Countdown to Football

[djsimp]

THS, I think you're pretty spot on in the East.


I would put the Hogs and bama 1a and 1b and LSU and Auburn 2a and 2b. The difference of new QB's being the difference and their performance. The deal breaker in my mind will be senior play followed by coaching. I have Auburn at least 3rd in the West. The IB will decide second, but the Hogs will play who is first.

[Townhallsavoy]

40 Days

What makes a successful season?

There are 120 FBS teams competing to win their conference championship; however, most fans understand that this is not possible every season. 

It's extremely rare in the SEC for a team to win the conference two years in a row.  Almost unheard of to do it three years in a row.  It's a remarkable feat to win it two out of three years.  It's downright respectable to reach the SEC championship game two years in a row. 

So while the players are shooting for the stars, fans must have reasonable expectations.

Some schools struggle with that.  Some schools expect championships every year, and if they don't reach their lofty goals, they pinpoint the problems and demand they be fixed. 

Some schools are more levelheaded and understand that each season and each team has a personal goal that must be met. 

Auburn is in a rebuilding year.  After losing 17 starters from their undefeated 2010 championship team, it's going to be a struggle to get back to Atlanta.  It would take a miracle to get to New Orleans. 

So as fans, what are the expectations for this season?  What would make it successful? 

In 2009, Chizik arrived to rebuild a decrepit program coming off of a tumultuous season.  Many consider his first season a success even though he lost 5 SEC games. 

The success of that season relied on:

1. Staying competitive
2. Finding players who are driven and motivated to compete and win
3. Not fearing anyone
4. Playing with heart through the end of the game
5. Not allowing a setback to stop you

2009 was successful because Auburn:

1. Stayed competitive by keeping most losses close and winning games expected to lose
2. Found a core group of players who would return to win the BCS championship
3. Refused to lay down to powerhouses like Alabama and pushed them to wire
4. Played with heart even after a torrential downpour against an athletic West Virginia team and came back to win after a shaky start
5. Not allowing a 31-3 start against LSU to ruin the season (won two in a row after that debacle)

2011 has different goals, however. 

What would make this season a success? 

It relies on the following:

1. Competing in every game with confidence
- Auburn is the king of college football right now no matter what the media says or what the scoreboard ends up saying.  Even if Auburn has lost four games going into the Iron Bowl, AU still has to play like defending champions.

2. Finding young talent to contribute and learn
- Auburn no longer has to find motivation.  Auburn is in a position to hold intense, spirited competitions in practice to see which highly talented player can play in the game.  Mental mistakes are not to be ridiculed as long as they are learned from.

3. No setbacks
- This is a more difficult expectation.  In 2009, setbacks were allowed as long as they didn't ruin the season.  This Auburn team has no reason to be blown out.  They have no reason to give up.  They have no reason to perform poorly.  This should be a machine that is rebuilding.  Not a broken machine that is trying to be fixed.

4. Beat two rivals
- LSU, Arkansas, Florida, and Alabama are all considered rivals in some form or fashion.  It is imperative that Auburn use its talent and coaching to beat two of these teams.  The team must send a message that no matter how much rebuilding we may need to do, we are still the force to be reckoned with during the season.

5. Respectable bowl game vs. respectable team AND the victory
- This is the SEC, and we pride ourselves as being the best.  Auburn may take a few lumps in conference, but AU still has amassed more talent than just about anyone else.  By the time the bowl game rolls around, the freshmen are experienced.  The new starters are veterans.  And it's time the coaching puts it together and heads into spring on a roll. 

Because the expectations this year should set up for an explosive 2012 season. 

40 Days

[JR4AU]

40 Days

What makes a successful season?

There are 120 FBS teams competing to win their conference championship; however, most fans understand that this is not possible every season. 

It's extremely rare in the SEC for a team to win the conference two years in a row.  Almost unheard of to do it three years in a row.  It's a remarkable feat to win it two out of three years.  It's downright respectable to reach the SEC championship game two years in a row. 

So while the players are shooting for the stars, fans must have reasonable expectations.

Some schools struggle with that.  Some schools expect championships every year, and if they don't reach their lofty goals, they pinpoint the problems and demand they be fixed. 

Some schools are more levelheaded and understand that each season and each team has a personal goal that must be met. 

Auburn is in a rebuilding year.  After losing 17 starters from their undefeated 2010 championship team, it's going to be a struggle to get back to Atlanta.  It would take a miracle to get to New Orleans. 

So as fans, what are the expectations for this season?  What would make it successful? 

In 2009, Chizik arrived to rebuild a decrepit program coming off of a tumultuous season.  Many consider his first season a success even though he lost 5 SEC games. 

The success of that season relied on:

1. Staying competitive
2. Finding players who are driven and motivated to compete and win
3. Not fearing anyone
4. Playing with heart through the end of the game
5. Not allowing a setback to stop you

2009 was successful because Auburn:

1. Stayed competitive by keeping most losses close and winning games expected to lose
2. Found a core group of players who would return to win the BCS championship
3. Refused to lay down to powerhouses like Alabama and pushed them to wire
4. Played with heart even after a torrential downpour against an athletic West Virginia team and came back to win after a shaky start
5. Not allowing a 31-3 start against LSU to ruin the season (won two in a row after that debacle)

2011 has different goals, however. 

What would make this season a success? 

It relies on the following:

1. Competing in every game with confidence
- Auburn is the king of college football right now no matter what the media says or what the scoreboard ends up saying.  Even if Auburn has lost four games going into the Iron Bowl, AU still has to play like defending champions.

2. Finding young talent to contribute and learn
- Auburn no longer has to find motivation.  Auburn is in a position to hold intense, spirited competitions in practice to see which highly talented player can play in the game.  Mental mistakes are not to be ridiculed as long as they are learned from.

