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Home > Jeff Schultz > Archives > 2008 > November > 13
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Football Picks: Downgrading the SEC
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In a development without nearly the global ramifications of the SEC’s drop in stature behind the Big 12 and, yes, even China, the Auburn Fire Department responded to an early morning blaze Wednesday at an apartment complex near campus.
The fire apparently began in a clothes dryer, where investigators found the charred remains of two pairs of jeans, three shirts and Willie Martinez, which is interesting because usually he spontaneously combusts only on Saturdays.
It has been a difficult season for Martinez. Georgia’s defense has allowed 125 points in the past three games. Opponents have scored 38 or more points four times this season and — I actually looked this up — only one other SEC school (Arkansas) has done that even three times. If the Bulldogs really want to do some serious fundraising, they should build a roller coaster and a water slide in the end zone. Two more games and they’ll have enough for another weight room.
Mark Richt spent most of the week defending Martinez and putting out fires, at one point even commenting: “I’m sure there are a hundred teams out there who would like to be where we’re at now.”
Just a thought: When trying to appease only occasionally rational SEC fans with high expectations, it’s probably not a good idea to compare yourself to Baylor, UTEP and the other 98.
The Dogs’ march toward ego salvation continues Saturday in Auburn. Unlike Georgia, the Tigers got an early start on dousing expectations when they beat Mississippi State 3-2. Maybe Martinez has met his match.
No defense vs. No offense. The line says Georgia by 8 1/2. Sparks: not likely. Georgia wins but doesn’t cover.
School Daze
• Spurrier at Florida: Mixed emotions for Georgia fans: Weighing the potential of Steve Spurrier’s smug smile against Urban Meyer’s stare of despair should the Gamecocks wreck the Gators’ BCS hopes. OK, easy choice. But don’t count on it. South Carolina is better now. But Florida has outscored its past five opponents 243-57, give or take a major organ. Gators win. But take the points (21) for the scare.
• Missy State at Alabama: Sylvester Croom owns Nick Saban in this series. I figure that’s my last chance to say that. Bama covers 20 1/2.
• B.C. at Florida State: The Seminoles are having a “blackout” game. No word if the band will play, “Glory, Glory” or just go with a simple dirge. Despite the fashion faux pas: 6 1/2 is covered.
• Vanderbilt at Kentucky: You know how sometimes defensive coaches will look to see what worked against an opponent the week before? Not going to happen here. But good news for Vanderbilt: Kentucky’s gotta be tired. Upset: Commodores (but take the 4).
• North Carolina at Maryland: Some reiteration from Butch Davis: “I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in the University of Tennessee job.” He would, however, consider cleaning up radiation spills. Heels cover 3.
Pros and Cons
• Broncos at Falcons: The Falcons have won four of five, are 4-0 at home and, capping the hat trick of startling developments, suddenly making Rich McKay’s draft picks look very good. The Broncos just signed Tatum Bell. He must’ve looked fast on tape from the Lions’ surveillance camera that showed him stealing Rudi Johnson’s bag out of the lobby after being cut. Birds cover 6.
• Raiders Of The Lost Hope: Al Davis has stripped Greg Knapp of play-calling duties. Maybe he’s sane after all. Miami covers 10 1/2.
• Cowboys and Indians: DeAngelo Hall is now in Washington earning the NFL minimum, which at least means people can’t scream that he’s an overpaid blowhard. I think. And what wonderful timing for D-minus-Hall: Dallas gets Tony Romo back. Cowboys cover 1 1/2 on the road.
• Rams at 49ers: The Niners might not have been the smartest team in the final minute last week. But they played hard, and Mike Singletary kept his clothes on. Small steps. SanFran wins but take St. Losing and 6.
• Titans at Jaguars: Tennessee is 9-0, but then it has been an NFL state for a while now. When does Knoxville asked to be annexed by Nashville? Titans cer the 3.
Portfolio
• Last week: 7-3 straight up, 6-4 against the line.
•Totals: 71-37 straight up, 52-54-2 against the line.
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