AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 03 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThe debate is over: College Football rules
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Five things we learned during the first weekend of the season.
1. The debate is over: In the preseason, every newspaper and website debated which was better: College or pro football? Please. There is no need to ever have that discussion again. Why? Because Appalachian State went to Michigan and won. The NFL, for all of its great players, marketing and money, doesn’t have that and it never will. There is nothing in pro football that can match the raw emotion of what those kids from Boone did in the Big House.
2. Tennessee can’t tackle: Not counting the 13 tackles Tennessee missed on DeSean Jackson’s punt return (OK, that is a SLIGHT exaggeration), the Vols missed 22 tackles on defense in a 45-31 loss to California. Part of that was the talent of Cal because they are pretty darn good and the game with Southern Cal on Nov. 10 looks a little different now. But with always-tough Southern Miss coming to Knoxville on Saturday, and with a trip to Florida next week, there had better be a sense of urgency among the Tennessee players. Florida, you should know, has just as much skill as Cal.
3. Spurrier is sandbagging: South Carolina’s Ball Coach was not happy on Sunday after watching his team beat Louisiana-Lafayette 28-14. They needed a couple of defensive stops inside the 10-yard line to do it. Why do I get the sense that part of South Carolina’s problems, aside from not having QB Blake Mitchell, is that some of last week’s practice was spent getting ready for Georgia? Why do I get the sense that Spurrier is going to have a pretty good game plan when the Gamecocks get to Athens Saturday night? I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
4. Tech’s offense IS better: I caught some flak in preseason when I said Georgia Tech’s offense could be better this season despite the loss of Calvin Johnson. A lot of people didn’t think that was possible. But it is possible, and probably likely, and it’s not just based on Saturday’s 33-3 win at Notre Dame. Under new OC John Bond, a lot of different people are going to touch the ball. And with RB Tashard Choice taking some direct snaps, it’s just a matter of time before he fakes the run and throws it. Just the mere possibility of that will create some opportunities. And QB Taylor Bennett is only going to get better.
5. Tuberville did it again: Nobody plays poker in tight games better than Auburn’s head coach. The Tigers had no business winning that game against Kansas State Saturday night but Tuberville stayed patient and knew his team would have a chance to win late if they didn’t panic and just kept playing. He did it last year against LSU, a team with considerably more athletes. Tuberville knows that it is a 60-minute game. A lot of coaches get desperate if they are trailing inside the final six minutes. This guy doesn’t.
Comments
By Roswell Ed
September 3, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
College football rules.
Tubs is the man.
Spurrier is a hoot.
Fulmer is a toot.
By GTarmchairQB
September 3, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
RE: Direct snaps to Choice
Bond probably got that idea wondering why in the world Nix wouldn’t snap the ball directly to Calvin last year.
Miami is in a world of hurt if ole’ Patrick has much of anything to do with their offense.
By Big Ed
September 3, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
I’m still waiting for the SEC to go on the road and get a meaningful win against a non conference opponent. College football rules.
By Matthew
September 3, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
Taylor Bennett will only get better because he can’t get much worse.
By addicted
September 3, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
@Matthew
That is a pretty asinine comment. A QB can do a LOT worse than have a 50% completion rate with 0 turnovers. He was not in great sync but never did he put the possession in risk, which is HUGE. Not even considering the momentum shift a turnover causes, a turnover can easily change you going up by 7 points to you going down by 7. So Taylor did well, not good or great. And he can do a lot better. But at the same time, he could have done a hell lot worse.
By Lee Curso
September 3, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Tubbs is a joke. The donkey puchers will soon be in the middle of the pack. he coaches like a 12 year old calling plays on a playstion game. come on!
By Lee Curso
September 3, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Big Ed? LOL! where you been cuz? you dis’n the SEC? PUH………LEEZE!
By trottinghometudd
September 3, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
The ole’ ball coach will be ready Saturday.
By Dave-SD
September 3, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Just a quick note on point #1…
While the NFL doesn’t have crazy upsets like Appalachain State pulled off, almost every team that brought in a I-AA/really bad I-A pasty to open the season won by over 30 points. And by and large the NFL doesn’t have that either. And the NFL doesn’t decide its championship by something as insane as the BCS.
Granted, I still love college football (even if my Orange seem to have been in a funk since McNabb ascended into heaven, err, graduated). But there’s a lot of things the pro game does better.
By TC
September 3, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
The NFL does everything TOO well. It is boring.
