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DEL.ICIO.USWin or lose, does Bama benefit from playing Clemson?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Okay. Everybody’s in camp and we’ve made the first round of our stops around the South. We’ve learned a lot in our travels. But what do we still not know?
1. Win or lose, does Alabama benefit from playing Clemson? Obviously, Alabama wants to beat Clemson in the season opener at the Georgia Dome on Aug. 30. Clemson, the ACC preseason favorite, will be picked to win against the Crimson Tide, which is projected third in the SEC West.
But the benefit from games like this goes far beyond just winning and losing, Alabama coach Nick Saban said when I met with him in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama will put a lot of young players on the field and Saban believes in throwing his rookies into the fire. A full house at the Dome should do the trick.
“We need to establish an identity with this team as soon as possible,” Saban said. “Games like this immediately show your players how much they need to improve or can improve. It also helps you prepare to play the better teams in our league. We will learn a lot about our team very quickly.”
Saban pointed out that when he was at Michigan State the Spartans usually played Notre Dame in the first month of the season.
“It just thought it was a good thing instead of a bad thing because it told us what we needed to do to beat good teams,” Saban said. “Maybe you go 7-4 instead of 8-3 because of it, but if the goal is to be a national program, you have to play games like that.”
Vince Dooley once told me that the benefit to playing a good team early is that when the game is over, you don’t any illusions about your team. Three weeks later Alabama opens the SEC schedule at Arkansas. The Clemson game helps Alabama get ready for the trip to Fayetteville.
2. Who’s going to back up Tim Tebow? On paper sophomore Cameron Newton of College Park and red-shirt freshman John Brantley are competing for the job of No. 2 quarterback behind Tebow, the Heisman Trophy winner. Newton, who is an impressive physical specimen at 6-5, 246, played sparingly as a freshman. The highly recruited Brantley sat out last season as a red-shirt and was limited in the spring due to a shoulder and hand injuries.
But offensive coordinator Dan Mullen told me that he doesn’t plan to pick a No. 2 quarterback anytime soon.
“That’s a long way off. Our mindset is that we need to get three starting quarterbacks ready,” Mullen said. “If they accept that they are the backup their preparation can drop off in a hurry. They need to prepare as if they are the starter. Then we will figure it out as the season gets closer.”
Mullen will have to pick a No. 2 eventually because Florida wants to use Tebow’s backup more often this season to give the Heisman winner some rest. They liked the role Tebow played to Chris Leak during the national championship season in 2006. And the fact is you can’t get three quarterbacks ready to play a game because the 2 and 3 guys cannot get enough reps in practice.
3. How good is that Auburn offensive line?: While Auburn fans are talking about the new spread offense of OC Tony Franklin, offensive line coach Hugh Nall may be fielding his best group ever.
Nall had to start three freshmen last season and he had three red-shirt freshmen in the rotation.
“We took a few lumps but we worked through it and now we’re better for it,” said Nall, a former player at Georgia.
There is some talent here. Sophomore Lee Ziemba started 13 games at right tackle last season and now moves over to left tackle. He has a chance to be a star.
“This is a pretty tough bunch,” said Nall, who is not known for excessive praise. “Now we’ve got a lot of guys we can rotate. I like that.”
Franklin says that in order to run his offense properly the offensive line has to be mentally and physically tough.
“We demand a lot of our linemen. Fortunately we’ve got one of the best offensive line coaches in the country,” Franklin said. “He won’t let them be anything but tough.”
4. Who really needs to step up at Florida State?: That would be safety Myron Rolle. Rolle, the former New Jersey high school defensive player of the year, was one of the nation’s most highly recruited players when he signed with Florida State in 2006. He started as a true freshman in 2006 and played very well. Last season he did not improve as the Florida State secondary, which was supposed to be one of the strengths of the team, was a disappointment. Florida State finished 11th in the ACC in passing defense (245.4 ypg).
Rolle is a brilliant student. He graduated from high school early and entered Florida State in January of 2006. On Saturday he’ll graduate with a 3.75 GPA in exercise science. He plans to attend medical school and is expected to be nominated for a Rhodes Scholarship this fall.
Florida State hopes this will be his breakout season in football.
“Myron is a very good player but he has all of the tools to be a great player,” defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews said. “That is what we expect of him.”
5. How big is the return of Demetrice Morley at UT?: Morley, a junior safety from Miami, had to sit out the entire 2007 season and lost his scholarship because of academic issues. But he was readmitted to Tennessee last January and says he is determined to make the most of his second chance. He will be paired with sophomore Eric Berry to give Tennessee one of the best pairs of safeties in the country.
“I thank coach (Phillip) Fulmer and I thank God for this opportunity,” said Morley, who started 10 games in 2006. “Most people do not get a second chance like this.”
Morley says he is now playing for someone other than himself. He now has a young son, Deion, who turned one not long ago.
“I know now that I’ve got the little man to take care of,” Morley said. “He may not know what is going on but when I look in the stands and he’s there, I’ll know. That’s why I’m playing.”
BONUS QUESTION
What does Florida do without CI? The news is terrible on Florida tight end Cornelius Ingram. A preseason All-SEC pick, Ingram came back as a senior because he wanted to win a championship. Now he is out for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee from a non-contact drill.
Florida has other good tight ends. Sophomore Aaron Hernandez was going to get on the field a lot this season in a two tight end package that Florida was developing. Senior Tate Casey was a star early in his career but missed all of last season because of a couple of elbow surgeries.
Florida will make up for Ingram’s 34 catches from last season. What you don’t know is how this injury will affect the team psychologically. Ingram was one of the primary leaders and one of the most popular guys on the team. This was supposed to be his breakout year.
“I think the fact that he’s not going to play this year, that’s a blow to us because he’s a great player, a great kid,” Coach Urban Meyer said last night after practice. “ (He’s) one of my favorite players of all time.”
The Gainesville Sun is reporting that after Ingram has surgery and finishes his rehab, he will begin getting ready for the NFL Draft.
Comments
By Roswell Ed
August 8, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
How good is the Auburn offensive line? I’m willing to bet they are the best this league has to offer. We didn’t do any crying and whining last year about starting freshman, the way the pompous Buck Belue did always laying out the excuses for the young pups.
Auburn will be in the Dome, who wants to join us in Dec?
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 8, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
1). Big game for both Bama and Clemson. SEC vs. ACC and it will help each respective to school with recruiting in the state of Georgia. Both schools want to be very competitive for this game.
2) Tebow needs a backup? Does Superman have a backup? Listening to Gator fans this guy is indestructible.
3) Auburn and UGA have the best young OL’s in the conference. Should be a battle.
4) FSU is still relevant? Who is the QB this year? That seems more important.
5) Morley and Berry should be great for the Vowels this year.
Ingram is a huge lose. Unfortunate for the young man. Again win we meet in JAX, ya wanted both teams at 100%.
GOOO DAWGS!!!
By MunsonIsDone
August 8, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this
No matter what you say….Tebow has not won a big game as the Florida starter.He can’t be considered great until he does that.
By Roswell Ed
August 8, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
Obviously Fulmer noticed he had Auburn on the schedule and decided to give a call to all the flunkies from past UT teams to restore their eligibility!
Another tough game for the Tigers on a really nasty schedule.
I’m sure Richt will have his cute little tricks ready for his trip to the plains. Maybe break out black helmets and pink socks. Better yet he could borrow UT’s orange for all the criminals he has on that joke of a #1 team.
WDE
By Roswell Ed
August 8, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
Bama gets crushed by Clemson.
I have formally submitted paperwork to get John Parker another year of eligibility.
WDE
By The Real Roswell Ed
August 8, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
It’s official. I now have a stalker.
