Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Todd's PERFECT Championship System for College Football
Here is my idea for determining the NCAA National Champions WITHOUT getting rid of the BCS...
We use the same BCS ranking system that we currently have...At the end of the regular season, we take the top eight BCS teams and put them in a BCS playoff....This year, the first round match ups would look like this:
(1) Alabama VS (8) Ohio State
(2) Texas VS (7) Oregon
(3) Cincinnati VS (6) Boise State
(4) TCU VS (5) Florida
These games would make up the four traditional BCS bowls (the Rose, Sugar, Orange and Fiesta) and would take place in mid December.
The semi-finals would take place in early January and the BCS Championship game would be held in mid to late January.
This system would only add a couple of weeks to the season. We would shift from five BCS games to seven, with those two additional games bringing in millions more in revenue.
As for the non BCS bowls, they would all remain the same.
No conference would be guaranteed a spot for their champions in the BCS. Therefor, no more arguments concerning which conferences should be considered "BCS conferences"...If you finish in the top eight of the BCS standings, you make it into the playoffs.
Sure, the teams who end up ninth and tenth wont be happy....but guess what? Those guys have no chance under the current system anyway.
Under my plan, if you go 12-0, you can rest assured that you will be rewarded....and if you win the SEC or Big 12 title, you will surely clinch a spot in the playoffs.
The bottom line is that any team who truly deserves a shot at a national championship will undoubtedly finish in the top eight of the BCS rankings...and in return, receive a chance to prove themselves.
Everybody wins when you do it my way!
We use the same BCS ranking system that we currently have...At the end of the regular season, we take the top eight BCS teams and put them in a BCS playoff....This year, the first round match ups would look like this:
(1) Alabama VS (8) Ohio State
(2) Texas VS (7) Oregon
(3) Cincinnati VS (6) Boise State
(4) TCU VS (5) Florida
These games would make up the four traditional BCS bowls (the Rose, Sugar, Orange and Fiesta) and would take place in mid December.
The semi-finals would take place in early January and the BCS Championship game would be held in mid to late January.
This system would only add a couple of weeks to the season. We would shift from five BCS games to seven, with those two additional games bringing in millions more in revenue.
As for the non BCS bowls, they would all remain the same.
No conference would be guaranteed a spot for their champions in the BCS. Therefor, no more arguments concerning which conferences should be considered "BCS conferences"...If you finish in the top eight of the BCS standings, you make it into the playoffs.
Sure, the teams who end up ninth and tenth wont be happy....but guess what? Those guys have no chance under the current system anyway.
Under my plan, if you go 12-0, you can rest assured that you will be rewarded....and if you win the SEC or Big 12 title, you will surely clinch a spot in the playoffs.
The bottom line is that any team who truly deserves a shot at a national championship will undoubtedly finish in the top eight of the BCS rankings...and in return, receive a chance to prove themselves.
Everybody wins when you do it my way!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Things To Watch For In The SEC This Weekend
- The Tide will turn in Starkville and the Bulldogs will walk away with a huge victory...Yes, you heard me correctly! In a game where both teams will be determined to run the ball, the defenses will stack the line and dare the quarterbacks to air it out...Mississippi State's young secondary will have a field day with Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy and a bunch of grumpy elephants will stomp back across the state line in a bad mood...BANK on it!
- Ed Orgeron will finally get an SEC win in Oxford...although a couple of years too late for Rebel fans.
- South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier will kick the "visor toss" competition into high gear this week, as the Gamecocks inch ever so closely to another 6-6 campaign.
- Vanderbilt fans will envy South Carolina for being able to reach 6-6 more than once every 30 years.
- Erin Andrews.
- Mississippi State will acquire at least 8 more penalties than Alabama, but still manage to pull off the win.
- Arkansas will become bowl eligible with a win over the Troy Trojans, helping to erase the painful memories of their recent meetings with USC Trojans.
- The south will NOT rise again at Ole Miss.
- The bourbon will flow so freely in Baton Rouge, EMT's will be on hand to treat alcohol poisoning on the spot...Yes, it's another LSU night game.
- Nick Saban will say bad words and curse the cow bell.
- Erin Andrews.
- Monte Kiffin will showcase why he is the highest paid assistant coach in the country.
- After witnessing his beloved Bulldogs defeat the Crimson Tide, long time MSU radio personality Jack Cristil will rush the field and join his team in a spirited rendition of the Dawg Pound Rock....All will be perfect in the world.
- Ed Orgeron will finally get an SEC win in Oxford...although a couple of years too late for Rebel fans.
- South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier will kick the "visor toss" competition into high gear this week, as the Gamecocks inch ever so closely to another 6-6 campaign.
- Vanderbilt fans will envy South Carolina for being able to reach 6-6 more than once every 30 years.
- Erin Andrews.
- Mississippi State will acquire at least 8 more penalties than Alabama, but still manage to pull off the win.
- Arkansas will become bowl eligible with a win over the Troy Trojans, helping to erase the painful memories of their recent meetings with USC Trojans.
- The south will NOT rise again at Ole Miss.
- The bourbon will flow so freely in Baton Rouge, EMT's will be on hand to treat alcohol poisoning on the spot...Yes, it's another LSU night game.
- Nick Saban will say bad words and curse the cow bell.
- Erin Andrews.
- Monte Kiffin will showcase why he is the highest paid assistant coach in the country.
- After witnessing his beloved Bulldogs defeat the Crimson Tide, long time MSU radio personality Jack Cristil will rush the field and join his team in a spirited rendition of the Dawg Pound Rock....All will be perfect in the world.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
80's Halloween Flashback
- I'll never grow out of enjoying the Charlie Brown Halloween special...you know, "The Great Pumpkin"...but whatever happened to the Garfield special? Those two used to come on tv back to back every year. I'd wait 364 days to see Garfield and Odie dress like pirates and paddle that little boat to the creepy island...Those were the days!
- At least 90% of kids watched Stephen King's "IT" when it originally aired as a mini series...89% of us were totally freaked out by it...70% never trusted clowns again...and 30% are still in therapy today.
- I LOVE the horror films of the 80's...but have you ever noticed how slowly most of the killers move, yet they always catch their victims? I've never understood why the poor fool being chased by Jason didn't just pick a direction and keep running like hell.
- Killer Klowns From Outer Space was a true classic...and ridiculous in every way...but I've still managed to avoid circus tents for most of my life...I also catch myself checking cotton candy for bodies...
- Does anyone remember the Highway to Heaven episode in which Michael Landon turned into a werewolf on Halloween? Very cool...If he could have done that on the prairie, poor little Laura would have most certainly wet herself.
- The Monster Squad was awesome...one of those movies that made you want to round up some buddies for an adventure...I ran across the dvd at Walmart earlier this year and was so overcome with excitement that I almost pulled a "Laura Ingalls" myself.
- At least 90% of kids watched Stephen King's "IT" when it originally aired as a mini series...89% of us were totally freaked out by it...70% never trusted clowns again...and 30% are still in therapy today.
- I LOVE the horror films of the 80's...but have you ever noticed how slowly most of the killers move, yet they always catch their victims? I've never understood why the poor fool being chased by Jason didn't just pick a direction and keep running like hell.
- Killer Klowns From Outer Space was a true classic...and ridiculous in every way...but I've still managed to avoid circus tents for most of my life...I also catch myself checking cotton candy for bodies...
- Does anyone remember the Highway to Heaven episode in which Michael Landon turned into a werewolf on Halloween? Very cool...If he could have done that on the prairie, poor little Laura would have most certainly wet herself.
- The Monster Squad was awesome...one of those movies that made you want to round up some buddies for an adventure...I ran across the dvd at Walmart earlier this year and was so overcome with excitement that I almost pulled a "Laura Ingalls" myself.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Todd's Rant on SEC Officiating
- I want to have an SEC team playing for the national title every year...However, it's very discouraging to see the SEC officials paving the way for their undefeated teams. I know the league would love to see #1 and #2 in the country play for the conference title, but the refs shouldn't play a part in guaranteeing that.
- A replay official has one job during a game: Look at the video evidence. Study the different angles. Make the correct call....Dan Dembinski, the replay official for the Florida-MSU game, had access to the same video and still shots that were shown on ESPN....The still photo tells the story, in this particular case...If this isn't enough evidence to overturn a bad call, then what is the point of having a replay review in the first place?
- Here's an idea that was being discussed on my favorite message board...Why not put cameras on the goal line for every game? This would solve the problem of questionable replay angles.
- Mississippi State also fell victim to the replay official in the Houston game...Not surprisingly, it was a an SEC guy in the booth.
- Look at the blocked field goal at the end of the Alabama-Tennessee game...A player clearly removed his helmet before the play was over, which is supposed to be an automatic penalty. Guess what? No penalty against Alabama. Wiith the officials so eager to call those non existent celebration penalties this season, how could they pass up a chance to call a LEGITIMATE penalty?
- I don't like Lane Kiffin the least bit, but I find truth and humor in one thing he said about Saturday's game. When asked why he didn't run one more play before lining up for the field goal, Kiffin responded that he didn't want to give the refs a chance to throw a flag and back his team up.
