The mood for the trip to California was set in stone before the plane ever left Alabama. "Guys, this is a business trip," would have been the mantra.
From the time the plane touched down, everything was scripted, planed and Sabanesque. No walking through an airport like rock stars, the bus picked them up at the tarmac and drove them straight to a hotel where fans were kept at bay by security.
Halls at the hotel were blocks and everything was bundled so coaches and players were all together and everything could be watched.
The practice field wasn't to Saban's liking and was changed from Orange Coast College to a high school across the street where they had real grass instead of astro turf and more room to spread out.
Saban must have grumbled over the lack of privacy even there and temporary fences were installed with view blockers, but anyone who wanted to see what was going on badly enough certainly could.
After the first practice, the team came back to the hotel, showered, cleaned up and got to enjoy a few short hours at Disneyland while their coach did press interviews and played nice to the press and tried to act as if he were enjoying himself posing with a girl in a smelly rat suit and bow tie.
He even poked fun of himself when he was asked if he was having fun. He said he has fun at practice but yes, he appreciates the trouble everyone went to trying to arrange some fun and put on his best fake smile to show he was trying to have fun.
For the players, being at Disney was not much more fun than what Saban went through. First of all the time was far too short and the fans mobbed them everywhere they went. But still, this was Disneyland and it was perhaps a little needed distraction for while.
This BCS game actually has less "party and social activities" than other bowls. In a sense it reflects what coaches are trying to impart on their teams, this is a serious game for serious people for serious stakes.
Players like Rolando McClain kept it all in perspective when he said, "I've got the rest of my life to party, but this is the one and only chance I'll ever have to play for a college championship."
If all the players feel like that, the Tide won't come out flat footed as they did last year in the Sugar Bowl.
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Nick Saban has to be excited about his team playing the Ole Ball Coach and his South Carolina Gamecocks this week for Homecoming.
It is the perfect scenario for Saban and his coaching staff.
Homecoming week is typically filled with tons of off-field distractions, and usually this leads to teams playing whichever high school is available at the time. However for a team like this year’s Alabama team, the No. 22 Gamecocks are a much better date.
This Alabama team is about bettering themselves every week, playing to be the best, and staying focused. That mentality is better suited to have a ranked conference opponent as a homecoming date instead of an FCS opponent.
For more reasons than just staying focused, having a Steve Spurrier team to play for homecoming is a very good thing.
Steve may not be the same guy that was funning and gunning his way through the SEC in the '90s, but he still garners national attention. His South Carolina team is more than capable of pulling the upset if Alabama takes them lightly, and everyone is well aware of this.
More importantly, this game is a recruiting dream come true. To have a nationally televised game for homecoming will be an atmosphere like none other.
John Fulton is the only big uncommitted recruit coming this week, but he is still enough to make this a recruiting dream. To have a top-level recruit on campus for homecoming to witness Alabama destroy a ranked South Carolina team that is Alabama's only real competition for his signature has to make Nick smile.
Every game day atmosphere across the SEC is special, but homecoming at Tuscaloosa is a whole different animal. Joe Namath, Ozzie Newsome, Leroy Jordan, Bart Starr, and Gene Stallings are all regulars on homecoming week. Imagine having that lineup to show off to recruits and a nationally televised audience.
This will be a special game for Alabama as it still fights for recognition and to come out of the shadow of Florida, so to have Steve Spurrier as your date who can still turn some heads and draw you attention is the hottest date in town.
So stay focused, Crimson Tide, and play a complete game—Steve is one date that you don't want to get lucky!
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In a day gone by this matchup between Steve Spurrier and Nick Saban would have been a classic showdown between two coaches at the top of their game.
For all intents and purposes, Steve Spurrier was the Nick Saban of the 1990s. He was one of the hottest names in college football, and he and his Florida Gators terrorized the SEC for most of a decade.
When he arrived in Gainesville to take over the reins at the University of Florida, there really wasn't much hoopla from the rest of the SEC. Spurrier was known for running some kinda gadget offense call, Fun and Gun?
It sounded like something from another planet to SEC fans, and everyone was sure the Fun and Gun would just be one and done in the SEC.
