Sports Columnists

By wcoastjere

November 1, 2005 07:03 PM | Link to this

where is curry coaching now after that spectacular stint at kentucky?…actually think last 2 weeks showed conference is down with lack of offense…arkansas’s showing against usc was significant…compare sec teams against arkansas….tennessee could pull doldrums up some with win against the golden domers…only undefeated alabama scored 1 touchdown in 2 weeks…hardly national championship caliber…georgia without shockley is very average…florida leaks too much[see what they do against fsu]…lsu might be the best team at this point but they are far below their 2 years ago team/auburn also at least a notch down…ol bawl coach may catch up sooner than everyone thought…perish the thought

By Rick

November 1, 2005 07:11 PM | Link to this

Great article Terence. But no one in Bulldawg and SEC country gonna buy it.

By geechee

November 1, 2005 07:31 PM | Link to this

Terence, I’m glad I can get in here early and get out cause we both know how explosive this is going to get. But I’m sure you are used to it by now. One thing I could point out however is that much of the top programs in the SEC are in transition. This is, we have been told by everyone, a rebuilding year at UGA. New coaches ate LSU and UF. This is what, Shula’s second year at ‘Bama and Spurrier’s first at SC. How much longer can Fulmer hold out at UT? It has to be considered a rebuilding year of sorts with Auburn and who knows what might happen at Arkansas if McFadden turns out to be the second coming of Herschel.

By geechee

November 1, 2005 07:34 PM | Link to this

That of course should be at LSU and not ate LSU. oops

By Greg

November 1, 2005 07:54 PM | Link to this

While I do agree that this might not be the banner year for the SEC, I think that you’re being a little rough on the conference. I think this entire article should be rewritten as a critique of the “Big” 12. SEC teams seem to always have strong showings in top-tier bowl games, which is more than can be said of the Big 12 (ahem… Oklahoma), and I think you’ll get more evidence for this point if Texas makes it to the national championship against USC or VT. Not every team can have a great year and go undefeated in any given year (that’s the point of having a conference schedule), and interconference statistical comparisons between the SEC and say, the MAC or CUSA don’t hold much water.

By Got 12?

November 1, 2005 07:54 PM | Link to this

Good ole Terrance, flawed logic and biased references. First, your source of expert commentary—Coach (and I use that term lightly) Curry. After being forced to resign from Alabama following a 10-2 season, I can’t imagine he’d have anything good to say about Bama or the SEC. I’m sure his demotion to Kentucky fostered no love for the conference either. At Tech (where expectations are decidedly lower) he was treated alot better and he obviously appreciates it. Second, the SEC is always the toughest conference in the country for two reasons: 1. the total athletic ability of the teams. Our attitude that football is everything, means our most athletic high schools almost always play football (in addition to whatever else they do). Of course all schools know this and recruit in the South. Since most recruits stay close to home, all Southern conferences benefit. What we have that no other conference has is #2. The degree of difficulty of winning on the road even against patsies. Every year, the SEC easily tops the other conferences in total football attendance. Even fans of schools like Miss St. routinely pack the stadium. I am happy to see that the ACC is much impoved but let’s be serious here, Terrance: It will take more than half a season for the them to catch up to the SEC. (And the other conferences are not even in the same league, no pun intended.)

By Tim

November 1, 2005 08:07 PM | Link to this

Terence,

Saying “Alabama averages fewer points per game than such powers as Navy, Tulsa and Louisiana Tech” is seriously flawed. Alabama plays much better temas and therefore faces tougher defenses. That’s like saying because Duke’s basketball team averages fewer points than a high-scoring Division II team, that Duke must not be any good.

By Dawgstyle

November 1, 2005 08:25 PM | Link to this

Good story Terrence,but I have a couple of questions. Who is responsible for rating Tennesee as high as they were in pre-season,& why? You said Alabama averages fewer points than Navy,Tulsa & L.Tech. Are you saying that they are a greater offensive power than Alabama or a greater team altogether? The way I see it is that the same people that make these predictions before the game is played,are the very people that bash them on a performance that by their standards(people that are responsible for polls) is not good enough. The A.P. polls & pre-season “fortune tellers” told me that the Tennesee Volunteers would win the SEC East division this year.Well,instead of telling me how bad they have played,tell me how they are going to win it. The Georgia Bulldogs were “predicted” to finish third in the same division but won on Tennesee’s home field convincingly.I think I speak for a lot of college fans ( & yes,not just SEC fans) that the way the media interprets the outcome of a game or season is merely a personal gut feeling & nothing more. I didn’t believe the media when they told me that Tennessee would win the SEC East & maybe I’m just flappin’ my Dawg jaws here,but it doesn’t look like it’s gonna happen. But then again,thats just my gut feeling. Who is better,a good offensive team,or a good defensive team? A good offensive conference, or a good defensive conference? Big money schools or small money schools? How can we compare them to one another? The fans or the newspaper? The teams or the media? I’m just merely voicing my opinion to the world.period. NO ONE,& yes I repeat NO ONE can predict the outcome of the human spirit & intelligence at any given time and/or circumstance when asked to perform a task against an opponent of (so-called) equal spirit & intelligence. We built computers,we know what they will & won’t do.We think for them,first.Can computers tell us what would have happenend in the event that Matt Leinarts fumble against Notre Dame would have stayed in bounds? Could people? Would there have been a personal foul against Southern Cal because of mere frustration that the ball didn’t “bounce there way?” Fumble on the next series & Notre Dame recovered & run out the clock for the win? We don’t do we? I say to all polls especially the BCS. “Lets just play the damn game & see where we’re at tommorrow”. I’ts the only way,period.

By Ralph

November 1, 2005 08:51 PM | Link to this

Sounds like Terrence finally agrees with what I have been saying for years. The SEC has bigger schools, bigger stadiums, and perhaps more passion. However, it’s incestual.

By dawgfan

November 1, 2005 08:56 PM | Link to this

Here’s one way to look at it: national championships, so let’s look at the last 10 years. SEC won 3:Florida ‘96,Tenn.’98,LSU ‘03. Big 12 won 3:Nebraska ‘95,’97(shared), Oklahoma ‘00. Big 10 won 2:Mich. ‘97(shared), Ohio St. ‘02. Big East won 1: Miami ‘01. ACC won 1:FSU ‘99. Pac 10 won 2: USC, ‘03(not BCS) & ‘04. Don’t look so down to me.

By GW

November 1, 2005 09:08 PM | Link to this

Your story may be accurate Terrance, but you lost all credibility when you quoted Bill Curry. He’s such an expert that he never employed a shotgun formation when he had Tim Couch as a QB. If he says otherwise he is lying, again. I never realized that Notre Dame, Texas and Michigan at their best was ever dominated by any conference. Don’t ever again write that “defenses win championships” after you just criticized SEC teams for being low scoring. Tech, Clemson, Virginia, Maryland make the ACC stronger? Get real! You just write stuff like this to get a rise out of Georgia fans. Bill Curry. Ha!

By Dawgstyle

November 1, 2005 09:10 PM | Link to this

The interpretation of what a team is supposed to be by the media is what they’re trying to sell. Like I said,play the damn game.I’m an SEC fan.”TO ALL SEC FANS”,was South Carolina supposed to be ranked higher than Tenessee in the east toward the end of the season? NO, PLAY THE DAMN GAME!

By Mo

November 1, 2005 09:34 PM | Link to this

This article is full of bull *t, simply it lacks the scientific data and head to head matchups between conferences, lets see which conference is the best, PAC10 only USC play football, big 12 its really a joke, big east oh please lets move on, big 10 is not bad, it has really some competition however the teams are not that strong top teams are quite beatable by average teams. ACC, hmm lets see first boston college is not a dominant team as you stated they are very average, they got beat at home by FSU who got beat by Virginia. thats pathatic. Miami is getting too much hype more than they deserve I just want to see what they gonna do against VT, they defeated clemson in OT who got beaten by WF. SEC is the best conference by far eventhough SEC has 4 new coaches and you know it but you need to have people debating it and you caught me. come on Terrence try to do better next time. I know you can do it.

By Reality Check

November 1, 2005 09:36 PM | Link to this

You and Bill Curry have a right to express your negative opinions, but let’s see you back it up with some credible empirical evidence. There aren’t enough interconference games played to do that.

But I’ll tell you what, Terence and Bill Curry, check out the number of players in the NFL who played in the SEC and compare the numbers to any other conference, then come back and spew out your negative, subjective and ignorant crap. You don’t have to take my word for it, but you will find that no other conference even comes close.

Have you ever written anything positive Terence?

By Robert

November 1, 2005 09:44 PM | Link to this

Ralph,

There is no word “incestual.” I think you meant to say “incestuous.” Which, by the way, I think is ludicrous! :o)

By Moore=Less

November 1, 2005 09:48 PM | Link to this

Newspaper people are paid to stir the pot so people will talk about it. Clearly the case here. By the way, strapping your argument to Bill Curry, who is not exactly known for his intellect or judgment, is pretty weak. Just ask T. Turbeville.

By gamecockfan

November 1, 2005 09:50 PM | Link to this

The only way to save the ACC was to go out and convince other schools to come into the league. They were the weakest among the weakest. They begged FSU to come join them and that still didn’t make the conference any better because they beat everybody. Not much sense to watch the games when you knew who was going to win. They envied the SEC and had to find another way to save face. Now, you think they are the elite? I think the jury is still out on that. Bill Curry who?

By bill

November 1, 2005 09:56 PM | Link to this

I don’t know how long any of you have been reading the AJC sports pages, but you should know that some of the writers, like Moore and Bradley, are more op-ed oriented. Their columns are written more to agitate, create volatile reactions and sell newspapers. Rather than respond as you have here, the best thing you can do is remain silent or, better yet, quit buying the paper.

By McDonoughDawg

November 1, 2005 09:58 PM | Link to this

Yep, UGA is winning the SEC East, so the Conference must be down. I get it now.

Bill Curry, LMAO>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

By Dawgstyle

November 1, 2005 10:00 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to give the wrong impression, so for one minute just hear me out ok.Yes, I am a Georgia Bulldog fan.Yes, I am partial to the SEC conference. Yes I want to see the SEC conference prevail over every other conference,but only by actions,not someone who may be bias.If you beat me fair & square on the field I’ll tell you that you beat me,you were the better team today.But I want you again tomorrow, then again,again,again,etc. until I beat you. It’s not what conference you’re in people,it’s who has the most points at the end of the game that wins & we’ll never know that until we play each other on the field,period.Records are held until broken & we don’t know where or when the next one will surface or be broken. But having said that,tell me which one is more important,offense or defense.What kind of formula do you use for that? Football saturday’s are fun for me. You hear me, fun!

By Jason Fowler

November 1, 2005 10:01 PM | Link to this

Terence,

Consider your source. You made the mistake of listening to Bill Curry.

Why does anyone listen to Bill Curry talk about the SEC? Why? WHY? He is the most self righteous, self absorbed, self congratulatory excuse for a coach I have ever had to listen to. He is a bitter, bitter man. He couldn’t cut it in the SEC, so now he claims it’s going down. Give me a break.

BTW, his overall record was 83-105-4, that’s a lofty 0.443 average. He didn’t even have as many wins as Rich Brooks has. He has zero street cred. Don’t listen to him.

By geechee

November 1, 2005 10:14 PM | Link to this

“Ralph, There is no word “incestual.â€? I think you meant to say “incestuous.â€? Which, by the way, I think is ludicrous! :o)”

It really doesn’t make a difference if it is “incestual” or “incestuous”. Robert it is not so ludicrous.I mean it if the good lord wanted us birddogging women outside of our SEC family, he wouldn’t have made our SEC sisters so damn beautiful compared to the rest of the country.

By DawginMichigan

November 1, 2005 10:15 PM | Link to this

Terrance, Before you get too excited about Bill Curry’s insight and Boston College, let me set a couple of things straight with you. I understand that you work for a paper in Atlanta, Ga. Tech’s home. I understand that the SEC had a bad week last week (unimpressive GA/FLA game). But before you go talking about how terrible the SEC is, you should think about a few things. The Big 12, Big 10 (I’m living here, I know) and the Pac-10 are awful. Just awful confrences this year. Please don’t say Penn State or I’ll vomit. A blind 84 year old finds a nut once in a while. That leaves as the only legit confrences two choices, the SEC and the ACC. Now, I understand that Va Tech is legit. I’m not arguing it. But before you go saying that Tennessee lost to South Carolina who lost to, blah, blah, blah, why don’t you instead try using some real arguments. LSU and Auburn are both VERY stout teams that could match up with anyone in the ACC (FSU, Miami, etc) and probably stay close with Va Tech. Georgia and Alabamma are the same. Now I understand that Miami and Florida State are good (by the way, I won’t stoop to your level and say FSU lost to Va who lost to…) and Boston College is also not terrible, but just because there are 3 pretty good teams and one great team in that confrence doesn’t make it any stronger than the 5 pretty good to great teams in the SEC. The middle of the SEC is just as stout as anyone you can name in the ACC (Arkansas, South Carolina both could play/beat Maryland, Ga Tech, etc), and well Vandy would pummel Duke. So I don’t get your argument other than you’re listening to a washed out coach and preaching to a bunch of jaundus nerds on North Ave. Also, I laughed to the point of embarrasing myself when you said the SEC can’t beat teams like Michigan, Texas, and Notre Dame. Texas probably, but come on. Notre Dame is the most overhyped thing on the plannet (and the contract to Weiss the most racist I’ve ever seen) and please don’t say Michigan in the same sentance as a current good team again. You’re just blowing smoke because the SEC has had a 6-3 game and GA is down. Thanks for kicking them. Have fun watching Boston College with Bill Curry.

By golden tornado

November 1, 2005 10:18 PM | Link to this

gee whiz tm, i never thought there would come a time when you agreed with me but i mentioned this very fact on furman’s blog right after the ga- hog game. boy was i flogged over the notion that the sec was down. even said a few things that were derided by the ga fans only to read them saying similar things about their own team. funny, was even told by a tech fan that i was off base in what i was saying and couldnt back it up. interesting that often i was agreeing with the bulldog nation in areas of superiorority. such a ruckous but it is a religion this sec ball stuff and you shouldnt go and rile folks, not neighborly.

what you dont say is that there is a transition happening, competiton for skilled players is tougher, there are fewer top notch qb’s to build around making the defenses appear better but you just are not willing to note that the sec will rise again. the sec may get to show its superiority in the post season classics which unfortunately is one og the few times each year the conference really proves itself on the field. i dont suspect you left that out on purpose?

boy did you step on a bunch of toes for this one, just aint right.

By Dawgstyle

November 1, 2005 10:34 PM | Link to this

You know what’s happening,it’s starting to come down to money. We can’t buy alcoholic beverages at college games but we can bet on who’s gonna win or lose.How many wrongs make a right? How many right’s make a wrong?Offense,defense,just play the damn game.

By Michael

November 1, 2005 10:38 PM | Link to this

Terence,

You are still a moron.

By Dawgstyle

November 1, 2005 10:39 PM | Link to this

Stop it BCS. Go to the NFL,that’s where the money is right?

By Dawgstyle

November 1, 2005 10:47 PM | Link to this

Whoops now I’ve said too much. Sorry

By jeremy

November 1, 2005 10:53 PM | Link to this

I guess its true that you don’t see scores like 53-46 or a 54-7 blowout in SEC very often. You do see them in a lot of other conferences. I guess that makes those other conferences better huh? Well there is another league that you don’t see high scores in often. I think that league is called the NFL.

By Dawgstyle

November 1, 2005 11:10 PM | Link to this

I’m thinking about quitting my “day job”.(As long as Saturdays are free).

By Mark

November 1, 2005 11:15 PM | Link to this

Here is another myth: Terence Moore knows what he is talking about…Wait a second, that is not a myth. That is a FACT!!

By Mark

November 1, 2005 11:18 PM | Link to this

What I meant to say is Terence doesn’t know anything about college football, and that I totally screwed that last post up.

By George P.

November 1, 2005 11:20 PM | Link to this

Hey DawginMichigan

I’d like to point out that the “stout” Auburn Tigers lost to the lowly Yellow Jackets this year! The real reason SEC teams only play patsy non conference games is because they would get stomped by the other big conferences. See you in Atlanta Dawgs!

George P.

By Dawgstyle

November 1, 2005 11:26 PM | Link to this

“Sic-em” Dawg,see ya tommorrow

By Jenn

November 2, 2005 12:03 AM | Link to this

Patsy non-conference games…now pardon me, but wasn’t everyone slurping Boise State as the “BCS buster” for the last few years? Weren’t they carrying a long undefeated streak into Athens? Yes, this must be why Georgia scheduled them…because they were so weak that they were ranked last year.

The SEC is down which is why 5 of the teams are ranked in the top 25. Most conferences would kill for such a feat. The SEC is down because 6 of the top 10 teams on scoring defense come from this conference…in total defense it is 4 of the top 10. My whole life I’ve heard about how defenses win championships in college football. Wouldn’t you want to be on a team with a fantastic defense? It would appear the SEC has that market cornered. Look at the NFL drafts for the last few years. Plenty of SEC players go in the first few rounds and make the big bucks.

Yes the SEC is down. In attendance? Oh wait…no. In rankings? Hmm not there either. Oh it must be in recognition right? If this were the case, why are so many SEC games televised nationally? Could it be because the SEC teams are competitive and bring the networks the money? Yes it is. The writers can all kiss up to USC and Texas, but don’t put down the SEC. The conference has been in the mix nationally for the last decade. No reason to discount it now.

By Emorymed

November 2, 2005 12:27 AM | Link to this

Jenn,

Tell me one quality non conference win that any of those five top 25 teams has had. Uh thats right…zero. Boise State is a Joke. A Joke. In fact, lets narrow it down. Tell me what quality wins Georgia has this year. Tennessee? HA! S.Carolina? what a powerhouse! Hey lets give the pups some credit they did beat bowl bound Vandy. I am really going to enjoy next weekend when Auburn hands UGA its second SEC loss.

By Steve

November 2, 2005 12:31 AM | Link to this

From top to bottom, the SEC is the most talented conference in college football. NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT!

By ROBERT

November 2, 2005 12:42 AM | Link to this

OH TERRANCE,DID IT HURT THAT BAD ?YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU TRIPPED AND BUMPED YOUR HEAD!HOW LONG DID THE DOCTOR SAY IT WOULD BE BEFORE YOUR BRAINS COME BACK? I HOPE SOON,FOR YOUR SAKE! THE ALL MINY ACC!THEY HAD TO ADD TURNCOATS FROM ANOTHER CONFERENCE JUST TO HAVE MORE THAN ONE GOOD TEAM!NOW THEY HAVE FOUR!AND ONE OF THE TURNCOATS IS WINNING THE CONFERENCE YET AGAIN!LOL! GEORGIA TECH IS ALSO PRETTY DECENT!DID THE ALL MINY ACC HAVE MORE TEAMS RANKED IN THE TOP 25 THAN THE SEC?NOT!!HAVE THEY WON MORE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS THAN THE SEC?NOT!!AND AS FOR FLORIDA STATE AND MIAMI,THEY HAD A CHANCE TO JOIN A REAL CONFERENCE YEARS AGO BUT THEY WERE SCARED!THEY DID NOT WANT TO BE MIDDLE OF THE PACK SEC TEAMS!THEY WANTED TO BE TOP DOGS OF THE WEAK SISTERS CONFERENCE(S)!HOW SAD!THEY CHOSE TO STAY ON THE PORCH RATHER THAN TRY TO RUN WITH THE BIG DOGS!SO BEFORE YOU GO FLAPPING YOUR GUMS ABOUT THE ALL MINY ACC,REMEMBER WHO THERE DADDY IS!SAY IT WITH ME,ACC(ALL CHUMPS CONFERENCE)!LOL!AS FOR YOUR COMMENT ABOUT GEORGIA AND AUBURN,FLORIDA WOULD NOT HAVE BEAT GEORGIA WITH D.J.,AND G.T. WOULD NOT BEAT AUBURN NOW THAT BRANDON COX HAS A LITTLE EXPERIENCE!AS FOR TENNESSEE,THEY ARE GETTING WHAT THEY DESERVE FOR HAVING A LYING RAT FOR A COACH AND THUGS FOR PLAYERS!THE SEC IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE BEST!BAR NONE!IN THE LAST 25 YEARS THE SEC HAS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS IN ALABAMA,FLORIDA,GEORGIA,TENNESSEE,LSU,AND AUBURN SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN THEIR CHANCE LAST YEAR!CAN THE ALL MINY ACC SAY THAT?NOT!!SO BEFORE YOU GO FLAPPING YOUR GUMS AGAIN,CHECK THE FACTS!!AND REMEMBER WHO’S YOUR DADDY!!SEC!SEC!SEC!I BELIEVE AUBURN BEAT THAT ALL MINY ACC CHAMPION LAST YEAR!WHO’S YOUR DADDY YET AGAIN!SEC!SEC! BY THE WAY,DID BILL CURRY HURT HIS HEAD AS BAD AS YOU?MAKE SURE HE GETS TO SEE A DOCTOR!I SURE HOPE SO!THE WANNABE’S OF THE ACC JUST CAN NOT KEEP UP WITH THE BIG DOGS OF THE SEC!!TOBACCO ROAD BETTER STICK WITH BASKETBALL!BY THE WAY,THE SEC IS COMING FOR THAT CROWN TOO!ENJOY YOUR TIME WHILE IT LASTS!IT IS ALMOST OVER!SEC!SEC!SEC!THE SEC IS THE BEST,THEN THERE ARE THE REST!

By DH

November 2, 2005 01:09 AM | Link to this

DawginMichigan says it all. Also, scoring is down in the SEC becuase defenses are so good, and isn’t a good defense better than a good offense? When Boise State rolled into Athens, they were a BIG DEAL with their high-scoring offense. Then the Dawgs routed ‘em and suddenly they’re forgotten - in fact so forgotten that the Dawgs aren’t given credit for a quality non-conference win. (Oh, but the South Carolina and Arkansas games are clear in the memory of Dawg naysayers.) Anyhow, the point is this - the SEC is the most dominant conference due to its great defenses.

By Hank

November 2, 2005 01:16 AM | Link to this

Terence We all should remember what paper you work for. The bad thing about an online acticle is you can’t wrap your fish in it.

By Dave

November 2, 2005 01:20 AM | Link to this

Georgia Tech folks, go get a life.

You’re like annoying little insects that we have to swipe away — much like a gnat or yellow jacket. We don’t view you as a rival because you’re simply below us.

Face it, Dawgs don’t care about you.