- While listening to The Sports Drive, I learned that Tennessee was the second LEAST penalized team in the country going into the Alabama game...When the dust settled on this one, the Vols had nine penalties. Bama had one...It's very hard to play an entire game with only one penalty, especially when you're as physical and aggressive as the Tide.
- Don't confuse any of my remarks as a rant against Alabama. While I dislike Saban and his program, I was actually pulling for them to remain unbeaten. I want MSU to have another shot at knocking off a top team when Bama comes to Starkville...Whether the Dawgs win or lose, I always welcome the opportunity to make headlines.
- I fully support Dan Mullen, Bobby Petrino and any other coach who speaks out against these ridiculous calls and sticks up for their players.
- Do you think it's a coincidence that the worst calls this year have all benefited the highly ranked teams?
- SEC Commissioner Mike Slive is a pitiful excuse for authority.
- A replay official has one job during a game: Look at the video evidence. Study the different angles. Make the correct call....Dan Dembinski, the replay official for the Florida-MSU game, had access to the same video and still shots that were shown on ESPN....The still photo tells the story, in this particular case...If this isn't enough evidence to overturn a bad call, then what is the point of having a replay review in the first place?
- Here's an idea that was being discussed on my favorite message board...Why not put cameras on the goal line for every game? This would solve the problem of questionable replay angles.
- Mississippi State also fell victim to the replay official in the Houston game...Not surprisingly, it was a an SEC guy in the booth.
- Look at the blocked field goal at the end of the Alabama-Tennessee game...A player clearly removed his helmet before the play was over, which is supposed to be an automatic penalty. Guess what? No penalty against Alabama. Wiith the officials so eager to call those non existent celebration penalties this season, how could they pass up a chance to call a LEGITIMATE penalty?
- I don't like Lane Kiffin the least bit, but I find truth and humor in one thing he said about Saturday's game. When asked why he didn't run one more play before lining up for the field goal, Kiffin responded that he didn't want to give the refs a chance to throw a flag and back his team up.
- While listening to The Sports Drive, I learned that Tennessee was the second LEAST penalized team in the country going into the Alabama game...When the dust settled on this one, the Vols had nine penalties. Bama had one...It's very hard to play an entire game with only one penalty, especially when you're as physical and aggressive as the Tide.
- Don't confuse any of my remarks as a rant against Alabama. While I dislike Saban and his program, I was actually pulling for them to remain unbeaten. I want MSU to have another shot at knocking off a top team when Bama comes to Starkville...Whether the Dawgs win or lose, I always welcome the opportunity to make headlines.
- I fully support Dan Mullen, Bobby Petrino and any other coach who speaks out against these ridiculous calls and sticks up for their players.
- Do you think it's a coincidence that the worst calls this year have all benefited the highly ranked teams?
- SEC Commissioner Mike Slive is a pitiful excuse for authority.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
SEC Predictions for Week 8
Florida VS Mississippi State
This is a huge game for my Bulldogs...The #1 team in the nation comes to Starkvegas for a big ESPN televised game...Coach Mullen goes against his old team and his old quarterback...Cowbells will be clangin'....The atmosphere will be electric...The Gators haven't won in Starkville since 1986...Call me crazy, but I almost feel an upset in the air...I don't want to jinx it, though, so I'm picking with my brain instead of my heart...I really hope this is wrong.....Gators 35 - Dawgs 24
Ole Messy VS Arkansas
The Rebs showed out against UAB, but have yet to impress against a decent opponent...The Hogs nearly knocked off Florida last week and had a close loss to Georgia earlier in the year...Take away the Alabama game and the Razorbacks have been in the thick of every battle so far...They are also getting better with time.....Arkansas 30 - Rebs 27
Tennessee VS Alabama
I see this one going down as a defensive struggle...Although Monte Kiffin is a master of that side of the ball, I believe Alabama will be too physical in the end...If defense wins games, then the Tide will roll.....Bama 20 - Tenn 13
Auburn VS LSU
Just when I started to believe Auburn was the "real deal", they drop two in a row...LSU is still overrated, in my opinion, but I see no way in hades that the Tigers from the plains go into Baton Rouge and beat the Bayou Bengals...although I think it will be pretty close.....LSU 28 - Auburn 20
Vanderbilt VS South Carolina
Poor Vandy...Injuries and suspensions have the Commodores looking like ...well...Vandy again...Spurrier has the Gamecocks playing pretty well right now. Even though Bobby Johnson's defense may keep his team in this game early on, I see Carolina running away with this one.....SC 35 - Dores 13
Kentucky VS Louisiana Monroe
The Wildcats are a hard team to figure out..Everybody had written them off, until their win over Auburn last week. Now it appears that they may be decent after all...Like I've said many times, though, Rich Brooks is a coach that usually over achieves...ULM should provide his cats with an easy non conference win, which is critical if they want to go bowling.....Kentucky 38 - ULM 14
This is a huge game for my Bulldogs...The #1 team in the nation comes to Starkvegas for a big ESPN televised game...Coach Mullen goes against his old team and his old quarterback...Cowbells will be clangin'....The atmosphere will be electric...The Gators haven't won in Starkville since 1986...Call me crazy, but I almost feel an upset in the air...I don't want to jinx it, though, so I'm picking with my brain instead of my heart...I really hope this is wrong.....Gators 35 - Dawgs 24
Ole Messy VS Arkansas
The Rebs showed out against UAB, but have yet to impress against a decent opponent...The Hogs nearly knocked off Florida last week and had a close loss to Georgia earlier in the year...Take away the Alabama game and the Razorbacks have been in the thick of every battle so far...They are also getting better with time.....Arkansas 30 - Rebs 27
Tennessee VS Alabama
I see this one going down as a defensive struggle...Although Monte Kiffin is a master of that side of the ball, I believe Alabama will be too physical in the end...If defense wins games, then the Tide will roll.....Bama 20 - Tenn 13
Auburn VS LSU
Just when I started to believe Auburn was the "real deal", they drop two in a row...LSU is still overrated, in my opinion, but I see no way in hades that the Tigers from the plains go into Baton Rouge and beat the Bayou Bengals...although I think it will be pretty close.....LSU 28 - Auburn 20
Vanderbilt VS South Carolina
Poor Vandy...Injuries and suspensions have the Commodores looking like ...well...Vandy again...Spurrier has the Gamecocks playing pretty well right now. Even though Bobby Johnson's defense may keep his team in this game early on, I see Carolina running away with this one.....SC 35 - Dores 13
Kentucky VS Louisiana Monroe
The Wildcats are a hard team to figure out..Everybody had written them off, until their win over Auburn last week. Now it appears that they may be decent after all...Like I've said many times, though, Rich Brooks is a coach that usually over achieves...ULM should provide his cats with an easy non conference win, which is critical if they want to go bowling.....Kentucky 38 - ULM 14
Monday, October 19, 2009
Todd's Costume Suggestions for Halloween '09
- Mississppi State coach Dan Mullen should go as the Pope...because what he's done with the MSU offense has truely been a blessing.
- Mississippi State defensive coordinator Carl Torbush should leave his socks off and go as Joe Lee Dunn...Bulldog fans would enjoy a flashback to the dominant defenses of the late 90's.
- Mississippi State offensive coordinator Les Koening should go as Woody McCorvey...What could be more frightening than that?
- Anthony Dixon should go as a workhorse...because he is one.
- Lane Kiffin should go as a jackass...because he is one.
- Jevan Snead should go as Tim Tebow...then rebel fans will finally have the Heisman winner they've been talking about for the last 25 years.
- Tim Tebow can go as whatever the hell he wants...he's Tim Tebow.
- Lou Holtz should put on a straight jacket and go as a crazy old man...oops, too late...I guess Halloween came early for Dr. Lou.
- The entire Ohio State football team should go as the SEC team of their choice...then they'll know how it feels to wear big boy britches for once.
- The entire Notre Dame football team should go as a Big 10 team...then at least they'll know what it feels like to be in a conference...plus, the Buckeyes would have another cream puff on their schedule.
- Les Miles should go as a polaroid picture...then maybe his mediocre coaching abilities would be exposed...Get it? EXPOSED...Moving right along...
- Nick Saban should embrace the nickname and go as Nick Satan...although, I'd hate to give the devil a bad name.
- Ed Orgeron should just go sober...He scares enough children as it is. We don't need him ripping his shirt off and yelling "Wild Boys" once the alcohol hits.
- Steve Spurrier should put on some blue and orange as go as the "real" ball coach.
- Houston Nutt should go...as a nut...literally...Almond or pecan, it's his choice.
- Tommy Tuberville should flap his ears and go to the moon...but the man can coach!
- Phillip Fulmer should wear his old Tennessee gear and go as "The Great Pumpkin".
- John Madden should go as Brett Favre's torso...then he will be the best torso in the NFL...If you don't get this joke, call the Sports Drive and ask to hear the sound bytes!
- Sports Drive host and former MSU quarterback Matt Wyatt should go as...himself...We know the backup QB is always the fan favorite...Who would wanna give that up for a day?
- "Hotty Toddy" Scotty Spencer should simply go as Scotty Spencer...With this final piece of the puzzle in place, the Sports Drive could then go national.
