Friday, December 04, 2009

Don't Believe the Hype. Really.

Last year, right around this time, Mark and I co-wrote an SEC Championship preview post entitled ‘Don’t Believe the Hype’. Clearly, we badly misinterpreted the planetary alignment and completely underestimated our awesomeness. What transpired was nothing short of extraordinary. After both Mark and I independently predicted the same 31-20 score, and then Florida went out and beat Alabama by that exact tally, no less an expert analyst than Wheelhouse Jerry gushed, “I'm prepared to designate this the most outstanding achievement in the history of the internet.” Mark and I are both somewhat modest about our accomplishment, but it’s clearly in the top 3 (in the conversation with porn and YouTube for the top spot). Since there’s clearly no topping it, we’re not even gonna try.

The aforementioned (and under-celebrated, frankly) Jerry was prescient in his own right in the immediate aftermath of last year’s Florida victory, opining, “With the talent on that field and the state of the SEC, I think a rematch in this game next year would be posted at less than even odds.” I hope you took that genius to your bookmaker, Jerome.

And so, after a season that was nothing so much as a prelude to the inevitable, Florida and Alabama meet once more to settle the championship of college football’s premier conference. Since we’re equal parts lazy and unwilling to work too hard, Mark and I pretty much just cut-and-pasted last year’s preview. As I type this, I don’t know Mark’s predicted final score, but I’m planning to drive to Atlantic City and place a shitload of money on a single roulette spin if it’s the same as mine.

1. What scares you the most about Saturday’s game?

Rob: Florida’s defense, especially if I’m driving in Gainesville after the bars close. Hiyo! No, what scares me the most is the prospect of Greg McElroy having to make plays against Florida’s defense. The Gators have the nation’s top-ranked defense, allowing 233.08 yards per game. They’re fast, tough, and disciplined. Corner Joe Haden might be the best defensive back in America – and he’ll be locked up on Julio Jones, Alabama’s most explosive playmaker. The loss of Carlos Dunlap to DUI-related suspension limits Florida’s options somewhat on the defensive line, but I expect the Gator defense to be the most effective unit on the field, nonetheless. Mark Ingram’s health and effectiveness will be a huge story – Alabama can’t win if they aren’t successful in moving the ball on the ground. Ingram and Trent Richardson have to keep the heat off of McElroy.

Mark: That one of Florida's premier players will miss the game due to a suspension that was both highly avoidable and a black eye for the program. Oh...wait. In all seriousness, there are a couple of things that worry me about this game. First, will the absence of Carlos Dunlap severely affect Florida's ability to rush the passer? This isn't solely because of Dunlap's pass rushing ability. Good as Dunlap is, it was his size and versatility that allowed Florida to run some of their most effective defensive packages. I'm specifically talking about the 3-3-5 or "Joker" package. In this package, Florida lined up Dunlap and Jermaine Cunningham as ends on a 3 man defensive line with Justin Trattou (a DE) lined up over center. Florida then uses MLB Brandon Spikes as a hybrid LB/DE thereby creating mismatches and confusion for offensive lines. This package first appeared (as far as I know) during the 4th quarter of last year's SEC Championship game when Spikes started routinely beating All-American OT Andre Smith around the end and creating chaos in Alabama's backfield. With Dunlap out, I still expect to see Florida run some 3-3-5 in this game but there's just no way it can as effective without a physical freak of Dunlap's order in the game. Expect to see some combination of William Green, Jaye Howard and maybe even Trattou (moved from the nose back to end) when Florida's brings out the Joker in obvious passing situations.

The second thing that scares me about tomorrow's game is Alabama's ability to run the ball directly at Florida's defense. There was a point in the 3rd quarter of last year's game when Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram were gashing the Florida defense with runs up the middle. Which was setting up play action passes that were also killing Florida. I can remember thinking that Florida was going to lose because they simply couldn't stop the run. Now, Alabama's OLine isn't as good as last year but they aren't exactly a collection of bums either. On top of that, Mark Ingram's better than Glen Coffee was last year. If Florida can't force Alabama into 3rd and long situations by shutting down the Tide run game, there's simply no way they can win this game.

