The Game of the Decade is Set: Florida 37, Florida State 10

by cocknfire on Nov 28, 2009 7:05 PM EST in Football Comment 69 comments

Join the Open Thread all weekend long.

It had to be Tim Tebow's night, and even with the jump pass for a touchdown broken up and his last significant play being a rush into the end zone, it was. Tebow will have a tough time winning the Heisman this season, but Saturday's performance was worthy of a candidate: 17-of-21 for 221 yards and 3 TDs passing, 15 carries for 90 yards and 2 TDs rushing -- not to mention the big win over the hated Florida State Seminoles.

All that to clinch the second undefeated regular season in Florida history (unless you count the 5-0-1 season in 1911 along with the 11-0 mark in 1995). Again, that wasn't Florida's goal to begin the year. The goal is to go 14-0, winning the SEC title and national championship along the way.

With the only other undefeated SEC team standing in the way -- and aiming for the same goals -- it's won't be easy to meet those expectations. But if Tebow plays like he did Saturday, you've got to like the Gators' chances.

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wow

Can there be a bigger game in the college football arena?

I don’t think so. I am excited just to be a part of it. It is going to be hard to focus on work this week!!!

by skigator93 on Nov 28, 2009 9:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Tell me about it...

for 350+ odd days, this is the game that all of us (well, those affiliated with the combatants) have been dreaming of. The simple truth is that both teams want to be the best, and beat the best. Really, really looking forward to it!

"Hollywood made a movie of my life. The film had me proposing to my wife on the football field. I would never misuse a football field that way." -Crazy Legs Hirsch

by Stuck in the Plains on Nov 28, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It will be our secret little national title game.

Screw whover the winer/loser plays. THIS IS THE GAME!!! Roll Tide. Go Gators. and Roll MFTide!

by rolltidefromaz on Nov 29, 2009 12:12 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Neither of these teams...

…beats Texas in Pasadena. Just like 2005, everyone will pick the SEC winner to win it all, and Texas will bring another trophy back to Austin.

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 12:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Did you see Thursday night's game against Texas A&M?

Team Speed Kills. All SEC, all the time.

by cocknfire on Nov 29, 2009 12:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, I did.....

I watched every second of it. I also watched almost all of the rest of Texas’ games. Should we judge Bama based solely on their severely lackluster performance against Auburn? Certainly not. Even giving JJ what they gave him, Texas is still the best rushing defense in the country, has the best defensive back in the country, has the best QB in the country, and has a better O-line than either Florida or Bama.

I also saw Florida fumble four times against Arkansas and Bama need two blocked fields goals to win a game without scoring an offensive touchdown. Texas has the personnel and coaches to match up with the best of the SEC on both sides of the ball.

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 12:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

definitely has all the elements of texas vs. USC, 2005. as much as i like these debates, though, it’s really impossible to know until they play it out. the reason so many of us hanker for a true playoff. were the gators to survive alabama, i just pray the media doesn’t slobber all over us the way they did with USC. underdogs always seem to have the edge in these games.

by Natty Bumppo on Nov 29, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

When has a BCS Champion given up 39 points in regular season action in regulation?

Never.

Giving it up to a 6-6 Big 12 team? No way in hell is that a championship defense. Either Bama or Florida will score at will.

by falcontom on Nov 29, 2009 11:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

On the other hand, three of the last four BCS runners-up have won a November game in which they gave up at least 39 in regulation. (And 2004 Oklahoma gave up 35 in back to back victories on Oct 30 and Nov 6.)

by peachy rex on Nov 29, 2009 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes...

One stat (out of dozens) from one game (out of a dozen) is what truly defines championship defenses. According to your logic, nobody has a championship defense. Florida allowed almost 150 yards rushing, a 100-yard receiver, and 225 passing to Arkansas without forcing a single turnover. Bama gave up almost identical numbers and put shaky-at-best offense in a 14-point first quarter hole against Auburn. While all three of these teams are top-20 in total offense, A&M checks in at #7, and joins only Texas Tech as BCS conference teams in the top-10 in the nation in total offense.

Now, I’m as big an SEC fan as anyone else here, but you must understand how completely hypocritical you look when you decry one defense as a fraud when the two defenses you put on such a pedestal have had similar games against lesser offenses.

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 2:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

While you knocked down that strawman with impressive fortitude...