It wasn't long before SEC fans realized just how wrong they had been. Within a few years Florida was making the rest of the teams in the SEC look like they were running in slow motion.
| Championships | |
|---|---|
| 1996 National Championship 1989 ACC Championship 1991 SEC Championship 1993 SEC Championship 1994 SEC Championship 1995 SEC Championship 1996 SEC Championship 2000 SEC Championship |
|
| Awards | |
| As a Coach 1988 ACC Coach of the Year 1989 ACC Coach of the Year 1990 SEC Coach of the Year 1991 SEC Coach of the Year 1994 SEC Coach of the Year 1995 SEC Coach of the Year 1996 SEC Coach of the Year 2005 SEC Coach of the Year |
|
Spurrier and his Gators won the SEC championship in his second year. He then proceeded to win five out of six SEC Championships.
The Gators actually won the SEC Championship in Spurrier's first year as well, but were ineligible due to NCAA sanctions.
His only miss in the following five years was in 1992 when the soon to be National Champions, Alabama Crimson Tide, edged out the Gators in the inaugural SEC Championship Game that was, at that time, held in Birmingham, Al.
That was just a bump in the road for Spurrier as the Gators went on to win the next four in a row, which culminated with Florida winning its first National Championship in 1996.
Spurrier was arrogant and cocky back then, but he could back up almost everything he said on the football field on Saturday. He was probably the most hated rival coach in NCAA football.
Nick Saban splashed on the SEC scene in much the same way Spurrier did some 10 years earlier.
Saban came to LSU form Michigan State, and pretty much took the SEC by storm the same way Spurrier did at Florida. The only difference was that it only took Saban three years to win his first National Championship, instead of taking six years like Spurrier.
Spurrier and Nick Saban have something else in common, they both left their successful situations to try their hand in the NFL. Both men's formula for success in college football did not translate to success in professional football.
You see, their real talent was in convincing great athletes to come and play for them, and in the NFL your hands are tied and someone else decides who plays on your team, not you.
Spurrier had been one of the hottest names since he returned to NCAA football. He was rumored to be courted by almost every team in the SEC, at one time or another, after he left the Washington Redskins in 2003.
He chose the University of South Carolina for his return to greatness, and after almost five years, he now seems to be only a shadow of his former self.
He was voted the SEC Coach of the Year in 2005, but failed to capitalize on that as the Gamecocks show little sign of improvement in the years to follow.
Spurrier's Gamecocks have lost at least five games every season under Spurrier, and have a less than impressive 15-17 record in SEC play.
The one thing Spurrier has done at USC is upset some pretty good teams.
He has upset almost every decent team in the SEC at one time or another, and now his sites are set on No.2 Alabama.
Nick Saban's story has been completely the opposite of Spurrier's since his return to college football in 2006.
He has taken the Alabama Crimson Tide from the outhouse to the penthouse in three short years, and is now staring straight down his sites at his second possible National Championship.
He also was named National Coach of the Year, and has parlayed that into a back to back No. 1 recruiting classes, and a football program that is now on the verge of greatness.
Saban has acquired the affectionate nickname the "Sabanator" by some Alabama fans, due to his unintentional knack of ending many former SEC coaches coaching careers.
Saban's next obstacle between him and his Alabama team's shot at history is Spurrier's South Carolina Gamecocks.
The Head Ball Coach will square off with the "Sabanator" at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Oct. 17 at 6:30 CST in a nationally televised game on ESPN.
It will be Spurrier's offense against Saban's defense.
It will be Spurrier's knack for being a giant killer, against Saban's ability keep his team focused and on an even keel.
South Carolina is 5-1 with their only loss to Georgia coming in the last minutes of the game.
Alabama is 6-0 but hasn't faced a team with a better defense than South Carolina's.
The key to this game, in my opinion, is whether Alabama's defense can hold the Gamecocks offense under 20 points.
This will be key, because I expect the Gamecocks to try and limit Alabama's offense to less than 30 points.
Turnovers will be important, and the winner of the turnover battle should win this game.
Touchdowns will be hard to come by due to both teams great defenses.
South Carolina's passing defense is ranked No. 6 in the country, and Alabama's defense in ranked No. 2 in the nation in total defense.
To give you an idea of just how good the Gamecocks' passing defense is, they are ranked ahead of Alabama's passing defense, and the Crimson Tides' pass defense ain't bad!