2. What single player would you drug like Gus the Kicking Mule in order to keep him from making it to kickoff?

Rob: There’s an obvious answer to this question, but I’ll eschew it in an attempt to increase my degree of difficulty score. I’m giving a roofie to Florida tight end Aaron Hernandez. Dating back to last season’s SEC Championship, every single time Florida has faced 3rd and 4-7 yards, Tim Tebow's completed a pass to Hernandez for a first down. Every single time. True fact.

In last year’s game, Hernandez made two critical 4th quarter catches, gaining 6 yards on a 3rd and 5 shovel pass from the Alabama 9 to set up the eventual game-winning score and later picking up a first down inside Alabama’s 10 on the Gators’ final scoring drive. The stats say he caught 3 balls for 43 yards in the game, but we all know better. I fully anticipate heaving something at my television after a key Hernandez reception at least once on Saturday.

Mark: For the second year in a row, Rob's answer to this question is probably Tim Tebow. It's also the second year in a row one of his top 5 options for this questions has been eliminated due to suspension or injury. I'm not trying to be a whiny bitch here, but I'd really enjoy playing Alabama with Florida's full complement of players. Anyway, back to the question. I went back and forth on this question for a while and it came down to four guys. Julio Jones is always a concern but he's also somewhat dependent on others to be effective. Mark Ingram is the best damn tailback in the SEC so I'd never have an issue with him missing the game due to a mugging on the MARTA, and even Leigh Tiffin was a consideration as points feel like they're going to be at a premium in this game.

However, in the end, I had to go with Rolando McClain. He's the leader of a terrific Alabama defense, a physical freak, and an unbelievably smart MLB who (in my opinion) is the only LB in the country as good or better than Brandon Spikes. Keeping McClain off Florida's stable of small speedy tailbacks (as well as their large, bullish FB/QB) will be key to the Gators' ability to establish the run and spread the field. When Florida does spread the field, McClain has proven to be a frequent and adept blitzer off the edge (the combo blitz Bama runs with McClain and CB Javier Arenas is devastating in it's speed and effectiveness) in passing situations. Rolando McClain, there's a VIP card with your name on it for tonight at Magic City, compliments of me (Link very, very NSFW). You've had a great season, son. Reward yourself.

3. What do you hate most about the other team?

Rob: You know what I hate? I hate the fucking Nutcracker. According The Washington Post’s dance critic, Sarah Kaufman, “The tyranny of "The Nutcracker" is emblematic of how dull and risk-averse American ballet has become.” Amen, sister. The tyranny of the Nutcracker will also keep me from seeing any of the first half of Saturday’s game, as my daughters will be performing in a local production. And no, I can’t Tivo it – my inability to watch recorded sports is well documented. I’ll see you people in the comments around halftime.

What’s this got to do with Florida? Hell if I know. I really don’t hate them. Except their coach, and I only hate him because my sister says he’s a dick. Blood is thicker than water.

Mark: You mean besides Nick Saban's penchant for taking advantage of little asian boys? Well...there's just so much to hate. The self-entitled swagger of fans who weren't even alive when Bear Bryant was winning SEC titles. The terrible haircuts or use of pom-poms (Yeah, yeah they're "shakers", I know) by grown men who are all essentially wearing the same outfit. The not quite under the surface racism that's bubbling from every Alabama tailgate and party. I could go on all day.

I guess what I hate most about Bama is that they're back in Atlanta again. Don't get me wrong, beating Bama is absolutely the way Florida's team and their fans want to win the SEC Championship. They are clearly one of the two best teams in the conference and this game would feel a little less special if both Florida and Alabama weren't both here (and to a lesser extent both undefeated) but that doesn't mean I have to enjoy Alabama's excellence in execution, attention to detail and toughness. I much preferred facing Houston Nutt in the SEC Championship Game. It was much, much easier on my nerves (and often times pretty funny too).