- Brad Locke, MSU beat writer for the Daily Journal, should wear his hat crooked and go as Sylvester Croom...I could always just feel the love between these two...
- Kyle Veazey, MSU beat writer for the Clarion Ledger, should go back to Oxford...and stay there.
- Tyson Lee's girlfriend should go as a football...then maybe Tyson would finally hold on to it all day.
- I should go as Col. Reb...then Tyson could beat me with a cowbell for making that last comment...and we'd have some great new material for the jumbotron...I love ya Tyson!
- Mississippi State defensive coordinator Carl Torbush should leave his socks off and go as Joe Lee Dunn...Bulldog fans would enjoy a flashback to the dominant defenses of the late 90's.
- Mississippi State offensive coordinator Les Koening should go as Woody McCorvey...What could be more frightening than that?
- Anthony Dixon should go as a workhorse...because he is one.
- Lane Kiffin should go as a jackass...because he is one.
- Jevan Snead should go as Tim Tebow...then rebel fans will finally have the Heisman winner they've been talking about for the last 25 years.
- Tim Tebow can go as whatever the hell he wants...he's Tim Tebow.
- Lou Holtz should put on a straight jacket and go as a crazy old man...oops, too late...I guess Halloween came early for Dr. Lou.
- The entire Ohio State football team should go as the SEC team of their choice...then they'll know how it feels to wear big boy britches for once.
- The entire Notre Dame football team should go as a Big 10 team...then at least they'll know what it feels like to be in a conference...plus, the Buckeyes would have another cream puff on their schedule.
- Les Miles should go as a polaroid picture...then maybe his mediocre coaching abilities would be exposed...Get it? EXPOSED...Moving right along...
- Nick Saban should embrace the nickname and go as Nick Satan...although, I'd hate to give the devil a bad name.
- Ed Orgeron should just go sober...He scares enough children as it is. We don't need him ripping his shirt off and yelling "Wild Boys" once the alcohol hits.
- Steve Spurrier should put on some blue and orange as go as the "real" ball coach.
- Houston Nutt should go...as a nut...literally...Almond or pecan, it's his choice.
- Tommy Tuberville should flap his ears and go to the moon...but the man can coach!
- Phillip Fulmer should wear his old Tennessee gear and go as "The Great Pumpkin".
- John Madden should go as Brett Favre's torso...then he will be the best torso in the NFL...If you don't get this joke, call the Sports Drive and ask to hear the sound bytes!
- Sports Drive host and former MSU quarterback Matt Wyatt should go as...himself...We know the backup QB is always the fan favorite...Who would wanna give that up for a day?
- "Hotty Toddy" Scotty Spencer should simply go as Scotty Spencer...With this final piece of the puzzle in place, the Sports Drive could then go national.
- Brad Locke, MSU beat writer for the Daily Journal, should wear his hat crooked and go as Sylvester Croom...I could always just feel the love between these two...
- Kyle Veazey, MSU beat writer for the Clarion Ledger, should go back to Oxford...and stay there.
- Tyson Lee's girlfriend should go as a football...then maybe Tyson would finally hold on to it all day.
- I should go as Col. Reb...then Tyson could beat me with a cowbell for making that last comment...and we'd have some great new material for the jumbotron...I love ya Tyson!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
SEC Week 7 Predictions
Mississippi State 34- Middle Tennessee State 20
Old Mess 31 - UAB 13
Georgia 24 - Vanderbilt 10
Auburn 35 - Kentucky 20
Florida 41 - Arkansas 28
Alabama 21 - South Carolina 10
Old Mess 31 - UAB 13
Georgia 24 - Vanderbilt 10
Auburn 35 - Kentucky 20
Florida 41 - Arkansas 28
Alabama 21 - South Carolina 10
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Todd's Random Mid-Season Thoughts on Mississippi State Football
- Mullen has done wonders with the offense in a short perioid of time...He's making the best with what he has and we are moving the ball better than we have in years.
- A year ago, we scored 183 points in 12 games...So far this season, we've put up 165 in six games...That's impressive, if you ask me.
- The problem is, Mullen can't hold on to the ball for his players...Turnovers kill.
- We have an awesome group of young players, both on the field and on the sidelines...This is the first time in a looong time I can say "wait till next year" and honestly believe it.
- I'm not sold on Carl Torbush as the Defensive Coordinator...People like to say that there's a reason Tyson Lee was a walk on QB...Well, there's probably a reason Torbush had fallen way down the coaching ladder before coming to MSU, also.
- Tyson Lee makes a lot of mistakes...I still love the guy, though. As I've said before, Tyson can't change his height and he doesn't pencil in his name at the top of depth chart. He just gives it 100% when he's called upon and he has a huge heart. He takes a beating and keeps on coming.
- I think Tyson shouldn't be so hesitant to run the ball...He does very well on the designed QB runs, but he doesn't want to take off and run under pressure. I feel he's left a lot of yards on the field because of this.
- I'm partial to Chad Bumphis, being a Tupelo boy, but I'm telling ya...Chad is going to be THE MAN in Starkville the next few years.
- Keeping the redshirt on Tyler Russell is the right decision...I trust Mullen when it comes to quarterbacks. He watches practice every day and I believe he would have played Russell by now if he truely thought he was ready to make a difference.
- Once this season has passed, and we turn toward spring drills, we'll all be glad that we have Tyler Russell for a full four years...Russell, Bumphis, Heavens, Chris Smith, Montrell Connor and so many others have me excited in a big way.
- I'm very glad we have Leon Berry.
- If we are able to land juco transfer Cameron Newton at quarterback, to go along with Russell and Relf (assuming he returns), we'll probably have the biggest one year turnaround at that position in the history of our program.
- We can't win many games with no pass defense, pure and simple...When a team starts slinging the ball against us, our best hope for a stop is a turnover...That's a bad feeling.
- Our special teams has been a big bright spot...There was much made of Mullen taking control of this unit, much like Urban Meyer does at Florida, and now I realize what the buzz was about.
- There are some great seniors on this team, who I wish could be around for another year to be a part of what I feel is going to be something special.
- Jamar Chaney is one of them....Outstanding player and an all around good guy.
- Anthony Dixon is a monster at running back...I have a feeling it's a struggle for him to stay on the straight and narrow, but he has true potential at the next level if he keeps his head straight.
- We are 2-4...not good...We could possibly have been 5-1 at this point, if you look through those maroon colored glasses...But in all honesty, we should be at 4-2...That is both discouraging and encouraging...Before the season started, 2-4 at this point seemed on par...but losing to LSU by four inches and then throwing away three chances to score on Houston in the red zone is hard to swallow.
- Now I'll watch some more games, probably have a few drinks and try to convince myself that Mississippi State football isn't everything in life...By mid-week, I'll start thinking "You know, we really should beat MTSU this weekend"...and then, IF we win...I'll find myself thinking "Hmmm, you know Florida hasn't won a game in Starkville in nearly 20 years...."
Ohhh man, it's just an ongoing cycle!
- A year ago, we scored 183 points in 12 games...So far this season, we've put up 165 in six games...That's impressive, if you ask me.
- The problem is, Mullen can't hold on to the ball for his players...Turnovers kill.
- We have an awesome group of young players, both on the field and on the sidelines...This is the first time in a looong time I can say "wait till next year" and honestly believe it.
- I'm not sold on Carl Torbush as the Defensive Coordinator...People like to say that there's a reason Tyson Lee was a walk on QB...Well, there's probably a reason Torbush had fallen way down the coaching ladder before coming to MSU, also.
- Tyson Lee makes a lot of mistakes...I still love the guy, though. As I've said before, Tyson can't change his height and he doesn't pencil in his name at the top of depth chart. He just gives it 100% when he's called upon and he has a huge heart. He takes a beating and keeps on coming.
- I think Tyson shouldn't be so hesitant to run the ball...He does very well on the designed QB runs, but he doesn't want to take off and run under pressure. I feel he's left a lot of yards on the field because of this.
- I'm partial to Chad Bumphis, being a Tupelo boy, but I'm telling ya...Chad is going to be THE MAN in Starkville the next few years.
- Keeping the redshirt on Tyler Russell is the right decision...I trust Mullen when it comes to quarterbacks. He watches practice every day and I believe he would have played Russell by now if he truely thought he was ready to make a difference.
- Once this season has passed, and we turn toward spring drills, we'll all be glad that we have Tyler Russell for a full four years...Russell, Bumphis, Heavens, Chris Smith, Montrell Connor and so many others have me excited in a big way.
- I'm very glad we have Leon Berry.
- If we are able to land juco transfer Cameron Newton at quarterback, to go along with Russell and Relf (assuming he returns), we'll probably have the biggest one year turnaround at that position in the history of our program.
- We can't win many games with no pass defense, pure and simple...When a team starts slinging the ball against us, our best hope for a stop is a turnover...That's a bad feeling.
- Our special teams has been a big bright spot...There was much made of Mullen taking control of this unit, much like Urban Meyer does at Florida, and now I realize what the buzz was about.
- There are some great seniors on this team, who I wish could be around for another year to be a part of what I feel is going to be something special.
- Jamar Chaney is one of them....Outstanding player and an all around good guy.