Tony AU’s TEs ain’t too bad either.
By The Real Roswell Ed
August 8, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
It’s official. I now have a stalker.
Tony AU’s TEs ain’t too bad either.
By WeWereGoners
August 8, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
FUlmer let Morely back AFTER he took his scholarship and AFTER Morely fulfilled academic issues at a small school in K’ville. Morly was not kicked off for any arrest, just didn’t do the school work.
By Roswell Ed
August 8, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Flattery * will get you * nowhere Fake Ed.
Why stalk me?
WDE
By The Real Roswell Ed
August 8, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
Roll Tide!
By Dangerous Dawg
August 8, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
If you are “Auburn Men” you both are gay!
GATA
By saint nick
August 8, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Clemson will keep it close, but Bama wins late 24-21. Auburn’s best o-line ever? I think Glen Dorsey tossed the left side around(literally)last year like a rag doll, and this is the same group. This is just coach speak, trying to talk his players into playing above their heads!!! LSU and BAMA will have the best o-lines in the conference.
By The Real Roswell Ed
August 8, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
War Eagle !
By Tiger Bait
August 8, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Hey Anthony, isn’t it about time you take your nose out of Nick’s behind?
By The Real Roswell Ed
August 8, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
LSU and BAMA will NOT have the best OL’s in the league, get a clue!
Nall produces, LSU and Bama loses!
LSU is about to re-visit the DiNardo era and Saban will be gone after next season. Auburn will continue it’s dominance on the SEC !
WDE
WDE
By m
August 8, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
You SEC kooks crack me up. On the one hand you act like the SEC is the second coming of Christ and that no other conference has a chance against them. Then as soon as some big bad SEC team has to play an ACC team then reality sets in. Obviously, Clemson is going to beat the crap out of alabammer just like FSU did last year. The SEC is all hat and no cattle.
By The Real Roswell Ed
August 8, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
I want my own column in the ajc.
WDE
By The Real Roswell Ed
August 8, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Remember the Chic Fil A Bowl?
WDE
By SecIsFootball
August 8, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Roswell Ed….AU will not have the best OL in the league either. UT will have the best OL. I would give some credit to AU’s if not for the two pathetic chop blocks you guys threw against LSU and Clemson. I guess that is what Nall teaches when you get beat. When in doubt, take ‘em out!
Auburn dominance? Did I miss something? Yes you have beaten BAMA 6 in a row (by far your schools biggest EVER accomplishment) but I would not call 1 SEC title in the last 15 years dominance. LSU is not going down the tubes and Saban is not leaving. But, you can keep dreaming. I am sure those those thought to you would be considered a wet dream!
By SecIsFootball
August 8, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
MunsonIsDone…I am not sure I can say your post is the dumbest I have ever read but it is close? Tebow cant win the big game? He lead UF to a win over UT last year. If I am correct, that is a game the mighty matt stafford has yet to win. He contributed to over 50 touchdowns for UF and on top of that he was honored as college football best player by winning the heisman. Sorry, but he is a great QB and you know it.
By swimdawg68
August 8, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Hey Roswell Ed that “joke” #1 team has destroyed the Auburn “turkey buzzards” for the last 2 years we don’t need black jerseys to beat them. By the way none of the kids in trouble were starters. I’m certain the “turkey buzzards” have never had a kid any trouble.
See you in Nov. for another major Auburn a** whipping by UGA.
By PattyDye
August 8, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Tubberville may be overrated as a coach. True he did go undefeated a few seasons ago, but tell me again why he didn’t get to play in the NC game. He didn’t play in the NV game because the schedule was weak, which may be the reason he went undefeated. Take that season away though and what has he won? Not much.
By The General Feeling
August 8, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Lots stupid people above —-^
By PTC DAWG
August 8, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
I’m a proud SEC homer, but I will concede that Clemson is the FAVORITE to win the ACC and should be able to beat Bama, who might finish 3rd in it’s own division, IF it can beat Miss State.
By MunsonIsDone
August 8, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
SECIsFootball, I didn’t say he wasn’t good. I just said he hasn’t won the big game.Yes he won against UT, but UT was really not all that good. John Parker Wilson won against the too. Example…why didn’t Peyton Manning win the heisman? Well according to the “media experts” both local and nationally he didn’t win the “big game”. All he did was win 10-11 games each year, but couldn’t beat Florida or win the NC. Lets see Tebow win the NC and beat a team in the regular season that will only have 1 loss. When that happens we can say he won the “big game”. I’m just trying to be objective about the guidlines/criteria that have been laid beofre us by the media and other fans.
By Woodstock Mike
August 8, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
I believe in franchises. My cooking is better and have we got a weekend bargain for you. Here’s the inside skinny as a pigskin prognosticator. UGA will whup the Tiggers again for the trifecta. This is getting good!
By Roswell Ed
August 8, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Of course I forgot to mention that Auburn’s OL leads the SEC in chop blocks.
WarEagle, please call me back! I hope I didn’t scare you last night but I meant everything I told you.
By SouthWest
August 8, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Oh, so the BIG GAME has to be the NC game or vs. a team that goes 12-1? LOL
Get real.
By South Georiga Nole
August 8, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Yes FSU is still relevant as there are many ‘Nole fans in GA. Not everyone is focused on the ‘Dawgs and Tech, Ed.
I am looking forward to seeing Clemson whoop ‘Bama on the 30th. FSU beat them last year in Jax and I have to admit that Clemson is head and shoulders above the ‘Nole team of last year.
I cannot wait to see an ACC team kick the SEC in the mouth!!!!
By Milton Jeff
August 8, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
M: ACC- Almost Competitive Conference. Dont knock the SEC. The weaker teams in the conference could man-handle any top-notch team in the ACC.
By Twisted
August 8, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
The sad thing about the Ingram situation (beyond the terrible break for a decent kid) is that it will encourage more players to go pro early.
By South Georiga Nole
August 8, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
@Milton Jeff: what are you smoking this morning? MSU/Ole Miss and Vandy would get hammered by VT, Clemson, FSU and even Miami. SEC fans have a ridiculously unrealistic view of how great even your bottom feeders are! At least ACC fans can admit Duke and NCST suck.
By DestinDawg
August 8, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
SECisfootball, The only reason Teblow scored 55 TDs is because he was the only one capable of scoring. The rest of the team only scored 16 TDs. If that doesn’t change you will continue to lose 4 or maybe 5 games a year.If UF had a complete team then you wouldn’t lose every time Teblow is banged up. Go DAWGS !!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Matt
August 8, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Jeeez I never knew there were so many UGA haters in this town! Seeing us #1 is like your best friend $crewing your sister! ha
All championship roads lead thru Athens!
GO DAWGS!
By Forrest
August 8, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Milton Jeff, you’ll get to see your theory in action when Wake plays Ole Miss. I see Wake stepping on their faces.
By TaterTot
August 8, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Of course bama benefits from playing emson. And so does the rest of the country, getting to see a marquee out of conference game. All teams should shoot for 1-2 “big” OOC games each year. Besides, it’s not like playing ULM was a cakewalk - if you’re gonna lose, lose big.
By Brian
August 8, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Offensive lines in the SEC. WOW! Seriously, Tony, before you leave you should do a story comparing UGA, UT, LSU and Auburn OL vs ANY other OL in the country. This is as talented a group of OL as I have EVER seen in this conference, and I’ve been watching for nearly 35 years.
Heck, Ole Miss has a better OL than ANY team ANY SEC team faces out-of-conference.
Most over-rated group in the league? Floriduh. By far.
