Jovan Belcher.....The football tragedy that has now become a political football?

As I was driving to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game, I glanced at my twitter feed on my phone and saw the tragedy that had happened in Kansas City. My reaction was, "Here we go again."

Why?

I think back to the tragedy of Steve McNair. We all reflected back to his warrior like mentality on the football field and being the centerpiece of the Tennessee Titans glory days.

As the smoke began to clear, a dark cloud and sad tragedy became unearthed.

Unless you were a Kansas City Chiefs fan, you didn't really know who Jovan Belcher was. In Kansas City, he was a story about overcoming the odds to be a starter in the NFL, even if it was with one of the worst teams in the league.

Now, Jovan Belcher's name will live in infamy, as the man who murdered the mother of his infant child and then turned the gun on himself in front of his Head Coach and General Manager.

The conversations I've heard on TV and radio talked about the mental aspects of this tragedy, how someone could catch the signs of distress and maybe able to intervene with help before it's too late.

That's the conversation that needs to be had.

We can all look at situations like this and place a scenario that is familiar to our everyday lives. However, the truth is these players live a much different life than we dol

Jovan Belcher may have been a great teammate, but that now doesn't dilute the fact he was a murderer.

To the Kansas City Chiefs credit, they handled it the right way in Arrowhead Stadium before their kickoff with the Carolina Panthers. They held a moment of silence to pay respects to a tragedy, and didn't honor anyone in any way. They acknowledged the tragedy and paid respects to all that were involved and effected.

However, it never ends there, even when it should. The subject in this tragedy turned from the real issue (intervention and being there as a friend, coach, teammate, family, etc. when problems come afloat) to.......GUN CONTROL!

This is where I believe, the conversation gets into stupid mode. Jovan Belcher and Kassandra Perkins have now become a political football to push an agenda.

As witnessed last night in the NBC Broadcast of Sunday Night Football, Bob Costas made a commentary on the tragedy referencing a piece that was written by Jason Whitlock of the Kansas City Star.

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"You knew it was coming. In the aftermath of the nearly unfathomable events in Kansas City, that most mindless of sports clichés was heard yet again, ‘Something like this really puts it all in perspective.’ Well if so, that sort of perspective has a very short shelf life since we will inevitably hear about the perspective we have supposedly again regained the next time ugly reality intrudes upon our games. Please.

Those who need tragedies to continually recalibrate their sense of proportion about sports, would seem to have little hope of ever truly achieving perspective. You want some actual perspective on this? Well a bit of it comes from the Kansas City-based writer Jason Whitlock, with whom I do not always agree, but, who today, said it so well that we may as well just quote or paraphrase from the end of his article.

“Our current gun culture,” Whitlock wrote, “ensures that more and more domestic disputes will end in the ultimate tragedy, and that more convenience store confrontations over loud music coming from a car will leave more teenage boys bloodied and dead. Handguns do not enhance our safety. They exacerbate our flaws, tempt us to escalate arguments, and bait us into embracing confrontation rather than avoiding it. In the coming days, Jovan Belcher’s actions and their possible connection to football will be analyzed. Who knows? But here, wrote Jason Whitlock, is what I believe: “If Jovan Belcher didn’t possess a gun, he and Kasandra Perkins would both be alive today.”

Reading those words, I have to ask one question: What is more deadly? A gun or your mind? If a gun can mentally empower us into making us invincible, wouldn't the mind be more powerful than the gun? I understand in our culture with music, movies, and video games that firearms are very glorified. If guns are the problem, do we get rid of the other outlets that glorify them? If you said yes, you're more stupid than I thought.

What started as a tragedy and turned into a conversation about battling demons with the help of people closest to you, has now turn into a political agenda push that has gone full retard.

That's a shame, because the families of Jovan Belcher and Kassandra Perkins will now be the centerpiece of a new game, and that game is played with the most disengenous rules.

I grieve for the city of Kansas City, the Belchers, and the Perkins family and hope this tragic story can one day help an NFL player who sees a teammate or a colleague in trouble, be willing to help.

However, it's now been tainted with a political agenda.

SEC Championship Game

I will admit this is the first time I've ever been in the Georgia Dome other than an Atlanta Falcons game. SEC FanFare was a madhouse with a carnival-like atmosphere. I'm sitting in the media workroom indulging on probably the best damn pot roast other than my grandmothers, it's probably time to give my game prediction.

Keys To The Game:

        * Quarterback - AJ McCarron has been the step-up QB compared to Aaron Murray, who has been known to struggle in major matchups.
        * Discipline - Despite the offsides call that cost Alabama a chance to make a dramatic comeback against Texas A&M, Georgia has been known with a reputation when it comes to penalties. Most games this season, the Bulldogs were penalized 12 times. Nick Saban's motto has always been discipline and perfection, you rarely see the Tide get penalized.
         *Coaching - Nick Saban thrives in the big matchups with a National audience watching him to dominate or to fail. After the Texas A&M loss, Alabama has been on a tear. Mark Richt is being considered on the hot seat every year, despite a 10-2 record. Georgia has not won an SEC Championship since 2005, and their last chance they were embarrassed by LSU and the Honey Badger. Coaching Advantage goes to the Tide.
          *Pass Rush - The Bulldogs led by Jarvis Jones, have a very nasty pass rush. However, Alabama's bread and butter is the run, which Georgia is ranked 67th in America when it comes to Rushing defense. If Georgia can produce a pass rush through a very talented offensive line, this game will be too close for comfort. Alabama lost Kenny Bell with a leg injury which might lead Alabama to go to the running game.
          *Air Attack - Despite Aaron Murray's failures to close the deal in big games, he does have a potent air attack. If you asked me for a weakness in Alabama's defense (and it's hard to find a weakness) it would be the Secondary. If the Georgia offensive can give Murray protection, it could be a long day for the Secondary.


With all of that said, Georgia can keep this game tight in the 1st half. But Alabama will eventually wear down the Bulldog Rush defense and gash them to punch their ticket to Miami.

Alabama 27
Georgia  17

Are Auburn fans hoping for a Football Coach or a Pastor?

As I watch the reaction from Auburn faithful regard the search for their new Head Football Coach, I ask myself one question.

Are Auburn fans looking for a Football Coach or a Pastor?

It doesn't take you two seconds to realize where I'm going with this article. The Auburn Coaching Search has began to turn into a bit like Twilight. There's no Team Edward or Team Jacob. It's more like #TeamPetrino, #TeamStrong, and #TeamGus. Sorry, Jimbo Fisher is staying where he is.

As I've said for months, Bobby Petrino is the leader in the clubhouse for the Auburn job after this season. Whatever you've read in the last few days, the Petrino talk seems to be heating up. Although al.com reported that Louisville Head Coach Charlie Strong did interview for the Auburn job, the job is Petrino's to turn down, and he probably won't turn it down.

There seems to be mixed reactions on the possibility of Petrino coming back to the plains. Some welcome a proven winner while some are furious because of his moral mishap which led to his dismissal at Arkansas. I hear the Auburn "Creed" being referenced many times and also heard that hiring Petrino would go against that. If you hold judgement because a man cheated on his wife and used his power to hire his mistress (who was engaged), you're obviously watching the world through a very narrow lens.

Everyone knows where my stance is when it comes to playing the morality card and football.....that stance is that is very laughable. NCAA Football is not a monestary, it's a business. Usually, winning in college football is good for business, just ask Auburn's counterparts in Tuscaloosa. So Bobby Petrino cheated on his wife, used his power to get a co-ed a job, and lied about it. That is pretty scummy. However, if you look back to his tenures at Louisville and Arkansas, how many NCAA investigations were under his watch? Has there been an armed robbery involving football players under Petrino? Has there been a shooting that rocked a college town and led to the death of a former football player under Bobby Petrino? That's what I thought.

Maybe Bobby Petrino can't manage the ship that is called his personal life, but he can tighten up the ship that is called a Division I FBS Football Program. It's proven.

As much as you may like Charlie Strong, great coach and has brought Louisville back, he did it against Joker Phillips. He runs a good clean program, but I'm not sure he's ready for primetime competing with Nick Saban on the field or on the recruiting trail.

Gus Malzahn is loved on The Plains. Some will argue that he was the brains behind the 2010 BCS Title run. Hugh Freeze took Ole Miss back in the right direction in year one after coaching at Arkansas State, where Malzahn is currently. The difference between Ole Miss and Auburn is: A 6-6 record and a win vs. Mississippi State will secure your job for years. A 6-6 record and the continued shortcomings vs. Alabama will get you ran out of the door.

