NCAA Football FanHouse http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com NCAA Football FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif NCAA Football FanHouse http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/At Alabama, Not Even History Can Keep Up With the Joneshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/07/at-alabama-not-even-history-can-keep-up-with-the-jones/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/07/at-alabama-not-even-history-can-keep-up-with-the-jones/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/07/at-alabama-not-even-history-can-keep-up-with-the-jones/#commentsFiled under: ,



TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Just when it appeared as if third-ranked Alabama was destined to lose yet another home game to LSU, ending the decade O-fer in five tries, the Crimson Tide looked to familiar faces to save the day.

You know them. Mark Ingram (Heisman Trophy candidate). Julio Jones (Welcome back). One of the nation's top defenses (97 yards allowed in the second half). Lynyrd Skynyrd (American rock band).

When the final seconds ticked off at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama's hand signals to its delirious fans told the story: The Crimson Tide earned a rematch with No. 1 Florida in the SEC Championship next month in Atlanta thanks to its dramatic 24-15 victory over the ninth-ranked Tigers.

As expected, it was a brutish, physical, entertaining showdown that was also tinged with controversy involving -- guess who? -- the officials over a replay ruling at a key moment in the fourth quarter.

Still, there was no denying the outcome and one fact remained: Alabama (9-0 overall, 6-0 SEC) moved a step closer to its second straight perfect regular season.

"It was a tough, physical game," said Alabama coach Nick Saban, who beat his former team for the second straight year.

"Man, those games are fun to be a part of. We wanted to play our best game today. We kind of knew our destiny was ours in terms of what we wanted to do. We knew it was about what we would do in the game."

What Alabama did was change its offensive approach against LSU, which took a 15-10 lead into the fourth quarter despite losing quarterback Jordan Jefferson (ankle) and running back Charles Scott (broken collarbone) to injuries for most of the second half.

The Tigers (7-2, 4-2) also had won four straight games here but haven't fared well lately against top-10 teams. They have lost four straight after winning six in a row.

"I understand what happened, I am just unhappy with the outcome," LSU coach Les Miles said. "We'll regroup and fight again."

After uncharacteristically relying on the pass in the opening half against a LSU defense that was putting extra defenders near the line, the second half was more typical of the Tide's grinding style.

Alabama handed the ball to Ingram, who gained 106 of his 144 yards in the final 30 minutes to continue to merit serious Heisman Trophy consideration. Ingram averaged 6.5 yards on 22 carries, 16 in the second half. Mighty-Mark has 719 rushing yards against four ranked opponents this season.

The Crimson Tide also held a decisive advantage in time of possession in the fourth quarter -- 10:56 to 4:04.

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
But it was the catch, juke, run-to-the-house for 73 yards from Jones that ignited the sold-out crowd of 92,012, which goes 'Bama bonkers when the Southern rock song "Sweet Home Alabama" by Skynyrd blares over the stadium loudspeakers.

Jones, quiet for most of the season due to injuries, caught a short pass near the line from quarterback Greg McElroy, made a quick move and sprinted down the sideline untouched for a touchdown with 10:24 remaining in the game. Trent Richardson's two-point conversion pushed Alabama back in the lead at 21-15.

"They needed me to make a play and I did," Jones said without a hint of emotion despite enjoying one of his best games of the season -- four catches for 102 yards, including his second touchdown.

"We practiced that all week. A situation like that, I feel like I should just step up and make the play.

"I did what I had to do."

A few feet away, senior left guard Mike Johnson, a few steps slower than Jones, couldn't wipe the grin from his face.

"I don't know if we have ever run that play before," said Johnson, who was one of the players who attempted to make the letter 'A' hand signal to represent Atlanta for the fans, signifying the location of the SEC title game.

"It was kind of a little action to the right, kind of where we let the tackle back out to the backside. I locked eyes with the linebacker and after I made my block I looked out there (on the flat).

"I saw a couple of blocks and Julio looked like he was just high-stepping. Other than that, I was looking for a yellow flag on the ground because it was too good to be true."

The Tide - specifically McElroy -- also breathed a sigh of relief at the 5:52 mark in the fourth quarter, when Patrick Peterson nearly picked off the Alabama quarterback's pass on the sidelines. However, after a lengthy review that proved inconclusive, Peterson was ruled out of bounds.

McElroy then completed a pass to Jones on third-and-7 to help Alabama move into field goal position.

"It was kind of like an 'Oh, shoot' moment,'" said McElroy, who completed 19-of-34 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. He opened the game with seven straight pass attempts and threw the ball on nine of its first 10 plays from scrimmage.

"What can you say," McElroy continued.

"It was a learning experience. Sometimes you have them go in your favor and that call did. It was a situation I should have thrown it away. It's frustrating to me that I could make a mistake like that in a key moment. But it also gives me confidence they were willing to put the ball in my hands in that situation."

The weather couldn't have been any better for early November -- sunny, low 70s with a slight breeze and not a cloud from here to possibly Atlanta. Of course, the Crimson Tide had clear sailing to the SEC title game with a victory.

In a game that was expected to be low on points, instead it had plenty of shoot-out drama. The game has decided the SEC West for four of the past five years.

"Anytime you lose it's bad, but when you lose in a big game like this, when we knew we had it, we where right there," LSU linebacker Kelvin Sheppard said.

"We knew we had to pull away. We needed to make a lot of adjustments on different plays. Alabama had a great scheme coming in. In the first half they had a hard time establishing the run but in the second half they did a really good job of moving the ball."

LSU's defense held its own through three quarters, but, in the end, it was the Tide's unit that set the tempo. It limited the Tigers to 253 total yards, 9 in the fourth quarter.



Jefferson and Scott were playing well before going to the sidelines. Scott ran for 83 yards and his 34-yarder was the longest run play given up by Alabama this season. Jefferson passed for 114 yards and also had some success running the option.

Needing two scores, backup quarterback Jarrett Lee and LSU couldn't get it to midfield in the final minutes.

"I don't think we played our best game but we did enough to win," Alabama safety Mark Barron said.

"LSU's offense did a couple things we weren't prepared for, so we had to make adjustments as the game went on. I feel like we did a pretty good job of that."

At Alabama, Not Even History Can Keep Up With the Jones originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Read | Read | Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Jim HenrySat, 07 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST Dear Mr. Slive: I Should Be a Replay Refhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/07/dear-mike-slive-i-should-be-a-replay-ref/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/07/dear-mike-slive-i-should-be-a-replay-ref/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/07/dear-mike-slive-i-should-be-a-replay-ref/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Dear Commissioner Mike Slive,

I know this has been a rough month for you. What with everyone suggesting that the SEC officials want to see Florida and Alabama in the SEC championship game no matter what the actual game results might be. Furthermore, I know that generally speaking the SEC's issue has been with judgment calls, celebration penalties on A.J. Green, personal fouls on some Arkansas defensive players -- it's okay, no one knows anyone's name that plays for Arkansas other than Ryan Mallet, it will be our secret -- missed calls in favor of Florida against Mississippi State, allowing Terrence Cody, the largest man on earth who still resembles a girl, to play without his helmet on. But this latest move, ignoring a clear interception by LSU's Patrick Peterson, has me steaming mad. What's the point of instant replay if you're going to use it and still get the play wrong?

That's why I'm making you an offer, I will work as instant replay reviewer for any televised SEC game.

For free.

Do you understand what a deal you're getting here, Commissioner Slive? I will work for the SEC for absolutely free. And I won't miss any calls.

Zero.

You know why? Two reasons, first, I don't care who wins the games and, second, because I can watch television replays and tell whether or not people intercept passes. For instance, unlike your replay officials, I watched today's Alabama-LSU game. And when Patrick Peterson intercepted Greg McElroy with just under 6 minutes to play in the game, I said, "Wow, that's a hell of an interception."

You know how I knew?

Because like the rest of America, I saw Peterson catch the football and get not one, but two feet in bounds. That's one more foot in bounds than you actually need, Mr. Slive. Yet, somehow the man you pay to sit in a booth and watch the replay didn't see this. He must have been blind ... or drunk. Perhaps he was both, so drunk he'd become blind. That's okay, I've been to Galette's before in Tuscaloosa and gotten that drunk. Although, to be fair, that's always been after a game.

(Right, a FanHouse artist's concept of how SEC replays are currently performed.)

And here's my promise to you Commissioner Slive, I won't even drink during the games when I'm working as your replay official. I'll be stone cold sober. I won't even pause the television and look closely at the cheerleaders on the sideline. Do you know how hard it is not to do that?

And I won't pause my DVR and spend ten minutes thinking about how awesome it was the CBS camera caught a 'Bama fan with four fingers doing the fourth quarter sign as they went to commercial break.

Nope, I'm completely committed to the game.

I won't even spend any time thinking about the press conference I would stage if I were Les Miles. I'd load stacks of hundred dollar bills until I had 300 stacks, or $30,000 in all, into a black garbage bag and carry it into my press conference. Then, before I even said anything, I'd turn up the garbage bag and dump all the cash out onto the table in front of the reporters.

I'd let it all spill around on the ground and then I'd walk to the microphone and say this:

"Mike Slive can come pick up this money when he gets a chance. Because that official who blew that call in the replay booth doesn't deserve to ever work another game. We're not talking about a blown judgment call, or a decision made in the heat of the game when everyone is moving a million miles an hour. We're talking about a fat man sitting in front of a television and making a dispassionate decision based on what he sees.

"And he blew it.

"Big time.

"I'd sooner have Clay Travis making the decisions from his house in Nashville."

Amen, Les.

And, just think Mike, you'll get me for free.

How much worse can I really be?

By the way, just between us, could you please explain to me why the guy who does instant replay review actually needs to be in the stadium? Shouldn't he be in a special replay truck with 48 television screens? Or in a NASA-like center somewhere in a bunker beneath the ground in an undisclosed location? With a bank of television screens so large in front of him that the astronauts would be jealous?

Otherwise, doesn't it defeat the purpose? I mean, just to have one dorky guy sitting in a booth squinting at one television? Can't you do more with the multi-billion dollar contract? Shouldn't America demand that you do more?

Anyway, that may be too many questions. And I didn't write this letter to make your life more difficult Commissioner Slive. You and I, we should be buddies. We're both lawyers. I tan better than you do. (Seriously, do you ever go outside?) But other than that we're like two peas in a pod, you and me, Mike.

Except, you know, for the rooting for Alabama and Florida to be in the championship game part.

But I've gotten off topic. Instead of continuing about how much alike we are -- you like William Faulkner, Chik-fil-A sandwiches, the Robotech cartoon, and thongs on shapely rears too, don't you, Mike -- why don't you allow me to list my assets?
Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook

Yep, consider this my resume for SEC replay official status:

1. I have a color television.

And it's bought and paid for.

100 percent mine.

Judging by your guy at Bama's decision today, he doesn't have a color television. Otherwise he would have seen the clean distinction between a foot coming down in the green grass and a foot coming down in the white out-of-bounds area.

2. I have an HD television.

Again, if your guy had HD he would have seen the dirt popping up from not one, but two different feet in bounds.

3. I have the Internets in my house.

Of course, the Internets are brought to me by Comcast so at any moment they might stop working. Even still, I could theoretically watch the game online as well.

Why does that matter?

I could get to within a millimeter of the screen and zoom it up to perfect definition. That way I could confirm what I saw with my bare eyes: LSU intercepted that pass.

4. I've never taken money or bet on a game I was calling.

Did that one hit too close to the striped vest?

Good.

5. I have a law degree from Vanderbilt and am licensed to practice law in the Southland.

This means I'm an SEC grad whose judgment an impartial governing body has vouched for. Can you say the same about your officials?

Didn't think so.

It's a no brainer, Mike. Just shoot me an email and I'll be ready to go by next week.

Because as my five assets listed above illustrate, I'm much more qualified than most of the people working in the replay booth.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

Clay Travis

Clay Travis is the author of three books. His latest, "On Rocky Top: A Front Row Seat to The End of an Era" chronicles the 2008 Tennessee football season and is on sale now.

Dear Mr. Slive: I Should Be a Replay Ref originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Clay TravisSat, 07 Nov 2009 20:52:00 EST LSU's Marucci Has Eye on Tigers, Serieshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/04/lsus-marucci-has-eye-on-tigers-series/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/04/lsus-marucci-has-eye-on-tigers-series/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/04/lsus-marucci-has-eye-on-tigers-series/#commentsFiled under: ,

Chase Utley with Marucci BatJack Marucci's focus this week has been the health of his LSU Tigers as they prepare for Saturday's SEC showdown at third-ranked Alabama. But Marucci can't help but sneak a peek at the World Series between the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Especially after Marucci prior to the start of the Series received a message from Philadelphia's Chase Utley that indicated he wanted a special bat to swing against New York reliever Mariano Rivera.

"It's the same wood but a different style, a little thicker and shorter," Marucci told FanHouse Wednesday.

In his 14th year as director of athletic training at LSU, Marucci also makes wooden bats that some of the best players in professional baseball are primarily swinging, including Utley.

In fact, 17 players from the Yankees and Phillies are customers of the Marucci Bat Company in Baton Rouge, La. That list includes Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard and Pedro Feliz of the Phillies and Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano of the Yankees.

The group ordered 82 Marucci bats for the Series.

Utley, of course, has smacked five home runs in the Series to tie Reggie Jackson's record set in 1977 with the Yankees.

And Damon is 8-for-21 for a .381 average. New York leads the best-of-seven series 3-2 and looks to win its 27th championship Wednesday night at home.

Marucci plans to watch the game after he finishes in LSU's training room.

The Tigers have devoted plenty of their attention this week to the Crimson Tide's No. 2 rushing defense and No. 4 total defense in the country. Alabama can win the SEC West and earn a berth into the SEC Championship against top-ranked Florida with a victory.

"You can see the passion in the kids' eyes and you really feel they are prepared," Marucci said. "It's exciting to see everything coming together."

Marucci feels the same excitement when watching the Series.

Mark Teixeira with Marucci batWhat began as a labor of love seven years ago in his backyard shed, six feet by nine feet, has turned into a fledgling business headquartered in a warehouse district in Baton Rouge.

Nearly 30 companies are licensed by MLB to sell bats.

Hillerich & Bradsby, which makes the Louisville Slugger brand, has put bats in the hands of players since 1884, leads the hit parade with more than 60-percent of the market. Marucci has sold 8,000 bats to professional baseball players (minor league and big league) this year and 20,000 overall, one-third more than in 2008.

A Marucci bat, from start to finish, can take up to 24 hours to make.

Marucci has avoided selling his wooden bats through large, chain retailers, instead relying on recommendations from players.

