AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2006 > September > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAnswering the tough questions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’ve got questions. We also have answers. Do they match? You be the judge.
1) Is Alabama in trouble as it goes to Florida?
Sure looks that way. First of all, it’s hard for a team to quickly get over a crushing loss like the one at Arkansas (24-23), a game in which the Crimson Tide outplayed the competition on the road but was passive in overtime. Secondly, Bama will probably find an angry bunch of Gators in the Swamp. They remember the 31-3 beat down they got last year in Tuscaloosa. This one could get ugly.
2) Who is going to start at quarterback for Georgia against Ole Miss?
It doesn’t matter but the smart money is on Matthew Stafford, with the understanding that Joe Cox is definitely going to play. Understand that what happened to Stafford against Colorado is going to happen again. It always does with freshman quarterbacks. But starting Stafford at Oxford keeps the kid’s confidence up and Cox has proven he is mature beyond his years. The good news is that Ole Miss is so bad that quarterback play should not be an issue this week.
3) If Auburn gets a chance to hang a big number on South Carolina Thursday night on ESPN, will Tommy Tuberville do it?
What do you think? There is only one college football game on tonight and the whole nation, including the voters in the coaches and Harris polls, will be watching. Tuberville knows what it is like to finish No. 3 with a great football team and it doesn’t feel good. So if Auburn tacks on an extra touchdown at the end for style points, there is no reason to criticize. The coaches didn’t invent this BCS game. But they have to play it.
4) Can Georgia Tech win at Virginia Tech, where they got waxed 51-7 last season?
This is going to drive my Georgia Tech friends crazy, because they have images of Calvin Johnson catching 10 balls a game for 150 yards and three or four touchdowns. But if Georgia Tech tries to play that game they will get beat badly again. The Yellow Jackets’ best hope is to control the ball, keep the crowd out of the game, and let the defense win it. If the score is 14-10, Georgia Tech has a chance. If somebody scores in the 20s, it will be Virginia Tech and the Hokies will win.
5) What is the most unusual statement we will hear this weekend?
It seems like every weekend I hear something uttered that I’ve never heard before. A couple of weeks ago it was: “Take Rutgers and lay the 10 1/2 points.”
This weekend it will be: “Clemson may be looking past Saturday’s game with Louisiana Tech because they are looking ahead to next week’s trip to Wake Forest.”
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Comments
By Bradley G
September 28, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
1) If Tyrone Prothro plays, Alabama will win. Prothro ain’t playing.
2) The better QB question is when will Brent Shaeffer (sp) be yanked?
3) I can’t believe I’m actually pulling for Auburn and Florida in the same week! It will be ugly tonight (I hope?).
4) If Tyrone Prothro plays, GA Tech will…wait a minute. Wrong team…but same answer.
5) My dream statement for this weekend? CMR saying, “I think we will scrap the sprint draw in favor of the toss sweep.”
By rick
September 28, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
Hey Tony-Anything can happen on any given day. Bama busted the Gators last year and it COULD happen again. Maybe not, but you media types will do all in your power to deflate the Bama program, especially Shula, who doesn’t really care for you guys because he won’t give you access to his program.
By davedawg
September 28, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this
Ooo! I like this I think I’ll answer these questions as well
1)You bet Bama’s in trouble.
2)Probably Stafford but who cares since they’ll both get equal playing time and as Tony says QB play will not be a factor.
3)Of course CTT will try to hang half a hundred on Spurrier.
4)Of course GT has a chance because they have the talent to do it, but I think they’ll quit on themselves like they normally do.
5)The most unusual statement will be, “Who would of thought that both Notre DAme and USC would get beat on the same day by Purdue and Washington State respectively.”
By Eric
September 28, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
Leave it to Bama fans to blame the media for their problems. Maybe after Shula bites the dust they’ll hire George W. Bush.
By rick
September 28, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this
Eric- You’re disdain for Bama is showing. No one is blaming the media for our past problems. Presently, certain media personalities have it out for Shula because of the lack of access to his program. That’s all that was said, Aubie!
By Roswell Ed
September 28, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this
Bama fans- the first step in recovery is admitting that you have a problem.
Blaming the media? Weak! Face it. The Bear is gone and Shula needs that useless bump above his shoulders removed!!
By Roswell Ed
September 28, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this
Kick the PAT Bama Kick the PAT!!
Damn just doesn’t have the ring to it!!!
I’m surprised that the kid hasn’t had a brick thrown through his window.
By mb
September 28, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
I’ll be surprised (happily) if Tuberville lets his team post a big number (assuming it’s able to). He usually does just the opposite…build up to a comfortable lead, then revert to turtle mode. Then, by the end of the game, he still gets the win, but not in a manner that impresses those who watch or those who just see the score.
By JDawg
September 28, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this
…definately hope the evil geniuos is particularly evil tonight…I’m getting tired of Auburn folks talking about how they deserve to be in the national champ…IT’S STILL SEPTEMBER! win out and then talk people!
By JDawg
September 28, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this
Auburns looking very pedestrian after a qtr….not quite the juggernaut protrayed by fans and media…
By dawgbone
September 28, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this
FLAuburn is highly overratted!!!! No weapons on offense, decent defense though.
By BamaBrat
September 28, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this
JDawg, Don’t use words like pedestrian, Auburn fans might not understand that. You need to stay at a 3rd grade level.
By JDawg
September 28, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this
14-10 at the half…not quite “style” pts…Auburn fans-I’d be more worried about FLA. and Ga. than getting left out of the Natl’ Champ..they might beat S.C., but there is definately a chink in the armor..GO DAWGS!!
