead and pull the players to safety?
Perhaps, I'm overreacting, but I'm concerned with the lack of concern over the events of Friday night's game. As a matter of fact, this isn't the first time the Dome's had problems. In 1995, just after a football game, roof panels collapsed after heavy rain wiping out 500 seats and concrete supports.(AJC, 3/16/08) What if that had happened Friday night? As one who loves basketball and plans to attend the NCAA regionals here in Birmingham, I would just like to know that these sort of safety concerns have been discussed and prepared for in my own town.
See following link for photos:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jSsOxras_DX9mDm0WOptfY7W_LLwD8VDP2J00
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Topsy Turvy
The PAC-10's mighty roar sounds more like a meow after Stanford stunned USC Saturday night and UCLA fell victim to an, until then, WINLESS Notre Dame. Victory could not have tasted much sweeter for Les Miles, whose risky calls allowed the Tigers to eek past Florida, but we all know his grin widened when the final of the USC game was announced. LSU is undeniably the number 1 team in the nation, for now. The bigger question is, who deserves the all-important number 2 spot?
It seems that the pollsters in their infinite wisdom have crowned fellow PAC-10 rival Cal #2 in the land. Is that because they beat a mid-pack SEC team? Is it because they beat a "tough" Oregon team? Must we have a PAC-10 team in the number 2 spot because their conference has been heralded as the second toughest in the land? I know I'll be cheering for another "upset" when Cal meets USC on the field. Let's mix things up even more, shall we?
What about Ohio State? Did their 2006 championship game loss to Florida also cause them to lose their status as media darling? South Florida, anyone? They toppled the then highly-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers and an Auburn team, that seems to have finally found its rhythm.
Is there a one loss team that is more deserving of the number two spot than Cal? South Carolina looked impressive against Kentucky. If the SEC is the best conference and South Carolina's loss came to a fellow SEC team then.....? Oklahoma played well against a Texas team that struggled against a Kansas State team that, until Saturday, had been playing good football.
How tough are the Big 12, Big East, Big 10 really? Another question that must be answered before choosing for the coveted number 2. Obviously pollsters still feel that the SEC and PAC-10 are the two toughest conferences, or do they? Why did USC fall all the way to number 10? Weren't they number 2? The second best team in the country? Now they rank below West Virginia, who I don't think deserves to be ranked that highly.
In a year where so many top-ranked teams have been upset, I think all of this question asking begs an even greater question: How do we know who should fill the number 2 spot? Obviously, polls are unreliable. Why is the number 2 team on the totem poll so important? They get to play for the national championship, a championship that truly doesn't amount to much. Why, you ask? Just look at how well those human voters, entering numbers for the computer rankings, have done at picking and choosing thus far. Does anyone remember the Michigan pre-season hype???!! I think if this season has taught us anything thus far, it is that college football desperately needs a playoff. Tangible answers to hypothetical questions played out on the field, not mythical championships leaving legitimate teams on the outside looking in. But more on this later....
It seems that the pollsters in their infinite wisdom have crowned fellow PAC-10 rival Cal #2 in the land. Is that because they beat a mid-pack SEC team? Is it because they beat a "tough" Oregon team? Must we have a PAC-10 team in the number 2 spot because their conference has been heralded as the second toughest in the land? I know I'll be cheering for another "upset" when Cal meets USC on the field. Let's mix things up even more, shall we?
What about Ohio State? Did their 2006 championship game loss to Florida also cause them to lose their status as media darling? South Florida, anyone? They toppled the then highly-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers and an Auburn team, that seems to have finally found its rhythm.
Is there a one loss team that is more deserving of the number two spot than Cal? South Carolina looked impressive against Kentucky. If the SEC is the best conference and South Carolina's loss came to a fellow SEC team then.....? Oklahoma played well against a Texas team that struggled against a Kansas State team that, until Saturday, had been playing good football.
How tough are the Big 12, Big East, Big 10 really? Another question that must be answered before choosing for the coveted number 2. Obviously pollsters still feel that the SEC and PAC-10 are the two toughest conferences, or do they? Why did USC fall all the way to number 10? Weren't they number 2? The second best team in the country? Now they rank below West Virginia, who I don't think deserves to be ranked that highly.
In a year where so many top-ranked teams have been upset, I think all of this question asking begs an even greater question: How do we know who should fill the number 2 spot? Obviously, polls are unreliable. Why is the number 2 team on the totem poll so important? They get to play for the national championship, a championship that truly doesn't amount to much. Why, you ask? Just look at how well those human voters, entering numbers for the computer rankings, have done at picking and choosing thus far. Does anyone remember the Michigan pre-season hype???!! I think if this season has taught us anything thus far, it is that college football desperately needs a playoff. Tangible answers to hypothetical questions played out on the field, not mythical championships leaving legitimate teams on the outside looking in. But more on this later....
