All right. Everything comes down to this week to determine the BCS bowl games. Should be an interesting weekend...
Thursday
(BASICALLY) Pac 10 Championship- OREGON o Oregon State (WIN)
ACC CHAMPIONSHIP- GEORGIA TECH o Clemson
The Yellow Jackets were one of the hottest teams to end the regular season last year but missed out on the opportunity to show it in the conference title game. This year, they have commanded the ACC. This might be the closest championship game of the day. Clemson does still hold resentment against Tech for beating them early in the season. But, I think Tech is simply better than Clemson and makes and will head to Miami for the Orange Bowl
BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP- TEXAS o Nebraska
The Big12 North is not and hasn’t been for years near the competitive levels of the Big12 South. The game features to historical powers but Texas is so much better that the Cornhuskers, the game shouldn’t be close.
(BASICALLY) BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP- CINCINNATI o Pitt
The Bearcats have really been disrespected this year. No hype for an undefeated BCS team. Now, I am not saying they are better than an unbeaten TCU, but if this was West Virginia or Pitt, a lot of people would be talking about this team. Tony Pike has looked fully recovered from the shoulder injury for the past two weeks and should lead the Cats to a second straight BCS bowl berth.
SEC CHAMPIONSHIP- FLORIDA o Alabama
This is a tough game to call. Each week I am not sure who will win this one. They have been 1 and 2 for most of the season. When one team struggles, the other looks unstoppable and vice versa. No matter what, this game will be close. Tim Tebow has too much heart and is too much of a leader to let this one get away at the end. And so for the second straight year the Gators will beat the Tide and head to Pasadena for the National Title. (I did project this at the beginning of the season…no big deal or anything…)
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
WEEK 13 SEC Bowl Projections
NATIONAL TITLE- FLORIDA GATORS v Texas
Ok, I think I am done debating. Florida has been there before and will be there again. The Gators have so much talent they should be able to handle the Tide this week in Alabama and head to their third National Title in four years. It should be a great way to usher out the Tim Tebow era in Gator Nation.
SUGAR BOWL- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE v Boise State
With their running back less than 100 percent in the SEC title, the Tide should fall to the Gators and land here. Low and behold, its another non-BCS team to take on. Hopefully, this year they don’t disappoint.
CAPITAL ONE BOWL- LSU TIGERS v Penn State
The Tigers almost even fell out of this bowl against Arkansas the last game of the season but should land here. Three losses is not really acceptable for the Tigers in Baton Rouge, but to make the third best SEC Bowl game shows this team is on the rise and should challenge the Tide for West supremacy next year.
COTTON BOWL- OLE MISS REBELS v Oklahoma State
The Rebels land in the Cotton Bowl and finish the season with 8 wins for the second straight year. Ole Miss did not really live up to expectations this season, which might be a good thing. Jevan Snead should comeback for his senior season and again be a contender in the West sleight.
OUTBACK BOWL- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS v Northwestern
How quickly one win could change your Bowl destination. The Outback Bowl was in attendance at the Kentucky/Tennessee game and was looking at the Cats. But with a dramatic win, a second place finish in the west, and proof that these guys travel, the Volunteers should be very appetizing to bring to Tampa.
CHIC FIL A BOWL- GEORGIA BULLDOGS v Virginia Tech
With the Bulldogs finishing in a tie with the Volunteers for second in the East, they should choose the bowl that is closest to home. What would be interesting is if the Yellow Jackets lose in the ACC title game, would they pair up Georgia Tech and Georgia?
MUSIC CITY BOWL- KENTUCKY WILDCATS v Clemson
In another rematch, the Wildcats will likely get a choice in the lower tier bowl games. This game would be the best choice for the Cats to rush Nashville and have time to get back for the basketball showdown against Louisville. Yes, here in Kentucky everything revolves around the round ball…even bowl selections!
LIBERTY BOWL- ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS v Houston
The Razorbacks quarterback Ryan Mallet has had such a good season and should only improve next year. Bobby Petrino’s squad should land in the Liberty Bowl due to closeness in proximity.