With all that said:
I know Alabama must be getting tired, but they have to find a way to dig deep enough to beat the Gamecocks if they intend to continue their march to Atlanta and play in the SECCG.
No.2 Alabama 30
South Carolina 20
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I'm from Texas and I wear Texas orange and white just like all the rest of you who are utterly disgusted by my article's title.
However, I'm a sportswriter first and as a sportswriter, I have to agree with Texas being placed at number three in the rankings. I'm not surprised by the flipping of Alabama and Texas at all.
First off, who has Texas beaten worth mentioning? Texas Tech? Please, they should have rubbed it in by 20 points. Tech didn't have Michael Crabtree or Graham Harrell attacking Texas this time. Texas didn't truly avenge the last second loss of last year in my eyes.
UTEP, Louisiana-Monroe, Colorado, and Wyoming?
I'm sorry. I must have dozed off for a minute. What was I talking about?
What else is there? Hmmm... how about the fact that the Longhorns aren't showing the same spark as last year.
Just watching Colt McCoy last year was wonderful. He had eight interceptions over the entire year, but he already has six this year.
The Longhorns are winning little games with big errors along the way. How is a team that is supposed to win the National Championship supposed to play?
The return game is excellent, defense is great, but offensively, I don't see anyone who is really being a star other than Jordan Shipley.
Off the top of my head, the only offensive player the Longhorns lost was Quan Cosby. I'm sorry, but this team should be lazy because of his absence.
I said it and I mean it. They almost look lazy out there at times. They act as if the National Championship will be handed to them, and I expected the exact opposite. I expected them to come out with a chip on their shoulders the size of Mount Rushmore.
They haven't impressed me this season. Maybe they can really show how good they are against the Sooners this Saturday.
Now, what about Alabama?
The Tide is as high as a tsunami, and I think it won't crash very soon. This Alabama team is just amazing. Nick Saban knows how to play college football, and he's good at teaching it.
The Tide, in the first week of the season, took out Virginia Tech with a score of 34-24. Now, ten points in Texas' case was not a lot, but in Alabama's it was because Virginia Tech is still ranked fourth in the nation, and Alabama beat them week one.
Again, week one! The first week of the season is supposed to be tune-up games for big schools. They want to put their team against an inferior group, and blow them out of the water to build confidence in the players and to see what errors need to be corrected before they face the big competition.
Oklahoma decided to be cocky and took on Brigham Young and lost Sam Bradford and the game in the process because they weren't gelling.
However, Nick Saban had his team better prepared than Bob Stoops, and despite having a brand new quarterback and running back, the Tide still defeated a very good team.
Then, this past Saturday, the Tide really impressed me. I finally had one of their games come on my TV, and I made sure to watch it.
Alabama versus Ole Miss. Supposed to be a great game with great rivals. The Rebels had lost the previous five meetings by a combined total of 13 points.
The idea was that this would be the year they got it done because eventually Alabama is going to lose of those close games. All Ole Miss needed in those situations were a first down here, a stop here or a little more time on the clock. They were those kind of games, so I sat down and waited.
The first quarter was almost up before the Tide scored on a 25 yard field goal. It was a game where you were constantly wondering when the big play was going to happen.
This is college ball, the big play is supposed to happen. The ridiculous 89 yard touchdown run or the great inbounds catch by the wide receiver. The game looked almost like an NFL game for a bit because of how hard it looked for the offenses to get anything going.
Greg McElroy looked okay, but he was inaccurate and inconsistent at times. Mark Ingram was the offense, and you can't win a game with a running back alone. You need help from the defense or quarterback.
The Tide defense was incredible; holding Ole Miss to negative rushing yards in the first half. Ole Miss's lead rusher was the quarterback Jevan Snead with 44 yards.
How sad is that?
The Tide dominated the Rebels from start to finish, and held them to three points in a 22-3 win.
So much for those close game predictions.
Ole Miss is a very good team, and the Tide won it easily in the end with five turnovers, four interceptions and a fumble recovery.
My eyes don't deceive me nor does the fact that I was born a Texan blind me. The Tide is a better football team than Texas right now. Texas needs to step up and show its true might against Oklahoma, who will be out to ruin their season since they have no real chance at the National Title.
Until then, Alabama deserves its number two ranking, and if Florida had not beaten LSU, but some other medium team, I'd want Alabama at number one.
