C.J.'s Perspective

Written by C.J. Cribbs III:

Ala-dam-bama. We just lost to Alabama! Unbelievable!! (Pounds fist on table). What a bunch of (expletive). Willie Martinez, your defense is a freakin joke. You shoulda been blitzin in the FIRST HALF! Our chances of winning a national championship are ruined thanks to you. Your lucky to still have a job! I have NEVER seen a worst Defensive Coordinator in my life! Absolute (expletive, follow up expletive).

-There was too much profanity in the rest of this article. Therefore, that portion was deemed "unpostable." I wanted to provide C.J. with a forum to express his disappointment, but as he usually does, Cribbs went too far.-

Introducing C.J. Cribbs

My good friend, C.J. Cribbs III, often loses his temper during football games. Especially when "his Dawgs" are trailing or have just lost. This Saturday, I had to step in between him and an irritated Ohio State fan. As Alabama began to destroy the Dawgs, Cribbs lost his cool.
"Dude, it's just a game. Chill out!" hollered the Buckeye.
"Just a game? Are you (expletive) serious? In the SEC, it ain't NEVER just a freakin game!!" Cribbs completed his tirade by standing up and emphatically throwing his beer can across the back porch. That's when I decided to step in. The situation settled down, but piqued my curiosity as well. C.J. Cribbs III may be a little extreme/hardcore, but I'm sure he ain't alone. Are you, or anyone you know, a sports psycho? If so, do you have any advice? Cribbs is a good friend, but I'd like to help him tone it down a little.

Saturday in the SEC

1. Florida @ Arkansas at 12:30 on ESPN360.com, ESPN GP.
2. Kentucky @ Alabama at 3:30 on CBS.
3. South Carolina @ Ole Miss.
4. Tennessee (H) vs Northern Illinois.
5. Vandy (H) vs Auburn at 6:00 on ESPN, ESPN360.com.

More times and TV listings to be posted later. The rest ain't available yet.
**Georgia, Miss State,LSU have a bye.**

Rushing Tide

Through the first 4 games of 2008, the Alabama Crimson Tide are leading the SEC in rushing, with 236.8 yards per game. The Alabama offense is led by RB Glen Coffee, who boasts an average of 8.6 yards per carry. The Junior from Fort Walton Beach, Florida is coming off a stellar performance against Arkansas. Last Saturday, Coffee ran for 162 yards on just 10 carries versus the Razorbacks defense. Glen had a long run of 87 yards and scored two touchdowns, as Alabama routed Petrino's pigs 49-14. Joining him in the running back rotation are rising stars, Mark Ingram (Junior) and Roy Upchurch (Freshman). Ingram has 263 yards rushing and averages an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. Upchurch has gained 181 yards on 26 attempts, for an average of 7.0 yards per carry. This trio has combined to produce the most explosive rushing attack in the SEC. Throughout the first 4 games of the 2008 season, they have gained 848 yards on the ground and scored 7 touchdowns.
Alabama is playing extremely well in three major aspects of the game. First, they are dominating opponents with a strong rushing attack. Secondly, the Crimson Tide has showcased spectacular special teams play, sparked by the athleticism of Javier Arenas. And finally, the Alabama defense has been stout, fast, and nasty. Opponents beware: The Tide is rising fast!
Bama Vs Arkansas Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z84p4Ectqbc

Munson Retires

Larry Munson, one of the greatest play by play announcers college football will ever have, has decided it's time to retire. He enjoyed an incredible tenure at the University of Georgia and so did his fans. No other broadcaster has ever had the same ability to paint pictures with their words. One of the most endearing aspects of Mr. Munson's work, was his emotionally charged outbursts. If the Dawgs were down, you felt it in Larry's voice. When Georgia was successful, his narratives became legends of their own. Among the list of famous calls are "Run Lindsey Run", "Touchdown! Oh God, a touchdown!", and "We just crushed their face with a Hobnailed boot!"

Mr. Munson's voice on the Georgia Bulldog Radio Network will be sorely missed and never replaced or duplicated. Thanks for your dedication and loyalty, Mr. Munson. You are a true Georgia icon and one of the greatest Bulldogs of all time!

Georgia Football-Larry Munson:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXvAblVgcmM

Show your spirit

If you're looking for a creative way to show your school spirit, check out http://www.gamedaylogo.com/. Prices range from $65.00 to $99.95 and the product features a re-usable kit that can make your lawn resemble your favorite team's field. Included in the packages are:

1. A re-usable stencil.
2. Process instructions.
3. Official logo paint.
4. Logo stakes.

http://www.gamedaylogo.com/ also sells wall stencils and military ribbons. You can support your favorite team or use these products to show your patriotism. Available items include a yellow support the troops ribbon and a beautiful red, white, and blue one.