3. No setbacks
- This is a more difficult expectation.  In 2009, setbacks were allowed as long as they didn't ruin the season.  This Auburn team has no reason to be blown out.  They have no reason to give up.  They have no reason to perform poorly.  This should be a machine that is rebuilding.  Not a broken machine that is trying to be fixed.

4. Beat two rivals
- LSU, Arkansas, Florida, and Alabama are all considered rivals in some form or fashion.  It is imperative that Auburn use its talent and coaching to beat two of these teams.  The team must send a message that no matter how much rebuilding we may need to do, we are still the force to be reckoned with during the season.

5. Respectable bowl game vs. respectable team AND the victory
- This is the SEC, and we pride ourselves as being the best.  Auburn may take a few lumps in conference, but AU still has amassed more talent than just about anyone else.  By the time the bowl game rolls around, the freshmen are experienced.  The new starters are veterans.  And it's time the coaching puts it together and heads into spring on a roll. 

Because the expectations this year should set up for an explosive 2012 season. 

40 Days

Everybody says we're a 7-5 team AT BEST this year, most say 5-7 or worse.  Bammers that is, and yes some prognosticators.  It would be way out of the norm for Auburn to come off such a season as last, with the program healthy, a solid coaching staff in place for the 3rd year, coming off 2 solid recruiting years, and have a losing season.  Auburn's losing seasons, typically have been the final year of a coach's tenure, or the first year of a coach's tenure.  Auburn hasn't, in recent memory, had a losing season in the situation we're currently in. 

Success can be defined many ways.  How you win and lose is often as important has how many you win and lose. 

One thing you can take to the bank is that all the bammer's currently predicting us to suck...when we don't suck and win 9 or 10 and are and express some joy over a decent season, they'll flip the script and say "see, you Aubs are content with mediocrity".   Fuck 'em. 

[Townhallsavoy]

39 Days

Yesterday marked the end of the NFL lockout, and many of us diehard football fans let out a collective sigh.

Although, louder sighs were heard from college campuses around the country as hundreds of potential NFL players saw the door to their lifelong dream reopen. 

Auburn goes into this season with little experience, but make no mistake, there are a few potential NFL draft picks suiting up. 

Here are the top five guys eligible for the draft this season:

5. Dee Ford (Jr. DE)

Call it a longshot (which it is), but Dee Ford has developed into a potential 3rd down nightmare for opposing teams.  At 6'4 245 pounds, Ford will provide lightning quick pressure on quarterbacks.  His play may be crucial for Auburn's success on defense, and if he lives up to his potential, his name may be in discussion come next April.  Although, look for Ford to stick around for his senior year as he has little experience.

4.  Onterrio McCalebb (Jr. RB)

McCalebb is the spark that makes the offense go.  He was covered in depth in an earlier CtF entry.  Make no mistake about his size - McCalebb is a tough runner.  If he enters the draft next year, he will have one of the fastest 40 yard dashes in the combine.  The NFL has been utilizing "hybrid" running backs the past few years - backs that can run the ball, run routes, catch well, and return punts/kickoffs.  Much like Reggie Bush in New Orleans, McCalebb has the ability to be the player that defenses have to account for in multiple ways.  If he has a good year, his versatility and speed could get him into the draft.

3.  Emory Blake (Jr. WR)

Blake is the best possession receiver on Auburn's team.  The son of a former NFL great, Blake should have a good understanding of what it takes to be successful in the NFL.  He has excellent hands, great route running ability, the strength to break tackles, decent speed, and physicality to deal with man-to-man coverage in the NFL.  However, Blake is rather young and will need a tremendous year to get momentum in the draft.  With Malzahn's offense and Blake's potential, it's not out of the realm of possibility to see him playing on Sundays in 2012. 

2.  Brandon Moseley (Sr. LT)

At 6'6 310 pounds, Moseley is a mammoth of a player and returns the most experience of anyone on the team.  He was shadowed by the four seniors last season and most especially Lee Ziemba, but this year, Moseley is in a position to shine.  He has the opportunity to display leadership and be the anchor of a developing offensive line.  With the quarterback position needing a few more seconds to throw now that Cam is gone, Moseley will have to play flawlessly.  If he comes through, look for his name to be called out by Roger Goodell next April. 

1.  Philip Lutzenkirchen (Jr. TE)

Lutz is the only true NFL prospect on the team.  The other four have potential, but they need to perform at a high level consistently to actually get on the radar.  Lutz is already on the radar and fairly high up there.  Tremendously athletic.  Dexterous hands.  Tall and strong.  Lutz has all the tools the NFL wants in a pass catching tight end.  His most coveted skill, however, may be his ball tracking skills.  Lutz should have another great year, and most likely, it will be his last as an Auburn Tiger. 

39 Days

[Townhallsavoy]

38 Days

Vanderbilt Preseason Preview

"The way I look at it is we have an opportunity to do something really special at Vanderbilt. "We have an opportunity to differentiate ourselves. I really believe there's very few schools that are going to be able to compete with us when it comes to recruiting because we have an opportunity to offer things that very few schools can." - James Franklin.

Franklin won the Spirit Award at SEC media days as no other coach entered Birmingham with as much enthusiasm as him.  This is a coach that has taken over the nation's most difficult program and has made wild accusations that he may actually turn it into something special. 

And he's absolutely on point when he says that Vanderbilt has the potential to do so.

Competing in the SEC is never easy.  Even teams with a tradition of competing for championships go through stretches of time where they struggle to get 8 or 9 wins.  Parity in the SEC is well known, but for Vanderbilt, one would think they are at a disadvantage because of their academic requirements.

But make no mistake.  Vanderbilt could be in the perfect position to build their program. 

They are in Nashville, TN - by far the most interesting, lively city to host an SEC school.  They do provide the best academics out of any of the SEC schools.  They do provide the chance to compete athletically against the best. 

Sound familiar?  Stanford nods in agreement. 

There's reason to believe that if Vanderbilt can hire a great coach, they can make noise in the SEC. 