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The latest installment of the Alabama Football Notebook takes at look at the Crimson Tide defense and special teams, following a 22-3 win at No. 20 Mississippi last Saturday afternoon in Oxford. The Tide defense forced five turnovers in the win over the Rebels, while the special teams blocked one punt and got five field goals from senior kicker Leigh Tiffin. The UA defense and special teams are highlighted each Wednesday on RollTide.com.Related posts
We are at the halfway point of the college football season, and it has been a fun ride so far. I finished last week with a record of 5-3.
I admit that I have progressively gotten worse as the season has advanced, but I feel confident that I can rebound with this week’s slate of games.
For the season I am 40-10 picking the SEC. Let’s see how things looked over the past weekend.
Week Six Recap
• The Arkansas game turned out somewhat like I expected. Auburn was unable to get enough pressure on the pass rush to hinder the Hogs’ passing attack. I predicted a much closer game with a score of 38-34 in favor of the Razorbacks, but they won by a larger margin of 44-23.
• Alabama once again proved that defense can, and usually does win the game. Ole Miss learned that this is not the season they had anticipated.
The Crimson Tide literally took this one away from the Rebels, along with five turnovers, and won by the final of 22-3. I predicted the Tide to win 34-21.
• Either Tennessee had an awakening against UGA, or the Bulldogs have packed it in for the season. I thought that Mark Richt would have the Dawgs ready to bite Smokey, but UT ran all over the boys from Athens.
The final was 45-19. I predicted UGA to win 27-14.
• Houston is not playing like the same team that knocked off Oklahoma State earlier this season, but they played good enough to beat Mississippi State.
The final score was 31-24, a valiant effort by the Bulldogs. I had the Cougars winning 28-20.
• South Carolina managed to defend the two point conversion attempt by Kentucky late in the fourth quarter, and that made all the difference as the Gamecocks held on to win 28-26. I had Spurrier’s bunch winning 31-17.
• Vanderbilt managed to take the game to overtime against Army, but in the end the Knights were just too much. Although I had Vandy winning 14-13, they lost by a field goal in overtime, 16-13.
• LSU was nearly shut out by the defending national champion Florida Gators this past Saturday in the Game of the Week, which was very uncharacteristic of the Tigers in their home stadium, particularly on a Saturday night under the lights.
Tim Tebow made his return, managed the game in an un-Gator-like performance, only scoring one touchdown and a total of a mere 13 points.
Had someone told me prior to the game Florida will only score 13 points I would have surely thought LSU would win this one in Death Valley.
The final was 13-3 in favor of the Gators, when I had LSU winning 21-20.
Week Six Summary
Two unbeatens fell this past weekend, Auburn and LSU. That leaves Alabama at the top of the SEC West. With the Florida win they remain unbeaten as well. Florida and Alabama are now ranked No. 1 and 2 in the AP Poll.
My closest game of the week was the Mississippi State game. I picked Houston by eight points in a 28-20 victory, but they actually won by 7 points, 31-24.
My most lop-sided loss of the season came when UGA laid an egg against UT. I did not see that one coming at all. Well, let’s move on to…
Week Seven Picks
The SEC has two teams sitting out this week: LSU 5-1 (3-1) and Tennessee 3-3 (1-2)
Kentucky 2-3 (0-3) at Auburn 5-1 (2-1)
After spending the past two weekends on the road, Auburn comes home for a battle against the Kentucky Wildcats. Pat Dye Field will be a warm welcoming for a team that has far succeeded expectations this season.
Now, I don’ think anyone expected the Tigers to go undefeated this season. Their lack of pressure on defense was exploited by the Razorbacks, but their willingness to buy into the Chizik plan for success has been the difference between this season and the ’08 campaign that was horrendous.
Look for the Tigers to rebound and fair well in this cat fight.
Kentucky has faced some tough opposition so far this season, standing off against what is considered three of the SEC’s best defenses in as many weeks. They will be prepared for an Auburn defense that has given up a lot of points and yards so far this season.
To be honest, I thought UK was through after the ‘Bama loss. But they fought hard against the Gamecocks in an effort to gain UK’s first ever win over Spurrier. I think they’ll fight hard this week as well.
Will it be enough for the ‘Cats to pull out the win? I don’t think it will.
Auburn should have very few problems with Wildcats this weekend.
