COACHES POLL PICKS 4 BIG TEN TEAMS IN TOP 10...

OHIO STATE, PENN STATE, MICHIGAN, AND WISCONSIN IN TOP TEN.

   

    Excuse me if this post seems a little disjointed. I finished reading the USA Today Coaches Poll and have been rolling around on the floor laughing. It's time to catch my breath. Some things are so palpably funny it is hard to take them seriously. USA Today delievered for the Big Ten like a pimp will deliever the goods for a political national convention. Michigan? Holy out of your mind, Batman. Penn State? Only good if you count the wins in the lowly BigTen. Wisconson? I have loads of respect for a good program and no quibbling from me on the Badgers or the Buckeyes for that matter. Four teams in a conference which has become irrelevant cannot be sold with a straight face. 

           Let me make my case to the football jury out there in posting land. Since the BCS National Championship seems like a good place to start, I looked at the Big Ten winners. Starting in 1998 and looking skyward you find NO BigTen Champions until Ohio State won in 2014. That's it. One is the lonliest number you will ever find. That is one out of nineteen games (1-19). There are several ways you might choose to look at that Stat. I pick, "how horrible is that?" The alternative is, "what a joke conference."  But wait, perhaps I need more analysis. There were nineteen games in the first BCS system. 16 of those games were before the final four version and feaured only two teams. So let's look to see how many BigTen teams played in those games?  That number would be a lackluster two (2). Sorry, I almost hit the floor again but stopped at laughing tears at  televison's hope that the BigTen is an important conference. 

Big Ten 

        Just to be fair, let's look at the BCS National Playoffs version of the Championship. Okay, that is three years for six more teams that played for a Championship. May I have the envelope, please... and the winner isn't the BigTen. Only, you guessed it - one BigTen team spwas invovled and that is Ohio State. Acutally, Ohio State is the only BigTen team to make it to a National Championship Game in the history of the BCS ear. Maybe,  I'm looking at this wrong. Could I be biased? Is the National Championship Sports Information Director give us fake news? This will require additonal research and study so I'm headed to my liquor stash to get a drink. Preparation is important in these matters. 

        I am an SEC man through and through, so I decided to expand the search to find more favorable stats for the BigTen. Okay, here is where I short changed the mighty BigTen. The last three years have involved four teams. Michigan State got thrashed by Alabama in one semi-final game. So after bracing myself with an Oban single malt scotch I wish to tender my remorse for short changing the most overrated conference in the NCAA. I said you had sent one team to the Championship. Well, acutually you still only sent one to a Championship game, but we need to acknowlege the Spartans. I will update you on how to define that stat as soon as I have a second OBan, and pick myself off the floor one more time.

HAND NEEDS HELP NOT PUNISHMENT

ALABAMA'S DESHAWN HAND SUSPENSION?

It is my firm belief that DeShawn Hand does not deserve punishment in excess of the facts of his case. I hope not and as a matter of fact, he doesn't deserve to have an NFL career jeopardized over something as immature as a DUI. I'm not saying that he doesn't deserve some punishment for his actions. I'm not even hinting at that. What I am saying is his life should not be dictated by one event. Those actions are not DeShawn Hand. I bet he is a nice young man who made a mistake and for a large part has already been punished for his transgression. To inflict punishment on him that outweighs the facts of his case is fair. Let's not have a rush to judgment here. At best, the attendant facts of his case are mixed. He did some wrong but he did a lot of right as well.

    Our Auburn friends (or however you choose to describe them) are reveling over the arrest of Hand. Was it the smart thing to do? Of course, not. But DeShawn Hand was not driving an automobile. In fact, he had the judgment not to drive an automobile. I've practiced law for almost forty years, and Alabama's DUI statute doesn't make sense with the plain meaning of the word driving.