I believe James Franklin has a chance to be that guy. 

Three Questions about Vanderbilt

1. Who is Vanderbilt? 

Vanderbilt returns every starter on offense, and from everything I've read, there's a chance not one of them starts again this season.  That's how poorly they performed last season.  While veteran players are good for leadership and experience, if they have no talent, what good can they contribute? 

Vanderbilt has to find an identity especially at quarterback. 

2. Who is James Franklin?

What kind of offense does he run?  Is he more aggressive on defense, or does he like to play it safe?  Will he be like Frank Beamer on special teams or more like Tommy Tuberville?  Will his schtick actually work?  Will his enthusiasm still be the same when he's down 42-0 against an SEC opponent? 

Franklin is a likeable guy.  He seems to genuinely believe in Vanderbilt.  But there have been many coaches to believe in Vanderbilt, and only one of those in recent history has gotten them to a bowl game. 

3. Will Vanderbilt regain the support from the fans?

In 2008, Vanderbilt put together a respectable season.  They started 5-0, beat Auburn, held it close in many of their losses, and won a bowl game.

Fan support was at an all time high.  In 2009 and 2010, Vanderbilt eked out 4 wins and lost that fan support they had developed the year before. 

Franklin has to get that fan support back. 

Most Important Game

10/15 Georgia. 

Vanderbilt will face a tough stretch in week 4 and week 6 going to South Carolina and also going to Alabama.  Luckily, they get a bye between those games. 

Vanderbilt will most likely be blown out by both of those teams.  However, it is crucial that Franklin keeps the team motivated, and in order to prove to them that early losses are not a big deal, he must have them ready to perform well against Georgia at home. 

I'm not predicting a victory or even expecting one, but after those two difficult away games, if Vanderbilt can be competitive against Georgia, it could turn things around for the remainder of the season. 

Realistic Expectations

Vanderbilt has a terrible team.  Make no mistake about it.  Excitement can be through the roof, but 2-3 wins may be all they can muster.

However, with Franklin's personality, I don't see why Vanderbilt can't expect a bit more.  He seems like the kind of guy who will go after punt blocks.  The kind that will try a hail mary just to see if they can get a spark.  The kind of guy that will throw in a few trick plays to catch the opposing defense off guard. 

He definitely doesn't seem like the kind of guy who will back down to any opponent. 

Vanderbilt should set a goal to beat their nonconference opponents this season.  That gets them to 4 wins with a respectable victory against Connecticut who played in a BCS bowl game last season. 

Maybe they can squeeze out a victory against Ole Miss or Kentucky, but I wouldn't fault them if they couldn't. 

This is Franklin's year to build.  He's done well in recruiting.  Let's see how he does on the field. 

38 Days

[Townhallsavoy]

37 Days

Preseason Visions:

1.  Opening night will be a let down.

Thursday night football has become a Week 1 tradition for the college football season.  Usually, a decent matchup involving SEC teams kicks off the season with an interesting bang.  Last season (if my memory serves me well), the Pac 10 had a late game on Thursday night making it one of the better opening nights in football history. 

This season?  Miss. State @ Memphis is your best option.  Unless you're on the edge of your seat waiting on the UNLV@Wisconsin game which kicks off at the same time. 

To compare, last year's opening night feature games with Ohio State, Miami, USC (at 11pm), and Utah/Pittsburgh which was a thriller.

2.  You'll have free time from 2-6pm central on Saturday of Week 1

The morning games feature our local favorites including Auburn vs. Utah State to kick off the day.  The afternoon games are duds unless you're hankering to see BYU and Ole Miss slug it out. 

The evening games provide serious excitement.  Two games to choose from - Boise/Georgia or LSU/Oregon? 

One puts the reputation of the SEC on the line and also gives Boise the chance to truly assert itself as a college football power.  The other has national championship implications and could really springboard a team through the season. 

3.  Names we've never heard of will be known.

A lot of talent left for the NFL last season. 

The 2008 recruiting class was loaded with star power as juniors dominated the draft.

Patrick Peterson, AJ Greene, Julio Jones, Daquan Bowers, Marcel Dareus, Janoris Jenkins, Mark Ingram, and Michael Floyd.

Nick Fairley, Cam Newton, Ryan Mallett, Akeem Ayers, Jake Locker, Christian Ponder, and Cam Heyward are also gone to the NFL. 

Not to mention Terrell Pryor bolting from Ohio State amidst the turmoil. 

Those players have been common names in college football the past few years, and many newcomers will have to step up to fill their shoes. 

It will be interesting to see which unknowns have taken winter and summer workouts seriously and which unknowns create their own hype for future NFL drafts. 

4.  One player will win the Heisman Trophy in Week 7, and a second player will win the Heisman Trophy in December.

It was Denard Robinson's to lose by midseason.  He was a lightning strike in a Michigan thunderstorm every week.  No one could keep up.  He was the only reason why Michigan was competitive, and he was a media-friendly, likable college kid with a cool nickname. 

By season's end, it was no question Cam Newton was the Heisman Trophy winner.  By season's end, Robinson wasn't even invited to New York. 

37 Days

[JR4AU]

By season's end, it was no question Cam Newton was the Heisman Trophy winner.  By season's end, Robinson wasn't even invited to Atlanta. 

Shit, that's bad considering the Heisman ceremony is in NY. 

[Townhallsavoy]

It bin fixt.

[JR4AU]

It bin fixt.

He he, but I memorialized your fuck up for all the world to behold!   

[Townhallsavoy]

36 Days

Must Needed Preseason Speech Part 1 of 5

The newly awakened sun wipes it eye of the clouds that cover its view.  Dew on the ground evaporates into the air.  Sticky and thick.  The young men struggle to take deep breaths.  The weather is miserable heading into September. 

"Take a knee," Coach says. 

He's new.  The players barely know who he is.  They know what his workouts are like.  They know his playbooks.  They know what he sounds like when he yells.  But they don't love him yet. 