By Milton Jeff
August 8, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
SGNole/Forrest: SEC has 3 teams in top 10, 5 in top 25. Clemson is the lone team in the top 10, VT & Wake finish out top 25. Past 2 NC..SEC teams. You mention FSU/Miami..not even on the list. I’ll agree to give Clemson the nod of being a good team, however I don’t see them beating Bama. The Wake game will be a great game to watch..however I feel w/ Nutt as the new head coach, Ole Miss will win. ACC had its heyday in the late 90s w/ Miami. Thats about it.
By Macon Countyline
August 8, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Tony, I hope you will join former AJC writers (who sadly exceed by far what’s left behind) Pasquarelli, Schlabach and Mortensen at ESPN.com. Or former SEC writer Andy Staples over at cnnsi. This paper is getting ready to start stinking and it’s a saaad thing.
By MunsonIsDone
August 8, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
SouthWest, yes according to what has been the criteria for a great QB, you can’t be great until/unless you have won the “big game”, the NC or the Super Bowl. Now as I recall the knock on Peyton manning was he didn’t win the big game vs. Florida even though that was his only loss for a couple of seasons. Even though he did win the SEC championship he couldn’t be great because he didn’t win the big game. He did win the SUper Bowl but leading up to it there were all the media experts qualifying their remarks of he had to win a big game.So in keeping it fair I think it is safe to say that Tebow isn’t great yet becuae he hasn’t won the big game.
By bamafan
August 8, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Clemson has better talent , but Bama has a better head coach and a good defenses coaches. It will be a good game and hope Bama can pull a rabbit out of the hat like the vols did last year. Roswell ed are you having a outer body experience or want? Auburn does have a good offense line and Bama will have its best line in ten years this year to play. Bama needs the defense to step up if is going to make a run at the top of the sec this year. I still think that Bama is one great recruiting class away from taking over the sec where it belongs in the first place!! ROLL TIDE
By kashandra
August 8, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
If ALA beats CLEM, what does this say about the ACC??
Also, TEEBOW needs no backup, he is superman you know.
By Tom
August 8, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
*
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GREAT SONG!!!
*
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By athensdawg
August 8, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
People, people….. How many times do I have to tell you all…Tim Tebow is the greatest quarterback in the history of football. Statistics, Wins, TDs, Heisman trophies…It dosen’t matter…he is the greatest….he is the quarterback of the greatest football team for the greatest football program in the history of the SEC…no strike that…universe.
(UF Heisman trophy winners: 3 Record of UF Hesiman tropy winners against georgia: 1-3…maybe worse depending on how many times we beat Spurrier.)
But even that dosen’t matter. The gators rock. They are the greatest! Tebow is God! Urban Meyer is the second coming of Bear Bryant! Let us all pay homage to the mighty gator nation…..we all tremble in fear of the gators.
By The Swami
August 8, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Roswell Ed…. all the whining and crying I heard last year came from Auburn fans after you got your butts spanked for the second year in a row. UGA’s four freshman OL made your defense look pretty pitiful.
The only way Auburn goes to the Dome this year is for the Peach Bowl….* again*
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 8, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Thats pretty funny actually!
By Jay
August 8, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
I think Bama will beat Clemson. (1) Would Clemson be favored over UGA, UT, UF, LSU, AU? I don’t think so. Might they win a game against them yes, but favored no. That puts them in the middle of the SEC. (2) Nick Saban is a much better coach than Tommy Bowden. (3)Auburn beat the same team in the Peach Bowl this year with nine days practice in a new system. (4) About four years ago UGA opened at Clemson and it was suppose to be a close game with Clemson likely winning, UGA won 30-0. Those are the reasons I think ‘Bama wins this upcoming game.
Newton is a huge guy, sounds almost like Jamarcus Russell. Should be really hard to stop, but I’ve not seen anyone run with the bull power Tebow demonstrates. He runs like a power fullback.
Rolle is certainly not a bust, but he may end up being a better scholar than athlete. Too early to tell.
By SEC RULES
August 8, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
ACC boys: Before thy open thy mouth and stick thy foot in it talking about the SEC, here is a few things I guess you forgot!!!!!!! 2005 LSU 40 Miami 3 and they haven’t been the same since. 2007 LSU 48 Virginia Tech 7. I think every ACC school has had their chance to come into the BEST Conference but they are to scared. They want to stay in a weak conf so they can win.
By Jay
August 8, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Also, early prediction on the UT vs UF game. UT wins. They are going to be better than most think. Crompton is a much better QB than most realize. They have a very good OL and a strong running game. If their DL comes around they’ll be a handful.
By athensdawg
August 8, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
that song rocks.
By OnTap
August 8, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Thing is…ed…folks stopped making excuses for the Dawgs when they went on the winning streak and finished #2 in the country. Meanwhile, your awesome frosh line was helping you’re backs have 2.4 yds per carry and your qb have 4 INTS….nice protection dudes vs the Dawgs!
By Richard
August 8, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
SEC Rules,
Actually it’s GT 17, MIA 14 and Miami hasn’t been the same since.
By goober
August 8, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Lighten up, dudes. I’m just happy football season is near. I can pull for my teams without hating you or yours. And what a great way to kick it off … in the Dome watching two two good teams, Bama and Clemp-son, who are both hungry for success, and anxious to impress a national TV audience. What better way to spend a Saturday in the pre-fall heat … cold beer and good food and good friends, watching a great game without having to worry about who wins or loses. A-h-h-h-h, life is returning to normal again! Thank you, God, and thank you, Sir Tony!
By wde
August 8, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
The SEC fans are scared of Clemson? We’re all hat and no cattle?
Tell me, m, who won the Chick-fil-a Bowl this past year?
HINT: It wasn’t Clemson
By SEC RULES
August 8, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Richard.
Box Score (Final)
9 Miami vs #10 LSU (Dec 30, 2005 at Atlanta, Ga.)Miami-3 Record: (9-3) LSU- 40 Record: (11-2)
By FLA DAWG
August 8, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Saban is poormouthing again. He knows The Tide can beat Clemson - and he knows doing it in The Georgia Dome with umptine viewers will put Alabama back up on the watch list.
I think Bama wins that game.
By polskidawg
August 8, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
1. Win or lose, does Alabama benefit from playing Clemson? - Yes, they will benefit and lose the game. Too many inexperienced players to win that game. Bama should improve quite a bit by game 5 or 6.
2. Who’s going to back up Tim Tebow? - Newton, and he’ll see time until the SEC games begin. If he has to play, he’ll be a big drop-off - not in talent, but experience.
3. How good is that Auburn offensive line? - the article say that, “offensive line coach Hugh Nall may be fielding his best group ever.” - not the best in the SEC. In any case, it will be a very good young line and top 5 in the SEC. They’ll miss some assignments early, but be really tough when the Dawgs visit November.
4. Who really needs to step up at Florida State? - Rolle seems to be an impressive young man, but I’ll need to disagree with you here. The answer is whomever is the QB this year, followed by the DT/DE.
5. How big is the return of Demetrice Morley at UT? - It’s big yes, but not as big as will the DT/DE group play well and will they have any depth there? It all starts on the line.
BONUS QUESTION
What does Florida do without CI? - Florida will survive, but it really bites for him. Great player and apparently a great leader. The loss of leadership is probably the biggest factor.
By G8R GRAD
August 8, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
Twisted: How right you are. It establishes a counter-productive and dishonorable trend.
By G8R GRAD
August 8, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Twisted: How right you are. It establishes a counter-productive and dishonorable precedent.
By Gator Nation
August 8, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Tebow definitley needs a back up on top of needing to make the decision to run less and throw more.
To the crazy dawg fan who says Tebow hasn’t won a big game yet.
Last I checked it was a team sport and scoring was not a problem for Florida last year. Stopping teams from scoring was. But………
Do these teams qualify as big games?