     Subsequently, we all learned that Hand was actually sleeping. I'd submit to my jury of posters that sleeping cannot nor should be construed as driving. I have no idea if he had his car keys with him. My calls to the Tuscaloosa Police Department have not resulted in my learning whether or not he did. If he didn't, it is unlikely to result in a conviction. He could not have operated the vehicle. In reality, he is being charged with something he did not do, but granted, he may have had the ability to do so at a later hour.

    But here we find ourselves in a gray area. He was not driving because he realized he should not be driving according to a couple of articles I have read. That makes all the difference to me as a human being. Instead of punishing him shouldn't we be recognizing the fact that he made a correct decision?
He will be punished. The Alabama coaching staff will see to that, and I bet they will keep in mind he wasn't driving. I bet they also remember he chose not to drive. It was stupid and immature to get intoxicated. (if in fact,  he was).

    Suspending him for the FSU game would be the biggest mistake we could make. Judging this young man too harsh given the fact situation would be in error. I also know, and sadly so, that law enforcement officials have long since quit keeping the peace. Now they are under the impression it is their duty to arrest anyone who makes a mistake. I draw a distinct difference between keeping the peace (which entails protecting people) and enforcing our laws. He will lose his ability to drive for 90 days. He might face a suspension of his license. He will be fined between $600-$1800 dollars and could be ordered to attend a driving class that costs $50.00. That is fifty dollars a session times 32 weekends. He will also have to pay court costs and his lawyer. (I have no idea how much that might be). Court costs will be around $200.00. That mistake will cost him over $3500.00.  A further draconian reaction is simply uncalled for in this matter

   That is what they call unnecessary roughness in football. How much of that goes to balance the cost of running a city. I don't know. If Nick Saban suspends him it should be for the second game and whatever he views as equitable relating to team discipline. You want Hand to understand that drinking is not a good thing. Let's not ruin his career, and let's not lose our judgmental minds over a mistake where no one was injured. I understand someone potentially could have been hurt, but that is a whole different issue both criminally and civically. Here is one last comment about something that has alway bothered me. If we want to punish someone for driving and drinking why does the State of Alabama sell and tax liquor? That seems like a clear conflict of interest. #befairtoHand

TIDE TO PLAY FSU IN BEST OPENING GAME EVER...

   ALABAMA WILL NEED ITS A GAME AGAINST THE 'NOLES...

#1 Tide takes on #3 Florida State in Atlanta

Time: September 2 @ 7:30 PM

Place: Mercedeze-Benz Stadium

Line: Tide is six point favorite

  We have begun the countdown to football. The Tide takes on the Florida State Seminoles in the season opener. One again, Nick Saban is going after a big fish in game one. The inclination of poll voters to pick Alabama is always likely. Knock off FSU and the Tide gets some real juice in the race for the national championship. Florida State has no downside in this matchup. If they lose it is because they were supposed to lose. If they win, then FSU just beat the number one team in the nation. Regardless, who wins this is one of the biggest games ever scheduled for an opening game. Perhaps it is the biggest ever played.

     Alabama has won five straight opening games. Here is a list of the victims:  USC, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Michigan. Each of those wins solidified ‘Bama’s early season rankings and gave notice to the rest of the NCAA that Bama was ready for another Championship run. The first AP Poll has the Tide at #1 and FSU at #3. I wonder if the Seminoles can slip up a spot to #2 by kickoff?  Alabama got that #1 ranking with a lopsided vote. Heavy is the head that wears the crown but picking ‘Bama #1 seems to be a pretty safe bet to start the season. The Tide is a six-point favorite right now.

  

   This might be the first time an Alabama team has taken the field and not have the best defensive line. Florida State’s defensive line is talented and tough. This game isn’t likely to be a 17-10 affair. I believe the winner will have to put up at least 30 to win. Bama’s offensive line is going to be dominant. The quarterback is experienced, and he will prove he can pass. The Tide’s running backs, almost a six-pack, are

simply incomparable. Of note, is the fact that Atlanta is now a home game for the Tide. FSU has no glaring weaknesses, and they gave a great quarterback. I’m willing to bet that Hurt or Francois will be touted for the Heisman Trophy by the fourth quarter. Sportswriters will be ready to declare the Tide dynasty dead by halftime, but in the end it will be Bama 31 – FSU 24. The Dynasty lives!