*According to their site, NFL and MLB kits will be available soon!

Yankee Stadium Finale

If you're a fan of MLB, you're probably pretty eager to read something about the end of an era in New York. I am not, and will not insult your intelligence by forcing out an article, when I don't give one censored text about the topic. If you're interested, click the following link to read about Yankee Stadium:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/23/sports/baseball/23araton.html?_r=1&ref=baseball&oref=slogin

Go Tampa Bay Rays!

Last Week in the SEC

1. Florida (H) vs Ole Miss at 12:30 on ESPN360.com, ESPN GP. Gators destroy Rebs. -X- SCORE: 31-30 Ole Miss.
2. Georgia (H) vs Alabama at 7:45 on ESPN, ESPN360.com. Georgia rolls Tide. -X- SCORE: 41-30 Alabama.
3. Kentucky (H) vs Western Kentucky at 7PM on ESPN360.com, ESPN GP. Wildcats win. -C- SCORE: 41-3 Kentucky.
4. South Carolina (H) vs UAB at 7PM. Not televised. UAB upsets S.Carolina. -X- SCORE: 26-13 Gamecocks.
5. Tennessee @ Auburn at 3:30 on CBS. Neither team can afford another conference loss. Auburn wins in OT. -C- SCORE: 14-12 Auburn (in regulation, but I'll take it!)
6. LSU (H) vs Miss State at 7:30 on ESPN2, ESPN360.com. Tigers over Dogs. -C- SCORE: 34-24 Champs.
7. Arkansas at Texas at 3:30 on ABC, ESPN360.com, ESPN GP. Longhorns devour Petrino's pesky pigs.-C- SCORE: 52-10 Texas.

This week I went 4-3 with my picks. There were two big upsets. I missed the boat on both. My record is now 23-8 Not bad, but there's a long way to go..

**Vandy had a bye.**

UF Fight Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmRQUu9B8uI

Dawgs want to Black Out Bama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN5d0t_itN8

Welcome to the Swamp: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGhCyBvnZDo

UGA Vs Bama Preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSXmgZU6rZ0

Vols will be tough

At this point in the season, the Tennessee Volunteers are still breaking in a new quarterback (Jon Crompton) and learning how to execute Dave Clawson's "spread-like" offense. Tennessee hosts the Florida Gators this weekend. They're gonna lose, but the battle will strengthen UT's armor. The following week, Fat Phil takes his squad on the road to face Auburn. So...there's very little room for growing pains. That being said, I believe Crompton and the entire Volunteer offense will continue to improve as the season progresses. Georgia hosts Tennessee on October 11. The Vols could be a very dangerous two or three loss team when they travel to Athens. It will be tough for UT to defend their eastern division title, but if the Vols can steal two of these three games, there is a definite possibility of Tennessee advancing to Atlanta. Fat Phil's 2008 team actually reminds me of the 2007 Georgia Bulldogs. Before you question my sanity, here's why. Tennessee has one of the best running backs in the SEC in Arian Foster. Joining him in the backfield is talented passer, Jonathan Crompton. With more experience, the junior from Waynesville, North Carolina could develop into a top notch talent. On the other side of the ball, Tennessee fields a solid defense that is led by versatile DB Eric Berry. The season opening loss to UCLA was not what Tennessee fans expected. But, UT bounced back with a 35-3 victory over winless UAB. Crompton threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Volunteer offense.

Click on the following link, to hear a stirring rendition of "Rocky Top."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n9prNixjbg

A Brief Look Ahead

Although this practice is highly frowned upon, I'm just a fan. Therefore, it hurts no one, when I decide to look ahead. UGA travels to Baton Rouge to play LSU on October 25th. LSU is dominant underneath the lights down on the Bayou. During the Mark Richt era, Georgia rarely loses inside of enemy territory. This clash of conference powers could be an SEC Championship Game preview. If the winner is also victorious in Atlanta, a national title could be within their grasp.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga2l_joYsnE

Devils and Dawgs

Arizona State quarterback Rudy Carpenter has made a habit of torching PAC 10 defenses. The weakest aspect of Georgia's defense has been their lack of a pass rush. Through the first three weeks of the 2008 season, UGA defenders have rarely pressured opposing QBs. That's gonna be a problem, this week. When given time to throw, Carpenter is deadly accurate and showcases legitimate Heisman trophy caliber skills. The Georgia Bulldogs travel to the desert, after barely surviving a tough, physical battle with South Carolina. The Sun Devils are looking for redemption, after losing 23-20 to UNLV. There are two ways that Georgia can win this game. The first and most realistic option, is to outscore Arizona State. Bulldog receivers AJ Green and Mohamed Massaquoi are both capable of making huge plays down field. Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno will both perform better against the Sun Devils' PAC 10 defense. Why? Because UGA's offensive line will not be over powered in this game. Option #2 completely depends upon the creativity of Defensive Coordinator Willie Martinez, and the execution of his schemes. The Dawgs must blitz, in order to put pressure on opposing QBs. So, what does Martinez have up his sleeve? It is imperative for UGA to put some heat on Carpenter. If the Bulldogs fail to do so, Arizona State could derail the "mean machine in red and black."

