AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFlorida could be scary good
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Five things we learned over the weekend:
1. Florida could be scary good. Last week I said in this space that LSU was the No. 1 team in the country. After watching Florida beat Tennessee 59-20 I’m not sure the Tigers are No. 1 in the SEC. This was supposed to be the year that teams could get Florida because the Gators were re-loading with good young players. But there aren’t many teams that have three dynamic offensive stars like Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, and Brandon James—all sophomores, by the way. If that defense grows up a little more between now and Oct. 6, the Gators will give LSU all they can handle when they meet in Baton Rouge.
2. Alabama passed a big test: When I met with Nick Saban just before Alabama’s first game, he was worried about one thing more than any other. He wondered how his team would react when it finally faced some real adversity. When Arkansas rallied to take a late 38-31 lead, I thought Alabama was done because under Mike Shula, the Crimson Tide just didn’t come back late in the game. Winning the game in that fashion says a lot about how far the program has come in just three games under Saban. Having said that, I believe Georgia can win Saturday in Tuscaloosa.
3. Kentucky is going to record a major upset in the SEC: After knocking off No. 9 Louisville Saturday night in Lexington, the Wildcats have now won eight of their last nine games dating back to last season. The only loss in that stretch was to Tennessee (17-12) in a game Kentucky had several chances to win. Kentucky has SEC home games with LSU, Florida, Mississippi State, and Tennessee. The Wildcats will win at least two of those.
4. Sylvester Croom should be secure: The Mississippi State coach has now beaten Florida, Alabama, and Auburn since he got into the league. He won at Auburn with his No. 3 quarterback. Here is a team that could have doubted itself and packed it in after losing 45-0 to LSU in the opener. Now the Bulldogs are 2-1 with Jacksonville State coming to Starkville. That’s good coaching. Speculation about Croom’s future should stop now.
5. Boston College will be 7-0 when it goes to Virginia Tech: School officials weren’t really wild about the idea of starting the season with three straight ACC games. But after taking care of Georgia Tech Saturday night, the Eagles (3-0) now play Army, UMass, Bowling Green and Notre Dame before going to Blacksburg to face the Hokies on Oct. 25. I had my doubts about BC before the season but not any more. That is a good football team, folks. In case you’re wondering, Boston College goes to Clemson on Nov. 17.
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Comments
By Lee Curso
September 17, 2007 6:20 AM | Link to this
IT’S GREAT TO BE AN AUBURN TIGER, I SAY IT’S GREAT TO BE AN AUBURN TIGER how bout a “how far the sec “elite” has fallen?” article. LOL
ya, you nailed it about shula losing this game. of course if shula was still there it wouldn’t of got to the 4th that close. LOL
the BAMA/uga game should be a good’un.
Gators are scary. WOW! how do you defend that? they just have so many options.
did i mention IT’S GREAT TO BE AN AUBURN TIGER, I SAY IT’S GREAT TO BE AN AUBURN TIGER
TB, who’s the first to be fired? Fat Fullmore or Tubby “Ears” Tubberville?
By Contrarian
September 17, 2007 7:19 AM | Link to this
Or they could be scary overrated. Tennessee is simply not that good this year. They are horrible in fact and look like the 5th best team in the SEC East at this early juncture. I still think Florida “loses a game it shouldn’t” and goes down hard to LSU. They are feeling real good about themselves right now and when young teams start feeling real good about themselves they are ripe for the pickin’.
Alabama won games like that under Shula. Whoopdeedoo. I didn’t see anything in that game that told me Bama has “arrived”. Its going to take alot more than that. Hate to use the O-word again but Saban is overrated.
See #1.
Agreed.
I’m looking forward to the train wreck that is the ACC championship race. The ACC may be irrelevant but its fun to watch.
By Digger
September 17, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this
The ACC MAY be the 5th best conference in the land. The Southern Conference in 1AA may be a little better. That conference has fallen on hard times. GT beats a terrible 0-3 ND team, and they thought they were in the nation’s elite. VT was talking national title hopes and gets embarrassed by LSU. FSU may win 7 games. BC hasn’t played anyone…they have the mighty Army, UMass, and Bowling Green coming up.