Prediction: Auburn 31, Kentucky 21
Arkansas 3-2 (1-2) at No. 1 Florida 5-0 (3-0)
Arkansas got their first SEC victory of the season last weekend as the hosted Auburn. This high flying offense was clicking on all cylinders, as was special teams and defense for most of the game.
They hardly looked like a team that had gotten blown out by Alabama two weeks earlier. In fact, they looked like they could matchup with anyone.
Florida went into the dangerous Death Valley and escaped with a very impressive defensive display and 10-point win.
So far this season they are giving up 6.4 points per game. The question is, can they maintain that stout defense against what might be the most lethal passing and overall offensive attack in the SEC?
Arkansas is averaging 37.4 points per game this year and have scored at least 41 points in every game except the ‘Bama game. The problem for Arkansas is this: Florida is averaging 39 points per game. So, what will happen in the swamp this Saturday afternoon?
I expect a defensive domination from the Gators, and a offense running scared from the Razorbacks.
Prediction: Florida 40, Arkansas 14
Georgia 3-3 (2-2) at Vanderbilt 2-4 (0-3)
Georgia simply looked like they didn’t show up last week. Now, that could be attributed to the improvement of the Vols, or it could be the let down from how the season has turned out.
I personally think that going on the road following such a heart-breaker the previous week was too much for the Dawgs.
Vanderbilt lost a close one against Army. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but Vandy is playing some tough football this season. A win this weekend would be huge for the ‘Dores, and would give them their first SEC win of the season.
Do I think Vanderbilt can pull it off? No, not really. Even as deflated as UGA may be, Vandy cannot handle them.
Prediction: UGA 28, Vandy 10
UAB 2-3 (2-1) at Mississippi 3-2 (1-2)
I have personally seen the UAB Blazers play this season, and there is one thing for sure that I know: Joe Webb is a dangerous quarterback who can beat you through the air and on the ground. Ole Miss better not take him lightly.
The Rebels were looking to upset ‘Bama and get back into the hunt for the SEC West Title, but those hopes were crushed as they managed only a 49-yard field goal. After not converting a first down the entire first half and failing on every third down attempt for the entire game, I think the Rebels will come out swinging in an attempt to regain some pride.
Prediction: Ole Miss 30, UAB 10
Mississippi State 2-4 (1-2) at Middle Tennessee State 3-2 (1-1)
The Bulldogs of Mississippi State have come up just short in the last three games. On a positive note, they are looking more consistent this season than they have in a while. I think things are changing in Starkville.
Will they ever be a contender? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure though, the opportunity is there this weekend for them to climb back closer to that .500 mark.
Middle Tennessee State is having a pretty good season so far. In their three wins they have scored at least 30 points. In their two losses they have failed to score more than 14.
I see them somewhere in the middle, but not enough to get it done this weekend.
Prediction: MSU 30, MTSU 20
Game of the Week: No. 22 South Carolina 5-1 (2-1) at No. 2 Alabama 6-0 (3-0)
I have one name that all offenses should fear this season: Norwood.
The man is a beast. Along with Cliff Matthews, Eric Norwood is largely responsible for why South Carolina is only a few points away from entering this game undefeated.
I think the Gamecock defense could give McElroy more trouble than he has ever faced in his career if they are playing up to their level of ability.
On the other side of the ball, the offensive mastermind himself has even struggled to get points on the board at times. Don’t be fooled though, Spurrier has a record of sneaking up on teams he is not supposed to beat. And he is no stranger to Alabama, nor is he afraid of the Tide.
Someone should have told the Crimson Tide you don’t schedule Steve Spurrier’s team for homecoming!
Alabama is clicking on all cylinders right now. Sure they struggled to close out drives last week, having to settle for five field goals, but they were facing a pretty stiff defense that was determined to carry the load the offense was laying upon them.
I give a lot of credit to the Rebels defense for withstanding all they did.
Mark Ingram appears to be gathering speed, confidence, and every other thing needed to run straight through the SEC competition this season. Look for him to make some memories in what should be a happy homecoming for the Crimson Tide.
And don’t forget about the defense. Thanks to McClain and company, ‘Bama is slowly crushing the dreams of every opponent they face. I foresee more of that when this chilly night draws to a close Saturday.