INDEPENDENCE BOWL- SOUTH CAROLINA v Iowa State
Another late season melt down for the Cocks and another lower tier bowl bid. The Gamecocks might have worked their way up with the Clemson win, but for now this is where they are projected.
PAPAJOHNS.COM BOWL- AUBURN TIGERS v Uconn
The Tigers first season with Gene Chizik ends with a bowl game. Not sure if this is where it shakes out but it does make sense. The Tigers are within a stones throw from Birmingham and with this economy proximity is key for these bowl games.
Ok, I think I am done debating. Florida has been there before and will be there again. The Gators have so much talent they should be able to handle the Tide this week in Alabama and head to their third National Title in four years. It should be a great way to usher out the Tim Tebow era in Gator Nation.
SUGAR BOWL- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE v Boise State
With their running back less than 100 percent in the SEC title, the Tide should fall to the Gators and land here. Low and behold, its another non-BCS team to take on. Hopefully, this year they don’t disappoint.
CAPITAL ONE BOWL- LSU TIGERS v Penn State
The Tigers almost even fell out of this bowl against Arkansas the last game of the season but should land here. Three losses is not really acceptable for the Tigers in Baton Rouge, but to make the third best SEC Bowl game shows this team is on the rise and should challenge the Tide for West supremacy next year.
COTTON BOWL- OLE MISS REBELS v Oklahoma State
The Rebels land in the Cotton Bowl and finish the season with 8 wins for the second straight year. Ole Miss did not really live up to expectations this season, which might be a good thing. Jevan Snead should comeback for his senior season and again be a contender in the West sleight.
OUTBACK BOWL- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS v Northwestern
How quickly one win could change your Bowl destination. The Outback Bowl was in attendance at the Kentucky/Tennessee game and was looking at the Cats. But with a dramatic win, a second place finish in the west, and proof that these guys travel, the Volunteers should be very appetizing to bring to Tampa.
CHIC FIL A BOWL- GEORGIA BULLDOGS v Virginia Tech
With the Bulldogs finishing in a tie with the Volunteers for second in the East, they should choose the bowl that is closest to home. What would be interesting is if the Yellow Jackets lose in the ACC title game, would they pair up Georgia Tech and Georgia?
MUSIC CITY BOWL- KENTUCKY WILDCATS v Clemson
In another rematch, the Wildcats will likely get a choice in the lower tier bowl games. This game would be the best choice for the Cats to rush Nashville and have time to get back for the basketball showdown against Louisville. Yes, here in Kentucky everything revolves around the round ball…even bowl selections!
LIBERTY BOWL- ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS v Houston
The Razorbacks quarterback Ryan Mallet has had such a good season and should only improve next year. Bobby Petrino’s squad should land in the Liberty Bowl due to closeness in proximity.
INDEPENDENCE BOWL- SOUTH CAROLINA v Iowa State
Another late season melt down for the Cocks and another lower tier bowl bid. The Gamecocks might have worked their way up with the Clemson win, but for now this is where they are projected.
PAPAJOHNS.COM BOWL- AUBURN TIGERS v Uconn
The Tigers first season with Gene Chizik ends with a bowl game. Not sure if this is where it shakes out but it does make sense. The Tigers are within a stones throw from Birmingham and with this economy proximity is key for these bowl games.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
WEEK 13 College Projections
All right. It is the final week of the regular season. I am excited to look at where I projected everyone to fall and see how close I was.
Right now in the SEC, other than Alabama and Florida to the BCS, there is still a lot to determine for where each team falls in the bowl season. The biggest game of the week has to be Kentucky against Tennessee. Love or hate Phillip Fulmer in Knoxville, the one thing that they could hang thier hat on is not losing thier finale to the Kentucky Wildcats. Lane Kiffin has had a up and down year and earlier this week down played the 24 straight wins over the Cats. On the other side, you know that Rich Brooks keeps draining this into his players heads. While working with Tom Leach on the "Rich Tradition" book about Coach Brooks he explained time and time again how important beating Tennessee is to him in reviving the program. Last week was a monumental win for the Cats in Athens and now it will be interesting to see if that momentum flows into Commonwealth on Saturday.