One player - a big lineman - leans on his helmet.  He slightly sways on the grass excited that practices are over.  All that's left is the team bus ride and the last of the meetings before kickoff.  He can't believe how tired he is after a month of training camp.  He can't believe how sweaty and grassy his orange and blue shoes are after what was supposed to be walkthroughs. 

"Everyone get your eyes on me," he starts.

The players try to look at him, but the early sun is lonely.  It desperately tries to show itself to the world. 

"In just a few days, we begin the next step in our journey.  You've worked hard these last few weeks, and we're proud of the effort.  We're proud of the way you've worked.  Proud of the intensity you've shown in practice," he says. 

A distant bird stretches its call across the field.  It too is surprised by the humidity.

"Florida Atlantic is the biggest game of our season.  This is the team that will make or break your season," he says.

A few veteran players conceal their eye rolls.  They're excited about stats. 

"Now I want to know who understands this.  I want to know who's excited about this season," he says.

A few reluctant young guys begin to shout.  The shouts are quiet.  They don't want to step out of line.
 
"I want to know," he says as he steps into the half moon formation of players, "who out here is going to take this season by the horns and gator chomp the hell out of it as we start on our road to Atlanta with Florida Atlantic."

More players begin to shout.  They've seen their coach excited.  They've laughed with him in the weight room.  In the halls of the athletic department.  But out here has been all business.  Post practice speeches have been on possible improvements.  Praise has been silent. 

Now he is beginning to yell. 

"You have been my dream.  You guys are what I've worked so hard for for so many years.  Years working at other places to get here.  Right here in this spot.  Standing here among men like you.  Standing here wishing to God it was Saturday.  Wishing to God it was 7pm in Ben Hill Griffin stadium.  Wishing to God we were running out of that tunnel listening to the band play and the crowd scream," he says. 

The entire team is nodding their heads.  One loud familiar voice in the back - a linebacker - cuts through the noise.

"Yeah Coach!  Get on it Coach!" he says.

The team laughs.  Coach laughs.

He calms down.

"Guys, we've been out here in this heat and humidity for weeks.  You've gotten to know each other better than you ever thought possible.  I've gotten to know you more than ever thought possible.  We've all beaten on each other, and quite frankly, I'm ready to beat on somebody else," he says. 

Chirps of praise ring out from the team. 

"We start with Florida Atlantic.  We start with a team from right here in our state.  You lost some respect in this state after last season, but I promise you that we've all worked hard to restore it.  You worked hard in the weight room.  On the field.  In meetings.  In conditioning.  And soon, you'll work hard underneath the lights of Ben Hill," he says.

It is hot.  The players begin to notice how much the sun is beating on their heads. 

"Don't let nerves get to you.  We're a new team, but to you veterans, we need leadership.  Games are exciting and they go quickly.  Make sure you stay focused and keep your composure no matter what happens.  Break it down one last time on this practice field because this weekend, it's no longer just practice out here," he says.

The team huddles up.  Coach walks away with barely any expression on his face.  His eyebrows slightly raised as he stares at the grass in front of him. 

He flashes a small concealed smile as he listens to the team captain giving one last pep talk before breaking it down. 

Did he say the right things?  Did he say too much?  Will his pregame speech on Saturday be effective? 

He realizes how overrated these pregame speeches are now that he's started giving them.  He knows his team has to execute the plays and hit hard.  Speeches don't make that happen. 

And upon that realization does Coach truly get revved up for the start of the season. 

36 Days

[Townhallsavoy]

35 Days

"Dude!  Come check this out!  Someone just posted 27 pictures of what looks like could maybe possibly be a serious or not serious NCAA violation by our rival!" 

"Hang on, man!  You first have to come look at this news story about a rumor of a secret source speaking through a 5th party to a local call-in radio show about a player being purchased for an exorbitant amount of money!" 

The reactions to these statements are always the same.  Excitement leads to expectations, and when those expectations aren't met immediately, vitriolic hate becomes the fuel for conversation. 

By no means am I about to speak about why the NCAA should get rid of its rule book and let universities fight to the death to obtain the signatures of high school athletes.  I'm also not going to explain why we should ignore the current allegations against numerous schools in the NCAA.  I'm not even going to really blame the unofficial investigators who stumble upon this information. 

This CtF edition is about us.  It's about the fans.  The people pulling for the schools.  The fanatics rooting for their rival to lose. 

Before opening up this thread to update the countdown, I listened to CBS's college football theme song.  I got chill bumps.  I saw memories of past games that involved CBS.  When Auburn played Alabama in 2006.  When Alabama and LSU played last season.  When Auburn won the SEC championship last year.  When LSU won against Florida the night of my birthday in 2007. 

College football is the best cultural tradition we have in the South; honestly, I think it's the best we have in the entire country. 

It's bigger and better than Christmas in my opinion. 

So why do we as fans want to destroy it? 

There's plenty of reasons to believe one side started it.  It was the opposing fans' fault.  They sent the first missile.  They ordered the first attack. 

Each side will have their own opinion. 

But one thing that is set in stone - no matter what the allegations are or how they're brought up, one side believes they're 100% true and the NCAA should obliterate that program. 

This is tearing college football apart. 

I have never seen in all of my experience with football this level of desire to see the NCAA punish a school for trivial infractions or punish a school based on rumors and innuendo. 

We've reached a point where one month before the start of the season, we aren't talking about football. 

We aren't interviewing coaches and players about the season. 

We aren't interviewing sports analysts to hear their opinions and predictions. 

We're interviewing lawyers about the bylaws of the NCAA rulebook. 

We're interviewing investigative journalists who sometimes seem like they don't even like football. 

We're spewing vitriolic hate across the radio, blogs, and message boards just to ruining a school's reputation and hopefully lead to ruining a school's athletic department. 

Why? 

