Mrs. Wilkie and the Iron Bowl

(Photo courtesy trackemtigers.com)

OK, first of all, in case our faithful readers did not know, Jon Nelson - founder and president of OSG Sports Media - got married over the weekend (which is why OSG was a little silent - we were all at the wedding festivities).

I tell you this to set up one of the funniest moments of the weekend.

Brother Wilkie, Mrs. Wilkie, and I were standing at the reception, admiring all of the Auburn fans in attendance. Brother Jon's wife is a HUGE supporter of the Atlanta Auburn Club, and I think the entire town of Ozark, AL was there for the wedding. The reception band came all the way up from Auburn, Alabama.

They even played War Eagle during the reception, and worked it into the wedding processional. I'm not lying, Auburn was in the house! Brother Jon is a diehard FSU fan, and did have a flaming spear on top of his groom's cake. There was SOME diversity.

Mrs. Wilkie said, "Ya know, I should go up to the new Mrs. Brother Jon and ask her if I can join the Atlanta Auburn Club. I like these people."

(NOTE: Mrs. Wilkie was born and raised in upstate New York. Trust me; it matters.)

Wilkie goes, "You don't need to join. Just say War Damn Eagle at the top of your lungs and you're in!"

Me, being the kindhearted person I am, and knowing that Mrs. Wilkie is not the biggest football fan in the world, I decide to offer my brand of advice.

"Mrs. Wilkie, here's the deal. all you have to do is walk up to any Auburn fan here, take in a deep breath, and say "Roll Tide!" as confidently as you can."

Wilkie immediately shoots me a glance, and we both smile. Mrs. Wilkie innocently said, "OK, I'll do that!"

As I'm brandishing a cheshire cat grin, a very well lubricated Auburn fan came up to Wilkie, pointed his finger at him, and said, "I heard what you said."

Wilkie immediately started backpedaling, saying "I said say War Eagle...I said say War Eagle...that wasn't me!"

Then the Toomer's Corner alum turned to Mrs. Wilkie and said, "It was you. I heard what you said."

With an innocent grin, Mrs. Wilkie said, "What did I say?"

The fan shared with Mrs. Wilkie that, "Those words...Roll Tide...have NEVER brought joy to anyone's hearts...you best stop saying those words."

At this point, Wilkie and I are literally in tears due to extreme laughter, as Mrs. Wilkie is now surrounded by Auburn faithful - getting an earful about why Auburn is better than Alabama. It was like blood in the water, and these Auburn fans were trying to convince Mrs. Wilkie (who kept saying, "I'm from New York...I don't care about football"...still with that innocent grin on her face). She let them talk...and talk...and talk...and we kept laughing our butts off.

Brother Phil comes up and asks what we're laughing so hard about.

"She's getting a crash course about the Iron Bowl!" Wilkie squeezes out between rolls of laughter (yes, I used that word on purpose).

I guess the moral of the story is this. If one is surrounded by Auburn fans, and there are adult beverages around, one must never ever mention "Roll Tide" - even in jest.

Unless you're saying you want them to roll the hell back to Tuscaloosa.

(NOTE: Everyone does know that Alabama just won back-to-back National Championships, right? And three out of the last four? Just saying...)

I'm sorry, Mrs. Wilkie. That was not the way I intended to show you the importance of the Iron Bowl.

Spirit the Eagle wants Club seats

Ahhhhhhh!!!!!

((ht: saturdaydownsouth.com))

We've been waiting for this video to surface all weekend.

The eagle known as "Spirit" who fly's through the air with the greatest of ease to start Auburn's football home games, made a little detour in this weeks flight.

"Spirit" appears to either be distracted by his own reflection, looking for air conditioning or maybe has something out for one of the scribes in the Press Box as he bangs into the window sealing it off, before continuing on his way.

Honestly, though we don't particularly harbor any love for Auburn football, we've seen "Spirit" fly in person and really, it is pretty damn cool.

We looked, albeit briefly for this video on Saturday, we are glad to see it finally surface. And yes, because he wasn't hurt, we can make fun of this.

And yes, it is funny. And no, he wasn't hurt.

BYU Likes Independence, Cougars Defeat Ole Miss Rebels In Oxford

Saturday was a statement game for BYU. In the Cougars first game as an independent BYU had to depend on their defense against Ole Miss, and that unit did the job.