Also, the Marucci Bat company will soon launch a brand of aluminum bats under their label, featuring the Albin anti-vibration device. It will be the only bat of its kind on the market, according to Marucci.

That label means Marucci is committed to his craft.

It's no different each day when he puts on his LSU shirt.

"You feel like you are watching your own kids and you want them all to do well," Marucci said.

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook

LSU's Marucci Has Eye on Tigers, Series originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>chase utleyjack maruccijohnny damonmark teixeirapedro felizrobinson canoryan howardJim HenryWed, 04 Nov 2009 13:48:00 EST Tide Still Searching For Big Playshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/04/tide-still-searching-for-big-plays/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/04/tide-still-searching-for-big-plays/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/04/tide-still-searching-for-big-plays/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Alabama's offense has mellowed over the past three games.

The Crimson Tide has registered only a pair of rushing touchdowns in victories over Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. Ten trips into the red zone have resulted in eight field goals. The passing game hasn't featured many deep throws, and Alabama's Wildcat offense, which started as a gimmick, has become more relevant.

Third-ranked Alabama realizes it will need a better all-around effort on Saturday to beat No. 9 LSU, the only remaining ranked team on the Crimson Tide's schedule. The Crimson Tide can clinch the SEC West title with a win and would then meet No. 1 Florida on Dec. 5 in the SEC title game.

"We haven't scored points at the same sort of rate that we did earlier in the season," Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said.

"We've been focusing on improving and making more explosive plays in the passing game as well as executing a little better and getting a little better consistency in performance all the way around. I think sometimes in the red zone we haven't finished drives like we need to."

Alabama will certainly need to finish drives if it wants to earn its first home win over LSU since 1999.

One key to that success will be sophomore running back Mark Ingram, who ranks first in the SEC and fifth nationally with 125.5 rushing yards a game.

Ingram leads the Crimson Tide with 11 touchdowns (eight rushing, three receiving). The bruising Ingram, a 5-foot-10, 215-pound sophomore, also has been one tough hombre in traffic. Of his 1,190 yards this season (1,004 rushing, 186 receiving), Ingram has gained 645 yards after contact (54 percent of his total yards).

Ingram believes it's those nitty-gritty yards that will make the difference against the Tigers.

Since giving up 23 points and 478 total yards against Washington in the season-opener, LSU held its last seven opponents to an average of 266.6 yards and 10.6 points.

"In a game like this, you go out on the field and whoever plays the hardest and whoever does the little things right the most consistently throughout the game, that's who will win the game," Ingram said.

"You can't really focus on 'We've got to make this big play' or 'We've got to do this or got to do that.' We have to focus on the game plan, perfect it and execute it. Whoever does the little things right the most consistently wins the game."

Ingram, of course, started to merit legitimate Heisman Trophy consideration for his career-best game in Alabama's victory over South Carolina on Oct. 17. With the Gamecocks slowing the Tide's passing game and rattling quarterback Greg McElroy, Ingram lined up in the Wildcat and put the game away.

Ingram carried the ball on all six plays of a 68-yard drive. The first five plays were in the Wildcat when Ingram received the direct snap from center. On the final play, Ingram took a handoff from McElroy and scored on a 4-yard run that gave Alabama a 20-6 victory.

Ingram finished with 246 yards on 24 carries.

Ingram is especially determined not to repeat last year's midseason dip when he had one rushing yard against Tennessee and six rushing yards on five carries at LSU.

"I think I hit the wall halfway through the season at this point (a year ago)," said Ingram, who rushed for 728 yards on 143 carries with a team-best 12 touchdowns last season. "I had a few injuries and I was a little frustrated with how I was performing. I hit the wall and I can't let that happen again."

Ingram and teammates also believe a Crimson Tide offense that has sputtered recently feels in sync and will be ready for LSU. Senior offensive lineman Mike Johnson credits opposing defenses or causing some of Alabama's frustration over its lack of explosiveness.

Receiver Julio Jones, for example, has just one touchdown and is averaging 32.7 receiving yards per game, well below his career average of 54.9.

Alabama is coming off a bye week, but barely escaped against Tennessee, blocking two field goal attempts to preserve a 12-10 victory.

"One of the goals we had coming into the year was to have more explosive plays, especially in the passing game," Johnson said.

"That really wasn't one of our strengths last year. I think we did a good job of starting off on that note and we've kind of got to get back to that. We had a lot of explosive plays and play-action down the field early in the year, and we've got to get back to that.

"On the same note, guys have done a good job. We've faced better defenses. There is a lot to be said about SEC defenses that can come in and stop the pass and we've played some good safeties and good defenses the past two weeks and they did a good job of kind of throwing some things at us."

Look for LSU's defense to be just as prepared. In its last three SEC games, LSU combined to limit Georgia, Florida and Auburn to a total of 36 points

"They are big and fast, strong and physical," Ingram said.

"The scheme they play, they do it really well. They are coached up really well. They all do their assignments. They all get to the ball and they make it really hard for offenses to have success."

Tide Still Searching For Big Plays originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Mark IngramMarkIngramNick SabanNickSabanJim HenryWed, 04 Nov 2009 10:21:00 EST Katrina Seniors Stick Togetherhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/katrina-seniors-stick-together/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/katrina-seniors-stick-together/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/katrina-seniors-stick-together/#commentsFiled under: ,


A few days turned into four months. And those four months have since turned into four years, and counting. It's a span that continues to teach the definitions of perseverance, spirit and courage.

Eight current Tulane players were on the team in August 2005, when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and forced Tulane to play 11 games during an 11-week span in 11 different cities. For the "Katrina Seniors," forever linked by struggle and friendship, their collegiate careers are quickly winding to a close.

"We need some more wins but we are not giving up," defensive tackle Reggie Scott, a Katrina Senior who has played in 37 career games, told FanHouse. "We are working over here. There ain't no quit in us."

The Green Wave, 2-5 and riding a three-game losing streak, makes its shortest trip of the season Saturday and renews the oldest rivalry in school history for a final time on the road when the team buses the 80 miles from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, La., to face ninth-ranked LSU (6-1).

Both Tulane and LSU, which received wide praise for its relief effort in the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation and features players also impacted by the storm, have mutually agreed to discontinue the football series following this season.

The two teams will play one more game in New Orleans at a future date.

Saturday's game marks the 98th all-time meeting between the schools -- the Tigers have won the last 17 games in the series, which began in 1893, including the last 10 at Tiger Stadium.

Tulane probably won't win on Saturday either, but it knows all about surviving, pulling together and beating immeasurable odds.

"Everyone had it in their minds that we were going to stay strong, that we'd be able to get through that 2005 season and help build for the future," said linebacker David Kirksey, a three-year letterman and team captain who has played in 40 career games and, like all eight Katrina seniors, has had his NCAA eligibility lengthened by a redshirt season.

"That entire experience really made you grow up as a person. It showed that you can't take anything for granted in life and you always need to be prepared. If you feel like something is important to you, stay focused, follow through and don't let anyone change your mind."


Prior to Hurricane Katrina, Tulane fielded NCAA Division-I teams in 16 sports. As part of the university's Renewal Plan announced in December 2005, some sports were suspended.

Tulane currently has 13 Division I-A programs -- football, men and women's basketball, baseball, women's volleyball, track and cross country, tennis, women's golf, and women's swimming and diving. However, it plans to field 16 sports by 2011.

As a result of Hurricane Katrina, all of Tulane's varsity sports teams, with the exception of cross-country and track and field, moved to four other universities in Texas and Louisiana for the remainder of 2005, while continuing to represent Tulane in competition.

Dr. Scott Cowen, the university president, decided that the athletic teams should "carry the torch, face, and name" of Tulane that fall.

Face of the Program

Of course, no team's journey received more coverage than the football team, coached by Louisiana native Chris Scelfo at the time. Scelfo was fired following the 2006 season, ending an eight-year stint for a coach that held the program together through Hurricane Katrina but struggled to win before and after the storm.

Scelfo was replaced by Bob Toledo, now in his third year, but who also has found it difficult to win in The Rebuilt Big Easy. He's 8-23 at Tulane.

On Aug. 28, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the southern coast of the United States with devastating effect. It was reported that more then 1,800 people lost there lives, and more then $81 billion in damage occurred. Of course, the effects of the storm in New Orleans were shattering and long-lasting.

"We stayed in a gym because the hurricane had hit there, too. We had to sleep, eat and work out in the gym, so it got pretty nasty in there. When the power went off, we had to take our showers by flashlight."
-- Reggie Scott As the hurricane approached, Tulane's football team -- 88 players, 10 coaches and assorted staff -- was evacuated to Jackson, Miss., a few days before its season opener at Southern Mississippi on Sept. 4. (The game was later postponed to the end of the season).

It was the start to an incredible journey.

"In Jackson we stayed in a gym because the hurricane had hit there, too," Scott said. "We had to sleep, eat and work out in the gym, so it got pretty nasty in there. When the power went off, we had to take our showers by flashlight."

After a few days in Jackson, the team moved to Dallas and eventually to Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La., where it remained headquartered through the 2005 season as much of the Tulane campus and athletic facilities suffered water and other structural damage because of the hurricane.

In addition to Scott and Kirsksey, cornerback Charles Harris, offensive lineman John Landa, linebacker James McMurchy, offensive lineman Tyler Rice, safety Corey Sonnier and receiver Jeremy Williams were on the 2005 Tulane team.

Scott, who was granted a sixth year of eligibility following the 2008 season, played in seven games as a redshirt freshman in 2005. The native of Charlotte, N.C., vividly remembers the Green Wave's orders to evacuate as Hurricane Katrina barreled towards the city above the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

"We were told to pack light, two pairs of clothes, and that we'd be gone for a couple of days and be right back," Scott said. "Of course, nobody had any earthly idea what would happen."

For four months, the team battled doubt, fear, and uncertainty. Players had no idea if the personal belongings in their apartments, dormitories or homes in New Orleans remained dry -- or remained at all due to looting.

The team's stay in Dallas was luxurious compared to Jackson. Players lived in a DoubleTree Hotel, still some 500 miles from home. They existed on borrowed and donated supplies. A hotel conference room was transformed into a locker room. SMU offered to share its weight room and whatever else Tulane needed.


It was during the trip to Dallas when the team buses pulled into a truck stop in Shreveport, La., and players saw television coverage of the destruction and chaos in New Orleans for the first time.

Eighty percent of the city was flooded, with some parts under 15 feet of water. Many who remained in their homes had to swim for their lives, wade through deep water, or remain trapped in their attics or on their rooftops.

The Louisiana Superdome, home to the Green Wave and New Orleans Saints, was used as a designated "refuge of last resort" for those who remained in the city.

Kirksey, a native of Mobile, Ala., was additionally apprehensive because the hurricane also had also impacted his hometown and family. While his home was not damaged, the city suffered power outages and his parents slept in their car at night for nearly two weeks and used the air conditioner to escape the stifling summer heat.

"When the hurricane was approaching, I don't think many of us took it seriously -- and we know now it didn't turn out so well," Kirksey said.

"We were prepared but nobody predicted the devastation. We thought we'd come back and see a lot of limbs down, a lot of debris everywhere. But nobody was prepared for what we saw on television and when we returned to campus (in January 2006). I didn't think we'd be gone for months at a time."

The Green Wave's final move was to Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La. By this point, players had grown weary and their challenges were well known. The season reflected their struggles.

Tulane went 2-9.

"After a couple of weeks in Ruston, and dealing with everything, everyone wanted to just go home," Scott said.

M.A.S.H Unit

Located in Louisiana's capital of Baton Rouge, the nearest major city to New Orleans, the LSU campus became an integral resource in hurricane relief efforts.

For eight days, the usual activities of the college campus were suspended to help those in need. The field house was used as a special-needs shelter. Helicopters ferrying the sick landed on the running track.

Rahim Alem, a redshirt senior defensive end from New Orleans, volunteered to help where needed because "people right here in front of you were going through hell," he said.

Alem's family in New Orleans had safely evacuated. Their two-story home was damaged, repaired and later sold. A former star at St. Augustine High in New Orleans, Alem kept in touch with friends and teammates on the Internet. Everyone had a story to share.

"We were lucky because we really didn't lose anything of value, but one of my friends lost everything and he needed counseling because all he thought about was committing suicide," said Alem, a noted pass rush specialist whose brother Chad Jones is a starting safety on the Tigers football team and pitcher on the baseball team that won the College World Series in 2008.

Alem's parents -- his father Al was a defensive end for Tulane and lettered for the Green Wave from 1976-70 -- now have an apartment in New Orleans and continue to work in the city.

"The first time I went back that January [2006], everything looked different," Alem continued.

"Sometimes you didn't even know where you were at, even though I lived there. You had to go by memory. The whole experience humbles you. You feel like you are almost invincible because a lot of things that happen in the world, you are shielded from. It's like it won't happen to you. But you learn that anything can happen to you at any point in time.

"It makes you realize what's really important. At the end of the day, we had to sell our house -- and I don't live where I grew up any more. But the people around me that I love are fine. And that is what's most important."

LSU senior receiver Chris Mitchell was a high school senior at John Ehret High in Marrero, La., located on the west bank of the Mississippi River and within shouting distance of New Orleans, when Hurricane Katrina struck.

Mitchell, who was living with his older brother at the time, packed a few personal items and drove with his brother to Shreveport, La, before fleeing into Texas for three weeks.

When Mitchell returned home and to school for the first time in late September, he couldn't believe his eyes.

"It's difficult to explain. I never experienced nothing like that before and I hope I never have to experience it again," said Mitchell, whose prep team played just six games in 2005 due to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

The program had more than 100 players before the storm struck, but many enrolled in other schools and the Patriots played their first game with around 25 players. Mitchell played quarterback, wide receiver, safety, punter and kick returner and accounted for 15 touchdowns that season.

"It was kind of weird because not everything was up and running and we weren't even practicing that much," Mitchell recalled.

"They made school announcements that said a game was scheduled against such-and-such and we could play the game if everyone wanted to. Most of the players that came back were underclassmen, and they really didn't know what it meant to go out and play hard every day.

"In a way it was fun. I have a different memory of every game, and I remember the players who came back more so than the ones that never returned."

Mitchell, who was born on Christmas Day, 1986 in New Orleans, says he now better understands the struggle to overcome hardship and tragedy.

"That entire time was so strange, like something you watch on TV," Mitchell said.

"You see an earthquake in California and it's awful but you figure something like that won't ever happen to you. I never thought the hurricane would be as bad as it was. We lost everything -- material things can be replaced, so that didn't bother me -- but you can't get back those personal things like photos. That's what hurts.