Recruiting has become the hottest topic for successful teams.  Rivals and Scout have developed into mega-companies over the last few years, and luckily for them, most of their recruiting projections have been correct. 

Every national champion has done very well on those websites at least one recruiting season before their championship. 

And because of those sites, fans now understand how important recruiting truly is.  And they also realize they have the power to influence it. 

Maybe if enough people talk about outlandish rumors on a public radio show, recruits will second guess going to a school.

Maybe if enough websites mention baseless (see: super secret sources) allegations, recruits will decide to go someplace safer. 

Most of this has been unsuccessful.  Which has vamped up even more nasty rumors.  Because it's not that recruits don't care.  It's that the fans have yet to conjure up a harsh enough rumor to get their attention.  At least, that's what the callers and posters think. 

How exactly is this tearing football apart?

Well, for one, we enjoy football for the off the field discussion.  It's already been mentioned that we aren't discussing football off the field.  We're sitting in a courtroom hearing the prosecution. 

Two, as the hate increases, the fun decreases. 

It's not easy to figure out that if you go to an Auburn (or your favorite team) football game just because you want to see the other team lose, you aren't having fun.  At least, not in a positive way. 

The spirit of competition has a positive connotation.  It's something that should be cherished and taught.  It's something that should be engraved into our personalities at a young age.  And it should involve supporting your team.  Rooting for them to win.  Shaking hands after the game is over no matter the outcome. 

Focusing on rumors, allegations, and innuendo doesn't support the spirit of competition.

Now, by no means am I saying schools are innocent.  Suitgate is fishy.  If a "bagman" really exists, it's damning to Auburn. 

Schools should not cheat to win.  Athletic departments should run a clean, organized program that ensures academic success along with on the field success. 

Those issues will hopefully be worked out sooner than later. 

But let's be honest.  If schools cheat to win, they get punished.  It doesn't "ruin" college football.

But if the fans are going to insist on seeing nuclear bombs dropped, it's going to destroy everything. 

35 Days

[jmar]

I can't wait for the fruitless garbage talk to tail off and we start hearing about the daily progress of players like Reed and Coates.

[Townhallsavoy]

34 Days

Ole Miss Preseason Preview

"It didn't affect us. We had the best recruiting in the state of Mississippi. You know, the thing that I want to do, I want our staff and I -- I want to go to Atlanta. it's one of the greatest games, greatest venues, greatest environments there is to win a championship. Ole Miss has never been to Atlanta. That's all I really focus on. I don't really worry about it. Sometimes when coaches make a statement like that, I don't really worry about it. I don't concern myself with that because it all comes down to your body of work.

This is my 14th year here. So I know this. Alabama, LSU, those guys, Florida have been holding up this crystal ball in this conference for the last five years the SEC has won. I've been to Atlanta twice to experience that wonderful, wonderful atmosphere. So I feel like I know the roadmap to get there." - Houston Nutt in response to a question about Mississippi State's billboards in the state of Mississippi.

Houston Nutt's seat is warm.  He was hired in 2008 to transition Ole Miss from doormat to middle tier SEC competitor.  He was hired to give Ole Miss a chance at 7 to 9 wins a year, and his ultimate goal is to get Ole Miss to Atlanta at least once. 

When Nutt was hired at Ole Miss, I along with many others thought it was the perfect fit.  He's an excellent game day coach and has throughout his career found top notch talent to compete for his teams.  Matt Jones, Darren McFadden, and Felix Jones are three SEC greats that all played for Houston Nutt at Arkansas. 

The coach prior to Nutt achieved a 4-8 record in 2006, which would be his best season of his head coaching career. 

Nutt in his first year at Ole Miss went 9-4 with wins @Florida(eventual BCS champs), @LSU(defending BCS champs), and Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. 

He repeated his success in his second year by winning 9 games with wins against LSU, Arkansas, and Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl. 

What's not to like about Houston Nutt in Ole Miss?  What expectations do Ole Miss fans and sports analysts really have for the once doormat in Oxford? 

Even Tommy Tuberville couldn't get to 9 wins in his respectable tenure there.  David Cutcliffe reached 10 wins once in his six year tenure there. 

But Houston Nutt did it twice right off the bat.  And last year, he only hit 4 wins.

No one denies that last season was terrible for Houston Nutt and Ole Miss.  However, this is not uncommon for Nutt.  At Arkansas where he experienced plenty of success, he would have a 6 or 7 win season smushed between his respectable 9 win seasons.  I don't think anyone with a reasonable brain didn't expect to see Ole Miss struggle some years with Nutt at the helm. 

Nevertheless, Ole Miss and Houston Nutt are being laughed at.  Nutt is considered a joke.  Washed out.  Doormat status. 

And for one reason only:

He can't beat Dan Mullen. 

Miss State owns a two game win streak (both wins were executed impressively).  Mullen has the Bulldogs going into next season with a tremendous amount of hype.  Nutt's team looks shaky and undeveloped. 

But don't be fooled.  Don't be fooled again.  Nutt has a history of coming through just when you think he's finished.  Just when you think Miss State needs to get the easy win over Ole Miss in Starkville, Houston Nutt puts an energized team on the field to shock the SEC world. 

He's done it plenty of times in the past. 

Three Questions about Ole Miss

1. Who's going to play quarterback?

Nutt doesn't always have the luxury of a steady, consistent quarterback.  He made it to the SEC championship game in 2006 with two young QBs.  All he needs are athletes on offense and big play defense. 

But if Nutt truly wants to get Ole Miss to Atlanta, he has to find a great quarterback.  McFadden isn't in the backfield, and Ole Miss will be hard pressed to ever get a McFadden on campus.  So who is going to step up?

2.  How good can Branden Bolden be?

He's been a workhorse since his freshman year.  It's hard to believe he's still there, honestly. 