BYU's defense held Ole Miss to 208 yards of total offense and forced a key fumble forced by sophomore linebacker Kyle Van Noy and recovered by Van Noy in the end zone late in the game that proved to be the winner and the Cougars prevailed in Oxford, MS 14-13

Here's a report from KSTU-TV in Salt Lake City, UT:

 

"This is one of the most satisfying victories because we were able to execute in a hostile environment." BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall said in a post game press conference. " We found a way to win which says a lot. There will be many things to point out that we could have done better but we found a way to win the game.”

"We played a really good football team, and I wish them the best this season. But for us to come down in their house and pull out the win like we did showed a lot of toughness and grit." BYU quarterback Jake Heaps said after the game.

“I hate to lose one like that." Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt said in a post game press conference. " We had the ball and then that fumble happened. There were a few plays that just make you sick and you wish you had them back.”

BYU has another statement game next week against Texas. The Cougars have some momentum for that one.

Another One Goes Down To Boise State, Broncos Bust Bulldogs

What more do you want Boise State to prove that the Broncos are among the elite in college football.

Saturday night Boise State came to Atlanta to take on the Georgia Bulldogs. Once again the Broncos rose to the occasion defeating the Bulldogs 35-21.

Here's the highlights (Thanks KTVB-TB Boise, Idaho)



This is another milestone in the history of Boise State football. The Broncos had never beaten a team from the SEC in four tries. With the win over Georgia Saturday night Boise State has accomplished that.

It was a hard fought physical game," said Boise State head coach Chris Petersen in a post game press conference.

"Congrats to Boise State. They just beat us tonight. They were better than we were," Georgia head coach Mark Richt said in a post game press conference. ''But SEC play hasn't even started. It's a long season. We've got to get our minds right. A game like this, no question, we know more about our football team than if we played someone and beaten them by 40. Hopefully that translates into us learning how to play better in these type of games and better see where our weaknesses are.''

You think next weeks South Carolina game is important now for Georgia? Richt and the Bulldogs will be feeling the pressure to avoid an 0-2 start. That might make Richt's backside a lot hotter.

Kellen Moore established himself as the early front runner in the Heisman Trophy race. Moore was outstanding against the Bulldogs going 28-34 passing for 261 yards and three touchdowns.

''Growing up watching football, I have a ton of respect for the SEC,'' Moore said after the game. "I watched Georgia play a lot of big games growing up. To play a game like this was a lot of fun. I enjoyed it. We were fortunate to come out on top.''

Texas A&M buys its way out of the Big 12/10

Texas A&M Football

((ht: nytimes.com))

The dream is over. Or at least the debate is about to be.

To the surprise of very few, Texas A&M is about to put the finishing touches on what would essentially be the University buying its way out of the Big 12/10 (soon to be 9).

According to the New York Times, the school's president sent a letter to the conference board chairman that the Aggies are walking away, probably on Tuesday. That does however come with a cost. About $15 million.

Read the New York Times story RIGHT HERE

This is your 1st step in what promises to be another, and bigger round, of conference realignment. It's pretty much a foregone conclusion that A&M will get an invite from the SEC. The SEC had to wait for them to withdraw so the Big 12/10 (soon to be 9), couldn't sue them.

A&M would like to play SEC sports in 2012 and may very well do that. Whether that gives Mike Slive and his boys a chance to add another team to make the conference 14, remains to be seen. It's understood that is the next step, but the timetable is still in question.

As for the Big 12/10 (soon to be 9), don't expect them to sit around and wallow in the loss. They won't. There is already rampant speculation they will go after Arkansas, which we don't buy. We think they'll end up staying in Texas with either Houston or SMU or try and go after Brigham Young to keep things at 10 teams.

The other question is who becomes SEC #14. The answer isn't a short one, but here are your contenders: Virginia Tech, North Carolina or North Carolina State and quite possibly Louisville.

Stay tuned reader, because this is only going to get more interesting.

So, enjoy your Texas 2-step.....



UPDATE:

The Houston Chronicle reports that Texas A&M denies sending a withdrawl letter to the Big 12 Conference.

Your Daily College Conference Armageddon Update: Summer 2011 Edition

Let's start where it all began earlier today...
Doug Gottlieb and David Lloyd setting the world on fire...
((HT: ESPN))


Now, life as we know it...
Texas A&M's Mike Sherman knows nothing- he's focused on football...
((HT: KBTX-TV))


There are conflicting reports on whether or not Ess-E-Cee officials are actually meeting secretly Sunday as a set-up to the Regents meeting for A&M Monday and the discussion of Item 15 on the Agenda...

