Sports

Before we get into this weeks post, you may ask two things. 1. Didn’t you post already? Enough’s enough! and 2. What happened to this week’s Heatin’ Up? Well, after a week of several exams and a paper due next week, I had to cancel on the guest this week (can you believe it? what a reversal of fortunes!). However, over the next couple of weeks, I have some interesting things planned. Also, there’s no Football Jesus pick this week because, well, it’s not Friday yet. More on that later.

In retrospect, I’m glad I only almost called for Richt’s head. His tenure has been, for the most part, phenomenal. How can one complain about routinely churning out 10-win seasons? Bold. I just want to see that Richt will turn it around. Lets see some emotion on the sideline. Lets see some passion. I hated him on the sideline against Tennessee. He looked too calm! He just shook his head at the scene at hand. I would have been furious, getting in guys faces. If a corner can’t play simple coverage, sit his ass on the bench and give someone else a shot. Which is kind of what I was going for in the title of my last post. We need to light a fire under this team to get them going (and also literally to Willie Martinez).

Once Richt gave up playcalling and Willie Martinez got his guys in play after two seasons as defensive coordinator, things went down hill. So it seems there might be a simple solution: change both of those aspects. As Hans pointed out in his comment, Richt led a fantastic offense at FSU and also won two SEC championships. Why he ever gave up the playcalling, I’m not sure. Granted, Coach Bobo has had a couple of good seasons with Stafford at the helm. But I’d still like to see Richt revert back to his roots because that is a proven method of winning SEC rings.

The thing about the SEC is this: the best teams do what they do well, and they don’t care about your gameplan. Urban Meyer runs the spread offense. Try and stop it. Nick Saban runs the ball down your throat with power football. Try and stop it. Les Miles goes for it on fourth down. Try and stop it. Lane Kiffin has one of the most vaulted defenses in the SEC (which will only improve to ungodly levels, just look at his recruiting class). Try and stop it. They also have 4 of the top 5 defenses in the SEC. Defense and a strong will offensively win the SEC. Right now, and for the last couple of seasons, those attributes have not described the Red and Black.

With that said, lets get to the lines. Last week I went 5-2 (bringing the record to 18-9 ATS) missing Auburn and Georgia. I really shouldn’t count Georgia because I’m always going to take them, unless advised by people who know more than I. From now on, there will be an asterisk by the Georgia game which signifies that I am a 100% homer and you should in no way take the pick seriously.

The SEC opener should be a thriller when UAB visits Ole Miss. Quite the let down in Oxford from last week, don’t you think? Ole Miss needs a rebound. Usually, I’d look at the next game and decide whether the team might be peeking ahead*, however, I think Houston Nutt is too good a coach for that and will have his troops fired up. Ole Miss -22

*Note: even I am peeking ahead for next weeks picks. This might be the most boring week of SEC football ever. Does that mean I’m in for a let down? Probably. But lets get to the relevance of the title. Last week was my lowest as a Georgia fan. This SEC week is awful. Next week, Georgia has a bye week (probably why next week looks so great) and on the 31st, we get Florida. (Side note: I was going to add, “Enough said.” but wouldn’t that then be more than enough?)

You may notice this post is a day early. Well, I happen to be traveling to Kentucky this week in an attempt to comatose for the rest of the month. So, I really want to pick Kentucky this week. I really do. A big road win would certainly help accomplish my goal. And Auburn could definitely be looking ahead to LSU. I’ve seen a lot of “selling my Kentucky ticket” facebook status’ circa week 3 and it’s an early game. However, UK is missing their top corner again, they’re also missing their starting QB and Auburn has something to prove after last week’s disappointment in Fayetteville. Plus, it’s Big Blue Madness in Lexington. Even the football players don’t want to miss this. Tigers -13.

I think Nick Saban bets on his team to cover every single game. They are a covering machine. It won’t stop now. Alabama -17.

The only semi-interesting matchup this week is Arkansas traveling to the Swamp. The poor Hogs have faced an undefeated team every single week this season (even week 1!). It just doesn’t stop. This team must be so mentally beat up at this point. They struggled mightily against the only good defense they’ve played in Alabama and now face a defense that might actually be better. I’ll take Florida -22

Now for the real thriller: Mississippi State and Mid-Tennessee State. Believe it folks. What you may not believe, is that the line is only Mississippi -4. This is a lose lose situation for Dan Mullen. I stopped believing in the other Bulldogs last week and it paid off. Dare I try it again? I can’t believe I’m typing this but Mid Tennessee +4.

Finally, Georgia and Vandy. Two teams that failed to score a touchdown last week. Should be a barnburner. I don’t even know what to say about this Georgia team. They have no identity, discipline or motivation. But, I really don’t think Vandy is talented enough to score enough to win this one. But neither was Crompton. Whatever, Georgia -8****************************

High hand scanner of the week – 64

Low hand scanner of the week – 3

Until next time, Ball Hard.