Tennessee South Carolina FSU
Your supposed to edit your thoughts before writing them down.
By SecIsFootball
August 8, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
While I think Tim Tebow is the best QB in the SEC and the country and while he is probably the best football player in the country, I do not believe he is good enough to throw the ball and then go and catch it for the TD. He threw like 33-35 TD passes. He rushed for 20. I agree they need to take some of the pressure off of him this year and that will likely happen with Rainer and that transfer from USC. He will still get his numbers and with a more seasoned team this year, he will not lose 4 games again. I know he is a Gator but lets be realistic here.
By SecIsFootball
August 8, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Matt…I have no problem with UGA being #1 before they even play a game. What is impt is where you finish. What confuses me was you comment…”All championship roads lead thru Athens!” SINCE WHEN? Yes you guys have 2 SEC titles this decade which is more than I can say for my team (UA). However, a National Title hasnt visited Athens in 28 years so I would say that your comments is a little bit over the top and not truthful. Could UGA win it this year. Sure. So could a lot of other teams as well. Will they? With their schedule, I seriously doubt it. I think UGA will lose 3 games to UF, UT and LSU!
By Steve
August 8, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
If I were a Florida fan I’d be concerned about all of Tebow’s extracurricular activities this off season. The ESPY’s? Mission trips? Speaking to prison inmates? How does he find time for strength & conditioning, studying the play book, or bonding with his teammates?
Its extremely rare to have a Heisman winner coming back for two more seasons of eligibility. The Heisman curse is alive and well. You’ve been warned….
By WarEagle
August 8, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
To all SEC fans, Can you please all shut the F&^* up? Not one game has been played. Pre season rankings mean NOTHING! LSU lucked out, and I mean LUCKED out last year in playing for the NT. UGA has enough to worry about before even thinking about playing for the NT. Win your division and then win the SEC title. Oh, forgot, GO UNDEFEATED. You guys play a very tough schedule.
Now for Bammer, Who really cares about Bammer vs. Clempson? Clemson has been ranked high the last couple of years and then end up sucking. Bammer has an awesome recored of 6-7 and 7-6 the past two years. I don’t really have to say anything because their records speak for itself.
By George B
August 8, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
PattyDye:
In 2004, when Auburn was undefeated, they bead five top ten teams. Weak schedule? Not so much.
By Mikey in Sav
August 8, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Honk if you’ve sacked Tebow !
By tigersaint73
August 8, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Would someone please explain to me how you luck out when you win it on the field. It seems like everyone forgets that the whole top 10 had two losses, but the cream rose to the top at the end by winning their conference and dominating Ohio State. How is that luck? Whether you like it or not, Baton Rouge is Crystal City Two BCS National Championships and stellar recruiting (post Saban) will keep us on top for years to come. Gumps put that in yer pipe and smoke on that purple and gold haze.
By SecIsFootball
August 8, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
war eagle…just because you dont care about the BAMA-Clemson game, doesnt mean other don’t. As bad as BAMA has been the last 7 years, that doesnt change the fact that this is still a big time national game between two big teams. I seem to remember your cow college struggling a little bit during the 90’s and you guys have turned it around nicely. But, I am sure you are one of those brilliant AU fans who thinks there is no way possible BAMA can do the same. If you do believe that, I look forward to your incredible disappointment!
By To Roswell Ed
August 8, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Hey Roswell Ed the Idiot,
You can only cry and whine when a game is close. The only thing about joining you at the Dome in December, is that we will have already beaten you on November 15! I guess we will just have to pin your ears back twice this year …
Go Dawgs. ‘Nough said.
By WarEagle
August 8, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
SecIsFootball, Cow college? YOUR F*&^ING SCHOOL IS ALSO IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA YOU HICK!!!!!! The 90’s? Had it not been for probation you’d be seeing us the NT game in 93 and 94. Bammer-Clempson is a big time game? No its not. Bammer isn’t ranked you moron. Then again, you probably think the Shreveport bowl was big time. Go back to Tuscalosser and nail your sister. Incredible disappointment? You idiots have been saying that for SIX years.
By Bigdawg
August 8, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Hey war eagle, when are the thugs on your team going to hold another beat down on one of your own players. LMAO you are a joke.
By Auburn Man
August 8, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
sgaf go to aubrun.
flip it.
wahhhhh eggggleeee
By Gator Nation
August 8, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
To Bigdawg
Did I read that you referred to thugs on your rivals football team? You may want to take a look at your own team and shut your yapper.
By South Georgia Nole
August 8, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
@SEC RULES: Florida State tried to join the SEC on numerous occasions but was kept out. It was not FSU who was scared of taking on SEC competition year in and year out but the other way around.
Go ‘Noles!!!
By KR
August 8, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Well, THIS Auburn fan is very interested in the outcome of the Alabama vs. Clemson game. It’s our first chance to see how Saban’s highly touted recruiting class performs in a game situation against the last team we played last season.
I think Clemson has a lot more to lose than ‘Bama, simply due to the pre-season expectations. If the Tide doesn’t do well, all they really lose is a little pride. That could be overcome by the end of the season.
Logic tells me that Clemson wins it, but something in the back of my mind is not so sure about that. Maybe it’s the history of Alabama football, maybe it’s my lack of faith in a coach named Bowden. I don’t really know.
As an Auburn fan, I’d like to see a 0 to 0 tie; but we all know that can’t happen.
WAR EAGLE!
By is the sec down this year?
August 8, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
how about $2,000,000…to get beat by clempson!
By War Eagle
August 8, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Hey War Eagle, put a number on your handle, PLEASE, YES THE ONE WHO CITED F&** UP. I am not a Saint, but do respect this board and UGA blogs… I agree with lowcountry, two best OL this year, UGA and Auburn, SECis Football, I think Bama will have their hands full with Clemson, take or give 5 1/2, I would have to think about it at this time..
By bama_12titles
August 8, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
War eagle, We haven’tbeen bad throughout the 2000s. You forget we have a couple of 10plus winning seasons in the 2000s and that we were 9-0 ranked 3rd in the country for half of the 2005 season before losing in OT to LSU. We also won the west in 2002 but couldn’t go the the sec title game due to the 1st year of a 5 year probation for the 2nd worst penalties ever. The 2 lackluster seasons in 06 and 07 were a reflection of the worst of the probation which is over now. Saban cleaned your clock in recruiting last year and is doing the same this year. You’re not getting those 4 and 5 star recruits you were getting when Bama was on probation and Shula was there. The reality is that we’re one more good recruiting class away from competing for the West. As for you guys I can’t wait to see how you fair not just against us but against UGA and LSU in future years with all the 1 and 2 star recruits you’re getting now. LSU & UGA continue to stockpile great recruiting classes while your pipeline has been completely shut down. Its going to start showing on the field in very short order.
By MunsonIsDone
August 8, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Gator Nation, Are you serious? FSU, South Carolina big games?The only one you could come close with would be Tennesee, and they had 4 losses.Hardly a good team.They backed in the SECCG.What bowls did thos 3 teams go to last year? I’m sorry lil fella, but Tebow simply has not won a big game yet.
By War Eagle
August 8, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
bama-titles, I agree with your assessment of 2005 bama football, but POOR administrations trying to keep the Bryant Era alive FAILED miserable. When SEC team get beat by N.Ill., LA Tech, La Monroe struggles to beat Houston, Middle Tenn.etc. and loses to weak lower end SEC and ACC teams, your program is not in very good shape. This is where BAMA stands today,…future? that has to be decided not on how many # of stars you recruit, but play on the field, we will find in the future…
By Bigdawg
August 8, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
To Gaytor Nation. Who are you to tell someone to shut your yapper. Go back to licking your teabag poster and get your mullet a trim and shut the hell up.