"When we got back and saw the results of what happened...you just can't immediately adjust to something you had never experienced and was that bad.

"It felt good just to get back playing football."

Battle for the Rag

The winner of the Tulane-LSU game will receive a banner known as "The Rag." The banner is decorated half Tulane and half LSU with each school's logo on the respective sides.

The Rag exchanged hands with each team's victory from the first game of the series in 1893 until 1981.

The original Rag, however, was lost between LSU's victory in 1980 and Tulane's win in 1981. Some speculate the Rag was delivered to Tulane following the Green Wave's 1981 victory, but was destroyed in a fire at the Tulane Student Center prior to the 1982 game. A replacement flag was created in 2001 and was present in 2008 at Tiger Stadium.

Tulane's last win in the series was in 1982, when the visiting Green Wave capped a 4-7 season with a 31-28 upset of the Orange Bowl-bound Tigers.

The losses have mounted against its rival, but Tulane is a survivor.

"I will never forget this place. It was pretty rough for everyone, but knowing that you get can through it proves that you can get through anything if you really put your mind to it. That goes outside of football, too. We want to finish on a good note."
-- Reggie Scott Lackluster football attendance was just one of the concerns brought up in May 2003, when Tulane officials reviewed the financial strain of sustaining their athletics program.

Citing a $6.7-million deficit in the athletic department, the idea of dropping football and fielding a select few teams in Division III was floated among members of the Tulane Board of Trustees.

Two years later Hurricane Katrina threatened to wash away the history and heritage of a proud city and an established Green Wave football program. Many wondered if New Orleans would ever feel like home again.

It does. Thanks to grit and guts.

"That entire experience definitely made me stronger," Scott said.

"I will never forget this place. It was pretty rough for everyone, but knowing that you can get through it proves that you can get through anything if you really put your mind to it. That goes outside of football, too. We want to finish on a good note.

"Whatever your goal is -- to play a season, no matter the outcome -- you need to stay together as a team."

Katrina Seniors Stick Together originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Bob Toledochris mitchellChris Scelfodavid kirkseyrahim alemreggie scottJim HenryThu, 29 Oct 2009 18:05:00 EST SEC Notebook: Polls Not Tide's Concernhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/23/sec-notebook-tide-not-worried-about-polls/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/23/sec-notebook-tide-not-worried-about-polls/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/23/sec-notebook-tide-not-worried-about-polls/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

When it comes to debating rankings, Alabama head coach Nick Saban is a fuddy-duddy.

So there's no need to waste your time, even if the Crimson Tide leapfrogged SEC rival Florida into the top spot of this week's Associated Press poll. Of course, Alabama is also ranked second behind the Gators in the initial installment of the weekly BCS poll that will determine national title invites by early December.

Saban doesn't mean to be a killjoy -- or does he? -- but his game-at-a-time mantra is focused on Saturday's showdown against visiting Tennessee.

"If anybody asks me any questions about where we're ranked or what the poll is, what matters?" Saban asked. "Why does it matter? What's changed from this week to this Monday to last Monday? What's changed? We've got another game. This is the most important game of the year."

OK, agreed.

The Crimson Tide (7-0) is determined to finish October with a flourish. Off next Saturday, Alabama closes out a three-game homestand with a visit from LSU on November 7 before it positions itself for the regular-season's final stretch.

Of course, Alabama could have its hands full with the Vols (3-3) if not careful. But if the Crimson Tide is need of a hero, a shining star has risen from the Crimson Tide's backfield, and his name is Mark Ingram.

The sophomore has rushed for 905 yards and eight touchdowns for 129.29 yards per game average to rank fourth nationally and first in the SEC. Ingram's flashy -- he leads the nation with 30 rushes of 10 or more yards and also has chipped in eight receptions for 10 or more yards. And Ingram's tough -- he has gained 580 yards after first contact.

Best yet, Ingram is coming off his best performance of the season, rushing for 246 yards against South Carolina last week.

"He's a great competitor and a driven guy," Saban said.

"He works hard in practice every week. He plays fast all the time. He has a great competitive spirit and certainly will stay focused on the things that are going to help him continue to satisfy his goals."

Don't look for Alabama to change its goals, or its approach, according to the philosophical Saban.

"I'm very hopeful that we can stay on the positive side of it and be positive about our approach to what we are trying to accomplish and what we're trying to do and not get risk-aversive and start playing to keep from getting beat and a lot of negative motivation about what's going to happen if this happens and all that kind of stuff," Saban said.

"Not to avoid but to gain, is the way we'd like to approach it."

FINALLY, A STRONG FINISH?

South Carolina has been down this road before.

The Gamecocks are 5-2 and positioned nicely to make this coach Steve Spurrier's most successful season at South Carolina. The Gamecocks can continue their surge with a home victory over Vanderbilt on Saturday, a win that would give Spurrier 105 conference wins and tie him with Vince Dooley for third-most in SEC history.

Spurrier isn't one to relax, even if Vanderbilt has lost five straight conference games. Let's not forget the Commodores have beaten the Gamecocks the past two years.

"We're not a real dominant team," Spurrier said. "I think we're a real good team. We can play with almost anybody. We have to play a lot harder. We have to play with courage, effort and smarts."

That approach could help the Gamecocks avoid an unsettling trend of poor finishes. They lost their final three games last season, their final five in 2007 and, for the record, are 10-15 from the midway point of October under Spurrier.

"The pressure is on us to play the best we can every week," Spurrier said.

"We don't get too much in what happened last year or the year before. They outplayed us the last two years. They were better than we were. Give them credit. We'll try to play better this year and coach better, and see if we can come out on top against Vanderbilt."

ROAD TRIP

Save the postcards.

Florida hasn't enjoyed its past visits to Starkville, Miss.

The Gators travel to Mississippi State on Saturday seeking their first win at Davis Wade Stadium since 1985. They have dropped their last four games there, losing to the Bulldogs in 1986, 1992, 2000 and 2004. Second-ranked UF entered three of the games ranked, and two of the games are among the 12 conference defeats that Spurrier suffered as Florida's coach.

The showdown is also a reunion for Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen, a former assistant coach under UF's Urban Meyer since their days at Utah. Mullen last served as the Gators' offensive coordinator, helping quarterback Tim Tebow win the Heisman Trophy and UF a pair of national titles.

"We're coming in, planning to win the football game," Mullen said.

"You never go to play a game that you think you can't win. Our guys are focusing on winning the game this Saturday, and focusing on doing the things you have to do to win the football game. There's nothing quite like winning a football game. It isn't anything crazy we need to do to win, we just have to focus on the game plan at hand in order to come out victorious."

OFFENSIVE OUTBURST

LSU and Auburn tangle in a game where both teams need their offense to set the tone.

LSU, which was off last week, is 5-1 overall and 3-1 in the SEC. The Tigers are one of two SEC West teams -- the other is Alabama -- to control its own destiny in the division race.

They will need solid performances from quarterback Jordan Jefferson and running back Charles Scott. Jefferson has been inconsistent as a passer and Scott is in search of a breakout game. LSU figures to rely heavily on the run because Auburn is allowing 181.4 yards per game, 11th in the SEC and 99th nationally.

Auburn, meanwhile, is coming off its worst offensive performance of the season, managing just 315 yards in its 21-14 loss to Kentucky.

Auburn (5-2, 2-2), which opened the season with five consecutive wins, has scored a combined 37 points in its past two games; it scored at least 37 in each of its first four. The passing attack is struggling, too. Quarterback Chris Todd threw 11 touchdown passes in the first four games but just one in the past three.

"You can't pinpoint our struggles on one thing. I don't believe in that," Auburn coach Gene Chizik said.

"There are a lot of things that can go wrong. I still feel that we can fix some of the mistakes and get back on track. There's a lot of issues in there, and we really feel very strongly that we're going to get that rectified. But it has been off the last two weeks."

SEC Notebook: Polls Not Tide's Concern originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Jim HenryFri, 23 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST Midweek College Football Chathttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/08/midweek-college-football-chat/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/08/midweek-college-football-chat/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/08/midweek-college-football-chat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If needless intrigue is your bag, college football's got it this week. Florida is dragging its feet on deciding whether to play concussed quarterback Tim Tebow whose Kryptonite was revealed last week as the meeting place between the back of his head and a teammates leg. Meanwhile LSU and coach Les Miles are saying all the right things, which doesn't come easy with that program. Weird. Very, very weird. I think Alabama's the better team right now anyway. A Florida defeat eases the dilemma.

There's other football to be played of course, other matters to be discussed (welcome back from your week off, Texas, you could be No. 1 after Saturday). Sooooo, let's talk about it like we do every Thursday. The FanHouse Midweek College Football Chat will commence at 2 PM Eastern. Chat application after the jump (we'll leave it open for folks to post comments and questions in advance, they need approval so won't appear until 2 PM but we'll see them, don't worry).

Midweek College Football Chat originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Brian GrummellThu, 08 Oct 2009 10:54:00 EST Miracle Miles Goes On and On for LSUhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/07/miracle-miles-goes-on-and-on-for-lsu/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/07/miracle-miles-goes-on-and-on-for-lsu/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/07/miracle-miles-goes-on-and-on-for-lsu/#commentsFiled under: ,

In 2007, Les Miles won a national championship despite losing two regular season conference games to teams, Kentucky and Arkansas, that finished with a combined 7-9 record in the SEC. Later, Miles would memorably argue that those overtime losses weren't real losses because his team hadn't lost yet in regulation. As if that weren't enough, Miles's entire championship season was a high-wire act. LSU won seven SEC games, five of them by a touchdown or less. Along the way Miles burnished his reputation as the most confident coach in America.

And the luckiest.

In fact the old cliche, fortune favors the bold, has never had a finer example than Leslie Miles.

As LSU-Florida looms and the Tim Tebow health watch drives ESPN to fits of reportorial glee, one man remains unconcerned with Tebow's health. That's Les Miles. Why? Because Les, the man Forrest Gump would have grown up to become if he'd been born in Michigan instead of Alabama, isn't impacted by the maelstroms that swirl around him. The world of Les Miles is always uncomplicated. He and his damn fine football team are going to win no matter who they play and what the circumstances are.

Doubt me? As the latest big game looms, let's take a look at Les Miles's top 10 ridiculous and improbable wins at LSU:

10. LSU 35, Arizona State 31, 2005

In the debut of the Les Miles era, the Tigers trail 17-7 as the fourth quarter begins. Enter Miles' magic hat. First, LSU blocks two punts and returns both for touchdowns. Suddenly the Tigers lead 21-17.

In a wild fourth quarter, Arizona State storms back to take a 31-28 lead. Facing a 4th down from the ASU 39, Miles does what any coach would do, goes for the touchdown. JaMarcus Russell hums a 39 -yard strike to Early Doucet and the Tigers win 35-31.

9. LSU 26, Auburn 21, 2008

With 1:08 left on the clock Jarrett Lee hits Brandon LaFell for a 19-yard score. By the end of the 2008 season, this pass will seem even more remarkable.

Yep, Lee won a game with a touchdown pass. And that's not a touchdown for the defense returning his pass.

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
8. LSU 23, Ole Miss, 20 (OT) 2006

Down 20-6 with nine minutes to play in the fourth quarter, LSU stages a remarkable comeback against Ed Orgeron's 3-7 Ole Miss Rebels. It begins with this double spin completion from JaMarcus Russell.



Honestly, the marriage of Les Miles to JaMarcus Russell and Ryan Perrilloux is among the greatest sports marriages of all time. At least when it comes to comedy. Supreme talent meets supreme confidence. It was like Beethoven with Donald Trump as a publicist. Well, at least in the case of Perrilloux what Beethoven would have been if he'd had riverboat gambling to contend with.

With 14 seconds left JaMarcus Russell hits Dwayne Bowe on a five-yard touchdown pass. The game is now tied 20-20. Proving that nothing comes easy in the Les Miles era, Ole Miss blocks the extra point to send the game into overtime.

LSU kicks a field goal to win 23-20.

7. LSU 30, Mississippi State 26, 2009

Mississippi State faces a third down and less than a football length for the go-ahead score. Already State is coming off four turnovers. But all they need is a few inches for the win. On third down State's Tyson Lee attempts a pass. His receiver is wide open, but LSU's safety bats the ball down in a wild and frenzied blitz.

On 4th down, LSU stuffs Lee on the quarterback sneak. For an inexplicable reason, Lee allows his head to cross the goal line without extending the football.

Everyone who watches LSU games knows the reason is because Lee ran into the forcefield that is Les Miles's good fortune.

6. LSU 28, Tennessee 24, 2006



As you can see from the interview, Miles is unhappy to be down 10-7 at the half. But in typical Miles fashion, the Mad Hatter is unbowed by current defeat.

JaMarcus Russell and LSU convert a fourth-and-eight on the final drive. Before that play, Russell fumbles the ball, but the referee rules that his forward progress had been stopped.

With nine seconds left, Russell hums a strike across the middle of the end zone. It's caught by Early Doucet, a receiver different than the one he was throwing to.

No one is surprised.

5. LSU 20, Georgia 13, 2009

If I'd told you last week that one coach in the SEC is going to win a game by scoring a 33-yard rushing touchdown with under a minute to play and then asked any SEC fan to guess who, 100 percent would have said Les Miles.

And we all would have been correct.

4. LSU 21, Tennessee 14, 2007 SEC Championship Game

Everything about this game was improbable, from Kirk Herbstreit reporting that Les Miles was set to leave for Michigan to the fact that Ryan Perrilloux was starting at quarterback for LSU.

With eight minutes to play, Tennessee nursed a 14-13 lead and faced a fourth down. LSU picked off the pass and returned it for a score. They they converted a two-point conversion to go up 21-14.

Amazingly, despite losing the week before, every other team crumbled around LSU and the Tigers advanced to the BCS title game to take on Ohio State.

Where was the game?

The Superdome in New Orleans.

Of course it was.

3. LSU 41, Alabama 34, 2007

Facing a fourth-and-four at the Alabama 32 with just under three minutes remaining and his team down seven, Matt Flynn drops back to pass with the game on the line. He finds Early Doucet open on a crossing pattern. Doucet slips the first tackle, gains the first down, and races 32 yards for the score. Tie ballgame with 2:49 remaining.

But that's not even the most remarkable part of the game. On the ensuing series, LSU blitzes and causes John Parker Wilson to fumble. LSU recovers at the Alabama 4. Two plays later, Jacob Hester crosses the goal line.

Yep, LSU wins 41-34 by scoring two touchdowns in less than three minutes.