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Looking for a Hero
You asked the question, and on Saturday, Auburn supplied the answer. Can a true freshman, inexperienced quarterback bring Auburn back from the brink and salvage what has become a disappointing start to the 2007 season? It seems that would be a resounding, NO! Well, there you have it. The next question is, "Now what?"
When Kodi Burns entered the game in the second quarter, his play seemed to ignite a small fire under what looks like a lukewarm Tiger offense. Could it be possible that this young man is the answer? Thirty short minutes and a turnover later, Auburn fans received another cold dose of reality. This team is in trouble. Despite a wealth of talent, it looks like Auburn's offense has a dearth of cohesiveness. Sure, defense can win ballgames, and Auburn's defense is playing strong despite offensive woes. But, without any offensive oomph, Auburn is left with a loss to one of the worst teams in the SEC.
Many fans are wondering why Tuberville didn't allow Cox to take us to the red zone in the last minutes of play and then reinsert Burns to finish the job. While Cox's knowledge of the playbook might be an advantage, his inability to get past the 20 yard line is certainly a disadvantage that Burns might have overcome. I am not a coach nor a sports writer, so I choose not to second guess coaching decisions, but I am afraid that is what will be coming next. Do I hear tom toms in the background beating a familiar tune?
When fans are left shaking their heads and wringing their hands, it is usually the coach who bears the brunt of the frustration. In this case, it is ridiculous to assume that Tuberville has suddenly lost his ability to coach, so slow down Auburn fans. Remember who has won an SEC championship, taken you to an undefeated season, and still has one of the highest overall winning percentages in the NCAA. All teams experience slumps, downturns, moments of adversity. One down season does not a disaster make. I remember a down season, not too long ago, when a struggling Auburn team "shocked the world" and Spurrier with a surprising victory over Florida. Don't underestimate Tommy's ability to turn things around. Before you hop on a plane to Lousiville or Atlanta, let's give it a few more weeks before we start the call for Tuberville's head.
When Kodi Burns entered the game in the second quarter, his play seemed to ignite a small fire under what looks like a lukewarm Tiger offense. Could it be possible that this young man is the answer? Thirty short minutes and a turnover later, Auburn fans received another cold dose of reality. This team is in trouble. Despite a wealth of talent, it looks like Auburn's offense has a dearth of cohesiveness. Sure, defense can win ballgames, and Auburn's defense is playing strong despite offensive woes. But, without any offensive oomph, Auburn is left with a loss to one of the worst teams in the SEC.
Many fans are wondering why Tuberville didn't allow Cox to take us to the red zone in the last minutes of play and then reinsert Burns to finish the job. While Cox's knowledge of the playbook might be an advantage, his inability to get past the 20 yard line is certainly a disadvantage that Burns might have overcome. I am not a coach nor a sports writer, so I choose not to second guess coaching decisions, but I am afraid that is what will be coming next. Do I hear tom toms in the background beating a familiar tune?
When fans are left shaking their heads and wringing their hands, it is usually the coach who bears the brunt of the frustration. In this case, it is ridiculous to assume that Tuberville has suddenly lost his ability to coach, so slow down Auburn fans. Remember who has won an SEC championship, taken you to an undefeated season, and still has one of the highest overall winning percentages in the NCAA. All teams experience slumps, downturns, moments of adversity. One down season does not a disaster make. I remember a down season, not too long ago, when a struggling Auburn team "shocked the world" and Spurrier with a surprising victory over Florida. Don't underestimate Tommy's ability to turn things around. Before you hop on a plane to Lousiville or Atlanta, let's give it a few more weeks before we start the call for Tuberville's head.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Offensively Woeful
Last week, while many decided to remain calm, I hit the panic button. Something about Auburn's unimpressive victory over Kansas State left me feeling uneasy and pessimistic. In a brief moment of optimism, though, I looked to my husband on Saturday, as Nova circled Jordan Hare, and said, "You know, I really think that upsets are the sexy pick of the week. I really don't think Auburn has anything to worry about tonight." By the end of the first quarter, I was in the kitchen, frantically searching for Rolaids.
Brandon Cox's careless play, Al Borges's uncreative offense, where do I begin? While I realize that USF beat West Virginia last year, Louisville the year before, those are Big East teams, not an SEC powerhouse. Auburn should have out run, outscored, and outperformed a team that has only been in existence for ten years. That being said, I don't know that USF beat Auburn as much as Auburn beat itself.