By Roger
September 17, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this
Just hope Bama is beat up after Big win, Gators look pretty tough—I would never say they are overrated not after last year,ACC is a joke,expect another 40,000 fans for the championship game, and good for Croom, I hope this is not their only victory in the SEC this yr. Go Dawgs, beat the tide!!
By MsFootball
September 17, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
ACC is going down hard this year. Their “top three” VT, UM, FSU have been dismal the past 3 years. Miami, with a new coach I can understand; but VT and FSU may need to let those old mares go and bring in some new blood. Sorry Bobby!
SEC is the strongest conference in college — they’ve proven that time and time again; best game to watch out for is the LSU vs UF game — I’ve already got my tickets, hotel, and airline allready lined up, and I’m not even a UF or LSU fan!
By Another Ed
September 17, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this
Is Florida that good or is Tennessee that bad? Cal scored 45, Southern Miss scored 19, in Neyland, and then Florida scored a million. I wonder if Tennessee is just not very good.
GA can definitely win and in my opinion will win. Richt always has GA up for away games. I was in Tucscaloosa. Great atmosphere. Can ‘Bama get at that level 2 games in a row? I don’t think so.
Which team will it be? Are you talking Florida or LSU? Not sure I agree with you.
I hope so. Croom seems to be a good guy and his players come to play every week with all they have. I think he is turning them into a class program and win or lose they will fight until the end.
Probably right. Much better team than I thought.
Hey Contrarian, ‘Bama never won a game like this under Shula. They did not come back late in games! Roll Tide.
By KR
September 17, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
Lee Curso: Win or Lose, it is always great to be an Auburn Tiger. I’m certain you won’t understand that.
Tony: Is it time to start second guessing Tommy Tuberville yet? He has an offensive coordinator who seems to be calling plays for Pop Warner players and a defensive coordinator who can’t read simple offenses.
In just over 3 weeks time, Auburn has gone from being considered a contender for the SEC West to the last place team. The blame rests squarely on the coaching staff’s shoulders. The haven’t prepared the team properly and they are unable to adjust.
Bama got some good breaks late in the game from Houston Nutt and the referees, so I’m not ready to declare Bama is back. But a win is a win, so congratulations to the Tide.
By Another Ed
September 17, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
Hey KR. ‘Bama did get breaks in the game, you are right. I watched a replay of the pass interference call in the end zone. From one camera angle it certainly looked like PI, like the db was holding the arm of the receiver. From another it actually looked like the ‘Bama receiver pushed off a bit.
The biggest break was Houston Nutt throwing the ball no 3rd down, which was almost intercepted, and stopping the clock. Of course if it worked he was a genius, if not an idiot. What a fickle world. I am not ready to say ‘Bama is back to being a national power, yet they are definitely better and more prepared. The game Sat. against GA is a toss up in my opinion. Roll Tide.
By KR
September 17, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
Another Ed: The PI call was close; I could see where it could go either way. To me, the biggest Ref granted break was the measurement to see if they made first down.
From my view, it was clear that they didn’t. But instead of setting the ball down immediately and starting the clock, the ref stood there holding the ball waiting for the offense to get lined up. It took a good 5 seconds or so.
Would it have changed the outcome? Who knows? Those are just the breaks of college football.
I also agree with you on the UGA game. Could go either way.
WAR EAGLE!
By O where o where is my..
September 17, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Roswell ED? LOL! What a joke! This was the year right? Flying under the radar right? O, but you forgot you still had Coxx at QB! MSU! Thats funny!
By Tide fan this week
September 17, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
uGA and bama game. Dogs go where? Down? Then, MzFootball, Rike goes back to the state south of Georgia.
By Jim
September 17, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
Did you see all the empty seats at the Albarn game? I think Roswell Ed is like 10K ticket holders of the first SEC game…hiding in his double wide.
By Roswell Ed
September 17, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
I’m glad to see that the AU loss is giving you guys so much joy.
It must be hard typing with one hand.
I knew this one would enliven the trailer nation.
I wonder how many shotguns were fired into the air Sat night in AL?
16 turnovers in 3 games is not good.
Can’t win that way.
Can you guys give me some advice on how to end it?
You see my life revolves around the actions of 85 18-23 year old boys.
Now that we’re 1-2 I don’t know how I will be able to hold it together. Can’t eat. Can’t sleep. What to do?
Disappointed yes.
Dispondent are you kidding.