- Anthony Dixon is a monster at running back...I have a feeling it's a struggle for him to stay on the straight and narrow, but he has true potential at the next level if he keeps his head straight.
- We are 2-4...not good...We could possibly have been 5-1 at this point, if you look through those maroon colored glasses...But in all honesty, we should be at 4-2...That is both discouraging and encouraging...Before the season started, 2-4 at this point seemed on par...but losing to LSU by four inches and then throwing away three chances to score on Houston in the red zone is hard to swallow.
- Now I'll watch some more games, probably have a few drinks and try to convince myself that Mississippi State football isn't everything in life...By mid-week, I'll start thinking "You know, we really should beat MTSU this weekend"...and then, IF we win...I'll find myself thinking "Hmmm, you know Florida hasn't won a game in Starkville in nearly 20 years...."
Ohhh man, it's just an ongoing cycle!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Todd's Week 5 Score Predictions
Mississippi State 27 - Georgia Tech 24
Old Mess 20 - Vanderbilt 13
Alabama 30 - Kentucky 10
Georgia 30 - LSU 27
South Carolina 38 - S.C. State 6
Arkansas 28 - Texas A&M 27
Auburn 23 - Tennessee 16
Tulsa 37 - Rice 17
Old Mess 20 - Vanderbilt 13
Alabama 30 - Kentucky 10
Georgia 30 - LSU 27
South Carolina 38 - S.C. State 6
Arkansas 28 - Texas A&M 27
Auburn 23 - Tennessee 16
Tulsa 37 - Rice 17
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Todd's World Famous SEC Football Predictions for Week 4
Mississippi State VS LSU
My Dawgs stiffened up on defense last week and handed Coach Mullen his first SEC win, by knocking off Vandy 15-3...MSU finally looked like the physical team I expect to see week in and week out, so I'm feeling better about our direction... Things get tougher this weekend, however, as LSU comes to Starkvegas. The Tigers are ranked seventh in the nation and even though I don't think they are as good as the polls show, I'm not gonna call the upset...I do think the Bulldogs will keep it close and I truely hope I'm wrong on the outcome.....LSU 27 - MSU 20
Old Mess VS South Carolina
Very interesting game here...The Gamecocks have found their offense the last couple of weeks, but the defense has been very questionable...The Rebels should be good, but have yet to be tested...Spurrier's group has the home field advantage and he seems to have finally found a quarterback that can produce...I honestly think Carolina could pull the upset here. Plus, I'm a huge fan of the weekly "Our Girls Are Hotter Than Your Girls" thread on the Gamecock message board...but...I can't go against my gut instinct.....Webels 38 - SC 28
Florida VS Kentucky
Ok, the Gators didn't lay the major smackdown I was hoping for on Tennessee...In the SEC, though, no win in is a bad win...Rick Brooks has his bunch overachieving once again this year and I think they will keep it close for awhile, but cats always end up as gator bait in the end.....Florida
41 - Kentucky 17
Alabama VS Arkansas
The Crimson Tide is looking more and more like an SEC title contender...Arkansas is MUCH improved over last year and Nick Satan's guys had better be ready for a fight. The Hogs will impress, I think, but I don't see them derailing Bummer just yet.....Elephants 38 - Hogs 24
Vanderbilt VS Rice
Bobby Johnson and the Dores wont be returning to a bowl game this year...But there's good news this week: The Rice Owls aren't heading to a bowl either...and of the two, the team from Music City should be able to grab a win and improve to 2-2 after this one.....Vandy 24 - Rice 10
Tennessee VS Ohio
Lane Kiffin's squad proved a lot against Florida last week....They proved they could go into Swamp and compete...They proved that their defense is pretty good....They proved that they aren't intimidated easily...However, they also proved that their offense is still very much unproven...Let's see if they can use the Bobcats as a confidence booster.....Vols 41 - Ohio 13
Auburn VS Ball State
After last week's victory over West Virginia, there's little doubt that the Tigers are for real...Not only can Auburn run the ball down your throat, they can also pass it around...Ball State rolls into hostile territory at the wrong time...This will be ugly ugly ugly on the plains....Auburn 51 - Ball St. 10
Georgia VS Arizona State
Much like South Carolina, the Georgia Bulldogs seem to have a discovered an offense and lost a defense... Speaking of offense, Arizona State has put up a combined total of 88 points in their first two victories...Can you say shootout? This could go either way, but I have to go with the SEC team at home.....Georgia 45 - AZ ST. 38
And my Bonus Special as always...
Tulsa VS Sam Houston State
Ok, so I went a little crazy by picking the Golden Hurricanes over the Sooners..Sometimes a guy lets wishful thinking take over...I feel pretty confident this week, though...The Canes will put up some big numbers and get that bad taste of crushing defeat out of their mouth....Tulsa 48 - Sam Houston 13
My Dawgs stiffened up on defense last week and handed Coach Mullen his first SEC win, by knocking off Vandy 15-3...MSU finally looked like the physical team I expect to see week in and week out, so I'm feeling better about our direction... Things get tougher this weekend, however, as LSU comes to Starkvegas. The Tigers are ranked seventh in the nation and even though I don't think they are as good as the polls show, I'm not gonna call the upset...I do think the Bulldogs will keep it close and I truely hope I'm wrong on the outcome.....LSU 27 - MSU 20
Old Mess VS South Carolina
Very interesting game here...The Gamecocks have found their offense the last couple of weeks, but the defense has been very questionable...The Rebels should be good, but have yet to be tested...Spurrier's group has the home field advantage and he seems to have finally found a quarterback that can produce...I honestly think Carolina could pull the upset here. Plus, I'm a huge fan of the weekly "Our Girls Are Hotter Than Your Girls" thread on the Gamecock message board...but...I can't go against my gut instinct.....Webels 38 - SC 28
Florida VS Kentucky
Ok, the Gators didn't lay the major smackdown I was hoping for on Tennessee...In the SEC, though, no win in is a bad win...Rick Brooks has his bunch overachieving once again this year and I think they will keep it close for awhile, but cats always end up as gator bait in the end.....Florida
41 - Kentucky 17
Alabama VS Arkansas
The Crimson Tide is looking more and more like an SEC title contender...Arkansas is MUCH improved over last year and Nick Satan's guys had better be ready for a fight. The Hogs will impress, I think, but I don't see them derailing Bummer just yet.....Elephants 38 - Hogs 24
Vanderbilt VS Rice
Bobby Johnson and the Dores wont be returning to a bowl game this year...But there's good news this week: The Rice Owls aren't heading to a bowl either...and of the two, the team from Music City should be able to grab a win and improve to 2-2 after this one.....Vandy 24 - Rice 10
Tennessee VS Ohio
Lane Kiffin's squad proved a lot against Florida last week....They proved they could go into Swamp and compete...They proved that their defense is pretty good....They proved that they aren't intimidated easily...However, they also proved that their offense is still very much unproven...Let's see if they can use the Bobcats as a confidence booster.....Vols 41 - Ohio 13
Auburn VS Ball State
After last week's victory over West Virginia, there's little doubt that the Tigers are for real...Not only can Auburn run the ball down your throat, they can also pass it around...Ball State rolls into hostile territory at the wrong time...This will be ugly ugly ugly on the plains....Auburn 51 - Ball St. 10
Georgia VS Arizona State
Much like South Carolina, the Georgia Bulldogs seem to have a discovered an offense and lost a defense... Speaking of offense, Arizona State has put up a combined total of 88 points in their first two victories...Can you say shootout? This could go either way, but I have to go with the SEC team at home.....Georgia 45 - AZ ST. 38
And my Bonus Special as always...
Tulsa VS Sam Houston State
Ok, so I went a little crazy by picking the Golden Hurricanes over the Sooners..Sometimes a guy lets wishful thinking take over...I feel pretty confident this week, though...The Canes will put up some big numbers and get that bad taste of crushing defeat out of their mouth....Tulsa 48 - Sam Houston 13
Friday, September 18, 2009
Todd's Almost Late But Never Boring SEC Predictions for Week 3
Yes, I've been slacking this week! Actually, I've been pretty busy...but I promise not to let it happen again...I'm running short a time, so here's a slightly condensed version of my picks for week three...I'll be back in the full swing of things next time though.