Last season, Bolden averaged 6 yards per carry and scored 14 touchdowns.  He's the running back Ole Miss will rely on, and he has to come through.  He's crucial for the young, new quarterback to have time to get the ball to a hopefully improved 6'7 Melvin Harris. 

3.  Will Kentrell Lockett return to form?

NFL-hyped Lockett is back from injury.  He was supposed to anchor the defense last year, but tore his ACL.  From what I've read, he seems ready to go for this season. 

His presence on the outside will help divert attention away from the inexperience at defensive tackle. 

Most Important Game

11/26 @Miss State

It's not hard to figure this one out.  No one is expecting Ole Miss to challenge the SEC West.  Losses to Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, and Alabama will be forgiven. 

But it's time to reassert Ole Miss as the top team in the state. 

Nutt has a better winning percentage than Mullen.  He had a better two year start than Mullen.  He's done much better in recruiting than Mullen.

But he can't beat Mullen on the field where it counts. 

Realistic Expectations

The expectations are the same for Ole Miss as when Houston Nutt was hired. 

Houston Nutt has to coach like Houston Nutt. 

Ole Miss may struggle to make a bowl game.  They may barely hit 6 or 7 wins. 

But with the crazy ole preacher at the helm, it's not unreasonable to expect a big upset.  It's not unreasonable to suddenly see Ole Miss upset Alabama.  It's not unreasonable to suddenly see Ole Miss go into Auburn and perform perfectly. 

Nutt has to be himself - a nut.  And Ole Miss has to be the most feared underdog in the SEC. 

And Ole Miss has to beat Miss State.

34 Days

[Townhallsavoy]

33 Days

The 10 Most Interesting Questions of the 2011 Season

10. Does the media argue that the SEC does not deserve a spot in the BCS championship game if that SEC team has one loss? 

Thanks to NCAA investigations, sanctions, and doom hammers, numerous teams will struggle to put together a competitive team this year.  The Pac 10 was once ruled by USC.  The Big 10 was once ruled by Ohio State.  Those two teams are most likely done.  Oregon is facing serious NCAA investigations which may surface during the season.  If they do, expect Oregon to falter. 

That leaves the door open for a very good Stanford team to win the Pac 12.  Not to mention, Wisconsin returns numerous starters from a team that almost went undefeated last year, so their path to the Big 10(+2) championship is relatively easy. 

If Stanford, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and/or someone else to be named later go undefeated, will the media argue against the SEC despite the tremendously high level of competition in the conference? 

9.  Who emerges from the ACC? 

I'm not one that believes the ACC sucks just because it's the ACC.  Virginia Tech, Florida State, and Miami have all in the last 15 years proven to be national powerhouse programs. 

It's not a stretch to see one of them return to the national spotlight. 

My bet is on Florida State. 

8.  How many coaching vacancies will their be after this season?

Coaching changes are always a hot topic in December and January. 

But this season is a whole new level of heat. 

Already (if February begins the new year of college football), we have seen Jim Tressell, Butch Davis, and Bill Stewart let go from their head coaching positions. 

All three were involved in serious controversies involving the NCAA, and all three were familiar, important faces in college football.

Also on the chopping block - Chip Kelly at Oregon. 

Throw in the typical hot seats for not performing (Mark Richt, Paul Wulff, Greg Schiano, Rick Neuheisal) and you have a very large field of open positions at FBS programs. 

Not to mention, who knows who will take off to the NFL or who else the NCAA finds to be unfit for their rulebook.

7.  How good will Florida be?

Make no mistake about it.  Florida's struggles last season were not indicative of their talent. 

They have dominated recruiting for years, and they still have numerous NFL prospects all over the field. 

Will Muschamp may be in over his head, but what if he's not? 

Since 1990, Florida has had four seasons of poor performances.  Three of those was due to an inept coach. 

The point is that Florida knows how to win.  They rarely make bad hires, and Muschamp doesn't face the issue of coming from Spurrier's or Meyer's staff.  The expectations on him are not like Ron Zook who was expected to continue on Spurrier's program. 

6.  What's up with Texas? 

Texas markets itself as the biggest name in college football. 

Ask any Texas fan about recruiting.  They have need to cheat because Texas players who are vastly more talented (their opinion) than any other state's are lining up to be a Longhorn.  They cherry pick recruits.

They have the nicest facilities.  They've recently expanded their stadium to accomodate over one hundred thousand people, and they reside in one of the nicest cities in the country. 

They didn't make a bowl game last year. 

Texas fans place higher expectations on their program than anyone else, and Mack Brown has always been a controversial topic.  He has had consistent success with few down years, but fans have for a long time said he's unfit for the job.  Many have credited his BCS championship to Vince Young who miraculously pulled out the victory in numerous games that season. 

So what's up with Texas?  Especially if they struggle again while making a push to go independent with their own television network.

5.  How much more fun will the first Saturday in December be? 

A few years ago, there was the SEC championship and the Big 12 championship. 

Recently, the ACC added a championship game after their expansion. 

And now, we have the Pac 12 championship and the Big 10 (+1) championship. 

Although we lost the Big 12 championship game, it will be interesting to see new faces and new locations on December 3rd.

4.  How important was Nebraska to the Big 12, and what do they do for the Big 10(+2)?

Nebraska made the Big 12 championship game 6 times (second most in the conference's history) and was an annual rivalry game for most teams.

They dominated the mid 90s and seem to be getting back on track to be a national team to deal with. 

How much will their departure hurt the Big 12?  And how much will they help the Big 10? 

3.  Does Lee Corso come back to College Gameday? 

Admit it.  You love College Gameday on Saturday mornings.  You even love hearing "Coming to Your City" played over and over again throughout the broadcast. 

You love Kirk's elitism, Fowler's smugness, and Corso's antics. 

You even have grown to love Desmond Howard's analyses. 

This show has been a constant for a very long time.  It signals the start of college football, and while its talking points may be juvenile or ignorant, nothing else creates the atmosphere of a college campus like College Gameday.