Prediction: ‘Bama 27, USC 10
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New Alabama basketball coach, Anthony Grant, sat down with the media for a few minutes this week to discuss the upcoming season for the Crimson Tide. Among the bullet points: Alabama's up-tempo style of play. Off-season conditioning progress Upgrades to Coleman Coliseum. Expectations for this season The point guard position, new comers, and the loss of ...Related posts
Since the SEC started having a conference playoff in 1992, no two teams have faced each other more than Florida and Alabama.
Each has parlayed a win against the other into a national championship.
While Florida hopes to repeat as back to back National Championship winners, Alabama hopes to complete the journey back this year.
For Alabama, it has been far too long since being fitted for that 12th ring. The 13th has been an unlucky number to try and attain.
But before Alabama can ever try for another National Championship, it must go through Florida to make the attempt. And that is a tall order for any team.
The last time Alabama beat Florida was in 2005. It was such a joyous occasion the players stayed out on the field, not wanting to leave. They stood and sang "Rammer Jammer" and "Yea Alabama" with the fans.
There are still some players who were part of that team and still remember the feeling. Will they do again this year?
Many think Alabama may be the best team in the nation right now, but many of those same people thought Alabama would beat Utah in the Sugar Bowl too.
For Florida, many think they are the best team in the nation. Some have already anointed them as the SEC Champion.
Certainly they have the talent and coaching staff to pull it off, but can they beat a sense of complacency that could bite them?
Many think that the sounds you'll hear blasting as you file out of the Georgia Dome will be something sounding like this.
This game, will ultimately be decided by the same rules that led both these teams to this site with all of their other wins. Whoever wants it more will win it.
These two teams are like two well-known prize fighters lining up once again for battle in a match to decide the championship.
Have a seat and get a snack, this one could go all 15 rounds.
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The Iowa Hawkeyes continued their unbeaten ways last week by defeating Michigan.
Previously undefeated Auburn, LSU, and Wisconsin were not so fortunate.
The third Saturday in October is often seen as the true midpoint of the college football season. Rare is the team that can lose from this point on and still win a championship.
There are several games this week of national importance.
Baby's Losers
1. Texas vs. Oklahoma in Dallas
With Sam Bradford back in the fold, the Sooners' aerial circus could chew up the less than stellar Longhorn pass defense. This could be a superb battle.
Baby's Loser (close): Oklahoma
2. Southern California @ Notre Dame
Typically one of the most anticipated matchups of the television schedule. Is it time for Jimmy Clausen and the Irish to crash into the BCS party?
Baby's Loser: Notre Dame
3. Iowa @ Wisconsin
The undefeated Hawkeyes are making a real case for being in the BCS title game and would be a formidable opponent. Wisconsin is in a must-win situation.
Baby's Loser (in an upset special): Iowa
4. Mississippi State @ Middle Tennessee State
In the past 30 years few people in college football have been able to match the reputation and accomplishments of Blue Raider coach Rick Stockstill. Dan Mullen has the answers.
Baby's Loser (close): MTSU
5. Texas Tech @ Nebraska
The Red Raiders have remained competitive all season and will give the powerful Cornhuskers all they care to handle. Should be an entertaining game to watch.
Baby's Loser: Texas Tech
6. Virginia @ Maryland
All signs point to the losing coach being relieved of his job at the end of the season. This match is as serious business as it gets in real life.
Baby's Loser (close): Maryland
7. Washington @ Arizona State
The Huskies are the darling of the nation and their comeback season is one of the great stories. Now, meet Dennis Erickson and your destiny in the desert.
Baby's Loser: Washington
Saturday's Tough One
8. Memphis @ Southern Mississippi
Tiger coach Tommy West is rumored to be out at season's end. When he was released at Clemson in '98 he was replaced by Tommy Bowden. Déjà vu?
Baby's Loser: Memphis
Game of the Week
9. Virginia Tech @ Georgia Tech
This game will go a long way in determining who from the ACC will be in the Orange Bowl and who will be in the Peach Bowl. The Yellow Jackets have everything it takes to defeat the Hokies in what should be the best game of the day.
Baby's Loser (in a mild surprise): Virginia Tech
Baby Tate went 6-3 last week, missing Georgia, LSU, and Auburn. For the year, his record is 38-16.
9-0: RunTellMatt.
