This Week in the SEC

It's been awhile since I've posted some predictions on SEC football. But, tonight seems like a good time for me to get back into the swing of things. So, here we go...

Arkansas goes to The Grove tomorrow and loses to the Ole Miss Rebels by 17, while the Auburn Tigers fare a whole lot better in Knoxville. War Eagles by 13 over the Vols.

Meanwhile, the Vanderbilt Commodores take a journey into the Swamp and leave the sunshine state with an upset victory over my favorite Florida coach, Mr. Will Muschamp and his Gators.

In Athens, the Bulldogs of Georgia host Appalachian State. Injury issues aside, Dawgs celebrate homecoming with a 33-10 win. But, the party is a bit subdued when Kentucky loses to Missouri in Lexington.

South Carolina has the week off and Dan Mullen's Dogs wish they could say the same about themselves. Texas A&M won't need the 12th man in this one. The home team wins 42-14.

And, for the premiere game of the week, Les Miles leads LSU to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to take on the national champions. This will be an epic battle that goes down to the wire. To find out who I expect to win, please follow @RobSealerSports on Twitter. Will post a video soon.

October 8 in the SEC

Here we go with another exciting week of SEC football and (lifts up prayer hands) stellar predictions from yours truly. Here's the skinny.

Ole Miss has a bye, but do the Rebs ever show up for their games?

South Carolina hosts Kentucky. Spurrier's visor won't leave his noggin this Saturday. Lattimore and company will plow past the Wildcats.

Mississippi State goes on the road and takes on UAB. Blazers get Dogged out by Mullen's squad.

Crimson Tide crushes Vanderbilt in Tuscalooza. Commodore fans, don't waste ya gas money. This one was over as soon as it was scheduled. Tide Rolls.

Chizik's champs go to Arkansas and Petrino's Pigs flip the script. Hogs roast Tigers 37-24.

Tennessee welcomes the University of Georgia to Knoxville. Sensational freshman RB Isaiah Crowell runs over Volunteer defenders with such an intensity that they all swear their name is Bill Bates. Dawgs 41- Da'Rick Rogers and UT 27.

Florida travels to Death Valley...the real one. I don't care what the bayou's wildlife and fisheries council says...October is Gator season in Louisiana. Geaux Tigers!!

Footnote of the day: A man always takes accountability for his actions. But it's comforting to know that someone has your back, even when your scrawny azz is dead wrong. A few weeks ago, I took some time off and began to evaluate some things. But, I must join you in wondering...Who is truly to blame for all of my errant predictions? Click on the title of this post.

Owl Season

Looking at my picks for the first week of SEC football left some of you confused by at least one prediction. And, I could be the only person not decked out in the Red,White,and Blue of an FAU uniform, who believes they can App State the Mighty Gators in Gainesville. But I don't mind.

"Man, how you gonna do my team like that?" responded one reader via email.
"Have you lost your mind? I know you love them Dogs but Florida ain't losing to FAU!" replied another.

Guess we'll have to wait until Saturday to find out. So, here's what I do know. Florida Atlantic returns 5 starters from an offensive line, that did underachieve at times in 2009. Led by senior center, Jimmy Colley, this unit needs to play at a very high level, if the Owls are gonna have any chance of making me look less silly.

I'll also be keeping a close eye on senior running back, Alfred Morris. The Pensacola native has rushed for 2,343 yards and 18 touchdown during his FAU career and averages 4.7 yards per carry. At 5'11 and 220 pounds, Morris has the size and talent to wear a defense down, throughout the course of a four quarter affair.

In 2009, to say the FAU offense was anemic might be an insult to the term. Despite a 928 yard effort by Morris, the Owls averaged a lowly 16.8 points per game. That won't get it done this Saturday. However, this is a different season. As a matter of fact, it just might be Owl season in the sunshine state.

Click on the title of this post.

September 3rd in the SEC

Vanderbilt- Home vs Elon. Commodores crush 'em by 17.
Tennessee- Home vs Montana. UT wins by at least 20.
South Carolina- Neutral site vs East Carolina. Lattimore leads visors to victory.
Kentucky- plays on Thursday vs Western Kentucky. Kats destroy Hill Toppers.
Ole Miss-Home vs BYU. Mormons win. Shout out to Braves' great, Dale Murphy.
Mississippi State- Also on Thursday At Memphis. Dogs get it done.
Auburn- Home vs Utah State. War Eagle/Tigers start the season 1-0.
Arkansas- Home vs Missouri State. Show me a loss for "MSU."
Alabama- Home vs Kent State. UGLY. Bama by at least 35.
LSU- neutral site vs Oregon. Ducks get quacked.
Georgia- "neutral site" vs Boise State. Dawgs drag Broncos through the Junk Yard.
Florida- Home vs Florida Atlantic. Upset of the SEC season. FAU shocks the swamp men in Gainesville.

You've seen my picks, what do ya'll predict?