Let's take stock...
From Tallahassee...

FSU head Coach Jimbo Fisher said Saturday the only things he's heard about schools leaving for the SEC is from the media. University President Eric Barron said that no one affiliated with the school has had any discussions about leaving the ACC.

Clemson University President James Barker said that the school is not changing leagues, despite reports the Tigers might head to the Ess-E-Cee.

"We are committed to the ACC," he said in a statement. "We have had no contact with the SEC."

But the OBC would dig it if they showed up...
((HT: WLTX-TV Columbia))


The folks at UK have also chimed in on the almost-movements... thanks again to our friends at KBTX-TV... Coach Cal likes 16 or 18 teams...

Missouri, Kansas, and Virginia Tech are all waiting to be heard from now... and the HQ is not surprised that the Hokies have been silent this entire time...

The 12/10 sent out a press release Saturday night saying they'd like the Aggies to stay, but if they don't the league will expand themselves...

The HQ thinks Houston and SMU are on the clock at that point...

The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors conducted a teleconference meeting today to discuss the future of the Conference given recent developments regarding Texas A&M University. The Board strongly conveyed to Texas A&M its unanimous desire that it remain a Big 12 member, and acknowledged its value to the Conference. The Board noted that Texas A&M expressed concerns about institutional networks and that the athletics directors worked together and took actions, which the Board has approved, to adequately address those concerns. The other nine members reaffirmed their long term, unconditional and unequivocal commitments made to each other and the Conference last summer. Although the Board hopes Texas A&M remains in the Conference, the Board is prepared to aggressively move forward to explore expansion opportunities. In doing so, the Board recognizes the strength of the Big 12 Conference national brand and the opportunity to capitalize on it.

Could FSU be joining Texas A&M in the SEC?

FSU Mascot Chief Osceola

((ht: OrlandoSentinel))

Well, this is one scenario we hadn't really thought much about, though Brother Jon did bring it up in a discussion when the A&M story started leaking out.

Could Florida State bolt the ACC and head to the SEC?

It seems to be a topic more popular on the Internets than we thought. Oddly, we are rather well versed in most topics Sports related here on the Internets, but we had not heard this discussion, yet according to the Orlando Sentinel, it exists.

Read the Sentinel story by clicking RIGHT HERE

**UPDATE**12:09 pm.--The Palm Beach Post quotes a source as saying about the move "This is real". Interesting.

Read the entire story RIGHT HERE

In some ways this does make some sense. FSU has been a bit of an odd fit in the ACC, a conference known very well for its basketball heritage, but somewhat of a punchline in football.

For their part, FSU dominated the ACC in football when they 1st arrived in 1991. They haven't dominated it much in the past few years. Though we will say, they'll be awfully good this coming season.

Basketball wise, they are good, not great like most SEC schools.

If you think about it, logistically, it makes perfect sense. With A&M, the SEC needs a school to keep the number of teams even. It also would balance the whole east/west thing.

Do we think it will happen? No. But we (actually me), have been wrong about such things before.

The Sentinel makes a somewhat convincing argument, but we think it is just throwing stuff against the wall and seeing what sticks. The site "Noles247" says "No way", they are a subscription site, so we can't read why they say it...and we've never heard of them either.

So, while the SEC has a ton of money to throw around and attract teams, ultimately, FSU will stay loyal to the ACC. Commissioner John Swofford will help find another revenue source to keep them around. As intriguing as the thought is, the ACC will find a way to keep them happy...and we aren't so sure they aren't happy now.

**UPDATE**12:09 pm.-- But then again, if enough people are saying FSU is intrigued by the money, the shoe definitely fits. We've got no problem going out on the limb in the previous paragraph, but in the interest of covering our proverbial rears, we'll add that we did say it makes a lot of sense.

Either way, we guess only time will tell.

Seminoles.com gives us a Fall Practice Report from Thursday:

Less Cowbell: Alabama man suing SEC and wants to include Mississippi State

((ht: jackson clarion-ledger))

Cowbell---'nuff said

Interesting. A man is allegedly beaten with a cowbell at the Egg Bowl (Mississippi St. vs. Ole Miss) in 2009 and files a suit against the guy who hit him, the SEC and now Mississippi State.

Hmmmm.