Here are the SEC Predictions and important College picks from around the country. Lets hope its a strong week! Happy Thanksgiving!
SEC WEEKLY PROJECTIONS
OVERALL RECORD- 67-23
Alabama @ Auburn
Last years Bama beat down of the Tigers sealed Tommy Tubberville’s fate as head coach of the Auburn Tigers. This game should be close, but should still go to the Tide. Nick Saban will have a team for a while in Tuscaloosa, so hopefully Auburn lessens their standards. Gene Chizik has had a good first year at Auburn.
WINNER- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Clemson @ South Carolina
This is just another year for Steve Spurrier in Columbia where the Cocks struggle down the stretch and don’t play to their potential. They had a bye week but I am not sure that will help against the Tigers. Clemson sewed up their division in the ACC last week and are gearing up for the ACC Championship next week. Victory goes to the Tigers, again.
WINNER- CLEMSON TIGERS
Mississippi @ Mississippi State
Dan Mullens has had his Bulldog team play well this season in his first year at the helm. Mississippi has its sights set on a BCS bowl berth this season but lost a few they shouldn’t and haven’t really come on strong until these past few weeks. Mississippi wins and they still advance in to a better bowl than last year.
WINNER- MISSISSIPPI REBELS
Florida @ Florida State
This could be the only SEC over ACC team on the sleight this week. The Gators are a stronger and better team than Florida State and should be able to win handily.
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
Arkansas @ LSU
The Tigers have been very, very unlucky the past two years losing the last game of the season to Arkansas and falling in bowl postioning. Last week was an embarrassing loss with the chaotic finish to the Rebels in Oxford. The only positive going for the Tigers is the home field advantage in Baton Rouge…and I think that will be enough.
WINNER- LSU TIGERS
Tennessee @ Kentucky
Each year Kentucky is getting closer and closer to the talent level in Knoxville. With a win Rich Brooks might ride off to the sunset in Lexington turning around yet another program. Kentucky has lost 23 straight times to the Vols and ending this streak has been on Rich Brooks mind since he took the job…
WINNER- KENTUCKY WILDCATS
Georgia @ Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets have played well enough to be “the” team in Georgia. I hope after this year they don’t even think about getting rid of Mark Richt in Athens. He is still one of the best coaches in the nation.
WINNER- GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS
College Projections
38-22
ACC-NORTH CAROLINA o NC State
BIG 12- TEXAS o Texas A+M
BIG EAST- CONNETICUIT o Syracuse
BIG 10- CINCINNATI o Illinois
PAC TEN- USC o Ucla
Right now in the SEC, other than Alabama and Florida to the BCS, there is still a lot to determine for where each team falls in the bowl season. The biggest game of the week has to be Kentucky against Tennessee. Love or hate Phillip Fulmer in Knoxville, the one thing that they could hang thier hat on is not losing thier finale to the Kentucky Wildcats. Lane Kiffin has had a up and down year and earlier this week down played the 24 straight wins over the Cats. On the other side, you know that Rich Brooks keeps draining this into his players heads. While working with Tom Leach on the "Rich Tradition" book about Coach Brooks he explained time and time again how important beating Tennessee is to him in reviving the program. Last week was a monumental win for the Cats in Athens and now it will be interesting to see if that momentum flows into Commonwealth on Saturday.
Here are the SEC Predictions and important College picks from around the country. Lets hope its a strong week! Happy Thanksgiving!
SEC WEEKLY PROJECTIONS
OVERALL RECORD- 67-23
Alabama @ Auburn
Last years Bama beat down of the Tigers sealed Tommy Tubberville’s fate as head coach of the Auburn Tigers. This game should be close, but should still go to the Tide. Nick Saban will have a team for a while in Tuscaloosa, so hopefully Auburn lessens their standards. Gene Chizik has had a good first year at Auburn.