It all comes down to one word....patience, and the Auburn base has none it can spare. They want [NEED] to win and they NEED to win NOW!!! Alabama could be playing for their 3rd National Championship in 4 years with a win over Georgia on Saturday. Auburn is currently in their offseason after a 3-9 record. Time is running out and Auburn has an uphill climb. The only person that is equipped and proven to make that uphill climb is........Bobby Petrino.

Whether you love Bobby Petrino or you hate him, he can win despite only going 17-15 in the SEC. Jimbo Fisher is not coming, and neither is Jon Gruden or Gary Patterson. Bobby Petrino is the best realistic option on the board.

I ask one more time Auburn fans. Do you want a Football Coach or a Pastor?

What now for Auburn?

Today we got the obvious news that Gene Chizik would no longer be the Head Coach of The Auburn Tigers. Some say he should have been given one more year, some are glad to see him go. Now it's time to move forward, now what?

That's the question you have to ask in regards to the Auburn Tigers future.

The fact that AD Jay Jacobs is still employed is honestly surprising. The man who pulled the trigger to hire Gene Chizik after a 5-19 record at Iowa State, will hire the next coach with the help of a search committee including former Auburn Tigers Pat Sullivan and Bo Jackson.

Auburn is in a situation where an up and coming coach maybe a big gamble when you look at what is happening at Tuscaloosa. The pool is not as deep for a splash hire like Alabama had with Nick Saban back in 2007. This time there's more competition for new coaches with Tennessee, Arkansas, and Kentucky looking for new coaches.

How attractive is the Auburn job? Is it really that attractive? With Nick Saban and Les Miles in the same division, a cloud of an NCAA investigation hovering over, and the expectations that led to a National Championship coach being fired after 22 months, how attractive is it?

The name that is really popular is Bobby Petrino. The one thing you can say is that he didn't leave Arkansas on his own, but he has a track record of jumping ship for greener pastures. Auburn has already tried to go after Petrino once, and I wouldn't be surprised if they went after him again. He proved he could win at Arkansas, he could do the same at Auburn.

Another name is Florida State Head Coach Jimbo Fisher. He was a good Offensive Co-Ordinator at LSU, but hasn't been able win the ACC at Florida State, which was dominated by the Seminoles in Bobby Bowden's prime. With the talent that is coming to Florida State, Jimbo Fisher was unable You could put Fisher at 1 or 2 on the list with Petrino, but Auburn faithful will have to be patient.

Gus Malzahn is also a popular name. The mastermind of the offense at Auburn before bolting for Arkansas State, it still doesn't solve the defensive problem that has plagued the Tigers in the last couple of years, unless he decided to hire back Brian VanGorder.

Charlie Strong to me doesn't seem to be a reality. Louisville will try to keep him and most likely he would want to take OC Shawn Watson with him. You would likely have improvement on defense and the QB play. It would be a good hire, not sure how real it is.

The Jeff Fisher's, James Franklin's, Gary Patterson's, seem like a pipe dream to me. Fisher is making $7 Million coaching the St Louis Rams, Patterson is in a program in a major conference, and James Franklin could be crowned King of Vanderbilt tomorrow.

That is where Auburn is and I've narrowed down the possible candidates, and it really doesn't make you say "Wow, Auburn can get back." This has to quick hire, and it has to be the right hire. Jay Jacobs has already screwed the pooch once, will he and the search committee get it right or will he go down as another Mike Hamilton at Tennessee?

Only time will tell.

PSA: If you're trying to discredit Notre Dame's schedule, YOU'RE A MORON!!!

The following Public Service Announcement should really be unnecessary, but now it must be done. As Idrove to and back from Oxford, MS for the Egg Bowl, it never failed to get that guy who tries to downplay what Notre Dame has accomplished this season. I will be honest, I'm a little shocked that Notre Dame was able to run the table and lock up their spot in the BCS National Title Game.

Let's just face facts......they earned it. If you are trying to downplay their schedule as "not playing anybody", you're a moron and you need to do your homework. You can criticize Notre Dame's style of football as being ugly or their offense doesn't put up much points. That is actually a legit criticism. However, they got the job done.

For all of you simpletons that wave your SEC flag and look at everyone else as being inferior, let you give you a mild reality check.

Moronic argument #1: Notre Dame should join a conference!

If Notre Dame agreed to join the ACC in football, your argument would have more validity, but it would still be pointless. With all of the realignment, there may come a day that Notre Dame might have to get on board with a league. However, until then, why should they join a conference when NBC keeps scratching them a check? Also, their free reign to schedule whatever games they wanted to, seemed to work out this year.

1) The only Non-BCS conference teams on Notre Dame's schedule were BYU (7-5) and Navy (most likely 8-4). That's better compared to Alabama's Non-BCS opponents (Florida Atlantic, Western Kentucky, and Western Carolina) or Georgia's (Florida Atlantic, Buffalo, and Georgia Southern)

2) How many FCS teams are on Notre Dame's schedule? NONE. And when I hear the excuse from SEC fans about FCS schools on the schedule, I always hear "Well they play in a tough SEC." But if Notre Dame can schedule a maximum of 10 BCS conference teams, doesn't it make that excuse invalid?

Moronic argument #2: Notre Dame doesn't play anybody!!!

Really? Here's a breakdown of Notre Dame's schedule this season with their W-L record.

Navy (possibly 8-4)
Purdue 6-6
Michigan St. 6-6
Michigan 8-4
Miami 6-6
Stanford 10-2
BYU 7-5
Pitt 5-6 (one game left)
Boston College 2-10
Wake Forest 2-10
USC 7-5

In review, that's a maximum of only 3 teams on their entire schedule that is under .500.

Let's look at the SEC counterparts that will meet in Atlanta this Saturday........

Alabama

Michigan 8-4
Western Kentucky 7-5
Arkansas 4-8 (lost to UL Monroe and Rutgers)
Florida Atlantic 3-8
Ole Miss 6-6
Mizzou 5-7
Tennessee 4-8
Miss St 8-4
LSU 10-2
A&M 10-2 (LOST)
W.Carolina 1-10 (FCS)
Auburn 3-9

Hmmm.....so Alabama has played 6 teams with sub-500 records (4 of them being in the SEC).  Alabama is 5-1 vs. Bowl eligible opponents, Notre Dame is currently 9-0. Alabama has one win possibly 2 vs. 10 win opponent compared to Notre Dame possibly with 2.

Georgia

Buffalo 4-8
Mizzou 5-7
Florida Atlantic 3-8
Vandy 8-4
Tennessee 4-8
South Carolina 10-2 (LOST)
Kentucky 2-10
Florida 11-1
Ole Miss 6-6
Auburn 3-9
Georgia Southern 8-3 (FCS)
Georgia Tech 6-6

In review, Georgia has played 6 (4 in the SEC) opponents with sub-500 records, and are 4-1 vs. Bowl Eligible teams compared to Notre Dame's 9-0. Georgia has one win vs. 10+ win opponent vs. Notre Dame's possible 2.

Moronic argument #3: Notre Dame wouldn't last in the SEC.

For argument's sake, let's compare Notre Dame to Alabama and UGA's SEC schedule.

Notre Dame vs. Alabama's SEC schedule
Arkansas - Notre Dame win
Ole Miss - Notre Dame win
Mizzou - Notre Dame win
Tennessee - Notre Dame win
LSU - A winnable game for Notre Dame
Texas A&M - A winnable game for Notre Dame
Auburn - Notre Dame massacre

Best case scenario, Notre Dame would be 8-0 going into an SEC title game, worse case 6-2. No matter your definition of success, a 6-2 record in the SEC is pretty damn good.

Notre Dame vs. Georgia's SEC schedule
Mizzou - Notre Dame win
Vanderbilt - Notre Dame win (Vandy lost to Northwestern)
Tennessee - Notre Dame win
South Carolina - winnable game for Notre Dame
Florida - winnable game for Notre Dame (only beat UL-Lafayette by 4)
Kentucky - Notre Dame massacre
Auburn - Notre Dame massacre

So using the stupid logic of margin of victory, Notre Dame could go 6-2 at worse in the SEC. If you think that Tennessee, Ole Miss, or Vanderbilt could beat them, I hope you haven't spawned offspring.

So finally, I have methodically destroyed any irrational argument trying to discredit Notre Dame. In no way this was a hit piece to discredit the SEC. My point is, before you start dissecting someone else's "weak" resume, look at yourself in the mirror. Try and prove me wrong and you will fail. But I welcome the challenge regardless.



This Public Service Announcement was brought to you by On The Marks Radio.