And one of College Gameday's most important elements is Lee Corso. 

Picking the mascot at the end.  "Not so fast my friend!"  "Yo!"  The pencil in the ear. 

Love him or hate him, Corso is familiar, sentimental face for Saturday mornings. 

Last year, at the college football awards, Corso was presented with an oddly timed lifetime achievement award.  Most football fans were choked up to see Corso's speech.  After a recent stroke, Corso has struggled with articulation and has been rather absent minded. 

Many have speculated that he may not be returning. 

What a sad day that will be if he really isn't on campus come September 3rd. 

2.  Will bloggers, message boards, and the NCAA ruin the season? 

I covered this more in depth a few days ago, but I feel like it's an important question going in. 

I shouldn't blame the NCAA or bloggers or message boards.

But once the season starts, I really don't care about NCAA infractions.  I don't care who's been cheating.  I don't care about lawyers, Paul Finebaum's opinion, or Danny Sheridan's predictions. 

I just want football.  I want to see preseason predictions come true or fail.  I want to watch all of the hyped up players meet expectations or fail.  I want to discuss the world of football with my friends while drinking a beer on a Wednesday night - pretty much the only night you can't find some kind of football on. 

What else will happen with rumors, innuendos, and the NCAA?  We all saw what happened in the nation with the Cam Newton allegations.  Nothing concrete ever came from that.  Yet everyone but Auburn fans have a sour taste in their mouth because of it. 

Let's hope that doesn't happen again to any team in football. 

1.  Who will put together the best team in football?

It's the number 1 question every year.  Who has the talent, the coaching, the will, the determination, and the preparation to be the champion? 

We have our preseason predictions.  They rarely come true. 

So who will it be? 

It's the most interesting question of the 2011 season. 

33 Days

[Townhallsavoy]

32 Days

Throw the record books out the window. 

Turn off the seat warmer in Richt's office. 

Forget the rivalry and forget anything you've said about non-AQ's competing in the BCS or the BCS championship.

Quiet your support of the blue turf. 

Stifle your praise of Chris Petersen. 

This is a battle for the front line.  A campaign to protect what we all hold so dear despite how much we dislike our SEC brethren. 

The reputation and prominence of the entire conference is on the line. 

It's not hard to predict what will happen if Boise State defeats Georgia on September 3rd in the Georgia Dome.

In Atlanta, Georgia.  In the venue of the SEC championship game.  At night.  On a Saturday.  In front of a Georgia crowd. 

It's the environment the SEC brags about.  We're the first to establish a conference championship which changed college football.  We brag about our hostile environments.  We tout our tailgating.  We live for Saturdays in the fall.  We don't need Thursdays to help us get national attention, and we certainly don't need Thursdays to help us win games. 

And don't even get us started on how we perform in night games. 

So if Boise State leaves Sunday morning on a plane to Idaho with a victory in hand, the level of obnoxiousness will be impossible to handle for the rest of the season. 

Tim Brando - if you listen to Finebaum - is a staunch supporter of non-AQ's and their field general Boise State. 

He's made it a point to say that college football needs a playoff mainly because worthy schools like Boise State have been kept out of the big money games.

If Boise State wins, that's one sports analyst to jump on the Boise State train and off of the SEC train. 

Kirk Herbreit - if you watch gameday - is another supporter of Boise State. 

He's made the point numerous times throughout the last few seasons that Boise has the athletes to compete with anybody, and he's made the point that their linemen are just as dominant as linemen in the SEC.

If Boise State wins, that's one (actually three or four on Gameday) that will begin debating the relevance of Boise State in the face of the entire SEC. 

The numerous national writers who despise the SEC - if you read the internet and message boards - is another medium we don't need against us. 

There are predators out there.  Predators who want to see the SEC go down.  Predators who think the SEC is overrated.  That we're hand-gifted championships because we have money in our TV contracts.  Predators who think the SEC has shoved itself into the spotlight.  Predators who think the SEC is full of cheaters.

"Wouldn't it be great if cheaters didn't win?"

This game has the potential to put has back in the 2004 era.  Where the SEC begins to slip from its King of the Mountain status. 

I already feel your incredulous grin as you begin to move your cursor towards the red x of the browser. 

But before you go, remember this - The media is on the job 24 hours a day. 

They have to have something to talk about. 

This is not the kind of fuel for conversation that needs to be out there. 

Not to mention, Georgia has a manageable schedule.  God forbid they lose to Boise State and maneuver their way into the SEC championship game. 

On September 3rd, remember, you aren't rooting for Georgia.  You're rooting for Auburn in 2012 and 2013 when we begin the season ranked out of the top ten.  You're rooting for Auburn in 2012 when we go undefeated.  You're rooting for the SEC to continue its string of dominance. 

32 Days

[Townhallsavoy]

31 Days

Kentucky Preseason Preview

"When we've had good defensive linemen ... that's when we've won eight games and had a chance to win eight, nine, 10 games," Phillips said.

The coach said he has high hopes about UK's defensive front this season.

"This defensive line we have this year is older and a year more mature," he said. "You'll see some major results this year."

Big quotes from Joker Phillips. 

This team will need all it can get from their linemen as they lost their starting quarterback, starting running back, and top two receivers from last year's squad.

And that was a squad that went 6-7. 

Joker Phillips is a Kentucky man.  He was born in Franklin, Kentucky.  He played football at the University of Kentucky.  He began his coaching career coaching at Kentucky from 1988-1996.  He returned to Kentucky to coach from 2003-2008.  And in 2009, he was the head coach in waiting at the University of Kentucky.

But now, it's all his. 

In his second year as head coach, he is going to have to prove that he is a suitable fit for the Kentucky program. 

Kentucky doesn't have high expectations for their football program, but they definitely appreciated what Rich Brooks was able to build. 

Many of Brooks's skill players are gone, and Phillips has to replace them very quickly. 