Oh wait, I almost forgot. I hate that because the SEC Championship Game was originally played in Birmingham. Alabama fans have far greater access to Championship game tickets than any other fanbase in the SEC. I'm not even joking here. Something like 65% of all tickets are reserved for Tide fans every year. On the years they make it to this game, they come out in full force and pack the fucking Georgia Dome with their barbecue sauce-stained, inbred faces. Tomorrow will be no different. You know, I think I hate everything about Bama. It's probably too hard to narrow down.

4. What’s your prediction?

Rob: Alabama’s defense is terrific. Florida’s defense is terrific. Alabama’s got a good kicker. So does Florida. Alabama’s got an explosive kick returner. Gators do, too. Alabama can run the ball with a pair of talented backs. Florida’s got the 6th-ranked rushing attack in the country. Alabama’s quarterback has gotten better as the year has gone on, but is still a first-year starter facing the country’s top defense. Florida’s quarterback….ohhhhh, I see.

There’s really no sugarcoating this. Tebow’s the difference. Carlos Dunlap’s absence might be worth a few yards and a score – it’s enough to provide a scintilla of hope. But Tebow might be the greatest college player in a generation. His leadership was the difference last year, and as much as I’d like to, I can’t figure out how Alabama beats him on Saturday. It’s close again, but the Gators win, 23-14.

Mark: This prediction has changed some in recent days due to lineup changes and a general anxiety about Saturday's proceedings. In fact, I nearly changed my winner at one point earlier this week. However, I feel like Florida's defense is still going to be strong enough to slow down the Tide offense and that Florida's secondary should be good enough to create a couple of turnovers during this game. That and some sterling special teams play will create good enough field position for the Gator offense to create problems for the Bama defense and push Florida to another close, hard earned win and SEC Title.

Florida 23, Alabama 17.

Rob: I changed my predicted score from 23-17 to 23-14 at the final moment. I'm thinking about changing it back - none of you would be the wiser, and it could set up the most amazing thing in the history of ever. I'd do it, too, except that the Large Hadron Collider might find out and decide that our time here on Earth is over.

250 comments:

1 – 200 of 250   Newer›   Newest»
rob said...

dagger - mexico gets paired with south africa. usa will have a tough go.

rob said...

we get england. arguably the best of a bad situation.

TR said...

I can't wait to see Landon Donovan break Beckham's ankle in a moment of frustration with the Yanks down a pair of goals late in the game.

rob said...

over/under on how many goals brazil scores against north korea? 5, 6, 7?

TR said...

I might have preferred Netherlands instead of England, but it's mighty good to avoid Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Spain and Italy.

TR said...

I hope we don't get the Ivory Coast. Can't say I know a lot about the other Group 3 teams.

Watching this on espn.com is much more exciting than I anticipated.

rob said...

yes! algeria.

rob said...

c'mon, slovenia.

TR said...

Who do we want in Group 4? We want nothing to do with the Frenchies or Portugal, but I don't know much about Serbslovakland.

rob said...

any 's' would be better than the other 4.

TR said...

Slovenia? I'm calling bullshit on that being a real country.

And I don't think I could point out Algeria on a map.

TR said...

No Greece! No France!

TR said...

Winner winner chicken dinner for Rob. We may have a shot to advance, folks.

rob said...

slovenia. okay. could have been worse. this is not a killer draw for the u.s.

rob said...

portugal, ivory coast, and brazil in the same group. holy smokes.

zman said...

I work with a guy from Slovenia. It's a real place. It borders Hungary, in fact. I didn't know that until my Slovenian co-worker told me though.

Geography lessons aside, how did a football post degrade into futbol comments?

rob said...

all football all the time starting tomorrow.

Whitney said...

Friends in VA, MD, NJ, NY, MA, and other states, I have important news for you:

The Mega Millions jackpot is $69 million.

Don't you think that's reason enough to play? It certainly was worth my $5. I think I just might win. Drawing is tonight!

rob said...

do it for the compound!

Whitney said...

More reasons not to go to the College of William & Mary.