By WarEagle
August 8, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Other war eagle, NO. Get your own.
Bigdawg, Joke? No, if you want to see a joke then pull down your pants and stare at your tic tac for d(&*. P** off.
bama_12titles, You haven’t been THAT bad. Just bad. Probation does suck doesn’t it. How nice of you to predict the future. As most sane people know, not including you, predictions almost NEVER come true. If they did USC would have 5 NT since 2003, right? And the Yankees would have over 100 World Series Titles. You guys are a joke. Go back to your trailer.
By smac
August 8, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
athensdawg,
you have been inbreeding with your mama again. The Heisman Records of Florida’s winners against Georgia is 1-3? Obviously you failed math when you dropped out of school in the 4th grade. Which by the way would qualify you for a doctorate in Jawja. Danny Wuerffel alone went 4-0. I do believe on of those games he didn’t start so call it 3-0. How do you get 1-3 out of that genius? Listen I understand your hatred of Florida since we have been whipping your a* annually for the last twenty years you moron, but at least know your facts, and don’t just make up s** to suit your needs.
By the way Georgia was founded as penal colony, Florida when a certain Spaniard went looking for the Fountain of Youth. We have always been better than you. Congratulations on your one heisman winner, and one national championship twenty eight, 28, 28, years ago. By the wasy if Georgia is so great, and you were so great last year, could you remind me who won the SEC last year. You could just tell everybody it was Georgia, like you made up the 1-3 statement.
Damn your dumb.
By JaseAce
August 8, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
I am apsolewtly apauled and discussted at the speling on this mezige bored! Wye doant yew guyz lurn how too spel pruperlee? Ne buddy go too colleesh hear?
Jyust thaut I wood aks…..
By smac
August 8, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Someone from Georgia commenting on a mullet on someone in Fla????????? By the way Bigdawg, is actually two words and spelled in this manner: Big Dog
Chew on that you leg-humping inbred fool!
By bama_12titles
August 8, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
War Eagle, Its true that the administration has mucked some things up but what does digging up the bear have to do with this? Have you forgotten that throughout the 90s we were the 5th winningest program of the 90s under Stallings(70 wins in 7 years) and another sec title after he left.Bear had been dead quite awhile during that run so leave him out of things Bama for once. As for our struggles against those lesser foes everyone loses a game or games they shouldn’t lose when their program is down from probation. Heck, Michigan lost to a division 2 team in App.State and Mich. wasn’t even in a downphase. Saban lost to UAB his first year at LSU and then 2 years later he wins the nat’l title. As for the present and the future things look pretty bright. If Saban can turn around a mediocre program like LSU(8 losing seasons in 11 years before him)then the sky is the freaking limit at a place like Bama. That’s just the cold hard truth for all the Bama haters out there. I’m not saying we are going to just go out and dominate like the bear did. Nobody will every do that again. Too many great teams and great coaches in one league. But you can bet your a__ will be competitive this year and every year going forward we will only get better.
By bama_12titles
August 8, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
War eagle, Can’t you come up with something more original than just petty insults like telling bigdawg to just stare at his tac tac? As for your comments to me. Yeah, probation did suck. You should know! After all it must have sucked going 11-0 under Terry Bowden only to have to sit home and be denied a nat’l title. As for major NCAA infractions programs Auburn is tied for 3rd with 6 major cases. Bama has 2. Look it up smart guy!
By The Truth
August 8, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
GatorNation,
Um … Florida State, South Carolina and Tennessee did not qualify as big games last year. Nice try though. I think those jean shorts are cramping your brain.
By LB
August 8, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Lord, I can’t wait!!!
Roll Tide Roll!!!
By Gatorville J
August 8, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
The ACC couldn’t hold the SEC’s jock when measured from top to bottom in any year. Clemson will probably win v. Bama, but it’s just one game. Dawgs will be tough as long as they keep the key players out of the pokie. Auburn OL is excellent, not sure about qb and other skill positions, lucky for UF they don’t play’m this year. FSU and UM in for more of the same poor results as last year. Tebow will back up Tebow - he is a god, you know! UT’s d should be better, but how could it be worse. CI is a loss for the Gators, but he’s oftern forgotten in the game plan; there won’t be that this year. I think UF’s O will still score at will, it’s the D w/the big ?’s - Go Gators! Go SEC! Go College football in 3 Weeks!
By GT
August 8, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Clemson is typical ACC bipolar and might beat Alabama 40 points and lose to Duke. Tech had that skill set too. I notice in Tech if they were playing Georgia or a team that would fill a stadium the built in excitement would carry them emotionally to play a higher level. If they were playing a team where a coach needed to get them ready emotionally they couldn’t do it, like a jockey with no horse under him I mean they got beat by Georgia every year but every year Georgia was not expecting the kind of close game Tech played because Tech would have lost to someone ridiculous a game or so earlier acting like they were at practice. In the SEC you don’t have that lull game. Even a trip to Vanderbilt or Kentucky can be a real challenge and its fans take it seriously. I think Wake had its first home game on television in its history last year and Duke plays in the same stadium my father played in 1933, only Dad had more people watching.
By Gator Nation
August 8, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
To Munsonisdone and the truth:
If South Carolina and Tennessee are not big games, then why did Georgia lose to both of them? FSU is a major rival. I’m sure you still count Tech as a big game even though you own them. Funny thing is, you sure dont whip them.
To Bigdog:
You had 8 Georgia team members arrested this year. So think twice before you call other teams thugs. And try not to post after having the first beer of your life. 12 year olds make the type of comments you do, only smarter.
By The Truth
August 8, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
ACC is weak, weak, weak…..For all you ACC fans do you remember what happened when your league “Champ/Chump” played LSU? Talk about a beat down…..and then the ACC champ loses to Kansas, really Kansas. What a joke of a league.
By SEC RULES
August 8, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
ACC Fan I guess I would be mad also when everyone talks about the SEC, Pac 10, Big ten but you never hear about the ACC. There is a good reason to have the ACC so the SEC and other conf will have cup cakes to play doing the season and to warm up for next year in a bowl game against them. You know deep down you pull for the SEC
By GatorGuy
August 8, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Rolle is a brilliant student. He graduated from high school early and entered Florida State in January of 2006. On Saturday he’ll graduate with a 3.75 GPA in exercise science. He plans to attend medical school and is expected to be nominated for a Rhodes Scholarship this fall.
He graduated in 2.5 years? That’s pretty hard to do even at FSU!
By SEC RULES
August 8, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
I don’t know who did this but its funny as hell. check it out. Maybe CMR can show this to the team before they play
http://www.heavy.com/video/55103
By exNFLplayer
August 8, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Would someone please tell me just how UF will beat UGA with that D? Do you expect UF to score half a hundred on one of the best Ds in the country? Because the potential is there for UGA to hang 50 on UF. I’m starting to feel really unenlightened when so many people are so convinced that a team with a pitiful defense, that lost 4 games last year, and couldn’t keep good defenses off of Tim Tebow, is something akin to the second coming. Please somebody. Give me something convincing.
By Blue water
August 8, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Dooley advising Saben. Since when did the dogs open with a very strong team. No, Mal Moore, Tide’s AD, should be fired for his tough games. This is a very young bunch of kids and they should have a breather like most teams. I know, in high school we had to open with Valdosta every Oct and if there were many left without injuries, we were sick from the beatings we took from them. Collar bone for me, first game.
By Bill
August 8, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Tony, do you ever look at individual team recruiting sites on Scout.com? There’s an eligibility tracker page. So, here’s my question: how do teams count the 85 scholarship players? If you look at Alabama’s site, you’ll see that counting last year’s recruiting class, they are showing 128 players. Arkansas, Auburn, and Ole Miss all have at least 100 players as well. Fuzzy math?