According to a story in the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, William Matthew Brasher filed the suit because the SEC willingly didn't enforce its rule against artificial noisemakers. And apparently Mr. Brasher and his attorney decided to include the school after turning down their offer to resolve the matter....for $10 million.

The whole story from Brandon Marcello and the Clarion-Ledger RIGHT HERE

Supposedly, Mr. Brasher was "Knocked Out" after being hit. Apparently the two initial defendants, Brasher and Brent Vowell, were students at Miss. St. How much do you want to be that neither were sober? That part isn't brought up in the story.

This should be an interesting case to follow however. The SEC has claimed before they were trying to eliminate "Cowbell" from Mississippi State, they haven't been totally successful.

The case was supposed to go to trial in January, it didn't. Supposedly it will re-appear sometime this month. We'll keep an eye out to see if that actually happens.

Of course no story on Cowbell would be complete without this:

Auburn Did It. The SEC Has 5 BCS Titles In A Row

Once again chants of S.E.C!, S.E.C! are happening around the south, especially in Auburn, Alabama. The Tigers won their first national championship since 1957 defeating Oregon in the BCS National Championship Game 22-19.

"Well, obviously, you know, it is really hard for me to describe the feeling that I have for the Auburn family." Auburn head coach Gene Chizik said in the post game press conference. "I'm not sure if 15 weeks ago anyone believed that we could do this except us."

Auburn was no where near the national championship radar screen when the season kicked off in August. Cam Newton was just another SEC quarterback. 14 games and an intense NCAA investigation later Newton is the Heisman Trophy winner and Auburn wins the national championship.

"I don't want nobody to feel sorry for me because throughout this year didn't nobody feel sorry for Auburn." Auburn quarterback Cam Newton said in the post game press conference. "We got the last laugh."

Newton completed one of the best seasons by a college quarterback and accomplished the tri-fecta. SEC Championship, Heisman Trophy winner and now leading his Tiger team to a National Championship. Is the NFL next for Newton?

"I'm not going to make no decision right now." Newton said. "It is something I have to sit down with Coach Chizik and my family and just get the vibe of so many different people. We will go from there."

"He is a great football player, and he is a great human being." Chizik said of his starting quarterback. "We love him at Auburn and we got his back in everything that he does and everything that he stands for."

"He (Newton) is a great football player." Oregon head coach Chip Kelly said in the post game press conference. "I'm not into ranking guys. I wasn't there to see Sammy Baugh play, but in my career as a head coach, he's the best player I've seen."

While Newton and the explosive Auburn defense has received most of the attention this year, the Tiger defense was the difference in the game. Mike McNeil led Auburn with 14 tackles and Nick Fairley was all over the field. Oregon had a hell of a time accounting for Fairley throughout the game.

"Nick Fairley proved he was the best defensive lineman in the country." Kelly said.

Fairley ended up with five tackles, one sack and three tackles for loss.

"Man, our defense, we showed America everything we done each and every Saturday out there on the field." Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley said in the post game press conference. "Man, we have been doing this, like I said, for 14 weeks. We just went unnoticed throughout the year. Now that we got noticed out here on the big stand, we just showed what we can do."

Chip Kelly added, "I had a lot of respect for them defensively. I was really, really impressed with their front. We knew it was going to be a test for us."

Here's sound with Auburn QB Cam Newton after the game. (Thanks WVTM-TV)



Auburn's kicker Wes Byrum on the field after the game. (Thanks CBS Sports.com)



Photo Courtesy: Hal Yaeger/The Birmingham News

An OSG College Football Status Report After 1/3 Of The Season

Time flies when you are having fun and can you believe we are one-third of the way through what has been one hell of a college football season. Boise State and TCU are up their with the big boys. The ACC and Big East conferences have not helped their underachieving reputation. The Mountain West once again has proved it deserves BCS status and the SEC and Big 10 are flexing their muscles while the Pac 10 is on the rise.

That leads us to the OSG college football status report.

The Final Four – The Best Teams In College Football So Far

Alabama – The reigning national champions are still playing like the best team in the country. The Crimson Tide dominates both sides of the line, have two of the best running backs in the country in Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson and a quarterback who rarely makes mistakes (although Greg McIlroy had a couple against Arkansas last Saturday.) ‘Bama has a few more tests to pass and with Jolly Ole St. Nick running the show you tend to think the Tide will.