By Shaking Head
September 3, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
You get the feeling Tony because as long as Spurrier is a head college football coach media types like yourself will continue to hype his teams, regardless of how they actually do on the field. You pimped USC in the preseason and are just rationalizing a not so great performance in the opener to cover your butt. Simple as that. Its what you media “experts” do. Whether its Mitchell getting the start or one of the newbies, South Carolina has some issues at QB going into the Georgia game. Spin all you want, but South Carolina is going to have to play ALOT better to win this weekend.
By 74 Dawg
September 3, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
Tony, Tennessee is playing too soft on both sides of the line, as I believe you may have predicted as a pre-season concern. They can’t run the ball or stop the run. This had better get fixed before they play Fl. and Ga. or they are in for real trouble. as for Cal being that good, …well take out the punt return and the fumble and this was pretty much dead even, w/ 2 fairly similar teams. Cal SHOULD have been able to stop the passing game better w/the vols being one dimensional on offense..
By Mike
September 3, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
I suspect that neither Tennessee nor Cal will be in anyone’s Top Ten by season’s end (unless Cal’s schedule is just too soft for them to lose to anyone).
By Matt
September 3, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Anybody up for a good laugh should tune into ESPN and watch their heads spin after one of their Big 10 pretty boys went down to a D-1AA team. They’re STILL mentioning Michigan in the same breathe as “national championship”. Hilarious. Oh, and of course Appy State is chock full of future NFL talent all of the sudden. Funny, I don’t remember that kind of insight BEFORE Michigan chocked like noone has ever choked before.
By RxDawg
September 3, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
Dont take anything away from App St. So Michigan isnt as good as the “experts” thought. I could of told you that. This is a prime example of what you can do if you want it more then the other guy. App St. wanted that game and they went out and took it. Congrats App St. fans, and this comes from a UGA/GSU fan and alumni. You’ve made the southern conference proud.
By TDone
September 3, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this
Taylor Bennett’s job is to manage the game and lead the team. Something Reggie had problems doing even though he was in the position to do so.
By auburn91
September 3, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
AU offensive coordinator Al Borges has got to do a better job of opening up the offense. Auburn’s defense is not going to win them all. http://www.trackemtigers.com/
By Andy
September 3, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
How can you say Auburn had no business winning that game against Kansas State. Last time I looked Auburn won the three most important stats of football: 1. Points Scored vs. Points Given Up 2. Turnover Margin 3. Time of Possession
By Lonnie
September 3, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
Tony, your wrong. If you saw the game you would know that if AU had opened up the passing game earlier instead of trying to run against 5 in the box the game would not have been as close. KState was not LSU! I attended both games.
By MONroe pundit
September 3, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Great points there Tony. I liked the Cocks to finally shock the Dogs until the Dogs looked so good Sat nite..or was Ok St not that good..Cocks will pull it out w/ their D. Spurrier wants it bad. Auburn has won the last 3 (AL,NEB,KS ST) so ugly its worth noting. Very good defense and clutch at the end offense. I like S.Fla to hold serve and outlast the Tigers 19-17.
By Jim
September 3, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Funny Aubarn had to score a td in the last 2 minutes to beat the all mighty KSU and Ed (the loser) has Tubs as the man! haha! Give it up Ed the clock has hit 12 and the fairy tale’s over auburn will be 2nd class to UGA and UA soon. Please take your dumb comments and your aubie friends with you.
By RxDawg
September 3, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Andy, time of possesion is one of the most overated stats in the game. I’ll give you the points stat thought, that one will do.
By Adam
September 4, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this
Jim: “Give it up Ed the clock has hit 12 and the fairy tale’s over auburn will be 2nd class to UGA and UA soon.” Not to jump to conclusions, but it seems that you’re implying that Auburn naturally belongs in a tier below these two teams. Am I right in saying this? If so, how would you explain Auburn’s overall series lead against UGA? Surely if AU’s rightful place was below UGA, they would be there after 110 meetings, right? They’re only 6 games behind Alabama in that all time series as well, so I can’t say I’m convinced on that one either. I’m not sure what your idea of the status quo is, but it sounds like it’s a bit misguided.
By Willy
September 4, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this
I just think it’s funny that eveyone gets so uncomfortable about Auburn continuing to win. Get over it, or find a way to beat them. Auburn wins, deal with it.
By shane
September 4, 2007 7:18 AM | Link to this
college football is the best game in town,no doubt.what drama!little app state beating big blue at home,tech beating nd at home,and phat phil leaving cal with egg on his face.what soap opera!it’s better than pro wrestling!stay tuned to the continuing saga,will phat phil drown his sorrow at the cracker barrel?will he spill his guts to oprah and dr phil?will nick”take the money and run”saban go to ann arbor?will suburban meyer go to south bend,after a couple of big paydays at uf?will he save the day for touchdown jesus and nbc[notre dame broadcasting company]?did the old ball coach sandbag it and risk losing to a nobody just to put one over on the dawgs?did t bone,hereafter know as”slim”pickens leave athens singing”can’t buy me love”?tune in next week,and don’t you touch that dial!
