AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThe Fearless Friday Forecast
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How bad have my picks been lately? Let us count the ways:
They are sinking faster than my 401-K and, based on yesterday’s statement, that is hard to do.
They are worse than Auburn’s tackling last night, which was horrible for an SEC defense.
They are dumber than the computer rankings in the BCS formula, which have Ohio State No. 5 and Southern Cal, the team that beat the Buckeyes 35-3, at No. 10. “How does that happen?” USC coach Pete Carroll rightly asks. “Nice system.”
But 5-5 is what happens when you miss on your three upset picks (South Carolina over LSU, Missouri over Texas, Duke over Miami) and have another pick (Wake Forest over Maryland) that suddenly can’t seem to score.
That puts us at 51-29 for the season and, given the competitiveness of these 10 games below, we could be in for another beating on Saturday. But you have to admit it is entertaining, which is why we press on with another edition of the Fearless Friday Forecast.
1. Georgia (6-1) at LSU (5-1): I know that a team with two losses (LSU) got into the national championship game last season. I just don’t see it happening this season. Therefore, this will likely be an elimination game for two teams that began this season with an eye on the BCS championship. Georgia’s Mark Richt has been very good on the road (27-4 in opponent’s stadiums) because he usually has two things: A good quarterback and a good defense. He takes both of those to Baton Rouge Saturday afternoon. If given a little time, Matt Stafford and A.J. Green could have a big day. Georgia 24, LSU 21.
2. Virginia (4-3) at Georgia Tech (6-1): This is the first really big game of the Paul Johnson era. If Tech wins and Florida State beats Virginia Tech, the Yellow Jackets control their own destiny in the ACC Coastal. Virginia is a huge team that just blows people off the line of scrimmage for running back Cedric Peerman, who is playing very well. But Georgia Tech counters with what may be the best defensive line in college football. Defense wins big games and Georgia Tech will win this one. Georgia Tech 17, Virginia 10.
3. Alabama (7-0) at Tennessee (3-4): Alabama will be without the focal point of its defense, NT Terrence Cody. And if Tennessee can take advantage of that this could be a four-quarter game. Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer is 10-4-1 against Alabama over his career and he has never needed a win over the Crimson Tide as badly as he needs this one. I just get the sense that the offense will again let Tennessee down with untimely turnovers. Alabama 21, Tennessee 17.
4. Ole Miss (3-4) at Arkansas (3-4): Houston Nutt returns to Fayetteville, where he led the Hogs to a pair of SEC championship games before taking their $3 million and leaving town at the end of last season. It will be an emotional day on both sides but at the end of the day, Ole Miss wins because it has a pretty good SEC defense. Arkansas does not. Ole Miss 31, Arkansas 21.
5. Kentucky (5-2) at Florida (5-1): Florida will certainly be looking ahead to next week’s trip to Jacksonville to play Georgia. But it won’t matter because what little firepower that Kentucky offense had is now gone to injury. The Wildcats’ have lost their best receiver, Dicky Lyons, Jr., and their best running back, Derrick Locke, to injury. The UK defense is still for real but that group is beat up as well. Florida has beaten Kentucky 21 straight times. After Saturday it will be 22. Florida 31, Kentucky 7.
6. Duke (3-3) at Vanderbilt (5-2): It’s a big game for both teams as each believes it can get to a bowl this season. After a 5-0 start, Vanderbilt will be trying for the third straight week to get bowl eligible. Duke has hit a rough patch after a 3-1 start with losses to Georgia Tech (27-0) and Miami (49-31). Vanderbilt has the stronger defense and quarterback MacKenzi Adams played reasonably well last week at Georgia. Vanderbilt is undefeated at home and will stay that way. Vanderbilt 24, Duke 20.
7. Virginia Tech (5-2) at Florida State (5-1): A lot of eyes around the ACC will be watching this one. Florida State gets the edge because quarterback Christian Ponder, who rushed for 144 yards against Miami and threw for 254 yards against N.C. State, is getting better every week. The Florida State defense is ranked No. 3 in the country and will be asked to handle a Virginia Tech offense ranked 110. They should be able to do that. Florida State 24, Virginia Tech 14.
8. Boston College (5-1) at North Carolina (5-2): The Tar Heels lost a heartbreaker in overtime at Virginia last week and need a win to stay in the hunt in the ACC Coastal. A young but talented North Carolina defense has to find a way to contain BC quarterback Chris Crane who has thrown for 646 yards in his last two games. But Crane has also thrown nine interceptions. North Carolina also must find a way to score against a defense ranked No. 4 (251 ypg) in the nation. The Tar Heels get the edge at home. North Carolina 13, Boston College 10.
9. Penn State (8-0) at Ohio State (7-1): For all intents and purposes the Big Ten championship will be on the line at the Horseshoe in Columbus. Penn State has beaten eight opponents by an average of 33.6 points per game but has not faced a team that is ranked in the Top 25 of the BCS. That changes Saturday night at Ohio State, where the Nittany Lions have lost seven straight games. Penn State has also lost 10 straight road games to ranked opponents. Ohio State will feed running back Beanie Wells a bunch and wins an old-fashioned game in the trenches. Ohio State 17, Penn State 13.