By Island dawg

November 2, 2005 01:22 AM | Link to this

Terence, give me an f’ng break. The SEC beats itself up every year trying to get to ATL. Little concern is made of the national picture; all SEC teams build up for each other for a chance at that DR Pepper Trophy. Hell, even if a team wins out what’s the point? Right, Plainsmen?

By james

November 2, 2005 01:35 AM | Link to this

terrance, your stupidity never ceases to amaze me and yes you too are another reason why i dont suscribe to your paper anymore

By DalRockCock

November 2, 2005 01:38 AM | Link to this

Before you made the slam about non-conference patsies, did you bother to see what the mighty A-She-She is scheduling.

Let’s take a look at some of these games. For reference I’ve listed the current Sagrin ratings (yes, I know it’s a bogus ranking system…but it’s good enough for the BCS) after these powerhouse opponents. And as a source of reference, the two “patsies” you mentioned on LSU’s schedule are North Texas (Sagrin 155) and App State (Sagrin 81).

BC has Army (99) and Ball State (116) Clemson, Maryland, Virginia and Miami all have Temple (160) FSU has Citadel (173) and Syracuse (114) Va Tech has Ohio (87) and Marshall (84) NC State is the king of the directional school opponent with Eastern Kentucky (143) and Middle Tennessee State (124) And we probably shouldn’t mention that Duke has VMI (201) on their schedule. (Of course VMI is hurt because Duke is on their schedule.)

By Skydawg

November 2, 2005 01:54 AM | Link to this

Terence, what a moron. Just how do you keep your job because its obvious that you lack knowledge in sports. I mean really. Just wait til bowl time comes and once again the SEC will have more teams and more wins in the bowls than any other conference. But I really must know who you get on your knees for at the AJC. I mean if its not some racist driven article its crap like this. Its all you bring to the table and its pathetic. You are an embarrasement to the AJC. No wait! The AJC can’t get any more embarrased. That’s why the AJC has an increasingly diminished subscriber base. Thats why the AJC goes door to door trying to sell us something like a Pimp on Peachtree. Its because of crappy editorials like this. What a joke. Only one that writes for AJC with any credibilty whatsoever is Tony Barnhardt and sometimes Mark Bradley. The rest is just pure unadulterate crap. CRAP I TELL YOU!!!!

By danforbama

November 2, 2005 02:11 AM | Link to this

This coming from a man who once stated “Bobby Cox couldn’t hold Dusty Baker’s jockstrap” Gee Terrence what a stupid article! This article coming when Charlie Weis gets 40 million for going 5 and 2. when Ty Willingham was 8 and 0 what did he get Terrence. Giving your proclivity to play the race card, I thought you would be all over that. No wait thats Notre Dame, I forgot Terrence, free pass huh?

Now when Notre Dame gets beat by a 500 SEC team say fourteen to nothing next week then we might get the “race” article then. Sheesh!! by the way Terrence, In 92 Alabama beat Vanderbilt 21 to 14 enroute to a rout of Miamai and the National Championship. I guess Vandy was just better than Miami that year.

By jeremy

November 2, 2005 02:17 AM | Link to this

Brilliant DalRockCock, brilliant.

By Reality Check

November 2, 2005 03:56 AM | Link to this

Terence, do you know how to do any journalistic research? I know that isn’t what op-ed writers are supposed to do, but I don’t respect the kind of unsubstantiated, negative opinions you write. I quit reading your stuff years ago and I consider it a moment of weakness that I read your article here. Here is an article from the SEC website. It would be useful journalism to update it to see where the conferences stand now. I know, that’s not your job and the facts aren’t convenient for your position, but here is the article:

” SEC Leads Nation In NFL Players On Opening Day Rosters

09/23/2003 Nine SEC Teams Among Top 40 Schools listed on NFL Rosters

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southeastern Conference led the nation with 263 former players on 2003 National Football League opening day rosters.

The Big Ten was second with 207 followed by the Pac-10 with 191, Big 12 with 187 and the Atlantic Coast Conference with 144.

The SEC also had nine of its 12 schools rank in the top 40 among all NCAA institutions with former players on NFL opening day rosters. Florida and Notre Dame led all schools with 40 former players listed on opening day rosters. Georgia and Tennessee tied Miami (Fla.) for fourth with 36 former players on the list.

Auburn and California tied for 14th with 25 former players on NFL rosters followed by LSU in 16th with 24 and Alabama tied with six others for 22nd with 20 former players on NFL rosters.

Miss. State and South Carolina tied Michigan State for 29th with 18 while Ole Miss tied Texas and Virginia for 32nd with 17 former players on NFL rosters.”

The article goes on to detail school by school numbers and some of the schools and conferences you are touting don’t look so hot.

It is clear to me that the argument that the SEC, more than other conferences, has teams that beat each other up over the course of the season has considerable merit based on the relative talent levels of the players.

Go ahead, Terence. Update this information so you can make an argument based on something other than your ignorant opinion.

I respect empirical evidence when it is available, and in this case it is.

By Reality Check

November 2, 2005 04:46 AM | Link to this

Terence, you and Bill Curry can check out these additional facts. I would especially like you to explain your comments about the “slew of athletically challenged teams in most seasons” You specifically mentioned South Carolina. They have more players in the pros than your “solid teams” from the ACC Virginia Tech and Boston College and more than any of your “competitive likes of Georgia Tech, Clemson, Maryland and Virginia” that you tout so highly.

In light of these facts, Terence, how do you justify your position that South Carolina - and your other unnamed “slew” of SEC teams are “athletically challenged”. And in light of all the facts how do you justify your position that the ACC is “a conference whose strengths aren’t exaggerated”, because exaggerating the ACC’s strength is precisely what you just did in your article.

One more thing, Terence. Georgia didn’t “collapse” against Florida. They lost a close, hard fought game against a quality opponent with an excellent defense and without their quaterback. Florida has a lot of players on that team that will be playing in the NFL one day.

Here are the facts :

2003 NFL OPENING DAY ROSTERS BY SCHOOL

1. Florida 40 Notre Dame 40
2. Florida State 37
3. Miami, Fla. 36 Georgia 36 Tennessee 36
4. Texas A&M 33
5. Michigan 31
6. Ohio State 29
   1. Penn State 28 Nebraska 28
   2. Southern Cal 27
   3. Colorado 26
   4. California 25 Auburn 25
   5. LSU 24
   6. North Carolina 23
   7. Kansas State 22 Arizona State 22 Stanford 22 UCLA 22
   8. Syracuse 20 West Virginia 20 Illinois 20 Iowa 20 Wisconsin 20 Washington 20 Alabama 20
   9. Michigan State 18 Miss. State 18 South Carolina 18
   10. Virginia 17 Texas 17 Ole Miss 17
   11. Arizona 16
   12. Maryland 15 Boston College 15 Virginia Tech 15 Oklahoma 15 San Diego State 15

By Dennis

November 2, 2005 04:48 AM | Link to this

Sounds like Curry has a mouth full of sour grapes. No one in the ACC or SEC wants his inferior coaching abilities so he’s going to try to take your job as a sports journalist now, huh, Mr. Moore? (grin)

By Tremell

November 2, 2005 05:37 AM | Link to this

How can you call georgia average… Take Vince Young From Texas.. and Matt Lienhart From USC..Let’s see how average they are.. Without each USC lose to Notre Dame.. and Texas surely would have got blown out last week donw 28-9 to OSU without Vince Young..

By Barbara

November 2, 2005 05:40 AM | Link to this

This is beautiful. It’s about time that someone pointed out the collapse of the SEC. As a proud Seminole who graduated in ‘93 and has watched the impressive transformation of the ACC (thanks to FSU joining the ACC but also the other strong teams who’ve joined) it’s been fun to watch the SEC faithful squirm.

Where would GAWGA be without FSU’s offensive coordinator, Mark Richt? He learned from the best— Coach Bowden.

By Barbara

November 2, 2005 05:49 AM | Link to this

And Reality Check,

Your own stats show FSU and Miami at the top of the heap!! Hmm.

By Kevin

November 2, 2005 06:34 AM | Link to this

Poor Terrance Moore n Bill curry lost in space….SEC won more titles in sports and in bowls game win more then any other conf. in Usa…Curry who could not coach his mother team in kentucky n run out o alabama cause of his on reasons n fact why was lost to Ga tech in his first Game….No little as moore not know east from west..and i guess he forgets FSU n Miami lead in drugs sales n players in prison also in ACC,also Ga has beatin so called wisconsin n purdue in bowls games….look that up moore n get a job writin why Braves choke every year!

By joe

November 2, 2005 06:57 AM | Link to this

Well, we shouldn’t be surprised here. The same defective logic that puts GT as a mid-pack competitive ACC, but lists SC and Vandy as SEC bottom-dwellers discredits the argument. if tech was in the SEC, they’d be fight with UK for last place.

Good thing about reading Terrance online, for free, is that I know no trees were harmed for this waste of my time.

By TennDawg

November 2, 2005 06:59 AM | Link to this

Ah, I’ve seen it all now. Mr. Moore and Bill Curry “experts” and THE guru’s of college football. Honestly, this article really doesn’t even warrant a reply because it is so absurd. Dumb and dumber proclaim their all mighty wisdom for the entire world! I have read bad before, but this was just awful!!!

GO DAWGS!

By Mike

November 2, 2005 07:04 AM | Link to this

An article you would expect from the AJC….and to think they actually thought we would “pay” to read this. Terrance, learn the facts instead of rambling on about what amounts to being on a bandwagon

By Dawgman

November 2, 2005 07:06 AM | Link to this

Its funny to me how everyone says the SEC is down but when they playnout of conference in bowl games of teams from other conferences why does the SEC always win or look at the peach bowl. It locks up the ACC#3 against the SEC#4. Guess they know they SEC#3 is that much better than the ACC#3. W

By Dawgman

November 2, 2005 07:08 AM | Link to this

The SEC rules still….

By MURPHY

November 2, 2005 07:08 AM | Link to this

HEY TERRANCE,

RE-READ THIS ARTICLE AT THE END OF THE SEASON,AFTER BOWL GAMES AND SEE IF YOU HAVE THE SAME OPINION.I BET YOU WILL CHANGE YOUR TUNE JUST LIKE THE REST OF THE MEDIA. OH BY THE WAY,WHAT IS THE MEDIA GOING TO SAY WHEN THE VOLS GO TO N.D AND WIN????????

By Dawgman

November 2, 2005 07:10 AM | Link to this

Moore wants to talk about out of conference schedules look at Miami’s and FSU. Theres is by no means tough. They have cupcakes as do most schools on there list…

By AmeliaDawg

November 2, 2005 07:16 AM | Link to this

Remember when the mighty FSU joined the ACC over the SEC? It went like this: Why did the chicken cross the road? Answer: To join the ACC.

By DDawg

November 2, 2005 07:22 AM | Link to this

Consider the source…. then keep reading.

By ron

November 2, 2005 07:24 AM | Link to this

Middle of the road GT- 23 Upper echelon Auburn- 14 I know how short those SEC memories are for anything like this. I think it’s hilarious that Cosmo Kramer’s security chief (what conference president has to have a security chief, anyway?) never called Curry back after he started telling him the facts.

By Dawg Fan

November 2, 2005 07:32 AM | Link to this

I might take your football rantings more seriously if you knew how to spell Almighty.

By Top Dawg

November 2, 2005 07:33 AM | Link to this

First, Bill Curry is a media guy now b/c he couldn’t cut it as a coach. So, take what he says w/ a grain of salt. Second, 3 of the 4 teams you say are so good in the ACC are recent transfers from the Big East and then, FSU, a convert just a few years back. True, they are now ACC, and the ACC is a stronger conference b/c of them. However, to even remotely compare the ACC to the powerhouse of domination and football elitism of the SEC is in a word, absurd. Don’t ever make that comparison again if you want readers outside of schools like Georgia Tech and Duke whose football programs are a joke to ever take you seriously again. Finally, not having DJ on Saturday was one of a half dozen or so reasons we lost. Not having him was not nearly as big of an impeditment to success as our defense playing like an ACC defense. Go Dawgs!! Go SEC!!!

By Joe Mclain

November 2, 2005 07:38 AM | Link to this

I think where you are missing the story is that the SEC doesn’t have one dominant team like Southern Cal, it has many dominant teams. Just because Tennessee has a bad year you want to dismiss the whole conference as weak. We are not weak, we just have top 10 teams playing each week. Have you forgotten the FSU dominating the conference days? After Miami and VT play and one of them knocks the other from a National Championship you will understand what the SEC faces. What you should be writing about is that the SEC nor ACC will have a chance at being #1 in the country without a playoff system.

By Mark Simpson

November 2, 2005 07:46 AM | Link to this

3 of your top 4 so called solid ACC teams were raided from the Big East by the ACC thugs. And by the way - Boston College never won a Big East title!

I’ve got an idea….Let’s write your next article about the rise of Big East basketball and most overrated and overhyped conference, division or league in sports - ACC basketball.

By Carl Bob

November 2, 2005 07:48 AM | Link to this

Bill Curry can’t quit throwing those bricks. I was accosted by one of his former coaches at the airport in Buffalo. Our verbal interaction convinced me that Bill is still a victim of football-envy. So, he’s still the WHINER we all know.

“Did you know that I (Bill) was the last player selected for the NFL?” Next time, count how many times he says that. His only claim to fame.

As for the ACC, we’re seeing that once the likes of FSU and Miami play quality competition (middle weights in acc), their status declines. (Their status is still based on their weak competition of the past—like Utee) VT is about to head into that part of the schedule. How many people watch any other match-ups, seriously?!

You were right about UTee. Phil has consistently done less with more 5-star players than anyone could have ever imagined.

By Ace C. Cee

November 2, 2005 07:50 AM | Link to this

Great article Terrance. The ACC has been better than the SEC for years now. Better teams, stronger conference, better bowl record, etc…

By gooberdawg

November 2, 2005 07:53 AM | Link to this

We still th recrootin champs!! U don no nuthin’. Luks lak u went into them SEC wuuds an u dun takin a wrong TURN.

By John

November 2, 2005 07:55 AM | Link to this

Jeff Sagarin seems to agree. His conference computer ratings show the ACC #2 and the SEC #5.

By John

November 2, 2005 07:59 AM | Link to this

Definitive statements in college football are mad by two types of people: Fools, and those looking for a little bit of publicity. (Although a third type, the drunk, Saturday tailgater could also fit in here.)

Mr. Moore, I will assume you are the second kind.

College football does not work using mathematical equations. If team A beats team B, and then team B defeats team C, then team A can defeat team C. This does not follow.

The following unsound argument, made by Mr. Moore above, ignores many variables. Firstly, Team A might have an offense uniqeuly capable of taking advantage of weaknesses in Team B’s defense, while team C might have a defense uniquely capable of taking advantage of weaknesses in team A’s offense. There are so many variables to take into account when considering an individual matchup that such “If … Then” equations fail on their face.

Further, conference comparison is a very tricky animal. There are obvious comparisons — the Big East is less deep than the SEC or ACC. Then there are difficult comparisons — the ACC’s top 5 teams are better than the SEC’s top five teams.

Most clearly one can say the following: The SEC, ACC and Big Ten are the best conferences, this year, in the nation.

But who is better than whom?

Mr. Moore argues that Miami and Florida State are better than their SEC counterparts. I would beg to differ. While both are talented and well coached, neither have impressed me. LSU, Florida or Auburn can easily stack up against either of those two ACC teams.

To attempt to make a more direct comparison, let us take the top teams in the SEC and compare them to those top teams in the ACC:

SEC Alabama Georgia Auburn LSU Florida Tennessee (for the heck of it)

ACC Virginia Tech Florida State Miami Georgia Tech Virginia Maryland Boston College Clemson

The ACC has more. However, 7 times out of 10, the last four teams in that SEC list (Auburn, LSU, Florida and even Tennessee, although humbled amusingly) will defeat the last 5 teams on the ACC list.

Tennessee against Boston College, Clemson, Virginia or Maryland could be aa push — eitehr team might win. It might depend on who is playing at home. Still, the fact a 3-4 Tennessee team matches favorably against those ACC teams speaks volumes.

As for Florida State and Miami? Mr. Moore conveniently glosses over the travails of either of these teams in favor of dumping on the problems of various SEC teams.

Florida State and Miami both have an excellent chance of defeating any of the top SEC teams on any given Saturday. They are, by no means, a lock to do so.

The only team I will not quibble about is Virginia Tech. If Virginia Tech plays up to its ability in every single game this year, they will go undefeated. There are two great teams in the country this year, top to bottom, and those are Texas and Virginia Tech. Barring let-downs on either team’s part, they will go undefeated. Being that Virginia Tech plays in a real conference, as opposed to the Big 4+8 that Texas plays in, they deserve more praise if such an event occurs.

USC, on the other hand, has talent which has bailed it out. They are not nearly as deep as a team. Because they, too, play in a weak conference, they have an excellent chance of being undefeated as well.

All in all, Mr. Moore has written an article which explains exactly why he needed to seek out Bill Curry in order to quote him enough to have sufficient content to warrant publishing: Mr. Moore knows little, if anything, about college football.

I am not sure where Mr. Moore’s sports expertise might lie, but it is certainly not with college football. Any yahoo, passive fan who watches sportscenter once a week could have written the poorly argued, illogical drivel Mr. Moore wrote above.

It is a shame he felt the need to publish it. Perhaps writing about the Falcons, or the Braves, or the Thrashers and Hawks, would be more up Mr. Moore’s alley. Perhaps, in writing about these, Mr. Moore will go beyond the surface, spend time to analyze actual points and issues, and then do more than simply quote someone else and repeat the same borish and simplistic comments one has heard elswhere.

Please, Mr. Moore, do your own thinking and analyzing. Put some time into it. Think before speaking. Go beyond the surface. Otherwise, why are you working here?

By Tom

November 2, 2005 08:02 AM | Link to this

Terrence: Why does the SEC have the most players in the NFL? Got an answer for that?

By sp

November 2, 2005 08:04 AM | Link to this

Terrence, How did you get your job? Nothing that you ever wright makes sense! Have you thought about writing for “Home and Garden” instead. You know nothing about sports, especially college football!

By Vic Webb

November 2, 2005 08:07 AM | Link to this

Well spoken by a gentleman who couldn’t find a clue if he pulled it out of his nose. The SEC has a competitive nature that produces an “any given Saturday” effect on the teams that play. College football participation and its’ fan base is higher nowhere else in the USA. NFL isn’t king here. College football is. The competition is passionate and an upset is possible in nearly any SEC game. Take your Texas, Notre Dame, USC, V Tech, and Miami, bring them to the SEC for one year. That will be enough to see how dominant they are. If a team ends the season undefeated in the SEC, they have done something incredible.

By MsYvone

November 2, 2005 08:11 AM | Link to this

My God, the AJC saying the SEC is over-rated? I thought I’d never see the day.

Maybe now we can get some coverage of the Big Ten (other than a tiny paragraph in the corner) ?

By Mike

November 2, 2005 08:12 AM | Link to this

Again Georgia Tech owns Auburn the last two times we played them. How is it that the SEC fans don’t understand this and continue to say that Auburn is as good ad FSU and Miami. Ga Tech is not as good as Miami and FSU, yet they wipped the war Eagles twice in the last three years.

By steve

November 2, 2005 08:15 AM | Link to this

Aren’t you taught in journalism school to use more than one source? You don’t need a boatload, but using more than one one-sided source might be a good idea. You do this a lot, Terence, and it’s not good for credibility.

By Hudson

November 2, 2005 08:24 AM | Link to this

The argument that Georgia is not first class because they weren’t as effective without DJ (similar to Alabama without Prothro) has holes in it. Was the SEC dominant in the early 80’s? Yes. Would UGA have been nearly as effective offensively without Herschel Walker? No. Great players often make great teams, and injuries can, in the short run, make great teams look pedestrian.

By Tommy

November 2, 2005 08:24 AM | Link to this

Wonder what would happen to Virginia Tech without Marcus Vick? I’m betting we’d see that VTech is Marcus Vick and a bunch of talented but complementary players. And I wonder why some of these SEC teams can’t score? I’m guessing it’s because they’re playing against the fastest and best defenses in the country.

By steverino

November 2, 2005 08:25 AM | Link to this

Terrence (& all other naysayers),

Deal in facts, not Bill Curry’s opinions nor in Tech fan’s desire to turn their Auburn wins into ACC is better. Facts are: SEC has most players in NFL; the top 7 states producing NFL players per capita are: Miss., LA, SC, HI, FL, GA, AL. - I will bet most of that talent lands in SEC. Check the SEC bowl records vs. other conferences; I can’t remember when GA. lost to the Big 10; even Lou Holtz owned Ohio St. in bowl games. And hey Tech fan, does 4 in a row plus 51-7 mean anything to you? Shut up! Take your basketball ACC, Big 10 can have hockey & Big 12 wrestling. The SEC is the best conference EVERY year, only sometimes, like this year, marginally. And when Tenn. beats Notre Dame this weekend, all you SEC haters will be von your knees!!

By TNGamecockFan

November 2, 2005 08:26 AM | Link to this

Terrance….you aren’t very bright but you sure can get people riled. VT, MIAMI, BC….to new to the ACC to even be used in comparing strenths of the two conferences. Come back in 4 or 5 years and compare the two conferences. Perhaps by then you will be correct, but I doubt it. They will just be beating each other up and will be no better than the SEC at best……..Only time will tell!! By the way gave the Gamecocks some credit, they beat UT at UT. Their defense caused the fumble at the goal line. Great defensive play for the interception. Good defensive stands in the 4th quarter…. That’s what you would have said if the winner had been the VOLS or another team like VT, FSU or Miami.

By Bull Dawg

November 2, 2005 08:33 AM | Link to this

Dear Mr. Moore,

Before you pronounce that the ACC is superior to the SEC, consider the facts:

1. UGA swept Clemson during their recent two game series. 2. UGA beat FSU in the Sugar Bowl 3. Auburn beat Va. Tech in the Sugar Bowl 4. UGA has beaten Tech for the past four years. 5. Tennessee beat Miami in Miami. Of course ACC teams have beaten SEC teams, but have you looked at the record over the past ten years to see which conference has won the most games? I will concede the ACC and SEC are evenly matched this year, but your opinion that the ACC is the superior conference has no basis in fact. Lets all shutup, implement a 16 team playoff and let the players and not the press determine who the national champion should be.