By Big Dawg
August 8, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
There is a poser on this blog, He has posed as War Eagle and now as me. I pity you that you have to get on a blog as someone else to try and disparage people. I will pray that you have a change of heart.
As for the Alabama vs. Clemson game which this blog is about. I look for the Tide to win in a very close game.
By SecIsFootball
August 8, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
war eagle….I wonder if you would have the same class to make that comment if you knew my sister died 7 years ago. I would expect you would still make it so no big deal.
So, you use the probation excuse for AU in the 90’s but we use in this decade and you AU fan lose your minds! I guess it is safe for me to say that had we not been on probation, AU would have not won 6 in a row. However, we WERE on probation and we did allow AU their biggest achievement in this schools football history of 6 wins over UA. But, like UA, in the 90’s you WERE on probation and you didnt win a NC. AU has not won a NC in over 50 years.
As for the BAMA-Clemson game, yes people do care and you can see that if you read the comments from others on this board. This is a very large national game which has ESPN Gameday is broadcasting from. I guess they did not consult you before deciding how big this game is.
And Yes, BAMA is in the state of Alabama but we are not the state ag school. AU is hence the nick name cow college. You root for a team who has a fan base that after a win, you throw TP into a tree. A coworker of mine, who is an AU grad and daughter of a former prof, said that they sell TP in the stand after the game so people dont steal it from the bathrooms!! So in other words, becareful when you try to call someone else a hick!!
ROLL TIDE!!
By SecIsFootball
August 8, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
The Truth…..what part of UT won the SEC East last year dont you get. They beat the snot out of UGA for the 2nd year in a row so please explain how UF-UT was not a big game.
By WarEagle
August 8, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
SecIsFootball, Your sister? What are you talking about? Trust me, we have FAR more achievements than beating you guys six years in a row. For instance, are graduates are 90% more likely not to live in trailers after they graduate. And, our graduates are 80% more likely to get a job in a bigger city. Now I know you think Mobile is a big-time city, BUT there are bigger and better cities out there. Yes, your school has won more championships than we have but I’ve yet to see ESPN even mention Bammer in any championship specials. I mean, Auburn could claim 6 national titles by just saying we went undefeated in 6 seasons. But hey, when a computer tells you that your team can’t play for a NT because you played the Citadel while USC and Oklahomo played 3 losing teams in 04 I guess I can’t argue, right? We only have two Heisman winners and the best two sport players in sports history. Oh, and we have better Astronauts than you guys do. But then again, you guys have better ambulance chasers than us.
By AltamahaDawg
August 8, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Is living in a big city really a bragging point?
By jumbo
August 8, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
I for one think the Bama/Clemson game is very important. Both teams need to win that game. I find it hard to believe any one would not think this game is not important.
Auburn did not make it the the NT game in 2004 because their OOC schedule was weak.
LSU has a better OL than the Aubies. We will prove it when we go to the Plains next month.
Geaux Tigers! 2003 & 2007 Nat’l Champs
By simpleman
August 8, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
look - I don’t have a dog in this hunt…
Clemson SHOULD beat Alabama - I’m single and bored and watched both their spring games on CSS and Bama looked really bad and Clemson much better.
Auburn barely beat Clemson BUT they installed a brand new offense to do so…so are they just bad? NO Bama struggles…
Georgia is probably best team is SEC BUT never has demonstrated ANY consistency which should improve under Richt,
Florida has no defense and therefore CANNOT win the SEC title.
I love the SEC - TB good luck - I understand why the AJC would need to cut you loose.
By Another Ed
August 8, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
Is the Clemson/’Bama game important? It is definitely important to those two teams. Win, and you have a win over a name team. Clemson needs the win to get things rolling on what they hope is an ACC championship season. ‘Bama needs the win to earn a little respect. I am a ‘Bama fan. I expect Clemson to win. ‘Bama will rely on too many young players and has too many holes to fill. That said, Tommy Bowden is still Clemson’s coach. You just never know with him. We all know Saban really wants to start the recovery of a program.
Clemson, the projected winner of the ACC, should beat a middle of the pack SEC team any day. That is what championship teams do. This one game will not have any bearing on what is the better conference. Let Clemson beat ‘Bama, Tech beat GA., FSU beat FLA, NC State beat South Carolina, and then look at bowl games before making those statements. But even then, match ups determine a great deal. Put FLA against Duke, GA against NC State, or Clemson against Vandy or Miami against MSU or ‘Bama (lesser teams to be sure), and the stronger team should win. We all know that is why games are played on the field instead of on paper. Let’s get it on!
By Lee
August 8, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Win or lose, yes. National exposure aside it gives them a good chance to know what they’ll be facing in Athens a month later. There will be a few differences such as UGA’s D being a bit nastier and Clemson being a little sharper at QB along with 2 RB’s of the same caliber of Moreno. Still it will be a good barometer of where they are at before facing SEC foes.
As long as he stays healthy, who cares? Whoever wins the backup job will only see trash time and if he doesn’t they’re screwed just like last year.
3.Pretty good. And if they aren’t, no worries. These guys can chop block superior talent with the best of ‘em.
Weatherford.
If he’s worth anything the answer is huge considering how teams torched their secondary last year.
Bonus: Insert Casey or Hernandez. CI is pretty good but I’m sure these two will take up the slack. I’d be much more concerned with the three projected starters at DB lost during the offseason.
By SecIsFootball
August 8, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
WarEagle….You or someone using the same name made a crass comment about “nailing” my sister. I just figured I would address that appropriately.
I think based on your comments you are either too young or too old to know what you are even talking about. Trailer Parks??? Have you ever been to AU and see how many people, especially students, that live in trailer parks? I will give AU credit where it is due. You guys have much better farmers, cow breeders and park rangers than Alabama could possibly imaging. AU has no med school, no law school and a business school run under the rules of one Bobby Lowder. Forgive me for not wanting to attend that program.
As far as titles go, you can have your heisman trophies. I would not trade the chance at a heisman trophy for ANY NC we have won! But the Heisman excuse is one you would make when you team has not won a NC since 1957. And yes, 6 in a row is the greatest achievement your program has ever seen. What will be great to watch is one loss to BAMA and your AD, Bobby Lowder, running tuberville out of town!
By ed
August 8, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
How do you get to auburn ? you go down I-85 til you smell it then turn left til you step in it. war dam eagle my a$$…
By BG
August 8, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
Yes, Bama benefits from playing Clemson, as opposed to some high school-caliber team. Yes, I expect Bama to win; after all, Bama is Bama, and Clemson is just another team with no great tradition.
Forget the past few years of disappointing losses, Bama is headed back to its rightful place at the top of the football world.
By Ryan
August 8, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Born and raised in Manhatten. Enjoyed my four years at Auburn. Earned a degree in AE and cont’d on at Emory with a Masters in Finance. Happy AU is not the state school of Alabama. What a pathetic state! War Eagle and thank you Lord for allowing me to live outside the state of AL. AU is the lone bright spot to that mecca!!
By DisneyDawg
August 9, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
The Clemson game for Bama is a lose-lose situation. Should they win, it would be viewed as expected given the overall strength of the SEC vis a vis the ACC (regardless of the fact that CU is the league favorite, a dubious distinction). They tried this last year with the former ACC king of the hill FSU and got humbled. Of course, if they lose again to an ACC team the fallout will be tremendous given the expectations already placed on them by their fan base. You’ll not see this again from Bama. Saban may be a recruiter extraordinaire, but Bama expects people to want to play for them, not “showcase” the program in a situation where more harm than good can come from it. I am speaking only from a football standpoint, however, as I know finances trump everything.