8-1: 12, Michael C., Dan Boone, Kent, Sean, and Michael O.
7-2: Illya, Alex F., Trey J., Bill, Ben, Kevin M., Blake, Gil, Scott R., Taylor, and Tyler S.
6-3: Brad, Ronnie, Red Raider, Daniel H., Brandon H., Tom O., Cliff, Robert, Andrew, Kevin B., Carl T., Michael M., Tyler L., Ryan R., and Josh M.
5-4: Tim C., Tim P., GaDawg, Tony O., HD, 007, Southern Man, Dan Scofield, Drew M., Matt, Connor, Chris C., Kyle, Brandon E., Walker, and Robert N.
Below the Mendoza Line for Baby's Losers: Josh, Kimberley, and Jim.
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The stretch run for the Crimson Tide of Alabama is fraught with pitfalls in the form of top rated SEC teams. Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, LSU, Mississippi State, and Auburn are all capable teams. Yes, some of those teams pose far more threat than others. Still though, in the rough and tumble SEC, all are capable of pulling an upset.
Every week the Tide manages to make its way through its schedule without a blemish on its record from here on out, will only add to the desire of the teams remaining on their schedule to knock them from the ranks of the unbeaten.
The Rebels have struggled at times this year but it would be a mistake not to take them seriously. They have an offense capable of being very explosive though it's yet to show it this season. This would be the type game that would be ideal for them to get on track. Their defensive front on the other hand has shown the ability all season to cause problems for teams, particularly in the passing game.
The Rebels have lost five straight to the Tide but the last four games have all been extremely close with two of them being settled on the games final play. Only last year's game was settled by more than three points with the Tide taking a four point victory.
USC East on the other hand has shown the ability to score points at times this year. Quarterback Stephen Garcia is having perhaps his best season as a Gamecock. It is the South Carolina defense however that puts the fear of God in opposing quarterbacks. They're led by linebacker Eric Norwood and his six sacks for 41 yards in losses to go along with two interceptions.
The Tennessee Volunteers are more about their defensive scheme than individual players. Led by defensive guru Monte Kiffin, the Tide can expect to face a high quality defensive game plan when the third Saturday in October rolls around. Yes Eric Berry is a great individual player but without the senior Kiffin's game planning, Berry would be seen as less of a threat by most SEC teams
The Volunteers rushing game would have to come up with its best game of the season to produce any hope of the Volunteers besting the Tide. Depending on it's passing game against Alabama probably won't be a viable option.
Fail to come up with answers and the Vols are likely to lose their third game in a row to the Tide, and four out of the last 5 in this series.
The Bengal Tigers are an incredibly talented team. Probably the most talented team Alabama will have played to that point in the season and possibly all season long. Yes the Tigers have struggled a bit at times this season but each game gives them a bit more confidence.
By the time their matchup with the Tide rolls around this one could be for all the marbles in the SEC West.
Mississippi State knew coming into this season that this would be a rebuilding year with an entirely new coaching staff bringing in a completely new style of play on both sides of the ball. Running a spread option run/pass type offense with west coast offensive talent has made for stagnant production at times this season.
Still, on any given Saturday...
Which leaves the Auburn Tigers. Gene Chizik has proved to all doubters this season, myself included, that with the right staff backing him up he is indeed a capable head coach. The hiring of Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator is proving a very smooth move on the part of Chizik. The Tigers offense has done a complete 180 degree turn under Malzahn's tutelage.
With Arkansas, LSU, Ole Miss, and Alabama still on their schedule, the Tigers depth on the defensive side of things will likely play a huge roll in how they finish up. Against the Tide they shouldn't have to worry about another shut out in this years version of the Iron Bowl.
Without significant improvement on the defensive side of things they are likely to see an equally strong Tide offense put up enough points to force them into having to win a shootout.
Though the Tide is obviously the most well rounded team in the SEC West right now that doesn't mean they're unbeatable. They will have to play focused football the remainder of the way through the season to have a chance to head to Atlanta unbeaten.
Playing down to the level of their opponents as they've done at times in past seasons could cost them. Areas of their play that will need improvement for them to head to Atlanta unbeaten include kick off coverage, and run blocking just to name a couple.
Of course they could suffer a loss or miss going to Atlanta all together. That's why they play them on the field and with slightly more than half a season to go, nothing has been decided yet.
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