My point is that no BCS championship defense has ever allowed 39 points in regulation. That is just a fact. And plenty of them have played Top-10 offenses. Hmmm, what’s a good example of that…. oh, how about last year’s BCS champion. Against the best scoring offense in FBS history no less.

by falcontom on Nov 29, 2009 2:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't look now...

…but Texas beat that team too. In fact, if the Big XII had had the same tie-breaker rules in place that the ACC and SEC do, we’d be looking at a possible rematch in Pasadena. So no, Florida’s win over OU last season does not impress me. Texas has done that in 4 of the past 5 years.

We can all agree that rivalry games supercede stats, yes? That’s why everyone in the national media is looking at Bama’s win over Auburn as gutty and gritty and hail the last drive as the return of Bama’s offense. That same media is spinning a double-digit win in which the home team never had the ball in the 4th quarter with a chance to win or even tie the game, as an escape, a squeaker, and a close call.

Furthermore, Bama’s best offensive player gave his worst performance in arguably their most important game, while Texas’ gave the best performance of what is one of the best careers in the history of college football. Why then, are people questioning this Texas team? Because the best defense in the country had one lackluster game against arguably the best dual-threat QB in the country?

Sorry for the diatribe, but my point is that you can’t judge this team, or any team for that matter, by half of the team’s performance in one game. And I think that’s something that you and I (and everyone else) can agree on.

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for making my point

When you point out Texas’ win on OU. If a defense can get gashed for that many points in a game, it is not, based on the past 11 years of on-the-field results, a BCS championship-caliber defense. The points scored by the Aggies were not 4th quarter pity points. They were putting up sustained drives on Texas’ first-team defense for the majority of that game. That is why people are questioning UT – years of on-the-field results tells us this, and it’ll be up to Texas’ defense to prove otherwise come Jan. 7th.

by falcontom on Nov 29, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I fail to see how that makes your point...

That Texas team wasn’t even allowed to compete for the national title, a travesty to be sure. So what you’re saying is that the 2008 Horns, in giving up 35 to OU, were not a championship caliber defense, despite the fact that weren’t allowed to prove themselves in either championship game because of the Big XII’s lack of foresight….?

You know, it’s funny. In both of the games you’re citing, the offense and special teams were flat-out outstanding, outscoring both opponents by double-digits despite atypical defensive performances. Why is no one talking about this year’s OU game, where Texas’ vaunted offense only scored one TD and turned the ball over 3 times? For that matter, why has Bama’s substandard offense become a complete non-issue? Nitpick the defense all you want: it’s a team game…

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 3:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, poor grammar there

It exposed OU as not having a BCS championship-caliber defense.

by falcontom on Nov 29, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm so confused...

We’re not talking about OU…..we’re talking about Texas.

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I believe falcontom’s point – and he can correct me if I’m wrong – is that, in the last decade-plus, championship teams haven’t been shelled the way Texas was against A&M. Thirty-one has been the most points surrendered in regulation before the bowls by teams that either ran the table or won the title with a single loss.

On the other hand, a number of teams have given up 39 or more, played for the title… and lost. There’s no question that Texas can beat Florida or Bama, and it should be a highly competitive match-up, but the A&M game was a definite red flag statistically.

by peachy rex on Nov 29, 2009 4:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That was it

Was in the middle of a reply, but you hit the big points. If you can find any red flags that have similar weight in Florida or Bama’s seasons (or anything contrary on the past 11 BCS winners), I’d (really) love to see them.

by falcontom on Nov 29, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I've already enumerated those red flags...

…on this very thread of comments. However, the fact that those red flags (in Florida’s case) are only with the offense seem for some reason to carry less weight. Florida was also minus-5 in the turnover battle in two games against Arkansas and Miss St. Sounds like some serious red flags to me…

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Saurian Sagacity has done a lot of work on the statistical profiles of recent champs – I don’t recall all the details, but defence definitely matters more. Teams have won it all after ugly offensive performances and sloppy turnover-fests, but not after defensive breakdowns. I don’t claim to know why – that’s a good question for a place like Smart Football or Football Outsiders – I’m just reporting the stats.

by peachy rex on Nov 29, 2009 4:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Understood. However...