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=515420&pid=515419&uts=1254965096
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Latest College Football Photos
Middle Tennessee State quarterback Dwight Dasher (9) avoids the tackle of Troy's Bear Woods (48) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
AP
FR159046 AP

Latest College Football Images

    In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, TCU defensive end Jerry Hughes watches from the sidelines during the final minutes of an NCAA college football game against Texas State in Fort Worth, Texas. The transformation of Jerry Hughes from prep running back to All-American defensive end was never more evident than the picture of a skinny kid somebody taped to his locker. Now nearly 50 pounds heavier and a senior for No. 11 TCU, Hughes now looks more like a potential first-round NFL draft pick. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

    AP

    In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, TCU defensive end Jerry Hughes runs off the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas State in Fort Worth, Texas.The transformation of Jerry Hughes from prep running back to All-American defensive end was never more evident than the picture of a skinny kid somebody taped to his locker. Now nearly 50 pounds heavier and a senior for No. 11 TCU, Hughes now looks more like a potential first-round NFL draft pick. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

    AP

    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Matt Moore, a former college football player at Texas Christian attends The 24th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner benefiting The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis (national fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) at The Waldorf=Astoria on October 6, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for The Miami Project) *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore

    Getty Images for The Miami Proje

    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Matt Moore, a former college football player at Texas Christian attends The 24th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner benefiting The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis (national fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) at The Waldorf=Astoria on October 6, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for The Miami Project) *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore

    Getty Images for The Miami Proje

    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 6: Matt Moore, a former college football player at Texas Christian University, attends The 24th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner benefiting The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis (national fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) at The Waldorf-Astoria on October 6, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Brian Bedder/Getty Images for The Miami Project) *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore

    Getty Images for The Miami Proje

    Middle Tennessee State quarterback Dwight Dasher (9) avoids the tackle of Troy's Bear Woods (48) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

    AP

    Troy receiver Chip Reeves (8) celebrates with teammate Sergio Perez, rear, after scoring on a 52-yard pass reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

    AP

    Troy linebacker Boris Lee (2) breaks up a pass intended for Middle Tennessee State receiver Malcolm Beyah (4) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. At left is Troy defender Tebiarus Gill. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

    AP

    Troy running back Shawn Southward (20) reacts after scoring in the first quarter during an NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee State in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. Middle Tennessee States's Emmanuel Perez (91) and Jeremy Kellem (20) walk away. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

    AP

    Troy receiver Chip Reeves (8) is pursued by Middle Tennessee State's Marcus Udell (3) on a 52-yard touchdown reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

    AP



2. LSU 28, Florida 24, 2007

Miles goes for it on fourth down five times. Every single one is successful, including two for touchdowns. In fact, LSU scores four touchdowns on the night. Every single touchdown includes a fourth-down conversion.

Stop just one of them and Florida wins.

Asked to explain what coaching against Miles on these plays was like, Urban Meyer grimaced. "Very frustrating," he said, "very frustrating."

1. LSU 30, Auburn 24, 2007



This play, more than any other, is the one that has defined Les Miles. Eschewing a timeout, Matt Flynn took the snap with the clock running and eight seconds remaining. He heaved a pass into the end zone and LSU scored with one second left. Had Demetrius Byrd bobbled the pass, LSU might have run out of time. They only needed a field goal to tie. Later, Miles brushes off criticism of the play call, saying the team had plenty of time left.

Come Saturday, odds are, we're talking about a new miracle. In fact, perhaps it's even worth coining a term. Meet the Milesacle.

Miracle Miles Goes On and On for LSU originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Clay TravisWed, 07 Oct 2009 22:00:00 EST Tim Tebow Returns to Practicehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/tim-tebow-returns-to-practice/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/tim-tebow-returns-to-practice/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/tim-tebow-returns-to-practice/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Its a simple headline but the implications are immense. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow returned to practice -- albeit in a limited manner -- Tuesday. This more than a week after a concussion against Kentucky left him a physical, hospitalized mess on national television. Florida has yet to publicly name Tebow's backup John Brantley the starter ahead of this week's game against LSU.

Its probably head games, but even if Tebow is 'cleared' Florida would have to be insane to play him. Head injuries are no joke and Tebow has well earned that baby rhinocerus nickname. Mix in his all-out style with LSU's terrific hitting and its an easy call: sit him. LSU is prepared for either quarterback and delaying only makes Meyer look desperate while potentially undermining Brantley before his first career start.

Similar delay arguably affected how USC quarterback Aaron Corp performed while the program stalled hoping freshman Matt Barkley's shoulder would improve in time for the eventual defeat against Washington. It didn't improve, Barkley never took a throw until Friday walk throughs when all game prep had already been handled, and Corp bombed when USC waited until the start of the game to acknowledge him the starter.

Brantley is no Tebow, but he's had plenty of live game reps and several years in the system. There's simply no preparation for going into Death Valley at night, but being a Florida quarterback means knowing that is on the horizon at some point in one's career, which is about as much prep as anyone can have. If his nerves are right, Brantley will be fine.

Tim Tebow Returns to Practice originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Aaron+CorpJohn+BrantleyMatt+BarkleyTim+TebowBrian GrummellTue, 06 Oct 2009 18:19:00 EST LSU Fans Have John Brantley's Numberhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/lsu-fans-have-john-brantleys-number/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/lsu-fans-have-john-brantleys-number/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/lsu-fans-have-john-brantleys-number/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Florida hasn't hit the field to play LSU, but already the Tigers have Gator quarterback John Brantley's number. His cell phone number, in fact. Yes, those crazy Cajuns have struck again, discovering the phone number of projected Gators starting quarterback John Brantley and doing pesky things with it like you'd expect an amateur fan base to do.

This is sort of old hat for LSU, as its fans also figured out how to reach out and touch opponents such as Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson and Georgia back Knowshon Moreno. They're rumored to have also discovered the numbers for several other Florida players and even coach Urban Meyer. At this rate they're probably not to far from reaching President Barack Obama with a different kind of 3 AM call if his health care push upsets them too much.
Actually, they could probably take a lesson the president is fast learning -- sometimes the more you're seen, the less effective you are as prestige diminishes. After the stunt's initial victory over Tebow's Gators in 2007, they've dropped the last two such crank call games, the targeted players defiantly making on field 'call me' gestures. They could definitely lose on Saturday, leaving a smoldering mess of the perceived effectiveness of the phone stalk.

This is one of those rare times I'm with Dr. Saturday and calling for an end to this silly stuff. It was funny if outrageous the first time, increasingly desperate, depraved and amateur once escalated.

LSU Fans Have John Brantley's Number originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Barack ObamaJohn BrantleyJohn Parker WilsonKnowshon MorenoUrban MeyerBrian GrummellTue, 06 Oct 2009 16:15:00 EST Tebow or Brantley? LSU to Adjusthttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/tebow-or-brantley-lsu-to-adjust/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/tebow-or-brantley-lsu-to-adjust/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/tebow-or-brantley-lsu-to-adjust/#commentsFiled under: , ,

OK, so we know that Tim Tebow has been cleared to act like Tim Tebow. He can go to class, he can watch TV and game tape, he can tolerate bright lights and he doesn't have a headache. That was Florida coach Urban Meyer's latest medical update Monday concerning his recovering quarterback as the top-ranked Gators prepare for Saturday's showdown at No. 4 LSU.

While the big question remains -- when will Tebow be cleared to play football after suffering a concussion late in the third quarter against Kentucky two weekends ago? -- LSU coach Les Miles says the Tigers are prepping to face either Tebow or his backup, John Brantley.

"I am told that Brantley has good feet and can move it and run the football as well," Miles said Monday.

"Their offense has great, strategic definition, and I suspect that they'll do similar things. They'll speak to the talents of the guys that they have, but we're going to prepare for the Florida offense and adjust that feel based on who's the quarterback."

With Tebow's status still uncertain, the Gators are preparing Brantley for his first career start. Meyer continues to stress the Gators have plenty of confidence in Brantley, who has completed 22 of 30 passes for 232 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions this season. His 182.3 passer rating is the best in the nation of any quarterback with at least 30 pass attempts.

Miles believes.

"... We're going to prepare for the Florida offense and adjust that feel based on who's the quarterback." "He's a very talented passer," said Miles, who also admitted the Tigers would love to compete against Tebow if he was healthy and capable. "He's a guy who has quick feet. He'll fit right in there and understand that offense very well. He executes it like the starter."

Naturally, the hype has already started to build for the game, which will be the highest-ranked matchup in Tiger Stadium since No. 1 LSU beat No. 3 Ole Miss, 7-3, in 1959. It's also the first top-10 match-up in Tiger Stadium since 2007, when No. 1 LSU beat No. 9 Florida, 28-24. While LSU was drummed, 51-21, by UF at The Swamp last season, the Tigers have won three of the past give games against the Gators.

Traditionally, the bewitching hour begins at midnight and is the time when all kinds of strange and otherworldly things may happen. Once the sun dips in Baton Rouge, La., however, Tiger Stadium comes to life.

With the game scheduled for an 8 p.m. ET kickoff, the late-night mystique of Tiger Stadium will be oft-debated this week. LSU has won 32 straight Saturday night games in Tiger Stadium, and 21 consecutive night games -- LSU's last night loss in Tiger Stadium was against Tennessee on a Monday night in 2005 (30-27 in overtime).

"I don't know if there is any place like it in America," Miles said.

"Now, that certainly enhances the home-team advantage, and our guys play to the passion of that stadium and become very competitive in that environment. There are (many memories) and probably too numerous to name and would take a little bit of the magic away if you tried to identify them too fully."

Magic aside, this fact remains: there are questions concerning whether the Tigers have played their best yet.

They needed last scores to shake Washington and Vanderbilt in their first two games. They needed a late goal-line stand to survive at Mississippi State, and they needed a pair of late fourth-quarter touchdowns to escape at Georgia last week. Their only breather was a 31-3 win over Louisiana-Lafayette.

The Gators, meanwhile, have won 14 consecutive games, the longest winning streak in program history and longest active winning streak in the nation.

They rank first in the SEC and in the nation in total defense (212.8 yards per game), pass efficiency defense (75.3 rating), rushing offense (307.5), and passing efficiency (173.9 rating). They also rank No. 1 in the conference in scoring offense (45.5), pass defense (120), scoring defense (7.3), total offense (526.3) and kickoff returns (34.5).

They also have Tebow. Well sort of, at the moment.

Meyer has said he's not certain how late would be too late for Tebow to play in Saturday night's game.

"That's a hard question. I can't answer," Meyer said. "Can Tim play quarterback at Florida against a very good defense without practicing? I don't know that. That's something we'll (determine) as we move on."

Meyer also believes that Brantley is prepared to step in as a starter, citing his improved maturity.
Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook


"There is so much to playing quarterback," Meyer said.

"It's more than catching the snap and throwing the ball. That's obviously a big part of it, but you've got to call the plays in a tough environment. We've been practicing with crowd noise all week. It's just the management of the game. You've got 10 other guys looking at you for the play call. You've got to execute the offense, much like the Mike linebacker on defense.

"A year ago, he wasn't a good presence in the huddle or a good presence on the sideline, but that's much different now. Even with Tim playing, our backup quarterback is very involved in the whole mechanics of getting the play call in and the discussion on the sideline. Johnny is very well prepared to take that next step."

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=515420&pid=515419&uts=1254845745
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Latest College Football Photos
In this Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 photo, Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden is shown walking the sideline during the second half against Boston College of an NCAA college football game at Alumni Stadium in Boston. Boston College won 28-21. The chairman of the Florida State University trustees wants Bobby Bowden to retire at the end of this season. Jim Smith said Monday, oct. 5, 2009, the arrangement with Bowden as head coach and his successor, Jimbo Fisher, as offensive coordinator isn't working. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
AP
FR6006 AP

Latest College Football Images

    Miami defensive back Corey Nelms (38) tackles Oklahoma running back Mossis Madu during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 in Miami. Miami defeated Oklahoma 21-20. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

    AP

    In this photo taken Sept. 12, 2009, Illinois' QB Eddie McGee (10) heads down field against Illinois State during the second half of the NCAA college football game at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill. Illinois will start backup quarterback Eddie McGee on Saturday against Michigan State instead of Juice Williams. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

    AP

    In this photo taken Oct. 3, 2009, Illinois' quarterback Juice Williams (7) scrambles out of the pocket against Penn State during the first half of the NCAA college football game in Champaign, Ill. Illinois will start backup quarterback Eddie McGee on Saturday against Michigan State instead of Juice Williams. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

    AP

    In this Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 photo, Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden is shown walking the sideline during the second half against Boston College of an NCAA college football game at Alumni Stadium in Boston. Boston College won 28-21. The chairman of the Florida State University trustees wants Bobby Bowden to retire at the end of this season. Jim Smith said Monday, oct. 5, 2009, the arrangement with Bowden as head coach and his successor, Jimbo Fisher, as offensive coordinator isn't working. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

    AP

    In this photo made Oct. 3, 2009, Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher makes a call during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College at Alumni Stadium in Boston. Boston College won 28-21. The chairman of the Florida State University trustees wants Bobby Bowden to retire at the end of this season. Jim Smith said Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, the arrangement with Bowden as head coach and his successor, Jimbo Fisher, as offensive coordinator isn't working. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

    AP

    Washington State running back Logwone Mitz, top, attempts to leap in for a touchdown but is stopped short by the Oregon defensive during the second half of their NCAA college football game in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009. Oregon beat Washington 52-6.

    Don Ryan, AP

    In this Oct. 3, 2009 photograph, Mississippi State linebacker K.J. Wright (34) attempts to block a first half pass by Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt (9) during their NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss. Josh Nesbitt is making it tough on defensive coordinators. The Georgia Tech quarterback did a little bit of everything the last two weeks, baffling defenses in wins over Mississippi State and North Carolina. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

    AP

    Stanford running back Toby Gerhart (7) scores a touchdown past UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner (1) in the first quarter of their NCAA football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

    AP

    Houston quarterback Case Keenum and UTEP defender Aaron King chase a fumble during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 in El Paso, Texas. Keenum was unable to recover the ball and it was instead picked up by UTEP's Roddray Walker and run 70 yards for a touchdown. (AP Photo/Victor Calzada)

    AP

    Houston's Brandon Brinkley agonized after UTEP's Donald Buckram scored his fourth touchdown of the evening during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 in El Paso, Texas. UTEP linemen celebrated with Buckram in the background. (AP Photo/Victor Calzada)

    AP

Tebow or Brantley? LSU to Adjust originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>les milesLesMilesTim TebowTimTebowurban meyerUrbanMeyerJim HenryTue, 06 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST Starting 11: Les Miles Can't Losehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/05/starting-11-les-miles-cant-lose/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/05/starting-11-les-miles-cant-lose/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/05/starting-11-les-miles-cant-lose/#commentsFiled under:

Les Miles is the most confident man in America. It doesn't matter what situation he faces, Miles believes he will triumph. What's more, he believes that everyone around him will win as well. Little Bighorn? Miles slays the Native Americans and rises to prominence on the Bull Moose ticket. Gettysburg? Miles takes Cemetery Ridge during Miles's Charge and the country remains divided forever (Or it would be one nation with Waffle Houses everywhere). Put Les Miles in charge of any losing proposition in the annals of history and he single-handedly swings the result the other way.