WINNER- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Clemson @ South Carolina
This is just another year for Steve Spurrier in Columbia where the Cocks struggle down the stretch and don’t play to their potential. They had a bye week but I am not sure that will help against the Tigers. Clemson sewed up their division in the ACC last week and are gearing up for the ACC Championship next week. Victory goes to the Tigers, again.
WINNER- CLEMSON TIGERS
Mississippi @ Mississippi State
Dan Mullens has had his Bulldog team play well this season in his first year at the helm. Mississippi has its sights set on a BCS bowl berth this season but lost a few they shouldn’t and haven’t really come on strong until these past few weeks. Mississippi wins and they still advance in to a better bowl than last year.
WINNER- MISSISSIPPI REBELS
Florida @ Florida State
This could be the only SEC over ACC team on the sleight this week. The Gators are a stronger and better team than Florida State and should be able to win handily.
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
Arkansas @ LSU
The Tigers have been very, very unlucky the past two years losing the last game of the season to Arkansas and falling in bowl postioning. Last week was an embarrassing loss with the chaotic finish to the Rebels in Oxford. The only positive going for the Tigers is the home field advantage in Baton Rouge…and I think that will be enough.
WINNER- LSU TIGERS
Tennessee @ Kentucky
Each year Kentucky is getting closer and closer to the talent level in Knoxville. With a win Rich Brooks might ride off to the sunset in Lexington turning around yet another program. Kentucky has lost 23 straight times to the Vols and ending this streak has been on Rich Brooks mind since he took the job…
WINNER- KENTUCKY WILDCATS
Georgia @ Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets have played well enough to be “the” team in Georgia. I hope after this year they don’t even think about getting rid of Mark Richt in Athens. He is still one of the best coaches in the nation.
WINNER- GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS
College Projections
38-22
ACC-NORTH CAROLINA o NC State
BIG 12- TEXAS o Texas A+M
BIG EAST- CONNETICUIT o Syracuse
BIG 10- CINCINNATI o Illinois
PAC TEN- USC o Ucla
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
SEC Bowl Projections Week 12
Well, there is still not a lot of clarity in where some teams in the SEC will fall but with Mississippi's win, they made thier lives easier to land in the Capital One Bowl. Kentucky's first win in Athens for the first time in more than 30 years puts them in prime position to finish second in the SEC East division.
Still, Alabama and Florida continue to switch places. It is very hard, almost impossible to project until these two face off in Atlanta next week.
Anyways here is where each team is slotted for the after the week that was...
BCS NATIONAL TITLE- ALABAMA v Texas
The Crimson Tide have the Iron Bowl and the SEC title game, which has the winner going to the national title. Both teams have shown weaknesses but as the whole body of work, Alabama has been more consistant that the Gators and should win out and head to the national title game.
SUGAR BOWL- FLORIDA v Cincinnati
The Gators should beat Florida State and lose to the Tide in the Title game. This offense has really struggled this season and has relied too much on Tim Tebow. Bama’s defense will stop him this year unlike last year and head to New Orleans and the Sugar Bowl.
CAPITAL ONE BOWL- OLE MISS v Iowa
The Rebels took a huge step towards the second in the SEC West by beating LSU last week. The Rebels running game has been essential to the late surge…too bad they didn’t find this out until after Alabama and South Carolina…
COTTON BOWL- LSU v Nebraska
The Tigers have, once again, had no offensive production this year. LSU will finish third again in the West and land in Texas for the Cotton Bowl.
OUTBACK BOWL- KENTUCKY v Penn State
Hinging on a win over Tennessee at Commonwealth on Saturday, the Cats have the chance to play in a New Year’s Day Bowl for the first time in a long time. The Outback Bowl representatives were present in the Post Game victory over the Georgia Bulldogs and with a win, Kentucky will land here.
