Down the Stretch
Well folks, you've made it. The final weekend of college football is upon us. Congratulations to all the wives and girlfriends out there, you know get your Saturdays back - men, get ready for nutcracker suite matinee shows, shopping, and general girl crap...they've earned it.
Before we get into championship weekend, let's reflect, shall we....
And how about those Texas Longhorns.
I don't know about you, but I went through quite the wave of emotions during that game. It's astonishing how the two sides of the ball (offense and defense I mean) can be moving in such different directions. I don't believe I'm over stating this, but that defense is title contender good. But that offense is...well.....bad. No identity whatsoever. I won't belabor the point (again), but this offense needs a ton of work this off season in the form of commitment from players, better talent, and consistency. That goes for players and coaches. And they had better figure out the QB position pretty quick - this level of play at the most important position on the field will not suffice unless you are hoping for 8-4 every year.
A win is a win and as far as wins go against the Aggies, this was pretty sweet. Not a pretty football game by either team really, and the officiating was horrendous. But it's a W and I'll savor it. But not so fast, now the Horns travel to Waco to face Superman himself, RGIII.
Look, I know I picked the Aggies to win that game last week (who wouldn't???), but just because Texas pulled that one out of their ass doesn't mean they're going to do the same against Baylor. Griffin is NOT Tannehill. The defense is solid, but he's a dangerous man back there. Interesting little note to watch - almost all of Baylor's TD passes have been like 30 yard bombs. Texas hasn't given up a TD pass longer than like 15 yards. This young secondary has looked good and over achieved in a lot of ways, but they'll be tested big time on Saturday. And don't forget, aside from his running abilities, Griffin is accurate as hell with the football.
At the end of the day, I just don't see Texas scoring enough points - they should have some success in the running game, but I guarantee that Art Briles will have that defense 110% focused on stopping the run. They won't make it easy.
Baylor - 34
Texas - 24
Aggies
Do they have any idea what they are doing in College Station? It has not been a good week for the farmers for a couple of reasons, but let's talk about the coaching situation. I can't argue with the decision to fire Sherman, I really can't. Four years and a .500 record isn't typically going to cut it at a place like Texas A&M. And I like Sherman, I really do and I think he's a brilliant offensive mind - but I never once had any notion that this was the guy was going to take the aggies to "the next level". He did some good things there, and frankly, I think he was a victim of ridiculous expectations both with the fans and the national press (pre-season ranking in top 10).
But again, can't argue with the decision, however I can argue with the way it was made. It was as if one very powerful person decided late on Wednesday morning he wanted to get the coach fired and so he did. The perception at this point is that there is no one running that program, or even university. When you don't yet know who the interim coach is going to be in your bowl game (and you admit you need to talk to the assistant coaches to make a decision), it wasn't handled well. And so now the rumors are Kevin Sumlin is our guy. And maybe he is. He's young, has energy and will probably be a welcome change to the previous years of Slocum, Franchione, Sherman, etc.
With that said - here's what A&M needs to do. TAKE YOUR TIME. Go find the right guy no matter how long it takes. Write off next year - your recruiting is going to be abysmal anyway, Les Miles is going to take every good player out of Houston that Texas and OU don't get. Put a mark in the ground that we're building towards a goal and next year is a stepping stone. Whatever, just go get the right guy. And again, it may be Sumlin, but I would be concerned, as an Aggie fan, that we're hiring a guy who's had a couple of good years with an outstanding, above-average QB and a team that was essentially built by Art Briles, his predecessor. Be careful is all I'm saying, and do your homework.
What about Patterson at TCU? Peiterson at Boise? Hell, go try and pry Pete Carrol away from that train wreck in Seattle. Get Gruden out of the booth. Make those guys tell you no. Be aggressive.
Look, the Aggies are headed to the SEC West next year and they are going to struggle mightily early on. Just make sure you're doing it with a guy who's the future - you need a Stoops or Brown at A&M. You just do. I think one of the shortcomings of those in College Station is this belief that the Aggies are just one coaching hire, or one good recruiting class away from competing at a national stage. You're not. Not even close. You can get there....with the right guy, but you're not close and you're going to find out just how far away you are next year when you are playing the best. I'm not trying to dog or hate on the aggies, but man, get your sh*t together, you're going to need it where you're going.
Championship Weekend
It's fitting that the Pac 12 gets their game on Friday night. What a train wreck of a conference this year - how in the world is UCLA playing in this game? Either way, let's take a look at some of these match ups.