Later, Lane

In just one season at Tennessee, Lane Kiffin posted a 7-6 record as head coach of the Volunteers. During his days in Knoxville, Kiffin was a constant source of controversy. And now, he's gone. I believe the SEC is a better conference without his ignorant antics. But, I will definitely miss Kiffin's ludicrous sound bytes.

Speaking of that, Lil' Lane never got to sing Rocky Top all night after beating Florida. That was a "tradition" he was unable to embrace, because Kiffin's Vols couldn't get the job done against UF. Aided by his sudden departure, Kiffin did make good on one promise. After thumping UGA 45-19 in Neyland Stadium, LK stated that UT would never lose to Georgia as long as he was coaching the Vols. A bold statement after just one game against Tennessee's rival from the Peach State. This lame prophecy leaves me wondering, "How would Mark Richt have handled his shot at revenge against the shot taking Kiffin?"

Maybe the Dawgs would have stormed the field and personal foulishly danced after their first successful field goal against UT in 2010. But, now we'll never know. I just wish Richt could have given Kiffin a huge cup of STFU. Hopefully, UCLA can do that on his behalf next season. Go Bruins!

Click on the title of this post to hear a tribute to Lane Kiffin.
P.S. Thanks to Matt Chernoff of 680 the Fan for recommending this song.

Deja Wrong

Alabama fans, you're welcome. I've been wrong on so many picks this year, it ain't even funny. So, why should the SEC Championship be any different? I still can't believe the way UF got manhandled, but who cares? Bowl season will soon be upon us. At this point, it ain't exactly breaking news, but Saban's Tide will face off against Colt McCoy and the Texas Longhorns to decide a National Champion.

Well, what happens if a Brian Kelly-less Bearcats squad gets dismantled by Tebow and the eye gougers from Gainesville? Does the Fiesta Bowl winner stake claim to one half of the National Championship? Based on their rankings (#4 TCU and #6 Boise State), I'd guess that the undefeated Horned Frogs would have the strongest argument. But, TCU would need to route the loss-less Broncos, in order to breed such a discussion.

If this scenario unfolds, it may add some fodder to the "we need a playoff system" debate, but let's be honest. There will be no split National Championship like we saw in 1990, when G Tech and Colorado both claimed the title. Why? Because 1 program will be crowned king of college football and it will be Texas or (drum roll...not really needed) Alabama. Tide fans, you outta be concerned. I'm picking ya'll to beat Texas by 10.

The National Champion will be crowned where? Click on the title of this post.

And remember...Go Dawgs, ya'll!

P.S. How's the 6-1-9 DC? Hope you're havin' a blast out there, dude.

SEC Championship

As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepare for tomorrow's SEC Championship Game vs Florida, they outta beware of deja vu. The victor will once again move on to play in the BCS Championship Game. Unfortunately for 'Bama, they will only be undefeated for one more day. Even worse, their only loss will be to the #1 team in college football. Ok, that's not the bad part. The cruel truth, is that this defeat will plummet the Tide out of National Title contention. Sound familiar? This is 2008 revisited. Well, minus a Florida loss to Ole Miss.

Who do you predict to win this game and why? Also, who will be named MVP of the 2009 SEC Championship Game?

According to Lane Kiffin, "Florida has the better players and Alabama has the better coaches." Call it an educated guess, if you will, but I'm sure Kiffin won't be wishing Urban Meyer any success tomorrow night.

Click on the title of this post for more deja vu. It will show you my pick for MVP of the 2009 SEC Championship Game. Not exactly an earth shattering prediction, but who cares?

SEC '09: What I Don't Wanna See

Here's a brief list of what I don't want to see happen during the 2009 SEC Football season.

#1: I'll kick start this post by actually venturing outside the league a little. Sounds odd, but hear me out. In 2009, I don't wanna see any police brutality vs the fans, anywhere. Following a stunning upset of Virginia Tech last season, ECU fans triumphantly stormed the field. Unfortunately for quite a few Pirates fans, the state troopers decided to conduct themselves in a manner better suited for the UFC. Some of the fans were thrown around like rag dolls and unjustly beaten up. I must say for the record, that I have the utmost respect for all men and women who choose to serve and protect our communities. But in this situation, the cops were out of line. I would hate to see a recurrence of this event, whether it be in the SEC or any other league.

#2: Another Blackout backfire on the Bulldogs. Last season, Alabama coaches stated that UGA was wearing black, because the Dawgs were going to their own funeral. To make matters worse, the Crimson Tide proved those words prophetic. At halftime, the score was 31-0 and Georgia's title hopes were laid to rest inside of a stunned Sanford Stadium.

#3: Urban Meyer proudly clinging to another crystal football. There's no need for me to comment any further on this one.

#4: Eric Berry with the ball in his hands. The latest rumor out of Knoxville, is that #14 and WR Nukeese Richardson are both getting reps at "QB" in the Wild Vol formation. Eric Berry is one of college football's most exciting players. I don't wanna see him touch the rock, any more than he will from his DB position. The kid is electrifying. But, he plays for the bad guys.