Each time Auburn's offense, namely Mario Fanin, began to show signs of life, the next predictable play sequence put the ball back into a struggling quarterback's hands. Watching Fanin, I was almost reminded of another running back whose career was catapulted by a night of similar offensive struggles, but unlike Kenny Irons, Fanin never managed to break out. When Auburn's quarterbacks have struggled, they have always been able to find their running game, but that does not seem to be a possibility this season.
While many are calling for the benching of Brandon Cox, though, I think the problem is greater than the quarterback. I don't believe that Cox is suddenly suffering from a lack of talent or ability; his mistakes seem as much mental as they do an ineptness of execution. Perhaps the loss of Brad Lester has affected the team's psyche more than we as fans, media, etc. realize. If Borges built his offense around the experience and leadership of Cox and Lester then of course, the team would struggle with the loss of one of those key players. Watching Cox fall apart on Saturday was much like witnessing a golfer suddenly losing his swing or a closer suddenly losing his ability to find the strike zone. That loss of mental focus can destroy an athlete.
Maybe my worries are premature and Cox will recapture his focus and Borges will recapture his offense. I hope so. Of course, the real reason Auburn lost this weekend could be as simple as the fact that I forgot to fly my Auburn garden flag. I'll be sure to put it out this Saturday, and we'll see what happens.
Brandon Cox's careless play, Al Borges's uncreative offense, where do I begin? While I realize that USF beat West Virginia last year, Louisville the year before, those are Big East teams, not an SEC powerhouse. Auburn should have out run, outscored, and outperformed a team that has only been in existence for ten years. That being said, I don't know that USF beat Auburn as much as Auburn beat itself.
Each time Auburn's offense, namely Mario Fanin, began to show signs of life, the next predictable play sequence put the ball back into a struggling quarterback's hands. Watching Fanin, I was almost reminded of another running back whose career was catapulted by a night of similar offensive struggles, but unlike Kenny Irons, Fanin never managed to break out. When Auburn's quarterbacks have struggled, they have always been able to find their running game, but that does not seem to be a possibility this season.
While many are calling for the benching of Brandon Cox, though, I think the problem is greater than the quarterback. I don't believe that Cox is suddenly suffering from a lack of talent or ability; his mistakes seem as much mental as they do an ineptness of execution. Perhaps the loss of Brad Lester has affected the team's psyche more than we as fans, media, etc. realize. If Borges built his offense around the experience and leadership of Cox and Lester then of course, the team would struggle with the loss of one of those key players. Watching Cox fall apart on Saturday was much like witnessing a golfer suddenly losing his swing or a closer suddenly losing his ability to find the strike zone. That loss of mental focus can destroy an athlete.
Maybe my worries are premature and Cox will recapture his focus and Borges will recapture his offense. I hope so. Of course, the real reason Auburn lost this weekend could be as simple as the fact that I forgot to fly my Auburn garden flag. I'll be sure to put it out this Saturday, and we'll see what happens.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Says the SEC to the Pac-10: We've got spirit yes we do; we've got spirit how bout you?
To which the Pac-10 replies: We've got spirit yes we do; we've got spirit how bout you?
SEC: We've got more; We've got more
(This is where the Pac-10 stops cheering for fear of being seen as overly fanatical.)
Okay, so that wasn't the exact exchange last week between LSU head football coach, Les Miles, whose apparent motto is "Let's Give Em Something to Talk About," and the coaches of the Pac-10. But you get the idea. It seems that Miles has once again stirred the proverbial pot, and this time he's got the west coast talking. What did he say that was so controversial? Basically, Miles thinks the Pac-10 has an easier road to travel to the BSC Championship game than the SEC does. Top to bottom the SEC is a stronger, tougher conference than the Pac-10. GASP. He said what?!! The response to his comments: Let's make fun of the south.
Les Miles originally made his comments on July 2nd. The following day my husband and I were listening to Colin Cowherd's ESPN radio show, where he basically said that Miles and the rest of the south are overly fanatical about football and our passion drives us to be irrational. Because we have nothing to do in the south, we obsess over football. He actually said that (somewhat paraphrased) on the west coast there are oceans and lakes and people take time to enjoy recreational activitives. Ironically, my husband and I were on our way to the ALABAMA Gulf Coast, where we planned to bike, swim, run, and build sandcastles with our daughter. (Apparently, Mr. Cowherd was reading Sports Illustrated during geography class.)
Last week at the Pac-10 equivalent to our media days, Arizona State head coach, Dennis Erickson, called SEC fans fanatics. (I prefer passionate.) In his article in the L.A. Times, Chris Dufresne said that Miles "for no apparent reason" riled up the SEC fans because we apparently can't get over the fact that Auburn was overlooked in 2004 after going undefeated. Mr. Dufresne, I disagree; he has a very good reason. Like Tommy Tuberville in 2004, Les Miles, who was not raised on grits and sweet tea mind you, is learning that it boils down to one thing: LACK OF RESPECT. The SEC gets no respect. The national media, namely that big eastern syndicate in Connecticut, fails to offer the SEC the respect it deserves despite proving time and again its place within the national spotlight.