Georgia vs. LSU - Yeah, as much as it's fun to think about upsets I don't see it happening. Georgia has certainly turned it on this year though, after starting very poorly they've stepped it up (Mark Richt's MO of course). Making it to this game may have bought him another year - and a win would certainly buy him a couple more years. Again, would love to see an upset, but don't think it's coming. LSU by 2 scores in a low-scoring game.
Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma Light - Poor Cowboys. Best team they've had in a while and they are having to rely on style points to even have the slightest chance to play for a title. Unfortunately it's hard to get style points against OU, especially when you've lost the last 9 meetings. I think Okie State actually wins this one - and I think the Iowa State game was an anomaly. OU has had some injuries hurt them and they are very beatable in the secondary, which is where OSU will excel. Should be a good and exciting game with lots of offense. Okie State takes it 33 - 27.
Wisconsin vs. Michigan State - Don't you just know Wisconsin is pumped about this rematch. After losing on a hail mary pass the first meeting (and after shooting themselves in the foot a few times with a safety and blocked punt for TD), they'll be chomping at the bit. But obviously the Spartans are good, very good and they'll be ready. I think the Badgers come in focused with revenge on their minds and take the W in a very physical game. Too much Wilson and Ball. Wisconsin wins it 23 - 21.
Clemson vs. Virginia Tech - I can't fathom why anyone would pick against the Hokies in this game. I swear they've won it like the last 25 years....Hokies win 27 - 13.
Random Thoughts...
Before we get into championship weekend, let's reflect, shall we....
And how about those Texas Longhorns.
I don't know about you, but I went through quite the wave of emotions during that game. It's astonishing how the two sides of the ball (offense and defense I mean) can be moving in such different directions. I don't believe I'm over stating this, but that defense is title contender good. But that offense is...well.....bad. No identity whatsoever. I won't belabor the point (again), but this offense needs a ton of work this off season in the form of commitment from players, better talent, and consistency. That goes for players and coaches. And they had better figure out the QB position pretty quick - this level of play at the most important position on the field will not suffice unless you are hoping for 8-4 every year.
A win is a win and as far as wins go against the Aggies, this was pretty sweet. Not a pretty football game by either team really, and the officiating was horrendous. But it's a W and I'll savor it. But not so fast, now the Horns travel to Waco to face Superman himself, RGIII.
Look, I know I picked the Aggies to win that game last week (who wouldn't???), but just because Texas pulled that one out of their ass doesn't mean they're going to do the same against Baylor. Griffin is NOT Tannehill. The defense is solid, but he's a dangerous man back there. Interesting little note to watch - almost all of Baylor's TD passes have been like 30 yard bombs. Texas hasn't given up a TD pass longer than like 15 yards. This young secondary has looked good and over achieved in a lot of ways, but they'll be tested big time on Saturday. And don't forget, aside from his running abilities, Griffin is accurate as hell with the football.
At the end of the day, I just don't see Texas scoring enough points - they should have some success in the running game, but I guarantee that Art Briles will have that defense 110% focused on stopping the run. They won't make it easy.
Baylor - 34
Texas - 24
Aggies
Do they have any idea what they are doing in College Station? It has not been a good week for the farmers for a couple of reasons, but let's talk about the coaching situation. I can't argue with the decision to fire Sherman, I really can't. Four years and a .500 record isn't typically going to cut it at a place like Texas A&M. And I like Sherman, I really do and I think he's a brilliant offensive mind - but I never once had any notion that this was the guy was going to take the aggies to "the next level". He did some good things there, and frankly, I think he was a victim of ridiculous expectations both with the fans and the national press (pre-season ranking in top 10).
But again, can't argue with the decision, however I can argue with the way it was made. It was as if one very powerful person decided late on Wednesday morning he wanted to get the coach fired and so he did. The perception at this point is that there is no one running that program, or even university. When you don't yet know who the interim coach is going to be in your bowl game (and you admit you need to talk to the assistant coaches to make a decision), it wasn't handled well. And so now the rumors are Kevin Sumlin is our guy. And maybe he is. He's young, has energy and will probably be a welcome change to the previous years of Slocum, Franchione, Sherman, etc.
With that said - here's what A&M needs to do. TAKE YOUR TIME. Go find the right guy no matter how long it takes. Write off next year - your recruiting is going to be abysmal anyway, Les Miles is going to take every good player out of Houston that Texas and OU don't get. Put a mark in the ground that we're building towards a goal and next year is a stepping stone. Whatever, just go get the right guy. And again, it may be Sumlin, but I would be concerned, as an Aggie fan, that we're hiring a guy who's had a couple of good years with an outstanding, above-average QB and a team that was essentially built by Art Briles, his predecessor. Be careful is all I'm saying, and do your homework.