When I got up Sun AM I looked outside to make sure the sun came up and sure enough it did.
WAR EAGLE!!
By Sore Loser?
September 17, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Sounds like the perspective of a loser ED.
You can see the sun from your trailer park ED?
By You guys should...
September 17, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
lay off Roswell Ed, he had a tough weekend. Alabama Polytechnic lost & his significant other was arrested in Lawrenceville for stealing copper from a construction site. I’d hate to be one of his co-workers today!
By Quaildawg
September 17, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
Prediction: Chavis will be next victim to be thrown under the bus by Fulmer. Al Borgis (sp?) OC at Auburn hasn’t looked too much like a genius since Ronnie Brown and Cadillac have departed. He and Hugh Nall will probably be looking for jobs in Jan.
Don’t get too worked up over the Gators just yet as they still have four games that they won’t find so easy. Still predicting beat down of Gators in Baton Rouge. Also, still predicting Tebow gets hurt especially when your “Genius” Coach still has you in the game when the outcome had long since been determined.
By Roswell Ed
September 17, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
Excuse me for a second.
My eyes are welling up.
All I ever wanted to do was agitate a few idiots and look at what all I’ve reaped.
I could only have dreamed of being this hated.
They ought to let me have this blog because I get more responses than TB.
By HiFiGator
September 17, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
In no particular order …
The Gators are scary good. Here’s why: Florida won 59-20 as we all know, but they did so while still having so many things to work on. There was a route cut short by a wide receiver which turned into a 96 yard interception return and score for the Vols. Granted the Gators were the beneficiary of a punt return for a TD as well as a fumble return. But that’s not the point. The point is how dominant they were against a team that is still one of the 10 or 12 most talented teams in the land. The score could have easily been 66-13 still. That is scary good.
I was impressed with the Wildcats and the job Brooks has done with his team. In earlier years they might pose a serious threat and likely upset candidate for the Gators. This year however the scheduling has changed. So instead of facing the Gators this week, where they would be facing a young and potentially overconfident team in their first action away from home, the Ole Miss Rebels draw that role. Kentucky on the other hand has the misfortune of playing the Gators later in the year following Florida’s one and only open date. As any who have followed Florida recently already know, Urban Meyer has an unbelmished record when given more than one week to prepare. THat’s right: at 3 different schools and over a 6 1/2 year period, Meyer has never lost on opening day, in a Bolw game or after an open date. As potent as Kentucky’s offense looks, I still don’t see that trend ending this year in Lexington.
How far has Auburn fallen in such a short time? Tommy Tuberville has gone from one of the top 3 coaches in the top league in the land, to most recent lauging stock. Home games against relative lightweights Kansas St. and Mississippi St. have shown us that the Tigers are average at best.
Finally, LSU continues to impress. Like Florida, LSU puts pressure on you so many ways. Unlike Florida this comes primarily from the defense, whereas Florida uses mostly the offense and special teams.
All things point to a big game coming in Baton Rouge the first Saturday in October, with a likely rematch in Atlant 2 months later.
By SECisFootball
September 17, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
Of course UGA can win the game this weekend. BAMA can win the game as well and I think they will. The team probably got a lot of confidence coming off of a win like they did on Saturday. They are also not facing a team with running backs like McFadden and Jones. I am not taking away anything from the UGA backs. They are very good. But they are no where near the quality of McFadden. No one in the country is. BAMA has great balance on offense and there are not many DB’s who can contain DJ Hall. At the same time, Terry Grant is doing a pretty good job so far as a freshman RB. Our D has some issues still but we knew that going into the season. I think after a big win to gain some much needed confidence and the home field advantage (Bryant Denny will be rocking on Sat), BAMA win by 7-10. JMHO.
Roswell Ed….Your team lost to Miss State and USF in consecutive weeks AT HOME!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. You team is a joke!! Hopefully you keep trying the Tim Tebow offense with the freshman QB. I am sure no team will have a problem defending that especially since you won’t be throwing it!! AU may finish behind Miss State at the end of the season. I am sure Lowder’s plane is out searching for a new coach. Enjoy your return to mediocrity!!
By Dorsey Hill
September 17, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
Yes, Florida looks scary good, No doubt about it. I’m glad we’ve got two weeks to figure out what the hell to do to slow that thing down. They give a defense way too many things to worry about, but it does seem to me that the first thing you have to do is eliminate the run up the middle. If you can take away the draws and the dives so that they have to run outside or pass, then maybe you can gain a little control.