By JDawg
September 28, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
BamaBrat- sorry to leave yall out, be worried about the Tide as well!!
By JDawg
September 28, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this
Tony- with all due respect to you as a “level-headed” member of the media, I must hope that you will salt your views going forward in regards to Auburn. You know as well as anyone how hard it is to finish undefeated in the SEC. I have not heard ANYONE in the media(all mediums)say anything in that regard. I will be shocked if Auburn goes undefeated again. This team is a shell of the 04’ Tigers and were unmasked tonight as vulnerable at the very least. Lets be realists from now on and take things one game at a time. Let Auburn run the table and win the SEC first before we become fixated on National what-if’s.
By Lane4411
September 29, 2006 06:49 AM | Link to this
The major concern for the bulldogs s/b can the OL hold their blocks. Michael Turner is out only 7 OL available per MR - who are “SEC Ready”.
Regardless of ones opinion of Spurrier, Carolina should not have been on the field with Auburn. Spurrier is without question one of the top 5 best college coaches of all time. Bill Curry fired Spurrier(QB coach under Pepper Rogers) when he took over at GT - Curry does know talent-yea right!!!!!
By luckydog
September 29, 2006 07:14 AM | Link to this
As last night showed, it’s only a matter of time before Spurrier’s team pulls off a big SEC upset. Now he’s got a QB, it appears, who can run an offense. If SC plays any other SEC team the way they did Auburn, they win by 10. Ga. better be glad it played them already.
By Dr. P.
September 29, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this
My Ga. diagnosis 1. Pathetic OL 2. Stafford isn’t accurate enough to throw it that hard 3. RBs aren’t big enough to run thru arm tackles 4. worst red zone offense in college football 5. Richt won’t kick any butts to get his players or assistants in gear
By Play that funky music whiteboy
September 29, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this
Wow, after watching SC last night move at will against Auburn and Tuberville “rolling the dice” 4 or 5 times because he felt his defense couldn’t stop anyone - the Dawgs may have lady luck all on their side this year. And trust me, as an ND alum/fan, I know all about luck and when she’s on your side.
By Ed
September 29, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this
As a ‘Bama fan, let me say this, I believe there is a chance in the Swamp Saturday for the Tide to win. That is why they play the game. The chance is slim, I will admit, but it is there. The only way ‘Bama can win is keep it close, gain confidence throughout the game, and somehow get the momentum going into the fourth quarter. This is, in truth, a young team that must grow up. I looked at the schedule at the beginning of the year and hoped for 8-4. Now I hope for 7-5.
That said, I have little faith in Shula. I think he is a great guy, just not a great coach. My opinion is that he was not the guy for the job at the time. He must lead this team to a win in a game where they have no chance (FLA, LSU, TENN or AUB). If he does that then he will have proven he can coach at this level. I am not turning on him, just stating my opinion. Roll Tide!!! (Well, at least don’t get blown out)
By Dawg_gone_truth
September 29, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this
1) I am picking Bama in an upset, but when last year you took the same team to the woodshed is is an upset? 2)Matthew Stafford will start and Cox will come in and audition for teams that will accept his transfer. 3)Auburn tried but the Cocks were hard and auburn took a pounding but prevailed in the end. 4) Hell may be freezing over but I agree with Tony, if Tech can run the ball and keep VT defense on the field they can win. 5) “This is a scrappy Ole Miss squad, hopefully we will come out in the second half and play better.” That is what MR is going to say on the way into the lockeroom. 6)Go Vols and whoever is playing Alabama!
By MasterP
September 29, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this
Dr. P you my biznatch. Return to your Tech blog and discuss you Star Trek Doll collections.
By Josh
September 29, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
TB,
This is one Tech fan who agrees with you. I hope we can get some big runs early from Choice, Grant, and Reggie. If so, I think we can force VT to bring more people to the line, and leave the field open for Calvin. If this happens, I actually think that we can put up more than 20. If we do, watch out!
By Big Dawg
October 5, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
Some comments from Tennessee that the Dawgs need to know about, it seems they expect and yes believe they will beat them Saturday night. I hope the Dawgs come out and play 4 quarters of inspired football and if they do then they will win. Go Dawgs
‘You know what? We can beat the Georgias and Floridas.’ “
Any thought that the Vols may come to Saturday self-deluded is being dispelled daily at orange checkerboard central.
At media day here Tuesday, the Tennessee players were reminded so often they have lost four of the past five to Georgia that it was imprinted on them like a bar code.
While Tennessee has been far more stress-tested than Georgia so far this season — with games against Cal and Florida — its coaches are going at Saturday’s game like Georgia is the greatest challenge yet.
“I expect us to play well,” said offensive designer David Cutcliffe. “Playing well against a defense like Georgia may not bring you the results that you want, but we’re going to have to play really well to win this game.” Brought back this year to amp up the offense, Cutcliffe has been a singular difference-maker.
Reading the temperature of these Vols, it would seem they are properly aware of Georgia’s place in the SEC firmament, yet wise to their own growing competence. Add the urgency of their place in the SEC standings, and they have all required intangible elements to make Saturday a real grudge-fest.
“We got to pretty much win the rest of our games in the SEC,” Swain said. “We wouldn’t want it any other way than to have the pressure on us where we have to go out there and win.”
“I’m not even thinking about losing, not at all,” said senior linebacker Marvin Mitchell, when asked about the Bulldogs’ recent run of success against Tennessee. “The team we’ve got now can go down there and get it done.”