CHIC FIL A BOWL- GEORGIA v Virginia Tech
With a cluster of 7-5 teams, the Bulldogs should fall in Atlanta simply because of proximity. This has been a tumultuous year for the Dawgs…
MUSIC CITY BOWL- AUBURN v Clemson
The Tigers have reached bowl eligibility after missing it completely last year and should be chosen to play in Nashville for the Music City Bowl.
LIBERTY BOWL- ARKANSAS v East Carolina
Again, simply because of proximity, the Razorbacks should be the pick for the Liberty Bowl in Memphis.
PAPAJOHNS.COM BOWL- TENNESSEE v Rutgers
The Volunteers reached bowl eligibility in Lane Kiffin’s first year as head coach. This is not going to be acceptable next year in Knoxville, but for year one the Vol Nation will take it.
INDEPENDENCE BOWL- SOUTH CAROLINA v Kansas
Entering this season, I didn’t see the Gamecocks as a bowl team, but they started hot and then fizzled out down the stretch; that is what happens every year. With the same SEC record as the Volunteers but a head to head loss, the Gamecocks will land in the lowest SEC bowl available.
Still, Alabama and Florida continue to switch places. It is very hard, almost impossible to project until these two face off in Atlanta next week.
Anyways here is where each team is slotted for the after the week that was...
BCS NATIONAL TITLE- ALABAMA v Texas
The Crimson Tide have the Iron Bowl and the SEC title game, which has the winner going to the national title. Both teams have shown weaknesses but as the whole body of work, Alabama has been more consistant that the Gators and should win out and head to the national title game.
SUGAR BOWL- FLORIDA v Cincinnati
The Gators should beat Florida State and lose to the Tide in the Title game. This offense has really struggled this season and has relied too much on Tim Tebow. Bama’s defense will stop him this year unlike last year and head to New Orleans and the Sugar Bowl.
CAPITAL ONE BOWL- OLE MISS v Iowa
The Rebels took a huge step towards the second in the SEC West by beating LSU last week. The Rebels running game has been essential to the late surge…too bad they didn’t find this out until after Alabama and South Carolina…
COTTON BOWL- LSU v Nebraska
The Tigers have, once again, had no offensive production this year. LSU will finish third again in the West and land in Texas for the Cotton Bowl.
OUTBACK BOWL- KENTUCKY v Penn State
Hinging on a win over Tennessee at Commonwealth on Saturday, the Cats have the chance to play in a New Year’s Day Bowl for the first time in a long time. The Outback Bowl representatives were present in the Post Game victory over the Georgia Bulldogs and with a win, Kentucky will land here.
CHIC FIL A BOWL- GEORGIA v Virginia Tech
With a cluster of 7-5 teams, the Bulldogs should fall in Atlanta simply because of proximity. This has been a tumultuous year for the Dawgs…
MUSIC CITY BOWL- AUBURN v Clemson
The Tigers have reached bowl eligibility after missing it completely last year and should be chosen to play in Nashville for the Music City Bowl.
LIBERTY BOWL- ARKANSAS v East Carolina
Again, simply because of proximity, the Razorbacks should be the pick for the Liberty Bowl in Memphis.
PAPAJOHNS.COM BOWL- TENNESSEE v Rutgers
The Volunteers reached bowl eligibility in Lane Kiffin’s first year as head coach. This is not going to be acceptable next year in Knoxville, but for year one the Vol Nation will take it.
INDEPENDENCE BOWL- SOUTH CAROLINA v Kansas
Entering this season, I didn’t see the Gamecocks as a bowl team, but they started hot and then fizzled out down the stretch; that is what happens every year. With the same SEC record as the Volunteers but a head to head loss, the Gamecocks will land in the lowest SEC bowl available.
Friday, November 20, 2009
College Picks Week 12
Last two weeks of the college football season. This is crazy! The year has gone by way too fast! Anyways, headed to Athens this week to cover the Georgia/Kentucky game. Its a pretty big game for both teams, but more importantly, a pretty cool place to see for me. To add to the specialness of this game, UGA passed away yesterday. I met UGA VII last year and Georgia has already come out and said there will be NO mascot at the game, only a wreath around the Dawgs house.