The city law that no more than three unrelated persons may legally live together has thwarted undesirable groups of students such as "fraternities" and "fun people" and their plans for enjoying themselves for years. Even as the College continues its steady march towards dryness, forcing the party peeps off-campus and into their automobiles, the city has been right there to ensure lodging becomes highly fragmented -- more car time.

This article in the school paper reports that some nosy neighbors have playing amateur detective, following kids around town to see where they really live and calling in the names of violators of the three-person rule to the police station. Even when they weren't actually correct.

Oh, and there's a new noise ordinance rule in the 'Burg. It was never all that conducive to partying down there, and what with liability, campuses are cracking down everywhere, but W&M and the City of Williamsburg are ensuring that we continue to top the list when US News & World Report comes out with their "Most Annoying Colleges in America."

rob said...

does this mean the compound won't be in williamsburg?

Jerry said...

Here's my bold prediction for next year's SEC: South Carolina wins the SEC East.

For the first time in Spurrier's tenure, they might have an offense. Plus the big 3 will all be starting new QBs and Florida is going to lose an unbelievable number of players in addition to Tebow.

Mark said...

There's a law like that (the no more than three unrelated persons living together law) in certain neighborhoods near campus in Gainesville. Nobody abides by it, but it's on the books.

Mark said...

Not a bad prediction, though USCe is losing a fair amount of defensive players too if memory serves.

What about tomorrow Jerry? Any thoughts?

Mark said...

And...I can't take waiting on this game much fucking longer. I'm really going to have to tie one on tonight so I can sleep. Hopefully I won't wake up until around 1 tomorrow.

Jerry said...

Light on analysis here, but I just don't see Florida losing. Maybe it's because it's been so long since they last lost a game. I will be stunned and really bummed out if they lose.

What I'm hoping is that Florida has another gear they haven't touched yet this season. I'm not positive that they do, but in some ways the regular season felt like a formality.

I think it's likely that Florida wins the turnover battle because they've got a better QB. If that's the case, they should win the game. Alabama's best chance is Florida fumbles - either stripping Tebow (which has happened way too much) or pitch mistakes on the option.

Mark said...

I too am hoping that Florida's offense hits/has another gear as I too have thought they've played it very close to the vest for much of the first 3/4 of the season.

I'm not nearly as confident as you though Jerry. I'll be really bummed if Florida loses, but I won't be stunned.

zman said...

Do you guys call me Z-Man in some sort of "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" way of insinuating that I'm a woman?

rob said...

that implies a level of cultural awareness and creativity that may not exist here

mayhugh said...

Watching the Wiz right now, and Buckhantz is exceptionally homerific tonight. He's accusing the raptors of traveling or carrying almost every other time up the court (maybe more). Bosh missed a three, somehow got the offensive rebound and threw it down emphatically. Buckhantz' sole commentary: "That hurts"

mayhugh said...

This Wiz team has really improved on their watchability quotient from last year. Still way too many jump shots, but there is actually a sense of intensity on defense. Guys actually challenge shots, box out, keep their hands active on the passing lanes, and hustle to loose balls. I like this team.

rob said...

boykins is a closer

rob said...

i'm pretty sure the wiz' wapo beat writer is reading these comments. he just tweeted a 'boykins as closer' message.

rob said...

brendan haywood shoots free throws like a transformer unfolding

Mark said...

It's nice to have Earl back in the league.

And Rob..AHL on Haywood. Well done. Now...go fuck yourself.

rob said...

turkoglu. oh, my.

TR said...

When did Aaron Gray turn into a white Mike Sweetney? He is one fat bastard these days.

And I can't believe Lindsey Hunter is still in the league. He turned 39 yesterday. He's been in the league since 1993. Pretty ridiculous run for that guy.

Mark said...

I was just saying something to that effect earlier this week with a guy I regularly play ball with. He must be a fucking riot in the locker room or the world's nicest guy. Sure, he's still a good on ball defender but come on, there's clearly another reason he's still in the league.

Shlara said...

1. I love Boykins...great add this season.
2. I do think Michael Lee knows about GTB
3. The LeBron/Kobe Nike puppets are back...did you see the commercial yet?

mayhugh said...