Mississippi State VS Vanderbilt
The Dawgs had a rough time on the plains at Auburn last week, getting blown out of the water once the half time show was over. Defensive Coordinator Carl Torbush was obviously intoxicated, given the defensive scheme he ran for most of the night...Vanderbilt lost a very physically tough game to LSU, leaving the bayou with several players banged up...The Dores are always tough and hopefully the Bulldogs can get Torbush dried out in time for this little meeting in Nashville....This may be the last chance I have to pick my team for a while (the schedule gets brutal), so I'm taking the canines while I still can.....MSU 24 - Vandy 21
The University of Mississippi at Oxfart VS Southeastern Louisiana
Boy, things couldn't get much better for the rebels. In week one, they knocked off the mighty Memphis Tigers with a fourth quarter performance that actually resembled a top ten team. They took a rest during week two and moved up in the polls without even having to play a game....So, now it's time to get down to business in week three, right? Not hardly, as Southeastern Louisiana comes to visit. I guess the hotty toddy bunch needs a practice game to prepare for that huge showdown with Northern Arizona in a few weeks...Yes, I was being sarcastic.....Old Mess 51 - SE LA 14
Tennessee VS Florida
Well well, here's the one we've all been waiting on...Lane Kiffin has wrinkled more than a few feathers since being hired in Knoxville, but I doubt anyone is more eager than Urban Meyer to get their chance at the Vols....I'm sure Kiffin has been seeing angry gators in his nightmares for weeks now...Guess what Lane? Even those nightmares couldn't prepare your team for what's coming when they enter the Swamp for this mauling...This will be painful to watch if you're wearing orange.....Gators 48 - Vols 13
Kentucky 27 - Louisville 17
Alabama 44 - North Texas 9
South Carolina 41 - Florida Atlantic 10
Georgia 30 - Arkansas 28
LSU 38 - Louisiana Lafayette 14
Auburn 31 - West Virginia 28
Tulsa VS Oklahoma
Tulsa has been able to put up a lot of points so far this season, but they wont come nearly as easy against this Sooner defense...Even in their opening week loss to BYU, Oklahoma only gave up two touchdowns...This is a tough one for me, because I want to call the upset, but common sense tells me to pick the guys from Norman...Of course, with the problems at quarterback for Oklahoma...hmm...Ok, here it is, Upset Special of the week.....Tulsa 27 - Oklahoma 24
Mississippi State VS Vanderbilt
The Dawgs had a rough time on the plains at Auburn last week, getting blown out of the water once the half time show was over. Defensive Coordinator Carl Torbush was obviously intoxicated, given the defensive scheme he ran for most of the night...Vanderbilt lost a very physically tough game to LSU, leaving the bayou with several players banged up...The Dores are always tough and hopefully the Bulldogs can get Torbush dried out in time for this little meeting in Nashville....This may be the last chance I have to pick my team for a while (the schedule gets brutal), so I'm taking the canines while I still can.....MSU 24 - Vandy 21
The University of Mississippi at Oxfart VS Southeastern Louisiana
Boy, things couldn't get much better for the rebels. In week one, they knocked off the mighty Memphis Tigers with a fourth quarter performance that actually resembled a top ten team. They took a rest during week two and moved up in the polls without even having to play a game....So, now it's time to get down to business in week three, right? Not hardly, as Southeastern Louisiana comes to visit. I guess the hotty toddy bunch needs a practice game to prepare for that huge showdown with Northern Arizona in a few weeks...Yes, I was being sarcastic.....Old Mess 51 - SE LA 14
Tennessee VS Florida
Well well, here's the one we've all been waiting on...Lane Kiffin has wrinkled more than a few feathers since being hired in Knoxville, but I doubt anyone is more eager than Urban Meyer to get their chance at the Vols....I'm sure Kiffin has been seeing angry gators in his nightmares for weeks now...Guess what Lane? Even those nightmares couldn't prepare your team for what's coming when they enter the Swamp for this mauling...This will be painful to watch if you're wearing orange.....Gators 48 - Vols 13
Kentucky 27 - Louisville 17
Alabama 44 - North Texas 9
South Carolina 41 - Florida Atlantic 10
Georgia 30 - Arkansas 28
LSU 38 - Louisiana Lafayette 14
Auburn 31 - West Virginia 28
Tulsa VS Oklahoma
Tulsa has been able to put up a lot of points so far this season, but they wont come nearly as easy against this Sooner defense...Even in their opening week loss to BYU, Oklahoma only gave up two touchdowns...This is a tough one for me, because I want to call the upset, but common sense tells me to pick the guys from Norman...Of course, with the problems at quarterback for Oklahoma...hmm...Ok, here it is, Upset Special of the week.....Tulsa 27 - Oklahoma 24
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Todd's Just As Much Anticipated SEC Predictions For Week 2
So weekend number one of the college football season is in the books. I did quite well with my picks last week (was there ever any doubt?), posting an 12-1 overall record and coming very close on some of the scores....Georgia was my lone blimish. I predicted that either they or South Carolina would fall, I just couldn't decide which one to go with.
Things get a lot tougher now, with conference play starting up, but here's my fearless prognostications for this weeks SEC games, along with a couple of others.
Mississippi State VS Auburn
The Dan Mullen era got off to a slow start in Starkville, but my Dawgs came alive in the second half and scored 45 points on Jackson State...the most an MSU team has scored since 2002. Things get tougher this week, as we head to the plains to face Auburn...The Tigers handled their opener better than I expected and they will be the favorites in this one...I see a defensive struggle (hopefully not 3-2 again)...Two new SEC coaches...One will leave the stadium 2-0...I'm betting on "Dan the Man" in a close one.....MSU 21 - Auburn 17
Florida VS Troy
I predicted that Florida would score 63 points last week. They only managed to put up 62. Darn...Things could be tougher against Troy, though...I'm going with the mighty Gators in a real nail biter...Florida 56 - Troy 10
Tennessee VS UCLA
Wow, this one is interesting...These two teams have so much in common. Both are storied programs, trying to reclaim a prominent spot in their respective conferences...Aww, poor babies...Well, my mind tells me to pick the Bruins, but I have a gut feeling about the Vols...Monte Kiffin runs a mean defense...This could be my bonehead call of the week, but here it goes.....Tennessee 24 - UCLA 13
Alabama VS Florida International
The Tide looked as good as advertised against Virginia Tech...As for this game, it's nothing more than a scrimmage for Satan..I mean Saban...and the boys in crimson...Defense Defense Defense...What more can you say.....Alabama 48 - Florida Int. 6
South Carolina VS Georgia
The Gamecocks have a solid defense, but hey Steve, where's the O? Georgia fell to Oklahoma State to open the season, which wasn't a shock, but scoring only 10 points? Not good...I'm just not seeing many trips to the promise land in this contest...It's between the hedges in Athens, so I'm going with the Bulldogs...Georgia 20 - South Carolina 17
Vanderbilt VS LSU
The Bayou Bengals didn't look all that sharp against the Wahington Huskies, while Vandy looked better than I expected against a bad Western Kentucky team...The Dores always play tough and I think they will keep it close...BUT...This game is in Baton Rouge...on a Saturday night...90,000 drunk cajuns...and did I mention it's in Baton Rouge? On a Saturday night? Tigers win a cat fight.....LSU 27- Vandy 20
Tulsa VS New Mexico
I gotta call this one, because I have kin folk on the Tulsa staff...Tulsa is a pretty good team...New Mexico, not so good...Tulsa scores lots of points...New Mexico, well, you get the picture...If the Golden Hurricanes lose this one, I will start calling them the Silver Breeze. But, I don't see that happening....Tulsa 41 - New Mexico 21
Southern California VS Ohio State
I don't think USC is as good this year as their ranking suggests...However, Ohio State is always overrated...I despise the Buckeyes...I despise them with a passion...A passion normally reserved only for my love of chicken wings and Hooters ...Southern Cal will tear them apart..again...I'm not even predicting a score in this one....The Trojans win BIG!
So...put your money where my mouth is... bet the house on my rock solid predictions...and enjoy some football.
Things get a lot tougher now, with conference play starting up, but here's my fearless prognostications for this weeks SEC games, along with a couple of others.
Mississippi State VS Auburn
The Dan Mullen era got off to a slow start in Starkville, but my Dawgs came alive in the second half and scored 45 points on Jackson State...the most an MSU team has scored since 2002. Things get tougher this week, as we head to the plains to face Auburn...The Tigers handled their opener better than I expected and they will be the favorites in this one...I see a defensive struggle (hopefully not 3-2 again)...Two new SEC coaches...One will leave the stadium 2-0...I'm betting on "Dan the Man" in a close one.....MSU 21 - Auburn 17
Florida VS Troy
I predicted that Florida would score 63 points last week. They only managed to put up 62. Darn...Things could be tougher against Troy, though...I'm going with the mighty Gators in a real nail biter...Florida 56 - Troy 10
Tennessee VS UCLA
Wow, this one is interesting...These two teams have so much in common. Both are storied programs, trying to reclaim a prominent spot in their respective conferences...Aww, poor babies...Well, my mind tells me to pick the Bruins, but I have a gut feeling about the Vols...Monte Kiffin runs a mean defense...This could be my bonehead call of the week, but here it goes.....Tennessee 24 - UCLA 13
Alabama VS Florida International
The Tide looked as good as advertised against Virginia Tech...As for this game, it's nothing more than a scrimmage for Satan..I mean Saban...and the boys in crimson...Defense Defense Defense...What more can you say.....Alabama 48 - Florida Int. 6
South Carolina VS Georgia
The Gamecocks have a solid defense, but hey Steve, where's the O? Georgia fell to Oklahoma State to open the season, which wasn't a shock, but scoring only 10 points? Not good...I'm just not seeing many trips to the promise land in this contest...It's between the hedges in Athens, so I'm going with the Bulldogs...Georgia 20 - South Carolina 17
Vanderbilt VS LSU
The Bayou Bengals didn't look all that sharp against the Wahington Huskies, while Vandy looked better than I expected against a bad Western Kentucky team...The Dores always play tough and I think they will keep it close...BUT...This game is in Baton Rouge...on a Saturday night...90,000 drunk cajuns...and did I mention it's in Baton Rouge? On a Saturday night? Tigers win a cat fight.....LSU 27- Vandy 20
Tulsa VS New Mexico
I gotta call this one, because I have kin folk on the Tulsa staff...Tulsa is a pretty good team...New Mexico, not so good...Tulsa scores lots of points...New Mexico, well, you get the picture...If the Golden Hurricanes lose this one, I will start calling them the Silver Breeze. But, I don't see that happening....Tulsa 41 - New Mexico 21
Southern California VS Ohio State
I don't think USC is as good this year as their ranking suggests...However, Ohio State is always overrated...I despise the Buckeyes...I despise them with a passion...A passion normally reserved only for my love of chicken wings and Hooters ...Southern Cal will tear them apart..again...I'm not even predicting a score in this one....The Trojans win BIG!