10. Oklahoma State (7-0) at Texas (7-0): Texas plays its third big-time game in as many weeks and as long as QB Colt McCoy stays hot, the Longhorns are going to be just fine. McCoy is completing 82.1 percent of his passes this season and with him in command the Texas offense has been scary good. But Oklahoma State can throw a few weapons at you as well. The Cowboys are fifth in the nation in rushing offense (283.14 ypg) and their quarterback, Zac Robinson, is the nation’s third-most efficient passer (70.15 percent). Texas has a young secondary and could give up some yards. This will be another wild one. Texas 45, Oklahoma State 38.
Comments
By Angus
October 24, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
UGA’s OL won’t be able to give protection, LSU wins this one.
Ponder had 144 rushing yards against Miami, not NC State. FSU pulls away in the second half……I hope.
By CheeseyCharlie
October 24, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
I do think UGA and their fans are whiners.
By Spanky
October 24, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Best way to ensure your team will lose? Have Tony pick them to win. Thanks for that, big guy.
By Tony Barnhart
October 24, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
Good catch, Angus. I fixed it.
Thanks,
Tony B.
By smitty
October 24, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
I think the Ohio State pick over Penn State is a homer pick for the Dawgs. Look at Penn State to be undefeated at the end of the season with another cupcake Big 10 schedule to thank. Hopefully they are shut out of the national championship and we can get another conference signed up to ditch the BCS.
By Sautee Dawg
October 24, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Tony, i hope your pick of the Dawgs comes true. I disagree with you on the Penn. ST. vs Ohio St. Ohio St. at home ought to be worth something shouldn’t it?
By SEC! SEC!
October 24, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
WVU: 34 Aub: 17
Aub: ZERO POINTS in last FORTY minutes Aub: >100 yards of offense in SECOND HALF
WVU: MIDGET rushes for 200+ yards.
SEC: another GREAT defense bites the dust.
BWAAAAAAAAAA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
By Dawg Fud
October 24, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Sorry, Tony. I love the Dawgs but given what i have seen so far this season i just don’t have confidence in our ability to win in Tiger Stadium tomorrow.
By Mikey in the SAV
October 24, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Auburn looked good last night…NOT.
My upset special of the week is the Vols over the Tide. I think Phil has “one more” of these left in the gas tank and the Tide has not looked sharp since the first half of the GA game.
UGA will find a way and will beat LSU, setting up one Helluva cocktail party…
GO DAWGS !
By TommyP
October 24, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Good God. He’s boasting about 3 “upset” picks. Was the line for any of them larger than, say, 3?
Let’s look at this week’s picks from “Chalk” Barnhart.
You picked all favorites but two games: Georgia (+1) and Ohio State (+2).
So those are upset picks, huh?
They’re not “Fearless” nor are they entertaining, “Chalk.”
Now you complain about how dumb the computer rankings are yet earlier in the season you stated how the system will make sure everything works it’s way out.
Can’t have it both ways.
Listen to Schlabach more. You might learn something.
By Got 12?
October 24, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Auburn has lost 4 out of 5 and has the 108th offense in the country. Two weeks ago, they fired their OC then lost to the second worst team in the SEC (Arkansas) at home.
WVU has stunk this year as well but this isn’t a victory to commemorate with paintings and statues.
As a Bama fan, I thoroughly enjoyed Auburn’s defeat last night. Even more than I will enjoy beating UT Saturday night.
By Frank
October 24, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Tony,
What do you think will go on at Auburn in the off season. Who will be the Offensive Coordinator?
By Some Respect?
October 24, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Tony, your season record would be better if you would stop betting against Penn State. I will ask you this though…if Penn State (and I said IF) beats Ohio State like it has everyone else this year, will you FINALLY give the team some credit? I believe you had the same “reasoning” why Wisconsin was going to beat Penn State and you see how that one turned out. Go Lions!!
By m
October 24, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Using the word defense and sec in the same sentence should not be allowed. I am still laughing after a fairly weak West Virginia team stomps a big bad sec team and runs that weak sec defense into the ground. Anyone that says the sec plays great defense is an IDIOT! The ACC has 3 teams in the TOP 5 Total Defense (BC, FSU, GT) the sec has NONE. The sec is WEAK and plays no defense. You hype-sters are sooner or later going to have to look at reality. The reality is the ACC is much BETTER than the hype and the sec is much WORSE than the hype. And even though dook is a heavy underdog and playing on the road against the might sec Vandy, don’t be surprised when another sec team bites the dust. The sec would be better off never to play outside the conference, because your idiotic hype (and OVERRRATED conference) gets exposed. The sec is the Chan Gailey of conferences…and Thank God and Greyhound that he is gone Forever. Chan Gailey sucks…sec sucks…REALITY….get used to it
By KR
October 24, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
LOST: Auburn football team’s defense. Last seen in the LSU game several weeks ago. If found, please return to Tommy Tuberville, c/o Auburn University.