UT AD Has The Weight of Knoxville, And The Southeast On His Shoulders

With the firing of Tennessee Head Coach Derek Dooley, Dave Hart, you could say, is in the same position as an NFL GM with the #1 Draft Pick. Make the right decision, the program will prosper for years. Make the wrong decision and you will be cheering for bowl bids instead of SEC Championships.

Former AD Mike Hamilton made three crucial decisions that led to the downward spiral of Tennessee Football:

1) Firing Phillip Fulmer (would have not been a bad decision given the next one)
2) Hiring Lane Kiffin (Kiffin was never going to be a longterm Vol, leaving on his own will or not)
3) Hiring Derek Dooley when he should have got a proven winner.

Blame Derek Dooley all you want for the state of Tennessee football, but I'd believe you're wrong. Mike Hamilton sent this program into a tailspin, along with the other athletic programs. Gladly, he made one good call by hiring Cuanzo Martin after firing Bruce Pearl for lying about breaking the rules.

Now the weight of Volunteer Football sits on the shoulders of Dave Hart. A former Executive Director of Athletics at Alabama and former AD of East Carolina and Florida State, He has the pedigree for success and been Fire Marshall in Knoxville since day one on the job. The fans are very overanxious and very impatient. He needs to hit a home run with this hire, like Mal Moore did with Nick Saban.

My percentage of John Gruden coming to Tennessee would right now be at 15%. It's going to take alot of money, and I mean A LOT to close the deal. I hear there is mutual interest, but it will come down to numbers, just like it did last year.

Even if the Gruden dream never comes true, Hart can't make a lateral move. There's Bobby Petrino, but that comes with baggage. David Cutcliffe is staying put at Duke. Al Golden would be a possibility if he wanted to jump ship in Miami with NCAA sanctions hovering over the program.

Dave Hart is going to take his time, dot every I, and cross every T, because he has to get this one right. If he doesn't, Vols fans are going to have to show more of what they really don't have right now......and that's patience.

What If Notre Dame falls.....

The BCS, the most hated and unfair system to determine the FBS National Championship (not my words and I don't agree with them) has once again captivated America into interest of games most likely would not be watched by Southeastern football fans.

Then there was one left....one undefeated team in Notre Dame. It would not surprise me if some inbred moron who can surprising count up to 9 calls into Paul Finebaum's show today talking about how Notre Dame hasn't played anyone and has no business being No. 1.

Here is where I prove him wrong: Notre Dame has defeated 3 currently ranked BCS teams to Alabama's 2....and Michigan is Notre Dame's 3rd best win (Oklahoma, Stanford) compared to Alabama's second best win (LSU). The Irish has played 7 opponents who are already bowl eligible compared to Alabama's 6 with Alabama (including SEC Championship matchup). Notre Dame has currently 2 opponents on their schedule who have been mathematically eliminated from bowls and 4 still flirting with bowls at 5 wins compared to Alabama's 4 mathematically eliminated opponents and and 2 still fliring with bowls. Have we eliminated the need to question Notre Dame's worthiness of #1 in the country? We have? Good.

The more meaningful conversation to have is.....what happens if Lane Kiffin is able to pull off the upset of the #1 team in the nation?

A few things we should already book:

1) Alabama will have no problem with Auburn.
2) Georgia will have no trouble with Georgia Tech.
3) The winner of the SEC Championship Game will lock up one of the spots in Miami.

Where does that leave the other slot?

As I've looked at the numbers, I admit I first kind of laughed off the possibility of Florida sneaking in at the last second. Again, we are assuming Notre Dame loses this weekend. Here are some of the teams still in the hunt and the scenarios that need to happen to get them to Miami.

Oregon - Despite the inability to put away the Fighting tree with a kicker (sounds familiar right?), the Ducks are not out of it just yet.

1) Beat Oregon State
2) UCLA must beat Stanford
3) Defeat UCLA in Pac-12 Championship Game
4) Hope voters are not as forgiving to Notre Dame for losing to USC,

Oregon has the most realistic scenario if a Notre Dame loss does happen. Their situation is a little different than last year's Alabama team. Oregon could have two games against ranked teams where they could climb back into the #2 spot and seal their trip to Miami. Oregon would be 4-1 against current ranked BCS teams. If Stanford wins, Oregon could be done and hope for an At-Large BCS Bid.
Florida - Despite how awful Florida is to watch on television, they find a way to get W's. Despite losing to SEC East Champion Georgia. Florida's opponent W/L record is 84-45 (including a win over 7-4 Bowling Green, 6-4 UL-Lafeyette, a 6-5 Jacksonville St. team, and potential win over 10-1 Florida St. in non-conference) with conference wins over Texas A&M, LSU, and a beatdown of South Carolina.) Florida could be 4-1 vs. Current BCS Top 25 teams. With even a strong looking non-conference schedule and those big conference wins, despite losing to UGA, The Gators have an argument for the 2nd consecutive SEC filled BCS Title Game.

1) Florida St.
2) Hope Oregon loses to Oregon St.
3) UCLA beats Stanford
4) Hope voter are not forgiving of Notre Dame losing to USC.

Kansas St - Personally, after getting drummed by a Baylor team that is yet bowl elgible, Kansas St has a very small argument for the BCS Title Game if Lane Kiffin pulls out the unthinkable. However, they only drop to #6 in the rankings. I can lay down the opponent W-L record for K-State, but losing by 28 to a 5 win team and being ranked #1 should be enough, much different than losing by a slim margin to the likes of an Iowa St. like Oklahoma St did last year. But, to be fair, I will point out the scenario that needs to happen for the Thundercats to plunge back into the race if the Irish fall.

1) Beat Texas
2) Florida must lose to Florida State
3) Oregon must lose to Oregon St or (possible) UCLA in Pac-12 Championship
4) Stanford must lose once to UCLA in possible two meetings.
5) Hope to God Harris Poll voters forgot about the Baylor Game.

Stanford - You maybe asking, why Stanford? That's a 2 loss team. You are correct. However, given the crazy chaos that is ensuing, with Stanford's win over Oregon and a matchup with a ranked UCLA team, the dominoes could fall and give them an argument. The Pac-12 (with the exception of Washington St and Colorado) is, believe it or not, better than the USC years of dominance in the last decade. With non-conference wins over a 9-2 San Jose State, 6-5 Duke, and an overtime loss to Notre Dame, the loss to 6-5 Washington could be looked past adding a possible Pac-12 Championship. Here's what needs to happen:

1) Beat UCLA (twice)
2) Hope Florida St. beats Florida
3) Hope Texas beats Kansas St.
4) Hope Oregon St. beats Oregon

Florida St. - I looked at Florida States schedule and it is pathetic. The ACC is pathetic. Scheduling 2 FCS schools and losing to an NC State team, who lost to Tennessee, who recently fired their coach really turns me off from considering the Seminoles a valid contender. Even with a win over Florida, they would only have 2 wins over currently ranked BCS teams.

1) Beat Florida
2) Hope a national nuclear holocaust hits and only spares the town of Tallahassee, Florida.

I know there's LSU, South Carolina, and Texas A&M but at this point, they might be just playing for a BCS bid, and that's questionable at best. Only Stanford to me has the best chance to get in with 2 losses. South Carolina beating Clemson is not that impressive, Texas A&M beating Missouri is really not impressive, and LSU beating Arkansas is obvious.

There's your scenarios....feel free to discuss and we will see if Lane Kiffin can pull off the miracle with a Freshman as his QB. Notre Dame doesn't score many points, but they don't give up many either. Which could be a recipe for upset if USC can get a rhythm.

The Rocky Road at Rocky Top

After a frustrating and heartbreaking loss to the SEC's hazed freshman Missouri, it sealed the fate for a coach who could never catch a break.

I admit, I defended the man and encouraged patience because folks never realized what the last years of Fulmer and the one year of Lane Kiffin did to set the program back. However, when James Franklin can make Vanderbilt bowl eligible for consecutive seasons, Will Muschamp can put the Gators back in the Top 10, and Kevin Sumlin can get his signature win at Texas A&M in year one, it gets harder to defend a coach who can't pull it off in 3 years.

Despite all of the cynicism, there's one thing you can say Dooley did right. He weathered the program through its most treacherous storm. Just like Mike Shula at Alabama, Dooley has set the Vol program to be a success. The Vol offense hasn't really been the problem. But the defense was the obvious achilles heel. Where do the Vols go next? The cries for Jon Gruden will be louder than before, but i'll believe it when I actually see it.