By Matt

November 2, 2005 08:34 AM | Link to this

Please tell me that you are just limiting this nonsense to this year. You mentioned Michigan and Notre Dame. When was the last time they were considered the powerhouse that you are trying to convince us they are? In any given year, there are at least 4 SEC teams that would be favored in a game against your so-called “powerhouse” teams. As for the Alabama comment, did you not look at the defensive stats? I believe that you failed to mention that they are among the best in the country on that side of the ball. When you have a defense like that why would you have to score 55 points a game? Secondly, that offensive stat that you uttered before had a lot to do with their 2 games before Utah State. They had just lost one of their playmakers, Prothro. Prothro was a player that Alabama’s offense was geared towards. That speaks tons of Alabama when you see that they can turn it around when their offensive sparkplug goes out.

By Ben Calhoun

November 2, 2005 08:35 AM | Link to this

Hey Terence, provide don’t hide, I want whatever your smoking!! Stick with being a racist columist and leave the football with somebody that has a CLUE on what they are talking about.

By Wyrob

November 2, 2005 08:40 AM | Link to this

The truth hurts don’t it? - face it Poopie fans, the SEC sucks! At the ACC top, Miami, FSU, Va. Tech are better than any SEC team, at the bottom - ACC has Duke while fully 50% of SEC teams are poor. Even with such lousy teams, the SEC non-conf. schedule includes BCS powerhouses Mid. Tenn, Utah St, Missouri St, La-Monroe, Ball St, West. Ky, La-Tech, Idaho St, North Tex, App. St, Citadel, Murray St, Troy, UCF, UAB, Richmond - The SEC is getting what they deserve by scheduling such lousy teams. At least give credit to Tenn. for playing Notre Dame, but we’ll never have to worry about UGA playing anyone decent outside of the SEC other than Tech, …wouldn’t Clemson be better than La-Monroe? … Poopies can just go and lose their Outback bowl every year and keep on whining.

By jimmy

November 2, 2005 08:41 AM | Link to this

Terrence,if you take the time to read some of these comments it doesn’t take long to figure out that some of the stupidest people in the world read your columns. For all of you folks who say Bill Curry is not knowledgeable, your rationalization is wrong. You say that because he wasn’t a very successful coach that he doesn’t know what he is talking about. You same UGA fans just love it when Lee Corso talks about how great your team is. Well guess what, Lee Corso was NEVER a success ANYWHERE. You don’t have to be a great coach to have valid opinions. For the person who pulled out the “on any given Saturday” cliche, when all of the teams are evenly AVERAGE then you are correct. So many of these comments reference to how many players come from the SEC as if that is the total gauge of great teams. UGA has led the world in NFL players before and all it showed was that they were underachievers under Goff and Donnan. The only thing stupider than most of these posts is the fact that UGA fans are still voting their “DAWGS” #2 in the fans poll. If the AJC can come up with a fans poll for teams that have had to play an important game without their #1 QB, then I am sure UGA will be #1.

By Darin

November 2, 2005 08:43 AM | Link to this

Man I thought you was OK, and now I’m not sure you even need to be a journalist. This was the stupidest article anybody in this paper has ever written. The SEC is not great compared to who? ALA is undefeated, UGA and LSU have one loss, and Auburn and Fl are ranked in the top 20. In the ACC, VA TECH is undefeated, FL ST and Miami have one loss, and Boston college has a couple. Is there any real difference in the two? Fl St was beaten by Virginia who has about 3 losses I believe…Miami was taken in to overtime by Clemson who has about 3 losses I believe. Man you need to do some research. You have really embarassed yourself here. I think the real problem is you are like alot of other journalists out there…you think if TENN and FL are down, the whole SEC is down. You ignore the fact that there are alot of other talented teams in the SEC. Put anybody, with maybe the exception of Texas, in the SEC this year and see what happens. USC has had to come from behind 3 times to win. Penn St loss to Michigan who has 3 losses. Notre Dame was beaten by Michigan St who has 3 losses and lost to Northwestern by 30 something points. Who are you comparing us to? And as for UGA, man they lost by four points to a team ranked in the top 20 without their starting quarterback!!

By Educated

November 2, 2005 08:43 AM | Link to this

Finally someone with a brain writing an article that isn’t completely biased towards the SEC and the South and is backed up by facts. Georgia fans will continue to be Georgia fans, which means they will run their mouth about this article but have nothing to back up their points. The SEC will still be OK, but like the Big 12, they are absolutely miserable this year. The ACC and Big 10 are by far the 2 most dominant conferences this year and will continue to be so. Not including Duke, the next 2 worst ACC teams, Wake Forest or NC St, would beat any of the bottom 6 SEC teams. The exact same can be said for the Big 10.

By Mike

November 2, 2005 08:43 AM | Link to this

Upper Echelon UGA 51 Representing the ACC 7……UGA 30…another ACC Rep 0

By Raider from decatur

November 2, 2005 08:48 AM | Link to this

Anyone with real knowledge of the inside of the college game knows that the larger schools are still cheating (regardless of conference). Look at TN, they may not have been slammed for paying for players but do you really think that is so (granted it appears some of the checks may have bounced lately).

By David

November 2, 2005 08:54 AM | Link to this

$ECers want facts like….”more players in the NFL”…ok, that’s a fact. How does this “fact” translate into Auburn losing to Tech, or Tenn. losing two Peach bowls. What is dragging down the $EC is the bottom half of the conference. And there is no “premier/cut above” team at the top. Historically, the $EC is/has been much better than the ACC, but Curry is right about one thing, all the cheating and paying players in the $EC is catching up w/them.

By BB

November 2, 2005 08:54 AM | Link to this

Moore, games are won with great defenses. The SEC is full of great defenses, and always has been. Anyone that knows anything about CF, knows that a great defense beats a great offense any day. How good was Bama’s 1992 offense? Their defense was what won them the national champ. The ACC? Gimme a break! I would love to see Virginia Tech in the SEC. They would not be near as successful as they’re in the ACC. Just my opinion.

By matt

November 2, 2005 08:54 AM | Link to this

I guess if you base everything on points scored, yeah the SEC sucks. But it sure is amazing to me that SEC teams regularly put up 40, 50, or 60 on non-conference teams (yes, the weak ones included since every other conference plays a weak non-conference schedule and scores only 40, 50, or 60). Before you argue that the Pac-10 has played tough non-conference games…two of those were against SEC teams (record: 1-1). Maybe the SEC has the best defenses and is why everyone says it’s the best conference.

Here’s a clue…when the SEC plays teams outside of its conference, it can put up huge points and shut down those teams. But in conference, the other SEC teams have such dominating defenses…the offense struggles.

Examples: UGA def. Boise St: 48-13 Boise St. scored 27 in a last second loss to Oregon St, which the Broncos beat 53-34 in 2004. In 2004 Oregon St. did a better job stopping So Cal (L, 28-20) than Boise

LSU def. Arizona St.: 35-31 Arizona St. lost to So Cal 38-28…once again, an SEC team scored about as well as the best team in the country did

Oh and for the ACC Fanatics: Vandy def. Wake Forest 24-20 Wake beat NC State, had a larger margin of victory over Duke than Ga Tech did, lost only 35-30 to BC

Finally, I guess Bear Bryant was overrated when he won 6 national titles in 19 seasons (or every 3.167 seasons) and could run up points on non-conference foes, but usually scored less than 20 in SEC games.

There’s more to football than offense….remember, defense wins you championships, offense sells you tickets.

Oh, as for Bill Curry, you ever think that he still has sour grapes since the one school he had a winning record at (Alabama), where he was 26-10 (7-5, 9-3, 10-2 in 87, 88, 89) won an SEC title and named SEC and National Coach of the Year in 1989, ran him out of town b/c he did not play for the Bear? Hmmmmm

By wes

November 2, 2005 08:58 AM | Link to this

Attention SEC fans: It doesn’t matter how much u care about your football teams. Still doesn’t change the fact that the SEC hasn’t been any good since Peyton Manning and Steve Spurrier left.

OR…will the SEC come back? The short answer is a fat “no”. Terence understands that some of these player’s parents wouldn’t want them to go to a UT or UGA due to the on-going butt-head disease that seems to be running rampant throughout their respected Student Athelete population.

By Mike

November 2, 2005 08:58 AM | Link to this

Wow! Two loosers collaberating to create their own version of sports news. What a crock. Curry a washed up has been of a looser coach now doing Tuesday night football and Moore the prepetual pot stirer for the might AJC.

Not worth the paper it is written on and certainly not worth the last five minutes of my life used to post this reply.

By WW

November 2, 2005 09:01 AM | Link to this

Love the article Terrence!!! But you know you just set yourself up for the pups over in athens to start railing you. Nevertheless, you are absolutely correct! ACC has surpassed every other conference in football including the “SEC.” Florida can’t score, UGA is nothing without Shock, Alabama can’t score, LSU should be a top 3 team, and Auburn is young I believe will be back on top next year and let’s not even start with UT, what a joke! Face it people, the SEC is below the ACC now and will remain that way for awhile.

By Enough

November 2, 2005 09:01 AM | Link to this

Terrence Moore can’t carry Mark Bradley’s jock strap or laptop or whatever.
Bradley threads his articles with consistent logic. He cares about Atlanta sports. Moore doesn’t - he just nonsensically pulls thoughts out of his butt…head.
Terrence the AJC hatchet man - why his constant bile is considered attractive to readers, I don’t know. Make the sports page a better written and more lucid read and give this position to Steve Hummer….even Michelle Hiskey for gads sake.

By WJR

November 2, 2005 09:02 AM | Link to this

Let’s take a look at the preseason polls. Of teams ranked in the top ten, four were exposed as bad teams: Tennessee, Michigan, Oklahoma, Ohio State (and Florida if you count the AP poll). Last time I checked Michigan and Ohio State were in the Big Ten; Oklahoma is in the Big 12. And Florida was the media’s darling as most of them treated Urban’s arrival as the second coming of the messiah. First year coaches tend not to have immediate success: most of the voters in the AP poll must not have taken many history classes with those journalism ones. Pete Carroll lost four games his first year; so to did our own Mark Richt.
Also, I would think that being smack in the middle of SEC country, the AJC sports staff would recognize the fact that the SEC just beats each other senseless all year. We’ve got at least three defenses in the top ten in the country: Florida, Alabama, and UGA. USC hasn’t played a defense ranked above 49th. Texas meanwhile hasn’t played a defense ranked much higher than that— Ohio State turned out to be a fraud and Texas Tech doesn’t even field a defensive unit the last time I checked. And speaking of Texas, what would you expect to happen to that team if Vince Young goes down when they play Texas Tech or Ohio State? The 90s was the era of offense in the SEC—we can thank the ol’ Ballcoach for that. Recently, due to the success of LSU and UGA, defense has become the new offense. But just because we look more like the Big Ten rather than the fun n’ gun, doesn’t mean the SEC is overrated and over the hill. We still recruit the best athletes to play here year in year out.

By MIke

November 2, 2005 09:02 AM | Link to this

What an obvious moron! The SEC is and will always be the dominate conference in football, baseball and is moving up fast on the heels of the mighty??? ACC in basketball! Probation in the SEC? Yes, sometimes people get out of hand with the pressure for the almighty win! However, MIAMI, FSU and Clemson, and others should have been on probation for years and probably at least one of them should have gotten the death penalty!!!

By daddyo

November 2, 2005 09:02 AM | Link to this

Get over it …. Terrance Moore is absolutely right. Times have changed and some of you can not stand it. I sense as though some of you have your blue jean shorts in a wad as you face the truth.

By Highly Educated

November 2, 2005 09:04 AM | Link to this

Hey “Educated”

Your argument is that Georgia fans (note: not SEC fans) will continue whining without backing up their story? I see good SEC points all over this blog. Then you make a blanket statement about the ACC and Big 10 being better without any supporting argument.

You sound like a Techie who’s afraid to admit they’re a Techie — typical coward.

By JamesDAWG

November 2, 2005 09:05 AM | Link to this

Check out ESPN.com. There currently is a poll rating which conference is the best. SEC is leading by a considerable margin. Go Dawgs. Go Dawgs.

By leroy

November 2, 2005 09:07 AM | Link to this

Bill Curry (aka Coach, Analysts)is still fooling folks. He fooled the University of Kentucky in believing he was a coach. Now, he finds a writer to fool. This writer should have known better.

By fiddler

November 2, 2005 09:08 AM | Link to this

Who are the premier players on our hometown team, the Atlanta Falcons? Vick (Virginia Tech), Kearney (Virginia), Brooking (Georgia Tech). Schaub (Virginia) could start and win on most other NFL teams.

By daddyo

November 2, 2005 09:11 AM | Link to this

The SEC is slumping and you mullet heads can not stand it.

By Doug

November 2, 2005 09:15 AM | Link to this

Let’s compare: There’s no doubt that Miami, Boston College and VA-Tech are at the top. But FSU is not that good this year. You say that GA-Tech and Clemson are “competitive” while SC and Vandy are hapless. How many touchdowns has Clemson’s offense scored? The answer is 6 and most of those against a winless Temple. Which is why they only have 4 wins. NC State, Duke are pitiful and the middle of the pack is just average. Alabama is solid (and will get better) Florida is having an off year and GA has only one game that revealed some weaknesses. I would put UGA, Auburn, LSU and Bama on par with Miami, BC and FSU any day. The bottom line is that both conferences have weaknesses and strengths. But for now I still give the SEC the edge from top to bottom.

By B Crews

November 2, 2005 09:16 AM | Link to this

Terence

Get back to the Band room, and leave the sports articles to someone who actually knows something about sports.

By BC

November 2, 2005 09:17 AM | Link to this

Terence

Get back to the Band room, and leave the sports articles to someone who actually knows something about sports.

By Kirk

November 2, 2005 09:19 AM | Link to this

ACC has 3 teams - VaTech, FSU & Miami Big12 has 1 team - Texas and used to have 2 including OK Pac 10 - Is really the PAC 1.5 with the half team this year being UCLA which is last year’s CAL SEC is 6 deep - AL, GA, FL, LSU, Auburn & Tenn - I bet South Carolina would beat most every other ACC team except for Miami, VA-Tech and Free Shoes U. What you don’t understand is with 6 strong many teams are going to loose 2 and every down year on of the above SEC teams can easily loose 4 or 5. What you don’t appreciate is the above SEC teams get four tough games and at least 2 other best cames from a major rivals.

By danny

November 2, 2005 09:19 AM | Link to this

terrence, the acc has been equal for 7 or 8 years, now the acc is superior and will be from now on.

By Ignatius

November 2, 2005 09:20 AM | Link to this

I know John Adams, Terrence, and you are no John Admas. ;) Thank God.

By Loosey

November 2, 2005 09:21 AM | Link to this

Terence you’re a porch monkey

By David

November 2, 2005 09:23 AM | Link to this

The past ten years (95-04), excluding Miami, Va Tech, and BC…$EC vs ACC head to head, $EC leads 34-25. With all the talent, all the NFL players, you have a .576 winning %.

By David

November 2, 2005 09:24 AM | Link to this

The past ten years (95-04), excluding Miami, Va Tech, and BC…$EC vs ACC head to head, $EC leads 34-25. With all the talent, all the NFL players, you have a .576 winning %.

By Abby

November 2, 2005 09:26 AM | Link to this

What a load of crap. I love that comment about Georgia being nothing but Shockley and a bunch of complimentary players. Moore must’ve been watching Clemson/GA Tech instead of Georgia/Florida or he’d have noticed that our quarterback was the least of our problems Saturday. JoeT3 did an incredible job, not only in the position but as the leader on the field. Say what you will about Georgia’s loss on Saturday, but don’t point the finger of blame at Joe Tereshinski.

By mike

November 2, 2005 09:27 AM | Link to this

Terrence is this a joke? Pac-10 has 1 good team, UCLA has no D and will be exposed by a good defense. Big 12 1 good team, Big 10-They are strong this year, Big East-0 good teams, ACC 3 good teams, VT,Miami, and FSU. The rest of the ACC would finish sub 500 this year. CUSA 0 good teams. The SEC 6 good teams, none great but to all very good and can play anyone in the country close. Why? Great D will take you farther than a Great offense! And to listen to Curry and say the SEC is missing out on big time players, look at the recruiting rankings on Feb 3 each year, you jackass.

By Rick

November 2, 2005 09:28 AM | Link to this

Hey Terrence…just a little note. Alabama won the 1992 National Championship averaging 13 points a game. Defense wins championships…always has. If Curry is such an authority, he’d still be coaching instead of being a washed up analyst.

By CurryRulz

November 2, 2005 09:31 AM | Link to this

The SEC sucks? Has the SEC East leaders beat a team with a winning record? The SEC is joke this year and they are in transistion, a transition to becoming even suckier. The ACC is the king of all conferences now, f-ball and b-ball, just watch the awards pile up over the next 10 years, and wait til rivalry week when the ACC dominates the SEC, GT over UGA, Clemson over S.C., FSU over Florida (ok, that one might be a good game), it’s just too bad VT doesn’t get to slap the SEC around this year as well. The SEC has long been overrated, the ACC has been equal for the last 5-10 years without VT and Miami and BC, just look at the head to head records. Curry is spot on, the SEC just can’t handle the truth, and their fans give the Southland a bad reputation.

By stephen

November 2, 2005 09:31 AM | Link to this

Oh, I see. TENN is having an awful year and you’re gonna hinge the ENTIRE SEC conference on that? For starters, perhaps you shouldn’t put ND in the ‘top’ category of college football the week of the TENN/ND game. I mean, they DID get beat by Mich.St., AT HOME! And Texas?? Yes, they’re good, but they are all alone in the Big 12, and STILL ranked #2. And last time I checked, there was only one 1-loss team in the ACC (VTech), just like the SEC (ALA). In fact, didn’t the ‘04 SEC Champ(Auburn) beat the ‘04 ACC Champ VTech in the ‘05 Bowl match-up?? Hhmmm….guess you just ‘forgot’ to mention that. LSU beat Ariz.ST., a team that USC squeaked by. Then there’s Clemson, who took Miami to overtime, then lost to Wake Forrest, who loss to Vanderbilt. So I guess that means that Vanderbilt should ATLEAST be able to take Miami to overtime, and WIN??Point is, you can’t compare what one team did by another team. That’s not the way it works. If it were, all of the odds makers in Vegas would be 100% correct. Go ahead. Pick you’re favorite. But to have the AJC print you’re ‘opinions’ is bad journalism. So why don’t you stick to the facts from now on.
FACT: ALA & VTech are both undefeated FACT: TENN is having an awful year and still might beat ND FACT: Auburn has gotten MUCH better w/ every game. FACT: UGA with a healthy Shockley would still be undefeated. FACT: FLA is decent. FACT: I’d have no problem placing ALA against VTech, LSU against FSU, UGA against Miami, FLA against Virginia, Auburn against BC, SCar against Maryland,TENN against GaTech(I’m running out of ACC teams here), Vandy against CLEM,etc,etc, FACT: I’d pick the winner of the ‘05 SEC to beat the winner of the ACC, AGAIN.

By Something Positive

November 2, 2005 09:31 AM | Link to this

Go Gym Dogs!!!

By Mike

November 2, 2005 09:33 AM | Link to this

Terence, There are so many things I disagree with you about, but this time you are absolutely correct. Take UGA for example, until Saturday night, they were ranked no. 4, but who had played to justify that? No one. The only decent (historically) team they played was UT, and UT may not even finish above .500 this year. And UGA has the nerve to schedule all those non-conference pansies every year. Let’s see them play ND, USC, TX, MI, OHS, etc. It’s about time that someone called it like it is: The SEC is overrated.

By Joe S

November 2, 2005 09:34 AM | Link to this

Terence:

Trying to be controversial, stimulate discussion? Keep it up and people will stop reading your column because of the obvious slant. You can be rediculous at times!

By The uga nation erupts

November 2, 2005 09:36 AM | Link to this

I love it terrence. I think every UGA fan in the known world has responded to your column. Trying to justicify that the SEC is sill superior? hahahaha…. Give me a break. I like how you showed how SEC schools schedule weaker teams. Lousiana Monre?…. N. Texas?…. Appalanchan State?!…. Give me a break. Sorry dawgs, but your run with the best conference in the league is over.

By Moore's an idiot

November 2, 2005 09:38 AM | Link to this

I seriously laugh at each of Terrence Moore’s columns. Every one of us knows he wouldn’t be writing for any other paper than the AJC! Affirmative Action is the only reason Moore has a column!!!

By BAMA

November 2, 2005 09:40 AM | Link to this

This guy must have forgotten that Auburn beat Va Tech last year in the Sugar Bowl. I think that Florida State lost to Virginia didn’t they? I am not sure that Virginia is any better than a middle of the road ACC team. The SEC is on its way back if it ever was down. Alabama, Miss State, Arkansas, and South Carolina have all had NCAA troubles. I think that everyone knows that Bama is back and it will not be too long before these others teams bounce back.

By adam

November 2, 2005 09:41 AM | Link to this

typical ignorance. the sec is having a down year and you say it has lost it’s luster. last year, auburn could have and should have competed with USC for the national title and LSU won the BCS national title a few years ago. you say the acc is better. let’s see here, the best teams in the conference were imported from another conference. that is like the sec taking getting texas and michigan. terrance, you are tuly a d-rate columnist.

By Slapout Mike

November 2, 2005 09:41 AM | Link to this

I applaud Terrance for the courage to tell it like it is. SEC football is entertaining, and they pull huge crowds, but as a CONFERENCE, the SEC is not the most competitive, nor has it been for a long time. Avoiding those useless antedotal comparisions most make to defend their conference, one only needs to compare conferences on the basis of Top 10 finishes. The assumptions being that any team that finishes in the Top 10 is and has been competitive for some period of time. A quick look at the AP Top 10 since 1990 is very instructive. How many different teams in each Conference finished in the Top 10 during this period of time. PAC 10 - 100% Big 10 - 64% SEC - 58% ACC (Current Teams) - 58% Big 12 - 58%

Which Conferences have teams that have NEVER fielded a Top 10 finish, at least since 1936.

SEC - Vanderbilt, South Carolina Big 12 - Iowa State ACC - N Carolina State, Wake Forest, Virgina

The SEC has two guaranteed Conference patsies to play every year, and even Kentucky and Mississippi State have only 3 Top Ten finishes between them in the last 70 years. Every conference will have a few perennial powers but looking a Top 10 Finishes, the PAC 10 is and has been the most competitive for a long time.

By chris

November 2, 2005 09:43 AM | Link to this

terrence, this just reinforces the definition of the n word…IGNORANCE!