CHANGING NUMBERS ...

WHEN THE LAWS OF COMMON SENSE DON'T APPLY

     It just makes sense.  Sooner or later  the Nick Saban coached Crimson Tide is going to have an off year.  Of course, off is a relative term. That might mean the Tide could lose two games, and dare we gasp, even three games?  All programs have ups and downs. We are accustomed to that. That is what makes Nick Saban amazing. He seems to defy the laws of familiarity. 

    The Tide has suffered major losses in their defense. Anyone with half a brain would believe that when a defense which losses that caliber and number of players should expect some bad moments this season. So why am I not believing will happen?  Here’s why.  The Tide faithful have had the should beat out of them.  Anytime something bad should happen to Bama, Nick Saban has a way to making sure it doesn’t. Alabama football players simply follow “the process” and beat the laws of inevitability. This is what makes Nick Saban and his football program the best in the NCAA.

    I know that Clemson is on an emotional high after winning the national championship last season. Ohio State and Michigan will always argue they have the best program. For years, Texas and Oklahoma made that boast. Chip in Notre Dame and Southern California to the discussion. All claim or claimed to have been the best. Really?  Do they really believe their respective programs are even in the same category? Alabama always plays for the club championship. Everyone tries to win their flight.  The number 16 comes to mind when arguing about who has the top program. No one else has 16 National Championships. What makes that particular number so unique is that is  temporary. It will become 17, and 17 will become 18, and 18 begat 19. Maybe one day the world will end and the number becomes permanent.  That is the only way any number will find perpetual rest in Tuscaloosa. Until that time Alabama will continue to succeed. Records will be broken. Heroes will be made on the field. Coaching legends will be made, and the Tide will keep on winning. That’s how things work here. 

    It just makes sense.  Sooner or later  the Nick Saban coached Crimson Tide is going to have an off year.  Of course, off is a relative term. That might mean the Tide could lose two games, and dare we gasp, even three games?  All programs have ups and downs. We are accustomed to that. That is what makes Nick Saban amazing. He seems to defy the laws of familiarity. 

    The Tide has suffered major losses in their defense. Anyone with half a brain would believe that a defense that lost the caliber and number of players it has should expect some bad moments this season. So why am I not believing i5 will happen?  Here’s why.  The Tide faithful have had the should beat out of them.  Anytime something bad should happen to Bama, Nick Saban has a way to making sure it doesn’t. Alabama football players simply follow “the process” and beat the laws of inevitability. This is what makes Nick Saban and his football program the best in the NCAA.

    I know that Clemson is on an emotional high after winning the national championship last season. Ohio State and Michigan will always argue they have the best program. For years, Texas and Oklahoma made that boast. Chip in Notre Dame and Southern California to the discussion. All claim or claimed to have been the best. Really?  Do they really believe their respective programs are even in the same category? Alabama always plays for the club championship. Everyone tries to win their flight.  The number 16 comes to mind when arguing about who has the top program. No one else has 16 National Championships. What makes that particular number so unique is that is  temporary. It will become 17, and 17 will become 18, and 18 begat 19. Maybe one day the world will end and the number becomes permanent.  That is the only way any number will find perpetual rest in Tuscaloosa. Until that time Alabama will continue to succeed. Records will be broken. Heroes will be made on the field. Coaching legends will be made, and the Tide will keep on winning. That’s how things work here.

FREEZE DIES FROM AN EXTREME BOUT OF SABANITIS...

FREEZE IS THE LASTEST VICTIM OF SABAN SUCCESS...