Bama's Loss Doesn't Mean SEC streak is over....Not yet

Am I surprised Texas A&M upset Alabama? No. There's a reason Nick Saban hates the Hurry-Up spread offense and you saw it yesterday. I've told you people time and time again. Some idiots complained I kept repeating myself, that's because they just didn't get it.

Now with an Alabama loss it puts a whole new wrinkle into the BCS race. But is it over? Not so fast.

Kansas St still has a matchup with a Texas team that is newly inspired to honor a fallen legend in DKR. Not saying that Texas could pull the upset, but the Wildcats performance against depleted TCU was very underwhelming.

I think we're in agreement that having Oregon in the title game is the most exciting option at this point. Being shunned because of their early strength of schedule, the Ducks have a chance to make up ground but also facing the toughest road to Miami. Their remaining games are against Stanford and Oregon St., all ranked in the Top 15. Also include a potential Pac-12 Championship matchup with Southern Cal or a resurging ranked UCLA.

You can talk about how brutal Notre Dame games are to watch, and I would agree. However, they're getting the job done. With Wake Forest and Southern Cal left, stranger things can happen with Lane Kiffin. Unless Kiffin can find an opening in the Notre Dame defense, the Irish can lock up their 1st National Championship bid since the early 90's.

As for the SEC, Alabama is left with a tune up game with FCS doormat Western Carolina and then SEC doormat Auburn. Georgia is left with Georgia Southern and Georgia Tech. Most likely, these two teams will stay put unless another domino will fall.

If that happens, The winner of the SEC Title game will still have a case to make. If we use the logic of bad losses, Georgia may have to work the spin machine overtime.

In conclusion, it's not safe to say that the SEC streak of BCS dominance has come to an end. However, it could be on life support next week.

Maybe coincidence but, Democrat President = Good Alabama Football Season

I saw an article on CBSSports.com talking about a study that college football impacted elections. It got me thinking. When Alabama won the National Championship in 1992, who won the '92 Election? Bill Clinton. Since 1984, a Republican candidate winning the Presidential election is the same year Alabama football has been average or mediocre. A Democrat winning the Presidential election has lead to an Alabama season of double-digit wins and contending for the National Championship.

1984 - Ronald Reagan (R) def. Walter Mondale (D) 525-13

           Alabama Football went 5-6 (2-4 in SEC) under Ray Perkins

1988-  George H.W. Bush (R) def. Michael Dukakis (D) 426-111

           Alabama Football went 9-3 (4-3 in SEC)

1992-  Bill Clinton (D) def. George H.W. Bush (R) 370-168

           Alabama finishes 13-0 defeating Miami to win the National Championship

1996-  Bill Clinton (D) def. Bob Dole (R) 379-159

            Alabama finished 10-2 (6-2 in the SEC) lost to Florida in SEC Championship

2000- George W. Bush (R) def. Al Gore (D) in a controversial election.

           Alabama finished 3-8 (3-5 in SEC) Preseason #3

2004   George W. Bush (R) def. John Kerry (D)

           Alabama finished 6-6 (2-6 in the SEC)

2008   Barack Obama (D) def. John McCain (R)

           Alabama finished 12-2 (8-0 in SEC) Lost to Florida in SEC Championship

2012   Incumbent Barack Obama (D) vs. Mitt Romney (R)

           Alabama is currently undefeated ranked #1 in the nation

With the election coming up, I guess you can say that conservative Tide fans have at least something to turn to during the good times and the bad. Alabama's visits to the White House included President's FDR ('34 '41), JFK ('61), LBJ ('64), Jimmy Carter ('78,'79), Bill Clinton ('92), and Barack Obama ('09, '11). Only 3 Republican Presidents have give the Crimson Tide a visit to the White House: Calvin Coolidge ('25,'26), Herbert Hoover (1930)  and Richard Nixon ('73).

Not to put you at concern, but Will Mitt Romney be the 1st Republican to give The Crimson Tide a White House visit in almost 40 years????? Is Mitt Romney that will break this nearly 30 year old trend????

It's not November yet and some are already wanting change

No....I'm not talking about the Presidential Election coming up soon. I'm talking about the state of some football programs in the SEC. Tennessee fans faith in Derek Dooley has begin to erode. Gene Chizik is public enemy number one despite being two years removed from a BCS Championship. Joker Phillips is the captain of a ship that was already sinking, and John L Smith is the college football version of the crazy taxi driver.

What we know now, is that Arkansas will most likely make a change for 2013. What we most likely expect is Joker Phillips to be relieved from Kentucky at season's end. What we don't know at the moment is if Derek Dooley (whose seat at UT was getting warmer by the minute) and Gene Chizik (whose chair has spontaneously combusted into flames) will return in 2013.

There's been talks about letting by-gones be by-gones between Arkansas and Bobby Petrino and welcome him back in 2013. Not sure if Jeff Long can swallow his pride enough to do that. Arkansas has to make a splash hire, and there's one name that comes to mind. Tommy Tuberville. Bobby Petrino was establishing a standard of winning at Arkansas and had as high as #3 in the BCS. The hire of John L Smith proved that in order for Arkansas to keep that standard, they're going to have to get somebody who is proven and can win. Although Tuberville was embarassingly dismissed from Auburn, he has a proven record of winning AND....he's an Arkansas native. I've been wrong on many coaching speculations before. But let's stick to this coaching change that will most likely happen. To me, Tuberville and Arkansas seems like a very good match.

If Kentucky is going to make a change, they need to make a change to not only compete, but win. Muschamp has turned the curve in Florida. Mark Richt is on auto-pilot but keeping Georgia in the talks. James Franklin has Vanderbilt moving into at least a Bowl contender. Spurrier has South Carolina in at least the talks about winning the SEC. It's only a matter of time before Kentucky will be on the 1st floor looking at everyone else climbing to the executive palace. Joker Phillips is 12-20 overall, 3-18 in the SEC, and 1-12 vs. Top 25 teams in his tenure at Kentucky. No matter what you thought of Rich Brooks, he had Kentucky in SEC Championship talks, and that is rarely heard. So how does Kentucky recpature that magic and at least delay the talks of Kentucky Basketball for at least a month? They swing for the fences and hire Bobby Petrino. The only thing Petrino did wrong to get dismissed from Arkansas was lie to his boss. I won't go the moral road and talk about his marital affair. The gauge that I seem to get in the SEC is....if you win football games, screw all of the co-ed's behind your wife's back as possible. Sounds sexist, but it's the cold hard truth. If Kentucky just wants a fresh start with a coach they can develop, Gus Malzahn's stock continues to be high.

Tennessee has seemed to already catch Gruden fever in Knoxville and their patience with Derek Dooley has ran thin. I've always argued that Tennessee fans need to show patience because the state of Tennessee football was dismal even before Phil Fulmer was shown the door. The unwanted public attention due to Lane Kiffin's one year tenure and then the sudden exit for the West Coast led UT AD Mike Hamilton to look for a new coach, which Mike Hamilton dropped the ball on again. There was an opportunity to hire David Cutcliffe and they dropped the ball. He is proven in college, despite maybe needing some help with recruiting. But he made Ole Miss a winning program....that says a lot. Look what he's done at Duke. Do you think Tennessee would have been in better shape under Cutcliffe rather than Dooley? I seem to get that impression.

I asked Vols fans "Why Jon Gruden?". The go-to was he has ties (Grad Assistant) and he married a UT cheerleader. They seem to hang on his Super Bowl Championship. I won't deny that Jon Gruden could make a great college coach. I think he could recruit very well. However, you have to think of the staff he'd put together and the pricetag. Jon Gruden is making some serious money at ESPN and loves what he does. To get him away from ESPN, Tennessee is going to have to throw some Nick Saban money at him. This would be a gamble....a BIG gamble. You would be throwing $6mil a year at a guy who has won a Super Bowl but hasn't proven anything in the college game. Deny it all you want, but pro and college are totally different worlds. There's a reason why Nick Saban and Steve Spurrier came back to college after their stint in the NFL. There's a reason why only Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer are the only coaches in football that won a National Championship and a Super Bowl in their careers. Could John Gruden be next and would/should Tennessee take that gamble in the current state of the football program?

Auburn could be the one that if they want to pull the plug on Gene Chizik, they better do it fast. Including the three possibilities in the SEC, there will be other coaching jobs that will come open throughout the nation. If Gene Chizik is going to keep his job, some assistant's heads are going to have to be on the chopping block because the product is awful. Bobby Petrino would be the most likely candidate for Auburn, they've went after him before, right? He and Gus Malzahn has ties to Auburn and is looking like the brains behind Auburn's success. These two coaches most likely will be the most sought after, so if Auburn is going to act, they better act quick.