Auburn put in an impressive 2 quarters of football last night. Unfortunately, the games are actually 4 quarters long.
Congratulations to the WVU faithful.
By Bigrock
October 24, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Georgia wins by 10,,Bama by 17
Ohio State by 3
Texas by 21
By Gator Nation
October 24, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
My Fearful Friday Picks
1-Georgia wins by 10 or more.
2-Florida wins but does not cover.
3-Ga Tech wins in the normal nail biter with Virginia.
4-Ohio State wins.
5-Bama beats Tennessee.
6-Ole Miss beats Arkansas. Nutt does doughnuts on the fifty.
7-Texas beat Ok. St. Scoreboard operator passes out due to exhaustion.
8-Vandy VS. Duke - Smart guys win!
By scotty
October 24, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
boy, it really seems like SEC defenses can’t handle that famous Big East speed!
By Dave-SD
October 24, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Tony, you — and every other sportswriter who’s complained that the BCS computers rank Ohio State above a USC team that beat them handily — ought to know by now that the reason that happens is because the BCS computers aren’t allowed to use margin of victory in their calculations. Of course, when you do that, USC, Oklahoma, and Penn State move ahead of ‘Bama.
By Will
October 24, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Big Tone,
I guess you didn’t agree with my assessment yesterday concerning my Dawgs. I think they put it together and whip the overrated Tigers by 17 or 20 and set up the cocktail party. Then we get really motivated b/c we know a victory over the turds would mean a rematch w/Alabama.
Now if that doesn’t fire you up nothing will!
ps……On a sour note, you knew better than to pick the Lamecocks last week.
By Old GT Nut
October 24, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
GT 30 UVA 20 UVA does have HUGE O & D Line players. However, UVA has ALWAYS had HUGE O & D Line players. And, a weaker 2007 GT team lost a heartbreaker to a much better 2007 UVA team. GT is MUCH stronger this year, UVA is much weaker(no Jameel Sewell or Chris Long). GT D-Line players have already said this week that they are looking forward to “visiting with Mr. Peerman.” UVA wont be able to run, so will have to pass to beat GT. By the way, GT is leading the ACC in INTs. GT looks good here.
FSU 42 VT 13 A beatdown is coming. This game wont be close. VT could not even score an offensive TD vs. BC last week. FSU might even make this a shut-out.
BC 33 UNC 16 BC beat VT even after 5 BC TO’s and ZERO VT offensive TD’s. UNC wont fair much better vs. BC.
By KR
October 24, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
scotty:
It wasn’t West Virginia’s speed that beat Auburn’s defense. It was AU’s inability to make a tackle on WVU’s running backs. AU’s defenders hit the backs a lot, but didn’t wrap them up and bring them down. Which is a sure-fire way to lose, as proven last night.
By Tigers03
October 24, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
One of those four losses that Richt has came where???? Oh yeah, TIGER STADIUM! GEAUX TIGERS!!!
By SEC!SEC!
October 24, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
WVU: 34 AUB: 17
Let’s play the “they’re down, so they shouldn’t win” card whenever an SEC team gets STOMPED on national or regional TV.
SEC offenses are low-ranked because of the D, right??
Save the excuses!
BWAAAAAAAAAA HAAAAAAAAAAA
By RAMBLE ON!!!
October 24, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
FAST FORWARD TO SUNDAY NIGHT THE NEW BCS RANKINGS JUST CAME OUT…GT IS RANK HIGHER THAN THE FLEABAGS.
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!
IT’S HAPPENING!
By Fleischman
October 24, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
I knew it!!! Tony picked his beloved dawwgs in an upset. Woof woof
By Buzziswiser
October 24, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Forecast this Tony, 11/2/08 8-1 GT #12; 6-3 UGA #23. You are riding the wrong horse big guy.
By yellowblood
October 24, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Virginia fans are invited to our Tickle Pile immediately after the game on the intramural fields. You can be cavalier.
By Scott Hornibrook
October 24, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Get ready Doggie puppies for your annual 2nd half of the season losing streak !
By Buz
October 24, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Auburn Coach Tommmy T. fired his offensive coordinator two weeks ago. After the West Virginia fiasco, surely his defensive leader should be printing resumes. How bad they were…
By johnson
October 24, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
You mean like our 7 game win streak last year!!!!
By Tech75
October 24, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Hey Buzziswiser - Don’t get cocky.
Much though I dislike them, and root against them, the mutts have a more difficult schedule this year than we do.
We each deserve to be where we are in the rankings; however, a loss at LSU and a win for GT over VA will not have nearly the impact you suggest.
We may move up a couple of spots, and they may drop a couple, but they’ll still be ahead in the rankings.
By BIG WEEKEND
October 24, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Big weekend. upsets, last minute victories, The SEC has 3 teams in the top ten after the weekend, including # 1& 2.