By gdawginkazoo

November 2, 2005 09:45 AM | Link to this

Terrence, HAVE YOU BEEN STAYING WITH RICKY WILLIAMS AT GRASS VALLEY? Bill Curry got to “coach” at all those schools because he was let go from all those schools. As for getting around yes big Bill gets around but don’t confuse that with experience other than resume writing experience. Experienced yes, expert no. Bill can talk football, but he can’t walk football. I do like Bill as an anouncer though, he is entertaining. Just like that fantasy story that you wrote above. The ACC is dominate I agree, but in basketball not football. Save your ACC is better for the the round ballers. Miami, FSU, they ARE NOT GOOD TEAMS, VA TECH IS LEAD BY A POTHEAD. The tough part about the SEC is that any team can win on any given day. The PACMAN 10 has USC and ???????. Do they play a league championship game? Don’t want to possibly play two tough games in one year. The Big 12 has TEXAS (props to them) and Oklahoma ??? when they lost their veteran QB (6 year guy forgot his name). Thank God they lost early so they can save the later embarrassment. GOT TO TERRENCE, I COULD RAMBLE ON LIKE YOU DID ALL DAY. BE SURE TO PACK YOUR WHIZZINATOR IN THE CHECKED LUGGAGE. WAIT TILL BOWL SEASON IF THE SEC IS HEALTHY ENOUGH WE WILL DOMINATE.

By PSack

November 2, 2005 09:45 AM | Link to this

Not sure what point you are trying to make Terrence

Normally, I agree with you but like one person pointed out if you take away the starting quarterbacks at about 9 of the top 10 rated teams in the country the results would devastating to those teams. Therefore, if Georgia loses when Shockley is down you get the same results that the other teams do??

THE ACC IS SLIGHTLY BETTER THAN THE SEC…but the SEC is better than the other conferences NUFF SAID!!

By Moore's still an idiot

November 2, 2005 09:46 AM | Link to this

The only reason you wrote the article is to justify the ACC and to get on GA TECH’s good side. The reason FSU won consecutive championships is due to lack of competition. Quoting Bill Curry about the SEC is like buyin a car from advice from Joe Isuzu!!!

Moore stick to writing your normal mindless drivel!!!

By CRDawg2

November 2, 2005 09:49 AM | Link to this

Terence Moore and Bill Curry are two people that have never been accepted by the SEC nation. It’s obvious why they put down the conference. But the SEC still has 5 teams in the BCS top 25 compared to 4 ACC teams. The parity of the SEC means more top teams will lose in the conference. Don’t take thier comments as fact. It’s like saying the MLB is mediocre compared to triple A baseball because triple A has some teams that are dominating. Why are some teams dominating? Because all of the talent is in the MLB. Moore and Curry, wake up and smell the napalm. You’re both dreaming.

By Bulldog Proud

November 2, 2005 09:49 AM | Link to this

Another idiotic article from Terence Moore. I am surpised that he didn’t whip out the “R” card as he usually does in his worthless speech. Perhaps he should check the defense stats on why teams are not scoring much in SEC football.

By sec is king

November 2, 2005 09:49 AM | Link to this

loosey, what did your comment have to do with the article. it makes all SEC fans seem like idots. the SEC is the best, The ACC is catching up with the help of the big east. only time will tell. Terrance stay away from bill curry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By 2busy

November 2, 2005 09:52 AM | Link to this

All I have to say is this (and I didn’t say it):

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southeastern Conference had 261 of its former student-athletes on 2005 National Football League Kickoff Weekend rosters, most of any conference in the nation.

The most talent in college football is in the SEC. The performances will be defense dominated and maybe a little lackluster, but Bear Bryant once said that offense sells tickets but defense wins ballgames.

By CRDawg2

November 2, 2005 09:53 AM | Link to this

Terence Moore and Bill Curry…..need I say more?

By Gator Nation

November 2, 2005 09:55 AM | Link to this

I still believe and know that the SEC is the toughest conference. Everyone appears average b/c of the level of competition each of these programs posses and being in this league only motivates players week in and week out to play their best, no matter who the team is. I strongly believe if you take the so called powerhouses, USC, UT, OU, etc… and put them in the SEC, I guarantee they would not reign each year the way they do.

By Tony

November 2, 2005 09:57 AM | Link to this

LMAO at the SEC fans! Bama plays better teams than Navy or LA Tech? Bama’s played opponents are 27 and 31 folks. Bama has two wins over teams with a winning record (SMiss & UF), LSU has one win over a team with a winning record (Auburn), UF has two wins over teams with winning records (LA Tech & UGA), Auburn has one win over a 1-A program with a winning record (USC East), UGA has two wins over teams with a winning record (BSU & USC East lmao), SC has one win over a team with a winning record (UCF). These are the top six teams in the SEC and folks… this conference blows!

Keep on padding those stats against creampuffs while the ACC continues to be the winningest bowl conference of all time while playing tough OOC competition!

SEC = Stuffed Envelope Conference

By Wyrob

November 2, 2005 09:57 AM | Link to this

Talk about living in the past… why don’t Dawg fans accept facts? As of today, half of the SEC teams are awful, the SEC non-conf. opponents are a joke, and UGA’s brain dead coach knows how to call play action and QB draws and little else. re: the future - Joe T. as the starting QB next year? … your opponents cannot wait … better schedule some more La-Monroes, you’re gonna need ‘em.

By mike

November 2, 2005 09:57 AM | Link to this

Today I learned: When bias is removed from Terrance Moore’s head, he is actually a decent sports writer! 1 column out of 51,042 isn’t bad. One more column and he will have his first streak.

By Troy

November 2, 2005 09:58 AM | Link to this

Apparently Terrace needed to prove that he has readers of his column because those in the know will put this arguement to rest with a scoff, all you have to do is look at where the NFL scouts will be spending the majority of their time. The SEC definitely ain’t (isn’t would not be appropriate here) the dainty ACC type of football, it’s smash-mouth hard-hitting, “I’m not going across the middle if Greg Blue is out there” football. Yes, there are teams such as Texas that are playing the same caliber but their schedule is not loaded full of games like that week-in, week-out. That’s what makes the SEC the toughest, schedules that have streaks with teams like LSU, Bama, UGA and Florida on successive weeks. No excuses for the occasional directional State U, that is wound healing time. Only in the SEC are the players, walking wounded Sunday through Wednesday, just like the NFL.

We all bit on your stunt to stir controvesy here, so editors take note. ……And citing BilL Curry as an expert, the man that was righfully run out of Alabama, he’s a very bitter old man and a GT ‘man’. He couldn’t coach smash mouth football, so he was run out of two SEC programs.

By evan

November 2, 2005 09:58 AM | Link to this

You say that Navy, LaTech and Tulsa are outscoring Bama. Wow, thats brilliant. I mean, those three teams are constantly playing the best defenfes in the country!!! You are an idiot.

By Charles

November 2, 2005 10:09 AM | Link to this

“The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”

Hamlet (III, ii, 239)

tranlation: “The kicked dawg cries the loudest”

By Carew

November 2, 2005 10:10 AM | Link to this

Mr. Controversy…you’ve got to be kiddng me.I know your not quoting Bill Curry as the football gospel. And ESPN is completely unbiased. What a joke? Please, everyone knows that Bill Curry is biased toward the ACC and is a “has been” coach. The SEC is down this year. That’s a fact. Georgia loses one game and they are all DJ Shockley? No football team is all anything. Last I heard DJ didn’t play defense.

If we had a playoff system we could really find out. That would end this debate…immediately. Auburn would have been a better match up for USC last year than Oklahoma.

By Tony

November 2, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this

LMAO! Bama has only played one top 10 defense and that was Florida. LA Tech played UF as well ;)

By Matt

November 2, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this

T — right on the money, but SEC fans (except for the Vandy alums) are too stupid to accept it. The SEC is way down because there are no good middle of the road teams like there are in the ACC, Big Ten or Pac Ten. #4 at best.

By Apryl

November 2, 2005 10:13 AM | Link to this

According to Tennessee, Alabama’s football program was supposed to be dead and bury. Here we are with a new coach (and yes, I am quite versed on the story of one coach left us, one never got a chance to coach…) and players who could of left, but didn’t and we are 8 -0. Who cares how we win a game? What is the saying - good teams always find a way to win. A win is a win regardless of 1 or 20 points.

By DAWGLB

November 2, 2005 10:13 AM | Link to this

TERRENCE: You are an idiot!! Why don’t you go back to the land of queers where you came from…

By mike

November 2, 2005 10:15 AM | Link to this

Troy: I wouldn’t go across the middle on Greg Blue either. I would go right past him, cause he can’t cover a lick! And the week in and week out comment. There is no way Texas or USC could play Vanderbilt, Louisiana-Monroe, and an unranked Tennessee team in a row. Not to mention unranked Boise State and South Carolina. By the time they got to Kentucky they would be out of players! Tradition and past teams can’t put points on the board nor can it stop anybody. Live in the present. Smash mouth offenses are outdated. Look where it got Lou Holtz.

By BAMA RULES

November 2, 2005 10:16 AM | Link to this

Another great typical Moore article. Keep up the great work.

ROLLLLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!

By GArry

November 2, 2005 10:18 AM | Link to this

You have to be kidding me. After the Bowl Games the real story will be told. We also need to go to the 1 plus system. But, you are right about one thing. The SEC sets the standard for all of the other conferences to strive for.

By David Scharfstein

November 2, 2005 10:19 AM | Link to this

Terence, you are a moron. The SEC has as many teams in the top 25 as any other conference. As far as your criticism of Georgia not being a great team without DJ Shockley, how do you think Virginia Tech would do without Marcus Vick or how Texas would do without Vince Young. Either of those 2 guys goes down, its game over, so don’t go hyping them as heavyweights and saying an SEC team couldn’t hang with any of them. In the past 3 bowl seasons Georgia alone has faced the winner of the ACC and two consecutive top 3 opponents from the Big Ten and has sent them all home hanging their heads. Oh and by the way, in the past 3 seasons while the SEC was supposed to be in decline, they have produced a BCS National Champion in 2003, the number 3 team in the final polls in 2002, and the number two team in the final polls in 2004. Don’t tell me the SEC is a pretender.

By randall Perry

November 2, 2005 10:25 AM | Link to this

Is Terrance Masochistic? How does a guy like this get on with a paper like this.

SEC Man in texas wishing he could get more press on the SEC.

Rp

By Adam

November 2, 2005 10:32 AM | Link to this

Mr. Moore Simple question that you will never answer:

Did you do any research on the defenses of both leagues? In the SEC 7 teams are allowing 18.0 points or less. In the ACC only 4 teams can claim this.

By Rich

November 2, 2005 10:35 AM | Link to this

Yes, the SEC is hyped up to ridiculus levels. But Mr. Moore, this editorial is oh…six weeks to late. Once again, you are observing the painfully obvious.

What next? “The Hawks Are Not a Good Basketball Team” article in February?

Ooooooh wait, here is a good one for next week…”The White Sox Have Good Pitching” What an edgy think to write, don’t you think? Nobody will see this one coming!

Please, show me you can do better than this.

By Salli

November 2, 2005 10:36 AM | Link to this

What a crock!! The SEC is always more competitive than any other conference. Who does USC play? Who does Oklahoma and Texas play (beside each other)? Who does Notre Dame play? Those conferences (and being an independent) are never competitive. Two weeks ago, 3 SEC teams were in the Top 10. I don’t believe any other conference can claim that. WAR EAGLE

By Michael

November 2, 2005 10:48 AM | Link to this

Has anyone else read this column before? You know, every year that Florida and Tennessee aren’t competing for the national title in November. Take a look at Terence’s main point: Tennessee sucks. Was the SEC down in 1992 when Auburn was horrible (5-5-1) and Alabama won the national title? There is absolutely no way someone can rationally make this point without a playoff where all of the top conference teams play each other.

And Terence: replacing a QB who is probably going to be a mid-round draft pick next year with a guy who had never played a meaningful minute will affect ANY team. Take Matt Leinart out of the USC-Notre Dame game and they obviously lose.

By jritchason

November 2, 2005 10:54 AM | Link to this

All I have to say is this: if anyone can name me another conference in the nation that has had 6 DIFFERENT national champions (and one that went undefeated but got screwed by the BCS)in the last 25 years….let me know.

By Karmajoetech

November 2, 2005 10:58 AM | Link to this

Please do not compare Alabama to Duke. Duke has student athletes; Bama has football players on the payroll. Both have been at the top but let’s be honest, even under the ‘Bear’ the same type NCAA infractions happened, they just didn’t get caught. Both Alabama & Auburn are an embarrassment as universities of higher learning.

By Jeff L.

November 2, 2005 10:59 AM | Link to this

Hey Terrance X, compare the number of national champions over last 15 years from ACC and SEC before throwing the term “myth” around. Don’t count Miami’s titles since they just joined the ACC. I will grant you the ACC is a solid conference NOW, but that does not mean the SEC is not strong. Ever heard of the phrase, ‘Defense Wins Champtionships.’ The defense in the PAC 10, Big 12 and Big 10 has been deplorable. Defense is not sexy within the media now, so everyone assumes these teams scoring 30 points on each other are superior - they are wrong and so are you.

By James

November 2, 2005 11:06 AM | Link to this

The LSU meltdown was an abberation. You must take everything they were going through into context. Bill Curry? Please! Why not just quoate another loser…Holtz

By James

November 2, 2005 11:07 AM | Link to this

The LSU meltdown was an abberation. You must take everything they were going through into context. Bill Curry? Please! Why not just quote another loser…Holtz

By Dawg Fan

November 2, 2005 11:08 AM | Link to this

The offensive production in the conference is down this year, but that’s going to happen sometimes. The “exodus” that Curry mentioned is not happening. Or maybe you don’t follow recruiting. The SEC is not losing recruits to other schools in general. Georgia, LSU and Tennessee consistantly finish in the top 10 and Florida is there most years. Is the SEC the best conference this year? Probably not. Will it continue to rank among the top two every year? Yes. I’d still like to see USC play a legitimately good defensive team. I think the last time it happened they won 23-14 over Va. Tech. Now play that level of defensive talent six times a year and see how great that offense looks.

By loosey

November 2, 2005 11:10 AM | Link to this

Stay downtown with georgia bleck where you belong you j*******

By James II

November 2, 2005 11:20 AM | Link to this

Alabama’s 8-0 and only undefeated SEC record speaks for itself without some blow hard, demoted, has been, bag of nothing to say Terence Moore giving his counterfiet 2 cents worth. And KarmJoetech, any girls team could beat Duke. You guys aren’t big enough down there to wear jock straps, your players wear thongs.

By Karmajoetech

November 2, 2005 11:25 AM | Link to this

You don’t get screwed when you played UL Monroe, Citadel & LA Tech, you’ve screwed yourself.

By James II

November 2, 2005 11:33 AM | Link to this

Terence Moore is a sports writer, and I use the term loosley, for one reason and one reason only: Affirmative Action. If he didn’t have nappy hair, he’d be delivering the AJC.

By Gator Nation

November 2, 2005 11:33 AM | Link to this

I love the SEC too….Wow, but u Dawg fans are really riled up and making some extremely harsh remarks……I can not wait to read this blog when Auburn whips UGA and Florida leaps them to represent the SEC East…..LOL

By SBJ

November 2, 2005 11:34 AM | Link to this

Our overrated SEC will still put more players into the NFL this year than any other conference, as usual.

By Karmajoetech

November 2, 2005 11:36 AM | Link to this

8-0 playing the likes of Utah St, Western Carolina, Arkansas, Kentucky, Southern Miss, Miss St. What a brutal schedule. When will you bone heads from Alabama learn, sound like you took a page out of the Auburn game plan. Don’t you think it’s a little odd that everyone in the SEC has struggled with Arkansas but Southern Cal kicks their butts by 53?

By James II

November 2, 2005 11:41 AM | Link to this

Alabama and the Duke faags have one thing in common, the number 8. Alabama has won 8 games this year, Duke has lost 8. You can’t call yourself a football team with one win you idiot.

By tim mcgowan

November 2, 2005 11:45 AM | Link to this

Terence-

Just wait until Saturday. Tennessee will beat, not upset Notre Dame. Get your retraction ready.

By PB Bryant

November 2, 2005 11:45 AM | Link to this

This article is pure crap, plain and simple. The quality of the writing in the AJC has been reduced to drivel. The paper has become so ‘dumbed-down’ that it has become tragic. I stopped subscribing to the AJC a long time ago, just read it online for crime news and an occasional visit to Marxist fantasy land. Too bad the Atlanta market does not have someone of the caliber of Paul Finebaum.

By Miss. State Boy

November 2, 2005 11:49 AM | Link to this

I’m not going to debate the merits of the SEC being down in football this year, but employing Bill Curry as a vouchsafe mouthpiece in order to prove a point is like asking Andy Sipowitz to be Marilyn Manson’s roadie.

By Karmajoetech

November 2, 2005 11:53 AM | Link to this

Unless you’re a Vandy guy you’ve got no room to call anyone from the ACC an idiot. BTW, I’m not a Dookie and the last time I looked there were FOUR (4) teams in the SEC with 1 or less conference wins.

My team is 3-4 but we’ve played arguably the toughest schedule in the nation.

By Dawson

November 2, 2005 11:55 AM | Link to this

I agree with Terrance. However, to rely on any quotes from Bill “The Tool” Curry hurt your article. SEC will be back. It’s a cycle that is going to change in about 2 years. Too much young talent in the SEC to stay down for too long.

By Ev Howe

November 2, 2005 12:06 PM | Link to this

Terrence Moore, you have succeeded in the annual AJC mid-season ACC vs SEC stir-them-up who’s better column. I ended up laughing at your logic, got ready to write back and now see that more people than the AJC has as subscribers have written you back with facts instead of your fiction. Let’s see, ACC with one national football championship since 1996, SEC three, and ACC now has bought VA Tech, Miami and Boston College in their quest for a semblence of football respectibility. Other than the shame they should feel, they have succeeded and now have 2 teams in the same calibre as best of the SEC.

By steverino

November 2, 2005 12:07 PM | Link to this

Y’all notice how Daddyo keeps jabbing with insults but no facts? Slapout Mike, again no facts - how many of your different teams in the PAC 10 end up in arbitrary polls is not substantive. . Let me reiterate w/ FACTS- most players in NFL, Emmitt Smith is its alltime leading rusherleading rusher,5 national champs(GA,AL,FL,UT,LSU) in last 25 years, may have been 6 if auburn got to play USC. Those are the objective points - subjective ones are the fan bases, stadium sizes related to enrollment, sheer tradition of The Grove, LSU pregames, Volunteer Navy, UGA tailgating, Swamp, The Plains,Bryant-Denney. All these schools have been in the conference MANY years; have you seen the crowds at a Miami home game? How many natl. champs would Miami or FSU have if they played in the SEC? No, Pslap, the ACC is not slightly better than the SEC nor will it ever be.There is no discussion - the SEC is the best football conference, this year, every year.

By Robert A

November 2, 2005 12:11 PM | Link to this

Funny how FSU will schedule a home game with Alabama in 2007 but won’t return the favor by playing them on the road in 2008. You would think as far as the SEC has sunk that would be a no-brainer.

By James II

November 2, 2005 12:12 PM | Link to this

Karmajoefagg add Florida, Tennessee, LSU, Auburn, Ole Miss….to Alabama’s schedule. But, on the flip side….I bet ya look kinda cute in your daisy dukes…squeal like a pig….

By Mark

November 2, 2005 12:13 PM | Link to this

If the SEC is so overrated, how come Alabama is undefeated and ranked 4th? How come Auburn went undefeated for the entire season and wasn’t given an opportunity in the championship game? Who is over rating the SEC? Overrated means ranked number 1 after playing a creampuff schedule. see USC If anything, the SEC is underrated. It is difficult to go through a season in the SEC undefeated. Take the Georgia Florida game for example, Florida is by far a inferior team to Georgia, yet they knocked off the Dogs. This happens every year. While we continue to see teams that play softer schedules bid for the championship. The SEC has never been given enough credit and now a columnist for the Al Jazeera Constitution continues that trend. Welcome to the SEC mr. moore.

By Mark

November 2, 2005 12:14 PM | Link to this

If the SEC is so overrated, how come Alabama is undefeated and ranked 4th? How come Auburn went undefeated for the entire season and wasn’t given an opportunity in the championship game? Who is over rating the SEC? Overrated means ranked number 1 after playing a creampuff schedule. see USC If anything, the SEC is underrated. It is difficult to go through a season in the SEC undefeated. Take the Georgia Florida game for example, Florida is by far an inferior team to Georgia, yet they knocked off the Dogs. This happens every year. While we continue to see teams that play softer schedules bid for the championship. The SEC has never been given enough credit and now a columnist for the Al Jazeera Constitution continues that trend. Welcome to the SEC mr. moore.

By C

November 2, 2005 12:15 PM | Link to this

I wish I could say what I want to say regarding Moore’s comments about the SEC…

Place USC (California) in the SEC and watch a good a* beating ….at least twice.

There’s not one conference in the country that could match up to the SEC. Ther ACC is just getting started.

The SEC will always be the SEC…always hardcore football. Fans are even hardcore.

By Mike

November 2, 2005 12:16 PM | Link to this

Steverino…you should have Moore’s job, you obviously know more about football than he’ll ever know.

By malone

November 2, 2005 12:25 PM | Link to this

terrance, your an IDIOT, and your almighty source bill curry makes your article quite funny.

By Mike Smith

November 2, 2005 12:28 PM | Link to this

Every conference goes through a down period. Look at the Pac-10 and Big-12 of the last few years. The SEC has graduated A LOT of talent in the last couple of years plus Miss St on probation. Where were the SEC doubters a couple of years ago when LSU was National Champs? Arkansas was good, Ole Miss had Eli and company, and don’t forget UGA, UT, UF and Auburn. The SEC bottom five or six are not very good, but the top 6 or 7 will stack up well with any conference. We’ll get plenty of chances to prove it before the seasons done.

By James II

November 2, 2005 12:31 PM | Link to this

Hey Barabara, this is for men. Now do what any good ACC ho does for a man and go get me a beer and come rub my feet.

By Ludowici

November 2, 2005 12:32 PM | Link to this

Do you really think that with the lackluster showings it’s had against weak teams that USC could run up the score? Bush run wild and Leinart pass haphazardly over the field? Vick maybe could work some magic only because of superior physical skills he posesses. Any of these Top teams could come into the SEC and escape with a win. I believe that if they came and stayed, you’d see a team with weaknesses cropping up at all positions after the weekly brawls that take place with the premier defensive units in the SEC.

I always say to the wannabe teams from the other conferences, “You can’t tackle what you can’t catch. And if by a miracle you catch it whatcha gonna do with it then?”