SEC Power Rankings for 10/21/12

I'm sure Aubie is reading a ton of headlines, and probably some he doesn't really want to read. Auburn holds a throne in the way they probably don't want to.

14) Auburn Tigers - I know I'm late to the party on this. However, given Kentucky's performance for 2 1/3 quarters against Arkansas before the rains of mercy came, you couldn't put anyone else in the cellar. Especially the downward spiral that Arkansas seem to slow down at least. With the lackluster performance offensively, a defense that gives up more penetration than a female pop star, and......losing to Vanderbilt, Auburn now hosts Texas A&M and the side show that is Johnny "Football" Manziel. I don't think Auburn fans fear of if they're going to lose this game. I think they're hoping that Johnny Football doesn't do his best Cam Newton impersonation against a defense that couldn't stop a toddler from crawling into the end zone.

13) Kentucky - Congratulations Kentucky, in most cases the close scare you gave the Georgia Bulldogs would consider you to be moved higher than 14. However, being 1-7 (0-5 in the SEC) and losing to Western Kentucky still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. There is still hope. A win over Missouri could boost you up to the next slotEnjoy this while it lasts, Auburn won't be this terrible forever.

12) Missouri - I remember when Bama Zack compared Missouri to Ole Miss when the Tigers were announced they were coming to the SEC. Looking a year later, that's more of an insult to Ole Miss than it is Missouri. The Tigers have battled injuries and some off the field issues and Paul Finebaum masters his telepathic powers of getting into Gary Pinkel's head. The Tigers could plunge even lower with a loss to Kentucky. James Franklin returns as QB as Kentucky tries to keep theirs healthy for an entire game.

11) Tennessee - I think most fans outside of Knoxville were rooting for Derek Dooley to finally turn the curve. Will Muschamp seems to have done so at Florida. With what Dooley has to work with at Tennessee, you thought that progress was being made. As bad as the loss to Alabama looks, Tennessee had opportunities to at least capture the nation's attention if only for a few moments, but they couldn't capitalize. The stool is getting hotter in Knoxville as the native have become restless at a fever pitch. I put Tennessee Higher than Missouri because the they had at least made tough competition sweat for a brief moment. Also their non-conference win over NC State trumps Mizzou's win over Arizona State. This team has talent, they just can't seem to make the plays when it needs them the most.

10) Vanderbilt - Granted, they played South Carolina and Florida very tough, but they also go routed by Georgia and fell short to Northwestern. I like James Franklin, I think he has Vanderbilt going in the right direction. They win ugly and they lose ugly. However, if James Franklin was able to play the entire game, they wouldn't have beat Missouri. But giving the state of the other teams below them. I have no choice but to put Vanderbilt at 10.

9) Ole Miss - The Rebels win over Auburn got a huge monkey off their back by snapping their 16 game SEC losing streak. This Rebel team is better and should give Ole Miss fans alot of optimism if they have patience. The Rebels play Arkansas next week and could move to the #8 spot with a win. You have to be pleased with Hugh Freeze and the direction he has this once distraught football program.

8) Arkansas - Funny that Arkansas was once #8 in the country before losing to UL-Monroe and now they are #8 in the SEC in the OTM Rankings. The win over Auburn slowed down the free-fall under Head Coach John L Smith. The Hogs are hoping to keep the momentum going from their 49-7 win over Kentucky against the Ole Miss Rebels. A loss here could drop them to #9 unless Tennessee, Missouri, or Kentucky put on stellar performances.

7) Texas A&M - The story of A&M football for 2012 has been the electrifying acrobatics of Johnny Football Manziel. The Aggies played LSU tough only to come up short. I like this team and had very good hopes for them. They now visit the plains to take on cellar dweller Auburn. A loss there could erase all of that good fortune in their first SEC season.

6) Georgia - Yes, Georgia has done nothing impressive this season, other than beating Vanderbilt 48-3. This team also gave up 20 point to an awful Florida Atlantic team. Yet, they're still in the hunt against the SEC East. However, they maybe knocked out just as soon as they got in. A lackluster performance against Kentucky is not a good omen coming into a matchup against one of the hottest risers in the nation in Florida.

5) Mississippi State - Wait, they're ranked #13 in the country. So why would I have Mississippi State ranked so low? I don't discredit what they've done, but they haven't really done anything yet. They're 3-0 against 3 of the 4 worst teams in the league. They travel to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama which will be a trip back to reality, the hard way. A good performance against the Tide could keep them in the upper half of the conference, but I'm not sure that's going to happen.

4) South Carolina - Even though the Gamecocks got dismantled by Florida in the Swamp, they still had a dominating performance over Georgia and a tough night battle in Death Valley in which they came up short. Sorry, Mississippi State fans, but South Carolina is still a much more impressive team to be ranked 4th.

3) LSU - Lesticles magic is alive and well despite the anemic performance against Florida. Despite a depleated O-Line and players dropping like flies, Les finds a way to pull out a victory just like the Texas A&M game yesterday. LSU now has the extra week to prepare for Nick Saban's buzzsaw known as the Alabama Crimson Tide. Two weeks to prepare for a night game on your home field. Is there any more Lesticle magic left for Nov. 3rd?

2) Florida - BOOOOM!!!! That's what Will Muschamp is saying now. I would say he should be in the conversation for Coach of The Year. An amazing turn around that silenced all the critics, including myself. The Gators can wrap up the SEC East by beating Georgia this Saturday. Brent Pease's offense is ugly, but it's effective. The defense is smothering and they proved to the nation yesterday they are for real. Had Alabama kept the Tennessee game close, you would have to argue the Gators could have been #1 in these rankings.

1) Alabama - Despite trying to give Tennessee opportunities to keep the game too close for comfort, the Tide easily ripped the heart out of Tennessee fans and players to secure their #1 spot in the SEC and the nation. The Tide has Mississippi State coming to town and then they meet LSU in the Bayou....at night. The next two weeks will be interesting to see if the Tide can keep up their high standard of play.

Alabama's strength of schedule already under scrutiny. Does it really matter?

The 1st BCS Standings will be released this Sunday. Which means let's go ahead and lay out scenarios of what's going to happen. Pat Forde at Yahoo Sports has already looked over the computer rankings.

The Computer Rankings are not too kind to Alabama.

You can't argue against the fact that the Crimson Tide are not getting help from their scheduled opponents when it comes to schedule strength. Michigan already has two losses, Arkansas and Auburn have screwed the pooch and LSU's loss to Florida.

I decided to do a little research myself. I researched the W-L record of each team (that's undefeated and in BCS Title contention) and their opponent's strength of schedule average.

Alabama's opponent W-L record (counting all opponents, including ones not played) is 35-30 (.538 winning percentage) with Miss St. (5-0) and LSU (5-1) as the best records and FAU (1-4) and Western Carolina (FCS, 1-5) as the worst.

Despite the deteroration of the overall W-L record by their opponents, their strength of schedule is averaged around 41 with the toughest being Ole Miss (13, according Congrave rankings), and Western Kentucky (83) as the weakest.

When looking at the other teams in contention:

Oregon - 36-29 (.553 Winning %) Opponent Win-Loss record, Average Opponent strength of schedule 51.6 with Arizona (23) as the toughest and Fresno St. (96).

South Carolina - 40-27 (.675 Winning %), Average Opponent Strength of schedule 41.25 with Kentucky (8) being the toughest schedule and East Carolina (104) being the weakest.

West Virginia - 39-19 (.672 Winning %), Average Opponent Strength of schedule 14 with Kansas (1) with the toughest and Marshall (71) being the weakest.

Kansas St. - 37-22 (.627 Winning %), Average Opponent Strength of schedule 23 with Kansas (1) with the toughest schedule and North Texas (74) with the weakest.

Florida - 44-23 (.656 Winning %) Average Opponent Strength of schedule 49 with Kentucky (8) with the toughest schedule and Bowling Green (121) with the weakest.

Notre Dame- 37-26 (.587 Winning %) Average Opponent Strength of schedule 42 with Oklahoma (5) having the toughest schedule and Navy (118) having the weakest.

As I've crunched these numbers, I realized what's the point? Clearly Oklahoma State had the tougher schedule compared to Alabama last year. Yet, The Cowboys were left out in the cold for having the more brutal loss (Iowa State compared to LSU).