It is like the pretty girl who sits home on prom night. She is intelligent, fun, beautiful, yet no one invites her to the big dance. No one seems to like her. Why? Are you afraid you'll fall in love then have to admit you were wrong, national media? It is obvious how it pains those on the major networks to admit fault. I remember almost choking on my breakfast when I heard the pundits debating whether the dynastic USC Trojans could actually beat an NFL team. Two days later, Texas took the Trojans to the woodshed, several times. No admittance that they were wrong. Do I even need to bring up Florida vs. Ohio State?
As a southerner, who is passionate about many things, not just football, it is infuriating to watch the media darlings (USC, Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State) rise to the top of the polls year in and year out despite being toppled, sometimes by SEC teams. We're good and we have the track record to prove it. We toot our own horn because few else will. Les Miles, to you and Tuberville, and the other coaches who care enough to tout your teams, I say, blow, boys, blow. It is a sweet sound to our southern ears.
FYI:
2006 National Champions
Football: Florida; Men & Women's Swimming and Diving: Auburn
Men's Basketball: Florida; Gymnastics: Georgia
W Basketball: Tennessee; Men's Indoor Track & Field: Arkansas
To which the Pac-10 replies: We've got spirit yes we do; we've got spirit how bout you?
SEC: We've got more; We've got more
(This is where the Pac-10 stops cheering for fear of being seen as overly fanatical.)
Okay, so that wasn't the exact exchange last week between LSU head football coach, Les Miles, whose apparent motto is "Let's Give Em Something to Talk About," and the coaches of the Pac-10. But you get the idea. It seems that Miles has once again stirred the proverbial pot, and this time he's got the west coast talking. What did he say that was so controversial? Basically, Miles thinks the Pac-10 has an easier road to travel to the BSC Championship game than the SEC does. Top to bottom the SEC is a stronger, tougher conference than the Pac-10. GASP. He said what?!! The response to his comments: Let's make fun of the south.
Les Miles originally made his comments on July 2nd. The following day my husband and I were listening to Colin Cowherd's ESPN radio show, where he basically said that Miles and the rest of the south are overly fanatical about football and our passion drives us to be irrational. Because we have nothing to do in the south, we obsess over football. He actually said that (somewhat paraphrased) on the west coast there are oceans and lakes and people take time to enjoy recreational activitives. Ironically, my husband and I were on our way to the ALABAMA Gulf Coast, where we planned to bike, swim, run, and build sandcastles with our daughter. (Apparently, Mr. Cowherd was reading Sports Illustrated during geography class.)
Last week at the Pac-10 equivalent to our media days, Arizona State head coach, Dennis Erickson, called SEC fans fanatics. (I prefer passionate.) In his article in the L.A. Times, Chris Dufresne said that Miles "for no apparent reason" riled up the SEC fans because we apparently can't get over the fact that Auburn was overlooked in 2004 after going undefeated. Mr. Dufresne, I disagree; he has a very good reason. Like Tommy Tuberville in 2004, Les Miles, who was not raised on grits and sweet tea mind you, is learning that it boils down to one thing: LACK OF RESPECT. The SEC gets no respect. The national media, namely that big eastern syndicate in Connecticut, fails to offer the SEC the respect it deserves despite proving time and again its place within the national spotlight.
It is like the pretty girl who sits home on prom night. She is intelligent, fun, beautiful, yet no one invites her to the big dance. No one seems to like her. Why? Are you afraid you'll fall in love then have to admit you were wrong, national media? It is obvious how it pains those on the major networks to admit fault. I remember almost choking on my breakfast when I heard the pundits debating whether the dynastic USC Trojans could actually beat an NFL team. Two days later, Texas took the Trojans to the woodshed, several times. No admittance that they were wrong. Do I even need to bring up Florida vs. Ohio State?
As a southerner, who is passionate about many things, not just football, it is infuriating to watch the media darlings (USC, Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State) rise to the top of the polls year in and year out despite being toppled, sometimes by SEC teams. We're good and we have the track record to prove it. We toot our own horn because few else will. Les Miles, to you and Tuberville, and the other coaches who care enough to tout your teams, I say, blow, boys, blow. It is a sweet sound to our southern ears.
FYI:
2006 National Champions
Football: Florida; Men & Women's Swimming and Diving: Auburn
Men's Basketball: Florida; Gymnastics: Georgia
W Basketball: Tennessee; Men's Indoor Track & Field: Arkansas
W Outdoor Track & Field: Auburn
W Bowling: Vanderbilt
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