Mark - good to see you getting a good mean on before the FL-AL game. But in case you can't sleep, you can catch the last 20 minutes of Ski School on Cinemax right now.

Mark said...

I like this Mayhugh fella. Always looking out for my best interests.

Eliastaiken on the other hand...

rob said...

mayhugh popping out of bed before 6:30 on a saturday to help his fellow man. strong.

me getting ready to head out in a snowstorm to watch two nutcracker performances. not strong at all.

preemptive 'eat a bag of shit' to mark - in the most sportsmanlike way, of course.

T.J. said...

Stacey Dales works for the NFL Network now?

zman said...

She should marry Duce Staley.

Mark said...

Rob...I invite you to blow me where the pampers is.

mayhugh said...

Tribe up 10-3 at half. After some early jitters dealing with the shifty Saluki QB, the W&M defense is absolutely stifling. Fake punt set up the touchdown. Jimmye is play-calling the piss out of this game.

And really liking the Pittsburgh effort so far.

Rob, Godspeed to you, glad it's not me.

Geoff said...

The halftime Mike Tomlin feature made Williamsburg sound just a shade better than it is.

At the end of the first quarter I was pretty sure the Tribe was in trouble. That was an odd momentum reversal.

Jerry said...

That holding call on SIU in the 1st Q was enormous.

Tribe has started slow in almost every playoff game since we've been in school. This year it seems like it takes the defense a few drives to figure out what the other team is doing.

mayhugh said...

Huge drive by the tribe there. Did not expect their offense to hog the ball like that on a long controlled drive down the field against this front 7. Archer is still bothered by the 5 man rush they are sending at times, but Tribe looks completely comfortable. 17-3. Roll Tribe.

T.J. said...

Shit...we had 'em there. No one covering wr at top of screen.

rob said...

tribe hoops overcame a a 13-point halftime deficit to beat vcu. nice.

T.J. said...

Don't want to jinx it, but could be great day for Tribe athletics...

rob said...

the first of two nutcrackers of the day was terrific, thanks for asking.

T.J. said...

Are either of your girls "Marie" in this most boring and miserable holiday tradition?*

*I once saw the Nutcracker at Ford's Theater, which thinks it's cool to have hard wood chairs. Most uncomfortable seats in the world. Worse than Fenway. But the Nutcracker itsef topped the horrific seat situation. Made me want to shoot mtself.

Mark said...

Hey Rob! Remember to take pics of all the young boys in tights for Uncle Nicky...and eat shit asshole!

T.J. said...

Game over...Tribe to the semifinals. Jonathan Grimes, you are the man.

mayhugh said...

That was a very enjoyable game from the 2nd quarter on. Saluki D got its heart broken on the long TD drive to make it a 2 TD game and never got the wind back in their sails after that.

Who's next?

rob said...

no, teej - marie, or 'clare' as they call it in this version, is played by an older girl. any other nutcracker trivia i can help with?

i hope you pass out before the game starts, mark.

T.J. said...

Three excellent finishes on right now to serve as the appetizer to the rob/mark death match.

Shlara said...

TJ--Fords Theatre was renovated..they have nice, cushy chairs now. Go check them out. And I'm loving the Tribe wins today!!

Mark said...

Right on TJ. Cincy-Pitt is fantastic and Rutgers-WVU had a pretty exciting, somewhat weird ending. Who fumbles a kneel down snap? Conversely, who jumps offsides on the kneel down?

T.J. said...

East Carolia/Hoiston as well...

T.J. said...

Dion Lewis has rushed the ball 47 times.

Mark said...

Damn you TJ.

Seriously though, is Wannstedt trying to kill him?

Mark said...

And yes, the Hoiston game is very good too.

rob said...

i like gator in a nice hoiston sauce

T.J. said...

You know, SoHoi...that snooty place Whitney likes south of Hoiston.

Mark said...

I am a ball of fucking nervous energy right now.

Holy shit...

T.J. said...

This game. Absurd.