Anyways here is a picture of me and UGA VII. He will be missed!
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Here are the College Projections for the week. Bowl Updates to come on Monday!
Chattanooga @ Alabama-
Next week is the Iron Bowl and then the SEC Championship game. Auburn thinks they get an advantage with a bye week this week to prep for Bama but in essence, so do the Tide.
WINNER- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Mississippi State @ Arkansas
The Bulldogs have played well in the first season under Coach Dan Mullens. They have rode Anthony Dixon to wins and are teetering with a bowl/non bowl season. A loss makes them ineligible and so heading to Fayetteville the Bulldogs will be full of emotion. The Razorbacks cinched up their own bowl future with a blow out win over Troy. With their bowl eligibility already in had, Arkansas will take a step back and lose to a desparate Mississippi State.
WINNER- MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS
Florida International @ Florida
The Gators are done with SEC play until the title game. Florida will be playing it safe and hope to get ahead early to rest players.
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
LSU @ Mississippi
Mississippi’s “dream” schedule is about to conclude and so far they haven’t really lived up to expectations. They hosted Alabama and lost and now they host a bipolar LSU team. The Tigers and Mississippi have their eyes on the Capital One Bowl. This game is basically a playoff for that. The Rebels introduced a new aspect to their offense against Tennessee last week with a running game. In Oxford, the Rebels should be able to get the win. LSU is too inconstant and plays too close to continue to squeak by…
WINNER- OLE MISSISSIPPI REBELS
Vanderbilt @ Tennessee
After last seasons bowl winning season, the Commodores have come back down to earth losing every single SEC game and now close out the season with big brother, in state Tennessee Volunteers. The Vols will be angry about the embarrassing loss to Mississippi and still have a chance for a decent bowl game.
WINNER- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Kentucky @ Georgia
The Kentucky Wildcats and the Georgia Bulldogs got to bowl eligibility last week and now they look for seeding. Last year’s match up the Cats nearly won, but fell behind too early to mount a comeback. This year, Kentucky comes to Athens banged up. Starting a freshman at quarterback will be tough for the Cats to overcome…
WINNER- GEORGIA BULLDOGS
ACC- NORTH CAROLINA o Boston College
BIG 12- NEBRAKSA o Kansas State
BIG EAST- RUTGERS o Syracuse
BIG 10- OHIO STATE o Michigan
PAC 10- STANFORD o Cal
UPSET SPECIAL
ARIZONA o Oregon
Next week is the Iron Bowl and then the SEC Championship game. Auburn thinks they get an advantage with a bye week this week to prep for Bama but in essence, so do the Tide.
WINNER- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Mississippi State @ Arkansas
The Bulldogs have played well in the first season under Coach Dan Mullens. They have rode Anthony Dixon to wins and are teetering with a bowl/non bowl season. A loss makes them ineligible and so heading to Fayetteville the Bulldogs will be full of emotion. The Razorbacks cinched up their own bowl future with a blow out win over Troy. With their bowl eligibility already in had, Arkansas will take a step back and lose to a desparate Mississippi State.
WINNER- MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS
Florida International @ Florida
The Gators are done with SEC play until the title game. Florida will be playing it safe and hope to get ahead early to rest players.
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
LSU @ Mississippi
Mississippi’s “dream” schedule is about to conclude and so far they haven’t really lived up to expectations. They hosted Alabama and lost and now they host a bipolar LSU team. The Tigers and Mississippi have their eyes on the Capital One Bowl. This game is basically a playoff for that. The Rebels introduced a new aspect to their offense against Tennessee last week with a running game. In Oxford, the Rebels should be able to get the win. LSU is too inconstant and plays too close to continue to squeak by…
WINNER- OLE MISSISSIPPI REBELS
Vanderbilt @ Tennessee
After last seasons bowl winning season, the Commodores have come back down to earth losing every single SEC game and now close out the season with big brother, in state Tennessee Volunteers. The Vols will be angry about the embarrassing loss to Mississippi and still have a chance for a decent bowl game.