This is not something new for Texas. In 2005, their defense played an awful 1st half in Stillwater, giving up 28 points and putting the team in a 28-9 hole at the half. I think we all remember how that turned out. In that same year, at College Station, the defense gave up 29 to the Ags (and were even down 22-21 at one point in the 3rd quarter) before coming back to win. Finally, that same defense (which finished the year in the top ten in both total defense and scoring defense) gave up 38 points to USC en route to the national title in what was perhaps the greatest college game of all time.

Last season, Texas gave up 30+ to three separate teams but still finished with the same amount of losses as the national champion with a legitimate argument that they should have had a chance at the title.

This year’s Texas team has given up 30+ less than both of those teams, once of which was the greatest college football team of all time. Just sayin’…

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The cut-off has been right around 31 this decade – the only Texas game in 05 that would have been troubling was the championship… and fortunately for Vince Young et al, USC’s defence was definitely down that year (as demonstrated by the 42-spot hung on them by Fresno St.)

It’s difficult assess last year’s Texas, since it didn’t play in the title game – perhaps it would have been the team to buck the odds. This year will certainly be another interesting test case (assuming the SEC championship doesn’t turn into a shoot-out.)

by peachy rex on Nov 29, 2009 5:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That last statement...

would make this a whole lot more interesting. However, I don’t see any way that Bama puts up anything of any substance on the offensive end. McElroy was 15/34 and Bama had to kick 5 field goals against Ole Miss. He was 10/20 with no TDs and two picks against SC, a game in which they also only scored one offensive TD. I think we all remember how thoroughly Tennessee’s defense handled them. And now Auburn held them in check for 50 minutes. Is there anyone who thinks that Florida’s defense isn’t going to be able to handle this lackluster group with a hobbled Ingram and a QB that has problems getting the ball to their best player?

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 5:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, I’m a serious pessimist when it comes to game-time, so I’m not the guy to ask. It certainly looks like a defensive battle, and with an entire season of results trending that way it would be pretty shocking if it weren’t. Florida’s had some obvious struggles of its own, and the only games since Kentucky in which the offence has really broken out came against two pretty feeble defences. I’d be looking for a score in the twenties, perhaps even the teens if defensive/special teams scores don’t occur or the game-plans are extra conservative.

by peachy rex on Nov 29, 2009 5:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Here's the article peachy rex is talking about

Link

by falcontom on Nov 29, 2009 5:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This is my problem with drawing the comparisons between Alabama’s close win and Texas’ close win: The defense. Both teams played a pretty good offense and after getting over the shock any team faces when play Malzahn, the Tide did pretty well on defense. I don’t agree with your characterization of the Texas A&M game; I thought that game was in doubt until pretty late.

Team Speed Kills. All SEC, all the time.

by cocknfire on Nov 29, 2009 8:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree...

A&M never had the football in a one-possession game in the entire second half. Every time they scored, they needed another. Even had the 23-yarder been good, they needed a defensive stop (which they never got) or an onside kick (which they never had the chance to try). Auburn had the football at the end of that game with a chance to win – a game that they led for 50+ minutes. Texas got the stop they needed just like Bama did. The difference is that Bama’s stop prevented a loss. Texas’ stop prevented a one-possession game – A&M never had a chance to win that game in the last 12 minutes.

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 8:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If that kickoff isn't returned for the touchdown, though

That becomes a completely different game.

Team Speed Kills. All SEC, all the time.

by cocknfire on Nov 29, 2009 9:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

As my dad used to say...

…“If was a fifth, we’d all be drunk.” By the way, I can’t help but notice you didn’t disagree with my assessment of the Iron Bowl…

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 10:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The point was

That one play was the difference between A&M not having it be a “one possession game” and being in that situation. The game was closer than the score might indicate. And if you mean this

Texas got the stop they needed just like Bama did. The difference is that Bama’s stop prevented a loss.

That’s a matter of order, not how good the respective teams are. The important thing is that both got it.

Team Speed Kills. All SEC, all the time.

by cocknfire on Nov 29, 2009 11:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

"The important thing is that both got it."

Precisely. You’re exactly right. That’s what’s pissing me off so badly in how their respective wins are being spun in the media. It doesn’t matter on iota how they got there. They’re there and they’re still playing for the title, as they both should be. But of course, that doesn’t sell papers or get website hits up…..