Oregon – Duck fans including their very deep pocketed one Phil Knight should be ecstatic about Oregon’s season. In each of Oregon’s four games the Quack Attack offense has put over 40 points on the board and leads the Pac – 10 in virtually every offensive category. Oregon heads into teeth of their Pac-10 schedule facing Stanford Saturday. That game will tell us where the Ducks are in the Pac-10.

Boise State – Lay off the Broncos. Boise State has proven they can play with the big boys with wins over Virginia Tech and Oregon State. There talent is far above the run of the mill WAC schools so don’t knock them for that. Boise State may not be an automatic BCS qualifier but the Broncos are doing what they have to do to compete for the crystal ball. Unless Boise State loses a game they shouldn’t deal with it, the Broncos are for real.

TCU – The Horned Frogs are probably the best team in the state of Texas. If TCU were in a BCS conference they might be just as good. Those of us at the OSG HQ think TCU is better than Boise State. TCU has one big test to pass at Utah, win that and TCU is in business.

TCU and Boise State have one BCS common opponent, Oregon State. The Horned Frogs beat the Beavers 30 – 21. Boise State defeated Oregon State 37-24. Judge for yourselves but that appears to be a pick’em.

Those of us at the OSG HQ think right now no matter what Boise State and TCU do they have almost no shot of playing for the BCS Championship Game and that’s a shame. If college football had a final four they would be there.

Teams To Watch Out For:

Stanford – We knew the Cardinal would be good but they are scary good. If Stanford gets by Oregon you might be able to bet the farm that the tree will be shaking in Pasadena.

Nebraska – The Cornhusker team you knew and loved growing up is back. Quarterback Taylor Martinez has been fantastic. Any question the Huskers are going to win the Big 12 North.

NC State – Before you say “huh” hear us out. The Wolfpack are rolling and have two of their toughest games, Virginia Tech and Florida State, at home. If the Wolfpack keep this up and “Don’t drink the Kool-Aid” as offensive coordinator Dana Bible said then NC State fans might head down to Miami and the Orange Bowl in January.

Heisman Stock: On The Rise

Mark Ingram – Alabama: I know he missed two games to injury but the reigning Heisman Trophy winner ran wild at Duke and pounded Arkansas. He may not win it again but he’s got the nation's attention.

Russell Wilson – NC State: The way Wilson is playing he will get an invite to New York. Wilson is among the NCAA leaders in total offense, moving up the ACC passing charts and leading his team to big wins.

Denard Robinson – Michigan: Robinson is the leader in the clubhouse. He’s been electrifying and has woken up the Wolverine fan base. Those of us at the OSG HQ wonder if Robinson can continue to take the pounding.

Heisman Stock: Dropping

Ryan Mallett – Arkansas: A fourth quarter offensive meltdown with two “WTF” interceptions against Alabama at home really hurts.

Christian Ponder – Florida State: Sticking up the stadium on national TV against Oklahoma will be tough to overcome.

Coaches Who’s Backsides Are Feeling Quite Warm

Houston Nutt – Ole Miss: Losses to Jacksonville State and Vanderbilt already. Call it the curse of Jeremiah Masoli.

Dan Hawkins – Colorado: When will the University begin a collection fund to pay for Hawkins’ buyout?

Mike Locksley – New Mexico: His ass is practically on fire. We expect something to go down soon to stop the madness in Albuquerque.

Tim Brewster - Minnesota: Let's see new stadium, alumni and boosters ready to win, a 1-3 start including a loss to South Dakota. How much is Brewster's buyout?

Coaches Who Have Cooled Off The Hot Seat

Rich Rodriquez – Michigan: That seat still has some warmth to it but after Michigan’s start and the emergence of Denard Robinson Rich Rod new fangled ways in Michigan are beginning to win over the hardcore Wolverine fans.

Ralph Friedgen – Maryland: The Terps have already topped their win total of last year. The Navy win to begin the season was a huge confidence boost for Maryland and despite one setback at West Virginia the Terps have ridden that wave and saving Fridges job.

LSU Wins But Where Is The Offense?

LSU during Les Miles' watch has won a few games defying logic. Maybe Miles is taking that through a whole season.

LSU is 4-0 on the season and winning with superior special teams, especially in the return game, and a damn fine defense. Correct me if I'm wrong but a football team normally scores with its offense. LSU seems to want to blow that theory out the window.

Saturday night in Tiger Stadium LSU barely got by West Virginia 20-14 with only 12 first downs and only 230 yards of total offense. Steven Ridley was the only offense LSU had gaining 116 yards and scoring the Tigers only touchdown on offense.