Here are my top 10 picks:
.#1 Texas 35 @ #7 Oklahoma St. 41 UPSET
.#2 Alabama 21 @ Tennessee 13 (4th quarter touchdown puts it away)
.#3 Penn State 38 @ #10 Ohio State 41 UPSET
.#4 Oklahoma 42 @ Kansas St. 41 (last second TD)
Kentucky 14 @ #5 Florida 35 (never in doubt)
.#6 Southern Cal 41 @ Arizona 10 (Carroll pulls 1st string in 3rd quarter)
.#8 Texas Tech 35 @ #19 Kansas 38 UPSET
.#9 Georgia 21 @ #12 LSU 24 UPSET (Georgia misses last second FG)
Next weeks AP top 10:
1-Alabama
2-Florida
3-Sourthern Cal
4-Ohio State
5-Oklahoma St.
6- Texas
7-Oklahoma
8-LSU
9-Utah
10-Penn State
And for all you interested UGA fans #15 Georgia (highest ranked with 2 loses) ranked behind # 14 Texas Tech and ahead of unbeaten #16 Ball State.
By Miles
October 24, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
I like all of Mr. Barnhart’s picks, except one. Penn State should beat Ohio State in a close one. Houston Nutt should provide a nice shot of bitter medicine to the Hogs!
By SEC rules NOT
October 24, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
The way I see it, since it only takes one team’s success in the SEC to make that whole conference great, I’d say the SEC got SMOKED by West Virginia last night. LOL! Parity in the SEC means they’re ALL weak and can’t beat anyone decent outside of their conference this year. Maybe Georgia Tech and West Virginia should be ranked #1 and #2. Give it up SEC.
By Lou
October 24, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
UGA over LSU in Death Valley? Surely that’s a joke right Tony?
By athensdawg
October 24, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
I’m not expecting the dawgs to get it done. too many injuries, too inconsistent on both sides of the ball…plus their lines are way more experienced….combine this with our lack of discipline and poor playcalling and it is going to be a long day in the bayou. Hope I am wrong….but I just don’t see it happening.
By m is the word
October 24, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
…By m
October 24, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Using the word defense and sec in the same sentence should not be allowed.”…
m has it right. When will you SECies learn to plays some D.
By Swampdawg - Jersey GA
October 24, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
DAWGS 30 TIGERS 26……DAWGS Must pass on 1 st down! Vols Ride the Tide Lions over the Bucks Gators by a Nose Longhorns Hook’em Who cares about the rest?
Go Dawgs!
By GA Hokie
October 24, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Not that my team has an offense to speak of….
SEC defense is SO dominating, it makes me shudder at night. Along with those AMAZING offenses.. OMG!
HA…
My favorite part every season is when after games I hear “SEC! SEC! SEC!”… how freakin stupid must you be, to chant your conference name..
I dont know about y’all but I HATE every other ACC team besides VT. I cannot stand them. I do not cheer for them. I want them to lose every week, badly. But you morons sit around circle jerking each other.
By Swampdawg - Jersey GA
October 24, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
DAWGS 30 TIGERS 26……DAWGS Must pass on 1 st down! Vols Ride the Tide Lions over the Bucks Gators by a Nose Longhorns Hook’em Who cares about the rest?
Go Dawgs!
By Party Boy (now married)
October 24, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
The leg humpers are gonna get WHUPPED tomorrow by LSUUUUUU. The best of the SEC West OWNS the pathetic, whiny, excuse filled bulldawwgs.
By Buzziswiser
October 24, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Hey Tech75
Read the date and records. That is after a UGA loss in Jax and a GT win over FSU. Don’t see Tech jumping the pups this week even if things go as expected.
By Vols1GoBigOrange
October 24, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Tech fans talking smack…how cute! Go Vols, Beat the Tide. Also, I like UGA to beat LSU and Ohio State to beat Penn State.
By Torquemada
October 24, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Frank:
Good question about Auburn’s OC. I look for Patrick Nix to be the next OC. What do you think?
By Spike
October 24, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Thanks Auburn for making the SEC look like idiots on national TV last night. Roswell Ed wher are you? Big Mouth.
By Jeff
October 24, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Surprise.. Barnhart picks UGA.. get a new gig.. this one’s getting old.
By MMyersGT
October 24, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Tech fans talking smack…how cute! Go Vols, Beat the Tide. Also, I like UGA to beat LSU and Ohio State to beat Penn State
Volsfan, pretty slick to talk trash about Tech fans when you are 3-4, 1-3 in the SEC and are staring 3-6 and eventually 5-7 straight in the face…very clever. However, I suppose we should all thank you, as I’m sure one of the few things Tech and UGA fans can agree on is how terrible your program is. Congratulations, with the exception of last year, your idiotic coaching staff has managed to waste more talent than any other in recent memory. The only real question is who is more responsible for turning UT into a basketball school…Fulmer or Pearl? Have fun watching us cute Tech fans root on our team one of the first few days in January, as we will have about a 9 month head start on you when it comes to seeing the field in 2009.
By Tim
October 24, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Tony, I noticed over the last few weeks your Fearless Friday forecast of winning teams differ (to a small degree) from your picks under “Beat Barnhart”. Change of mind as the week progresses?