Luckily for Joker, the schedule is very manageable.  They missed out on Arkansas, Alabama, and Auburn this season.  They get Florida, Miss State, and Tennessee at home.  The first two weeks of October is their toughest stretch going to LSU and to South Carolina. 

A young, inexperienced Kentucky team may see this schedule as a daunting challenge.  But at least it's not Auburn's schedule. 

Three Questions About Kentucky

1.  How good can the offensive line be?

They return four starters on the line.  However, they lost their starting quarterback, running back, and all world play maker Randall Cobb. 

Morgan Newton has at least been in the program a few years, but he is unsteady and inconsistent.  If he's going to grow up, he'll need the offensive line to give him plenty of time to do so. 

Also, Kentucky lost their top three rushers from last season.  It's imperative that the offensive line with all their experience and size give the young guys holes to sprint through.

2.  Can Morgan Newton be the do it all guy Kentucky needs him to be?

Morgan Newton is big.  He's tall.  He's athletic.  He has a cannon for an arm.

But he was too young to be thrown into the fire. 

Kentucky needs big plays and sparks of motivation in order to keep up with the highly talented SEC. 

Newton has the skill set to be the big play guy.  Maybe not to the level of Cobb, but with the track stars at receiver and the gifted big guy in La'Rod King, Newton has a chance to shine especially when nobody is expecting him to. 

3.  Is the defensive line ready to win 8-10 games? 

Exactly what does Joker Phillips see that no one else sees? 

The defensive line last season was last in tackles for a loss.  They were 11th in sacks.  And they gave up 177 rushing yards per game. 

They have a great middle linebacker in Danny Trevathan, but besides him, their defense lacks star power. 

Perhaps this line has greatly improved.  If so, that's the biggest question to answer for Kentucky's season.

Most Important Game

10/29 Mississippi State

Mississippi State is entering the season as the cinderella favorite.  A perennial doormat, Dan Mullen has give new life and tremendous hype to this year's Bulldog team. 

Talent wise, State and Kentucky are almost equal with Miss State having a slight edge. 

At this point in the season, Kentucky will be fighting for a bowl game.  There's no telling how bad it could get against Florida, LSU, and South Carolina.  But those should still be the only losses before facing a Miss State team at home.  A victory here will serve as a springboard to a bowl game.

Realistic Expectations

This is the most difficult team to predict.  Even more so than a Houston Nutt team with its back against the wall. 

Kentucky lost a lot of talent on offense, but all indications show they have the potential to replace it. 

They return a lot of veterans who struggled on defense, but Joker Phillips is making bold statements about their improvement. 

La'Rod King is a 6'4 receiver with big play ability.  He should be a safe throw for the emerging Newton, but who will play running back?  No running game equals no passing game which neutralizes King. 

The schedule is very manageable if this team can keep their heads up. 

The realistic expectation for this team is 7-8 wins. 

Sure fire losses are Florida, @LSU, @SC, and @Georgia. 

The make or break game is Miss St. 

Their seven other games of the season should be victories if Joker Phillips is truly keeping Kentucky at the same level Rich Brooks had them. 

Perhaps this year, Phillips will push Kentucky into new grounds if they can win their bowl game. 

31 Days

[Townhallsavoy]

30 Days

Must Needed Preseason Speech Part 2 of 5

"Bring it in," Coach Mullen says. 

His voice albeit calm is heard 100 yards away. 

Players jog one last time across the practice field and take a knee in front of their head coach.  Assistant coaches have begun meandering towards to the locker room to prepare for the late night coaches' meetings. 

Some of the players slowly put their knee on the ground.  Some have their mouths open.  Coach Mullen notices this and perceives it as cockiness. 

And he's proud of it. 

"Guys, on Thursday night you kick off the college football season," he starts.

Chris Relf, one of Mississippi State's quarterbacks, straightens his back.  He towers over the other players who are leaning forcefully on their helmets. 

"You're the number one game on national television, and college football fans all over the world will be watching you compete against Memphis," he continues.

Visions of stardom play in the minds of 100 players most of whom will not play a snap on Thursday. 

"I hope you understand what this season means to Mississippi State.  I hope you understand what Thursday night means to Mississippi state.  Most of all, I hope you understand what this means to you," he says.

There is no incredulity among the student-athletes.  They have been reticent concerning the high expectations placed on them this year.  While it is true that teams approach a season one day at a time, this year is full of pressure.  The entire season will be judged after audacious actions and statements by their head coach. 

"I hope you know that on Thursday night, everyone will see what we're about.  And I hope you know how badly Memphis wants to ruin that for you," he says.

100 players lock their eyes on their coach.

"On national television - on ESPN - Memphis will be looking to ruin one of the SEC's best teams.  And I mean that.  We've prepared to be one of the best teams in the SEC, and I believe you are capable of that.  But the most dangerous team killer is fear.  Uncertainty.  Doubt.  You can't allow those things to get in the way of what you want to accomplish," he says.

A few veterans have quick reveries of when Dan Mullen first got there.  Practices were sloppy.  Effort was erratic.  Losses and frustrations were common.

"Now I know how much you've prepared and how talented you are.  So over the next few days, remember what you've learned.  Review your playbooks and any notes you have from our meetings.  Focus in on the task at hand, and let's enjoy being the spotlight of the season," Coach finishes. 

The team breaks it down one last time, and they jog off of the field. 

Coach Mullen understands the character of his team.  It's not humble.  He doesn't want them to be humble. 

30 Days

[GH2001]

Only at Miss State is a coach so dramatic about an upcoming matchup with Memphis.

[Snaggletiger]

Only at Miss State is a coach so dramatic about an upcoming matchup with Memphis.

Memphis, who won what...2 games last year?

[Saniflush]

Memphis, who won what...2 games last year?

Mullins must realize that the laws of physics do not apply in parts of Memphis.  Anything can happen.  Touchdowns thrown. Boosters fall up steps. etc.