By DisneyDawg
August 9, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
And am I the only one who thinks UF will try to break the scoring records against Hawaii to attempt a comparison to what the Dawgs did to the Warriors in the Sugar Bowl? I smell 70 plus points for the Gators in that game. Poor Hawaii.
By AthensDawg
August 9, 2008 4:43 AM | Link to this
OK, So Flurdah has three heisman winners, ‘66, ‘96, and ‘07.
Georgia Beat Spurrier in 66, lost to Wuerfel in 96 and beat Tebow in 07, which makes Georgia 2-1 against the Heisman winners that year.
Oh, and Tebow is 1-4 against top 25 teams as a starter.
By AL
August 9, 2008 4:45 AM | Link to this
I guess the “Blackout” worked against Auburn. The “Big Ears” are coming out of the woodwork touting that O line. I feel sorry for Barney Fife (Urban Cryer) and the rest of the crew down in Gainseville their MOJO was stolen too. One good thing is the “great Pumpkins” in K-ville haven’t been talking much smack with Phat Phil on the seat. Should be a fun ride.,
By gatorbogey
August 9, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
love the tidbits. and love the response to the tidbits. gotta chuckle at the responses. anything about SEC will cause an avalanche of debate/discussion.
clemson and bama is a great way to kick off the football year! passionate zealot fans from both programs filling the stadium to the rafters. should be electric. saban knows the psychology of sports and, win or lose, will come out of that game w/ a better team.
and i’ll take the 3rd best team in an SEC division vs the top ACC squad tigers may find their hands full w/ bama.
we’re all looking forward to the season. so much hope and optimism abounds and excitement, from all the programs. should be a very VERY entertaining season!
By TampaGator
August 9, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
Munson Done (should be Drone)…you are an idiot. When Florida played Tennessee (when they played them!), it was a BIG game. Florida won the game, not Tebow by himself. Also, anytime Florida plays FSU it is a BIG game (throw out the records). Also, every time Florida plays South Carolina it is a big game (Spurrier). Georgia is not the only BIG game on Florida’s schedule! Truth is, Tebow is the best QB in the country. All-SEC first team All-American, Heisman Trophy winner. Shut the _ _ _ _ up about Tebow, you Drone! Now, if you wrote about Florida’s poor defense last year, you would show some intelligence. Unfortunately, you will not have the same opportunity this year…the D is back in Gainesville…and, by the way, the O is even better…and much faster…with a lot more weapons for Tebow to use!
By athensdawg
August 9, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
hey, whomever was pretending to be me, thanks for the backup. so I missed it by a few games….the point is that Georgia has the edge in the series, and that while Tebow may be great and hyped up, Georgia still has the winning record and maybe for once the worm is starting to turn. So I will acknowledge that Tebow and Meyer are a great player and coach….but things may be starting to change….and the ‘typcal’ gator fan has their blinders on and wants to smack down everyone else so they can talk about how great they are…they don’t want to talk sense….they are the greatest and anyone else who tries to dispute that must be a dumb redneck from a penal colony.
Did I get that right, smac?
I had a similar conversation with a mullet headed, jort wearing guy in an orange tank top in Jacksonville one year….he looked at me and said, “Sir, you have no cerebral knowledge.”
at this rate, i am suprised that i have the motor skills to compose a sentance. well, let me get back to my coloring book…my cartoons will be starting in a few minutes.
By SugarHillDawg
August 9, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Hey Roswell Ed, I believe Georgia started 2 true Freshmen on their line last year so SHADDAP!! And NO, I don’t think anyone wants to go see Auburn Play in ther Peach Bowl next Dec.!!!
By TampaGator
August 9, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Athensdawg…if Gator fans did not think Georgia was going to be very good this year, do you think they would even bother to get on this blog and “debate” with you. Georgia is very good. Florida is very good. It is going to be a knock down dog/gator fight in Jax this year. The “incident” just makes it even more fun for both sides. What gets me is all the dawg fans ripping Tebow. You don’t see Gator fans ripping into Mareno the same way. They are both great players, but only one teams’ fans are ripping another teams’ “hero.” So saying that only Gator fans are saying how great they are is covering your own head in the sand, my friend. There is pleny of the same kind of stuff coming from both sides of the fence…just more homophobic “Gaytors” comments and Tebow put downs coming from your side, I believe. Georgia will be a SEC power for years to come, along with Florida, Auburn, LSU, Tennessee, South Carolina, and probably Alabama in the next couple of years. Miss. State and SC are on the rise as well. The SEC is HELL ON WHEELS. As far as rednecks are concerned, both Florida and Georgia are full of them…just hang out in a campground in North Florida and you will see. The diffence between a Florida redneck and a Georgia redneck is that a Georgia red rolls his 30-year old “Bud” tee shirt up to reveal his tan lines. A Florida redneck does not own a tee shirt, or a shirt for that matter.
By jc_atl
August 9, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
I’m an SEC/AU fan. Clemson should pull out a win in the 4th quarter as Bama’s depth problems are exposed. All of the bragging and BS above is just that -speculation and rampant wishful thinking. 6 games into the season at least half the people above will be humiliated and strangely silent.
I think the ‘Dawgs fans are in for the harsh reality of the SEC, not to mention the SI cover jinx.
By OrangeBandit
August 9, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
I’d contend that the Bama/Clemson matchup IS indeed a big game for no other reason than it’ll be basically the only thing on and any true college football fan will most likely be watching. Granted, it’s not like two Goliaths are locking horns, but still its 2 quality programs kicking off the college football season.
With that being said, Clemson is supposed to win this game 100 times out of 100. As a Clemson fan myself, I can tell you whatever happens would not be a shocked as I’ve seen a Tommy Bowden coached team lose to freaking Duke and beat Miami in Coral Gables back when that just didn’t happen.
I like to consider myself realistic and imo if Clemson were in the SEC it would clearly be behind UGA, LSU, and UF, but on par with teams after that. IMO, the only separating Clemson from being a true title contender is its Oline play. Tommy hasn’t had an “SEC quality line” since he’s been there. Frankly, we just haven’t had the talent and though this year’s team does, it’s all young inexperienced talent. I expect our Oline to take a similar path to UGA’s last year where it struggled some early but was a strength later in the year. After that though, Clemson does line up talent for talent at the other position but as we know the play in the trenches is where games are won and lost and we’ve had an achilles heel there for a while.
Regarding the Auburn loss, some on here have not documented that we played without 2 or our starting LB’s in that game that decided to pull and dumbarse and forget about grades. PLUS, Hugh Nall’s Oline pulled one of the sickest stunts I’ve seen and did exactly what they did to Glenn Dorsey and chopped block our best DT early in 1st qtr. Our defense was not the same after that and yet I still felt like we shoulda won. Hopefully we unleash that frustration on Bama in the opener.
By Lowcountry Dawg
August 9, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Hey Roswell Ed- 44-20 38-13(OR WHATEVER THE SCORE WAS) THAT’S NOT CUTE-THAT’S AN A* WHIPPIN” GEORGIA COULD HAVE WORN CHARTRUSE JERSESYS WITH GRENN POLK-A-DOT SOCKS. THE RESULT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE SAME-IT’S THE MEN ON THE INSIDE NUMBNUT!!
By Big Dawg
August 9, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
TampaGator
While I agree that Tebow is a great football player and when my fellow Dawgs rip on him they are just showing their ignorance and/or jealousy. But, you said “They are both great players, but only one teams’ fans are ripping another teams’ “hero.” Well that isn’t quite true as there have been plenty of Gator fans on these blogs such as Gator Chomp making derogatoy and disparaging remarks about Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno. BTW both Florida and Georgia better beware of South Carolina and Tennessee, The Ole Ball Coach has really been quite over in Columbia, SC and Tennessee has a way of sneaking up on people when you least expect it.