By MinnesotaMario

November 2, 2005 12:46 PM | Link to this

I see the logic of the article, but What about the overall regression of college football nationwide this season? The Big 12 without Texas is horrid, the Pac 10 without USC is ugly, Penn State is still untested so the Big 10 is weak, the Big East has left the building. The only reason that the ACC is up is because of the addition of two new schools this year that came in at the top of their game. I still believe that the SEC is the most physical conference in the country—which is its biggest strength and its biggest weakness at the same time.

By Atlanta Gator

November 2, 2005 12:53 PM | Link to this

What a joke. The past three season have produced three SEC teams in the final 3 of each poll (UGA in 2002, LSU in 2003, AU in 2004).

The ACC has had to import teams. That’s a DQ. period. I don’t care what the imports have done because they were imported.

Terrence, I guess SEC football needs more players like Marquis Grissom, Dominique Wilkins and Evander Holyfield, right?

By brewerfaninATL

November 2, 2005 12:54 PM | Link to this

Come on everybody…let’s just all agree that that this is going to be another great college football season, no matter what conference you root for. I’m personally a Wisconsin and Big Ten fan, but in now way am I going to brag about our conference being better than this conference. Unless they actually play each other, there is no way anyone can say this team WILL beat this team. If you all think USC or Texas is overrated, then go play them! Finish at the top of the BCS and then go play them. Fine, the Big 12 may be having a down year from top to bottom, but correct me if I’m wrong, didn’t they beat Ohio State AT Ohio State. And don’t give me this crap that Ohio State is a fraud…why, because they lost to #2 Texas by 3 points and a very good #9 Penn State team by 7 points? Come on! Also, say what you want about the Pac 10, but didn’t USC win at Notre Dame in an awesome finish? Just admit that what Leinart did that night reminded us of Joe Montana. I’m not going to say that one conference is better than the others because it is impossible to prove. No, I’m just going to enjoy another great year of college football, regardless of conferences!

By Herschel Dooley

November 2, 2005 12:55 PM | Link to this

GREAT ARTICLE TERENCE, RIGHT ON THE MONEY! Finally someone with the guts to tell it LIKE IT IS!

Let’s see, for all you Dawg Whiners, the SEC has poor offense due to great defenses? Paaaalease! Well, I guess you do have a point. Vaunted Alabama has a great defense; after all they’re 8 – 0, ranked #4 and THEY’VE PLAYED EXACTLY 2 TEAMS WITH A WINNING RECORD!!! — So. Miss. (4 – 3) who has whipped up on the likes of McNeese State, E. Carolina, UCF and UAB! and the Gators who ALSO HAVE BEATEN A TOTAL OF 2 TEAMS WITH WINNING RECORDS: the Shockley-less Dawgs and mighty Louisiana Tech!

Oh wait, I forgot about the AWESOME Arkansas Razorback defense that held the Dawgs to 20 points in a closely fought 20 – 23 loss. Oops, my bad, that Razorback defense also HELD SOUTHERN CAL TO A MERE 70 POINTS! Well, with the vaunted #4 Tide pounding 4-Loss UT 6 – 3 and 5-Loss Ole Miss 13 – 10, MAYBE GREAT DEFENSES IS NOT THE PROBLEM AFTER ALL!

I guess that means this year’s SEC CREAM OF THE PATHETIC CROP IS: AUBURN! Even w/Shockley the Tigers take the Dawgs down in Athens, then expose the weak Tide a week later! WAR EAGLE!!!

By kevin

November 2, 2005 12:55 PM | Link to this

Its sad when SEC been to more bowl games n NCAA tourements..n so on and have won more bowls game then acc are big ten other wise curry a idiot who not coach since born….lost to jets in super bowl remember that mr. curry .Other wise moore SEC is far more better in schools in fans n teams…just cause u get a espn nut who hates SEC n was fired from alabama went to kentucky n still lost..so wait see moore

By Brian

November 2, 2005 12:56 PM | Link to this

Finally, someone sees the truth about the SEC. I’ve been born and raised in Georgia and I’ve lived in Texas the past year. What it so obvious to the rest of the country is how overrated the SEC is and how far down they have fallen. When UGA “won” the SEC in 2002, that was the weakest SEC ever (how many years does Tenn, Fla, etc. have more than 3 losses?) and they played the weakest Florida State team over the past 20 years. Bottom line: the SECheat fans are very blind and bias to their mediocre conference.

By FootballFan

November 2, 2005 12:57 PM | Link to this

I can only say a couple of things. I am sick of trying to compare the SEC and ACC for one. Secondly, to compare the SEC second tier teams to the second tier teams of the ACC is ridiculous. Ga. Tech gets there six wins each year by beating Duke, Wake Forest, North Carolina and Clemson’s of the world. Not to say that the SEC doesn’t do the same with the Vandy’s and Kentucky’s, but I would put Vandy up against all of the so-called “competitive” teams of the ACC and bet they would win. Why not speak of conferences as a whole? They are pretty much made up of (1) dominating team yearly,(ie. Pac-10 and USC, ACC and the billion year run of Florida State winning the conference, etc..) In the SEC you have at least 3 teams and possibly 4 per year that could at least compete against the top 5 teams in the country, I wouldn’t say that about ANY of the other conferences. Maybe the SEC isn’t elite, but just how many different championship teams have come from the SEC the past say 20 years (Florida, LSU, Alabama, Auburn (‘84) Tennessee) as opposed the the ACC?(Florida State, Miami, and the joke of 1990 in Ga. Tech/co-share) The implants from the Big East is the only reason the ACC can even be mentioned in the same voice as the SEC.

By Chase

November 2, 2005 12:59 PM | Link to this

Well Terrence, this topic will evoke a lot of responses (mine included), but next time you have writer’s block or a busy week, fall back on something a little more original. I would like to see the “Terrence top 25”, or even the top 10 rankings. What teams would you use to fill that void after the top 3 teams?

By RUDY's BACK!!!

November 2, 2005 01:00 PM | Link to this

TM:You finaly got it right.SEC has been way overblown for years.By the way,the SEC’s most storied program,Alabama’s Crimson Tide,has a 1-5 record against ND!! The Irish will be smacking Tenn.around AGAIN this weekend. IRISH RULE!!!!!

By fred

November 2, 2005 01:01 PM | Link to this

Terence - ACC cupcake non-conference games -FSU - Citadel, Syracuse; Miami- Colorado, Temple, South Florida; VA Tech - Ohio, W VA, Marshall; BC - Army, Brigham Young, Ball State. total Top 25 non-conference opponents for these four teams = 2 (W VA at 18 and CU at 24) Wow, that’s tough. So, please don’t use that argument. SEC = 5 Top 25 teams; ACC = 3. Stuff the pie hole!

By smitty

November 2, 2005 01:10 PM | Link to this

I’m just suprised he could write about something other than the David Justice trade!

By brock19

November 2, 2005 01:11 PM | Link to this

The SEC is the best conference in football-period. I think you have to look at more than just rankings and records. Look at the quality of athletes the SEC possesses. The stadiums you play in on the road. The passion fans in the south have for their programs. Take USC and put them in the SEC and they have 1-2 losses by now. USC plays in a conference with no defense and no passion. PAC-10 games are things to do on Saturday. The fans on the west coast could take it or leave it. I feel confident in making these statements. Bill Curry is an idiot who likes to listen to himself talk. I take no value in what he has to say about the game of football. I get sick of hearing him talk about how football used to be and what happened when he coached. If you ever watch him cover a Georgia game all he does is downgrade Georgia and try to boost his own self-esteem. Get back to coaching so you can really show us how the game of football is played. Kentucky could be calling soon.

By JPDawg

November 2, 2005 01:17 PM | Link to this

The only thing that surprises me about this article is that Terence didn’t find some way to throw out the race card yet again….Gee Terence, ya mean you don’t think there’s some sort of racist conspiracy here?? PUHLEEZE….what a freakin idiot.

By dawsoncup

November 2, 2005 01:24 PM | Link to this

T.M. slid into something other than third base, or shine-ola.

By Karmajoetech

November 2, 2005 01:27 PM | Link to this

The SEC is #1 in two ways…..#1 with the passion for the game & #1 with regards to NCAA probation. The probation is a fact not personal opinion, I think everyone other than Vandy has had problems & Bama leads the NATION IN PROBATION.

By Mike

November 2, 2005 01:28 PM | Link to this

Overated? 5 in top 25 bcs. Would have been 6 if TN wasn’t having issues. Acc has 4 total and three were recently acquired to sure up a pitiful of conference and make it somewhat legititmate. Terrence… Your an idiot!

Mike

By SG

November 2, 2005 01:31 PM | Link to this

Terance - Judging from all the reactions, the truth really hurts doesn’t it? These blind SEC fans are living in the past and on their conference’s reputation based on it. While I’ll admit SEC football is still very entertaining and will always be good, it’s clear to anyone with a brain that the ACC is a superior league this year.

By Brian

November 2, 2005 01:33 PM | Link to this

Mike, “you’re” the idiot. “Your” is a possessive pronoun like “your team” or “your home” “You’re” is a contraction meaning “you are”. Georgia grad I assume?

By incredulous

November 2, 2005 01:35 PM | Link to this

Terrence,

You are a complete idiot and have solidified yourself as the weakest sports journalist ever.

By FalconDude

November 2, 2005 01:39 PM | Link to this

I hate it when people, unencumbered by the facts, continue to spout off such utter nonsense as you did, Terence.

Georgia only an average team without Shockley? They nearly defeated a Top 20 team while missing not only Shockley but also a couple on defense. AND, can you name ONE school in the country that if their starting quarterback is out, can play with the same ability as when they do have their starting quarterback? Take USC’s quarterback out of the equation, they will lose. Take Texas quarteback out of the equation, they will lose. Take ANY starting quarterback out of the equation, and that team will lose to any other healthy quality team. Your supposition that Georgia should have won anyway if they really were a good team is just idiotic. Florida’s first string can beat Georgia’s second string…big deal.

I have always said, and will always say, if USC, Texas, Michigan, OSU, Miami, FSU, etc., played in the SEC, they would RARELY have undefeated seasons. Why is it that until last year, if an SEC team went undefeated they ALWAYS played for the national championship? And last year was a fluke because of the BCS, Auburn should have played and likely would have won (as a Dawglover, I hate saying that, but it’s true).

Terence, usually you are pretty good, but this time, your credibility just took a major hit.

By Big A Bama Fan

November 2, 2005 01:41 PM | Link to this

Look you count your competitive teams all you want. I’ll count titles, all stats whether created in the last decade or yesterday they are in the past. Bottom line, show me your titles!!!!!!!! ACC!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think you have a few basketball titles, but across the board, the ACC is on the SEC jock, because they can only wish to hold it, especially in football. Thank your lucky stars that Miami added respectibility to that crappy conference. VA Tech will fold this weekend and lose again to a lesser team, as usual. Keep the Thursday games, it helps with recruiting, VT. FSU and Miami will all fall (are falling) off as the talent pool gets smaller because of the D1 football programs at USF, UCF, Jacksonville, UNF, FAI, FIU and in the future, UWF and the newly christened Univ. of SW FlA in Fort Myers, only Juco, but the plan is to be D1 in 5-7 years. (psst, the next big recruiting pool will be AL that just added spring ball. Oops you have no schools in the AL, ahhhhhhh.) So by the time Bowden croaks, FLA football will be nothing special. Boston College is a joke, and you list them with FSU, Miami and VT. Yes, crack kills and you should get help with that. Other than that, you call your other teams competetive and you only list half of the conference in the article. What about the other half, that’s right, they blow, and blow hard.

From the top to within the two teams of the bottom in the SEC, because of tradition, skill, athletic ability and championship play, any given Saturday you can win in a boring way or lose very big in the S.E.C. Every lost knocks our teams out of national championship contention, but what happens if DUKE wins the ACC, nothing. If Vandy wins the SEC, they “may” play for the national title. Duke’s kids will be sent to study. So until you can change that reality that the SEC carries more respect than the ACC will ever know. Blow your weak conference crap talk out of your ear. By the way, LSU just won one of the paper championships. Miami was not in the ACC until a year ago, so the last time the ACC won a football title was 6 or 8 year ago. Stick to basketball, BUT keep practicing.

Lastly,

ROLL TIDE!!!!!! to number 13.

By Brian Holbrook

November 2, 2005 01:48 PM | Link to this

Terance, I have not lived in Atlanta since the 80’s, but after looking at the AJC web site it looks like your still writing the same ole crap. Yea, it makes sense to say the SEC is down and the ACC is way up after the SEC champion soundly beat the ACC champion last year. Your commennts are not backed up by any facts, so as usual you make no sense in why you come to your conclusion except to help carry Bill Currys agenda, to trash the SEC or prove himself right when he so called predicted down years for the SEC.

By James II

November 2, 2005 01:53 PM | Link to this

The SEC is hardcore college football, it always has been it always will be. And yes, Alabama has had it’s probelms with probation. With that said for bama to come back the way they have this year, UNBELIEVABLE. You want to see a cream puff schedule, look at USC, otherr than their QB, they’re an overrated joke…yeah, yeah..a fast offense, but big deal. it’s obvious at the way you ACC wannabee’s are ripping at Tide and the SEC, you’re sooooo jealous. We play football down here. And karmajoe..since Barabar has not replied..you be my biitch and go get me a beer.

By KP

November 2, 2005 01:54 PM | Link to this

Wow! Another article about how the SEC is down this year and overrated. How original! I’ve only read or heard that about a hundred times this season. The ACC could certainly be considered the best conference in the nation this year, but the SEC wouldn’t be far behind.

By Mike J

November 2, 2005 02:03 PM | Link to this

Terence, one of your worst and most unoriginal articles ever written. I also happen to be a die hard ACC and Ga. Tech fan. I hope you found some room left on the bandwagon.

By Herschel Dooley

November 2, 2005 02:13 PM | Link to this

ONCE AGAIN TERENCE, YOU ARE RIGHT ON THE MONEY!!!

CAN YOU BELIEVE ALL THE WHINING, BAWLING, EXCUSE-GIVING, CRY-BABY DAWG FANS COMING OUT OF THE WOODWORK! (And a few other overrated-Tide and UT fans, too.)

WAH, WAH, WAH, WAH, WAH, WAH!!! Quit your belly-aching, grow up and face the facts: the once great football proud SEC sucks this year!!! I don’t care about who has the best athletes, grandaddys who won SEC titles, grandmommas who were once prolific gym dawgs, children of UGA grads who now can’t get into Athens because it’s gotten so tough, and so on. SORRY BOYS AND BELLYACHERS, THE FACT IS IT’S A DOWN, DOWN YEAR FOR THE SEC!!! (The SEC will be back, just not this year; so, just chill and face the truth!!!)

By Indy

November 2, 2005 02:15 PM | Link to this

Volunteers better bring some vasoline for the a* pounding their going to get this weekend. Even their cheerleaders are going to want to get nailed by real football players from a real football program.

By Mike

November 2, 2005 02:22 PM | Link to this

I just think your a moron.

By James II

November 2, 2005 02:26 PM | Link to this

Herschal Dooley, perhaps it would be best if you leave this BLOG to football fans and go get on one about which wig looks best on Oprah or Martha Stewarts best prison recipe. You’re starting to make KarmaJoe look like a man you kunt.

By Karmajoetech

November 2, 2005 02:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Jarhead II, I’m just shocked you Alabama boys can read. BTW, I didn’t think you momma allowed beer in her trailer. Just get your ugly sister to get your beer & and get your rocks off. If you can’t find her I’m sure you’ve had your eye on one of them farm animals.

One more thing Genius, you haven’t played LSU or Auburn YET. So far that Monster Schedule consists of ONE team ranked in the top 25….FLORIDA. I know…I know, Tennessee was ranked but they’re not now.

By Herschel Dooley

November 2, 2005 02:35 PM | Link to this

Hey James II, it’s Herschel, not Herschal you pathetic speller dweeb! Gee, I wudda thought you could spell the name that made Vince famous!

And, by the way: wah, wah, wah!!!

By Matt

November 2, 2005 02:47 PM | Link to this

Hey techies, you did beat Auburn.First game, new QB, but you did it. Just remember, how many years in a row is it now 4? or 5? against the DAWGS. A couple of times, you guys even made it close.

By Terrance should be on BET

November 2, 2005 02:50 PM | Link to this

I think with the crap he writes, would blend in good with the brotha’s on BET. He is a racist, and should be sent to where only idiots watch rap videos.

By James II

November 2, 2005 02:54 PM | Link to this

Herschel…I may not spell well, but your mama said she get on her knees on crushed glass to blo me. And FYI, I can dang well spell Bear Bryant.

By Greg from Marietta

November 2, 2005 02:54 PM | Link to this

Terence, You Sly Dog!! You did just what you intended to do didn’t you? You stirred up a hornets nest “dissing” the SEC. Hey, just remember that they all are just a bunch of kids playing a game.

By James II

November 2, 2005 02:59 PM | Link to this

Karmajo, you know how your mama can tell your sister is on the rag? She can tatse blood on your infant dik.

By Dave

November 2, 2005 03:02 PM | Link to this

Morons like Brian, KarmaJoe and Herschel Dooley should be left alone. They’re (was that correct?) a bunch of losers who hide behind keyboards and fake e-mail addresses, trying to put down others with legitimate points. Their (correct?) entire day consists of surfing the web, going between this blog and internet porn — two outlets for their self-love.

GO DAWGS

By C

November 2, 2005 03:18 PM | Link to this

I pick Alabama and Virginia Tech to go 12-0

Uh oh…Maybe BAMA and TEXAS

BAMA will be 12-0 this season!

ROLLLLL TIDEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

By Robert

November 2, 2005 03:21 PM | Link to this

The SEC is gone…. TRUTH. College/Conference reputations will carry for a number of years…. TRUTH. Look at Notre Dame. All they have to do is win a couple of games against anyone and the voters put them in the top 25. Look at GA Tech. GA Tech has beaten football schools such as Auburn and Clemson and are still not in the top 25. Go figure.

By Tau

November 2, 2005 03:22 PM | Link to this

Here is why you should not even bother getting upset with this column:

“Alabama averages fewer points per game than such powers as Navy, Tulsa and Louisiana Tech.”

Selective statistics only mean you don’t have a legit argument. My guess? Bama has probably never averaged more points than a WAC team. And that means absolutely nothing.

By Mr Breeze

November 2, 2005 03:23 PM | Link to this

Hey Matt You’re right — in fact, GT made it so close last year that only a boneheaded play saved your behinds. And not so long ago we took several in a row. And the excuses for Auburn are unbelievable. New QB? If GT were to have lost that game, everyone would be crowing. And no where on this 10 mile blog will you see any criticism of GT’s schedule. No SEC team would want any PART of it.

By FalconDude

November 2, 2005 03:38 PM | Link to this

You know, what makes the SEC the best conference is the fact that there have been so few additions to the conference. I believe the last time a school joined was when Arkansas joined what? 20 years ago? So the teams playing are the teams that have ALWAYS played, and the SEC still continues to have 4 or 5 Top 20 teams, still continues to produce national champions, and still continues to win most bowl games.

The ACC? They had to add FSU and Miami to finally become a respectible conference. I agree, FSU, Miami, VT do make for a quality football conference. But the best? No way. Those three teams will always be playing top tier football, and with the possible exception of GT and Clemson on occasion, no other team in that conference will ever be anything better than a .500 season team.

The SEC? Let’s see….Ga, Fl, Auburn, Alabama, LSU, UT…just about every year in the top 20 and always in a bowl. Ole Miss, Arkansas, South Carolina…often having winning seasons and going to bowls. The only real weakness is Miss State and Vanderbilt. And am I the only one that notices that every year, Vandy always has one or two game where they either beat or at least scare the heck out of a top 20 team?

No, the SEC is year in, year out quality. No other conference produces as many winning season teams, bowl teams, and NFL draft choices as the SEC does every year.

So ACC fans, enjoy seeing Miami and FSU annually wipe up the rest of your conference. Just remember, two or three winning teams added does not equal 100 years of tradition.

By Mike

November 2, 2005 03:46 PM | Link to this

Well put FalconDude, good facts. The pro SEC guys sure seem to know more about football then the ACC guys. I think we have wasted enough key strokes on this biased 2nd rate sports writer by now. Roll Tide Roll.

By Dawg Fan

November 2, 2005 03:46 PM | Link to this

Tech does have a pretty tough schedule this year, with Georgia and Auburn out OOC and the ACC being good, the only dogs have been the weak ACC teams and UCONN. Good for you. You’re still going 6-5 with another loss to Georgia…okay, maybe 7-4 with another loss to Georgia.

By steverino

November 2, 2005 03:52 PM | Link to this

Robert, TRUTH: SEC has most players in NFL - TRUTH: the NFL is the premier football “LEAGUE” ,therefore, the conference who puts the most players in the pros is the best.

Mr Breeze, TRUTH: every SEC team plays a better schedule than GT because they play in the SEC ( see above truths)

brewerfaninatl- what do you mean,you don’t know how good you are until we play each other? Don’t you remember the 2 a* whippings UGA has given Wisconsin? The last time UGA lost to the Big 10 you weren’t even old enough to drink your 1st Heilemanns Old Style or Linenkugels or whatever that stuff y’all drink is called. Ask Michigan fan what their worst ever bowl loss was? TRUTH: SEC ( Tenn)

Rudy’s back - I have so much respect for ND it’s unbelievable. Even as a southern protestant kid UGA fan w/ an Auburn daddy, I liked them. But those wins came in a different era , bro’, plus your records vs UT/OleMiss/LSU/UGA (& thats just the ones I know of)in the more recent past are losers!

Now, all of you w/ SEC envy lick your wounds and get back to work, or I will have to lay some more of my laser-like TRUTHS on you!