Flag?

T.J. said...

I say Cincy scored too fast...Pitt FG as time expires...

Mark, may I suggest multiple ballot stuffings?

TR said...

Big Tribe win almost as exciting as my son's baptism. His soul is no longer destined to hang in limbo for all eternity, thanks to a blessing by a clearly homosexual Catholic priest. The best part of the post-baptism family party was that everybody left, there is lots of wine left, my wife didn't wince when I cracked into the Chivas at 4 PM and both kids are asleep.

Bama putting on a good show at the moment. Very impressive. I think I'm rooting for them, but I'm rooting for a good game above all.

TR said...

So here's my question: If Nebraska pulls the miracle upset over Texas, who gets the other slot in the championship game? Anybody else think the pollsters will leapfrog Cincy over TCU b/c the Big East is allegedly a better conference?

TR said...

John 16:33 (New International Version)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Mark said...

Florida's execution has been terrible due to both mental errors and a desire that seems less than that of Alsbama. They deserve to lose if this is their best effort.

Mark said...

That's the response i like to see.

mayhugh said...

Feels like Florida has taken Bama's best shot. I think they pull away late in the game like last year.

rob said...

done cracking nuts - talk to me. what's the story so far?

Mark said...

19-13 Bama. Tide have played very well. Florida's half is a story of missed opportunities, IMO.

rob said...

gator fan dude just lost to a chick. omen.

Mark said...

He's from Key West. Doesn't count.

rob said...

you have a point

Jerry said...

That girl had a fascinating repeatable motion. Her form was so bad, but it was exactly the same every time.

I don't think Verne makes it beyond 2010. Great announcer, but he's lost it.

Florida is lucky to be as close as they are. Not playing well at all. Horrendous tackling, not making enough plays, not getting enough pressure on the QB.

Jerry said...

We'll throw it down to Tracy...

Coach Saban, aren't you glad I'm not towering over you like Erin Andrews?

TR said...

Bama has been very impressive on both sides of the ball. Tebow is gonna have to put the team on his back in the second half, like he did on their last TD drive.

T.J. said...

Brandon James. Daaaaagger for Gators.

rob said...

i'm stunned by alabama's yardage total. what have they done?

Mark said...

This is an undisciplinrd performance all the way around for Florida. Just terrible. Bama's the better team.

TR said...

Ingram had a 69 yd catch on a screen, Rob. Bama also had two long figgie drives in the 1st half.

mayhugh said...

Alabama is clearly the Clubber Lang in this game when it comes to who seems to want it more. I thought Bama was very well-prepared in the first half and I may have underestimated Saban - looks like the offense has a few more arrows in the sling than I thought. That said, I'm not willing to give up on Florida yet. I just don't know if they can turn it on at this point.

rob said...

that was an unusually useful and insightful commentary from danielson about bama's rush discipline

Mark said...

Florida has to get a huge momentum shifting play(fumble, pick6) to stay tn this game. They haven't shown an ability to shut down Bamas offense without giving up at least 20-30 yards to this point. Pretty crucial series coming here.

rob said...

does it seem like florida's missing dunlap?

Mark said...

That's at least the 4th time Floridas committed a dumb penalty that has turned a 3rd and long (or a 3rd down stop) into 3rd and short, which Bamas converted every time. A lack of mental discipline.

rob said...

that was a bigtime conversion by mcelroy

Mark said...

Yes Rob. They haven't gotten much pressure without blitzing,

rob said...

look at that hole. goodness.

Mark said...

Bama has out-schemed, out-executed and out-toughed Florida today. Players and coaching staff can both share the blame for this.

Mark said...

MAKE A FUCKING TACKLE!

What a joke.

rob said...

that was not tebowesque. tebow wouldn't have stood up thanking his stars he didn't get smoked.

Mark said...

I could handle a loss. I can't accept a sloppy, lackluster performance like this though. The D should be ashamed of their effort.

Mark said...

I could handle a loss. I can't accept a sloppy, lackluster performance like this though. The D should be ashamed of their effort.

rob said...

i heard you the first time

rob said...

there's a snake?