WINNER- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Kentucky @ Georgia
The Kentucky Wildcats and the Georgia Bulldogs got to bowl eligibility last week and now they look for seeding. Last year’s match up the Cats nearly won, but fell behind too early to mount a comeback. This year, Kentucky comes to Athens banged up. Starting a freshman at quarterback will be tough for the Cats to overcome…
WINNER- GEORGIA BULLDOGS
ACC- NORTH CAROLINA o Boston College
BIG 12- NEBRAKSA o Kansas State
BIG EAST- RUTGERS o Syracuse
BIG 10- OHIO STATE o Michigan
PAC 10- STANFORD o Cal
UPSET SPECIAL
ARIZONA o Oregon
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Lay Back and Let It Ride Kentucky Basketball
Sure, it was Miami of Ohio and the talent levels between them and the Kentucky Wildcats is vast but before Big Blue nation starts looking for a horse to tie their ankle to and drag themselves to their demise just remember: these players are young and Kentucky did get the win.
With the whirl win that was the John Calipari coaching signing followed by him signing the top recruiting class in the nation Kentucky was chosen by media to be a team destined for a late run in March. In Kentucky, fans deemed the team the greatest of all time and argued that the number five preseason ranking was too low. But how quickly fans forget, Kentucky was not even in the NCAA tournament last year and they lost their top scorer, Jodie Meeks, to the NBA.
With a brand new team, Kentucky will have a lot of these games early. In fact it was after the 75 to 59 victory that John Calipari said that Miami of Ohio had a chance to beat Kentucky if they didn’t play well.
It certainly got close, but Kentucky did prevail. And that is something fans can hang their hats on for now. The Kentucky Wildcats of last year would have not been able to come back from an 18 point deficit. In fact, early in the year last year it was a game against VMI, that the Cats could not stop the military institute from missing a basket and they eventually lost.
After the game John Calipari said, “I was happy that our team got down by 18.” And continued by saying, “At each time out my players kept saying we are going to win this. We are not going to give this one away.”
And they didn’t give it away. With six tenths of a second left freshman John Wall pulled up at around the free throw line, hit a shot, and won the game.
No, they did not win by 37. No the game did not look pretty. But this could be the game at the end of the season that players and coaches point to as a maturation point for the remainder of the season.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
SEC Bowl Projections Week 11
BCS National Title- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE v Texas
I have been going back and forth and back and forth on this game. Its going to be an SEC v Texas game but which SEC team. After this weeks performances I give the edge to Alabama to meet Florida in Atlanta and beat the Gators. The Gators have not looked the same as last years unit and Alabama keeps playing stronger and stronger.
SUGAR BOWL- FLORIDA GATORS v Cincinnati
The Gators have played too close for comfort this year and should land in the SEC’s given bowl game- the Sugar Bowl. They should play an unbeaten school that has not been respected by the BCS, sounds like the same team Alabama played last year…
CAPITAL ONE BOWL- LSU TIGERS v Penn State
The Tigers have lost two and should win out. If the BCS allows 3 teams from one conference in the BCS games, LSU could get into the Orange Bowl. But that won’t be allowed, too much love for the SEC. So, the Tigers will land in the Capital One Bowl against a slow Penn State game. This will definitely be a game to sleep through on New Years Day.
COTTON BOWL- OLE MISSISSIPPI v Oklahoma State
The Rebels will have a second straight trip to the Cotton Bowl. This past week getting the running game going was money for the Rebels. They could even move up with a win next week against LSU.
OUTBACK BOWL- GEORGIA BULLDOGS v Wisconsin
The Bulldogs might have salvaged their season last night with a huge win against Auburn. They should be able to beat Kentucky and finish their SEC record at #2 in the East.
CHIC FIL A BOWL- AUBURN TIGERS v Clemson
The Tigers have a bye week and another Iron Bowl on their sleight. This has been a great year for the Tigers first year head coach Gene Chizik. They struggled in the middle half of the season to miss a New Years Day Bowl, but the Chic Fil A Bowl is becoming an SEC bowl for the next upcoming power…Should be a good one.