By Nachos
October 24, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
I saw Tony driving around yesterday in his 1991 honda civic. And YES he had his UGAy flags on the car
By Music City Bowl Committee Member
October 24, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
We’re anticipating the UGA-Auburn matchup in a few weeks. That could be an elimination game, with the loser coming to our fine bowl. We love the fan base of both schools, so we’re completely neutral on the subject.
By Mike
October 24, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
MMyersGT, So half a good season and you suddenly feel you can start puffing your chest out in football? I am stating to see why GA fans treat you like the annoying little brother that you are. Come talk to us Vol fans with you start winning on a consistent basis. Speaking of choking, is that what GT does in the second half of the season? Fulmer’s record is 150-49.And your best coach in recent years O’Leary lost more games than Fulmer is less time (85 -52 in 7 years). BTW, when are you guys going to start playing basketball again?
By Spike This
October 24, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Spike wrote:…Thanks Auburn for making the SEC look like idiots on national TV last night. Roswell Ed wher are you? Big Mouth….
Don’t blame Auburn. The biggest Pr!cks in the country are the flea bags fans. Bull Dogs my azz, all mouth, whining, ankle biting Chihuahuas.
By Mike
October 24, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
MMyersGT, So half a good season and you suddenly feel you can start puffing your chest out in football? I am starting to see why GA fans treat you like the annoying little brother that you are. Come talk to us Vol fans with you start winning on a consistent basis. Speaking of choking, is that what GT does in the second half of the season? Have you ever played in a BCS game? Or won your division lately?Or won the ACC? Fulmer’s record is 150-49 and your best coach in recent years O’Leary nearly lost more games than Fulmer is half the time (52-33 in 7 years). BTW, when are you guys going to start playing basketball again? Hope you can sell out a game for once on Saturday with all that rich football tradition you have.
By SSI dawg
October 24, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Geeze Tony, when are we going to quit refering to CMR “road record” as 27-4 while leaving out the UGA/FL game? With a 50-50 split of tix, Jax is as much as an away game for us as it is FL. Time to be realistic; the real “raod record” is 29-9 which is still pretty good.
By the way, ever since CMR has been here (and he has done very well) we just seem to lack what every other SEC team has; passion from their coaching staff. His demeanor on the sideline, at press conferences, etc. gives off an air so casual that it is as if he is simply biding his time at UGA untik something better comes along. Randy Shannon is on the ropes at UM and Jimbo Fisher at FSU does not seem to be the answer FSU fans are looking for. I remember watching the FSU/OK NC game the last year CMR was at FSU. I forget the score but it was something like 35-2 OK. The camera shots of CMR in the booth calling the plays showed him with that same emotionless look on his face. I am afraid we hired a “very nice guy” coach, but I don’t think he is the answer overall. Does he know something about coaching changes at other schools we don’t? Just being realistic.
By Tech75
October 24, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Music City member… you better start praying if you want Auburn. They may never achieve eligibility.
By Rational behaviour, look elsewhere
October 24, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
SSI dawg, You’re right, UGA should fire Richt. It can do much better than winning two out of four conference championships and being voted a preseaon #1. He obviously doesn’t have what it takes, and the Dogs should be willing to take a chance on someone else—quick, name the hottest, trendiest coordinator out there and let’s go get him. By the way, Richt was also in the FSU booth in 1999 (the year before they lost the championship game to OU). FSU won the 1999 championship with an offensive explosion (remember they outscored Vick’s VPI team?). Richt had the same expressionless look on his face that game too.
By Brock
October 24, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
BC will beat UNC.
By Hey Tech
October 24, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Not to worry Music City. The fleabags will win 8. They should be a nice fit.
By SSI dawg
October 24, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Rational,
I remember that game too. CMR has always been a very good OC. FSU put up “lights out” numbers quite often while he was there. As I said, I think CMR is an excellent OC and a good head coach.
By BIGBEE
October 24, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
volsfan, you are still angry because Bobby Dodd left UT and came to Ga. Tech, where he was one of the all time greats. Get over it. That happened soooo long ago.
By MMyersGT
October 24, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Mike,
As people who root for terrible teams so often do, I see you have elected to go with the “we were better in the past” argument. Believe me, having been forced to root for a team led by Chan Gailey for far too long, Tech fans got pretty good at that one. Granted, Phillip Fulmer was a very good coach for quite some time, especially when David Cutcliffe was there calling plays, doesnt change the fact that he’s 3-4 right now. However, since you are so determined to look at the past, lets check out the more relevant past, lets say everything from 2005 on. The mighty Phil Fulmer led Vols are a stunning 27-17 since 2005, clearly one of the most formidable teams around. The lowly Yellow Jackets are a mere 29-17 in that time. In all fairness we have needed every bit of our 6-1, about to be 7-1 record, just as much as we needed your 3-4, about to be 3-5 record to overtake you in that time period. Oddly enough, Chan’s 23-16 record 2005-2007 was enough to get him fired, while Phil just keeps plugging along. If we wanted to compare basketball programs I suppose I could take your approach and start telling you about the glory days for Bobby Cremins, but I’ll spare you the ignorance of that method. Like I said earlier, I dont blame you for looking back instead of forward, I would do the same in your position. Ill send you a couple of postcards from Florida in the coming months, probably one from Tampa at the beginning of December, and then maybe another from Miami the following month. Then again, you will probably be pumped up, rooting on Bruce Pearl in an orange suit by then. As by that time, football season in Knoxville will have been long since gone.