Another one bites the dust

   Let me say that I do not know Ex-Ole Miss head football coach Hugh Freeze. I met him once and he seemed like a nice man. Freeze is the latest victim of Nick Saban's effect on SEC football. (See also Gene Chizak, Les Miles, and Mark Richt) Freeze was the darling of 

the landed gentry in Mississippi, especially in Groveville. The Rebels, er' the Black Bear faithful, had visions of sugar plumbs dancing in their heads after a unprecented 2013 recruiting class. That was followed by two stunning upsets over the Alabama Crimson Tide. It turns out that Ole Miss was literally the best college team money could buy. Throw in a little dash of unethical behavior for good measure. Okay, not to split hairs, but it was a lot of unethical behavior and it is safe to say that Freeze isn't as good a record keeper as he was a head coach. Those darn telephone records make it hard to hide facts, what with the dates, parties talking, and time of day calls were made. Talk about things that make you go hmm... in the middle of the night. The cover up is always worse than the crime. The violations were cheating. Hiding the fact made Freeze a liar and a cheat.

    Still is isn't hard to feel a little sorry for Freeze. Winning in the SEC  is the only thing that matters to a fan base. When you coach in the Western Division that means having to beat Alabama to reach the pinnacle. To a lesser degree it also means having to beat LSU and Auburn. Texas A&M is no turnover, and then you still have your arch rival to play. That is a tough row to plow as we say in Dixie. If you want your team to be the penultimate team in your division your odds are slim you can actually pull it off. Freeze had two options at hand. One is take your time and build. The second is pay your players and reap the rewards. Sometimes the rewards are losing your job. Freeze chose option two and crossed his fingers. It worked for a while and then it didn't. 
    

'Bama finishes takes out the Gators and sets a new standard in College football...



 
   If you are going to play Alabama in the college football playoffs, here is something that might just scare you off the field. Alabama is undefeated and still hasn't played anywhere near a perfect game. One thing is certain. The college football world has fallen into two categories. Category one is the University of Alabama. Category two is anyone not in category one. Keep in mind that Nick Saban's Alabama teams have done this in an era where reduced player on scholarships was designed to level the playing field. The Tide has succeeded with an otherworldly  defense in an era where scores look more basketball than football.

    Alabama is not perfect, but perfection is not necessary for football.  Execution and hard play will do the trick. But what if Bama's offense played a better game? What if is one of those phrases that stimulate the imaginations of fans. There is no doubt that three other head coaches left standing for a run at the national championship are thinking the same thing. What if Bama's offense plays a great game? It's enough to make Urban Meyer retire a second time. It this rendition of the Crimson Tide the best team in the history of college football?  I honestly don't know the answer, but they have a chance to answer anyone questions about that statement in the very near future.

      The Tide's defense is remarkable. In an era of cheap offense, it has dominated. The defense takes great offenses and reduces them to ordinary.  I know that Michigan likes to brag about its defense. I'm sorry Blue but you have no idea. You play in a league where you conference champion is considered so bad they won't make the playoff most likely. The Tide does what it does with an offense that is like an Italian sports car. It looks good when it runs. But a long period of time passes when they look ordinary. Then suddenly they look extraordinary. Despite the fact that Jalen Hurts is a freshman the Tide always settles down to score. Fumbles and interceptions have been problematic for the offense.  The defense has kept that mistakes from being deadly. So despite slow starts the Tide offense has been afforded the time to find its feet. When the Tide offense finds its balance they look unstoppable.
    What Alabama has done is remarkable. They have gone through the season undefeated. Kudos to Western Michigan but their record doesn't reflect the difficulty of competition. Some talking heads say the SEC is down. I agree. They are down and out because Alabama robs teams of their dreams and expectation. Alabama doesn't have a program. It has a factory. Great players come to Alabama for greatness. Alabama's greatness gives many a ticket to the NFL. Scientists say that perpetual motion machines are impossible. I beg your pardon but have you guys looked at Alabama. All of you can want 'Bama in the playoffs. You really don't. Trust me on that. 