UGA's Keys to Victory:
1. The young O-Line must reclaim its manhood, after the way South Carolina shoved them around.
2. Commit fewer penalties.
3. Stop the drops! Concentrate, catch the ball, then run.
4. Pressure Rudy Carpenter, punish him, and force him to hurry his throws.
5. Score touchdowns in the red zone.

AJ Green highlights Vs ASU:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5ngslh_gaM

Hot Seat in Columbia?

Looking at South Carolina's remaining schedule, I smell an odor on the rise. It's called burning britches! I know it's very early in the 2008 season, but things don't look good in Columbia. The Gamecocks are now 0-2 in the SEC and have lost six straight games against conference opponents. In order to stay in the race for the eastern division title, South Carolina must win all of its remaining conference games. Well, that ain't gonna be easy. After a home date with Wofford, Spurrier's squad travels to Ole Miss and then to Kentucky. Those teams don't strike fear in anyone's heart, but guess who comes to Columbia the following week. The National Champion LSU Tigers. Ouch! South Carolina will get demolished in front of a sold out crowd in Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gamecocks will have a week off to recover, but then must face the Florida Gators...in the Swamp. Spurrier's last stand will take place in the ACC's version of Death Valley. The Gamecocks will finish the 2008 season with a 5-7 record. Maybe it's time to hire another Holtz.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNcQDp5xQQ4

Last Saturday in the SEC

1. Florida @ Tennessee at 3:30 on CBS. Tebow torches UT and Gators win. -C- SCORE: 30-6 UF.
2. UGA @ Arizona State at 8 PM on ABC. Dawgs outscore Sun Devils. -C- SCORE: 27-10 UGA.
3. South Carolina (H) vs Wofford at 7PM on ESPN360.com, ESPN GP. Gamecocks win. -C- SCORE: 23-13 S CAR.
4. Vandy @ Ole Miss at 7PM. No TV coverage listed. Tough to call, but I'll take Vandy. -C- SCORE: 23-17 Vandy.
5. Alabama @ Arkansas at 12:30 on ESPN360.com, ESPN GP. Tide roasts Petrino's pesky pigs. -C- SCORE: 49-14 Alabama.
6. Auburn (H) vs LSU at 7:45 PM on ESPN, ESPN360.com. LSU smashes Auburn. -C- SCORE: 26-21 LSU.
7. Miss State @ GT at 12:00 on ESPN360.com, ESPN GP. Tech beats Bulldogs (The only time that will happen in 2008). -C- SCORE: 38-7 gt.
   
   **Kentucky has a bye.**

So far, my record is 19-5. As the season progresses, the picks will be tougher to call, but... I'm feeling good now! Honestly, I hope to finish the season above .500 with my predictions. I ain't no expert, so I might need a little luck along the way. Go SEC!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vab9XnOR2C0

ECU's Upset Disaster

For the most part, our law enforcement officials do their best to serve and protect us civilians. During the aftermath of ECU's upset victory over #8 West Virginia, I saw sickening and hideous examples of police brutality. As excited Pirates fans rushed the field, police officers body slammed and beat up a few ECU fans. I can not delete these images from my mind. As a helpless ECU fan lay on the ground, a police officer unmercilessly hit him with punch after punch after punch. For a minute or two, I was expecting a UFC referee to step in and call the match over. The fan was unable to defend himself at the moment. All the officer had to do was handcuff him and move on, if the situation called for such action. Instead, the poor civilian had his lights punched out by someone he's not allowed to hit. ECU has launched an investigation into the matter. My only fear is that the case will be swept under the rug. As a law abiding citizen of the United States of America, I demand higher standards from our law enforcement officials. Where is the justice in such intolerable and unnecessary acts? To serve and protect does not equal to beat up and make examples of. In this country, you are innocent until proven guilty, not presumed guilty and subject to beat down until proven innocent!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVIqNvh2UtU

Click on "Watch in High Quality" option. While viewing the first video, focus on police officers behind the endzone, near the big yellow post. If you look closely, you'll see them bashing ECU students/fans.