T.J. said...

Early contender for college hoops name of the year...gonzaga's Bol Kong.

Mark said...

Game. Fuck.

mayhugh said...

I can't think of any other way to conclude the competitive portion of this game in a manner as depressing as the Tebow pick.

rob said...

this clock is moving way too slowly

rob said...

if you're gonna blitz, blitz. don't halfway blitz.

Mark said...

Settle down already Rob.

Jerry said...

So depressing.

rob said...

yeah, okay. this is all very unexpected.

Mark said...

I'm know I'm close to belaboring the point, but the difference in execution between Bama and Florida has been staggering. A terrible way for a season with a purpose to end.

Mark said...

Florida did not finish many plays today.

rob said...

i may have had better sports days - a couple in 2004 come to mind - but today's gotta be in the conversation.

Mark said...

Bama deserves it. I truly hope they take Texas apart.

Marls said...

Wake beats Gonzaga. RPI baby, RPI.

rob said...

evan turner broke his back today. out 8 weeks. ouch.

rob said...

now that bama's in the championship game, i find myself wanting texas to win so the game will be a heavyweight fight. funny how perspective changes - had the gators won, i'd be rooting for chaos.

rob said...

texas appears to think they can win without executing

rob said...

of course, zac lee really isn't very good

rob said...

nebraska's offense is an affront to modern football

mayhugh said...

Hard to see how the Huskers win this game. Their defense is stalwart, but I don't think McCoy makes the same mistakes in the second half. They probably got enough of a jolt in the first half to put a few more points on the board.

rob said...

the richmond/appy state game is bringing it

rob said...

3 lead changes in the final 5 minutes - appy wins 35-31. sweet.

rob said...

this is among the least interesting and worst-played football games i've ever seen

Mark said...

I'm starting to think the Big 12 isn't very good.

rob said...

69 yards of offense for nebraska through 3 quarters. 69 fucking yards. guh.

rob said...

at this point, i think tcu/bama might be a better game than texas/bama.

rob said...

this is a fucking traveshamockery.

rob said...

why is nebraska using a tailback who runs a 4.9 40?

rob said...

whoa. field goal range. finally got interrresting.

rob said...

for fuck's sake, nebraska

mayhugh said...

Nebraska's odds of winning this thing are at about 6.9%

mayhugh said...

What the hell is Texas doing?

mayhugh said...

There's going to be a second left on the clock.

rob said...

this might be the worst clock management in history

mayhugh said...

they deserve to miss this FG. The last three plays were a travesty against football.

mayhugh said...

Though a Texas win would be much cleaner, I kind of want some confusion. MISS IT.

mayhugh said...

BOO

mayhugh said...

Tebow gets blown out. Cinci wins after getting their doors blown out in the first half. Texas wins after throwing coat hangers all over the field for the last 40 seconds.

There are no football gods.

mayhugh said...

Good point, Brent. Hunter Lawrence just kicked a 46 yarder from his weaker hash to save the season and send his team to the national title. Onions.

T.J. said...

I feel bad for the kid, but he really is Sam Bowie 2.0. Greg Oden hurt his knee last night and is out for the year.

Marls said...

Tribe/Nova, Friday night. G:TB road trip?

T.J. said...

Fred Smoot...nice hands donkey.

rob said...

that skins drive - saintsesque

T.J. said...

You Skins fans have seen them more I'm sure, so correct me if you want, but that might be the most competent quarter of football they've played this year, especially given the opponent.

zman said...

Biz Markie now sells digital cameras for Radio Shack by repeatedly saying "Oh snap!" over the beat from Just a Friend. This makes me very happy - I just have to come up with one good idea and then milk it for the rest of my life.

T.J. said...

Marls, book Biz for next week's special holiday episode of "Z-man and the Teej"

T.J. said...

Zoltan, I enjoy the hip hop bunny dj in that Biz ad.

rob said...

damn, brees is really good

rob said...

and laron landry is nuke laloosh - million dollar talent, five cent head

Mark said...