Having said that I do want to go on record as saying, before everybody follows UF and WV and Boise etc… into the era of the spread offense, that despite its clear effectiveness, I hate it.
The reason I hate it is because it is finesse football. Football is meant to be played by two teams trying to out physical the other team. Desire and will can triumph over talent on a given Saturday playing the way Football has been played over the last 100+ years. But the spread is basketball on grass, relying on talent and speed rather than aggression and determination. I don’t watch B-Ball in the winter and now its screwing up my fall.
Anyway it reminds me of what Patton said about the coming nuclear age:
“We’re told of “wonder weapons” the Germans were working on:
Long-range rockets, push-button bombing weapons?”
“Wonder weapon?
My God, I don’t see the wonder in them.
Killing without heroics. Nothing is glorified, nothing is reaffirmed.
I’m glad I won’t live to see it.”
I’m afraid fate won’t be as kind to us. Here’s hoping that some DC out there unlocks the key to that things and it gets shelved before it ruins the whole damn sport.
By JB
September 17, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
If the dawgs line play improves, we might keep it close , or win. We need to open up this offense, if we can. Better come out sky high. That Richt puppy dog look and attitude will make it tough. Bama will be sky high. WC “held” us to a little over 300 yards offense. I mean HELD ! GEEZ…………
By Will
September 17, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
UGA is in big trouble this year…And if Coach M doesn’t start blitzing in Saturday’s game, were going to get blown out. Just look at what Arkansas did once they figured out what they could do when they started pressuring Wilson. But I bet we play a laid-back, boring zone defense and get scorched for about 450 years. I also say Saban will be in Bobo’s backpocket and we make bad decidions as we did agains SC. This is a poorly coached team(GA) I think.
By Dorsey Hill
September 17, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
Will, says that he “thinks.” I would suggest that your post indicates otherwise. Apparently, you are either insane or stupid or both. It appears that you saw Ark. blitz on every play of the last drive, get scored on and lose the game. The lesson for you is: “Lets do that.” Pardon me, but you are an idiot. What the AL game showed me was that Bama is capable of explointing the blitz and putting up points againts it: Ark. gave up 41 and Will thinks they did great. (What a moron.) What AL isn’t capable of is playing defense for 4 quarters. What this game needs isn’t a more agressive defense, but one that doesn’t give up the big play and yields field goal attempts but not TD’s. If we keep it close in the second half, they will lay down in the late 3rd and fourth Q’s because they simply are very undermanned right now. If Ark. hadn’t of spotted AL a 21 point 3rd quarter lead (with that great Will-endorsed defense) Arkansas would have won going away.
Sorry, Will, but get your head out of your azz.
By Atlanta Gator
September 17, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
I love my young Gators, but LSU’s demonstrated defensive dominance causes me considerable consternation. I look forward to a good grid iron game in Baton Rouge, but nobody sensible should be slinging smack before the final gun.
Go Gators!
By KR
September 17, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator says:
…nobody sensible should be slinging smack before the final gun.
Words to live by, especially in the SEC.
By War Eagle
September 17, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Maybe my memory is slipping, but I don`t remember Auburn post with such harsh reactions when UGA lost to Vandy and Kentucky or when Auburn beat Florida for only loss of the season, not on this blog?? I know UGA, Florida and Tenn bloggers who mean something , not the RAH RAH nervous energy type..Personally, critism is not the answer to a young and struggling team…PATIENCE, Auburn will be back…BEAT BAMA DAWGS
By Lee Curso
September 17, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
i’m glad to see all the auburn MORONS have had a slice of humble pie today. lofl!
By Lee Curso
September 17, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
nevermind about fat fill fullmore, it ain’t goin anywhere.
it would take about $7 Million just to buy out Fulmer and staff not to mention the cost to hire a new coach and staff. All of assitants have two year contracts and coordinators have 3 year contracts.Looking at a cost of a minimum of $14-16 million
By mcdawg
September 17, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
you called (as did I) the kentucky louisville game-i also agree w/ comments regarding UGA and ‘Bama-wish this was not a night game-looking forward to UF-LSU
By Roswell Ed
September 17, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
Curso,
Never did I talk about the Al team just the trailer nation’s lack of class, from it’s fans and it’s coach Nick THE LUGGAGE Satan.