By Steven C
September 4, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this
Tubs is a terror, especially over the last 3 years…3rd best record in the country behind USC and Texas, teams who have appreciably easier schedules. Most ELITE wins of ANY team in the country. A top ten team KILLER. Fear the index finger!
By BadDawg
September 4, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this
Dear General Neyland: UTee just witnessed an offensive clinic. This week they’ll experience a defensive spanking… Hillbillies go 0-2.
By Randyt
September 4, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
I think it is a little early to write the Vols off. Most of the teams getting the glory for their wins were not playing ranked teams. UT proved it has a formidable offense but is doing a lousy job tackling and really missing the deep threat that it had with Meachem and Swain. UT’s future in the SEC this year will depend on whether they can improve these areas by the time they play Florida.
GA looked good to be so young, Auburn looked bad, LSU has a mighty defense, but still questions on offense and whether Les Miles can coach when things get tight (I just do not think LSU will run the table, offense is not that great at least not yet). Alabama might surprise somebody still yet, and frankly Vanderbilt and Kentucky can still ruin someone’s season.
I think it is way to early to go ahead and crown LSU and GA/FL though. Until these teams face other SEC rivals, we really will not know who really is strong. My take anyway.
By Randyt
September 4, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
BadDawg, you have got to quick smoking that cheap stuff. Lest you forget, the Vols did put up 31 points on the #12 team in their loss, and were two lousy plays away from a tie. Just a little reminder…the last half of the GA/TN game last year…and Ainge is just as good!!! Better start stocking up on cheap crack and a crying towel when TN lays another 50+ on you again!!!
By Ramble ON!
September 4, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
Hey Tony are you still picking FSU to win the ACC?
By SECisFootball
September 4, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
You Aubs kill me. Moo U beat a team that will fight with Iowa State for the worst team in the Big 12 and you guys act like you actually accomplished something. Your offense was dreadful and Cox got hit early and often. He is a fragile guy who will not make it very far into the season if he doesn’t get better protection. Tuberville said that Dunlap played his worst game of his career and Ziemba was beaten like he stole something. I am not the only one who thinks AU is in for a long and disappointing season.
By joe
September 4, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
BadDawg has bad prognosticating skills (I know that is a big word that you probably don’t understand, so I’ll elaborate for you on the meaning…it means “to predict” and elaborate means “to state something with greater detail.”) The Vols actually played well on O putting up 31. Don’t forget about the 51 from last season that Ainge directed on you either. A good win for you over the Pokes, but I wouldn’t equate that to an SEC win by any means. Let’s see what SOS has in store for you this week before spouting off at the mouth.
By Quaildawg
September 4, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
Let me get this straight…You, as a nationally known and respected journalist, really believe that Spurrier had his team practice and overlook their first opponent in anticipation of their second? I don’t doubt that the Cocks will be a bit more enthusiastic this week when facing the Dawgs but unlike your line of thinking you just don’t turn solid game plans and performances on and off like a light switch. Especially in this conference. Appears to me that Spurrier has overestimated the amount of GOOD leadership he has on this team. GOOD leaders lead by example and that means giving it all whether your playing ULL or USC. If what you have stated is indeed what Spurrier did then I have certainly overrated him as a ball coach, not to mention his so called team leaders. In regards to AU, earlier I had predicted that if Tebow runs alot this season UF better have a good backup as he will get hurt. Add B. Cox to that statement. If he keeps getting pounded like he did against KState then he will be lucky to make it to mid-season. BTW-KState OC needs to have his head checked. With the game still in limbo he sets up in shotgun and has the protection back aligned opposite the side that Quentin Groves is set to rush?!!? Are you kidding me. I called the first sack prior to the snap and then about fell out when the bozo had them setup in the same formation on the next play, which he promptly got sacked again and fumbled!!! Have to disagree with you on the assessment of Cal. If they think they can compete with USC with that D then they are crazy!!! Lastly- Happiest Man in NCAA??? Tom O’Brien!!! I hear he sent Lloyd Carr a thank you telegram and a box of chocolates!!!
By WAR EAGLE
September 4, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Tubs is keeping the offensive plan under wraps until we play UF on Sept. 29. Even the announcers stated several times how “conservative” the offense was playing. Just like a good poker player—you don’t show your hand until you have to. Kansas State is a good team and it was a good game, but the superior team won it in the end—just like Auburn always does!