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 11:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

what is this cale guy tootin his friggin horn about

the SEC is the only conference guaranteed to be in the BCSNCG……texass will probably lose to the Huskers this saturday and we won’t be a hearin’ from him for another decade when his short horned texans when another big12 title. in fact, if OU’s qb would have been able to finish the year healthy, UT would have finished third in that weak -- conference that they play in just like last year. GO BIG SUE!!!
if you’re wonderin’, big sue is that big stallion d-lineman on the huskers that’s gonna be eatin’ the “little colts” lunch on saturday. all us flawda and bama boys know the best team in the state of texas is TCU. Go Gators/Roll Tide

by pLANEolG8RB8 on Nov 30, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

incompetence or ignorance?

I’m trying my best to blame it on the latter instead of the former. As for not hearing from me for another decade, well that’s just plain wishful thinking. I’m also a Georgia fan, hence my attraction to this site. However, the born-Texan in me just comes simmering to the top when you SEC idolaters go off on your kindergarten tantrums. And please, know what you’re talking about before you try to throw something in my face. You just look plain silly. Bradford staying healthy would have had no impact on the outcome of that game whatsoever. He was 2-of-6 at that point, and his one big completion was an underneath route where a defender missed a tackle. Texas already had a sack and several pressures when he was chased from the game (and the season). And Mr. Suh (yes, it’s spelled with an ‘h’ genius) is no stranger to me. I’ve seen him play for much of the last two seasons, and if you’ll recall, included him in my Heisman list that was posted here on this very site. Now please, put the pipe down and stop getting your jean shorts in a wad. You’re only perpetuating the stereotype…

by allhailcale on Nov 30, 2009 6:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The point is

You still have to get through Nebraska. So all of this arguing about how great Texas is, will look really dumb if they lose. So I hope for your sake they dont.

"Why does bottled water have an expiration date?"

by Hook85 on Dec 1, 2009 6:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

There is a lot of comments here

so somone may point this out before I am about to….

TEXAS DOESNT HAVE THE NUMBER ONE defense!

Florida Gators have the #1 total defense. Having the number 1 rushing defense doesnt make your defense the best in the nation. How can you have the Best DB in the country when your not even in the top 40 in passing defense?

"Why does bottled water have an expiration date?"

by Hook85 on Dec 1, 2009 5:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Earl Thomas:

57 tackles (40 solo, 4.5 tfl), 8 pass break ups, 8 interceptions, 2 pick sixes, and a forced fumble. Already named a finalist for the Thorpe award. The Clemson safety McDaniel is the only DB in the country who comes close.

by allhailcale on Dec 1, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Stats dont mean crap on who is the best

In that instance, Case Keenum is the best QB in CFB, not Mccoy

Lets see who gets drafted first, if he comes out. Vol fans will argue all day with you on this one.

"Why does bottled water have an expiration date?"

by Hook85 on Dec 1, 2009 9:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thomas is better than Berry...

Berry’s problem is that he hasn’t been as good this season as he was his first two. The guy went from 12 picks in his first two seasons to all of 2 this year. And he’s a safety, so it’s not like he has the “they’re throwing away from me” excuse to use. Face the facts: dude has not been as productive a safety this season as he was either of the past two seasons. He and Taylor Mays are the two most over-hyped defensive players in the nation, and although both are no doubt first-rounders, Thomas (and McDaniel too, for that matter) have been head-and-shoulders better safeties this season than either Mays or Berry.

btw, preliminary news out of Austin is that Thomas is coming back for his junior season. Of course, that really doesn’t mean anything right now…

by allhailcale on Dec 3, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank You

I’m so tired of this ‘my-conference-is-better-than-your-conference’ schtick that gives way to double-standards such as you’ve enumerated. When Florida gives up that many points to Arkansas it’s because the SEC is so tough, you see, but because Texas gives up 39 on the road to an A&M team that is consumed 365 days a year with beating them it shows how weak Texas’ defense, and thus the Big XII, is. Teams exist apart from their conference. Alabama and Florida, while being good teams themselves, does not make the SEC the best conference (this year). Texas, a good team, is not any less so because the rest of its conference took a step back.

by The ArchDawg on Nov 29, 2009 4:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

As pointed out elsewhere, the most Florida has given up to date this season is 20 against Arky; Bama’s worst was 24 against VaTech. Those are both well below the statistical threshold. The 31 Florida surrendered to Ole Miss last season matches Oklahoma in 2000 for most given up by a future champ.