By BobbyDodd
October 24, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
No way Penn State only gets 13 points in this game! Maybe 13 at the half!
I love my Jackets but this looks to be another DawgYear in the series. I did a little research and uGay is 8-1 since 1920 when a Democrat whens the White House. (4-4 when a Republican wins)….
By Mike
October 24, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Actually, Vols fans are still upset that the great AJ Suggs transferred to GT from TN. The day the Vols are jealous of GT football, is the day they will leave the SEC and just play womens hoops.
By AtlantaNative62
October 24, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Tony, please stop “blaming” computers for the problems with the BCS system. It makes you look ignorant. Computers are basically stupid devices that HUMANS tell what to do. A computer simply makes the calculations based on what it was programmed to do. They don’t make any choices. Humans programmed the calculations and humans provide the data on which those calculations are made. I laugh when I see the “dumb jocks” on TV blaming computers but you are better than that. So stop blaming a device that only does what a human told it to do. How about naming and blaming those idiots?
By vegasgt
October 24, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
GO DAWGS !!!! and I truly mean that.
I want UGA to win out as badly as I want GT to win out. It makes that last game of the regular season that much more meningful. Look at it this way, if both teams win out, it has less of an impact on the loser of that last game and more impact on the winner - a better scenario for whoever ends up on either side of that equation.
While I do believe that Tech would be ranked higher after winning the next two games if UGA loses the next two, it means nothing until the end of November and the end of the season. In any case there is no other opponent for either team to pay attention to other than the one that steps onto the field tomorrow.
UGA and Tech are both entering the teeth of their schedules - Good luck to both and remember this one word - FOCUS.
GO JACKETS !!!
By vegasgt
October 24, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
GO DAWGS !!!! and I truly mean that.
I want UGA to win out as badly as I want GT to win out. It makes that last game of the regular season that much more meningful. Look at it this way, if both teams win out, it has less of an impact on the loser of that last game and more impact on the winner - a better scenario for whoever ends up on either side of that equation.
While I do believe that Tech would be ranked higher after winning the next two games if UGA loses the next two, it means nothing until the end of November and the end of the season. In any case there is no other opponent for either team to pay attention to other than the one that steps onto the field tomorrow.
UGA and Tech are both entering the teeth of their schedules - Good luck to both and remember this one word - FOCUS.
GO JACKETS !!!
By Lee Curso
October 24, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Cody Cody Cody. Tony, did ucla, auburn, florida or georgia have Cody?
the kid is good, but i can promise you the BAMA D wont miss a beat. if anybody is expecting a vol win because Cody is out, well my friend you are in for a rude awakening.
Bama O good, vol D good vol O sucks, Bama D good
31-13 roll on TIDE!
By Lowry Fox
October 24, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
It’s great to go against Tony,price is right and keeps me from betting the house,which also keeps me married!
By Mike
October 24, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
But MMyersGT, But did Chan win an ACC title or NC ring? And by being a GT fan, aren’t you only looking forward since you have not had much to look back at? I know you guys have been tearing up the Top 25 for the past 10-15 years but keep looking forward. The rich tradition has been shown for years throughout college football. With all the sellouts, big bowl games, ESPN coverage, and sellouts with your home fans. And the real sad thing is your 29-17 includes your best season in years and our 27-17 includes 2 of our worst seasons. Hope Paul Hewitt can turn it around!
By MMyersGT
October 24, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Mike,
Keep on running that mouth. I guess you’ve saved up a lot of hot air from not singing Rocky Top all year long. You must be delusional if you think that the Tennessee program is not the butt of jokes all over the South East right now. You can bring up Fulmer’s glory days all you want, but when it comes right down to it, he hasnt done anything as of late except for a backdoor trip and subsequent loss in the SEC title game last year. Even Chan Gailey made a trip to a conference title game in the last 3 years. Your Fulmer argument holds about as much water as me spouting off about Bobby Ross’ National Title in 1990 and the glory days of Dodd and Heisman. So keep spinning it as much as you want, 3-4…and most likely 3-6 just isnt getting it done sport. You and I both know that when you walk into Neyland or turn on the TV and watch on saturday afternoon, you are going to be watching a very poorly coached, bad football team. I feel bad for you, I really do, because unfortunately I have had that same empty feeling for quite some time, until this year. That being said, good luck against Bama…maybe with your line of reasoning you think you will beat them due to Mike Shula having once been the coach there. As clearly in your Orange world, nothing matters but the past. “……Good ole Rocky Top, woo…….” Just figured I would throw you a bone, because you wont be hearing it Saturday.