Here's a final four prediction...

 

       Now that the Chattanooga game is over and the Tide won, where does the win leave Alabama in their 17th national title run? Bottom line is that we'll know more next Saturday. 

       Everyone has an opinion. That includes me. In the end, we'll see 1. Bama 2. Ohio State 3. Clemson 4. Washington. That prediction comes gift wrapped by a stunning blowout of wannabe Louisville. The only question I had after watching that debacle unfold was how the Cardinals had lost only one game prior to last night's stomp down.

        'Bama has two games left in its bid for another championship run. (regular season)  Auburn, either the good team or the other one, is going to embarrass themselves on national television just like they did against Georgia. Then the Tide takes on Florida. Kudos to the Gators for beating LSU in Tiger Stadium. The SEC Championship will once again prove to the rest of the SEC that the Western Division is still the best. Alabama will show all concerned that the King still sits on his throne. The Tide seems to defy that bard's belief that "heavy is the head who wears the crown."  It's a process as we have come to understand. I think it's fair to assume 13 other teams in the SEC understand that as well.  I think if Alabama beats Auburn, the Selection Committee would be hard pressed not to include the Tide even if they lose in Atlanta. Look for a 3-0 finish to the "regular" season, and then two more wins after that. The safer bet is for the Tide to beat both Auburn and Florida just to be sure. Should the Tide lose to Aubie and beat Florida for the outright conference title, there would be no doubt the Tide advances. There will be a legitimate claim for the Gators to be included. The have two losses but would be SEC Champs. I don't think Florida can beat Alabama, however.

      Ohio State has been running up scores against the so-called Big Ten Opposition. Their blemish? Penn State knocked off the Buckeyes. The real question is what happens if the Nittany Lions actually win the Big Ten? Ohio State might be a much better team now, but on the one day that mattered Penn State beat them. Given the Selection groups stated desire to give deference to Conference Champs, how can Committee say "but" to the Nittany Lions?  I think in the long run it still seems like Ohio State will be somewhere in the final mix. Here's the interesting question to me. What if Penn State actually is the Conference champ and Ohio State whomps Michigan? Will the Selection group take two Big Ten teams? They could. That would be termed "talking out of both sides of your mouth". That's something the Committee has done in the past.

     Clemson is a perplexing team to me. They have a great quarterback, as all Tide fans can remember. They also have a top shelf running back who seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle. Either the Tigers have lost their hearts or their defense is just not championship caliber. If you look back some of the wins the Tigers have recorded were suspect. The close win over Troy and Auburn comes to mind. Their best win was over Louisville. Well, that's what I'd argue if I was Dabo. Bottom line is that something about the Clemson Tigers just doesn't pass the sniff test. I don't think that Clemson can beat Ohio State. Still, look for the Tigers to make the final cut.

    So that leaves one team to round out the field. Will it be Penn State or maybe Wisconsin? Will the committee take a two loss conference champion over a very good one-loss team? Or will they opt for something akin to  political correctness? My guess is that Washington will fight their way through the remainder of their games and be the PAC 12 Champion? That matchup in Seattle with Washington State could be a stunner, and surely will be one of the most interesting games on the West Coast that weekend. How did the Huskies lose to Southern Cal? The Tide beat the Trojans by almost fifty points. The Committee can justify almost anything and make some sense in doing what they decide. Whatever their decision it will stink to high hell with equal clarity.

   After watching the Huskies play the Trojans, I think Alabama could beat ring up another 50 plus points on the purple dogs. Is there going to be a one-loss team representative from the Big Ten or a two-loss Big Ten Conference Champ? I'm going to believe the Committee has backed themselves into a proverbial corner with all their impetus on Conference Champions. I thought their goal was to pick the top four teams to play for the Dr. Pepper Trophy? You can almost sense the aroma of hypocrisy brewing around the water cooler right now. We all get to sit on the fifty-yard line to hear their decision.