Look, no-one’s saying – I’m certainly not saying – that Texas can’t beat the SEC champ, or even should be a significant underdog. We’re just pointing out that giving up 39 points in a regular season game, regardless of opponent, has been a bad sign in the past. Consistent defensive stoutness has correlated very well with winning it all, and now there’s a little bit of doubt about Texas in that department.

by peachy rex on Nov 29, 2009 5:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

When Florida gives up that many points to Arkansas it’s because the SEC is so tough, you see, but because Texas gives up 39 on the road to an A&M team that is consumed 365 days a year with beating them it shows how weak Texas’ defense, and thus the Big XII, is.

Peachy largely answered this below, but are you seriously saying that giving up 20 points to Arkansas (which waxed Texas A&M head to head) is the same as giving up 39 to A&M?

Team Speed Kills. All SEC, all the time.

by cocknfire on Nov 29, 2009 8:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

*above

Peachy largely answered this above

Team Speed Kills. All SEC, all the time.

by cocknfire on Nov 29, 2009 8:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm with Cocky here...

Comparisons are sketchy at best based purely upon points. Florida’s defense kept them in the game when their offense turned it over 4 times. Texas’ offense stepped it up a notch on a night that their defense had trouble with a mobile (and accurate) QB. They’re similar situations, but too different to compare apples-to-apples…

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 8:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not saying it's the same

I’m saying it’s an example of what proponents like to use to argue that the SEC (or whatever league) is better (or worse) based on singular games without taking into account any sort of context whatsoever. I happened to mention the two games I did because those were mentioned in the post I was responding to.

by The ArchDawg on Nov 30, 2009 1:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It has nothing to do with conference

If you watched both games, you would know the difference. A&M was making it look easy agaisnt Texas, UF tried to give Arky the game but they still couldnt take advantage of the gift wrapped turnovers UF gave them.

"Why does bottled water have an expiration date?"

by Hook85 on Dec 1, 2009 6:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Arkansas?

Is that this year’s Ole Miss?

Arkansas only managed 20 points despite our 6 turnovers.

So yeah, I guess if Florida or Bama were -6 against Texas, then Texas would probably win. Do you have a point there cale?

by skigator93 on Nov 29, 2009 5:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Texas?

Haaaaaa. I wouldn’t be surprised if they lost to Nebraska in that other championship game being held next week that nobody will watch…..

Payback for 1996?

by skigator93 on Nov 29, 2009 4:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't wait...

…to see you laugh when Texas beats the Gators in Pasadena.

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 5:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

get there first my friend...get there first.

Texas has shown that mediocre teams can take them to the mat. And a mediocre team is apparently all the Big 12 can muster this year for an opponent in the championship game.

For the time being, we have enough to worry about in facing a undefeated top quality opponent in our championship game….not a yawner rematch. Is the Big 12 Championship sold out?

by skigator93 on Nov 29, 2009 5:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Texas hasn't played Nebraska this season.

You are thinking of the sad-sack ACC.

by falcontom on Nov 29, 2009 5:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Florida has proven much the same...

Unless your orange-and-blue shades make you believe that Mississippi St. is a better team than A&M, you’d know that your team has been taken to the mat (and in Arkansas’ case, bailed out) against more mediocre teams than has Texas.

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 5:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Is Arkansas a worse team than A&M?

by falcontom on Nov 29, 2009 5:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't put words in my mouth :)

My point with the parenthetical reference to Arkansas was that they took Florida to the brink (and probably should have won that game). A&M never had the lead in the last three quarters and never had the ball with a chance to win or tie in the entire second half. Football is still a game comprised of three phases, yes? This utter fixation on one of three aspects (in one game, no less) seems a lot like the pot and the kettle to me…

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 5:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It is indeed a three-phase game – FO considers the O:D:ST ratio to run about 3:3:1. But the historical stats show pretty clearly that a team can survive a godawful offensive performance (or several) on the way to the title, whereas a subpar defensive performance has invariably indicated defeat. Of course, that’s why they play the games, right? :)

(One of the nice things in sports – all the disputations eventually get settled on the field. Even, sometimes, in college football.)

by peachy rex on Nov 29, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The scary thing...