Meet the new college calculus: Les Miles + impossible eventuality = probable eventuality.

I'm going to write on this later this week, but until then, just keep our new equation in mind as we dive into the ClayNation Starting 11.

1. Seriously, is there a luckier man in America than LSU's Les Miles?

Even though we led off the opening with him, he needs to be our first prong of the ClayNation Starting 11.

Last week I said I keep waiting for him to call neither heads nor tails at the pregame coin toss and see the coin land on its side. This week I'm even more convinced this could happen.

Why?

His team scored on a 33-yard touchdown run with under 50 seconds to play. What's more, it was his second consecutive rushing play. It was second-and-five when they scored.

And it's not even like Charles Scott had been gouging Georgia all afternoon. At that point, Scott had 18 carries for 62 yards, an average of 3.4 yards per play. If the average carry happens on that play, the clock is running, and you're facing a third-and-two, with a field goal still in the neighborhood of 47 yards. What's the third down play then? I can't even fathom the thought process. But of course we didn't get there. LSU scored on a running play from 33 yards away.

Seriously, think about this, have you ever seen a trailing team score with under a minute to play on a running play from this distance?

I thought about this all day Sunday. I'm not sure it's ever happened before. Yet, when I saw it happen for LSU, I wasn't even surprised.

Meet Les Miles.
Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook

2. Michigan State beats Michigan for the second year in a row.

Congrats to State, but I'm confused, how will Sports Illustrated use this as evidence that sports are making unemployed Michiganders feel better?

Didn't one Michigan team just beat another one? Where's the happy storyline? I've got no job, my house is underwater and I can't sell it, but at least my team won.

Seriously, this is beyond overplayed.

3. The celebration penalty needs to be reexamined.

Last year we had Jake Locker, this year we had A.J. Green, the best player in college football who is getting no attention from the national media.




Look at the above video sent in by a reader. What does A.J. Green do that deserves the penalty? Yes, he drew attention to himself. By catching a would-be winning touchdown pass with a little over a minute to play. Which is kind of expected, right? After all, when you're playing in front of 90,000 people doesn't playing the game itself qualify as drawing attention to yourself?

Which brings to this, asking old referees to classify "drawing attention to yourself" is one of the dumbest phrases in the rulebook. It's not like A.J. Green hoisted Uga onto his shoulders and made out with a cheerleader while giving the throat slash gesture and simultaneously waving the Georgia flag.

There's too much discretion given to the referees with this rule. Especially when the refs exercise their discretion in this manner.

By the way, without A.J. Green, Georgia is 0-5.

4. Curb Your Enthusiasm is too much of a Sunday treat after college football and the NFL.

The last two episodes have been among the best back-to-back shows in series history. And that's truly saying something. I'm going to confess to being a bit disappointed that this show happens in the fall, though. And Sunday on top of it.

I just wish we could unspool television's limited resources more equitably. Like, say, in the month of June. There is nothing to watch on television for the entire month then.

And don't even get me started on Justin Bobby's new beard. That thing singlehandedly laid Kristin Cavallari.

5. How does Virginia Tech pass Boise State after beating Duke by eight?

Can I throw an early flag for team that the pollsters are rewarding more than any other? Boise State is undefeated. Virginia Tech gives up 359 yards passing to Duke and passes Boise. Right now Virginia Tech is overrated.

Why does this matter? Because it suggests that several pollsters have decided that Boise has hit the non-power conference glass ceiling. Last week they were No. 4, now they've been passed by their first team with a single loss. The precedent has been set in the poll that one-loss teams beneath Boise can jump over them. Does anyone really believe that if Florida loses to LSU, they'll fall beneath Boise? I don't think so. In fact, I think Florida would only fall to No. 4.

Virginia Tech's high ranking is also raising some intriguing poll issues, what if Alabama loses to Ole Miss this weekend in Oxford? Can you really justify Virginia Tech being ranked above Bama given the fact that the two teams just played five weeks ago?

I don't think so.

Thank the BCS for this mess.

6. Arkansas and Bobby Petrino pasted undefeated Texas A&M. Is Mike Sherman back on the hot seat?

I think so. Three early wins had taken him off for the time-being. But this new loss has him right back there. Especially with the upcoming schedule that A&M plays. Does 7-5 keep Sherman safe? Probably. 6-6? Who knows.

With Tommy Tuberville out there lurking, there may not be a safe win total. Yep, Tuberville has become Petrino. I'm halfway expecting for there to be midnight plane rides to meet him.

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=515420&pid=515419&uts=1254774298
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Latest College Football Photos
In this Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 photo, Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden is shown walking the sideline during the second half against Boston College of an NCAA college football game at Alumni Stadium in Boston. Boston College won 28-21. The chairman of the Florida State University trustees wants Bobby Bowden to retire at the end of this season. Jim Smith said Monday, oct. 5, 2009, the arrangement with Bowden as head coach and his successor, Jimbo Fisher, as offensive coordinator isn't working. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
AP
FR6006 AP

Latest College Football Images

    In this photo taken Sept. 12, 2009, Illinois' QB Eddie McGee (10) heads down field against Illinois State during the second half of the NCAA college football game at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill. Illinois will start backup quarterback Eddie McGee on Saturday against Michigan State instead of Juice Williams. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

    AP

    In this photo taken Oct. 3, 2009, Illinois' quarterback Juice Williams (7) scrambles out of the pocket against Penn State during the first half of the NCAA college football game in Champaign, Ill. Illinois will start backup quarterback Eddie McGee on Saturday against Michigan State instead of Juice Williams. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

    AP

    In this Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 photo, Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden is shown walking the sideline during the second half against Boston College of an NCAA college football game at Alumni Stadium in Boston. Boston College won 28-21. The chairman of the Florida State University trustees wants Bobby Bowden to retire at the end of this season. Jim Smith said Monday, oct. 5, 2009, the arrangement with Bowden as head coach and his successor, Jimbo Fisher, as offensive coordinator isn't working. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

    AP

    In this photo made Oct. 3, 2009, Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher makes a call during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College at Alumni Stadium in Boston. Boston College won 28-21. The chairman of the Florida State University trustees wants Bobby Bowden to retire at the end of this season. Jim Smith said Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, the arrangement with Bowden as head coach and his successor, Jimbo Fisher, as offensive coordinator isn't working. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

    AP

    Washington State running back Logwone Mitz, top, attempts to leap in for a touchdown but is stopped short by the Oregon defensive during the second half of their NCAA college football game in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009. Oregon beat Washington 52-6.

    Don Ryan, AP

    In this Oct. 3, 2009 photograph, Mississippi State linebacker K.J. Wright (34) attempts to block a first half pass by Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt (9) during their NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss. Josh Nesbitt is making it tough on defensive coordinators. The Georgia Tech quarterback did a little bit of everything the last two weeks, baffling defenses in wins over Mississippi State and North Carolina. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

    AP

    Stanford running back Toby Gerhart (7) scores a touchdown past UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner (1) in the first quarter of their NCAA football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

    AP

    Houston quarterback Case Keenum and UTEP defender Aaron King chase a fumble during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 in El Paso, Texas. Keenum was unable to recover the ball and it was instead picked up by UTEP's Roddray Walker and run 70 yards for a touchdown. (AP Photo/Victor Calzada)

    AP

    Houston's Brandon Brinkley agonized after UTEP's Donald Buckram scored his fourth touchdown of the evening during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 in El Paso, Texas. UTEP linemen celebrated with Buckram in the background. (AP Photo/Victor Calzada)

    AP

    UTEP defender Roddray Walker sprints 70 yards for touchdown after recovering a Houston fumble during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 in El Paso, Texas. (AP Photo/Victor Calzada)

    AP



7. Houston loses to UTEP? Even though Case Keenum throws 76 pass attempts for 536 yards and five touchdowns.

76 passes? That's more than Georgia Tech will attempt in half a season. That's unbelievable.

What's even more unbelievable? They still lost despite those stats.

More amazing than that? He only got sacked once. How does that happen? A guy drops back to pass 76 times and the UTEP defense only gets to him one time? And they still win? How frustrating must this have been for the defensive line.

8. At 2AM Saturday morning, I found myself riding in the bed of a pickup truck on Knoxville's strip.

My friend Tardio was also back there with me. We were heading to a new bar. As we sit idling in traffic, a bum walks up next to us. We're both freezing. Evidently, it's now cold outside.

"Y'all got a quarter?" he asks, scratching his beard, as he surveys us sitting in the truck.

"No," we say.

"You better keep your heads down, it's illegal to ride back there."

We scrunch lower into the pick-up truck, arms wrapped across our chests, shivering. Tardio turns to me. "We're lawyers taking legal advice from a bum," he says.

"Who you like between Auburn and Tennessee," I ask?

"Auburn," says the bum.

9. Miami takes down Oklahoma 21-20.

I always enjoy watching the student section at Miami football games because it confirms my thesis on the school. Namely, Miami's student body has the least in common with their football team than any other athletic team in the country. Miami is a small, rich, private school in affluent Coral Gables that enrolls rich white kids from all over the East Coast.

Then their football team has a large number of poor, black inner-city kids. That's fine, and it's good to provide opportunity to deserving kids, but how much of a culture shock must this be for the kids on the football team to be surrounded by this student body?

I want to do a list of these schools, where the dichotomy is greatest, between athlete and student body. Georgetown basketball is No. 2.

10. In the wake of the latest Seminole debacle against Boston College, is Florida State going to become the first school to kick their coach-in-waiting to the curb?

Especially if someone like Mark Richt is interested in leaving Georgia?

I think they might. Then maybe coordinators will start thinking twice about this set-up. While a guy like Jimbo Fisher gets a decent payday, he also loses years of head coaching that would have made him more money. Once one school pulls this move, then the door is open for others to consider it.

I don't think most fans have given it much thought, but once it happens it will turn into a huge story. Uneasy lies the head-in-waiting that wears the contractually obligated crown.

11. Why do I feel like the video of Lane Kiffin attempting to go for two when Tennessee scored on the final play of the game against Auburn is going to haunt me in years in to come?

To bring it full circle, the Tennessee fan inside me is hoping that Kiffin's going for two move will end up just like Les Miles' much ridiculed attempt to call a timeout after intercepting a pass in the Hurricane Katrina moved Tennessee game back in 2005.

Miles ended up winning a national title two years later. Why? Because he told the national title championship trophy he was going to win it.

Even after losing twice to teams with records that were .500 or worse in the SEC.

Starting 11: Les Miles Can't Lose originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>aj greenles milesClay TravisMon, 05 Oct 2009 22:00:00 EST A.J. Green Hero, Goat for Bulldogshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/a-j-green-hero-goat-for-bulldogs/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/a-j-green-hero-goat-for-bulldogs/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/a-j-green-hero-goat-for-bulldogs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times for the nearly unstoppable force that is Georgia receiver A.J. Green. After scorching Arkansas (137 yards, two touchdowns) and Arizona State (153 yards, touchdown) in consecutive weeks, Green mixed in a third consecutive dose of awesome (99 yards, touchdown) in catching a leaping touchdown to give Georgia a 13-12 lead over LSU with just over a minute left on Saturday. Then, while being mobbed by teammates he somehow drew a celebration penalty, going 'Locker 2.0' on his teammates.

The penalty was crucial, contributing to a lengthy kick return by LSU's superfast dwarf, Trindon Holliday. Holliday took the kick to the Bulldogs' 42 yard line, almost into field goal position. LSU back Charles Scott did him one better, shedding several tackles on the way to a 33-yard touchdown run several plays later for the eventual 20-13 margin. Effectively, that was ballgame despite Georgia thoroughly dominating the second half in escaping the hole of a nearly game-long 6-0 deficit.

For good measure, Scott's equally mundane celebration -- he dropped the ball in the end zone and pointed both arms into the stands -- also netted a celebration flag. Whatever, the damage was already done. Neither celebration, from what was presented on television, merited such a dire penalty especially given the game atmosphere.

This writeup commenced with the opening line from Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities and well, the game was a tale of two halves. LSU dominated the first half in building a 6-0 lead while dismantling the Dawgs' offense. However, Georgia opened the second half snagging three consecutive sacks to throttle LSU's first possession. They later took the game over with an 18-play, 60-yard, seven-minute touchdown drive spanning into the fourth quarter that gave them a shocking 7-6 lead. Georgia converted several consecutive third downs on the drive, frustrating the Tigers' defense while eating up the clock.

In the end it was wasted motion, Green's soaring catch (redemption after having two similar 50/50 balls broken up earlier in the game) being the high water mark that quickly sewed their demise.

Of little consolation but perhaps major future dividends for Georgia, the appearance of freshman back Washaun Ealey sporting Knowshon Moreno's No. 24, seemed to spark the offense. His numbers were pedestrian (4.1 yards/carry, 33 yards) but he ran hard and the offense responded to his style. Established veterans Caleb King and Richard Samuel have been uninspiring, leaving Ealey a window from which to build a case he should be the team's lead back.

Meanwhile, LSU earned the victory and remain undefeated but confirmed many peoples' suspicion that as of right now, they're not a top-five team. The date with Florida next Saturday will go a long way to confirm or deny those suspicions, but for this week, they earn a slight downgrade if folks are being honest about the Tigers.
Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook

A.J. Green Hero, Goat for Bulldogs originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>A.J. GreenCaleb KingCharles ScottJake LockerKnowshon MorenoRichard SamuelTrindon HollidayWashaun EaleyBrian GrummellSat, 03 Oct 2009 20:42:00 EST LSU Beats Georgia in Stunning Finishhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/lsu-beats-uga-with-last-minute-drive/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/lsu-beats-uga-with-last-minute-drive/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/lsu-beats-uga-with-last-minute-drive/#commentsFiled under: ,

ATHENS, Ga.(AP) -- Charles Scott scored on a 33-yard run with 46 seconds remaining to cap a wild finish that gave No. 4 LSU a 20-13 victory over 18th-ranked Georgia on Saturday.