MUSIC CITY BOWL- SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS v Virginia Tech
Another year and another late season collapse for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Every year they start hot but can not complete the season. When the Gamecocks hired Steve Spurrier, they imagined competing for SEC and National titles. Middle tier bowl games has got to be a major let down for the fan base.
LIBERTY BOWL- ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS v East Carolina
The Razorbacks are another SEC team that missed a bowl last year but have had a good enough year to reach bowl eligibility. I have been raving about Ryan Mallet for weeks and think that the Razorbacks should compete even stronger next year in the West.
INDEPENDENCE BOWL- KENTUCKY WILDCATS v Texas Tech
Kentucky has reached their fourth straight bowl and should head to another game the school has not played in, the Independence Bowl in Shrevport Louisiana.
PAPA JOHNS.COM BOWL- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS v Rutgers
After yesterdays embarrassing loss to Ole Miss, it’s easy to see the Volunteers still have a ways to go to compete nationally. The Volunteers should beat Vanderbilt and now, I don’t see them beating a Kentucky team for the first time in more than 20 years.
I have been going back and forth and back and forth on this game. Its going to be an SEC v Texas game but which SEC team. After this weeks performances I give the edge to Alabama to meet Florida in Atlanta and beat the Gators. The Gators have not looked the same as last years unit and Alabama keeps playing stronger and stronger.
SUGAR BOWL- FLORIDA GATORS v Cincinnati
The Gators have played too close for comfort this year and should land in the SEC’s given bowl game- the Sugar Bowl. They should play an unbeaten school that has not been respected by the BCS, sounds like the same team Alabama played last year…
CAPITAL ONE BOWL- LSU TIGERS v Penn State
The Tigers have lost two and should win out. If the BCS allows 3 teams from one conference in the BCS games, LSU could get into the Orange Bowl. But that won’t be allowed, too much love for the SEC. So, the Tigers will land in the Capital One Bowl against a slow Penn State game. This will definitely be a game to sleep through on New Years Day.
COTTON BOWL- OLE MISSISSIPPI v Oklahoma State
The Rebels will have a second straight trip to the Cotton Bowl. This past week getting the running game going was money for the Rebels. They could even move up with a win next week against LSU.
OUTBACK BOWL- GEORGIA BULLDOGS v Wisconsin
The Bulldogs might have salvaged their season last night with a huge win against Auburn. They should be able to beat Kentucky and finish their SEC record at #2 in the East.
CHIC FIL A BOWL- AUBURN TIGERS v Clemson
The Tigers have a bye week and another Iron Bowl on their sleight. This has been a great year for the Tigers first year head coach Gene Chizik. They struggled in the middle half of the season to miss a New Years Day Bowl, but the Chic Fil A Bowl is becoming an SEC bowl for the next upcoming power…Should be a good one.
MUSIC CITY BOWL- SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS v Virginia Tech
Another year and another late season collapse for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Every year they start hot but can not complete the season. When the Gamecocks hired Steve Spurrier, they imagined competing for SEC and National titles. Middle tier bowl games has got to be a major let down for the fan base.
LIBERTY BOWL- ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS v East Carolina
The Razorbacks are another SEC team that missed a bowl last year but have had a good enough year to reach bowl eligibility. I have been raving about Ryan Mallet for weeks and think that the Razorbacks should compete even stronger next year in the West.
INDEPENDENCE BOWL- KENTUCKY WILDCATS v Texas Tech
Kentucky has reached their fourth straight bowl and should head to another game the school has not played in, the Independence Bowl in Shrevport Louisiana.
PAPA JOHNS.COM BOWL- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS v Rutgers
After yesterdays embarrassing loss to Ole Miss, it’s easy to see the Volunteers still have a ways to go to compete nationally. The Volunteers should beat Vanderbilt and now, I don’t see them beating a Kentucky team for the first time in more than 20 years.
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