So...put your money where my mouth is... bet the house on my rock solid predictions...and enjoy some football.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Todd's Much Anticipated SEC Football Predictions for Week 1
Mississippi State VS Jackson State.
The Dan Mullen era kicks off with a lopsided win by the Dawgs...The maroon and white should be able to put this one away without showing too much of the playbook in week one...There's a reason those SWAC players aren't in the SEC...I see a first half shutout.....MSU 45 - JSU 10
Old Mess VS Memphis
I'd love to call an upset by the Tigers, just to be a jackass (Who, me?), but I'm being realistic...I do think it will be fairly close through the third quarter. This is usually a tight one.....OM 38 - Memphis 17
Alabama VS Virginia Tech
This should be a close one for the squad from Tuscaloser, especially if Julio Jones doesn't play...but I'm looking for a physical SEC defense to prevail.....Bama 24 - Tech 17
Georgia VS Oklahoma State
An incredibly tough game for the Athens Dogs...and on the road...Once again, I'm counting on a physically tough SEC team to come out on top, but this one is very iffy....Georgia 27 - OK ST. 24
South Carolina VS North Carolina State
Wow, another close call...and another road game for the SEC...The Gamecock offense may not be as explosive as the ole' ball coach would like, but they'll be lining up against a questionable defense...This is the Thursday night game...The SEC can't start the season on a losing note.....SC 35 - NC ST. 28
Florida VS Charleston-Southern
Good lord...How many points does Urban want to hang on these guys? That, my friend, is the question.....Gators 63 - Southern 6
Auburn VS Louisiana-Tech
I'm telling you right now, this will not be the cake walk that Auburn is expecting. I'm not at all sold on the Tiger's new coach and Tech isn't a pushover (just ask my Bulldogs). I'll be on upset alert, but I'm not making the call.....AU 21 - LA Tech 17
Tennessee VS Western Kentucky
Lane Kiffin may be a big mouth and he'll certainly have hell to pay when he faces some of his enemies later in the year, but the Vols have enough talent to walk away with this one.....Tenn 48 - W Kent. 14
Arkansas VS Missouri State
The Hogs should be greatly improved and ready to bring home the bacon in this one...Was that corny enough for you? I thought so....ARK 45 - Other guys 13
Kentucky VS Miami (OH)
I don't expect a whole lot from the Wildcats this year. Of course, Rich Brooks has a knack for over achieving...Miami of Ohio reminds me of Vanderbilt, they always put up a fight. This could be a tough one for the big blue....KY 24 - MI OH 13
LSU VS Washington
The Bayou Bengals travel to Washington to hand an SEC beating to a struggling group of Huskies...I don't expect this one to be much of a contest. However, with the questions at quarterback for the Tigers, I'm not giving them more than 40 points....LSU 38 - Wash. 10
Vanderbilt VS Western Carolina
Surely Vandy can come out and take care of business They're still riding high after their first bowl appearance (and victory) in 381 years...or something like that...You know I'm a Dore fan, because they are from Nashville, one of my favorite places...Vandy 31 - W. Car. 14
BONUS PICK: For my buddy RG.....Tulsa 34 - Tulane 17
So there you have it...I have all 12 SEC teams winning in week one. My gut tells me that one will go down, but I couldn't decide who...Possibly South Carolina or Georgia...We shall see...Bring on some football!
The Dan Mullen era kicks off with a lopsided win by the Dawgs...The maroon and white should be able to put this one away without showing too much of the playbook in week one...There's a reason those SWAC players aren't in the SEC...I see a first half shutout.....MSU 45 - JSU 10
Old Mess VS Memphis
I'd love to call an upset by the Tigers, just to be a jackass (Who, me?), but I'm being realistic...I do think it will be fairly close through the third quarter. This is usually a tight one.....OM 38 - Memphis 17
Alabama VS Virginia Tech
This should be a close one for the squad from Tuscaloser, especially if Julio Jones doesn't play...but I'm looking for a physical SEC defense to prevail.....Bama 24 - Tech 17
Georgia VS Oklahoma State
An incredibly tough game for the Athens Dogs...and on the road...Once again, I'm counting on a physically tough SEC team to come out on top, but this one is very iffy....Georgia 27 - OK ST. 24
South Carolina VS North Carolina State
Wow, another close call...and another road game for the SEC...The Gamecock offense may not be as explosive as the ole' ball coach would like, but they'll be lining up against a questionable defense...This is the Thursday night game...The SEC can't start the season on a losing note.....SC 35 - NC ST. 28
Florida VS Charleston-Southern
Good lord...How many points does Urban want to hang on these guys? That, my friend, is the question.....Gators 63 - Southern 6
Auburn VS Louisiana-Tech
I'm telling you right now, this will not be the cake walk that Auburn is expecting. I'm not at all sold on the Tiger's new coach and Tech isn't a pushover (just ask my Bulldogs). I'll be on upset alert, but I'm not making the call.....AU 21 - LA Tech 17
Tennessee VS Western Kentucky
Lane Kiffin may be a big mouth and he'll certainly have hell to pay when he faces some of his enemies later in the year, but the Vols have enough talent to walk away with this one.....Tenn 48 - W Kent. 14
Arkansas VS Missouri State
The Hogs should be greatly improved and ready to bring home the bacon in this one...Was that corny enough for you? I thought so....ARK 45 - Other guys 13
Kentucky VS Miami (OH)
I don't expect a whole lot from the Wildcats this year. Of course, Rich Brooks has a knack for over achieving...Miami of Ohio reminds me of Vanderbilt, they always put up a fight. This could be a tough one for the big blue....KY 24 - MI OH 13
LSU VS Washington
The Bayou Bengals travel to Washington to hand an SEC beating to a struggling group of Huskies...I don't expect this one to be much of a contest. However, with the questions at quarterback for the Tigers, I'm not giving them more than 40 points....LSU 38 - Wash. 10
Vanderbilt VS Western Carolina
Surely Vandy can come out and take care of business They're still riding high after their first bowl appearance (and victory) in 381 years...or something like that...You know I'm a Dore fan, because they are from Nashville, one of my favorite places...Vandy 31 - W. Car. 14
BONUS PICK: For my buddy RG.....Tulsa 34 - Tulane 17
So there you have it...I have all 12 SEC teams winning in week one. My gut tells me that one will go down, but I couldn't decide who...Possibly South Carolina or Georgia...We shall see...Bring on some football!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Dang Dumpsters
Well I was sitting at home this morning...watching Spongebob and trying to figure out exactly how they started that fire under water...when I suddenly decided that I needed a bag of Doritos and a bottle of Diet Sprite...I'm not that crazy about Diet Sprite, but I needed something healthy to offset the Doritos...You know how it works.
So on my way back from Wally World, I spotted an Alabama fan having car trouble in the parking lot of a local alcohol rehab center...not to mention he was staggering a little bit...Naturally, I pulled in to help out a fellow football fan...
Ok, I can't lie...I whipped in the parking lot to point and laugh at the poor fool.
Well, I guess I whipped in a little too fast, because I lost control and slammed into a huge dumpster...To make matters worse, I didn't have any insurance on my new car and the bag of Doritos was smashed all to heck....Then later on, after finally making it home, I opened the Sprite and it sprayed all over my favorite Captain Caveman t-shirt...the one that says "I'm Bringing Sexy Back" across the front.
At least I wasn't seriously injured...Although, I do have a terrible headache and I'm pretty sure I have a bone in my left leg.
Here is a picture I snapped of the aftermath...It's fairly graphic and may be hard to look at, but just keep in mind that everyone walked away!
So on my way back from Wally World, I spotted an Alabama fan having car trouble in the parking lot of a local alcohol rehab center...not to mention he was staggering a little bit...Naturally, I pulled in to help out a fellow football fan...
Ok, I can't lie...I whipped in the parking lot to point and laugh at the poor fool.
Well, I guess I whipped in a little too fast, because I lost control and slammed into a huge dumpster...To make matters worse, I didn't have any insurance on my new car and the bag of Doritos was smashed all to heck....Then later on, after finally making it home, I opened the Sprite and it sprayed all over my favorite Captain Caveman t-shirt...the one that says "I'm Bringing Sexy Back" across the front.
At least I wasn't seriously injured...Although, I do have a terrible headache and I'm pretty sure I have a bone in my left leg.
