Overdue, yes. Sorry, I'm sick as a dog after trying to have fun like a college kid. They somehow were able to handle torrential downpours. I, on the other hand, wore a pancho and almost cried.
Since many of my "thoughts" have gone away since Saturday night, allow me to be brief.
Auburn...
- Heart. Even after looking like the 5-7 team of last year, we were able to overcome adversity and win the game. For the first time since Florida of 2007, we looked like fighters. We looked like we desperately wanted to win that game.
- Heroes. Darvin Adams was remarkable. He's a go to playmaker that allows other playmakers to have space. Teams will have to gameplan for him which will leave Fannin, McCalebb, Tate, Trott, Smith, etc. open. Malzahn is building a perfect storm as long we stay healthy.
- Defense needs help. It's talent, folks. It's not coaching. It's not our effort. It's a lack of talent on defense. Lack of talent is exposed when facing incredible players, which Noel Devine was and is just that - incredible. Jarret Brown is no Tim Tebow. He's no Darren McFadden. Last I checked, Auburn dominated those two players the last time they played.
- Recruiting will solve our defensive problems. Keep the faith. Our defense, in my opinion, will be our downfall in a few games this year. It's going to be frustrating because I really believe we look like we can compete for the title. We've proven everything we needed to, but our defense simply isn't there yet. Let's hope for some players to come around and get better. If not, our recruiting will help the linebackers and our secondary is still really young.
- The future looks good.
West Virginia...
- As annoyed as I was by Jarrett Brown's play on Saturday, I hate that he was injured. The kid could easily lead them to a Big East title.
- Noel Devine has cuts as quick as Barry Sanders. He's unreal.
Alabama...
- Looks good, but I think they get tested against Arkansas. What better time that for Bama to play down to its competition.
- It could be a nightmare in the making. Alabama's only weakness so far has been the kickoff coverage. However, there's been some worry about the secondary. I didn't get to see it, but FIU supposedly did well in their passing game during the 1st half.
- Arkansas's offense is no slouch. Their passing game is right where Louisville was in Petrino's prime. This matches up well against Bama's defense.
Arkansas...
- No defense, no victory. It won't happen in Tuscaloosa.
- The key will be to keep their passing game going and score a lot while hoping Alabama's power running game is slow getting going.
USC...
- Okay, USC. We get it. You lost to your weak Pac 10 opener. Now you'll blow everone out, get left out of the NC, and destroy who you play in the Rose Bowl.
- You have five 5 star running backs. Five. 5. Cinco. You have five star offensive linemen. You should be blowing the fuck out of every team on your schedule. But you don't. You can't beat Stanford, Washington, Oregon St. But hey, your coach brings in celebrities.
Florida...
- Looked mighty average on offense if you ask me. Without a threat to stretch the field, Tebow's going to have a hard time being the "greatest of all time."
- Quick - name three Florida wide receivers. Can't, can you? I can't either. I know they've got Tebow and a slew of running backs. I think Hernandez is a big time player. Without Louis Murphy and Percy Harvin, Florida is very beatable...
- ...but only on offense. Their defense will be the story of the year as they lead the Gators to an NC.
Miami...
- I said it last week. You're back. Miami's back, and that's good for college football. As fun as it is to laugh at the ACC, it's more fun when there's more good teams. I'm looking forward to the Miami-VA Tech game. Two weeks ago, I wouldn't have even responded to it.
- Jacory Harris. Let's see if the voters are paying attention. If Miami continues with the way its been playing and loses one or two games, does Harris get a Heisman vote? He should. He's the missing link. He's what they've desperately needed to accompany their speed at receiver. He's their MVP, and there's no reason not to at least send him to New York.
Texas...
- You're proving single handedly why preseason polls and traditional hype need to be done away with. You slacked up against Wyoming and you were only up 10-3 against Texas Tech at home at the half. I know you pulled it out in the end to look impressive, but if you're supposed to be the #2 team in the country, you ought to start performing like it.
Ole Miss...
- Here comes South Carolina, Ole Miss. Ready to lose? It's gonna happen.
Final Thought...
- We're good. Alabama's great. LSU still isn't that impressive to me. Ole Miss doesn't impress me. Arkansas has no defense. Georgia has no defense. Tennessee could fall apart if they don't get better...anyone else see a storm-a-brewing for November 27?