What about Patterson at TCU? Peiterson at Boise? Hell, go try and pry Pete Carrol away from that train wreck in Seattle. Get Gruden out of the booth. Make those guys tell you no. Be aggressive.
Look, the Aggies are headed to the SEC West next year and they are going to struggle mightily early on. Just make sure you're doing it with a guy who's the future - you need a Stoops or Brown at A&M. You just do. I think one of the shortcomings of those in College Station is this belief that the Aggies are just one coaching hire, or one good recruiting class away from competing at a national stage. You're not. Not even close. You can get there....with the right guy, but you're not close and you're going to find out just how far away you are next year when you are playing the best. I'm not trying to dog or hate on the aggies, but man, get your sh*t together, you're going to need it where you're going.
Championship Weekend
It's fitting that the Pac 12 gets their game on Friday night. What a train wreck of a conference this year - how in the world is UCLA playing in this game? Either way, let's take a look at some of these match ups.
Georgia vs. LSU - Yeah, as much as it's fun to think about upsets I don't see it happening. Georgia has certainly turned it on this year though, after starting very poorly they've stepped it up (Mark Richt's MO of course). Making it to this game may have bought him another year - and a win would certainly buy him a couple more years. Again, would love to see an upset, but don't think it's coming. LSU by 2 scores in a low-scoring game.
Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma Light - Poor Cowboys. Best team they've had in a while and they are having to rely on style points to even have the slightest chance to play for a title. Unfortunately it's hard to get style points against OU, especially when you've lost the last 9 meetings. I think Okie State actually wins this one - and I think the Iowa State game was an anomaly. OU has had some injuries hurt them and they are very beatable in the secondary, which is where OSU will excel. Should be a good and exciting game with lots of offense. Okie State takes it 33 - 27.
Wisconsin vs. Michigan State - Don't you just know Wisconsin is pumped about this rematch. After losing on a hail mary pass the first meeting (and after shooting themselves in the foot a few times with a safety and blocked punt for TD), they'll be chomping at the bit. But obviously the Spartans are good, very good and they'll be ready. I think the Badgers come in focused with revenge on their minds and take the W in a very physical game. Too much Wilson and Ball. Wisconsin wins it 23 - 21.
Clemson vs. Virginia Tech - I can't fathom why anyone would pick against the Hokies in this game. I swear they've won it like the last 25 years....Hokies win 27 - 13.
Random Thoughts...
- Do you mean to tell me talking heads that there's a likely chance that LSU can lose to Georgia and still play Bama for the title. Why do we even have conferences anymore? I don't mind the rematch (I don't like it one bit, but understand it's possible), but it's the "these teams are so good that they can lose and still play for title". It's not the first time we've seen either scenario, but it's the first time we've seen it in the same year. I almost want LSU to lose just to see how this plays out....
- LOVED seeing Case McCoy get chewed out by his lineman after taking a VERY stupid delay of game penalty right in the middle of a momentum-building drive. He needs that. That whole team needs that.
- I don't know who this Connor Brewer QB kid is coming on to campus next semester, but let's make him our starter right away.
- HUGE win for Washington State landing Mike Leach. Big challenge for the pirate, but he'll inject some energy into that program.
- I actually think Arizona hiring Rich Rod was a good move on their part. He can get the athletes he needs for that offense out on the left coast. Good move. I think he'll do well there.
- I'm scared about Manny Diaz getting poached - looooot of open jobs out there this off season.
- Awful, tough break for the Houston Texans. These guys were primed for a nice playoff run. I just don't know how they hold on to that spot. They HAVE to win that division to have a shot and even if they do, they'll be one and done. But this was a much better team this year. Kudos to Kubiak - hope he keeps his job.
- And the Tim Tebow train keeps moving. This is actually a pretty amazing sub story in the NFL. I mean, they're in an insignificant division (at least this year they are), and they are barely above .500, but the way they're doing it and the way Tebow just continues to win while EVERYONE is doubting him is nothing short of amazing. What I think is most often lost in all of this amongst the "football snobs" is this: He doesn't turn the ball over. He just doesn't and that alone is HUGE in the NFL. Take care of the ball, field position and time of possession are key to winning games in this league and they're doing all of that. Couple that with that defense that seems to improve each week and there's your 2011 Denver Broncos right there. I would predict these guys end up coming out of that division for a playoff birth - of course that run will be short lived, but what an accomplishment that would be. I'm jumping on the bandwagon folks, as should you.
- With that said, they should still draft a QB somewhere in the top 3 rounds. I'm just saying....
posted by The Bearden Wonder at 10:31 AM
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