#5: Paul Johnson's crazy techsters breaking through Bulldog "tackles." Jonathan Dwyer and Roddy Jones ran right through the Georgia defense and led their Jackets to an upset victory over UGA in 2008. That ain't 'sposed to happen in Athens. Actually, it ain't 'sposed to happen period. Georgia owns gt. That's just how it goes.

#6: South Carolina find a leader at the QB position, who can ignite Spurrier's "Cock N Fire" offense. (Just for the record, I didn't create that terminology. That's what the Gamecocks call it). Anchored by Ladi Ojiboye, Clifton Geathers, and Eric Norwood, the South Carolina defense will be nasty. Is this the year that Spurrier finally elevates his program and makes Sloth Carolina relevant?

#7: Lane Kiffin succeed at Tennessee. Monte's boy comes across as an arrogant little punk. This guy reminds me of a pre-NFL tenured coach named Steve Spurrier. Completely classless. Hopefully, Kiffin will have the same amount of success in Knoxville, as he did out in Oakland.

#8: Injuries. Although it's a part of the game, I hope to see a much healthier season in the SEC. Last year, Georgia suffered many crucial blows to the depth chart. Forgive me if it sounds like I'm making excuses, but we did not see the real Dawgs in 2008. There are so many talented athletes in the SEC. I hope to see every team compete at it's strongest level in 2009.

#9: Ohio State or Oklahoma "compete" in the BCS Championship Game. These teams have been nothing more than glorified roadkill for elite SEC programs, such as Florida and LSU. Although I strongly despise USC, I'm hoping to see this PAC 10 "power" go into the title game with a flawless resume'. Then...get destroyed by whoever wins the SEC Championship Game. The Trojans are due for a southern styled beat down.

#10: Another 3-2 affair in the Auburn vs Mississippi State series. Defense wins championships, but 5 total points is a bit absurd. Hopefully, someone will at least get into the endzone once on September 12.

Say It Ain't So Belue.

As a lifelong Georgia fan, I heard something that startled me today. Not because of the dialogue, but because of the source. On 680 the fan, former Georgia QB Buck Belue, stated that the Florida Gators will win the SEC in 2009. With as much talent as Urban Meyer has returning to Gainesville, I'm not surprised by the prediction. I am, however stunned to hear such blasphamy from the mouth of a national championship winner at UGA. Well, the conversation on www.680thefan.com only got worse. Belue went on to proclaim UF QB Tim Tebow as the winner of next year's Heisman Trophy Award. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Belue's entitled to his opinion and professionalism, but isn't there an unspoken rule of Dawg-isms? Even if you feel this way, Belue, at least humor the Bulldog Nation by lying.

Florida Owns the East

Well, much to the painful chagrin of every living Georgia fan, the Florida Gators beat the daylights out of UGA. The final score was 49-10, but the more disturbing number is 16 of 19. The two decade dominance Florida has over the Dawgs is baffling. Many times, UGA has traveled to Jacksonville with an incredibly talented squad and many times Georgia has lost. Georgia lost Saturday, on a day the Dawgs desperately needed a win. Not since the 1988-89 seasons has UGA defeated Florida in back to back years. The Bulldogs needed a breakthrough performance, but instead had their season and title hopes broken. The #1 preseason team in college football can do nothing but pray for a BCS bowl. Don't cross your fingers folks, it ain't gonna happen.
Before this season started, Mark Richt's Georgia Bulldogs weren't just favored to win the SEC East. They were picked by many to hoist that elusive crystal football, currently owned by LSU. Unfortunately, those dreams just became bleaker than a doinked Blair Walsh field goal. The excruciatingly painful part, is that this Georgia fan (like many) actually believed it could happen. Honestly speaking, UGA ain't USC (the real one). Maybe I (we) should have known better.
Historically speaking, Georgia fans should expect an average of 8-10 wins a year, including painful losses to Florida 9 out of every 10 times in Jacksonville. That is simply what happens and all UGA fans are powerless in our desire to change the outcome. It ain't ever gonna change. If history had a new author, he would have surfaced on Saturday. Instead, he failed to appear. It's just another painful November.

Ouch!

#3 Georgia and #4 Florida both got knocked out of the top 10 on Saturday. I wasn't expecting either team to lose. I'm still puzzled by the Gators' loss to Ole Miss...IN THE SWAMP! Ouch! Both teams still have a shot to win the east, but it ain't gonna be easy. After a trip to Arkansas, Florida returns to Gainesville and hosts national champion LSU. Georgia is off, but must find a way to beat Tennessee on October 11. The Dawgs host Vandy the following week. Then, Georgia must travel to Death Valley (the real DV).
During a post game press conference, Florida QB Tim Tebow apologized to Gator fans and vowed to play harder and with more focus and intensity than any other division 1 athlete. Georgia is looking to regain their confidence and remember what it means to play "Bulldog Football." These rivals square off on October 25 in Jacksonville. The victor could become a factor in the race for the national championship, but they'll need some serious help along the way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsAlGk7Y43U