By SGT

November 2, 2005 04:00 PM | Link to this

Well, well, well. Another stupid article by AJC’s own. I’ll have to applaud him for not playing the race card this time, though. Don’t think the SEC’s tough? Just ask Frank Beamer about Auburn. Or Larry Coker about TENN. Or Chan Gailey about UGA. In fact, add Bobby Bowden to that UGA list. I hope they line the SEC-ACC Champ. up again this year like last year. Of course, after a SEC victory, you’ll write some meaningless column like this—again. Poor ole GaTech fans. If you can’t beat’em on the field, just write misinformation columns on them. lol

By Mr. T

November 2, 2005 04:00 PM | Link to this

Did the BCS force you to write this column, Terrance? Talk about over-hyped, the ACC takes the cake. While V-Tech may (and I stress “may” be legit)Miami cant score, FSU cant score againts average defenses and obviously cant cover a tight end. And do we really have to mention any of the other 4 loss teams in the Conference? The ACC is a one-trick pony and to compare it to the SEC where the most athletic defenses in the country play is ridiculous. Not only is it the great depth and athleticism that you don’t find year-in and year-out in other conferences that sets the SEC apart, but its also the pure passion that the fans bring every year that makes any SEC road schedule the most brutal of all the conferences. Sure UVA will sell out when FSU comes to town but Wake, UNC, Duke, NCState, Clemson barely draw a blip on the radar. Most ACC fans still dont know that the perenially unranked BC Eagles have joined the conference. Don’t mistake pairity for over-rated. With your circular logic Vanderbilt would be ranked 4th overall in the ACC this year. As a Gator I hate my rivals in conference with the same passion they hate us, but don’t try to peddle that BCS apologist garbage down here in the South. I’ll put Florida, ‘bama, UGA, Auburn, LSU, Tenn (yes, the 3-4 vols), and even USC in the ACC and watch all of them consistantly out-perform the competition. Is is any coincidence that 3 of the top 4 teams in the ACC have only been members for 2 years?? Think about it…

By steverino

November 2, 2005 04:07 PM | Link to this

Falcon Dude, Thanks for eloquently complementing my SEC TRUTHS - I think nothing more needs to be said, other than : Hotty Totty, God Almighty! Roll Tide! War Damn Eagle! Sic em dogs! Rocky Top! Gator chomp! Geaux Tigers! Sooooooooey Pig! Go You Hairy Cocks! PS- Vols fans, cant speak for all the SEC fans, but I for one, hope you kick Notre Dame’s tail this weekend - it’s happened before in South Bend in similar circumstances….

By Karmajoetech

November 2, 2005 04:07 PM | Link to this

Dave, if that’s your real name, how is a moniker (like mine) any different than anyone else on this board? I didn’t put anyone down until James II (if that’s his real name) started with the insults. And no I don’t spend all day surfing the web, I’m at work. Just curious why you would condemn someone for doing exactly what you’re doing? Are you from Alabama as well? I’m done with you Bama boys….OUT.

By Jason P

November 2, 2005 04:25 PM | Link to this

Careful James II! This about wimpism (the ACC), not sexism. I make no claims backing up Barbara, but My Auburn wife would most likely get you that beer, And then shove it straight up your a&&!

By wow

November 2, 2005 04:33 PM | Link to this

George Bush doesn’t care about SEC football, AMIRITE??

By Mr Breeze

November 2, 2005 04:51 PM | Link to this

Steverino You obviously have not read much of this blog. It has been pointed out over and over how pathetic the cupcake schedules most of the SEC teams are playing. And the excuse that “in conference” games are so tough that the cupcakes are necessary is nothing but bogus.

By Old Dawg#55

November 2, 2005 05:04 PM | Link to this

I’m just surprised that anyone can give any credence to Token Terrance and Couldn’thackit Curry…any wonder why the once proud AJC has gone down in national and Georgian prestige?

By FalconDude

November 2, 2005 05:26 PM | Link to this

I continue to read the wishful thinking of people on this blog and continue to be amused and amazed.

The complete truth is:

If USC, Texas, Ohio State, ND, FSU, Miami, Michigan, etc., played in the SEC, they would still be winning teams. However, they would almost NEVER have an undefeated season, which is why when an SEC team goes undefeated, they are always in the National Championship game (Auburn notwithstanding, see my comments previously). NO OTHER CONFERENCE can make that claim. And most years, they would have as many as 2 or three losses.

Why is it that no other conference can make that claim? Because it is known by the sportswriters, coaches, pollsters, etc., that if an SEC team goes undefeated, they have accomplished something that few if any other teams that season could have done: Won all their SEC conference games.

I am not saying other teams are not good or other conferences are not good. USC truly does look awesome to me. Texas is a great team. Notre Dame, despite two losses, looks great to me. But no team in the country can compete against the caliber of teams in the SEC every year and expect to win big every year.

No, teams in the SEC don’t run up huge scores as a rule (with exception of Steve Spurrier Gators, who seemed to make it their personal mission to humiliate teams). That means nothing though. Who cares how many points are scored by your team, as long as it is more than the other team? And, why is it in many of the bowls, when other high scoring teams play an SEC team, they either lose in a low scoring game, or if they win, it is by a low score? Life in the SEC is just different. Different, but hugely succesful.

And I suspect if you ask coaches and university presidents in the other conferences what conference they would most want to be like, they would overwhelmingly say The SEC.

By Nigel Vereen

November 2, 2005 06:48 PM | Link to this

How can anyone talk about how great the ACC is? I’ll give you Miami, VT, and even FSU (even though I think they are traditionally the most overated team in the nation, How many losses did they have last year?)but B.C., please. The PAC 10? Who does USC play? I don’t want to hear Arkansas either. It’s not one game that matters, it is the beating and injuries that pile up from playing quality opponents. It kills me how anyone that plays an SEC schedule, goes undefeated, and doesn’t play for a championship!!! You tell me any other conference that can match up team for team with the following: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee (even this year). If all these other conferences are so good, why don’t they schedule one of these SEC teams above out of conference. Ask Miami, (one of the superior teams mentioned by Mr. Misinformed Moore)who was beaten in Miami by a mediocre Tennessee team to end a 26 game win streak.

By FalconDude

November 2, 2005 07:00 PM | Link to this

One last comment, then I am done:

Who are the only TWO teams to have played in all 4 major bowls (Rose, Sugar, Cotton, Orange)?

Georgia and Georgia Tech

What conference has more bowl wins than any other conference?

the SEC

What conference has more national champions than any other conference?

The SEC

This is not talking about just in the past 20 years, this is in the history of college football. Who argues that the Yankees are not the greatest team (I HATE the Yankees!!!) in baseball? You can’t, not with 27 WS championships and how many more WS appearances and AL championship appearances???? Same with the SEC, how can you argue with the greatness the conference has shown since the beginning of conference football?

Nuff said, nothing ANYONE says against the SEC has any credibility, because you are speaking from opinion, not fact and from wishful thinking or fantasy, not reality.

By Andy

November 2, 2005 07:01 PM | Link to this

Those same people that are so proud to say that GT beat Auburn. GT might be confident about Auburn, but they lose all confidence when they are afraid to add Georgia Southern to their schedule.

By Oren

November 2, 2005 07:09 PM | Link to this

Mr. Moore: I have to give you credit for this article. I so often disagree with your columns, I feel I must acknowledge that I agree with your opinion that the SEC is much weaker this year, while the ACC is getting stronger. But as always, your best quality is generating a large response from AJC readers.

By Oren

November 2, 2005 07:12 PM | Link to this

Andy, how many SEC teams are “confident” enough to have GSU on their schedule? I know UGA doesn’t…

By SECman

November 2, 2005 07:40 PM | Link to this

For everyone referring to UGA being down, what do you think would happen to USC, Texas, and VT without Leinhart, Young, and Vick?

By Greg

November 2, 2005 08:05 PM | Link to this

Terrance sure can sucker punch and shows he is a closet yellowerjacket. Didn’t say this last year?

By Eddie

November 2, 2005 08:31 PM | Link to this

I sure would like to see GT and Auburn play again.It was Auburns first game for their QB and he played like it.Lets just see how the bumble bee boys do against GA.Lets compare then!

By QueenHokie

November 2, 2005 08:46 PM | Link to this

Over the last five years the SEC has a record like 19 wins and 17 losses in bowl games. GO SEC!!!!! SUPER!!!! OUTSTANDING!!!

By GJJ

November 2, 2005 09:32 PM | Link to this

I could care less about Bill Curry’s opinions…..

By Dennis

November 2, 2005 09:43 PM | Link to this

Terrance is right on the mark. All of the probations have put too many teams so far down that now the conference elite’s have too many gimme’s on there schedule. Georgia has Kentucky, Miss state, and Arkansas, three teams trying to fight their way back from probation. For several seasons in the last 15 years the best teams from the east (Florida) or west (Alabama) were not in the SEC Championship game because of probation. Too many teams with down programs from probation means the conference as a whole is down. The SEC has to get better from the bottom up if it wants to regain reputation.

By LonoBird

November 2, 2005 09:58 PM | Link to this

SEC is down. Were they ever up? And to play with the big boys, they need to schedule real out of conference opponents not division II patsies.

GREAT ARTICLE.

By QueenHokie

November 2, 2005 10:00 PM | Link to this

Terence,

Did you get your information from Rivals.com last week? They said the same thing about the SEC? They had the ACC #1.

By MBATL

November 2, 2005 10:05 PM | Link to this

UGA’s weak conference games (Vandy, KY, MS or MS state) wouldn’t hurt so much if we played a better nonconference schedule. Every conference has those kind of teams.

Move the FL game to a home and away; that adds a true ‘home game’ to the revenue side every other year; then dump one of the div 1AA teams (who we’ll play only at home) for a Div 1A, like Mich. or Notre Dame, whoever, and play them ‘home and away’.

If you lose, so what, you find out what you were all about, and you can still win an SEC title. If you win, you establish yourself as a national program.

The GA-FL cocktail party is killing us (and I’m from Jacksonville)!

Does any dawg fan get much pleasure from beating LA-Monroe? I’d rather roll the dice with a worthy opponent.

By War Eagle

November 2, 2005 10:11 PM | Link to this

Common sense tells us if you are a ACC man you are better conference or visa vesa, Falcon Dude, Bammer and others had some very strong facts on the SEC. The ACC did become stronger by nuturing BC, VT and Miami into the conference, but SEC year after year is the most dominant conference in the country. This year the obivious weakness is QBs with UGA, Vandy and Bammer having experince and leadership with Auburn, LSU, Miss. Miss State, SC, Tenn having young with potential QBs. You can put Terrence Moore and Cynthia Tucker in a bag and shake-it,one would come out with “I hate Republicans and GWB” sign while the other would read,”SEC plays less blacks than the ACC”.

By steverino

November 2, 2005 10:30 PM | Link to this

Mr Breeze, I read just about every entry on this blog & when a Tech fan who is playing Duke,Wake,Uconn,N.C., Syracuse wants to talk about tough schedules……well,please. Tenn. plays Notre Dame plus SE schedule. GA has Ga Tech & Boise state plus their SEC schedule. Ala. played OU + SEC schedule.Sure there are patsies - revisit the schedule of EVERY ACC TEAM. SG,LONO BIRD, MR. BREEZE,DENNIS - please remeber STEVERINO’s TRUTH : most players in the NFL = best conference. CONFERENCE has 7 stadiums w/ 85,000+ seating - harder to play in than Carter-Finlay,Bobby Dodd, Orange Bowl w/ 42,000fans. You guys all maintain how dumb SEC schools grads are, but Falcon Dude & I are having to reiterate certain facts to you: most players in NFL, most Nat’l championships, most bowl wins. So, before you go to bed angry because Rivals.com & Terrence Moore have opinions & SEC envy that can’t stand up to facts, don’t worry. Basketball and lacrosse are just around the corner.

By Michael

November 2, 2005 10:40 PM | Link to this

Terence, Your assesment about UGA and SEC are correct..The SEC is never going to be considered a powerhouse Conference until they take to the air (as in travel) And when is UGA going to get their heads out of the sand and go play powerhouses? (Someone Should ask Vince Dooley (WHY UGA hasn’t)since he likes to be in the spotlight still)…Why not play a Michigan, Ohio State, ND (I wish) a Big 12 Team, a Pac 10 Team…to separate themselves from the Auburns, Florida, etc (Heck even Tennessee plays ND). Come On? Boise State?…They might as well play the Citidel. And when is Coach Mark Richt going to start coaching? To me the jury is still out…is he a Nick Saban or a Rick Neuheisal?

By War Eagle

November 2, 2005 10:52 PM | Link to this

One last comment on the SEC, Coach Tuberville jumped ESPN butt last week, saying they had too much power. “ESPN has already picked and wants SC and Texas in the BCS NC game with no thoughts or energy toward Alabama and UGA”. he goes on and tells Dan Patrick that the Corso and gang should ease their promotions on SC and Texas. Patrick came back and stated it was “show bizz”. SEC comes behind Big 12, Big Ten, ACC, SC on Gameday.All this was on ESPN radio .ESPN called him after Ole Miss game and first thing Coach ask,” are you sure you want to talk to me”? The answer, “you are one of our favorite, Coach”..BS

By jim

November 2, 2005 10:54 PM | Link to this

what is your problem. usc,okla,neb,miami,notre dame,all have down years. have you ever thought maybe this is a down year for the sec. by the way, bring any team from your acc, pac-10, or any other conference and let them play 6 or 7 games against the SEC’s top teams; guarantee VA, Bost.Col.,Maryland wouldn’t be so good, like they’re any good now.
Go back to whatever northern, western conference you are from and bask in your mediocrity.

By Top Dawg

November 2, 2005 10:55 PM | Link to this

What has UGA done against the ACC over the last umpteen games??? Undefeated. That’s right - we’ve DOMINATED the ACC for some time now. Of course, the only teams that will play us are GT, Clemson & FSU. (And one more thing, let me slightly correct something I wrote earlier: Bill Curry did cut it as a coach … but only as GT coach against the creampuff ACC schools he faced “weak” in and “weak” out.) He completely flopped as a coach in the SEC. The SEC RULES! If you don’t get serious w/ your columns, we’re going to buy the AJC and move it to Athens.

By Robert

November 2, 2005 10:58 PM | Link to this

Great article Terrence!

Now if you have more articles like this instead of constantly playing the race card I’ll start reading you more often.

By Do Your Homework!

November 2, 2005 11:18 PM | Link to this

ACC “Mighty”? It is premature to call the ACC “mighty”, especially since three of the teams you cited are brand new to the league. I would hardly consider Boston College or Florida State as “solid” this year. You criticize the SEC for weak non-conference, but BC played BYU, Army and Ball State (collectively 7-16). They have yet to beat a ranked opponent in 2005. FSU beat Syracuse (1-7) & I-AA The Citadel (2-6). They face Florida 11/26. Va. Tech’s cupcakes: Ohio, West Virginia, Marshall. Miami’s creampuffs: Colorado, South Florida, and Temple. You want “patsies”? The ACC has them.

By 31VOLDOG

November 2, 2005 11:32 PM | Link to this

To all of my fellow SEC football fans. Who is this guy? Never read him before, but will continue to for the amusement. It’s hard to believe a grown man could be so ignorant and biased. Vandy could be competitive against most ACC, and any other conference teams. To respond to your comments about UT(and I don’t mean Texas. by the way, if it weren’t for Tennesse, Texas would be a part of Mexico). I’m glad everyone is enjoying the Vols bad year. Please remember, we’ve lost to some good teams by small margins, and most, except the Gators, are very classy, fantastic teams and fans. It’s not been great, but it has been fun. WE JUST CAN’T FRIK’N SCORE, but our D is still good. Also, myself and my other 108,099 die-hard Vol fans will be there next year, just waiting to enjoy another good year. It’s actually not a real bad thing, it was getting sort of boreing beating the crap out of most of the other SEC schools for the last few years. Now I can go to Neyland and watch good, competitive games. Every tean has bad some bad years, sometimes when they shouldn’t. UT will be back……Will you?

By steverino

November 2, 2005 11:34 PM | Link to this

Michael, you have just made the most moronic statement on the blog to date - ” the SEC will never be considered a powerhouse conference until……” Whoa, you hitting the gange?That comment just rendered ANY & ALL of your further points useless. The point of this worthless column by T. “Biggy” & all the lively, debating entries is that we are & have been the powerhouse conference but maybe down this year…but we are still THE best. 5 out of top 20 BCS schools are SEC(that is 25%, 1 /4) Sorry we dont have 6 or 7 this year, but probably will next year. OK, I am tired of spouting facts, and I am tired, but I will grant you this, Michael- I have never liked UGA under Dooley’s fear of traveling. In this day & age, you have to do it. The new sheriff, D. Evans, had better start. Bama played OU recently, Tenn. has Notre Dame, LSU went out west to play Az. State. But until he does, even if he never does, it does not change the fact that the SEC is the best. No question. A couple of thug rappa teams in the ACC will not change that….

By ozs

November 3, 2005 12:52 AM | Link to this

Dumbest Sports writer ever!

By Rudy's Back!!

November 3, 2005 02:54 AM | Link to this

Hey FALCONDUDE: As usual you’ve got your facts WRONG!! AGAIN!! STILL!! Notre Dame has won all four major bowls:Rose,Orange,Cotton,and Sugar!! As long as C.W. is the coach they will return to dominating the college football landscape as they have in the past. They’ll slap Tenn. silly Sat. and move on to a BCS bowl. GO IRISH!!!

By Robert

November 3, 2005 05:23 AM | Link to this

Yep. The SEC is down this season. It’s only temporary. 1-2 years max until it’s back to normal. I still believe that TX, USC, or VT would not be undefeated if they played in “our” conference.

By Ace C. Cee

November 3, 2005 07:13 AM | Link to this

Why are so many of you pulling up statistics on how many SEC players are in the NFL. That bit of information has no bearing on the discussion at hand. Over the past 8-10 years, the ACC has been on par, if not has surpassed, the SEC in football. The hell with NFL players, check the bowl records. The ACC comes out ahead.

By SEC Fan

November 3, 2005 07:51 AM | Link to this

Tell that to Urban Myer. It’s called parity, and it’s the reason a team like TCU can beat an Oklahoma team who just played for the national championship. Sure the SEC doesn’t dominate like it used to, but it’s still the best conference in college football. Can you honestly say the ACC is a better football conference than the SEC. Good grief that’s laughable.

By steverino

November 3, 2005 08:06 AM | Link to this

Ace cee cee, bet you included Miami, VT, & BC in your 8-10 yr. bowl records. Dont count; see above comments about tradition & longevity. What is your source for bowl game records? Can we see what games are included vs. whom? Has anybody besides FSU competed for the natl. championship in your pre-thug rappa alignment?(apologies to BC; excellent school - not exactly ACC like in geographical location however….)

Most players in NFL + 3 national champs in your 8-10 yr. window = SEC #1

By War Eagle

November 3, 2005 08:28 AM | Link to this

I think I am correct in this statement: Auburn has never been beat by a Big Ten team, I KNOW our last three games we beat Michigan, Wisconsin and Penn State..could be wrong….

By 31VOLDOG

November 3, 2005 08:33 AM | Link to this

Rudy’s back, o.k. but where’s he been. probably somewhere wearing a white hoood/cape. The irish should be ashamed. If they do slap the vols, it’s about time. They’re ‘lucky’ to have the record they do vs ut. My money this weekend is with the Vols…..we’re due some breaks and we’re p**. AS FOR THE ACC, REMEMBER ‘98 AND THE HIGHLY FAVORED SEMINOLES?////NEED I SAY MORE.

By Newmanium

November 3, 2005 08:47 AM | Link to this

How can you say UF is an “Inferior” team to UGA when they just beat them. FOr the 14th time in 16 years. Granted UF had 2 losses coming into the game but its not like they lost to South Carolina. They lost to two top 5 teams. Who had UGA beat coming into the game??? Perception is a lot different than reality.

Please save the DJ was out excuse too. UF was missing their best offensive player too. UF was and is the better team. The scorboard is hard to argue with.

By Ben

November 3, 2005 08:54 AM | Link to this

You might be the MOST ignorant “sports reporter” I’ve ever had the displeasure of being subjected to- even by the Atlanta Urinal Constipation! Go to Chicago.

By gdawginkazoo

November 3, 2005 09:33 AM | Link to this

Re: FLorida v. Georgia. Florida does have a good team. Georgia does too. Look at the pre season rankings and you will see that Georgia is doing better than expected and Florida is not doing as well as they thought they would but still a tough schedule for the gators. REGARDLESS OF ALL THAT, WHO STOLE YOUR BANDS FLAG CORPS UNIFORM DESIGN AND THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD LOOK GOOD ON A FOOTBALL PLAYER. Win, lose, better team or not, you had to be sitting there going “damn we might be winning the game but look at those uniforms.” Now be honest about it.

By steve

November 3, 2005 09:57 AM | Link to this

And just where and in which conference did the sanctimonious Curry play his college ball? And in what conference did he coach that he was dumped twice? That’s what I thought…

By steverino

November 3, 2005 09:59 AM | Link to this

Newmanium, we are not here to debate GA/FL. You guys won….SEC teams beat each other up on the field but need to defend each other against these other detractors! (and don’t ruin your credibility by saying that your best offensive player was missing…I saw Chris Leak all day Sat; played his best game of the year!)

By Michael

November 3, 2005 10:06 AM | Link to this

Yes the SEC is down this year, but the most overrated league in sports, come on. People are still in love with the Big 12 and the PAC 10 and look at all those wonderful teams they have; one good team per conference, Texas and USC. The SEC may beat up on each other but they can still beat up on other conferences as well. I admit, the ACC is better, the best in the nation, but to call the SEC the most overrated and overhyped conference in sports is blowing things out of proportion. They will still probably have three teams in the top ten at the end of the year, (Alabama, Georgia, and LSU).

By FalconDude

November 3, 2005 10:09 AM | Link to this

This year, I can never agree that Florida is better than Georgia, despite the scoreboard. What happens is, every Georgia team for the past 18 years has gone to Jacksonville convinced they are going to lose. Many of those years, Fl-GA were equal in talent, some years Fl was superior, and some years GA was superior, but the end result is, GA is mentally prepared to lose again every year.

Until Mark Richt turns that psychosis around, GA will likely continue losing regularly to FL, whether or not FL is the better team.

And Newmanium, it DOES matter when your starting QB is out, more so than when any other player is missing. Joe T did a pretty good job, but one week does not prepare a team who has been practicing since spring for an offense based on DJ’s skills. So don’t give me that “our best player was out too” crap. A QB has more impact than any other player on an offenses ability to not only move the ball, but also on the confidence of the offense to move the ball.

FL first string just beat GA second string….whoopdedoo….

By FalconDude

November 3, 2005 10:19 AM | Link to this

Another fact of SEC greatness (I may be off a tad on some of these numbers, I am working off memory here)- Florida has gone to a bowl the last 20 years….UGA has gone to a bowl 19 of the last 20 years….Tennessee has gone to a bowl the last 15 years….LSU has gone to a bowl 13 of the last 15 years…Alabama has gone to a bowl 12 of the last 15 years….Auburn has gone to a bowl every year they were not on probation for the past 20 years….

That is 5 teams that have a total of 96 bowls in the past 20 years. There is NO other conference that can claim that!!!