Here is a picture I snapped of the aftermath...It's fairly graphic and may be hard to look at, but just keep in mind that everyone walked away!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Mowing My Scalp
Don't you love grass? It grows...you mow it down...it grows...you mow it down...if it stops growing, you buy fertilizer to make it grow...then you mow it down...if you don't have any grass at all, you buy a load of sod...you lay the sod...you water the sod...and then...you mow it down.
It's the same with thing with hair. Some guys will spend thousands of dollars to get a full head of hair. Then they will pay a barber good money to cut it off.
I shave my head...I usually do it every couple of days..It's quick and painless...well...it's painless most of the time. There was one instance in which I was taking a late night bath and decided to go for a quick head shave at the last minute. Evidently, I was either partially sleep or just not very accurate, because I ended up a bloody mess. If someone had walked in and saw the water in my tub, they'd have sworn that "Jaws" had just claimed another victim...they'd have also screamed and told me to put my clothes on...but back to my original point..
I shave my head because it feels good, especially in the summer time..it's easy to maintain...it's quick to clean...I never have to pay to have it whacked off (a barber would starve to death if he depended on my business)...and maybe most importantly, no one will ever know if I naturally lose all my hair...Yes, there's great dignity in voluntarily being bald...I'll never be that pitiful guy with three strands of hair combed over an otherwise bare scalp, trying to hide his shame.
Some women like guys with shaved heads...Of course, some don't...I guess I can understand the ones who don't. I don't particularly care for a bald headed girls, either.
I once went out with a girl who informed me rather quickly that she "couldn't stand" a shaved head...That's not a promising thing for a bald guy to hear on a date...She did, however, express her sincere appreciation that I didn't wear my Hooters cap to dinner...I guess that would have been in bad taste...To make things worse, we had just ordered our food, so I was already committed to paying the bill.
Actually, she's a very sweet girl...I just hope that when I see her again, I'm wearing my Hooters cap and Coyote Ugly t-shirt, for good measure.
All in all, baldness is a wonderful thing...Some great people throughout history have been bald...Jesse Ventura...Mr. Clean...George Foreman, in his later years..Daddy Warbucks...along with many others...Plus, our number one symbol of pride and strength in this country is the majestic bald eagle.
So shave it off...be proud...and laugh every time you see a ridiculous "Hair Club For Men" commercial.
It's the same with thing with hair. Some guys will spend thousands of dollars to get a full head of hair. Then they will pay a barber good money to cut it off.
I shave my head...I usually do it every couple of days..It's quick and painless...well...it's painless most of the time. There was one instance in which I was taking a late night bath and decided to go for a quick head shave at the last minute. Evidently, I was either partially sleep or just not very accurate, because I ended up a bloody mess. If someone had walked in and saw the water in my tub, they'd have sworn that "Jaws" had just claimed another victim...they'd have also screamed and told me to put my clothes on...but back to my original point..
I shave my head because it feels good, especially in the summer time..it's easy to maintain...it's quick to clean...I never have to pay to have it whacked off (a barber would starve to death if he depended on my business)...and maybe most importantly, no one will ever know if I naturally lose all my hair...Yes, there's great dignity in voluntarily being bald...I'll never be that pitiful guy with three strands of hair combed over an otherwise bare scalp, trying to hide his shame.
Some women like guys with shaved heads...Of course, some don't...I guess I can understand the ones who don't. I don't particularly care for a bald headed girls, either.
I once went out with a girl who informed me rather quickly that she "couldn't stand" a shaved head...That's not a promising thing for a bald guy to hear on a date...She did, however, express her sincere appreciation that I didn't wear my Hooters cap to dinner...I guess that would have been in bad taste...To make things worse, we had just ordered our food, so I was already committed to paying the bill.
Actually, she's a very sweet girl...I just hope that when I see her again, I'm wearing my Hooters cap and Coyote Ugly t-shirt, for good measure.
All in all, baldness is a wonderful thing...Some great people throughout history have been bald...Jesse Ventura...Mr. Clean...George Foreman, in his later years..Daddy Warbucks...along with many others...Plus, our number one symbol of pride and strength in this country is the majestic bald eagle.
So shave it off...be proud...and laugh every time you see a ridiculous "Hair Club For Men" commercial.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Flight of the Tide
So an Alabama fan gets on a plane...the flight is suppose to take 2 hours...After taking off, the pilot's voice comes on and informs the passengers that an engine has quit...He says not to worry though, because there are 2 others that work fine...The flight will just take an hour longer than normal.
A while later, the pilot comes back on and says that a second engine has gone down, but there's still no need to panic...The flight will just be delayed another hour.
The Alabama fan looks at the guy next to him and says "Man, we better hope that other engine doesn't blow up. We'd be up here all day."
A while later, the pilot comes back on and says that a second engine has gone down, but there's still no need to panic...The flight will just be delayed another hour.
The Alabama fan looks at the guy next to him and says "Man, we better hope that other engine doesn't blow up. We'd be up here all day."
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Todd's Random Thoughts on Ole Miss Football
- I really don't like typing the words "Ole Miss", because it makes me feel dirty...From now on, I'll refer to it as "old mess football".
- Most Mississippi State fans realize that we are underdogs in the SEC...However, most old mess football fans have somehow been disillusioned into thinking their team is an NCAA power house...Poor fools.
- Old mess football has never made it to the SEC Championship game in Atlanta.
- Old mess football has never won the SEC Western Division crown.
- Even during Eli Manning's senior season, old mess football failed to win a title....Mississippi State won the west and made the trip to Atlanta with Wayne Madkin as quarterback...and Wayne isn't even Archie's baby boy.
- I'm not convinced that Johnny Vaught was a great coach, but he sure had a knack for scheduling....Trinity, Hardin-Simmons, Suwanee, Chattanooga...Just grab two conference wins and you're well on your way to becoming the greatest coach in school history...I like it.
- What the heck was old mess thinking when they hired Ed Orgeron?
- I cried the day old mess football fired Ed Orgeron...seriously...real tears.
- How did old mess football go winless in the conference in 2007? Heck, MSU lost to Maine a few years ago, but still managed to knock off Florida and Kentucky.
- I sure do miss Ed Orgeron.
- Old mess football has always had players who've gotten trouble with the law, but that happens with every program...The only difference is that old mess football players are usually driving a Cadillac Escalade when they get pulled over.
- Old mess football has proven that Cadillac Escalades can't bring you true happiness...or a trip to Atlanta.
- Speaking of Cadillac Escalades, I wonder how the old mess football alums felt when they realized they could've ditched the vehicles and lured in their recruits with pillows and clock radios? Talk about a waste of money.
- Some old mess football fans believe they can win an SEC title in '09....When that happens, I will personally load up every one of them in my truck and we'll all drive down to watch Hell freeze over.
- This is totally unrelated to old mess football, but I heard that an MSU graduate has made a ton of cash selling clock radio tie-downs to hotel chains.
- I recently heard a rumor that an old mess football player clogged up the toliet in the locker room and shouted "Houston, we have a problem!"....Ok, I made that one up...but it would be hilarious if it happened.
- I once applied to be an assistant coach for old mess football...I sent my resume to Houston Nutt using the alias "Dallas Gonad"....He didn't fall for it...Coach O would have fallen for it.
- I sure do miss Ed Orgeron.
- Ed Orgeron always had that look in his eye...that look that let you know he didn't have a clue as to what was going, but he was excited about it, nonetheless.
- I heard that Ed Orgeron actually did build that fence around Memphis before his unfortunate termination, but a Cadillac Escalade full of old mess football players accidentally crashed through it....Once again, just a rumor.
- I could never really criticize Tommy Tubberville when he was the old mess football coach...besides making fun of his unusually large ears...because Tubbs really can coach.
- I cried the day Tommy Tuberville left old mess football...but those tears were the happy kind.
- The first time I saw David Cutcliffe, my first instinct was to call Andy and inform him that Barney had left the key hanging too close to the cell again...Then I realized that this guy wasn't drunk.
- The second time I saw David Cutcliffe, he mentioned something about taking the Rebels to Atlanta....I decided that maybe he'd been drinking a little after all.
- Coach O would take a drink.
- Can you imagine trying to understand a drunk Ed Orgeron?
- Man, I should have made written an entirely separate column on this guy.
- Check out toddmccarty.blogspot.com in the future for "Todd's Random Thoughts on Ed Orgeron".
- You know, in a perfect world, old mess football would actually be a roll of toilet paper...Then I could use it to wipe my......
- Most Mississippi State fans realize that we are underdogs in the SEC...However, most old mess football fans have somehow been disillusioned into thinking their team is an NCAA power house...Poor fools.
- Old mess football has never made it to the SEC Championship game in Atlanta.
- Old mess football has never won the SEC Western Division crown.
- Even during Eli Manning's senior season, old mess football failed to win a title....Mississippi State won the west and made the trip to Atlanta with Wayne Madkin as quarterback...and Wayne isn't even Archie's baby boy.
- I'm not convinced that Johnny Vaught was a great coach, but he sure had a knack for scheduling....Trinity, Hardin-Simmons, Suwanee, Chattanooga...Just grab two conference wins and you're well on your way to becoming the greatest coach in school history...I like it.