"We can run the football well," LSU head coach Les Miles said. "We didn't throw it as well as we would have liked. Our quarterback play has got to get better. It's just that simple. Our guys know it. We are going to work on it. We'll start yet again on Monday."

For the third straight game LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson threw for less than a hundred yards and no touchdowns. Against the Mountaineers Jefferson threw two interceptions. Backup Jarrett Lee came in the game in the fourth quarter and didn't ignite a spark either.

"We needed a change right there," Miles, a.k.a The Hat said. "We put in Lee. Lee came in, he made a pass, and he did some things we wanted him to do, and then, we wanted to run the clock out, and we felt better with Jefferson running the clock out. That's why we put him back in."

LSU fans, that's got to make you feel good that Jefferson is much better at running out the clock.

Patrick Patterson was amazing running back a West Virginia punt 60 yards for what turned out to be a critical touchdown then striking a Heisman pose afterwards which lead to the raining of yellow hankies.

"I got too overboard," Peterson said of his Heisman pose. "I just have to calm it down next time."


Click on the link for a game report from WAFB-TV.

http://www.wafb.com/global/Category.asp?C=195952&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5144501&flvUri=&partnerclipid=


Photo Courtesy: Travis Spradling/Baton Rouge Avocate

TWTW: Auburn Comes From Behind Again, Survives USC

((HT: WLTX-TV Columbia))

Okay, full disclosure here...
After the game with your Shorter Hawks won in overtime over Georgetown 47-46 in OT, it was a two-and-a-half hour drive for yours truly to the Plains and the South Carolina game with TBH.

The HQ ran into The Chiz in Columbus the night before at a high school game and after volunteering a "War Cam Eagle," he said "I wouldn't go there yet."

After 334 yards of responsible offense, we may be getting closer...

Down 20-7, the Tigers came back again to win 35-27...
And there were plenty of gray hairs to go around after that as the Auburn faithful prepare for Louisiana-Monroe...

The larger questions... what happens when Arkansas is on the docket...???
Answer: Make everything happen in front of you...

Question 2: Does Stephen Garcia know who he is, and more accurately, does he know where he is after getting knocked silly by the Auburn defense...???
Answer: Probably, not... that is why Flowery Branch ((GA)) HS grad Connor Shaw will get more reps at QB in the near future...

Here's the OBC postgame...

#1 Alabama Wins Again Defeating Arkansas24-20, The Tide Is Really Good

I think now we know the Alabama Crimson Tide are pretty damn good. The game against Arkansas didn't start off that way for Alabama. Razorback quarterback Ryan Mallett torched the Crimson Tide secondary in the first half. Tide quarterback Greg McIlroy tossed threw two picks in the second quarter as Alabama was down 17-7 at halftime.

Things changed in the second half. Alabama's secondary adjusted, the defensive front was pressuring Mallett and Alabama's running duo, Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson, were running pretty much at will.

"First of all great job by our guys in the second half." Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. "We told the players when we came here we were going to have to change the way everybody thought. We were going to have to go out there and work and earn it and it would take a tremendous amount of intensity and enthusiasm and energy to do that and we did not have that in the first half. That was really not a good half of football, and I really don’t want the players to put it behind them. I want them to remember what it’s like to not play the way you’re capable of playing."

Arkansas meanwhile couldn't get pressure on McIlroy, couldn't stop the run, didn't run the ball in the 2nd half and couldn't get key third down conversions.

Mark Ingram finished with 157 yards and two touchdowns. Trent Richardson added 85 yards rushing and 25 yards receiving. Richardson has to lead the nation in broken tackles. How many Razorback defenders had Richardson in their grasp yet slipped away?

Arkansas' Ryan Mallet threw for 357 yards and a touchdown but the three interceptions killed the Hogs' chances and was a blow to his Heisman campaign.

The running game didn't help Arkansas either with only 64 yards rushing. After a hot first half the Razorbacks could close the deal against the reigning national champions.

"We started off really good." Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett said. "We just came out in the second half and forgot to finish. We should’ve finished that game out and had a win right now.”

“We just couldn’t find a way to win in the 4th quarter." Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino said. "We had the opportunity and just couldn’t get it done.”

Chris Pollone of WVTM-TV Birmingham has the game story from Fayetteville. (Thanks WVTM-TV)




More post game sound from Alabama DB Robert Lester, RB Mark Ingram and QB Greg McIlroy




Photo Courtesy: Jason Ivester/Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Going Hog Wild In Athens

OK allow me to be a homer if you don't mind but I haven't felt this good about the Arkansas Razorbacks in a long time. It was a huge win for Arkansas defeating Georgia 31-24.