…for either of these teams, whoever wins, is that they’ll be facing (assuming that Texas beats Nebraska, which has a pretty mean defense of its own) a team for the first time that is just as good as them in terms of talent, depth, and coaching. They’ve both played Arkansas, which has a great QB, to be sure, but little depth and a poor defense. They’ve both played LSU, who has great depth of talent, but not a truly great, consistent offensive threat. Texas has the #1 defense in the country, the winningest QB of all time, a bilitnikoff finalist at WR, and and NFL-caliber offensive line. Man, I’m going to be uber-pissed if I don’t get to watch this match-up, lol!

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 5:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You can flip that around too – one advantage that Florida and Bama have is that they play each other first, so the winner will have survived one heavyweight fight before the title. Unless Nebraska plays way over its head on O, the title game will be the first even battle Texas has had. That’s often true, though, especially in a season like this where the top-end teams are spread around so evenly… there’s not much chance to be really tested by an equal until the very end.

I’ll add one last point to the great debate before signing off – unlike Oklahoma last year, which had enough defensive bobbles to make you awfully thoughtful by the end of the season, Texas has been legitimately excellent this year on D. Excellent by any standards, not just those of the ‘point a minute’ Big-12. I was as shocked to see A&M score that many as I would have been to see Auburn or FSU ring up similar scores in their games yesterday. Outlier results will tend to produce more disagreement among both parties than those in line with season trends, for obvious reasons – I mean, Cincy just gave up 36 to Illinois, and nobody batted an eye, because Cincy’s known to get into the occasional shoot-out. (When you give up 45 to UConn at home, anything’s possible defensively.)

Cheers

by peachy rex on Nov 29, 2009 5:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well put...

I would only add that the Shootout in Dallas was a huge game, and while we now view the Sooner as a complete fraud (which makes me incredibly satisfied), at the time they were every bit the juggernaught that they had been for most of the previous season-and-a-half. Jones had a decent game, but knocking Bradford out early on the blindside corner blitz was huge. Thank you, UGA alumnus Will Muschamp!

Is it just me, or does it really feel like Bama doesn’t have the firepower to be able to hang with either Florida or Texas?

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 5:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think it's just you

Alabama can compete with anyone in the country. They are better than last season in which they took us to the brink and necessitated a 4th quarter comeback.

by skigator93 on Nov 29, 2009 10:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Compete? Yes...

But then again, so can Utah. Better than last season? No way. They’re not as solid at QB, RB, or OL as they were a season ago…..and Florida’s defense is most certainly better than it was. They’ve been a field-goal kicking machine in SEC play, and we all know that they won’t be able to keep the divine Tebow out of the endzone for long, if at all. I don’t see any way Bama hangs with Florida this weekend…..but I’ll certainly be rooting for it.

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 11:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bama is weaker when Ingram is bad

"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
The Flavour of the Day is Turf. - Courtesy of the Jacksonville Jaguars
Tim Tebow: What Words Couldn't Describe

by TheTealDeal on Nov 29, 2009 10:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Bama is better at RB than last season

I haven’t compared the stats, but I believe they will back it up. Even if Ingram is banged up, Richardson is surely no slouch.

by skigator93 on Nov 29, 2009 11:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and Utah is a bad example

They surely couldn’t compete with TCU.

by skigator93 on Nov 29, 2009 11:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It was a joke...

…ask a Bama fan.

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 11:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Surely not.....

But Coffee was a 1400-yd rusher and a big-play threat every time he touched the ball. Ingram is a hammer, to be sure, but if Bama had two losses he wouldn’t even be an afterthought in the Heisman race. They’re more reliant on the run game this year because McElroy isn’t the QB that Bama fans thought he’d be (sounds eerily familiar to this Georgia fan, lol)…

by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 11:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ingram vs. Coffee

Ingram has rushed for 1400+ in only 12 games (already more than Coffee ran for in 14 last season). He averages more yards per carry than Coffee did last season and he also breaks more long runs than Coffee.

by skigator93 on Nov 30, 2009 12:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

well, now looking at QB

McElroy has already far exceeded what JPW did all of last year. He’s got more TDs and half as many INTs as JPW. McElroy has a higher completion percentage, better efficiency rating, etc. etc. etc.

Both QB AND RB are stronger that last season.

by skigator93 on Nov 30, 2009 12:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs