Topics for Discussion // 11.28.09
The Game of the Decade is here. Let's start picking the favorite among two teams that relied on defense and effective if unspectacular offense to go undefeated in the regular season. Alabama might have more high-profile wins, but it also has more narrow victories. Florida never has lived up to THE GREATEST TEAM IN THE HISTORY OF THE SPORT preseason hype. But one of them will win the biggest SEC Championship Game in the event's history and get a shot at the national title. Whom do you think that winner will be? And why?
Tim Tebow's legacy. Against my co-blogger's sage advice and recognizing the heat of argument generated by that post, let's still acknowledge that a great deal of Tim Tebow's legend has already been written. Talk about that legend without knowing what happens in the SECCG and any potential national title game. In other words, if this past Saturday were to become for some reason the last time any college football had been played, what would the history books say about Tim Tebow? Would he be the greatest player in the history of the game? Top 10?
Is Mark Ingram's Heisman bid over with? I alluded to as much in my Alabama wrap-up, but I didn't anticipate C.J. Spiller having flashbacks to the Tommy Bowden Era. Ingram's competitors are pretty much Toby Gerhart, Colt McCoy and maybe Tim Tebow. There are also some wild cards, like Kellen Moore or Jimmy Clausen. Who would be on your Top 5 ballot if you were a Heisman voter?
Don the colored blazers at least one more time. Pretend for a moment that you are an anonymous bowl and get the first selection of the 7-5 teams: Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee. Who's your choice? There are some fan bases excited about the first year of a new head coach (Auburn, Tennessee); a team that's done better than expected (Kentucky); a program where the rebuilding plan is going as planned (Arkansas); and one mildly disappointing team (South Carolina) and one extremely disappointing squad (Georgia), both coming off surprise wins against in-state ACC rivals headed for that league's title game.
How did your team do? The regular season is sadly over for all SEC teams. So sum up the state of your team this season and where your program stands. Are you surprised either way? Are you demanding resignations?
0 recs |
37 comments
|
Comments
My Heisman ballot (if I got to vote):
1. Toby Gerhart
2. Colt McCoy
3. Kellen Moore
4. Tim Tebow
5. Ndamakong Suh (sp?)
I love McCoy, and I’m a Texas till death, but what Gerhart and Stanford has done deserves to be recognized at the highest level.
by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 12:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
That's mine too...
with the exception of Case Keenum in third. I hate giving Stanford credit…Cal family ties…but Toby Gerhart has looked great all season.
I don’t think I could’ve have made myself give Mark Ingram credit even if he did run well Friday
by auburn tigers on Nov 29, 2009 8:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
your #1, gerhart is a good player
he and stanford deserve to be recognized, but not at the highest level, that level belongs to the guys who are playing against the highest level teams and winning. i believe that ‘most any of the SEC’s #1 RB’s could have the same or better numbers vs those D’s out west. call it SEC “homerism” or whatever you want but the teams like notre dame,…..etc., that gerhart and stanford are putting up big numbers against look like high school teams as far as defensive and team speed.
your #2, colt mccoy, another good player of which i greatly admire. he might win the he15man trophy but everyone saw the last big 12 “stud qb” in the bcsncg vs a great “D”. he looked lost as i am sure colt will against whichever sec “D” he faces in the title game. i hope UF can get there but they will have to get past a fine bama sqad in the seccg.
the only real choice for the he15man has got to be teboe. GO GATORS
by pLANEolG8RB8 on Nov 29, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
First of all...
Stanford beat Oregon and USC back-to-back in absolute blowouts, and both of those teams were ranked in the top-10 at the time they played. Gerhart’s stats in those two games? 401 rushing yards and 6 TDs. No player in the country has had two better games against better competition, much less back-to-back. Furthermore, Stanford has gone from 5-7 and years of Pac-10 bottom dwelling since Willingham’s departure to 8-4, largely on his back. No player in the country, including Tebow, is more important to his team or has done more for his team than has Gerhart. 311 carries, 1,736 yards, 5.6 ypc, and a whopping 26 TDs. He won’t get the votes from Big XII and SEC country, but hopefully he’ll get all the midwest votes to help him out. The man deserves the award.
by allhailcale on Nov 29, 2009 1:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree and Disagree
I think Case Keenum for Houston needs to be recognized, he statistically has had the best year at quarterback two years running, As of now he has about 4800 yards passing with 38 TD’s not to mention 4 other TD’s on the ground, with only 6 INT’s, a 159.1 passer rating, and a 70% completion percentage. The kid is insane. AND HES A JUNIOR
My final 3 for the Heisman are McCoy, Gerhart, and Tebow… With Keenum a close 4th.
I agree Moore is an excellent QB but the level of competition is just terrible, not to say Houston plays SEC caliber teams, but their strength of schedule is higher than Boise’s.
by gatorempire127 on Nov 29, 2009 2:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think of all the 7-5 teams, I'd take Tennessee..
They have it all. A big fan-base that will be excited to be wherever they’re going. They’ll travel to the game. That is HUGE. Also, I think people want to see them. After that, it gets very hard. Georgia has a big fan base, but this is a disappointing season for them, and I doubt they will travel all that well. Kentucky just doesn’t travel well at all and despite their good season, they have no buzz, so ratings won’t be anything special. South Carolina is probably next after Tennessee. Happy to be there, and coming off a win. Everyone else besides Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina is coming off a loss, making them less attractive. Here’s my rank:
1. Tennessee
2. South Carolina
3. Auburn
4. Georgia
5. Arkansas
6. Kentucky
Though I’m really only confident about the 1st and the 6th.
Father. Husband. Lawyer. Nerd.
by Richard Pittman on Nov 29, 2009 8:55 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I agree with UT at #1
- is a tough call. USC has imploded (as usual) and the Spurrier luster is gone, Georgia is disappointing, and Kentucky doesn’t have a rep. So it’s down to Auburn and Arkansas, and I’d have to call it for Auburn. They’re a bigger name.
After that, you’ll see the Liberty Bowl jump at the chance to get Arkansas (for regional considerations) and then see Nashville, B’ham, and Shreveport fighting over UK, UGA, and USC. I think UK is the best team of the bunch, but I’d expect the Music City to take Georgia. You don’t get many chances to get a team like the red and black up to Nashville (unless they’re playing Vandy). USC and UGA are both helped by winning the last game over a rival, which may help jazz up the fan bases after disappointing seasons (USC’s late season collapse and UGA’s whatever-that-was).
by Incipient_Senescence on Nov 29, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry. It auto-corrected my "#2" into "1."
It should still be easy enough to follow though.
by Incipient_Senescence on Nov 29, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Floribamageddon. Based on their respective wins over their over-matched and, imo, essentially equivalent archrivals (even respecting home v. away), I think the pre-game nod has to go to UF.
Tebow. Were college football to end tomorrow, I’d have to say he’s probably the SEC’s greatest player of at least the last 25 years. Does being the best player in the toughest conference in the country make him the best player in the country? Maybe. For the knocks against him just being a role player for the 2006 championships, it should be emphasized that we don’t make it to 13-1 that season without him (definitely lose to UT, maybe pull off a squeaker against LSU). The next year, with our entire defense essentially gone, we’d probably squeak out to 6-6, with extra losses against Ole Miss, UK, and USC. And instead of 3 fairly close losses, we get blown off the field. This doesn’t even get into all the ridiculous records he’s broken in this conference of which there are an amazing amount.
Heisman. I gotta think it’s between Gerhart, McCoy, and Tebow. and probably in that order. For the Keenum fans out there: they lost to UCF. UCF!!! For comparison, UF’s regular season losses on Tebow’s Heisman year were to the #1, #2, and #15 teams in the country. Not some C-USA team that didn’t even win its division.
Bowl Picks. I think Pittman has it right above. The East really helped its case yesterday.
Team Evaluation. UF did what everyone expected them to at the beginning of the season. That in no way takes away from the accomplishment. While a loss to Bama, with a berth in the Sugar, would be a disappointment, it wouldn’t come close to failure. These Gators have made history, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.
by falcontom on Nov 29, 2009 11:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Case Keenum...
I’m not a big Keenum fan, but I’m not sure I see your argument here.
Case Keenum’s stats in Houston’s two losses:
84/132 for 913 yards, 8 touchdowns, 1 interception
I don’t understand how you could hold him responsible for Houston dropping a game to UCF. The Heisman is supposedly for the most outstanding player in college football. I’m not saying that Keenum is that player, but I also do not think that he should be automatically disqualified from the discussion, simply because Houston’s defense couldn’t stop UCF.
by CrimsonWraith on Nov 29, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm riding the hot hand into the bowl
and, by that, I mean what have you done lately
1. UGA upends #7 Ga. Tech on the road
2. USC destroys ACCCG-bound Clemson
3. UT good second half of the season
4. Ark want points? You got ’em
5. UK up and down and up and then down again
6. Auburn losers of 5 of 7
"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 29, 2009 12:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
and to answer the rest
1. Alabama wins nail-biter; in the other contests with good defenses who came to play, UF was pedestrian (sole TD against LSU on blatant offensive PI; needed Trattou to bail out the USC game; slog-fest with UT). The same could and can be said about Alabama, but if running the ball and field position are key (and they will be), I like Arenas to flip the field once or twice more, and I like our power and depth at running back better than the scat back depth at UF. This is a FG or less game, in any event
2. Partially manufactured; partially dominant. Excellent competitor without the best skills in the world. You can’t write this chapter until after the SECCG and/or bowl game.
3. Nope. If he explodes on UF, then he’ll still garner some votes (perhaps not enough to win though). If Tebow goes berserk, then he’ll get it as a lifetime achievement (and McCoy will be thinking, what the hell do I have to do if this is a career award).
4. above
5. Ridiculously well, considering we were breaking in new safeties, a new QB and 60% of an offensive live. Saban has this program built for long-term dominance. Think about it. Until last year, the last SEC team to go undefeated through the regular season was the Barn in 2004. We did it last year, then did it again this year; can’t say enough about that.
"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 29, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You must mean really lately
UGA lost to Kentucky two weeks ago. USC has lost 3 of their last four (including two to other teams on that list).
by Incipient_Senescence on Nov 29, 2009 8:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Some answers
1.In terms of the the Alabama-Florida game I think I will go with Bama. Last year’s loss still stings for this team and I think they are a lot better. Florida is also not the same team as last year and sadly I think they are worse. Alabama can’t get too far behind though and I’ll take a final score of 28-21.
2. Tim Tebow is not the greatest college football player in history although he might squeeze into the top 10. I think the top 3 players will always be argued between Red Grange, Barry Sanders, and Doak Walker. Other candidates include Jim Thorpe, Roger Staubach and Sammy Baugh. Where does Tebow fit into all of those great names? Only time will tell, but right now he’s not even in the top 5.
3. If I could vote on the Heisman I would vote Toby Gerhart. Who do I think will win the Heisman? Colt McCoy.
by 1newplayer on Nov 29, 2009 1:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I have heard about Toby Gerhart recently, he’s the dark horse in the heisman race. As a homer, I want Tebow. But would be fine with Gerhart getting it.
"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 10:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
As far as who to choose out of all those 7-5 teams?
I’d probably pick in this order, if for no reasons other than financial ones.
1. Tennessee
2. Georgia
3. Auburn
4. South Carolina
5. Arkansas
6. Kentucky
Gator Bait: The first, and still the best.
by colombo259 on Nov 29, 2009 1:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
1. It’s going to be—or at least should be—a good game. I think ‘Bama pulls it out, though that is just as much a heart pick as it is a head pick. ’Bama has certainly been the more consistent team on a game-to-game basis, and they have more offensive balance. Florida is not the juggernaut they were last year—on offense, nor on defense. It’s worth noting, though, that UF’s offense still ranks in the top 20 and their defense is still pretty good—it’s just not the turnover-hound machine it was last year. Besides, I cannot listen to six weeks of how St. Timmy is the greatest thing since the printing press leading up to the BCSNCG.
2. Tebow’s certainly in the conversation, or argument if you prefer. Remember 2005 USC, the greatest team ever? It’s easy to get caught in the moment, look at Timmy’s credentials and think that—a Heisman, two conference titles (1 as a starter), two National Titles (1 as a starter), maybe more…but then you look at just this decade and you see players with comparable credentials (Leinart, Bush, I’d even throw VY in there)…it doesn’t mean he’s not a great player (he is), but I’m not buying it.
3. Yes. He might get a trip to New York, but he isn’t going to win it—McCoy is.
4. I’d go with Carolina or Georgia, as they’re coming off the biggest wins in that group…Georgia would probably get the edge b/c I anticipate some coaching changes in the interim, and that would excite fans/viewers into what’s coming next year.
5. Dawgs went 7-5. Uhhh, that’s about what I saw us coming in at, but our performance this season will necessitate some coaching changes. Which we all know about.
by The ArchDawg on Nov 29, 2009 5:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
UF defense
Florida is not the juggernaut they were last year—on offense, nor on defense. It’s worth noting, though, that UF’s offense still ranks in the top 20 and their defense is still pretty good—it’s just not the turnover-hound machine it was last year.
Say what?!?! Our defense isn’t as good as last year? Really? “Pretty Good?” If allowing less than 10 PPG is only pretty good, I’d like to see your criteria for “really good.” The mere fact that this year’s D has kept opponents off the board with far fewer turnovers kind of makes this year’s unit look even better in my opinion.
For reference – through 12 games last year, the D allowed 147 points.