- What the heck was old mess thinking when they hired Ed Orgeron?
- I cried the day old mess football fired Ed Orgeron...seriously...real tears.
- How did old mess football go winless in the conference in 2007? Heck, MSU lost to Maine a few years ago, but still managed to knock off Florida and Kentucky.
- I sure do miss Ed Orgeron.
- Old mess football has always had players who've gotten trouble with the law, but that happens with every program...The only difference is that old mess football players are usually driving a Cadillac Escalade when they get pulled over.
- Old mess football has proven that Cadillac Escalades can't bring you true happiness...or a trip to Atlanta.
- Speaking of Cadillac Escalades, I wonder how the old mess football alums felt when they realized they could've ditched the vehicles and lured in their recruits with pillows and clock radios? Talk about a waste of money.
- Some old mess football fans believe they can win an SEC title in '09....When that happens, I will personally load up every one of them in my truck and we'll all drive down to watch Hell freeze over.
- This is totally unrelated to old mess football, but I heard that an MSU graduate has made a ton of cash selling clock radio tie-downs to hotel chains.
- I recently heard a rumor that an old mess football player clogged up the toliet in the locker room and shouted "Houston, we have a problem!"....Ok, I made that one up...but it would be hilarious if it happened.
- I once applied to be an assistant coach for old mess football...I sent my resume to Houston Nutt using the alias "Dallas Gonad"....He didn't fall for it...Coach O would have fallen for it.
- I sure do miss Ed Orgeron.
- Ed Orgeron always had that look in his eye...that look that let you know he didn't have a clue as to what was going, but he was excited about it, nonetheless.
- I heard that Ed Orgeron actually did build that fence around Memphis before his unfortunate termination, but a Cadillac Escalade full of old mess football players accidentally crashed through it....Once again, just a rumor.
- I could never really criticize Tommy Tubberville when he was the old mess football coach...besides making fun of his unusually large ears...because Tubbs really can coach.
- I cried the day Tommy Tuberville left old mess football...but those tears were the happy kind.
- The first time I saw David Cutcliffe, my first instinct was to call Andy and inform him that Barney had left the key hanging too close to the cell again...Then I realized that this guy wasn't drunk.
- The second time I saw David Cutcliffe, he mentioned something about taking the Rebels to Atlanta....I decided that maybe he'd been drinking a little after all.
- Coach O would take a drink.
- Can you imagine trying to understand a drunk Ed Orgeron?
- Man, I should have made written an entirely separate column on this guy.
- Check out toddmccarty.blogspot.com in the future for "Todd's Random Thoughts on Ed Orgeron".
- You know, in a perfect world, old mess football would actually be a roll of toilet paper...Then I could use it to wipe my......
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Crosswords and Receivers
So I was lying on the couch last night, watching King Of the Hill and munching on a 100 calorie snack pack of Chex Mix, when my cell phone rang. It was none other my good friend and Mississippi State head football coach, Dan Mullen...Turns out, Coach was working a crossword puzzle and needed a seven letter word for "overrated". I told him to try Ole Miss and Alabama. Both would fit, it was just a matter of figuring out which one would coincide with #3 down, which was "Tuberville" (a ten letter word for "large eared mammal")....To make a long story short, the B's lined up and, sure enough, the answer was Alabama.
However, as is usually the case with these calls, Coach Mullen had more on his mind than just the crossword puzzle. He was worried about his freshman receiver from Tupelo, Chad Bumphis. After hurting his foot in practice, Chad has been slowed for a week and Coach was wondering if he would still be ready to make an immediate impact by the Jackson State game. I assured him that everything would be fine...I've seen Bumphis play. He could hop on one foot and still find the end zone faster than Brett Favre can come out of retirement...This made Coach feel a lot better.
I promised to come down before the weekend was over and help the staff review film of Saturday's scrimmage...Then I told him to stop worrying and get back to his puzzle...He's just having those "new head coach jitters"...He'll be ok.
However, as is usually the case with these calls, Coach Mullen had more on his mind than just the crossword puzzle. He was worried about his freshman receiver from Tupelo, Chad Bumphis. After hurting his foot in practice, Chad has been slowed for a week and Coach was wondering if he would still be ready to make an immediate impact by the Jackson State game. I assured him that everything would be fine...I've seen Bumphis play. He could hop on one foot and still find the end zone faster than Brett Favre can come out of retirement...This made Coach feel a lot better.
I promised to come down before the weekend was over and help the staff review film of Saturday's scrimmage...Then I told him to stop worrying and get back to his puzzle...He's just having those "new head coach jitters"...He'll be ok.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Todd's Random Thoughts From The Gym
- Exercise isn't fun...I know it's easy to get pumped up while watching The Biggest Loser, but reality isn't nearly as exciting as reality television.
- I never thought someone would want to be called "The Biggest Loser".
- It's always nice when you aren't the biggest person in the gym...It's even better when there are numerous people in the gym who are bigger than you are. In this case, you actually begin to feel a little sexy.
- If you ARE the biggest person in the gym, go home and come back later....The skinny people will not serve as motivation. Seeing them run on the treadmill will only make you feel slow.
- Fight the urge to knock the skinny people off their treadmill....The gym probably has video surveillance.
- Don't stop for a burger on the way home.
- I wish I was "The Biggest Loser".
- Speaking of treadmills, I'd like to find the person who decided to add on the little tv...I would kiss their feet...repeatedly.
- If you happen to have the gym to yourself, don't get carried away and attempt to run 10 mph on the treadmill...Once again, they probably have video surveillance...You don't want to end up on the highlights reel at the staff Christmas party.
- I can't believe Everyone hasn't figured this out, but let me make it clear...A CRUNCH IS NOTHING MORE THAN A FAILED ATTEMPT AT A SIT UP! Nowadays, they say a crunch is the best way to flatten your belly...Well, I'm fairly certain I invented the crunch back in the 7th grade, but the gym teacher called me fat and said I wasn't leaving until I did a sit up...I guess I was ahead of my time.
- Crunches are easy to do, but they sure can hurt after a while...Not to mention the fact that I feel ashamed for getting away with a failed sit up...But hey, you can't argue with the experts.
- Exercise is not fun.
- I really hate it when someone smaller than me walks up and takes it upon themselves to give me training tips...They are just trying to compensate for their own insecurities.
- If you are feeling down, maybe a little insecure, try finding someone bigger than yourself and offering them a few helpful workout tips...You'll feel a lot better and you'll be helping out a fellow gymmate!
- Once you are finished with a weight machine, adjust it to the maximum weight before you leave...That way, the next person will think you are much stronger than you actually are.
- I've discovered that you shouldn't get on a treadmill beside someone who looks like they could walk all night...The fact is, they may indeed walk all night...and you will feel like a loser when you stop and they are still going just as strong as they were when you started.
- Don't stare too hard at the really big people....They may get offended.
- Don't stare too hard at the really good looking people...They may get offended.
- and remember...exercise is not fun.
- I never thought someone would want to be called "The Biggest Loser".
- It's always nice when you aren't the biggest person in the gym...It's even better when there are numerous people in the gym who are bigger than you are. In this case, you actually begin to feel a little sexy.
- If you ARE the biggest person in the gym, go home and come back later....The skinny people will not serve as motivation. Seeing them run on the treadmill will only make you feel slow.
- Fight the urge to knock the skinny people off their treadmill....The gym probably has video surveillance.
- Don't stop for a burger on the way home.
- I wish I was "The Biggest Loser".
- Speaking of treadmills, I'd like to find the person who decided to add on the little tv...I would kiss their feet...repeatedly.
- If you happen to have the gym to yourself, don't get carried away and attempt to run 10 mph on the treadmill...Once again, they probably have video surveillance...You don't want to end up on the highlights reel at the staff Christmas party.
- I can't believe Everyone hasn't figured this out, but let me make it clear...A CRUNCH IS NOTHING MORE THAN A FAILED ATTEMPT AT A SIT UP! Nowadays, they say a crunch is the best way to flatten your belly...Well, I'm fairly certain I invented the crunch back in the 7th grade, but the gym teacher called me fat and said I wasn't leaving until I did a sit up...I guess I was ahead of my time.
- Crunches are easy to do, but they sure can hurt after a while...Not to mention the fact that I feel ashamed for getting away with a failed sit up...But hey, you can't argue with the experts.
- Exercise is not fun.
- I really hate it when someone smaller than me walks up and takes it upon themselves to give me training tips...They are just trying to compensate for their own insecurities.
- If you are feeling down, maybe a little insecure, try finding someone bigger than yourself and offering them a few helpful workout tips...You'll feel a lot better and you'll be helping out a fellow gymmate!
- Once you are finished with a weight machine, adjust it to the maximum weight before you leave...That way, the next person will think you are much stronger than you actually are.
- I've discovered that you shouldn't get on a treadmill beside someone who looks like they could walk all night...The fact is, they may indeed walk all night...and you will feel like a loser when you stop and they are still going just as strong as they were when you started.
- Don't stare too hard at the really big people....They may get offended.
- Don't stare too hard at the really good looking people...They may get offended.
- and remember...exercise is not fun.
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