The following link has a better view, but eventually loses sound as the video is rewound and played again in slow motion. The pictures are quite telling.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDYtuAjguFg

Last Week in the SEC

1. UGA @ South Carolina at 3:30 on CBS. Dawgs defeat birds. -C- SCORE: 14-7 UGA.
2. Kentucky (H) vs Middle Tennessee at 7PM on ESPN360.com, ESPN GP*. MTSU upsets Kats. -X- SCORE: 20-14 Kentucky.
3. Tennessee (H) vs UAB at 12:30 on ESPN360.com and ESPN GP. Vols win. -C- SCORE: 35-3 UT.
4. Vandy (H) vs Rice at 7PM. No televised coverage. Vandy over Rice. -C- SCORE: 38-21 Vandy.
5. Alabama (H) vs Western Kentucky at 7PM on ESPN360.com, ESPN GP. Tide rolls. -C- SCORE: 41-7 Alabama.
6. Arkansas @ Texas at 3:30 on ABC (regional coverage), ESPN360.com, and ESPN GP. Texas smokes Petrino's Pigs. Postponed due to weather.
7. Auburn @ Mississippi State at 7PM on ESPN2, ESPN360.com. **UPSET ALERT!** -X- SCORE: 3-2 Auburn.
8. LSU (H) vs North Texas at 8PM on ESPN360.com, ESPN GP. Tigers destroy North Texas.-C- SCORE: 41-3 LSU.
9. Ole Miss (H) vs Samford at 7PM. No televised coverage. Mississippi squeaks by Samford. -C- SCORE: 34-10 Ole Miss.

**Florida has a bye.**

*ESPN GP= ESPN GAMEPLAN PPV EVENT*

**TIMES LISTED ARE EASTERN TIME ZONE.**

This week, I went 6-2 with my predictions. For the first two weeks of SEC football, my combined record is 12-5. Not bad, but the early going has been easy to pick, due to all of the directional schools on SEC schedules.

Two Weeks Ago

1. #5 Florida home versus Miami (Fl.) at 8 PM. Gators win. -C- Score: 26-3 UF.
2. #2 Georgia home vs Central Mich at 3:30. Upset? -X- Score: 56-17 UGA.
3. Kentucky home vs Norfolk State. TBA. Kats will blow 'em out. -C- Score: 38-3 UK.
4. #13 Alabama home vs Tulane. TBA. Tide rolls. -C- .Score: 20-6 Bama
5. Arkansas home vs Louisiana Monroe at 7PM. ULM will barbecue Petrino's Pigs! -X- Score: 28-27 Ark.
6. #9 Auburn home vs Southern Miss at 12:30. War Eagle! -C- Score: 27-13 Aub.
7. #7 LSU home vs Troy at 8PM. *Game postponed due to weather.
8. Ole Miss @ #20 Wake Forest at 3:30. Demon Deacons over Rebs. -C- Score: 30-28 WF.
9. Miss State home vs Southeastern Louisiana at 7PM. Dogs win. -C- Score: 34-10 Miss St.
10. *Thursday Sep 4, South Carolina @ Vandy at 8:30. South CAR wins. -X- Score: 24-17 Vandy.

**Tennessee had a bye week.**

-C- indicates correct prediction.
-X- indicates where my predictions were wrong.

*I went 6-3 with my picks. I had 2 upsets that failed to occur and missed the train on Vandy's derailing of South Carolina. I'm still kicking myself for picking Central Michigan to upset UGA. The Dawgs failed to impress me in week 1, but made up for that in week 2. I'd still like to see more pressure and intensity from the Georgia defense. The young OL dominated CMU Saturday and could be a source of strength for the 2008 Bulldogs. How did you fare with your predictions?

UT Loses in OT

As a biased SEC fan, I expected the Tennessee Volunteers to travel out to California and dominate the rebuilding Bruins. Well, maybe there's a reason nobody's paying me for my predictions. Trailing 24-21 with one time-out and only 27 seconds left, Tennessee managed the clock flawlessly. After picking up a few first downs, place kicker Daniel Lincoln made a 47 yard field goal as time expired, forcing the game into overtime. The Volunteers won the coin toss and elected to start on defense in the first overtime period. Unable to move the ball, UCLA took the lead on a 42 yard field goal by Kai Forbath.

Trailing 27-24, the Tennessee offense took the field, looking to win the game or at least send it into a second overtime period. They were unable to move the chains and kicker Daniel Lincoln was granted an opportunity to keep the Vols alive. As nervous fans began biting their nails in anticipation of the kick, Lincoln lined up....and missed it.
UCLA 1, Rob 0.