Other factors that have to be noticed is, how many if any survive the rest of this season undefeated? Kansas State and West Virginia will square off as well as South Carolina and Florida. Alabama still has LSU with time to recover from whatever humid funk the Tigers are in right now. Notre Dame still has games like Stanford, Oklahoma, and USC to survive. I wouldn't be shocked if they did run the table, but I don't think they'll be able to. Oregon still has Stanford, and possibly two matches with USC (including the Pac-12 Championship)

Here's what we know about the 2012 BCS Title Hunt....there's a possibility that 2 13-0 or 12-0 can get into this game. There's 7 teams battling for those spots. Until the next domino that falls (like LSU and Florida State last week), then we'll have a better idea as weeks go by.

Enjoy the ride, I know I am!!!

Nick Saban, You're Wrong On This One!

I maybe forever banned from my home state of Alabama for making this stand, but it comes with the territory.

Nick Saban recently voiced his opinion on no huddle offenses in yesterday's SEC Teleconference.

(from CBSSports.com)

"[The no-huddle]'s obviously created a tremendous advantage for the offense when teams are scoring 70 points and we're averaging 49.5 points a game," Saban said on an SEC coaches teleconference, as quoted by the Birmingham News. "With people that do those kinds of things, more and more people are going to do it.

"I just think there's got to be some sense of fairness in terms of asking, 'Is this what we want football to be?' "
But Saban wasn't just arguing against the no-huddle over its lack of "fairness" to the defenses -- he views it as a safety hazard as well.

"At some point in time, we should look at how fast we allow the game to go in terms of player safety," Saban said. "The team gets in the same formation group, you can't substitute defensive players, you go on a 14-, 16-, 18-play drive and they're snapping the ball as fast as you can go and you look out there and all your players are walking around and can't even get lined up.

"That's when guys have a much greater chance of getting hurt when they're not ready to play."

Let's look at the history of football in general. Wasn't it at one time that there wasn't even a forward pass during it's infant stages? Did the purists cry foul when the forward pass was adopted? I'm sure they did, and they probably said it gave the offense a leg up. Was it the same way when the spread offense or even the wildcat for that matter? Of course.

My point is, college football has evolved. It surprises me that the most elite coach in college football is expressing his displeasure about a strategy that is evolving in college football.

I can't say that I'm not surprised that Saban is not a fan of the no-huddle offense, the same offense that is used during a 2 minute drill. In the beginning of the 2009 National Championship game against Texas, Colt McCoy was gashing the Alabama defense before Marcel Dareus broke him in half. In the Ole Miss game this past Saturday, the defense seemed to have trouble with the no-huddle.

Nick Saban is the best coach in college football, what do the best usually do? They find a way to adapt. To play the "players could get hurt card" is like saying "we care about the well being of the student athlete", which we all know is complete crap.

Returning to Radio in 11 days

Okay okay, I just couldn't stay away from radio long enough. In 11 days I will be returning to radio Saturday, October 13th 2012 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Also, I just want to try out this mobile app I just downloaded. Sweet!

Replacement Ref outrage hits critical mass. Let's look at other factors

I have to admit, I didn't watch all of the Monday Night Football game last night. I also didn't want to be up until 2am watching it. You couldn't say the NFL replacement refs are horrible and can't do their job. You can say they're overwhelmed and not as efficient. The negotiations between the referee union and the NFL are now at a standoff. The refs can hold on and say "Look what you're doing to the product by being so uptight." The NFL can turn around and say "Look what your selfishness has done to our brand." I don't know which side will give, but Roger Goodell has had a bad run of publicity as of late.

Last night, the dissatisfaction with the replacement refs finally hit critical mass. Fueled by a controversial last play where Packers Defensive Back M.D. Jennings look to had intercepted a Hail Mary pass by Seahawks QB Russell Wilson. However, Seahawk WR Golden Tate tied up Jennings and was awarded the touchdown by the replacements which won them the game.

There's many things you can criticize in regards to that play. The positioning of the back judge where he got into position after the play had ended. The indecision of the side judge in the end zone to make a call. The confusion was obvious.

The plays I watched on SportsCenter that Matt Millen pointed out that were just as bad was a roughing the passer call that really wasn't roughing the passer, or a pass interference call against the Packers that should have been called on the Seahawks. So there's something in common in all three. The Packers defense got screwed over and over again last night.

Let me try and make you think, or you can fill in the holes that I missed last night because....I didn't watch the whole game.

How many points did the Green Bay Packers score last night? 12 right? 12 points against the Seahawks. Not to discredit the defensive performance of Seattle, but Green Bay has a Super Bowl winning QB who has lifted himself from the shadow of #4. If you want to say the refs screwed the Packers defense, then you have to also say the Packers offense screwed their defense by putting them in that situation to begin with.

Think about that and then fill in the holes that I missed.



It's all about the Integrity of The University of Arkansas.....Yeah About that

Jeff Long showed guts when he fired Bobby Petrino for lying about a bike ride with a mistress. So who would have knew months later that the fans are wanting him back. Here's a line from Jeff Long's press conference:

Coach Petrino's conduct regarding his account of the accident jeopardized the integrity of the football program.  He made a choice to return to practice on Tuesday, to hold a press conference, and to demonstrate his physical resiliency and command of his program, all the time failing to correct his initial report that he was the only person involved in the accident.  He made a conscious decision to speak and mislead the public on Tuesday.  In doing so, he negatively and adversely affected the reputation of the University of Arkansas and our football program.

Fast forward to today. John L Smith is the interim coach and Arkansas has become the punchline of college football. Now we come to the question that no one can truly answer. Which is more important in the south? Integrity of a University or a winning football program? There's a facebook page "Bring Back Bobby Petrino in 2013". It's still up in the air if Derek Dooley will survive this season at Tennessee, Joker Phillips is done and Gene Chizik is beginning to feel the heat at Auburn.

I agree with Paul Finebaum when he was on OTL on ESPN when he said (and I paraphrase) that John L Smith is responsible for the product on the field, but Jeff Long is responsible for putting him in that position. John L Smith has been nothing but a circus act. He was suppose to plug into the system that was already created by Petrino, yeah that didn't work. Firing John L Smith would only be more embarassing for this season and probably make Arkansas fans praying the Mayans were correct. Cut your losses for this season and get a hire that's going to put them back.



Hiring Bobby Petrino back at Arkansas answers the question that everyone already knew the answer to. A winning football program in the SEC is more important.

In honor of Lane Kiffin......

What a terrific day in sports......gotta go!



Visit Zijatakeover.com to find out about Zija products can do for you and opportunities that come. Also contact me at onthemarksradio@gmail.com for more info and a trial pack.

A way too early look into the 2012 BCS Title game fallout

We're into Week 3 of the College Football Season and a few of my predictions look to be in jeopardy. Florida is the JaMarcus Russell (college career not pro i.e. lucky as hell) of college football, USC fell to Stanford after the preseason accolades. If you've seen them play the 1st 2 weeks, you weren't impressed to begin with. Auburn takes Overtime to avoid an 0-3 start, Arkansas is already begging for Bobby Petrino to come back, and Kentucky is probably taking donations to pay Petrino's salary to bring him to Lexington.

What we always like to do, no matter how early, is look at how the BCS Championship chips could fall at the end. The question that lingers is "Could there be a rematch of the rematch?" i.e LSU vs. Alabama. As much to the chagrin of BCS Executives, the chances I could put it right now is 55%.

The SEC East can be won by anyone at this point, but it looks like LSU or Alabama would pound all of them to the ground. That already eliminates Georgia and South Carolina. So most likely, the SEC Champion will take 1 of the 2 spots.

What does that mean for the others? Right now, if you're an LSU or Alabama fan, you're rooting for Stanford, Oregon, Florida St, and Clemson to lose. West Virginia will drop a game (most likely Texas), Oklahoma will drop a game (they always do), Texas will drop a game (despite playing well at this point). Notre Dame, I don't think, will be able to run a gauntlet of Michigan, Stanford, Oklahoma, and USC in order to run the table, they're out.

Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Michigan were the Big Ten Teams that would have the best (and that's not much) shot at a BCS run. Nebraska is too far down the polls to run the table and get in.

So we're down to the teams that have a legitimate shot at running the table:

They are: Florida State, Clemson, Oregon, and Stanford. Let's break their schedule down to survivable losses. Survivable losses are based on schedule strength and LSU/Alabama having only one loss being the loser on November 3rd.

Those 4 teams lose and Alabama/LSU play another epic battle, we could have a repeat of last year's Championship again.

The DERP Files: Auburn fans jump through hoop, display stupidity while promoting positive image



I couldn't resist putting that photo up and will probably prompt the removal of me from my position by uptight humorless sychophants.