By Tony Johnson

November 3, 2005 10:22 AM | Link to this

Just so you’ll know, all anyone has to read from your article about the SEC to know that it lacks credibility is the following sentence:

“Guess the guy knew Curry would become omniscient.”

Anyone who has the viewpoint that BC is “omniscient” has a mistaken viewpoint on any subject, including your professed mistaken conception of the superiority of the patsy ACC over the SEC. Next subject.

By Rob

November 3, 2005 10:28 AM | Link to this

Lets consider the opinion of two lousy coaches. One, Bill Curry who couldnt win in the SEC either at Kentucky or Alabama. Two, Rich Brooks who cant win in the SEC with Kentucky but was able to turn Oregon into a PAC-10 contender. Bill Curry (gifted coach that he was) says the SEC has lost its luster, Rich brooks seems to think that the talent especially on the defensive side of the ball is still superior in the SEC. Who are we to believe? Hmmmmmm, I will just wait until Bowl Season when the SEC #3 or 4 plays and beats the Big-10 # 1 or 2 and the SEC champs play and beat the ACC champs like they last year. Or what about going 3-3 in the bowl games against stiffer Bowl challenges (there is a reason most SEC teams play on or near Jan 1st bowl games while the PAC-10 usually has its bowl season nearly over by Jan 1st) or what about going 5-2 in those bowl games? hmmmm like a cpl of years ago!

By steverino

November 3, 2005 10:39 AM | Link to this

Michael, are you the same Michael who said the ” SEC will never be considered a poerhouse conference until….”? You are actually admitting that the ACC is better..best in nation…? You can admit your sins, you can admit your feelings but you can’t admit what is not factual. I TOLD YOU that your above assertion rendered all else you said USELESS!!! If we find out you are indeed an SEC fan who is admitting such trash, we will have your tailgating priveleges revoked at all SEC schools! Then you can hang out on North Ave. with the bomb-makers or go touch Frank Howards rock or party w/ the diversity crowd at Duke; how about some salsa & chips outside the Orange Bowl? Or a trip to that long-standing bastion of football, Va. Tech, whose colors match the necks of theior mascot, A FREAKIN” TURKEY!!! Michael, please, just step back from the keybooard & try to absorb these salient points……

By DeKaterDawg

November 3, 2005 11:18 AM | Link to this

Terance just look at UGA-Boise state route.

By DeKaterDawg

November 3, 2005 11:19 AM | Link to this

Terance just look at the UGA-Boise State route.

By brewerfaninATL

November 3, 2005 11:48 AM | Link to this

Hey Steverino, when did I brag about the Big Ten being the best conference? Oh yeah, NEVER!! Yes, I am a Wisconsin fan, but never have I bragged about them. True, the Badgers have struggled against the SEC in bowl games, I’m not denying that, but who says it’s going to be that way this year? Next year? 2007? All I said was each conference has their “powers” and each have their cupcakes. But don’t tell me that if USC were in the SEC they would have 1-2 losses guaranteed! How do you know? How do you know that if Georgia was in the Big Ten they would be undefeated? NO ONE KNOWS!! Go ahead and pat yourself on your back after “whipping” Wisconsin’s butt in the bowl game LAST YEAR, by a 24-21 score (yeah, a real beat-down!). But I seem to recall Iowa beating LSU and Minnesota beating Alabama in last years’ bowl games as well…but who cares, it was LAST YEAR!! I’m going to enjoy the games THIS YEAR, whether or not Wisconsin wins!

By SteveO

November 3, 2005 11:56 AM | Link to this

ACC is a little bit better than SEC. I just hate that Alabama and Georgia get to play crap schedules while GT and other schools are playing bowl teams every week. That isn’t right.

By FalconDude

November 3, 2005 12:26 PM | Link to this

Steveo….UGA this year plays Auburn, FL, GT, TN, Boise State, 5 bowl teams from last year. Every year, they play a minimum of 5 bowl teams. Then they play in a bowl, so that makes 6 bowl teams they play, and when they play in the SEC championship,that makes SEVEN bowl teams they play in one season. Don’t ever say UGA plays a patsy schedule.

GT plays Auburn, VT, Miami, and UGA…that is only FOUR bowl teams. So don’t talk that crap about GT playing bowl teams every week…unless you are considering the Cereal Bowl teams like Duke, Wake Forest, Clemson, NC State, UConn (what a laugh), North Carolina.

No, UGA and Alabama play tough schedules every year. Until FSU, VT, and Miami joined the ACC, GT played only one good team all year, and that was UGA.

As they say in Mexico, you are “El Wrongo”!

By Bama Fan

November 3, 2005 12:37 PM | Link to this

Falcon Dude, you need to check your facts. Bama has played in all 4 major bowls I’ll bet there are several more teams also.

By jackets fan

November 3, 2005 12:51 PM | Link to this

I agree with one of the other bloggers who questions the quality of the Big12. Up thru last year there was Oklahoma and Texas and then nobody else. Now there’s just Texas. And I predict that if Texas plays USC, then that’ll make 3 years in a row that the title game will be a disappointment. But for all the SEC fans out there, you have to admit that the SEC isn’t as dominate as it used to be. That’s not to say it is the 4th or 5th best conference, just that it is no longer #1.

By FalconDude

November 3, 2005 01:02 PM | Link to this

I have to apologize to my esteemed collegues as I totally misspoke…what I meant to say was there were only two teams who had played in and WON all four major bowls. There are numerous teams that have played in all 4.

and I was even wrong on that as well…Notre Dame and Alabama both have won all 4 major bowls as well.

I stand totally corrected and am man enough to admit my error.

By Sammy

November 3, 2005 01:05 PM | Link to this

You guys just don’t get it. Both Moore and Mark Bradley try to be pot stirrers. It increases their readership. They know a very large percentage of their readers are UGA fans, and if not UGA fans, then fans of other SEC schools. He is purposely trying to get every UGA and SEC fan riled up. I bet Moore doesn’t even believe half of the stuff he writes, but no one would read his articles if he praised UGA and wrote boring articles. Moore is a smart journalist in this regard. He knows how to increase readership of his articles.

By steverino

November 3, 2005 01:07 PM | Link to this

Right on Falcon Dude - SteveO take a rest or something;your brain is cramping.(GT bowl opponents every week? UCOnn Wake Duke UNC) You still have provided no empirical evidence for ACC is a little better - it just aint factual.

Brewerfan- I know you never said the Big 10 was the best; I didn’t SAY you did. You said let’s play the games- I simply point out the historical edge of SEC in said games. Sure, the big 10 wins some, its a good conference! But, remember, the point of this article was SEC overrated, not the best, etc. Me & others have presented facts repeatedly that the SEC is the best conference, historically & annually. Even in a down year, still the best. Maybe sometimes tied, but still the best.When you’re the best how can you be overrated, T. Moore? (Tenn being down does not make for an overrated conference - they lost to 3 of the top 13 teamas & beat #6. They WILL beat N.D. this weekend)

I am with you - I love this game & look forward to the matchups - lets play em! But the BCS hinders the best matchups with these stupid tie-ins. We are deprived of best matchups( UGA vs FSU in 2002? We should have played Okla or USC.)But that’s another argument for another day…..

By brewerfaninATL

November 3, 2005 01:35 PM | Link to this

Steverino, I TOTALLY agree with you (finally!) about the best teams not playing each other. There should be a playoff system of some sort. I am with you in that the SEC is a great conference and there are others as well. I don’t think this is a down year for the SEC, why just because Tennessee is struggling? What about the resurgence of South Carolina and maybe Vandy? Same as the Big Ten at the beginning of the year when Michigan was struggling and said it was a “down” year. That’s an insult to Northwestern, who is having a good year. So, yeah, this is definately NOT a down year for the SEC…if anything, it’s even more competitive than in recent years!

By mike

November 3, 2005 02:23 PM | Link to this

FALCON DUDE -

YOU LEFT OUT A COUPLE OF BOWL TEAMS TECH PLAYED. THERE IS MIAMI, VA TECH, UGA, NORTH CAROLINA, VIRGINIA, AND AUBURN. THAT MAKES 6 BOWL TEAMS TECH PLAYS!!!!!!!! I BELIEVE THAT IS 6 TO 5 IN FAVOR OF GA TECH.

AS THEY SAY IN MEXICO GET YOUR FACTOS CORRECTO EL MORONO.

SO HOW LONG IS YOUR MULLET?

By gdawginkazoo

November 3, 2005 02:37 PM | Link to this

To: brewerfaninATL You just cracked me up dude. “.. resurgence of South Carolina and Vandy?” Ha Ha ha ha ahahahahahahahahahahaha. Fell off my chair….. Lost my *ss laughing so hard. I now in live in Big Ten (Eleven) country. That is like saying the resurgence of Indiana and Illinois. Vandy is having the best year in a long time but no resurgence (their players and way too smart, they go to college to get an education). South Carolina, Spurrier has gotten the guys to play a couple of games, but the way he used to treat his old players don’t look for a lot of motivation there or recruiting like he used to do. The SEC is loaded with too many high profile talented coaches now.

By wreckage

November 3, 2005 03:39 PM | Link to this

I’d like to make some comments that are actually relevant to the argument.

First, talking about how many current NFL players are from each conference is beside the point. The current NFL players were in the SEC five and ten yeras ago. Moore isn’t arguing about five and ten years ago, he’s arguing about right now. Noone will argue that the SEC was the best conference five and ten years ago. We’re talking about right now.

Moreover, the ACC was not the same league in the 90’s. If you compare apples to apples, you have to take the ACC teams as they are now and put them up against the SEC programs.

Then by an arbitrary ten year measure, the SEC has 3 NC’s to the ACC’s 2. But that’s pretty arbitrary. Go back 15 seasons instead — the current ACC has 5 NC’s (add FSU ‘93, GT ‘90, Miami’91) to the SEC’s 4 (add Bama ‘92).

Not that NC’s are all that relevant. To a big extent they represent popularity and going on a hot streak, not consistent big-time winning. GT in 1990 is a great example.

And popularity is another point to make. TM also isn’t talking about popularity. Everyone knows the SEC has more fans, bigger stadiums, more RV’s. More tradition, more alumni, and on average has much worse academics (which tends to help football). The SEC has some advantages off the field over the ACC. Very true.

But what he’s talking about is performance on the field. Who wins and who loses, and how convincingly do they do it?

With all those advantages over every other league, the SEC should win and win convincingly on the field. But they are currently not doing so.

Someone cited the Sagarins. I love how fans cite the Sagarins when they support their case, and diss them when they don’t. Fans of all teams do it.

The Sagarins usually rated the SEC the best conference through the 90’s. So they agreed with popular opinion.

Now opinion is starting to shift — even many SEC fans will admit that the conference has been down last year and this year. And the Sagarins once again agree with that opinion shift. They had the ACC the #1 conference in 2003 (before expansion!) and 2004, and the ACC is #2 right now behind the Big Ten. The SEC is currently #5.

You can say what you like about the Sagarins, but in a sport where there is no playoffs and rankings are so important, there is value in a ranking system such as the Sagarins that only uses the scores on the field. People boo hoo the Sagarins all the time, but I think it’s difficult to argue that a system that only uses the scores on the field is somehow biased or flawed. It’s as neutral as it can possibly get.

After all, the polls are heavily influenced by fan and media bias, which means that they partly a popularity contest. And we already know who’s going to win the popularity contests. If it was just about popularity and fanfare, why would we even play the games?

The reason the SEC is down is not the teams at the top. Georgia is a great program under Richt, and there is usually at least one other elite program in the league — Bama this year, Auburn last year, Tennessee most of the last decade, UF before Spurrier left, etc.

At the bottom, the ACC has one team that’s worse than any SEC team too, in Duke.

The problem is that where the ACC has competitive teams in the lower middle, the lower tier in the SEC has become just awful.

There are five programs that jsut aren’t very good. Vandy is having their best year in a long time, but they play at about the level of Wake Forest, the second worst ACC program. They did lose to MTSU at home. True they beat the Deacs by a slim margin. But in their best year in decades, they beat Wake in possibly the Deacs’ worst year under Jim Grobe.

Individual results don’t always mean a lot — few will argue that GT is a better program than Auburn just b/c Tech beat Auburn the last two times they played. I certainly wouldn’t. Tech was better on the field on those days.

But if you look at overall program levels, Vandy is about at the Wake level. Ole Miss, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi State are at best about on that same level.

Meanwhile every ACC school except Wake and Duke is a good bit better than those programs. NCSU and Maryland play at a level above those five SEC programs right now. Georgia Tech, Virginia and Clemson are certainly better than those programs and you’d have to be very biased to argue that they aren’t. UNC has been a lot better last year and this year as well.

So right now the ACC is about equal at the top and upper middle, much stronger in the lower middle, and slightly worse at the very bottom. But it’s a narrow edge for the ACC, and who knows what will happen in the next few years? Maybe sooner rather than later the advantages the big SEC state schools have will start to tell.

By JJ

November 3, 2005 03:40 PM | Link to this

LSU is playing Apple St because mighty V. Tech wussed out of the contract to play a Thursday night game, I think. LSU does not schedule 1-aa opposition… PAC 10 DOES. IF the Pac 10 was a good conference, people would show up for the games….and they don’t compared to the SEC. Look at the top 25 and tell me the SEC is lacking.
LSU lost to Tenn. because of the average weight loss of 7!!! pounds per player…and no time for conditioning with Katrina. So take that Tennessee effin game and stick it… it was an LSU team that was playing without all it’s energy.

LSU will be there. Crystal footballs….USC-1 LSU-1….AP—just tried to make a statement of solidarity, not true believes.

By Arun Natarajan

November 3, 2005 03:44 PM | Link to this

Hmm…so the best conference is ? I’ll let you think on that. You are a tool who just stirred the pot. Good luck with your sports writer career. You need a lot of it!

By James

November 3, 2005 04:06 PM | Link to this

????? Terence…what’s up man? It would take me forever to correct all of the biased flaws that are in this article. So, I will only look at one. You made the comment that we (LSU) have too many patsies on our schedule??? Yes, you are right, we do play North Texas and Appalachain State back to back. But at least these two sorry teams are not in our conference. How about Southern Cal playing Washington and Washington State (two slac-10 teams that are 0-5 after USC railed them) back to back??? Better yet, how about your almighty VT playing N.C. State (1-4) and Duke (0-6) back to back at the beginning of the season??? Would you be saying the same about them if they would have lost to N.C. like they almost did??? Bold: Probably not!!! Oh, and that little cough that we had at the beginning of the season against the vols was definitely the coaches’ fault!!! I think everyone now knows that we are getting better integrated into Pellini and Miles’ new system as every game goes by. Bold: SEC=#1

By jonathan

November 3, 2005 04:50 PM | Link to this

terence that is the worst artcle ive ever read just because the sec has one bad year that does not make them bad all together!!!i wish that your precious acc teams would play in the sec one year they would be lucky to have a .500 record!your probally a usc fan 2 huh?the reason bammer cant score is because the defense in the sec is alot tougher than any other confrence look that stat up terence.who let u write this kind of stuff?

By steverino

November 3, 2005 05:39 PM | Link to this

Wreckage - that treatise was way too long; again way too subjective - paraphrasing here : “well right now, your bottom half is god-awful while ours is playing some pretty good ball, gosh darn it”! Come on man, don’t be an idiot - how do you know Ole Miss wouldn’t go into your VA/MD/NC ST. stadiums and beat all of them? Their coach is the architect of SO CAL defense ….but that is subjective. Oh and with Sagarin placing Big 10 above you (ACC) & us (SEC)his poll has proven as worthless as t** on a boar hog. One more snippet: Odell Turman, defensive rookie of the year, Eli Manning , Chad Lavelais et al just left the SEC the last 2 years. I just debunked in 2 paragraphs what you opined about in 6000 words - Wreckage, if you could read my lips: Georgia, Tenn, Fla., S.C. w/ Spurrier, Alabama, Auburn, LSU will all be in the top 25 at the end of this year - where will your top 7 be? This year, every year, most players in the NFL - best conference.

By Rob

November 3, 2005 06:00 PM | Link to this

As a west coast guy, I always find it interesting to hear SEC fans talk about their “great defenses�. In most cases, the gaudy statistics are driven by conservative, one dimensional offenses. To illustrate this point, one can look at passing attempts. The only SEC QB in the top 40 is Jay Cutler, who is #5 in passing attempts. Chris Leak is next at #43. Why don’t SEC teams pass the ball? Perhaps, because SEC QBs complete fewer passes. I think it is telling that there are no SEC QBs in the top-25 in completion percentage. Before attributing these offensive shortcomings to great DBs or a ferocious pass rush, please consider that teams with good offensive lines should be able to handle the pass rush and that quality receivers should beat quality DBs in one-on-one coverage.

SEC teams’ defensive statistics are also helped by the fact that most teams non-conference schedules are filled with home games against “sacrificial lamb� programs like Utah State, Appalachian State, North Texas, Citadel, etc, who are so outclassed athletically that they not likely to put up offensive numbers. The SEC schools that chose to schedule Pac 10 schools got torched on Defense. Arkansas gave up the most yards and points in its history to USC, while LSU gave up nearly 600 yards to Arizona State. Think of what their defensive statistics would be if they had only scheduled another patsy.

Speaking of athletes, SEC fans should note that the level of athletic ability is really not that different between the conferences. The average number of NFL players from SEC teams is 34 players per team, while the average number of NFL players from PAC10 teams is 33. The real disparity in terms of athletic ability is within the SEC. The top tier (more than 50 NFL players) Georgia, Tenn, and Florida have 56, 51, and 50 alums in the NFL respectively. The middle tier (30-49 NFL Players) SEC teams are LSU with 44, Auburn with 38, Alabama with 36, South Carolina with 32. The bottom tier (20-29 NFL Players) Ole Miss has 27, Arkansas has 25, and Mississippi State 23. Vandy and Kentucky make up a “why are they in the league tier� with 14 and 13 players respectively. For comparison, the PAC 10 has one top-tier team - USC has 51 players in the NFL. The middle tier has five teams, Arizona State has 42, Cal 40, UCLA 38, Washington 32, Stanford 31, while the bottom tier has 4 teams Oregon 29, Washington State 25, Oregon State 23, and Arizona 20.

To compare the competitiveness of the two leagues, one can look at the relative athletic talent by tier. Top and middle tier teams are likely to be ranked. Comparing the two leagues, 25% of the SEC are top tier teams, 33% are middle tier teams, 25% are bottom tier, and 16% awful (42% combining bottom tier and awful). The PAC 10 has 10% top-tier, 50% middle tier, and 40% bottom tier, and 0% awful. Thus, approximately 60% each conference are top and middle tier teams athletically. The SEC supremacy argument is that it has 3 top tier teams to the Pac10’s 1. However, what this argument fails to account for is number of top QBs in each conference. As Eli Manning proved at Ole Miss, and BYU has proved for years, a great QB in a passing offense can help a team overcome a talent deficit. A great QB can change a top-tier team to unbelievable and a middle tier team to a top-tier team. While a poor QB can take a top-tier team to the bottom tier. When it comes to QBs, the conferences are not even close. The PAC 10 has 13 QBs on NFL rosters, while the SEC has 6. This equates to 1.3 NFL QBs per Pac10 team and 0.5 NFL QBs per SEC team.

By al odom

November 3, 2005 06:59 PM | Link to this

You are Lost!!!!!!!!

By MALCOLM X.

November 3, 2005 07:14 PM | Link to this

WHEN WILL THE FALCONS MAKE DOUG WILLIAMS AN OFFER TO COACH MICHAEL VICK? THINK ABOUT IT!!!!

By XRAY

November 3, 2005 07:16 PM | Link to this

Thats the most ridiculus thing I’ve ever read. I don’t buy that a bit.

By MichaelP

November 3, 2005 07:25 PM | Link to this

Stevrino…My only “blog” was on 11-2 at 10:40 pm..so I’ve changed my name to MichaeP…I will give you those exiting 5 teams that are in the BCS…hold me back..maybe Tennesse should be 26th even after Phil gets spanked at ND. As the “GearHeads” say..”it’s not how you drive it’s how you arrive”…IMO the national media isn’t going to look at the SEC as “THE Conference” until the SEC proves it inside…not by beating Boise State, Ball State, North Texas, every year. IMO it has the potential to be “The Conference” but you would agree if a SEC team goes undefeated thru the SEC and the SEC championship game…and other undefeated teams are out there…the SEC team will not be included in THE championship game….there’s got to be a reason…and only one place to look at..themselves..

By Dawgstyle

November 3, 2005 09:36 PM | Link to this

“Overrated”? Terence did you give this article enough thought before picked up your pen? Instead of an extra game in a season to try & justify a BCS decision,let’s have a college-bowl.SEC best against the rest of the nations best. Two teams. Or better yet, let us all see the results of the current BCS formula on New Years this year,then trade the senior-bowl for the college-bowl. Knuckle up & let’s do it. You like to analyze right? Take someone from the bottom of the list & let them play against someone from the top of the list & see what happens. Would that me more of a bcs nightmare,or a bookie’s? Money is ruling college football to the point that’s it’s not as fun as it used to be. Let’s all keep college foottball out of politics.

By Blake

November 3, 2005 10:04 PM | Link to this

What are you thinking that the ACC is better than the SEC. What until Georgia plays VT or the ACC champ in the Sugar Bowl. Georgia will kill whoever they have to play and so will all the other SEC teams. This is a down year for the SEC and they are still the best conference in the nation.

By FalconDudeisaClown

November 4, 2005 07:27 AM | Link to this

FalconDude, your a typical idiot fan pulling stats out of your a.

You said that GA and GA Tech were the only two teams to have played in the four major bowls. Besides the Irish mentioned above, Bama too has played in all the bowls mentioned. I’d bet that NE, TX, Penn St., OK, Ohio St have also played in the bowls you mention. Don’t bet me, I’d win.

You all said that the SEC has more NCs than any other conference. What a moron you are. One team-BAMA-owns by far most of those championships which could lend credence to the argument that that SEC is not toughest from top to bottom. If so, why did one team dominate the top with NCs.

By FalconDudeisaClown

November 4, 2005 07:48 AM | Link to this

Let’s pretend that Terrence (alias Cythinia Tucker) posted his comments 8-10 years ago before FL and TN played NE. You redneck, ignorant fans would be spewing about how great the SEC is.

What happened! Nebraska destroyed FL and TN. I loved it. Because not once, not by a slim margin either, Nebraska destroyed the myth that the SEC were top dogs.

So what if the SEC had one more championship that any other conference during that period. One more win does not indicated supremcy as you clowns would like to think.