By PBR=America in a can
October 24, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
I love how Techies are talking trash about how the dawgs might play in the Music City Bowl. What was the last bowl that yall played that didnt involve gators, blue turf, or nuts…. silly bees. Go Dawgs!! And to HELL with LSU
By Mike
October 24, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
MMyersGT, I realize you are not used to trash talk since GT is finally relevant for once in the month of November so don’t take it so personally. But comparing a program like Tennessee to GT is laughable. Yea, TN is having a bad year so not much to hang the hat on but seeing a GT fan talk junk about TN (who they don’t even play) is comical. Good luck this season, hope you can beat the Dawgs for once and make it a series again. And I hope the napoleon syndrome that you are afflicted with finally goes away now that you hired a good coach.
By MMyersGT
October 24, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Mike,
I have absolutely zero problem with UT, as a matter of fact they brought me great joy in 2006 and 2007, thanks to them doing something we werent able to accomplish under Chan Gailey. I’m hardly taking it personally, just having some laughs on a Friday afternoon. My initial point of contention was with Volsfan1whatever who took a shot at Tech, for seemingly no reason. Coming from a fan of a team sitting at below .500 in late October, it didn’t seem to make much sense. Is Tennessee a higher profile program than Tech right now? Well yes, wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense to try and spin that one in Tech’s favor. However, do the Vols have a brighter outlook on the near future than do the Jackets? I wouldn’t think a Tennessee fan would really want to try and spin that one their way either.
By Mike
October 24, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
I could spin by saying Tennessee basketball under Pearl will have a brighter future than GT with Hewitt. But knowing the history (you have to look there to see a program as a whole…not just one year or what I think will happen in the future) I know GT has a better basketball program and will eventually get back to where they are.
I would spin it also that if Fulmer was removed (or stays with our upcoming class coming in…not to shabby for a bad TN season on the field) and we brought in another coach, with the talent TN has up there, TN would have a brighter future in football?
Fans are going to spin it anyway they want in favor of their team so you have to look historically at teams to see patterns, history, etc.
By MMyersGT
October 24, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Mike, While I agree to an extent, it is far easier to turn around a basketball program than a football program. Just due to the sheer difference in roster size, a good coaching staff coupled with landing a couple of big time recruits can change the direction of a basketball program very quickly, see Bruce Pearl. However, clearly tradition and history obviously still play huge roles in a team’s success. Football programs generally move much more slowly with respect to significant and sustained improvement or decline. Obviously, this is barring some kind of sanction , and allows for an occasional off year due to significant graduations or injuries. That being said, UT certainly has a very storied football tradition as well as fantastic facilities and an enormous fan base. So do I see Tennessee just falling off the radar, and stringing together a series of .500 or worse seasons? Of course not, they are able to recruit far too well for that to happen and will generally win despite the coach. You must however admit that Fulmer has been under performing as of late, not having the huge seasons of the late 90’s and early 2000’s. It is because of this theory of slow change that Paul Johnson has endeared himself so much to the Tech fan base. We watched Chan Gailey slowly suck the life out of this program for 7 years. We heard crying from Gailey and our old AD about how it was impossible to win more than 9 games a year consistently at GaTech due to academics or whatever other excuse those two could come up with. While Paul Johnson certainly hasn’t really technically done anything of consequence yet, he has certainly made quite a splash. He has seemingly turned the program around in one Spring and Summer and definitely put us in a position that we have not been in in quite some time. The 2nd half of the season will show us what this team is really made of, his coaching history leads us to be rather optimistic. Its nice to see results instead of excuses. Paul Johnson could have made excuses about taking a while for the team to learn his system, or not having his players. Instead, he pulled the anti-Chan and just went out and let his team do the talking.
By BCS Champs Again
October 24, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Tony..you must be drinking the same cool aid as Lou Holtz…LSU won’t lose in the Rouge aka Crystal City…Geaux Tigers!!
By Donaldsondog
October 24, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Mike/MMyers- I’ve enjoyed your little trash talk on a cold rainy friday. I’d like to add my two cents: UT used to be able to recruit top players out of state. With the additions of some of the best coaches in football to the sec east, UT will never be able to recruit like they once did. Under fat fulmer or whoever they bring in, you may have some good seasons but never what you once were. As for tech, you should be excited as you haven’t had anything but dissapointment over the last few years. You had the best receiver in the league and couldn’t do anything with him. I hope it works out b/c I use to enjoy when this rivalry was competitive. It will also add to some trash talk/braggin rights with my techy neighbors!
By spike
October 24, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Spike this.. Hey moron, who else should I blame other than Auburn. They got there a$$ handed to them on national TV in the second half by the Big East. And yea they beat us in the Sugar Bowl, but at least we gave them a fight to the end and didn’t choke loke you guys did. How did that new OC you big eared coach fired working out for you?
By KG
October 24, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Auburn is the most overrated program in the SEC and have been for years. Hell, when you get outcoached by Gailey and out played by Ball, two years in a row, your overrated. Wake up!!! The SEC is down this year. All media bs. Just like UGA….
By JP
October 24, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
BL…who cares about UT…they SUCK! They are of no relevance!
By TrueCrimson
October 24, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Crimson Tide went up on Rocky Top, To visit ol’ Tennessee Phil. Bought cigars to smoke on Rocky Top, Send Coach Fulmer the bill.