Neither team reached the end zone through the first three quarters, but the teams traded touchdowns back and forth over the final three minutes before the Tigers (5-0, 3-0 SEC) came out on top in their second straight close call.

With Georgia (3-2, 2-1 SEC) ahead 7-6 after finally scoring in the opening minute of the fourth period, LSU reclaimed the lead, 12-7, on Scott's 2-yard run with 2:53 remaining. The Bulldogs bounced back on Joe Randle 16-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Green with 1:09 left, going up 13-12 before missing a 2-point conversion.

But LSU, starting in good field position after an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Georgia, was already in field goal range when Scott broke two tackles at the line and went all the way to the end zone.

Next week, LSU hosts top-ranked Florida.

No one could have expected such a finish after the teams settled into a defensive struggle, Georgia weathering a dominating performance by LSU in the first half to only trail 6-0.

Georgia dominated the third quarter, sparked by a hard-rushing defense that sacked Jordan Jefferson six times, and the hard running of freshman Washaun Ealey, who gained 33 yards on eight carries in his first college appearance.

Cox hooked up with Orson Charles on a 22-yard reception, and Georgia recovered even after Charles was dubiously flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for pumping his right fist after making the big catch.

The Bulldogs got it to the 1 on a pass to Michael Moore, who came up just short of the goal line. On fourth-and-inches, Georgia decided to go. Cox faked a handoff to Caleb King, then spotted fullback Shaun Chapas, who made the touchdown catch while falling backward to give Georgia its first lead of the game.
Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook

But that catch was overshadowed by the ending.

Jefferson completed a 16-yard pass on third down to Rueben Randle, hit Scott on a screen for another 16 yards, and got loose down the sideline for a 27-yard run that set up Scott's first TD. LSU went for the 2-point conversion, but Jefferson was sacked again.

Trailing 12-7, Georgia quickly drove downfield. Tavarres King got loose behind the secondary and hauled in a 46-yard pass from Cox. One play later, the senior quarterback threw it for grabs in the end zone and Green reached over cornerback Chris Hawkins to snatch the ball before tumbling into Sanford Stadium's famous hedge.

But, with the crowd going nuts, Georgia was flagged again for excessive celebration. The Bulldogs missed their 2-point try, then had to kick off from their 15. Trindon Holliday returned it to the Georgia 43, and a 5-yard penalty for an illegal formation pushed LSU even closer.

Two plays later, Scott appeared stopped at the line by Rennie Curran and Marcus Dowtin. But the LSU runner stayed on his feet and didn't stop until he was in the end zone.

Scott rushed for 95 yards on 19 carries, while Jefferson was 18 of 27 for 212 yards. Cox completed 18 of 34 for 229 yards, including five passes for 99 yards to Green.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

LSU Beats Georgia in Stunning Finish originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>charles scottgeorgiaFanHouse NewswireSat, 03 Oct 2009 19:23:00 EST Is NCAA Guilty of Excessive Sportsmanship?http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/is-ncaa-guilty-of-excessive-sportsmanship/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/is-ncaa-guilty-of-excessive-sportsmanship/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/is-ncaa-guilty-of-excessive-sportsmanship/#commentsFiled under: ,

AJ GreenA.J. Green's voice was flat as he explained exactly what had happened after he momentarily turned the gravity off in Sanford Stadium to rise over LSU cornerback Chris Hawkins and catch what, in a world ruled by common sense, might've been the game winning touchdown.

"I was just trying to celebrate with my team," Green said of his reaction after putting Georgia ahead 13-12 with 1:09 left. "Then I guess they threw a flag."

Georgia's star wide receiver wasn't so much upset as he was deadpan as he apologized for an error he never made.

Fortunately for Green, there were no SEC referees lurking in the locker room. He might've been penalized for excessive sadness. Or perhaps excessive apologizing. Either would've been just as ridiculous as the celebration penalty.

"I don't know what happened," Georgia coach Mark Richt said after the game. "I can't hardly make a comment. I'm sad that it happened. I hope our boys weren't taunting anybody. I guess you can't get too excited too long or they throw a rag on you."

Perhaps this will help, Coach; the SEC later released a statement clarifying the referee's decision.

''Following a brief team celebration," the statement said, "Green made a gesture to the crowd calling attention to himself.''

Which is important. Certainly, the 6-foot-4 wide receiver that went up a cornerback's posterior like had a ladder attached to his cleats and then hovered like a subject from the Absent Minded Professor's flubber experiment would've been missed otherwise.

New law, officials: If you can cheat the rules of physics, you should be allowed to cheat the laws of sportsmanship. At least temporarily.

Of course, that's exactly what was so galling about the penalty. It wasn't excessive. Green didn't Riverdance his way out of Chad Ochocinco's playbook or turn and trash talk his opponents.

He just celebrated, exactly what you would expect a kid to do after making the grab of a career. And everyone in the stadium knew it. At least everyone not wearing stripes.

"I don't know about the excessive celebration for Georgia," LSU coach Les Miles said. "I have always instructed my team to turn their backs on someone if they were to celebrate."

The flag led to Georgia kicking off from its own 15, which led to Trindon Holliday's Roadrunner act on the kick return, which then allowed LSU to run the ball in the final minute rather than pass it, which was fortunate for the Tigers considering Georgia already had half a dozen sacks. And so, two plays later, Charles Scott crashed through a tackle at the line of scrimmage and ran 33 more yards without a hand on him for the game-winning touchdown.

Then Miss Manners, er, the referees struck again. After Scott scored, he -- cover your children's ears -- pointed at the crowd.

Fifteen yards. Excessive makeup call.

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
Of course, people have celebrated an extra checkout line opening at the supermarket more emphatically than Scott celebrated his touchdown. If that's excessive, then every player that scores a touchdown should be required to trade the ball for a Xanax.

The game would end three plays later when Joe Cox threw an interception.

The Bulldogs didn't lose because of a bad call. The field position likely altered LSU's playcalling, but Scott's run would've scored from 33 yards out or 330 yards out. No, Georgia lost because they didn't have Holliday running back the kickoff into field goal range. They lost because they didn't have a backfield threat as good as Scott. The lost because they only had Green. And even though he might be the best player in the SEC, he wasn't enough to help Georgia past a superior opponent.

But that doesn't make the referee's decision any saner, nor does it mean Richt shouldn't be on the phone tearing into the SEC's head of officials ears like he was a telemarketer that called during dinner time.

If anyone even cares. In a sport already riddled with controversy -- the BCS, Big Six cronyism, Notre Dame's most favored program status - this is just another problem to add to the long list.

In college football, it's always about the controversy and never about the answer. It's a designed chaos to keep people on the edge of their seats and tuning in every week. There is no grand conspiracy here, of course. SEC referees made a bad call. But no one connected to the business side of college football is pausing reflectively over their martini to weep for Georgia.

More controversy. More interest. That's college football.

But this controversy needs to end here. And so does the NCAA's drive to become the great paragon of sportsmanship first and a competitive athletic association second. From the syrupy sportsmanship commercials to the over-the-top full-team handshakes before games in Week 1 (which, by the way, preceded the game in which LeGarrette Blount sucker-punched his way into infamy), the NCAA has gone so far beyond the pale to where nothing could be worse than a celebration. The idea is laudable. Sportsmanship absolutely is important, but so too is understanding that not every player has the personality and temperament of Barry Sanders. So too, by the way, is winning football games, something these players prepare for year round, rather than being a billboard.

Football is a game of passion in which guys like Scott have to gear themselves up to run into men the size of Kias that want nothing more than to make SportsCenter for dislodging as many of your bones as possible.

So when they're a little fired up at the end of the game, is it too much to ask to cut them a little slack? Sure, they might violate the letter of the law in a rule book, but ask a defensive lineman how many times they call holding exactly as it's written in the book. It's not just knowing the rules that makes a good official, It's knowing how to apply them.

Will it really corrupt the moral fiber of youth football if Green celebrates with his teammates after they've finally fought and clawed for the lead?

This, of course, isn't the first time that high spirits have gotten a team in trouble.

Last year, Washington's Jake Locker tried to put a football in orbit after scoring -- straight into the air and without any mockery of BYU, unless they were deniers of the axiom that everything goes up must come down -- but was flagged and the ensuing long-range extra point was blocked. BYU held on for the win. As it turned out for winless Washington, they probably should've been allowed to do anything short of animal sacrifice on the field for winning a game last year.

But they lost. Not because they didn't play hard enough or well enough. But because in a moment of great personal triumph, Locker celebrated by tossing the ball. He didn't trash talk. He didn't show up his opponents. He merely got caught up in the moment.

Why can't anyone think of the children?

The lesson: Always be afraid to let your emotions show, young ones, lest you be punished for making someone feel bad.
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=515420&pid=515419&uts=1254630534
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Latest College Football Photos
Miami's Joel Figueroa (61) and Travis Benjamin celebrate after Benjamin scored the second touchdown of the third quarter against Oklahoma during NCAA college football action Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 in Miami. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)
AP
AP

Latest College Football Images

    South Carolina's Stephen Garcia looks on from the sidelines during the fourth quarter against South Carolina State in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Garcia threw two touchdown passes and scored a touchdown as South Carolina defeated South Carolina State 38-14. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

    AP

    Miami's Dedrick Epps (18) celebrates as he scores a third-quarter touchdown against Oklahoma during NCAA college football action Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 in Miami. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery(1) and Moe Brown (9) celebrate Jeffery's touchdown as South Carolina defeated South Carolina State 38-14 in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

    AP

    Miami's Joel Figueroa (61) and Travis Benjamin celebrate after Benjamin scored the second touchdown of the third quarter against Oklahoma during NCAA college football action Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 in Miami. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

    AP

    Washington State defender Terrance Hayward breaks up the pass intended for Oregon receiver Jamere Holland during the first half of their NCAA college football game in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

    AP

    TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 03: Wide receiver James Rodgers #8 of the Oregon State Beavers runs with the ball after a reception past Terell Carr #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Tempe, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the Sun Devils 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** James Rodgers;Terell Carr

    Getty Images

    TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 03: Wide receiver Damola Adeniji #80 of the Oregon State Beavers runs with the ball after a reception past Terell Carr #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Tempe, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the Sun Devils 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Damola Adeniji;Terell Carr

    Getty Images

    TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 03: Head coach Dennis Erickson talks with quarterback Danny Sullivan #15 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the college football game against the Oregon State Beavers at Sun Devil Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Tempe, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the Sun Devils 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Danny Sullivan;Dennis Erickson

    Getty Images

    TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 03: Runningback Dimitri Nance #31 of the Arizona State Sun Devils rushes the ball against the Oregon State Beavers during the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Tempe, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the Sun Devils 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dimitri Nance

    Getty Images

    TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 03: The Arizona State Sun Devils and the Oregon State Beavers compete in the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Tempe, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the Sun Devils 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

    Getty Images



Yet when Notre Dame played Michigan State, Irish receiver Golden Tate dove into the Spartan band like he was the opening act at Lollapalooza and wasn't flagged for excessive celebration. Perhaps the referees rightly ruled that a little exuberance is part of competitive sports, as they should've Saturday for Green and Scott. Or perhaps they realized that a high-speed collision with cement is more penalty than any flag.

Why even punish the team on the field for an act that gains no advantage and doesnt' detract from the game? If it's not a glaring sportsmanship issue that demands immediate punishment, why not settle it during the week? Force the player to do community service, spend Tuesdays listening to Joe Paterno's stories of the old days, or heck, do some real good for the world and get them on a letter writing campaign to eradicate Cotton-Eyed Joe from sports stadiums everywhere.

When did the NCAA get so caught up in forcing kids to be role models that it forget to let its players be kids every once in a while?

There's a difference between throat slashing or debating the less than wholesome ways someone's mother may make a living -- actions that deserve an immediate and severe penalty -- and just celebrating because you made the play of the season. This wasn't Kentucky dancing over a kayoed Tim Tebow or even these same Bulldogs doing a team dance in the end zone against Florida two years ago.

This was a kid who just made the play of his team's season and just wanted to celebrate a little.

And had common sense instead of college football ruled, everybody in the stadium would've known it.

Is NCAA Guilty of Excessive Sportsmanship? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>aj greenRay HollomanSat, 03 Oct 2009 18:42:00 EST SEC Notebook: LSU a Tale of 2 Tigershttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/01/sec-notebook-lsus-season-a-tale-of-two-tigers/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/01/sec-notebook-lsus-season-a-tale-of-two-tigers/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/01/sec-notebook-lsus-season-a-tale-of-two-tigers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

LSUWill the real LSU please stand up?

Fourth-ranked LSU is between the hedges Saturday at No. 18 Georgia in a pivotal SEC showdown. Not only are the Tigers looking for their first victory in Athens, Ga., since 1986, they are facing their first ranked opponent of the season. Both challenges expect to test a LSU team still in search of its identity a month into the season.

"We're fortunate to be 4-0; we'd like to be 5-0, and only the next opponent stands between us and that goal," said LSU coach Les Miles, who will be making his first trip to Athens.

"I've never been to Athens, and I've never played between the hedges. I talked to (defensive coordinator) John Chavis about it, and he said it's a great environment. It's very much like any of the great SEC venues. It's loud and fun, and you'll really enjoy it. I really can't wait."

Georgia has won three straight and six of the last eight against the Tigers, tabbed a three-point underdog.

LSU's offense has played well this season behind quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who has passed for 708 yards and seven touchdowns. Although the Tigers have a talented group of running backs, paced by Keiland Williams and Charles Scott, who have combined for 363 rushing yards, LSU's ground game has been hit and miss. Mississippi State stacked the box and held the Tigers to just 35 rushing yards last week.

"I still want to run the football. It's too fundamental to me not to be important, and I want that," Miles said.

"I want it for Charles Scott and that offensive line and Keiland Williams, and I want to be able to come off the football. But again, the defense can choose to play everybody inside, and that makes it a much more difficult position to run the football."

LSU, which has upcoming home games against top-ranked Florida and Auburn, is also looking to avoid becoming the country's fourth consecutive team in the Top 5 to lose. But there is good news, too.

For the second consecutive week the SEC has three of the top four teams in the country -- No. 1 Florida , No. 3 Alabama and the Tigers. The last conference to have three of the top four in the AP poll was the Big Eight in 1971, when Nebraska, Oklahoma and Colorado were Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

Georgia, meanwhile, is determined to take better care of the rock.

The Bulldogs have a total of 12 fumbles and interceptions through their first four games, but they've managed to win three times. Only five teams in the NCAA's top division have a worst turnover ratio than Georgia, which has recovered one fumble and made two interceptions for a whopping minus-9. The Tigers have the country's fifth-best turnover ratio (plus-7).