Dale Jackson, talk show host on WVNN, tweeted that a source had informed him a story was supposed to break in regards to Auburn:

@TheDaleJackson: Huge Cam Newton story breaking tomorrow... Kick ass. You heard it here first.

Now giving my experiences working with Mr Jackson, he is the master of what we kids like to call "The Troll". And I have to admit, it was hilarious to watch. As for sports journalist would cringe because they feel someone is trying to make an insult of their profession, lighten up.

You and I know that we see this on a daily basis. As for the tweet, if I had 100% trust in my source that it was factual, I would have done the same thing.

Auburn fans have had to endure the jokes and the accusations with no merit for nearly 2 years, I get that side of it. However, when you want to fight "the good fight", you seem to have the tendency to go full retard. Let's be honest.

Here's an example:

Phil McCrevis: ‏@kickbackmiami

@auburnfanatics @AUGoldmine @WarBlogle If you'd like to have an impact on @TheDaleJackson show call & complain to wvnn's sponsors regularly!

Now doing my research.....ah who am I kidding, working with Mr. Jackson as long as I have in the political environment, he has said many things and many people have tried to pressure his sponsors into getting him fired. Guess what, he still survived. An Attorney General tried to put him in jail for a prank that proved the excaserbation of ignorance and stupidity in our society, he failed.

"Okay Jason, but we got Scott Moore over a 97.7 The Zone fired for his accusations"

Removing Scott Moore from a radio station is like removing William Hung from a talent show. Sounds mean, but I'm just being honest.

The simplest thing to do was just laugh it off until the story developed to it's critical mass or just went away. But that's just too easy right?

Here's some brutal honesty for you. If you ever read a message board, comment page on al.com, or listened to Paul Finebaum, someone always says there is a bias and they're out to get their team. That is 3 examples of "going full retard".

The story in question turned out to be in regards to a $200 handshake between a Mississippi State booster and a DB prospect. The 7 on 7 coach in Nashville ratted them out. So noooooow Miss St wants to pay players....okay couldn't resist. The Trovon Robinson grade changing story in Memphis is still floating out there. It sounds, on the outside, like it's been resolved and Robinson has been ruled inelgible. We'll see if anything develops.

Back to the subject at hand. If there was a saying that "The only reason people continue to pick on you because of the way you react to it, they're probably going to continue." I'm a little different and just tell you you're acting stupid and just laugh at you when you act stupid. You hear me Never To Yield Foundation? The Al-Qaeda of college football? Yeah, I said it. In your eyes, you maybe fighting the fight for the greater good. In my eyes, you look like a bunch of fools. Again, there's a difference between promoting a positive image and presenting a positive image. Some Auburn fans, along with fans of other fan bases, can't seem to grasp that concept.

To me it looks like you're presenting a foolish image while trying to promote a positive image. So to the sane Auburn fans, I know they're out there, when you see one of your own going full retard, slap some sense in them, then you'll be presenting the positive image while promoting it as well.

War Eagle!



Notre Dame joins the ACC, football remains with NBC conference (we think)

Okay, so news broke today that Notre Dame was joining the ACC in 2015. Reading that news alone would render one of two reactions: 1) They were already in the Big East, and 2) It's about damn time.

There's one problem, everyone else but their football program are joining a conference. Football will remain Independent, a.k.a the Ralph Nader of college football. Let's be honest, this isn't exactly the glory days of the golden domers anymore. I get it and then I don't.

Notre Dame football has elected to keep their scheduled not tied to mandatory conference games, which if done right, can build a program to a national power, like the glory days. However, part of the agreement to keep Notre Dame pigskin out of the ACC is that they play 5 games annually against ACC opponents. So in order to not play 8 or 9 conference games in football, you will set aside 5 of your 12 games on your schedule for ACC games. Doesn't make much sense does it? The Irish played Purdue, Michigan St, and Michigan, USC, and Stanford annually. Will this new agreement change that? I could see one of the Big Ten games being axed. You're looking at 10 games on a schedule that could be considered insanity. The one positive is that if they can pull of 10 wins, they go to a BCS game. I'm sure NBC is happy about the fact they're still independent because Notre Dame would be tied to a TV contract with ESPN. Which might explain this whole keeping football independent debate.

I always thought that Notre Dame would be a perfect fit for the Big Ten, and not because their play is slow and horrible. It just made sense from a rivalry and geographical standpoint. There's nothing Atlantic or Coastal about this. Now going 12-0 on a schedule with 5 of the earlier mentioned teams and 5 ACC teams would leave no argument for a BCS Title game berth. However, would you be shocked if all of those 10 teams would be on the same schedule every year? I will give Notre Dame credit, I haven't seen an FCS prostitute school on their schedule ever, which is a very sore spot with me when it comes to the FCS teams. You could keep the earlier mentioned 5 and then play Maryland, Duke, Wake Forest, Florida St/Clemson, and Boston College (annual opponent).

There's no question the ACC is not as strong compared to the SEC or Big XII, which really should see this as a basketball move. With Pitt and Syracuse moving to ACC soon, the strongest basketball conference just got a whole lot stronger.

As I can understand the move and not understand it at the same time, Notre Dame will continue to get the ridicule of not being in a conference until they can run the table against a schedule as I mentioned earlier. The only way to shut up the naysayers is to join a conference or just beat the brains out of your opponents on an insane schedule. Erin Go Bragh!

So what is really going on with Auburn?

Let's see.....you've had the 4 players who robbed a trailer, a tragic shooting that happened at a pool party, giving up 500+ yards to Clemson, and then nearly 400 to Mississippi State. It's been a rough offseason for Auburn and it seems to trickle a little bit into the regular season. Probably not what you like to see or hear if you yell "War Eagle" in a gleeful tone.

As I've kind of taken a break and sat on the sidelines watching reports about off-the-field shenanigans, it seems the bug of scandal maybe trying to bite Auburn again.

Why does this keep coming up? We all remember the firestorm in regards to the Cam Newton case back in 2010. The sad part is, some have not been able to let it go. Face it, every school from Alabama, Auburn, Notre Dame, USC, Texas, Ohio St, Penn State, etc,  have been accused of cheating or some off the field antics and have been caught on some occassions.

As I've read into this Trovon Robinson story, from the text, it looks like it's a matter being investigated by the NCAA and seemed to be resolved by Auburn and the Memphis City School system.

I hear there is suppose to be a story that is coming out tomorrow that could shake the Auburn trees (okay bad phrase). I've reached out to some contacts in Auburn to see if I can find a trail. Will let you know if I get anywhere.

Today at Gene Chizik's press conference he stayed mum when asked about the NCAA's inquiry in Memphis in regards to Trovon Robinson. Usually it's clockwork that he would stay mum on questions like that and keep the focus on the upcoming game against a team that just beat Arkansas on their home turf.

That's understandable.

What troubles me is that Chizik is not the only one who is keeping tight lipped. Reading Kyle Veazey from the Memphis Commercial appeal. He indicates he has tried to reach out to Auburn on the inquiry and has had no response:

It was a question avoided. Here's another: Since Friday, The Commercial Appeal has been asking Auburn if it has received notice from the NCAA of an inquiry into its football program. Given the amount of NCAA activity that we've outlined in our pages over the past month, the question makes sense. All Auburn spokesman Kirk Sampson will say is this:
"We are are not going to discuss what the NCAA may or may not be doing in Memphis or elsewhere."
"Which, of course, does not answer the specific question -- whether Auburn has or has not received notice. I've continued to ask the question, either by email or phone message, to the compliance director, the athletic director, the university attorney, the university spokesman, the school president and two members of the board of trustees. No response, save for the university spokesman referring me to athletics. It's up to the schools themselves to acknowledge whether they've received such notices from the NCAA, a spokesperson for that organization confirmed to me Monday"

That usually raises a red flag, doesn't it? I could be, along with others, chasing another rabbit into an empty hole. You might be saying, "Well Jason, why are you wasting your time with this again?"

Good question. Now we get to the point of this post.

We've seen it with the recent yammering of Ralph Cindrich in regards to "Having something on Nick Saban" and saw how Alabama fans just basically fed the troll. Don't get me wrong. It was very entertaining.

But why was it entertaining? Because you can say just about anything and you can get a swarm of fans embarassing themselves in their raging idiocy. And I've seen it with many fan bases. The stories are going to come out, and people are going to make their accusations. It's going to happen whether you like it or not.

Now back to Auburn. The Never To Yield Foundation likes to take credit for outting Scott Moore and scorning Danny Sheridan for their recent stunts in the world of sports radio.