This year’s D has allowed 118.
by skigator93 on Nov 29, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's not as scary, to me, though
And I think the team’s they’ve faced lesser teams this year, especially in-conference. Last year’s defense was out-of-this-world sick.
by The ArchDawg on Nov 30, 2009 1:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
same guys....a year more experienced
the INTs have really picked up the past several weeks. But could the lower INT number simply be a function of every opponent’s strategy this season (run the ball, run the clock, shorten the game and keep Tebow off the field)?? The number that is really down is fumble recoveries. We have only recovered 3 the entire season, although we have forced a pretty fair number. That is just luck of the bounce. If you watched the Arkansas game, you noticed that every fumble – ours and theirs – bounced right to an Arky player like metal to a magnet!
I’ve watched every play of both years – most of them twice. This year’s D is better.
by skigator93 on Nov 30, 2009 9:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I mean, they were like, +22 in turnover margin last year?
That’s absolutely ridiculous. Perhaps I’m putting too much stock into one stat, but it’s a perception thing with me. Last year’s stats were compiled against last year’s teams; this year’s stats are compiled against this year’s. And this year, I just happen to believe that the SEC—along with most every other conference—has taken a step back. So that’s why I don’t think this year’s D is as good as last year’s. Disagree? Fine.
And “pretty” vs. “really” is just base semantics. I could have just said ‘good’, or ‘great’, or ‘decent’. Nothing petty was meant by it.
by The ArchDawg on Nov 30, 2009 2:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The 118 includes 2 Tebow's pick-6s against MSU
So really, UF’s D has allowed 104 in 12 games. That’s less than 3 field goals a game. Ri-donk-ulous. The D may not be getting the takeaways, but they are just flat-out stopping offenses in their tracks, to the tune of 3 points less a game, and over 40 less yards.
by falcontom on Nov 30, 2009 2:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Problem
I think Florida fans have overlooked one key aspect of the upcoming game with Bama. While they’re right, their QB is definitely a talent edge over McElroy, they’re ignoring the rest of the offense. This isn’t FIU or an ACC team we’re talking about, this is a Heisman trophy runner-up RB, with a pretty good Oline, and the 3rd best WR in the SEC. Florida’s defense is dominant, no doubt, but it’s not like Alabama’s defense will be chopped liver, and Florida’s offense is nothing to write home about. Take away the QB dive (which, after a year to scheme away, I have no doubt Saban has done) and all Florida has is runs to the perimeter, and the occasional bomb to either Hernandez or Cooper. That will no pad any stats against a Senior laden Tide defense that has been on an absolute ROLL all season.
Now, I hate both teams, but you’ve got to see the upcoming slugfest in Atlanta for what it is, Florida fans. A win in this game would be an EPIC upset for Florida, and I know that’s against the prevailing wisdom, but mark my words, Alabama is going to shut down Florida’s offensive to a level most of the SEC has only dreamed about since Tebow took over. This won’t be pretty, people.
by blackertai on Nov 29, 2009 5:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Interesting.
I think there are in fact many SEC fans predicting some kind of 9-6 old-school slugfest.
by falcontom on Nov 29, 2009 5:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Contrary to your belief
It isn’t an upset if Florida beats Alabama. It would be reverse.
"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 10:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ok
Now that we have heard what you want to happen, what really will happen?
I dont know about other Gator fans, but I wouldnt be suprised if the UF offense gets shut down. I will be shocked though, if Bamas offense doesnt get shut down.
"Why does bottled water have an expiration date?"
by Hook85 on Dec 1, 2009 3:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Florabamageddon
It is not only clearly the most high profile SEC championship game, but it is almost certainly the most high profile SEC game ever. The winner wins not only the SEC championship, but the birth in the BCS championship game. On top of that you have the first time two 12-0 SEC teams have ever faced each other. It is as big as it gets, and hopefully it will live up to half the hype. I cannot wait for the game.
by Kenny483 on Nov 29, 2009 7:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
taking the question in order
1. Game of the decade: Coin toss, really. But I like Bama. I don’t believe Florida will be able to move the ball against Bama. Bama won’t be able to move the ball in the most prolific fashion, but I think Florida is susceptible to Bama’s power running game
2. A player built for the system he was in. Played a key role in the first championship. Went nuts his sophomore year statistically and won the heisman. Ran his offense to perfection his junior year en route to the second national championship, but Percy Harvin still doesn’t get enough credit for the offensive juggernaut that that team was. Has been less than spectacular this year sans Harvin and Mullen. The fact that only a select few in the media have dared addressed this fact is why the anti-tebow backlash has occurred. Gets too much credit for winning games when there are 21 other players on the field. Nobody says that Mcelroy is a winner. They just say Bama is good.
3. No, Ingram can get back in the convo with a big game in the SECCG.
4. Tennessee. The “buzz” factor.
5. My team , Tennessee, had a satisfactory year. I was hoping for 8-4. But we sucked at the beginning of the year. All in all, I think the UT fanbase is happy with the season because of the improvement we showed throughout the year, and because of the vast improvement of Crompton under the new administration.
________________________________
Eric Berry is better at football than you.
by kidbourbon on Nov 29, 2009 9:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I so agree with your number 2 answer
Yes, Percy Harvin doesn’t get near enough credit for his role on those championship teams.
by The ArchDawg on Nov 30, 2009 1:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Harvin was an excellent player (still is, in fact, as the NFL is discovering) and you don’t have to tell Florida fans how important he was. But let’s not forget that he didn’t play in the SEC championship last year – Tebow’s signature victory – and was considerably less than 100% for the title match against Oklahoma. (Also, I question your theory of the anti-Tebow backlash; it started long before Harvin departed, and I sincerely doubt it had anything to do with a perceived lack of credit for Harvin at all. In fact, I strongly suspect that most people who denigrate Tebow, for whatever reason, haven’t the foggiest notion who Percy Harvin is. Tebow’s a hugely successful player, on a very successful team, who has been absolutely doted upon by the media for his entire collegiate career; that’s quite sufficient, just as it has been to start the public backlash against pretty much every other player who fit that description in the last decade.)
by peachy rex on Nov 30, 2009 4:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ingram.
Look from what i saw watching the Iron Bowl, little marky boy can be stopped. And was very very well against a imferior defense to Floridas. If Florida plays it right, and they almost always do, Mark will have another less than pedestrian week again. Floridas defense knows exactly what to do to shut him down and how to shut Julio Jones down. I dont think McElroy is that big of a talent i dont care what anyone says, hes the same as JP Wilson from last year, maybe a little worse. (dont chew my leg off if im wrong) Florida is gonna take it to them and my boy Charlie is gonna be calling blitzes up the ying yang and fluster McElroy and trust our 1st round CB can stop Jones, which he will. Final score—→ UF 27 Bama 13
by gatorempire127 on Nov 30, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
correction after the bold ……. And was stopped very, very well… we need an edit button.
by gatorempire127 on Nov 30, 2009 11:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
If Florida can stuff the box, and slow down Bama’s rushing game like Tenn and Auborn did, I highly doubt rookie QB Mcelroy will be able to drive down the field like he did against Auborn. I wont be suprised if Florida doesnt light up the score board, I do expect Tebow, James and the Defense to win the field position battle. 20-15 Gators.(myself)
UF doesnt have to stop Bamas rushing attack, just slow it down. Go ahead game plan to stop Tebow, ask Monte Kiffin how that turned out. Actually, ask Nick Saban how it worked the first time.
I have heard a lot of people comment about the Gators, its funny to see non-gator fans opinion of Tebow, and the team in general.
It is really hard to determine where Tebow ranks as greatest of all time. Tebow isnt the all time great in any one category, but he has some how managed to play like a All time GREAT. If he wins the next two games, and plays a huge role in those wins. He will (no denying that) be in the greatest all time talk, and IF your in the talk, thats all that matters. Nobody can say who is the greatest of all time with 100% conviction. Just having a Gator name thrown in that mix is good enough.
No QB’s should win Heismen this year.
"Why does bottled water have an expiration date?"
by Hook85 on Dec 1, 2009 3:40 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
It worked out by holding Florida to 23 points
You banking on ’Bama not being able to score 23?
Also, keep in mind that ’Bama’s defensive personnel is slightly better than UT’s.
________________________________
Eric Berry is better at football than you.
by kidbourbon on Dec 1, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hell yea I am banking on that
If someone said Bama is going to score more then 23 points, I would say theres a good chance were going to lose. You guys held them to 12 points, do you think we are expecting much different? If you noticed my prediction says 20-15.
Of course Bamas defense is better then yours. But I would say one of the best DC of ALL TIME can game plan better against one player then Nick Saban can. I know Saban has won a national championship, but were talking about Monte Kiffin here, do you think Saban can game plan against Tebow better then Monte. I doubt that, and even Lane Kiffen admitted he expected Tebow to slow down and give Tenn a oppurtunity but he never did, thus his game plan did not fully work. (yes the score was much lower then expected, but 10 weeks later we have found out, Tenn isnt as bad as everyone thought in week 3.)
"Why does bottled water have an expiration date?"
by Hook85 on Dec 1, 2009 8:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

by 