Auburn did not get the votes last year because the writers are finally coming around. Auburn is SOOOOO thankful. USC 45, Auburn 11.

By steverino

November 4, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this

Falcondudeisaclown, BUT you are the moron. Nebraska’s wins prove they were the best team that year, you idiot, not that the SEC wasn’t the best top-to-bottom conference in that or any other year. Where’s Nebraska now? 8 different SEC teams I KNOW of have won NC’s, moron. And for the 15th time, SEC has the most players in the NFL. Did Auburn & USC play last year? No, so another nice try w/ no facts;now you can take your football & go home, you crybaby - your mama’s calling!

By Jason P

November 4, 2005 10:13 AM | Link to this

Rob, You, and a lot of peoples’ mistakes are Glaring. You state: “teams with good offensive lines should be able to handle the pass rush and that quality receivers should beat quality DBs in one-on-one coverage.” Since When. If “quality” O. should always win over “quality” D., what is your definition of “Quality”? It’s like saying a “quality” deer should always escape from a “quality” hunter! Can everyone see the false logic?
Enough of silly examples, though. Another mistake many are making, is quoting “#5 rated QB,” “#6 ranked Defense,” ETC. Hypothetically, if (A) All the SEC offenses were horrible, and (B) most SEC teams play a 90% SEC schedule, wouldn’t it follow that (C) All our Defenses would look really darn impressive.
We all use the same reasoning for dissing USC: Their offense puts up 60 points, because look at the Defenses they play… Comparing Players and trying to create percantages for Top- Middle- and Lower- tier is contrived also.
I also agree counting NC’s and bowl records is great for history’s sake, but has NO bearing on the best conference in a given year. Only THIS year counts for THIS year’s trend. History is History. To rank a conference, you have to play Head to Head. So far, We know Vandy is better than Wake this year, or at least That Week they were. We will know a lot after ND vs. UT, UF vs. FSU, USC vs. Clemson, UGA vs. GT. Well OK, that last one’s pretty predictable. GO DAWGS!

By Jason P

November 4, 2005 10:27 AM | Link to this

I have a non-subject question. How do you get separation of paragraphs in this thing?

By steverino

November 4, 2005 10:27 AM | Link to this

Rob, nice try on that one-dimensional offense jab, but the Manning bros, Steve Spurrier, David Greene, Tim Couch plus others disprove that. Unlike the left coast, dominated by ONE teamhistorically,USC,eastern/midwestern/southern schools know that rushing & good defense wins games. Hence the SEC production of RB’s : Emmitt Smith, Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson, Shaun Alexander, Cadillac williams, Rodney Hampton, Jamal Lewis just to name a few. And its a a damn shame that Reggie White,sackmaster, played in a one dimensional conference where his skills didn’t translate well in the NFL. Nice stats you compiled however - you don’t have to tell me how many good athletes are out west! Does it have to do with the fact that California has 1/4 of the nations POPULATATION? Just check to see what states produce the most NFL players per capita..it’s in one of my earlier entries.

By brewerfaninATL

November 4, 2005 12:22 PM | Link to this

gdawginkazoo, yeah you heard me “dude”, the resurgence of South Carolina. Just wait, they will be a perennial 7-8 win team as long as Spurrier remains there. Shoot, if he can turn DUKE into a contender (you remember that, right?), he sure as hell will turn SC around too! They won at Tennessee last weekend. Sure, Tennessee is down this year, but then again why is everyone saying Tenn. will go into ND this weekend and win? They must not be that bad, huh? This year Illinois sucks but in a few years they will be winners. Indiana might not make a bowl this year (they are 2 wins away), but they are an improved team who might be bowl-bound soon. These are all reasons I’m loving college football, whether it’s SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac 10, whatever…I’m happy to see newcomers make it to a bowl. Way to go Rutgers!

By Dave

November 4, 2005 01:29 PM | Link to this

Memo to Bill Curry, the SEC has never dominated Texas, Michigan, and Notre Dame. So I doubt anybody will notice if they no longer do so.

All time records of the SEC versus each team?

Texas - 45-94-4 Michigan - 5-18-1 Notre Dame - 12-20-0

Domination? Seems they’ve dominated the SEC for most of their history.

By FalconDude

November 4, 2005 01:42 PM | Link to this

Dave, you can’t include Arkansas in the numbers for Texas since they were in the SWC together for most of those losses to Texas. you also need to remove the GA Tech games as GA TEch left the SEC in the 1960’s. And then, look how most the wins came during the Darrell Royal years, when TExas was beating just about everyone. so, let’s don’t count Texas as a dominating factor.

Michigan and Notre Dame? absolutely, great teams. Often, the wins over SEC teams came in seasons where these two were in the running for national championship.

I just have one question? What in the heck does this have to do with the SEC being the best conference? Any great team in this country has the capability of beating any given SEC team. However, the point that has been beaten over and over is that if Michigan, Notre Dame, USC, or TExas had to play a full SEC season, it would be rare for them to go undefeated in a season.

What you seem to not notice is, the SEC is probably the most physical conference. No team in the SEC goes into a bowl game healthy. Teams like Michigan and USC play a lot of weak teams, and play a lot of teams that do not have the physical strength or size that most SEC teams have. Therefore, they usually are pretty healthy throughout the whole season. That is the reason why (last years Auburn team notwithstanding) anytime an SEC team is undefeated, they ALWAYS play for the national championship, because it is so incredibly hard to go undefeated in the SEC.

Geez, why can’t anyone understand this simple logic????

By steverino

November 4, 2005 02:28 PM | Link to this

Brewerfan, love your attitude! This is all in fun - I am sorry I had to call falcondudeisaclown names but he had resorted to ugliness himself. I,like yourself, will enjoy the games regardless of outcomes. HOWEVER, what Falcon Dude & myself & others are trying to say is that while conferences go up & down, in all sports, it is pretty damned impressive that these smaller population southern states have succeeded in football via the SEC. This was true when the game was segregated but is even more so since SEC schools began to recruit the black players from the region. We don’t have the bragging rights in other sports(except baseball, where SEC is hands down #1) In football, the big picture numbers indicate that a single CONFERENCE,not hand picked teams like TX, ND & MICH ,has done the BEST. That’s why Dave’s numbers are specious because he pits three of the game’s greatest against all the teams of our conference, including teams that were not in our conference until 1992, also including at least 2 teams who are no longer in our conference (Ga Tech & Tulane). By the way, Georgia beat all 3 of those teams the last time they played them……..but remember, the discussion here is that SEC is not the best this year ( and some lame brains here are trying to argue it never has been) yet no one has give any evidence other than Rivals.com, Terence Moore and Bill Curry OPINIONS. If you want to use polls: BCS has 4 of top 16 in SEC, 5 of top 20. I will still revert to who has the most players in the NFL…..although the SEC had a big drain-off into the pros last year, there are plenty of future Sunday players right now in our conference.

By FalconDudeisaclown

November 4, 2005 11:39 PM | Link to this

steverino,

Your a clown too. The best of the SEC (FL and TN) got totally dominated by NE. The creme of the crop got there butts blown off the field. Sure it carries weight when evaluating the supposedly powerhouse SEC when 2 of 3 years they their elite gets clobbered. Not 1 close game but two blowouts over the SEC’s best in 2 of 3 years.

No USC and Auburn did not play but they did the year before. Both highly ranked and USC went to Auburn and came out 23-0 and USC beat Auburn the year before right. Yeah, come back with your sh about that being a different year. Then reread the part about both being highly ranked when USC crushed Auburn at home. USC would have crushed Auburn. Be a man and admit it.

Go pull some head to head bowl records of SEC vs other conferences and show me clear domination from the SEC. Wait you better not. You’ll get marginal results which indicate that the SEC is not that great. Fact is, several conferences are so close this argument is stupid.

By FalconDudeisaclown

November 4, 2005 11:43 PM | Link to this

steverino,

Your a clown too. The best of the SEC (FL and TN) got totally dominated by NE. The creme of the crop got there butts blown off the field. Sure it carries weight when evaluating the supposedly powerhouse SEC when 2 of 3 years they their elite gets clobbered. Not 1 close game but two blowouts over the SEC’s best in 2 of 3 years. And since the SEC is so tough to play in it seems that FL&TN would have been much more prepared to face NE because NE was in a weak conference right? Week in and week out both schools were facing much better talent so they should have walked over NE. Yeah Frazier did the walking and running and running and running. Got to love SEC getting their butts handed to them.

No USC and Auburn did not play but they did the year before. Both highly ranked and USC went to Auburn and came out 23-0 and USC beat Auburn the year before right. Yeah, come back with your sh about that being a different year. Then reread the part about both being highly ranked when USC crushed Auburn at home. USC would have crushed Auburn. Be a man and admit it.

Go pull some head to head bowl records of SEC vs other conferences and show me clear domination from the SEC. Wait you better not. You’ll get marginal results which indicate that the SEC is not that great. Fact is, several conferences are so close this argument is stupid.

By FalconDudeisaClown

November 5, 2005 12:06 AM | Link to this

steverino,

Another thing. Go back and look at Auburn’s record last year and how quickly they moved from #17 to very high in the polls. This was of course because of the 10-9 win over LSU very early on. The same LSU that almost lost 2 weeks before to Oregon State (check out how good Oregon State wound up being), the same LSU that had to score with 2:23 seconds to beat Troy (at home), the same LSU team that lost to GA 45-13, the same LSU that lost their bowl game to IOWA. How good was LSU. Yeah right.

Then take a look at Auburn this year and see how slowly they moved in the polls even many games after the loss to GA Tech. hmmmm, I wonder if the writers wanted to make sure that the farce called Auburn did wind up with the gift votes they got last year or could it be stupid A Tuberville’s mouth p** off a lot of the people that he needs. Or maybe Auburn did not deserve to move up because they aren’t that good. hmmmm they lost to LSU. Either way, Auburn is Auburn. Last NC, 1957. Ha! They were so close and the writers did not feel the Auburn’s games were that significant. Yes, Stoops is also and over glorified clown but that is another day.

By FalconDudeisaClown

November 5, 2005 09:51 AM | Link to this

Years and years ago, Tom York, a news anchor in Birmingham, was ask about why football was so important in Alabama.

He responded, that because Bama ranked very low in other polls (income per capita, education, etc) that football is the one bright spot for Alabamians.

This is so true and the rednecks (many above) will vehemently defend their precious SEC territority even when the evidence suggests otherwise. Years ago the SEC was the best. Again, pull the head to head out of conference games (bowl games included) over the last 10 years and show the evidence otherwise. Don’t waste your time it will be very close.

By ray

November 7, 2005 10:45 AM | Link to this

Funny, seems like alomst every year fans of other conferences start downplaying the SEC. And I will agree that maybe the King of conferences is down a little this year, but even with that, we still compare very well. I’ve seen some knock the conference because TN is down, ranked as high as 3rd in the preseason.. Well what was Mich. ranked? And how about Cal? Look at FSU. Talk about overrated.. Obviously so was VT. Okla, give me a break. They played in the supposed national chp. game ealier this year, so GA lost to an arch rival without DJ, Okla looses to everyone without their QB from last year. At least GA had one to step in and have the team that was very much supposed to be rebuilding in the hunt. So all of you stone throwes take a look at your pet conf., they all have teams not doing as well as perdicted and some doing better, in the end, the SEC is still the dominate conf.

By brewerfaninATL

November 7, 2005 12:00 PM | Link to this

FalconDude, I totally agree that the SEC is a great conference and it is hard to go undefeated throughout the season, but you are terribly wrong when you think that Michigan, Texas, or Notre Dame would never go undefeated if they were in the SEC! How the hell do you know this? Who’s to say that if Georgia or Florida were in the Big Ten, they would never go undefeated either? It is not a piece of cake having to play Michigan, Iowa, Penn State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan State every week either. Sure, they may win alot of those games, but every week? Probably not! I’ve been extremely agreeable for most everyones’ beef about the the SEC being overrated (because it isn’t) but when you guys make stupid comments like “if Mich, ND, or TX were in the SEC, they would never be undefeated”, you lose ALL credibility!

By FalconDude

November 7, 2005 12:30 PM | Link to this

Idiot. I said they would RARELY go undefeated. Heck, they rarely go undefeated now. And that is playing in WEAKER conferences!

You are all missing the point here. The SEC is, as a conference, the strongest. No one is ever trying to say that all teams in the SEC are better than any other team. USC was incredible last year, probably could have beaten a few pro teams. Miami is usually one of the best around. Texas is dominating again. Notre Dame (God love ‘em) is finally back in the top 10 and deservedly so.

So give me a break. Find one note in this blog that is trying to argue that no team is as good as an SEC team.

The argument is that, year in and year out, the overall conference is a stronger conference with more Top 20 teams than any other conference in the country. The SEC has it weaknesses (Kentucky, Miss. State, Vandy), but has far less weak teams than any other conference as well.

If USC played Alabama, Florida, UGA, Auburn, LSU, Tennessee all in the same season every year, they would LIKELY lose at least one game every year. Same for any other team in the country.

And for the LAST time, the SEC is hands down the most physical conference. No team goes through the season healthy. Unlike teams like USC, who play less physically dominating teams and who are basically 100% healthy. As I said earlier, one reason by the bowl season that the SEC is not as dominating is that they are usually playing without several starters, and are usually playing a team that is completely healthy. College is not like the pros…depth is usually always suspect on any team, and if you are missing several key starters, you may be a ranked team, but you suddenly are very beatable as well.

So, you can argue all you want about this team beating an SEC team or that team, that is not what this blog is about, and not what ANYone is arguing that has a brain.

Goodbye.

Clowns.

By brewerfaninATL

November 7, 2005 12:48 PM | Link to this

No, YOU are the idiot FalconDude! SEC the most physical conference? How do you know this? Because of injuries? Give me a break! ALL teams have injuries. By the way, Prothro’s injury was a fluke injury when he landed awkwardly, not because Florida was so physical. Did you see the Ohio State-Penn State game earlier this year? Or the Miami-Virginia Tech game? Oh yeah, those are from different conferences! So, again, your point is invalid! By the way, take a look at the Top 25 and you’ll see that the SEC and Big Ten both have 5 teams ranked. You were the one that stated this team could beat the SEC and vice versa, not everyone else! YOU are the clown, you moron!

By FalconDude

November 7, 2005 01:19 PM | Link to this

Funny how everyone talks about “did you see this game” or “did you see that game”. I am talking entire conference, you are talking individual game.

There are a lot of GREAT teams in this country, and each year, there teams that are probably better than any team in the SEC.

BUT, their conferences are not better. So shut up. Get a life. Figure out that I am not nor have I ever argued that the SEC is individually better than any team in the country, just that they are the best overall conference.

And, read my blog earlier. I said ALMOST never, I did NOT say they would NEVER go undefeated. Almost never means rarely. You actually think any team in the country could play an entire SEC schedule every year and regularly be undefeated?

AND…how many years can the Big 10 make a claim of having 5 teams in the top 25? This year? The SEC, just about EVERY year, have 5-6 teams in the top 25. Year in. year out. one year does not a great conference make.

you are still a clown.

By brewerfaninATL

November 7, 2005 01:35 PM | Link to this

LOL, you are hilarious! Year in, year out the Big Ten has 5 teams in the Top 25 as well! It ain’t just 1 year, man! For the 1,000th time, I am NOT saying that the Big Ten is better than the SEC or vice versa, I’m saying that they are pretty dog-gone equal in terms of physicality, overall competition, and bowl-game competitiveness. Oh, by the way, even Indiana beat the tar out of Kentucky this year and Indiana hasn’t been competitive since 1993. So, even our bottom-feeders are better than yours! Sounds to me that the Big Ten is better top-to-bottom. Check out the standings…only Indiana, Illinois, and Purdue are out of bowl contention this year. In the SEC, let’s see, Vandy, Ole Miss, Miss St., Kentucky, Arkansas, and probably Tenn. are out. Get your facts straight, moron!

By brewerfaninATL

November 7, 2005 01:46 PM | Link to this

By the way, we always have 8-9 competitve teams every year, this ain’t just 1 year!

By Scott

November 7, 2005 02:48 PM | Link to this

I would challenge any team Terrence such as Michigan, ND, Texas, etc… that you mentioned and introduce them to an SEC schedule week in and week out. It’s easy to say the SEC is a weak conference this year, but to play in this conference on a regular basis isn’t easy…and one that most teams in the country can’t handle each week.

By FalconDude

November 7, 2005 02:57 PM | Link to this

HA! Big 10 “regularly” has 5-6 teams in top 25. JOKE buddy!!

lets talk Big 10 -

Illinois - every once in a while is a rated team, but usually is NOT

Indiana - good in basketball, plays football like a bunch of girls.

Iowa - every once in a wyhile is a rated team, but then has to play a good team in a bowl and gets beat USUALLY (not always, just usually)

Michigan - usually a powerhouse, no argument there

Michigan State - usually rated, no argument there.

Minnesota - occasionally rated, but not often.

Northwestern - other than the one year they actually won the big 10 (after setting the all time college record for most consecutive losses), they have been ranked only a couple of times

Ohio State - usually a powerhouse, no argument there

Penn State - you can’t count ANYTHING they did prior to joining the Big 10 a couple of years ago. All their top 5 rankings and national championships came while they were INDEPENDANT!

Purdue - ocasionally ranked, but not usually

Wisonsin - ranked every once in a while, not usually.

so, add these up - 4 teams that are usually ranked, an additional team that recently joined and will be ranked. And then a bunch of wusses.

yeah, you got me on that one….HA!!!

By FalconDude

November 7, 2005 02:57 PM | Link to this

HA! Big 10 “regularly” has 5-6 teams in top 25. JOKE buddy!!

lets talk Big 10 -

Illinois - every once in a while is a rated team, but usually is NOT

Indiana - good in basketball, plays football like a bunch of girls.

Iowa - every once in a wyhile is a rated team, but then has to play a good team in a bowl and gets beat USUALLY (not always, just usually)

Michigan - usually a powerhouse, no argument there

Michigan State - usually rated, no argument there.

Minnesota - occasionally rated, but not often.

Northwestern - other than the one year they actually won the big 10 (after setting the all time college record for most consecutive losses), they have been ranked only a couple of times

Ohio State - usually a powerhouse, no argument there

Penn State - you can’t count ANYTHING they did prior to joining the Big 10 a couple of years ago. All their top 5 rankings and national championships came while they were INDEPENDANT!

Purdue - ocasionally ranked, but not usually

Wisonsin - ranked every once in a while, not usually.

so, add these up - 4 teams that are usually ranked, oh, and only 2 that you can actually say is a contender every year, an additional team that recently joined and will be ranked. And then a bunch of wusses.

yeah, you got me on that one….HA!!!

By DA

November 7, 2005 03:58 PM | Link to this

If you use Bill Curry as a source, you have the credibility of a used car salesman. Moron.

By brewerfaninATL

November 7, 2005 04:01 PM | Link to this

Earth to moron, earth to moron! Penn State joined in 1993, not just recently! Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin, and until this year Purdue have annually been ranked in the Top 25. So, instead of Purdue this year, Minnesota has been the past 3 years. Also, head-to-head in bowl games for the past 5 years, the SEC and Big Ten are tied at 7 wins apiece vs. each other(Capital One, Outback, and Music City). Also in the past 5 years the SEC and Big Ten each have a National Champion (Ohio State in ‘02 and LSU in ‘03). I’ll give you Florida, Georgia, and LSU being perennial top teams, but Auburn, Tennessee (esp. this year), and Alabama have been hit-or-miss top teams. Big Ten Ohio State, Michigan, and Iowa have been top teams, while Wisconsin, Minnesota, Purdue, and Penn State have been hit-or-miss…pretty equal to me! Again, this is the past 5 years. By the way, Iowa beat LSU last year and kicked the crap out of Florida the year before! Again, I’m not denying the SEC as a power, but YOU can’t deny the Big Ten either! All Terence was saying in this blog was that he thought the SEC was overrated THIS YEAR…not all time! I disagree with him, the SEC is still strong!

By ATH

November 7, 2005 04:23 PM | Link to this

Moore’s article doesn’t make much sense. The following article makes more college football sense. But I know Moore is just trying to stir-the-pot.

http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2005/Columnists/MZ/WeeklyAffirmation.htm

and it will soon be Week 10 Affirmation…

http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2005/Columnists/MZ/WeeklyAffirmation_10.htm

By brewerfaninATL

November 7, 2005 06:22 PM | Link to this

ATH, you’re absolutely correct! That is all he was trying to do was stir the pot. There is no question the SEC IS a power, he was just making a knee-jerk reaction after Georgia lost to Florida. Because Tennessee is struggling this year, he was leading everyone to believe the whole conference was overrated…NOT! Look out, here comes South Carolina. They are already bowl-eligible and once Spurrier gets his own players there, they will be very tough! I actually like that the OTHER teams are starting to rise, like SC and Alabama! It’s exciting!

By Ryan

November 7, 2005 10:17 PM | Link to this

That is mother f*** b****** how many other confences have at least 3 teams in the top ten???huh the nearests is the acc but the sec puts a whippin on their asses every year. actucally u should have 2 sec teams in the top 5.penn state sucks & miami sucks.i think if alabama had prothrow they could whipp up on usc and texas with the alabama’s good a* d and offense.i think u should get the s** kicked out u for sayin that

By brewerfaninATL

November 8, 2005 09:32 AM | Link to this

LOL Ryan, talk all you want! All you are doing is speculating. USC and Texas are bar-none the top teams as of right now! It isn’t their fault that the Pac 10 and Big 12 are going through a rough season. Alabama is having a great season but Prothro does not make THAT much of a difference! Yes, he is a good one, but still, Alabama’s offense is NOT better than USC’s or Texas’ defense. True, they both have suspect defenses but none more suspect than Alabama’s offense. Penn State sucks and Miami sucks, huh? Based on what? Penn State’s only loss was by 2 points in the last seconds at the Big House and Miami’s loss was by 3 points because their kicker had a brain freeze and that was at the very beginning of the season. Otherwise, they have been very impressive. Alabama better pray that either USC or Texas loses just to get a shot at the title. If they do, then bye-bye ‘Bama! But I guess we’ll just wait and see won’t we!!

By 31voldog

November 9, 2005 11:30 PM | Link to this

all I know is Peyton rules, and will be the best QB to have ever played the game by the time he retires. So ‘thar, take that you UT haters.

By brewerfaninATL

November 10, 2005 10:30 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Peyton is great and is a Tennessee legend, but it don’t mean a thing if you ain’t got that ‘ring!’ Tom Brady, from Michigan by the way, has, count ‘em…3 of them! Let Peyton have the stats but Tom has the hardware!