It was the first time the Razorbacks have won a game "Between the Hedges" in Athens, GA since 1993. Ryan Mallett won his first road game as Arkansas' quarterback as well.

It was a thrilling game with Greg Childs catching the game winner with 15 seconds left.

Check out the highlights below with the Voice of the Razorback, Chuck Barrett. (Thanks KATV Little Rock, AR)

Auburn Survives Clemson In A Classic Game On The Alabama Plains

You have the feeling when Clemson and Auburn mixed it up at Jordan-Hare Stadium this Tiger fight would be a close game. Well it was and both teams wanted to beat the piss out of each other.

Both teams were laying the wood, two lineman, one for each team, had to be carted off the field. Clemson starting quarterback Kyle Parker took a ton of licks and at times didn't know where he was plus was suffering pain throughout his midsection, yet soldiered on.

The Auburn offense struggled much of the first half yet found their mojo in the second half completing the rally with a 27-24 overtime win.

So far this is the best college football game that has been played this season. Auburn can take this win as a huge confidence boost.

Though this looks like another ACC team couldn't get it done outside the conference Clemson stood toe to toe with Auburn however, moral victories are not marked in the win column.

Here are the highlights from the game: (Thanks WVTM-TV, Birmingham,AL)



A game report from WVTM-TV sports director Dan Hawes: (Thanks WVTM-TV)



Here's post game sound with Auburn head coach Gene Chizik. (Thanks WVTM-TV)

Richardson & Crimson Tide Roll Over Penn State

Who needs Mark Ingram back, Trent Richardson is doing the job right now. Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama Richardson rushed for 144 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown plus totalled 190 yards on the night as the top ranked Crimson Tide of Alabama rolled over Penn State 24-3.

Here are the highlights of the game. (Thanks WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL)



Alabama head coach Nick Saban adds his take from the Penn State game. (Thanks WVTM-TV)

Oh No, Heisman Trophy Winner Mark Ingram Injures His Knee. Won't Play In Alabama's Season Opener

Things aren't starting off to good for Mark Ingram to repeat as the Heisman Trophy winner. Monday Ingram suffered an injury to his left knee in practice.

Ingram had an "arthroscopic procedure" performed on the injured knee Tuesday morning and won't be available for Alabama's season opener against San Jose State. Not sure of Ingram's' status after that.

Here's what Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban said in a statement released by Alabama media relations:

"Mark will definitely be out for this week's game against San Jose State and we will manage this on a week to week basis beyond this week. We will make every decision in the future based on what's best for Mark and his career as we consult with Dr. Cain and Dr. Andrews on his progress. This is not an injury that will affect Mark's future ability to make a full recovery in a relatively short time frame."

I can hear the collective "oh s&#t" coming from the state of Alabama. Don't worry, its San Jose State and Trent Richardson is a hell of a back-up.

More when we know it.

Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

OSG Sports: It's Time to Kick Paul Finebaum out of the SEC

This of whom we speak//Courtesy: finebaum.com

At the risk of starting a war...we...well, me...is getting increasingly tired of overfed, overblown, egotistical, hanging on in a dying world of newspaper columnists who just try crapping on everyone's parade...because they can.

What we...ahhmmm, I am speaking of is Paul Finebaum, an alleged columnist, radio host and spewer of venom.

At this point, you and hopefully he are asking, what was said to piss you off? The answer: Not one thing...several.

The last would be this, calling for Vanderbilt's exorcism from the SEC, read it on AL.com RIGHT HERE

Since, if he reads this, he undoubtedly will hammer on me not using proper AP style...or grammar among other things, we will first dissect the lack of logic...or knowledge in this story. We will be undoubtedly dubbed a stupid internet website, so what? Are we SEC insiders? No. We don't have to be.

First off, premise wise, this is an argument that needed to be made back...oh...say 10 years ago. Is Vandy ever going to be an SEC powerhouse? No. Are they competitive? Over the past 3 years they have been.

Secondly, applying the logic used here, the SEC also needs to get rid of Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Kentucky. Aside from Ole Miss' nice run at the end of the 2008 season and yes, we do know that each...including Vandy has had a bowl game season during this time period, none will ever win the SEC. According to this logic, they must be banished.