"Every time you throw, you're taking a chance. Every time you run it, you're risking a fumble," Georgia head coach Mark Richt said. "We've just got to play ball and work on the fundamentals, things like ball security and making good decisions. The better we block, the better chance we'll have of not having turnovers. It all works together."

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook


The defense isn't doing its part, either. Georgia has forced fewer turnovers than any team in the SEC.

Three in a Row?

 LSU has recorded a goal-line stand in back-to-back games.

Last week against Mississippi State, the Tiger defense turned back the Bulldogs at the goal line with just over a minute left in the game to preserve the victory. The Bulldogs had four shots at the Tigers, three coming at the 1-yard line, but LSU turned them away each time.

The big plays came on third down when LSU safety Chad Jones tipped away a pass and then on fourth down when Jones stopped Mississippi State quarterback Tyson Lee shy of the end zone. A week earlier, UL-Lafayette was turned back after three tries from the 1-yard line. UL-Lafayette's last attempt from the 1-yard line resulted in a fumble, which was recovered by Perry Riley.

Not First Rodeo

If Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is cleared medically to play against LSU Oct. 10, following last week's concussion suffered against Kentucky, look for the Gators to take extra steps to protect their quarterback in the pocket.

Even so, head coach Urban Meyer admits that's a challenge because Tebow is "not your typical quarterback."

"Typical quarterbacks, when they get in the open field, they run out of bounds or slide," Meyer said.

"A lot of the runs are not designed runs. If something is not there a lot of quarterbacks throw it away. You don't see Tim do that very often. He's going to try to get positive yards. It's not like this is our first rodeo. We're very well aware of the pounding he takes. We're going to be very conscious of it for the right reasons. We always have been. He is a little more than he ever has been, conscious of it."

Blocked Correctly

UF offensive coordinator Steve Addazio has accepted blame for the play call and blocking scheme that saw Tebow get tattooed by Kentucky defensive end Taylor Wyndham.

While it's still unclear whether that's just coach-speak or left tackle Matt Patchan missed an assignment -- Wyndham came off the edge unblocked -- UF lineman Mike Pouncey says the blocking was correct.

"We blocked it right," Pouncey said.

"It was a no-deep call so we run blocked to the right and the backside end comes free and Tebow has to get the ball out fast and he didn't get the ball out fast. He knew he was coming. Tebow takes those hits all the time. I don't think it was the hit hat really knocked him out. His head hit someone (Florida lineman Marcus Gilbert's knee).

Nope, Addazio said. It's his responsibility to get players in correct positions.

"Ultimately on that play right there, where everything didn't exactly go to plan, it should go on one guy's shoulders - mine," Addazio said.

"That's it. No one else's. There's a fine line in there. To say this guy didn't do that, it's not an accurate statement at all. It goes on me. It's not on any player. I have to be in a better scheme."

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=515420&pid=515419&uts=1254415130
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Latest College Football Photos
In this Sept. 26, 2009 photo, Virginia Tech tailback Ryan Williams, carries a flag on to the field prior to the start of the Miami-Virginia Tech NCAA college football game at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
AP
AP

Latest College Football Images

    In this Sept. 26, 2009 photo, Virginia Tech tailback Ryan Williams, carries a flag on to the field prior to the start of the Miami-Virginia Tech NCAA college football game at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

    AP

    In this Sept. 19, 2009 photo, Virginia Tech tail back Ryan Williams powers forward for extra yardage during the first half of the Nebraska Virginia Tech NCAA college football game at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

    AP

    In this Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, photo, Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark walks the sideline during the second half of an college football game against Syracuse in State College, Pa. Penn State won 28-7. Penn State takes on Illinois on Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen (7) pitches the football as guard Chris Stewart (59) and center Eric Olsen (55) block during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame won 24-21. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

    AP

    In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, Notre Dame guard Chris Stewart (59), offensive tackle Paul Duncan (72) and guard Trevor Robinson (78) react following a touchdown by Notre Dame during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame won 24-21. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

    AP

    Dan Beebe, left, Big 12 Conference commissioner, listens as John Marinatto, Big East Conference commissioner, speaks at a press conference, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in New York. The NCAA college football conferences and the New York Yankees announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to a four-year deal to play the first bowl in the Bronx since 1962. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

    AP

    New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, center, speaks, as New York Yankees' managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner left, and Yankees' president Randy Levine, right, listen during a news conference, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Big East and Big 12 NCAA college football conferences and the Yankees announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to a four-year deal to play the first bowl in the Bronx since 1962.(AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

    AP

    New York Yankees' managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner, right, receives a football and helmet from Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe, second from left, as Big East commissioner John Marinatto, second from right, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, left, look on, during a news conference, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York. The NCAA college football conferences and the New York Yankees announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to a four-year deal to play the first bowl in the Bronx since 1962. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

    AP

    A poster depicting how the football field will be situated stands on an easel during a press conference, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Big East and Big 12 NCAA college football conferences and the New York Yankees announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to a four-year deal to play the first bowl in the Bronx since 1962.(AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

    AP

    Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops answers a question during a news conference in Norman, Okla., Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. Oklahoma takes on No. 17 Miami in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 3 in Miami. (AP Photo)

    AP



In Hand

When is the game in hand?

That question has been debated often this week following Tebow's injury. Tebow was TKO'd late in the third quarter with the Gators leading the Wildcats by 24 points.

"That's always a tough question because the issue is you want to finish the game in a sound, solid fashion (as) how you started it," LSU coach Les Miles said. "It's something where the coach weighs the responsibility of getting your starters out before they get hurt."

Alabama coach Nick Saban didn't think the UF-Kentucky game as out of reach.

"I think it's the game, I think it's team you're playing," Saban said. "We didn't take our starters out until we were ahead of Arkansas 35-7 halfway through the fourth quarter."

No Love

South Carolina failed to crack the national rankings this week following last Thursday's victory over then-No. 4 Ole Miss.

Don't look for Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier, one of 59 coaches to vote in the USA Today poll, to fling his visor in disgust.

"I haven't paid a lot of attention to that, and I don't think it's a big deal," Spurrier said.

SEC Notebook: LSU a Tale of 2 Tigers originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>tim tebowTimTebowJim HenryThu, 01 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST LSU Survives by a Foot, and by Mileshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/26/lsu-survives-by-a-foot-and-by-miles/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/26/lsu-survives-by-a-foot-and-by-miles/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/26/lsu-survives-by-a-foot-and-by-miles/#commentsFiled under: ,

LSUDan Mullen's Mississippi State team was the length of the football from taking the lead with just over a minute to play against No. 7 LSU.

And then the Les Miles magic happened.

On third-and-goal, Mullen went play-action with his quarterback Tyson Lee. A wide-open Marcus Lee stood in the back of the end zone awaiting the ball, but LSU's safety swatted the pass away. Then on fourth-and-inches Tyson Lee kept the ball for the quarterback sneak. His head appeared to cross the goal line, but, inexplicably, he did not attempt to reach the ball out in front of him. As a result LSU, under new first-year defensive coordinator John Chavis, took over on downs.
The Tigers weren't out of the woods yet since Mississippi State still had three timeouts remaining. But after running the ball on three consecutive plays to force the Bulldogs into taking their timeouts, the Tigers took an intentional safety on fourth down -- running their punter out of the end zone. After receiving the free kick, State was unable to move the ball effectively with under a minute to play and LSU won 30-26.

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
The furious finish masked a game that Mississippi State won by the statistics, outgaining LSU 374 to 264 yards and holding the Tigers to just 30 yards rushing on 31 attempts. As if that weren't enough, LSU finished 2-13 on third down conversions. With all of these statistics in their favor, State couldn't avoid turnovers. They had four, including a fumbled snap at the end of the first half that eliminated a scoring chance and kept LSU in the lead 16-14 as both teams jogged off the field.

For the moment at least, LSU remains unbeaten and poised to climb in the college football rankings. But LSU fans can't be pleased with what their team has shown in four underwhelming performances. In the ultimate irony, LSU may have played their best game of the season thus far in the much-criticized opener against Washington. Certainly the Huskies look to be the best scalp that the Tigers have claimed so far this season. LSU is now 4-0 and set for a game at Georgia that could go a long way towards establishing the balance of power in the SEC.

For Mullen and Mississippi State, it was as close to victory as a team can come and still end up on the losing end. As both teams jogged off the field, the cow bells were still ringing in Starkville. Time will tell whether eventually those bells will ring in victory over a top-10 opponent.

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=515420&pid=515419&uts=1253998499
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Latest College Football Photos
Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier, top, jumps over Indiana linebacker Tyler Replogle (46) for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
AP
AP

Latest College Football Images

    Connecticut's Cody Endres throws one of his two touchdown passes against Rhode Island during the first half of Connecticut's 52-10 victory in their football game in East Hartford, Conn., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009. Endres passed for 289 yards in the game. (AP Photo/Fred Beckham)

    AP

    Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier, center, is congratulated by teammates after converting a two-point play during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Indiana in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

    AP

    Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews yells at his defense during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against South Florida, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Tallahassee, Fla. South Florida won 17-7.(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

    AP

    Florida State wide receiver Rod Owens, center, fumbles the ball as he is hit by South Florida's Jerome Murphy, left, during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Tallahassee, Fla. South Florida defensive end Craig Marshall, right, recovered the fumble. South Florida won 17-7.(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

    AP

    Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly looks up at the scoreboard during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Fresno State, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

    AP

    Fresno State head coach Pat Hill checks the scoreboard during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

    AP

    Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier, top, jumps over Indiana linebacker Tyler Replogle (46) for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

    AP

    Minnesota's Lee Campbell, left, and Nathan Triplett tackle Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka, center, during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009. Minnesota won 35-24.(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

    AP

    Connecticut's Mike Lang scores on a 50 yard reception while being covered by Rhode Island's Jordan Dalton, diving, during the second half of Connecticut's 52-10 victory in an NCAA football game in East Hartford, Conn., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Fred Beckham)

    AP

    South Florida punter Delbert Alvarado, right, makes a touchdown-saving tackle in the fourth quarter on Florida State's Greg Reid as he returns a kickoff during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Tallahassee, Fla. South Florida won 17-7.(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

    AP

LSU Survives by a Foot, and by Miles originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Clay TravisSat, 26 Sep 2009 16:21:00 EST SEC Notebook: Ole Miss Is Ready for the Ol' Ball Coachhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/24/sec-notebook-ole-miss-is-ready-for-the-ol-ball-coach/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/24/sec-notebook-ole-miss-is-ready-for-the-ol-ball-coach/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/24/sec-notebook-ole-miss-is-ready-for-the-ol-ball-coach/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Many are skeptical of Mississippi's No. 4 ranking in the AP Top-25 poll because its wins so far have been against Memphis and Southeastern Louisiana. For trivia buffs, however, the Rebels last reached No. 4 in the rankings on Oct. 12, 1970.

Of course, the country will get a better idea about Ole Miss on Thursday night when it visits the Ol' Ball Coach and South Carolina in its SEC opener on national television.

The Gamecocks and Alabama were the last two teams to beat the Rebels, who are riding their longest win streak in nearly 37 years at eight straight games. (They also have the prestige of being the last team to have beaten defending national champion Florida).

Ole Miss has been counting down the days to this game against the Gamecocks.

"No question about it. You are ready to play a game like this," Rebels head coach Houston Nutt said. "It is going to be a great atmosphere. Our guys are looking forward to it. I know as coaches, we are. I think our players are even more so."

After struggling to a 3-4 start in 2008, Nutt's first year at Ole Miss, the Rebels finally got accustomed to each other and to Nutt's system. After losing to South Carolina 31-24 and Alabama 24-20, they reeled off six straight wins to finish the year, including an impressive Cotton Bowl victory over Texas Tech that got the buzz started about 2009.

The buzz has only increased.

Not only are the Rebels, who breezed through their first two games by a combined score of 97-20, shooting for a 3-0 start for the first time since 1989, they are seeking to snap a five-game skid in SEC openers.

"There is nothing like winning," Nutt said.

"The next game is always the biggest game of the year," Nutt added. "This is the biggest game of the year -- it is the next game and the first conference game. We've got to improve, and our guys know that. Our guys know that we are in for a real battle and everybody has to improve -- special teams, defense and offense. Any set of 11 that we send on the field have to be at their best -- starting with this game here."

For the Gamecocks, this is another chance for coach Steve Spurrier to record that breakthrough win that has been so elusive for him in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina is 1-31 all-time against Top-5 teams.

The Gamecocks' only win came in 1981 at No. 3 North Carolina, they have never beaten a Top-5 team at Williams-Brice Stadium, and, under Spurrier in five seasons, they are just 1-7 against Top-10 opponents and 5-13 against Top-25 foes.

"We're looking to try and pull it together on offense, defense and special teams," Spurrier said. "We haven't done it yet this season, and we hope to Thursday night."

OFFENSIVE IMPROVEMENTS
LSU coach Les Miles is searching for more production from its offense in Saturday's game against Mississippi State.

LSU is 12th out of 12 teams in the SEC and 90th nationally with 325.7 yards a game in total offense. The running game is also 10th in the SEC and 48th nationally with 163.7 yards a game. The Tigers did not get more than 100 yards rushing in a 31-3 win over Louisiana-Lafayette last Saturday until deep into the second half.

"I think we're looking for the best recipe in whatever we do, and I don't think we've hit it just yet," Miles said. "I can tell you that I think we are on things and making strides, but I don't know if we've hit our pace just yet, and we're working at it. I think we have good players, and it will be the offensive staff's task to get the ball in the hands of the play makers. I think we're doing that. We're doing it with a little difficulty, but we're doing it.

"The pace quickens as we go to Mississippi State. We have to get better on offense."

TAKING EVERY PRECAUTION
Florida head coach Urban Meyer has voiced his concerns this week about the flu bug hitting the Gators' football team.

All possible precautions are being taken. Florida spokesperson Steve McClain told reporters Sunday that players received a nasal spray vaccine over the weekend, not flu shots. Hand sanitizers are everywhere -- from meeting rooms to the cafeteria and one was even seen sitting on top of a cabinet during Monday's news conference.

Wide receiver David Nelson told the media there are hand-sanitizer bottles in everyone's locker, that players are constantly being told to wash their hands, take showers and drink fluids.

"We knew it was a problem," Nelson said. "There are Purell bottles probably in everybody's locker, everywhere you turn they're telling you to wash your hands, take a shower. We knew there was something going on and a few players were getting sick but we didn't know the extent of it."