Once there was a team on Rocky Top, Competed with the Dawgs and the Cats. Had a shot at the SEC Championship, Vols fans still dream about that.
Rocky Top, you’ll never be, Home sweet home to me. FU Rocky Top Kiss my tail Tennessee, Kiss my tail Tennessee.
Once Paul Finebaum climbed ol’ Rocky Top, Lookin’ for a coach to fire. Finebaum won’t go back to Rocky Top, Until they get a brand new hire.
Offense can’t score points on Rocky Top, Quarterback’s too green by far. That’s why all the fans on Rocky Top, Are cryin’ in their corn squeezin’ jar.
Rocky Top, you’ll never be, Home sweet home to me. FU Rocky Top Kiss my tail Tennessee, Kiss my tail Tennessee.
Now there’s been years when Knoxville Saturdays, Were happy as a pig in a pen. Now Fulmer’s team is such a pity, Vols know they’re losin’ again.
Rocky Top, you’ll never be, Home sweet home to me. FU Rocky Top Kiss my tail Tennessee, Kiss my tail Tennessee.
Kiss my tail Tennessee eee eee eee. Yee Haw!
By Phat Phil
October 24, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Alabama….where men are men and sheep are scared! How do you get an Alabama graduate off your porch? Pay him for the pizza! How do men in Alabama order an extra quart of milk from the milkman? They pin a note on their wife’s bra so the milkman will be sure to find it! A young lad from Alabama met a virgin from West Virginia, fell in love, and wanted to marry her. The young lad’s daddy said there must be something wrong with her since she was still a virgin. He figured if her own kin did not want anything to do with her, then she was not good enough for his son! What has 4 legs, 2 heads, 8 teeth, and an IQ of 64? Two Alabama graduates. Tennessee will stomp a mud-hole in Nick Satan’s azz on Saturday..time for a little Vol payback. Good Old Rocky Top…Rocky Top Tennessee..Whooooooo!!!
By Party Boy loves Alyna
October 24, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Will there be any fights tomorrow down in LSWho land. The two most obnoxious, drunken trash talking programs in the SEC.. sheeesh glad I’ll be at home with my baby. Love ya
By .....BlueGrass
October 24, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
KENTUCKY 24…FLORIDA 17
By TigerGuy
October 25, 2008 6:21 AM | Link to this
Trust, “Big Weekend” over Mr Football
execept I like Penn. St.
Bets bet in SEC Kentucky +25
LSU vs. Georgia:
That why they play the games boys.
By Big Dawg
October 25, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
To my fellow Dawgs,
I keep telling you to calm down and to not worry but it seems to be falling on deaf ears. The Dawgs will be fine as even with all of these injuries they have steadily improved. I know we have left points on the field all season but we have dominated on the line of scrimmage in every game but Alabama and they held their own in the second half when we cut down on the mental lapses. IMHO this team is going to beat LSU this Saturday and a lot of the Haters will still be on this blog talking their trash and trying to inflame things. So don’t worry about things you have no control over and remember to pull for the Dawgs.
Go Dawgs
By dirt mcgirt
October 25, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Although I have no hateful disposition towards LSU, I also believe they are the most overrated one loss team in the nation… except maybe Florida State. Both lose today IMO.
I think Tech wins and keeps winning however. Paul Johnson is scaring the ** out of me. In two-three years, the UGA - Tech game is going to be very different. As I Dawg fan it makes me a little uneasy, but as a football fan I must say I’m pretty excitededededed
By Coz109
October 25, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
This is for “M”. I guess that wasn’t an SEC team that won the BCS title the last two years. I believe that the SEC has also won 4 BCS titles overall. That’s pretty good out of conference football if you ask me. Also, when was the last time an ACC team won a big bowl game. It must be last year’s Orange Bowl. Oh wait, they lost to Kansas. Well everyone knows Va. Tech beat UGA in the Chik-fil-A bowl. No, that’s not right either. But, thank goodness for GT and their recent bowl record. OOH sorry but you guys lost to Fresno State(whose conference champ was DESTROYED by UGA), and you lost to WVU(you had huge lead at the half and they had no Steve Slaton and Pat White was injured, NICE)let’s also not forget Utah. I think the players said something like they didn’t want to be there, or they had the wrong kind of shoes. Talk about excuses. If you want compare conferences, you might want to check on some facts before you start running your mouth.
By Mikey in the SAV
October 25, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Geaux ?
By Bamafan
October 26, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this
Hey Phat Phil, FINAL SCORE A***** 29-9!!!! KEEP FAT PHIL AROUND FOR MORE BUTT BEATINGS THANK YOU DAWGS FOR THE BEATDOWN ON THE P*** CATS!!! ROLL TIDE BABY!!!
By Some Respect?
October 26, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Hey Tony, congratulations on your prediction that Penn State would only score 13 points. Unfortunately, you thought Ohio State would score more than 6. I told you to stop picking against the Lions. Penn State has its eyes on Miami and it looks destined to be there. It was a game for the defenses, but like most people will say, defense wins championships. WE ARE…PENN STATE!
By TED
October 26, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
WE??
get real