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.