Yes, we know that Vandy plays in a crappy stadium and yes, we know that it is often filled with fans from the other teams. But, not every team can be Alabama now, can they? Using the logic here, the LA Clippers should have been banished from the NBA years ago. Same for the Oakland Raiders in the NFL. There are teams in almost every NCAA Football conference that suck, it's a fact of life.

I'll wrap things up by saying this. Folks in Alabama and in many cases the "Old-school" newspaper writers seem to have this perception that the college football...or more specifically the SEC universe revolves around them. To this, we...um...me...laughs. Yeah, sure, its great that Alabama has been back on top the past couple of years. Lest we forget that you sold your souls to get the Great Saban to be the coach/savior.

Yes, we know there really isn't anything else to support or back in the state. We get that. Really. And we know that the people there can't understand why it isn't like that in other places. Contrary to the opinion of most who cover SEC football for a living and yes a large chunk of the fans too, there is more to life than what happens on 12 Saturdays a year. Really...there is. Lighten up, you are taking things too seriously, way too seriously.

Here is a highly produced video for Vandy football. Thanks You Tube:

Ess-E-Cee Media Daze Day Last: Aairon Savage Rules With His Dapperness...

((HT: al.com/McAlister))

Just look... don't even listen to the interview questions...
Just continue to be dazzled by the sartorial splendor that is Aairon...

Auburn's Aairon Savage speaks at SEC Media Days

Thanks to TBH for that heads-up, by the way...
Since she is all things Auburn...
Here's Evan Woodbery's blurb on Savage...

Oh, here's Coach Chizik talking up his team...

Auburn's Gene Chizik speaks at SEC Media Days

SEC Picks their winner...

((ht:secsports.com))

To the surprise of a very few, the writers covering SEC Media Days in Hoover, Alabama have picked their winners. As far as we know, no agents were involved in this story.

Strangely, though there were close to 1,000 alleged media types in attendance, only 177 actually participated in the vote and....drum roll please....here are the results: (and remember who is voting, take these as you will)

SEC Champ: Alabama

SEC East Champ: Florida

SEC West Champ: Alabama

SEC East Standings (Predicted): (1st place votes in parenthesis)

1. Florida (153 votes)

2. Georgia (15 votes)

3. South Carolina (8 votes)

4. Kentucky

5. Tennessee

6. Vanderbilt (1 vote?)

SEC West Standings (Predicted)

1. Alabama (157 votes)

2. Arkansas (6 votes)

3. Auburn (10 votes)

4. LSU (1 vote)

5. Mississippi St.

6. Ole Miss (3 votes)

This more or less is the way the teams have been picked each of the past few years. The surprises...Tennessee at 5 in the East, LSU 4th in the west. If that happens, there will be an awful lot of angst in Knoxville and Baton Rouge. That might be kind of fun.

No list would be complete without the....wait for it...the All-SEC Team: (We will only list 1st teamers here)

QB- Ryan Mallet (Ark)

RB- Mark Ingram (Ala)

RB- Trent Richardson (Ala)

WR- AJ Green (UGA)

WR- Julio Jones (Ala)

TE- DJ Williams (Ark)

OL- Lee Ziemba (Aub)

OL- Barrett Jones (Ala)

OL- Clint Boling (UGA)

OL- James Carpenter (Ala)

C- Mike Pouncey (Fla)

DL- Marcell Dareus (Ala)

DL- Jerrell Powe (Ole Miss)

DL- Cliff Matthews (S.Car)

LB- Dont'a Hightower (Ala)

LB- Kelvin Sheppard (LSU)

LB- Josh Byrnes (Aub)

LB- Brandon Hicks (Fla)

DB- Mark Barron (Ala)

DB- Patrick Peterson (LSU)

DB- Ahmad Black (Fla)

DB- Stephon Gilmore (S. Car)

PK- Blair Walsh (UGA)

P- Drew Butler (UGA)

RS- Derrick Locke (Ky)

AP- Randall Cobb (Ky)

A couple of interesting notes. One, the lack of Florida players on the 1st team and the abundance of Alabama players. We will add here that the event is held in Alabama and there are 3 times more Alabama media members than anyone else that attend this. We aren't saying there is a tilt, the Tide may be that good, we are just making an observation, in part because we have attended the SEC Lovefest a few times are ownselves.

If you want to see the whole list, follow the link RIGHT HERE

((SEC logo//Courtesy: wildcatsthunder.blogspot.com))