However, this has to be said and it's brutal honesty. There's a difference between assisting with the positive perception of an institution and a blantant terrorizing and going out for people's jobs. With this post, I could probably be in the gunsights of these fools because I'm not ALL IN with their message. However, I look at this from a lens that isn't crimson, white, orange, or navy. Do I think that Cam Newton was 100% innocent in regards to his case? No, I don't. Do I think that Auburn runs a program that would make God and Tim Tebow himself blush? No, I don't and that's the same for many institutions. However, if you can't prove it, don't try to. If you can prove it, bring it.

The moral of this story is......stop embarassing yourself. Never To Yield might need to yield before they start acting like a Democratic Economic terrorist group. I put them on the same level as Harvey Updyke. I dare you to dispute me. Until, let everything play out and go from there.

The OTM Crystal Ball for Week 2

Okay, I did say at one time that spreads are only good on toast and bagels. Well, I've decided to turn a new leaf and give a crack at it once again. I've never been good against the spread for as long as I've followed sports. However, most of what I've suspected so far this college football season has been correct. So I'll try and push my luck.

Auburn (+3) @ Mississippi St (-3)
A three point difference in this game. The Tigers travel to Starkville where they've had trouble in years past (even with Cam Newton) putting the ball in the end zone. Some believe this is the Bulldogs year to overtake the Tigers. Let's not get too hasty. Kihel Frazier showed some promise last week against Clemson, a few critical errors were what cost them. The defense is much improved despite getting shredded by Andre Ellington. I'm not sold on Tyler Russell at QB for Missis St, and that's the position that's been haunting them for years. Auburn had a disappointment last year against Utah State the week before State came to town, they came out victorious to many's surprise. I think Auburn will come away with this battle. Take Auburn +3

Purdue (+14) @ Notre Dame (-14)
It seemed everyone is salivating over Notre Dame's blowout of Navy in Dublin. It doesn't necessarily mean Notre Dame is back. Navy is not as good as they have been in the past. Despite Purdue's struggles in recent seasons, this team is full of veterans. An O-Line of JRs and SRs as well as QB, and an experienced defense. Plus, Notre Dame is still having QB issues. Notre Dame may win this game, but Purdue is going to give them fits. Take Purdue +14

Florida (+1) @ Texas A&M (-1)
Did I not say that Florida's defense was going to be awful this year? You're welcome. Now they travel to College Station where Texas A&M has had another week to prepare for the Gators. It will be interesting to see Texas A&M's offense looks against an SEC defense. The Aggies believe they benefit from the offensive style of play being less of an air attack in the SEC compared to the Big XII. Jeff Driskel has been named the starting QB for Florida, but that should give no Gator fan any confidence after last week. I like Texas A&M, with the energy of their historical SEC game, to turn the Gators into a suitcase. Take Texas A&M -1

USC (-26) @ Syracuse (+26)
Given that Syracuse gave up 40 points to a Big Ten medium in Northwestern, USC might be playing the 2nd string before halftime. USC may not drop 100, but they're going to clear this one easy, even if it's on the road. Take USC -26

Western Kentucky (+38) @ Alabama (-38)
Here's a math problem. What do you get when you add a pissed off Nick Saban and Western Kentucky players talking smack about hitting Alabama in the mouth? Probably a bloodbath of epic proportions. This isn't the same Western Kentucky of 5 years ago, but this isn't the same Alabama team of 5 years ago. Nick Saban wants to make a statement. Take Bama -38

Savannah State (+69) @ Florida St (-69)
Okay, getting 84 dropped on you by anybody is pretty embarassing. However, Florida State isn't going to do that, or at least on purpose. This will be another tune up game for the Seminoles just like Murray State. Take Murray State +69

Washington (+24) @ LSU (-24)
Watching Utah/Utah St and last week's win by Nevada over Cal, it's safe to say the Pac-12 is Oregon, USC, and those other guys. Washington is running into a buzzsaw, at night, in Baton Rouge. Despite Zach Mettenberger getting knocked around a little North Texas, Washington will have nothing to protect their QB or counter both sides of the ball. Take LSU -24

UTEP (+8.5) @ Ole Miss (-8.5)
After last week against Central Arkansas, Ole Miss save themselves from embarassment in the 2nd half. Here's the problem. They're taking on a team that held Oklahoma to 17 points. Yeah, I know it was a home game for UTEP, but Ole Miss is not Oklahoma and they've lost embarassing games at home before. If Ole Miss pulls off a win, it won't be by 9 points. Take UTEP +8.5

Georgia (-2) @ Mizzou (+2)
Georgia looked less than impressive against Buffalo and they're still without 4 defensive starters due to suspension. Missouri has the home field and an offense that could exploit Georgia's vulnerable secondary. Georgia has been notorious for starting slow the last few years. Missouri has alot of experience back on defense. I'm joining the trend of picking Mizzou as my upset of the week. Take Mizzou -2

Line provided by Team Rankings

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Nick Saban has mastered the game of chess

(courtesy, Don Kausler al.com)

Watching Nick Saban is like watching Michaelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel of college football. Some say that he is too hard on the media and then some say he has the media in his back pocket. Before you start saying I'm another son of Saban, just hear me out.

Nick Saban is only playing a game of chess with his players and he's using the press as his pawn. Some say he is not confident his team should be a national championship team. I disagree with that. He's only using the media to send a message to his players. Don't get complacent. Everyone is propping you up to the clouds, he's only knocking them back down to earth. Remember in 2009 when Alabama, coming off a national championship, was picked by most to win it again? What happened? They finished 9-3 in the regular season. With Western Kentucky coming up, he's only trying to keep his players hungry, and it's a brilliant chess play.

Before you start knocking Saban for blasting the media, he's only using them in the game of college football chess that he is mastered so well. You may like it or hate it, but you can't deny it.

Replacement Refs; New NCAA Helmet rule; The NFL and DNC

This new helmet rule by the NCAA has its good and bad sides. The good side is that it promotes safety for the players and actually forces them to properly fasten a helmet. The bad side is, it can now be used as a strategy to knock the helmet off of players, even impact players, for one play. Tajh Boyd had his helmet come loose 3 times in the Auburn game. It really didn't factor into the game by any means, but on a game changing drive it could. My point is, I understand the rule, but it can easily be exploited, and anyone would be smart to do so.

I find all of the conversations about the NFL referee situation kind of comical. Are the replacement referees bad? Yes. However, aren't we still going to complain about missed or blown calls with the good refs? I understand the players concerns about someone could get hurt in regards to missed penalty calls. Nevertheless, we still need referees to have a game. Eventually a deal is going to be done, Roger Goodell holds all the cards.

The National Democratic party is not as confident as Courage Wolf when it comes to President Obama making his acceptance speech at Bank of America stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers. Due to strong weather coming in Thursday, they moved it back to the Time Warner Arena, home of the Charlotte Bobcats. Rush Limbaugh said on his radio program that it maybe a ploy because they may not be able to pack out the 73,000 seat stadium. As easy as it is to come to that conclusion, I'll keep watch with an open eye. Watching the Convention has actually been comical. 

Exhibit A:;

You might be asking, why are you talking politics on a sports blog? Bear with me, watching this video reminded me of NFL referees. As much as we complain about the replacements, the professionals had their moments and this one reminded me of the platform vote:

The Time Warner Arena is the home of the Democratic National Convention, and giving the track record of the Charlotte Bobcats, the home team hasn't won that much lately. Democrats, I keed! But if you're bent out of shape over this paragraph send me your hate mail to onthemarksradio@gmail.com

Patience is a virtue for the Washington Nationals

Okay, I was wrong about the Washington Nationals, they stuck around to have one of the best records in the National League. With the conversations going on about a Stephen Strasburg shutdown, in order to protect his arm due to Tommy John surgery, I don't think the Nationals thought they would be in the hunt either.

I think it is a wise move. The Nationals do have depth in their rotation. They can compete in the playoffs with or without him. Why risk doing further injury to your golden child's arm for the sake of one season when the Nationals, who've drafted well and made some good off-season moves, can work on competing in the long road. If Strasburg gets hurts and the Nationals don't get a ring, then it was all for nothing, right?

With all of the money they're paying Strasburg, I think they'd like to have him around for more games in 2013 and years to come. Davey Johnson is making the right move.

What if they shut him down and Nationals miss the playoffs? 1) That probably won't happen 2) If they do, the only people that are going to be upset are the radicals fans in DC.

We expected Washington to be a better team this year, but some may have not expected them to be running away with the NL East.

Keep the arm healthy and strengthen it up more in the offseason and he'll be better than ever in 2013. No need to risk a career for the sake of one playoff run.

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