"Oh Snap! Guess what I saw?"

Best commercial of the holidays.

rob said...

we didn't talk enough last night about ndamukong suh - that kid was sick.

rob said...

no. fucking. way.

T.J. said...

Only the redskins.

rob said...

i have the saints defense - do i get a dtd out of this?

T.J. said...

Meachem gets a td.

zman said...

Sam Aiken just made the sickest catch ever. Maybe not ever, but it was fantastic. Another former Bills shining elsewhere.

Mark said...

Suh's a beast. I want the Bucs to grab him or Eric Berry.

zman said...

If I have a son I'll name him Ndamukong. Or Edgerrin.

Mark said...

I've always liked Scientific.

zman said...

How about "Scientific Method Zoltan"?

T.J. said...

Devin Thomas. Day of your life kid.

Shlara said...

I cannot believe what's going on today with the Skins..

Geoff said...

38-27 Saints. Book it.

Geoff said...

Jason Campbell has been really really good for most of this season.

Geoff said...

Greggggg W enjoys creole cooking, it appears.

mayhugh said...

The Skins are going to score thirty for the first time in Zorn's tenure. Campbell is getting lots of time to throw back there - quite a luxury for him. Because of that it looks like they've opened up their playbook. either that or the absence of three NO corners is allowing JC to throw downfield more often than usual.

zman said...

I bet that old guy just realized he's calling plays as opposed to bingo numbers and stepped up his game. Hence this offensive outburst.

mayhugh said...

There is no decision here. Kick the fg.

Geoff said...

Can we apply these points to previous games?

TR said...

We're getting a doubleheader here in NYC and they're sticking with Falcons-Eagles, even though it's 34-0 in the 4th qtr. Why would anybody want to watch an undefeated Saints team go down to the wire?

TR said...

And Pitt losing to Oakland would be an unbelievable break for the AFC wild card contenders. Too bad the Chiefs and Texans couldn't win and muck things up more in the Jets' favor.

TR said...

And I'm trying to root for the Pats to put the Fins out of commission, but they're struggling, much like I'm struggling to not hate the Pats for 3 hours.

TR said...

The magic is gone for the Pats. They're really struggling to put away an undermatched Miami.

T.J. said...

Avatar is going to BLOW.

Geoff said...

Way too soon to think about running clock Skins. If they run on first and 2nd down, I'll piss and moan like an impotent jerk.

mayhugh said...

Yep. As McCaulay Culkin would say "Don't get scared now." Keep varying the play calling.

That Sellers pass was a good start

zman said...

Pats' secondary isn't too good at football.

zman said...

Don't underestimate Cameron, Teej. I saw the preview for Titanic and said "Everyone knows what's going to happen. The boat sinks, the girl lives, everyone else dies. No one will see this." Biggest movie of all time.

zman said...

Fish win. Pats haven't lost two in a row since 2006.

T.J. said...

Oh
My

Geoff said...

Oh
My
God

mayhugh said...

Mother-effer. Really? I mean, REALLY?

mayhugh said...

Ditto for Haynesworth. How many games has he injured himself in? 6?

Geoff said...

I think Albert tore his achilles.

Geoff said...

Or he was just sleepy

T.J. said...

The Raiders have not been kind to teams from Pennsylvania.

Geoff said...

Most crushing OT loss ever?

T.J. said...

I mean...come on...

TR said...

My lord, your Redskins blow cock.

zman said...

dagger.

T.J. said...

Worse cover guy: landry or archuleta?

zman said...

On the bright side, I started Meacham today.

TR said...

I can't wait for Suisham to bang one off the crossbar at the end of regulation.

mayhugh said...

SHITSHITSHITSHITSHITSHITSHIT

T.J. said...

Um

Geoff said...

Did I say OT loss, cause I meant regulation.

zman said...

So Oakland beat the defending SB champs and the team that lost the NFC championship game. And they lost to everyone else they played except for the lowly Chiefs.

Vegas must love the Raiders.

mayhugh said...

It is a joke how hard it is for this team to win a game.

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