You have gone out of your way to prove my point today.
Thank you son.
And remember not all Bammer fans are rednecks but all rednecks are Bammer fans.
WAR EAGLE PROUD!!
This is a great weekend. As long as Ga or Al losses I’ll be happy.
By Leroy Rogers
September 17, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this
Rumblings on Rocky Top…could it be a moving van again…any of you young squirts remember Bill Battle at UT? He was an Ala. man, which didn’t help, however, look at Fulmer’s record in major bowls! He couldn’t even win with Manning! Better stop up the ears Phat Man! The wolves a howling loud and clear. You, your coaches and players would do well in the Dale Carnegie program..talking the talk but not walking the walk. I am a Missouri man…gotta show me! I cannot see any improvement since the PA. State debacle in the bowl! Am I being unfair to the “chewing gum” Volunteer 2 million bucks a year man? His comments after every loss involve some official’s call. This week..was it a fair “spot?” Will some of you Fulmerites tell us if the man knows anything about the game in progress? Gotta check the tape with the assistants! We shall see. Every year, same old, sme old, playing for the national ship. The ‘98 was a fluke! Check the luck that team had and no FL. St. qb in the bowl game. Can’t remember his name but he never played again. It was Weinke and the Heisman the next year!
By BamaFan
September 17, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this
RoswellEd—Sounds like someone needs a little lesson on the meaning of class. I do believe the wittle war eagle fan has had his wittle auburn paw stomped on and he’s MAD about it!
As a Bama fan, it looks like AU is about to travel a road Bama fans have been familiar with for the past 6 years. The only difference is, we just found our exit.
I must say, after reading your post, I’d rather be a card carrying member of the redneck, proud to call Nick the Luggage Satan our coach, trailer nation shouting GO BAMMER! than an Auburn fan any day of the week. Roll Tide!!!
By Lou Vales
September 17, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this
ESPN must have an infatuation with Mother Teresa clones and despicable slices of scum that would give 199 year old pond algae a bad name. Nick Saban would make Al Capone look like Winston Churchhill when it comes to morality and character.
Nick Saban just the name has a Jim Herrick ring to it. Saban-Psoriasis Saban-Scab Saban-Scurvy Saban-Sclerosis Saban-Seborrea
By War Eagle
September 17, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
Nice post Roswell Ed, people have no idea now Bama fans double-dip. I hope dawgs red face Suitcase.
By Buck in the NW
September 17, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this
Dorsey Hill, man do I remember two years ago when I posted on several ajc.com blogs that people in the Southeast were underestimating the spread option offense. I tried to explain that living out here I’d watched Meyer coach Utah and I said look out it’ll work and all these people jumped on me saying that smash mouth FB would stop it etc, etc. Oh do I remember warning Dawg fans about WVA. and what was coming but all anyone could say was “smash mouth, smash mouth”. Well does anyone believe me now? Probably not.
By GreenJackets
September 17, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
Auburn fans should be proud of what Tubberville has done in his tenure at AU. Still plenty of games left to improve and catch fire.
By Ken
September 18, 2007 4:13 AM | Link to this
Agreed… UF could be scary good, and should be competition to LSU, but the win over UT alone only shows they’re very good not scary good yet. I disagree w/ some of our UGA fans who’re saying UT is just that bad. They might not be all that good, but lost to 2 of the best teams in the country (Cal is very good & has to win the Pac-10) & will be competition for UGA.
Agreed… on both counts. I think Georgia has a good chance to win against Alabama, who’s ranked a little too high off 1 close win over Arkansas (how’d Ark. drop all the way out of the polls?!?).
Agreed… but that’s not going way out on a limb, saying they could win 2 of their home games that include UT & MSU. Kentucky is not a fluke. UGA & SC (fans incl.) should watch out too.
Agreed
Agreed.. but that’s not going out on a limb at all. How about, BC will beat VTech & their game against Clemson will be for the ACC Atlantic Division Championship.
By displaced person
September 18, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
Florida may be scary good but the TIGERS are better!! Not all rednecks are Bama fans some are Virginia Tech fans. To War Eagle/Plainsman/Tiger things will get better just maybe not this year.