Go Dawgs and Go SEC
By War Eagle
August 9, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
SecisFootball, i am retired high school footbal, played on 1957 NC team at Auburn, member of Auburn Football letterman club, sent many good [players to UGA, Bama , Tenn and Auburn. I have been on this blog for 5 years, respected by UGA , Gators and Vol bloggers.. Only Bama is nasty to me, sometimes I might get nasty back, BUT NEVER CALL YOUR SISITER OR ANYOTHER RELATIVE, FRIEND NAMES NOT MY STYLE. MY ONLY ISSUE WITH BAMA IS YOU LIVE IN THE PASS AND THINK SABAN IS A SAVIOR, MAYBE HE IS, BUT 7-6 and losing to LaMonroe want get it. I ask the other War Eagle to put a number on his handle and he rudely said for me to change mind, which Im not,UGA bloggers and others will recognize my post anyway..i have never call bama a hard name as you have and other Bamas…., just POST FUN
By bama_12titles
August 9, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Like you I just post for fun and try to keep it respectful. I was obviously responding to the other war eagle who is just being nasty. BTW we get tired of the silly rap that we live in the past. I don’t know ONE Bama fan on any Bama site that sits on his duff all day posting or reminiscing about the bear bryant era. For God’s sake the man has been dead 25 years. I think its every else’s fans that need to let it go when talking about the past. We are proud of the football tradition and if anyone else in the south had the same tradition they would be proud also. But its nothing to sit around and talk about all day when its 2008. If you’re going to bust on Bama fans for our football history then you might as well just bust on Notre Dame, Michigan, etc for having great traditions. As for losing to La-Monroe show me one team that hasn’t lost a game it shouldn’t have lost at some point. Saban lost to UAB his 1st year at LSU. Its not that big a deal.
By Atlanta Gator
August 9, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
In answer to the first question, Bama will certainly benefit from being on a big stage, in a neutral site game early in in the season. Even more so if the Tide actually beats the preseason ACC favorite.
In answer to the last question, Cornelius Ingram represents a genuine loss to the Gators, but in the fires of adversity are great teams born. Given the solid young man into which CI has grown over the last several years, I have no doubt he will find his way in the world, whether he ever plays another down of NCAA (or NFL) football.
By Atlanta Gator
August 9, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Big Dawg——“Gator Chomp” doesn’t count; in fact, based on his demonstrated communications skills, I doubt he CAN count. However, I will gladly trade ten Saint Tebow of Nazareth insults for one Matt “Snuggles” Stafford spooning joke. LOL
Really, though, seems like some folks need to lighten up and get a sense of humor (and perspective). As for me, I’m happy to the let the 17 to 23 year-olds sort it out on the field. As sure the sun rises, November 1st will come, and the smack talk won’t make a bit of difference to the outcome.
By Alonzo Stagg
August 9, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Rolle is a brilliant student. He graduated from high school early and entered Florida State in January of 2006. On Saturday he’ll graduate with a 3.75 GPA in exercise science. He plans to attend medical school and is expected to be nominated for a Rhodes Scholarship this fall.
what do you mean by “breakout”, get caught cheating or flunk out? sounds like this is one FSU player who has his stuff together.
By War Eagle
August 9, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Bama titles, losing to UAB and LaMonroe”its not that big of deal”..The streets, alumni, and office sites still talk about the lost to UAB in Baton Rouge, as my bama friends in Birmingham, Mobile and Tusaloosa. comment the same chimes, N .ILL, LaTech, LaMonroe.and others. Bama has had more HC than any SEC team last 25 years..Name me the 5 top teams in SEC, UGA, Tenn, Florida,Auburn and LSU who have lost games”its not that big of deal..See Tenn if you don`t think its NO BIG DEAL, Be realistic, Bama has a losing SEC conference record since 2000….This is my last comment about Bama, good luck in 2010
By Blue water
August 9, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Patty Dye, sissy name. When your team opened even with a fair team, you lose and then drop them. Can’t remember huh, try ACC—Ga. Tech. So just shut your mouth with your sissy name and sissy f* coach.
By bamafan
August 10, 2008 6:38 AM | Link to this
To War Eagle, Some bama fans and tigers fans carry things to far! The other war eagle blogger needs his butt kicked for being rude and mean. Going back to the Eric Ramsey days and Means cases, both Bama and Auburn have tried to hurt both programs with lies and cheating stories. I just wish the hate between the schools would end and start respecting one another. The school that I USED to respect was Tennessee, but that changed when Barney Fite tried to get Bama the death penalty. I will dislike that person for the rest of my life and hope Bama beats his butt every time. THAT stunt in Hoover was over the top at the sec media days, but i enjoyed watching Barney Fite look like a liar and a idiot ROLL TIDE AND GOOD DAY MR. WAR EAGLE!!
By AuburnRules
August 10, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
Auburn has the best offensive line in the SEC by far and with their running game, should easily win the west. I look for Auburn against Georgia in the sEC title game, with Auburn beating uga again for the title. Auburn—-on to the BCS bowls baby!!!
By SECCoachnDallas
August 10, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Do you Auburn fans have to get Bobby Lowder’s blessing before you post any remarks? I understand that Bobby may want a new coach before the season is over. Is the jet gassed up? You guys are still an embarrassment.
By DAWGDAYS
August 10, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
i believe we actually won games with our freshman, little jealous tigger. And I hope you got ALOT of seats for the sec championship, because thats the only way the auburn war chickens are going to be there. As spectators.
By DAWGDAYS
August 10, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
hey smacspazz, before commenting on someone else’s education, a little lesson. 1981 was 27 years ago, not 28. I know math is hard. Also, damn YOU’RE dumb. Not your, retarded sand maggot. Have fun losing 4 games this year.
By dawgthabootyhunter
August 10, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Two out of state teams should not be able to play in the state, unless they’re are playing a team from this state, PERIOD! Besides playing in a bowl game, of course.
By War Eagle
August 10, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
bamafan, I never really paid little attention to the Bama-Tenn feud on CPF court issues. There will always be a fire lite under Bama-Auburn, Tenn-Bama. Auburn rival to UGA is a family rivals whereas as the above are HATE RIVALS. Sanford Stadium is not only my favorite road venue, but majority of all Auburn fans.. Yes, we usually do well at SS, but dawgs do the same at JHS. This should be a great SEC year, Bama is probably still few players away from pushing LSU and Auburn in the West..Watch out for Ole Miss, they will surprise some people, hope its not Auburn..Thanks for reply
By SecIsFootball
August 10, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
War Eagle…I apologize if I mistook you for someone else. As you can imaging, I get a little touchy with comments about my sis since she passed.
I think the ideas of living in the past and thinking Saban is a “savior” are a bit over blown and mostly by rival fans. Sure we celebrate our tradition and history because is a pretty nice one to b proud of. But, the only time I ever see reference to Coach Bryant or anything in the past are when AU fans tell us we live in the past. AS for Saban, seeing as how he went 8-4 in his 1st season at LSU and lost to UAB and then went on to lead them to a NC a couple of years later, it is hard not to think he can do the same with BAMA. We have had a bad 10 years as did LSU prior to his arrival. In fact, LSU had 3 winning seasons in 11 years. Why can it not be thought that he can do it again. The only people who think BAMA will never be good again are AU fans. You guys can bring up ULM until your hearts content but it was an unfortunate and EMBARRASSING bump in the road and the reason why on every players locker is a picture of the scoreboard from that game.