ANOTHER OPINION ON TEBOW
Veteran Kentucky coach Rich Brooks has seen his share of great players. If you are wondering what he thinks about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, well, here it is:

"Well, to me, he's just one of the all-time great college football players," Brooks said. "I think at quarterback, he's a hybrid. He's a single-wing, tailback quarterback. And there aren't many guys like that playing anymore, and that's why he's so unique right now. I mean, you just don't find that combination.

"Let's face it, he carried the ball what, 25 times last week against Tennessee? How many quarterbacks are doing that in the country? And he can throw it; he can kill you with his arm, he can kill you with his legs. He is extremely unique. There used to be players like that. I played with one, by the name of Terry Baker. He did not weigh 235 or 240 pounds, but he ran the ball and he threw the ball. He won the Heisman Trophy. Those kinds of players in today's football are very unique at that position."

ENOUGH -- AGAIN
For the second time in five months, SEC commissioner Mike Slive has ordered head coaches Urban Meyer of UF and Lane Kiffin of Tennessee to stop bickering at each other.

Slive admonished the coaches at the SEC Spring Meetings in May after Kiffin falsely accused Meyer of cheating in recruiting and numerous coaches needled each other on various recruiting topics. The pair has been at it again following last Saturday's UF-UT matchup in The Swamp.

Meyer said Sunday he didn't think Tennessee was "going after the win" and had "no urgency" in a 23-13 loss. Kiffin pointed out Monday that Meyer "feels he doesn't need to follow" Slive's warning before taking a jab at Meyer mentioning sick players after the game.

RAIN NOT A CONCERN
Storms have pounded Atlanta and surrounding areas, dropping 15 to 20 inches of rain over three days, causing nine deaths and an estimated $250 million in damage. But fans looking forward to Saturday's games won't have to worry about weather being an issue.

Athens, Ga., home of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, has not been damaged by the storms. The Bulldogs are set to host Arizona State Saturday.

STAYING IN JACKSONVILLE
The University of Georgia's Athletic Association Board of Directors voted to negotiate a six-year extension to keep the annual Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville until 2016, the school announced Wednesday.

The current contract expires in 2010 and Georgia fans had pushed for the game to alternate between Jacksonville and Atlanta.

"An extraordinary amount of study has been done on the various options available and a great deal of input has been gathered," Georgia Athletic Director Damon Evans said in a release. "After all the fact-gathering and evaluation of those factors, I'm convinced that moving forward with discussions on extending the contract in Jacksonville is the appropriate way to go. I'm delighted the Board feels the same way."

SEC Notebook: Ole Miss Is Ready for the Ol' Ball Coach originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>steve spurrierSteveSpurriertim tebowTimTebowurban meyerUrbanMeyerJim HenryThu, 24 Sep 2009 09:09:00 EST Sal Aunese, T.C. McCartney Noted at 20th Anniversaryhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/19/sal-aunese-t-c-mccartney-noted-at-20th-anniversary/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/19/sal-aunese-t-c-mccartney-noted-at-20th-anniversary/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/19/sal-aunese-t-c-mccartney-noted-at-20th-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: ,



Sal Aunese, the Colorado quarterback who died of stomach cancer during what would have been his senior season, is being remembered this weekend on the 20th anniversary of his death. And a big part of that remembrance is T.C. McCartney, the LSU backup quarterback who is the son of Aunese and Kristy McCartney, daughter of then-Colorado coach Bill McCartney.

ESPN is running a series of pieces this weekend about Aunese, but it's T.C. McCartney who makes this story more than just an anniversary of a tragic death.

McCartney -- whose coach at LSU, Les Miles, was a Colorado assistant when Aunese played there -- views his own college football career as one that keeps his father's spirit alive.

"I think a lot of what keeps me going is continuing his legacy," T.C. McCartney said in a story by ESPN's Tom Friend. "Finishing what he started, that's what my whole football career, I've always thought about. He didn't get to see it through, so maybe I'll be able to get on the field and see it through one day."

Sal Aunese, T.C. McCartney Noted at 20th Anniversary originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 13:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Bill McCartneyBillMccartneySal AuneseSalAuneseT.C. McCartneyT.c.MccartneyMichael David SmithSat, 19 Sep 2009 13:28:00 EST SEC Notebook: Joe Cox's Many Maladieshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/16/sec-notebook-many-maladies-of-joe-cox/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/16/sec-notebook-many-maladies-of-joe-cox/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/16/sec-notebook-many-maladies-of-joe-cox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Joe CoxWeek 1 was the flu. Week 2 was shoulder soreness. OK, what's going on in Week 3?

The health of Georgia quarterback Joe Cox has been discussed, dissected and debated so much this young season that he could be a regular on General Hospital. Despite a jammed finger on his left non-throwing hand this week, Cox is in one piece -- and in good spirits. The rumors were so rampant last week that some believed Cox wouldn't start against South Carolina.

"It's definitely been interesting to see how crazy it can get just based off of what somebody says, but it hasn't been something that has been a distraction," said Cox, who injured his finger on an attempted tackle following an interception in the Bulldogs' win over South Carolina last Saturday.

"It's honestly something that we've all kind of laughed about."

While Georgia coach Mark Richt joked that Cox needed to wear an eye patch to meet with the media on Tuesday -- let's start another rumor -- Cox and the Bulldogs have been all business in their preparation for Saturday's SEC game at Arkansas. The Bulldogs have won the last five meetings against the Razorbacks, including all three in Fayetteville, Ark., and are on a five-game road SEC winning streak.

After losing its season-opener to Oklahoma State, Georgia rebounded with a dramatic 41-37 win at home over the Gamecocks. Arkansas was idle last week.

"It's like that old song," Richt said.

"You have to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative and don't mess with mister in between. That's what we are trying to do. We are trying to really look at the positive things and build off of them, eliminate the negative things and we'll be OK. We'll keep getting better if that happens."

One positive has been Georgia's production in the red zone. The Bulldogs are a perfect 6-for-6 inside their opponent's 20-yard line, scoring four touchdowns (one rushing, three passing) and connecting on a pair of field goals. Another has been the play from junior linebacker Rennie Curran, who leads the SEC with 23 tackles in two games.

And let's not forget Cox, who was slowed by a flu virus in the opening week -- he lost 10 pounds -- and last week Georgia revealed that nerve damage in Cox's right shoulder prevents him from throwing one day each week in practice. While the throwing schedule gives backup Logan Gray valuable time with the first-team offense, Cox finished with a career-high 201 yards passing and two touchdowns in the win over South Carolina.

"Everybody kind of understands that's the way it is," Richt said of Cox's throwing schedule.

"Nobody really gets too bent out of shape. It's always nice to get your second team guy a lot of work. A lot of coaches won't do that, but we've always done a pretty good job of letting our second team and our third team getting a little work, but it's even more so this year because of that situation. It's definitely helping Logan (Gray)."

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook


Bluegrass Fever

Kentucky has held the upper hand in the state, beating rival Louisville the past two years for the Governor's Cup and winning three consecutive bowl games. Kentucky looks to make it three straight over the Cardinals on Saturday.

The Wildcats enter the home game on a streak of 15 consecutive non-conference wins. It's the second-longest non-conference win streak in the nation and the longest for UK since a 17-game non-conference win stretch from 1954-60. Since mid-season 2006, the Wildcats have won 21 of their last 33 games overall.

Kentucky coach Rich Brooks is well aware how a victory over Louisville makes life so much easier.

"Well, you have to live in a vacuum to not hear about it all year long in this state," Brooks said.

"Any football fan, you hear it on the talk radio, you see it on the message boards, just everywhere and you hear it when you're out in public. You get constantly reminded of what side of that equation you're on but like the last two years we've been fortunate enough to win the game - that really doesn't count - what counts is what happens this year. This Saturday is what is really going to count."

A Familiar Face

Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy will face off against his old high school Saturday in North Texas' Tom Dodge, who coached McElroy at Southlake Carroll High just outside Dallas.North Texas starting quarterback Riley Dodge -- the son of coach Tom Dodge and McElroy's backup in high school -- will miss the game with a separated shoulder, however. Dodge was injured in the third quarter of Saturday's double-overtime loss to Ohio.

"That is disappointing," McElroy said.

"Riley has had a little run of bad luck. I wish I could be playing against him, but they've got to do what's best for them and their season. If holding them out against us will allow them to be more successful down the road this year, then I totally understand why they're doing it."

A Popular Dude

Branden Smith, a freshman cornerback at Georgia, played every position while at Washington-Atlanta and committed to Georgia to play cornerback. Smith also ran the fifth-fastest 100 meters (10.64 seconds) in Georgia high school history. Naturally, his speed and athleticism made Smith an easy candidate to see time on offense.

The first time Smith touched the ball against South Carolina, on a kickoff return in the first quarter, Smith fumbled. The second time, he was gone -- untouched for a touchdown on a 61-yard reverse on offense. Smith was stunned to discover he was an instant hero on campus.

"It has been hard walking around campus and people asking for autographs and everything," Smith said. "But right now I am just trying to stay focused on schoolwork. It has been a little weird that no one before asked me for my autographs, but I had a good game Saturday and now they ask me for autographs. It felt a little good."

Quick Impressions

Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen wasn't a happy camper following his team's 49-24 defeat to Auburn. The Bulldogs allowed 598 yards of total offense, including 390 on the ground. Mississippi State travels to Vanderbilt on Saturday.

"Not winning is not acceptable. I don't like using the 'L-word,'" Mullen said. "That is not acceptable for us and, when you don't come out on top, that is extremely disappointing."

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=515420&pid=515419&uts=1253115170
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Latest College Football Photos
Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno answers a question during his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State plays Temple at home on Saturday. (AP Photo/Pat Little)
AP
FR53442 AP

Latest College Football Images

    Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno gestures as he answers a question during his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State plays Temple at home on Saturday. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

    AP

    Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno answers a question during his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State plays Temple at home on Saturday. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

    AP

    Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy speaks during a news conference in Stillwater, Okla., Monday, Sept. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

    AP

    Wisconsin head football coach Bret Bielema screams during the second half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, in Madison, Wis. It took two overtimes for a flu-ravaged Wisconsin team to defeat Fresno State. As the Badgers look toward Wofford this week, Bielema gives an update on how his team is handling the flu outbreak that affected 40 players last week. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

    AP

    In this Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, photo, Northwestern's Stefan Demos celebrates after kicking the game-winning 49-yard field goal against Eastern Michigan in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill. Northwestern won 27-24. (AP Photo/David Banks)

    AP

    In this Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, photo Penn State linebacker Sean Lee, left, walks away after sacking Syracuse quarterback Greg Paulus, right, during the second half of their NCAA college football game in State College, Pa. Lee was so active against Syracuse, it seemed like the Penn State linebacker spent all day leveling opponents behind the line of scrimmage. Any lingering doubts about the health of his surgically-repaired right knee were erased in a dominating performance against the Orange. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

    AP

    In this Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, photo, Penn State linebacker Sean Lee (45) stands with assistant coach Tom Bradley on the sideline during the second half of their college football game against Syracuse in State College, Pa. Lee was so active against Syracuse, it seemed like the Penn State linebacker spent all day leveling opponents behind the line of scrimmage. Any lingering doubts about the health of his surgically-repaired right knee were erased in a dominating performance against the Orange. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

    AP

    Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers rushes for a key fourth quarter gain on the wiining drive of the Beavers 23-21 win over UNLV in an NCAA college football game on Saturday Sept. 12, 2009 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Daniel Gluskoter)

    AP

    COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Stafon Johnson #13 of the USC Trojans celebrates in the end zone with teammate Jarvis Jones #10 after scoring a two yard touchdown in the fourth quarter over the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 12, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. USC won the game 18-15. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Stafon Johnson; Jarvis Jones

    Getty Images

    COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Stafon Johnson #13 of the USC Trojans celebrates in the end zone after scoring a two yard touchdown in the fourth quarter over the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 12, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. USC won the game 18-15. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Stafon Johnson

    Getty Images



Improvement must come quickly. Mississippi State is in the middle of a tough stretch. After Saturday's game in Nashville, the Bulldogs come home to host LSU, Georgia Tech and Houston, which just knocked off Oklahoma State.

"Last week, I was disappointed in our coaching staff as far as not putting our players in better positions to make plays," Mullen said. "There were a couple times we did do a good job and we made some plays and missed some plays, but we still have to be in better position to make plays when it comes to game time. We have a lot of things to still improve on."

Ol' Bully

Steve Spurrier, the Ol' Ball Coach, hasn't been able to elevate South Carolina's program to where he wants it -- yet. The Gamecocks lost an SEC heart-breaker at Georgia last Saturday, and they will be looking to rebound in their home-opener on Saturday against Florida Atlantic.

It shouldn't be a problem.

Spurrier is 36-0 against teams outside the six major BCS conferences. The Owls visited Columbia, S.C., in 2006, losing 45-6. The 39-point margin is the second biggest win for the Gamecocks under Spurrier.

Spurrier, the gracious host, pointed out that the Owls have been to bowl games the past two years, beating Memphis in 2007 and Central Michigan in 2008. But he didn't mention that Florida Atlantic opened its season with a 49-3 loss to Nebraska. And, case if you are wondering, Spurrier wasn't in the mood to talk about the Georgia game either.

"That game is history," he said.

"A lot of guys played well; a lot did not play very well. We're trying to get it behind us, that's all we can do now. We lost as a team. We were a play short. Wherever it was, it didn't work out. We're trying to correct a lot of mistakes we had in that game. We had a lot of mistakes in the first game. I still believe we have a pretty good team here. We're trying to put it all together."

By the Numbers ... Trent Richardson ran for 118 yards and two scores, leading the Crimson Tide to an easy 40-14 win over Florida International last Saturday. McElroy threw for 241 yards and a touchdown on 18-of-24 completions. ...Tim Tebow threw for 237 yards and tied a career high with four touchdown passes against Troy. The Gators also tied a school record with its 12th straight win. ... Georgia's kickoff return team set a record with 252 return yards. Brandon Boykin had four returns for 187 yards and a score. ... LSU outgained Vandy, 326-210, in total offense in its victory ... Anthony Dixon paced Mississippi State with 92 rushing yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, but he wasn't able to keep pace with the Auburn backs in defeat. ... Stephen Garcia went 31-for-53 with 313 yards, two scores and an interception and added 42 yards on 10 carries in South Carolina's defeat against Georgia.. ... Vanderbilt scored on a safety for the first time since 2004 in its game against LSU.

SEC Notebook: Joe Cox's Many Maladies originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Branden Smithdan mullengreg mcelroyjoe coxrennie curransteve spurrierJim HenryWed, 16 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST