My Two Cents-Who will come out of the SEC East?

The SEC East is the weakest division of the Southeastern conference; it actually looks like the ACC where you have all these teams neck and neck because there is no consistency from week to week.

Lowly Tennessee continues to sink to the bottom as they are the only team in the conference without a conference win; Florida continues to implode week after week, and there looks like there is no solution to this downward spiral; Kentucky’s signature win over South Carolina was a huge one for the university but that was their only conference win; Vanderbilt also has one win in conference play and their problems continue; Georgia has turned around a dismal start to reach the .500 mark and they have a big game against Florida this Saturday; however, South Carolina looks like the team that will win this division and get a chance to play in the SEC Championship game on Dec. 4^th.

The Gamecocks must seize this moment and continue to win from here on out and not stub their toe like they did two weeks ago against Kentucky, after beating No. 1 Alabama the previous week. Steve Spurrier must be rooting for Georgia to down the Gators, this Saturday, and hope his team will beat Florida come Nov. 13^th in the Swamp, to undoubtedly make them winners of the East division, going into the championship game.

Florida could make a splash with a win at Georgia and a win at South Carolina to take the East Division but with how hot Georgia is playing now (the offense is clicking) and South Carolina possessing the experienced Stephen Garcia and Alshon Jeffrey, I just do not see it. Anything is possible. When you put too much faith in South Carolina, they will let you down as we have seen in Spurrier’s tenure in Columbia, SC.

I do strongly believe that Urban Meyer will have a signature win this season and maybe it will be against Georgia but this team will not get further than that, though. However, if they lose to the Bulldogs, it will be an unprecedented four losses in the row for Meyer at the university. It’s funny how the Gators and Texas Longhorns seem to be channeling each other. So don’t be surprised if they beat Georgia and then lose the following week to Vanderbilt. You remember when the Longhorns shocked Nebraska (@home) and then lost last week to Iowa State, don’t be surprised if Florida follows in their footsteps.

The Gamecocks’ defense needs to play better in the second half of games and not let teams get back into games; and Garcia needs to protect the ball and not turn it over. South Carolina blows your doors off in the first half of games and then puts it into cruise control. Also will Marcus Lattimore be healthy for the remaining games on their schedule. He got dinged up in the Kentucky loss and is questionable at this moment; it’s important to have this element of the running game to be well-rounded as a team. You don’t want Garcia to feel like he needs to put the whole team on his shoulders.

Everything sets up well for the Gamecocks: win your remaining games and play for the SEC title. It’s best to help yourself first than having to rely on other teams to help you out. If Spurrier does not get to the title game, I do not know when they will be closer than they are now, especially with the athleticism and playmakers on offense and defense.           

My Two Cents-Will Auburn play in the SEC Championship game?

Auburn hopes to have the scoreboard read in their favor come Nov. 26th.

Yes, I feel they have the best shot coming out of the SEC West. Auburn QB Cam Newton is just phenomenal. He broke the record for the most rushing yards(in history) of SEC quarterbacks in a single season at 1, 077 yards on the ground, and he has four regular season games left. Before the season started I actually thought that that Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett would make people forget about Tim Tebow but boy I was wrong. I do not think anyone knew how dynamic Newton would be and how much he means to his team. He is clearly the Heisman front runner and if it was up to me, I would give him the trophy now.

Everyone knows that the defense is the biggest problem on this team. They actually gave up only 17 points in this game compared to 43 points (against Arkansas) and 34 (against Kentucky). There are improvements on defense, even though it might be minimal. The cornerbacks need to track and play the ball, how many times have we seen them with their backs turned to the ball allowing wide receivers to make big catches?

The annual Iron Bowl will take place on Nov. 26^th and this will be another game, if Auburn wins, that will define their impressive season thus far. Alabama leads the rivalry with a 40-33-1 record, but I feel this year the Tigers will cause the tide to shift in their favor for the next couple of years. Last season they lost a close game to the Crimson Tide that came back to pull out the win, 26-21; however, Newton was not the quarterback and this brings a very interesting element to this game.

Nick Saban and Kirby Smart will have to dial up inventive defensive schemes to confuse and shutdown the running lanes, so Newton will be forced to pass. We thought, last week, that LSU was going to be that team that took away the holes in the defense for Newton but that did not happen. And that is why I strongly believe that he will continue to have success against Alabama.

The problem with ‘Bama is that this team is better suited when playing with a lead as opposed to being down. For evidence, check out the South Carolina game,  knowing that Auburn will put up points, what will happen if Alabama finds themselves down by 14 points or more? We know Auburn will not let up on the gas pedal once they have a lead so it could get ugly and embarrassing for the Crimson Tide, if they do not keep this game close. I can certainly see the Tigers coming out like gangbusters and then Saban corralling his troops, at halftime, and have them ready for the second half.

I strongly believe that this year belongs to Newton and he will give his all in the Iron Bowl, so there will be no shortage of effort on both teams. But Auburn will make a big splash with a win over Saban’s team and ride into the SEC Championship game on a high, where they could possibly face the Gamecocks again. Momentum is on the side of the Tigers this year with the SEC having a down year, so if Newton does not capture the SEC Championship this year then it will have to be the following year. One must realize that Newton will capture the conference championship before all is said and done for him at Auburn.

My Two Cents-Can USC beat Oregon?

Father and Son will look to execute a perfect gameplan to topple the Oregon Ducks

It can certainly happen because all the pressure will be on Oregon to stay highly ranked and get the opportunity to play for the national title in Glendale, Arizona. With the two-year bowl ban and thirty scholarships taken from the Trojans, this will be their defining game of the season. What better way to show the nation that they are capable of knocking off the No.1 team in the Coaches and AP Poll and No.2 in the BCS rankings.

The Men of Troy hope Monte Kiffin can dial up some inventive and easy to follow schemes that will help them thwart the explosive offense (No. 1 in the nation) of the Ducks. USC needs to look at last year’s Rose Bowl and study how Ohio State was able to shutdown that offense. With two weeks to prepare for this game, it will be downright embarrassing if the Trojans surrendered 50 points; there is still a bad taste in their mouths from last year’s drubbing, where Oregon hung 47 points on them.

If I was Lane Kiffin, I would establish the run with Marc Tyler and Allen Bradford. The less QB Darron Thomas is on the field, the less this team can score. Don’t engage in a shootout with this team, as they will win the battle. Special teams will be a factor too in this game: good kickoff /punt coverage and making field goals are a necessity. Touchdowns are needed to win against Oregon; kicking field goals won’t do it against this offensive juggernaut.

Everyone is eager to see how Monte’s Tampa 2 will fare against a spread offense team like the Ducks so this will be his opportunity; there is no letter grade for the defense come Saturday, it will be either Pass or Fail. Whatever the outcome, The Men of Troy will play inspired football as this is their glorified bowl game.  So expect to see the same USC team that was firing on all cylinders two weeks ago when they spanked Cal.                       

My Two Cents-The impact of Oklahoma losing and Missouri's win

Can Blaine Gabbert continue the impressive performance against Nebraska?

With Oklahoma’s loss to Missouri, they can kiss goodbye their chances to play in the national title game, even if they go on to win the Big 12 Championship game. Their resume does not stack up with Alabama, LSU, Wisconsin, Stanford, Nebraska (who are all one loss teams), or if Michigan State were to lose a game. For them to get a strong consideration for the national title game; there will have to be two loss teams from the Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-10 and the SEC, and still then people will be up in arms over Boise State and TCU not getting the nod.

The Sooners were set up perfectly to fly by Missouri and look forward to the season-ending game against Oklahoma State, which I considered their only threat. But boy was I wrong. Now, it’s a strong possibility that if this defense does not tackle better, The Cowboys will beat them and by a lot. But credit must be given to the athleticism and precision of Missouri’s offense and defense.

QB Blaine Gabbert stood tall in the pocket and picked apart this the Sooners’ secondary. And I must mention the excellent play by the Tigers offensive line that was really dominant this year than they have been in the past. We can agree that the Sooners’ defense is young and not dominant like years past when they owned Missouri during the season and in the championship game.

There is much to say about home field advantage. People can down play it but there is this energy that the players feed off playing in front of their fans, family, and friends; and once momentum swings to the home team, it is nearly impossible for the away team to recover. Missouri’s kick return (for a touchdown) to open the game made the players believe they could beat the Sooners, and they fed off this for the rest of the game.

I’m not buying Missouri is good as their 7-0 record shows but their first true test against a top 10 team was proof that they are a decent team, but not good or great. I will give them all the credit in the world if they shutdown QB Taylor Martinez, of Nebraska, who they will face this upcoming Saturday. And the Cornhusker’s defense is the fastest I have seen this year and they will create a lot of pressure on Gabbert with their speed and athleticism, which Oklahoma was unable to do.

If the Tigers get past them then that will be another highlight to this team’s season. Martinez showed that he could pass, last Saturday, as he carved up the Oklahoma State defense for over 300 yards and added over a 100 yards rushing. This matchup will determine who will represent the North in the Big 12 Championship game. This will be must-see TV.

You never know-- if Oklahoma wins out-- there will be a rematch between Missouri and the Sooners. However, it means nothing because the loser will not go to the title game; they will need some help to reach Glendale.  Bob Stoops does at least have a chance for redemption and maybe at that point Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables will have that defense more adept at the fundamentals of tackling and figuring out ways to pressure the quarterback.

Cam Newton tosses his hat in the ring of Heisman contenders

Cam Newton is racing to the finish line in the Heisman race

Cam Newton is special.  I have to admit I was skeptical about him and even compared him to Terrelle Pryor of Ohio State. But after digesting three Auburn games, I can say that he is the real deal. Newton plays with passion and wants it all. When he takes off and run, there is a purpose behind it and he will run over you and juke you out of your shoes. If you want evidence on how dynamic of a player he is--look at the Arkansas game--watch how he eludes, spins, shuffles his feet and flat out breaks ankles. 

 Here I was thinking that QB Denard Robinson of Michigan was going to run away with the Heisman this year. But in the last two games, teams must have some Kryptonite stashed on them because he has looked anything but Superman like. To be successful in college football you must have a good supporting cast; Batman cannot exist without Robin at his side, and Superman cannot take on the likes of Lex Luthor without the Justice League.

I’m calling for Newton to win the Heisman; everything sets up so well for him: Auburn is 7-0, Newton is No. 2 in pass efficiency (65% completion rate), he has rushed for 860 yards, in seven games, passed for 1,278 yards with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions, and most importantly he plays in the SEC, which is the most watched conference in college football.

Sure, they have LSU at home and end the season in Tuscaloosa (Nov. 26), but the Tigers have played the most exciting football this season. And they find themselves week-in and week-out coming back from being down and winning in thrilling fashion. Newton is the reason why, and no longer is he in the shadows of another quarterback (was a backup to Tebow in ’07-‘08). Auburn has a legitimate shot to play for the SEC Championship and go on to the national title game to represent the Southeastern Conference.

However, the defensive side of the ball is a problem. They are ranked 63^rd in the nation, giving up an average of 367.86 yards per game. Yes, this is a major problem but as long as Newton is healthy it’s hard to see this team losing. But it will be interesting to see Auburn’s offense against LSU and Alabama and how they will fare.  Newton can pass the ball; he is not Andrew Luck or Matt Barkley, but he can be effective in the passing game when called upon to. Obviously, he is most dynamic when the tucking the ball and taking off for the end zone.

Gus Malzahn is the mastermind behind Auburn's explosive offense

I have to say if the Tigers get past LSU and Newton is still doing his thing, it’s safe to say they have a good shot of beating Alabama. The way they are scoring it will be hard for the Crimson Tide to match them.

Cam Newton has arrived, and he is playing at a high level and sky’s limit for him and the Auburn Tigers. I know the school was criticized for the hiring of Gene Chizik but it has turned out that he is the right man for the job. And the great staff he has assembled is another key to his success. If I had a Heisman vote, it would be for Newton without a doubt. He means the most to his team than any other player in the nation, and he is the most phenomenal talent on Saturdays. 

The Men of Troy looking less than formidable

Monte is looking for answers on defense

I do not know what needs to happen in the City of Angels for USC to turn things around. I am neither a prophet nor a good prognosticator when it comes to college football because--like life-- it’s too unpredictable. But what I do know is that The Men of Troy need to work on improving that defense and fast. I do not rest all the blame on new defensive coordinator/Tampa 2 guru Monte Kiffin, but he deserves some blame.

Tony Dungy (tweaked the Tampa 2 from the 1970’s Steelers playbook to his liking) and Monte Kiffin put the Tampa 2 defense on the map in their Tampa Bay days in the mid-nineties to early two thousands but it is not working for the Trojans. The way I see it is that you need the personnel to run this defense and that means above average speedy linebackers, corners and safeties. Also there must be pressure created by the front four that can get at the quarterback without a blitz by the linebackers or corners. But speed, tackling, and smarts are a premium and at this moment USC is having big trouble running this defense.

The Tampa 2 works in the NFL, but this system might be complicated for the college kids to run because the time they have to digest this defensive scheme and meet with coaches is severely limited unlike the pro athletes, where their entire week is meetings at the team facility. One must also look at the drop off of recruits coming in the last couple of years under Pete Carroll as a factor too. There is no way a program can sustain bringing in kids like Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews, and many others. There was bound to be talent that did not pan out.

In no way am I saying that USC is incapable of running this defensive scheme, but they need heady players that have primo speed and will not whiff on tackles. We have seen the undisciplined defense rack up penalties (ranging from false starts to delay of game and unsportsmanlike penalties), miss numerous tackles, and allow gaping holes all over the field. Head Coach Lane Kiffin is not doing any live tackling in practice because of the sanctions and lack of depth but something needs to be done. Some live tackling needs to take place or you will have more bittersweet losses like Washington and Stanford.

No one fears the Men of Troy anymore, USC has loss their swagger. Bring back Marcus Allen, Snoop Dogg, the zany Will Ferrell, and the others that used to line the sideline like it was celebrity-row. This was a boost for the current players to play in front of these stars; it motivated them, gave them that extra shot of adrenaline. In 2005, sophomore wide receiver, Dwayne Jarrett had this to say about the national attention and the how celebrities gravitate toward the team: “It just shows we're very looked at. It just shows how much they respect us. It gives us motivation to play hard." But all that is lost now; the sidelines are mundane and boring.

I know Lane is different than Carroll but you do not need to change everything, especially when the formula has worked for so long; tweak things hear and there but keep what works. The Hollywood atmosphere works for USC unlike any other school in the nation and this is their identity and it needs to come back. Carroll was very proficient at allowing kids to buy into the fun atmosphere and play football but now everything is too workman-like and not every player will buy into this.

The Trojans used to be the best big-game team in the nation a couple of years ago. When the lights where on, they could beat anyone by at least two touchdowns. That’s how good they were. But now, they are lost on defense. In the Washington game, they looked confused and slow; players were looking around or at each other, trying to get into position and figure out how to line up.

Cornerback Shareece Wright is playing like a man possessed and showing that aggression and the rest of the players need to follow his lead. And why is Monte in the booth when he should be on the field? He needs to be down there at eye-level and get in the faces of players that are not doing their job properly. Every once in a while a player needs a kick in the butt or some encouraging words.

Lane, Monte, and Ed Oregon will have a small margin of error when it comes to recruiting kids to the school. They need to find tough, hard-nosed kids that live and breathe football and have a high motor. They do not have time for kids that are semi-interested and who are attending University of Southern California to soak up the sun and fun with the girls.

Lane, if you are listening, your team needs to find their swagger. Once that is found, the wins will come and the respect that has been garnered for so many years will come back to this storied program. And like the MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko said, after his shocking loss against Fabricio Werdum,"The one who doesn’t fall doesn't stand up.” Every Trojan faithful and fan alike needs to remember that.

Alabama sleepwalks for the win over Florida, 31-6

The good old days, a distant memory now.

My Thoughts and going forward:

• Alabama did not look impressive; as a matter of fact, they were uninspired in their efforts. 

• For all the flak over ‘Bama’s defense they have stepped up when needed. Why doubt them? They are coached by Nick Saban and have defensive coordinator Kirby Smart whipping them into shape mentally. 

• Florida needs to find an identity on offense, spread attack or pro-style offense? Pick one. 

• I have been singing the praises of John Brantley to everyone; it was premature of me to think they would not have a hiccup with Tebow gone. 

• Brantley probably would be best served at the next level, where they do not run spread-option attack plays. 

• Did Florida actually think ATH Trey Burton was going to make a fool of Nick Saban and his defense?? Not a chance. Florida needs to stop channeling Tebow and let Burton be Burton, you are not Tebow. 

• This game was really flat, nothing like the last two meetings in the SEC Championship games. 

• I do not know if emotionally and physically the Crimson Tide was beat up after their game with Arkansas. 

• Where does Florida go from here? Who knows? Maybe the Gators should play Texas and we can see which team has the better offense. 

• The Gators have a date with LSU in the Swamp, can Les Miles AKA The Mad Hatter pull off the upset. I wonder how much offense will be generated in this game. Both teams are atrocious on the offensive side of the ball. Get ready folks, this might be 19-16 score when it’s all said and done. Lots of field goals and maybe a safety or two thrown in for good measure. 

• I know it sucks for Brantley but Florida needs to go back to 2006 ala Leak and Tebow. Let Burton try to do his best impression of Tebow and Brantley can be Chris Leak. This is the only way they can get this offense moving. They can’t just go to a pro style offense with their skill players that are speedy and small; they are more suited for the spread attack and can make mismatches in space. 

• When have you seen an Urban Meyer team look so undisciplined? Can’t be good for his health condition? 

• Florida needs to draft a big back that can push the pile. They really need to establish run and punish defenses but they cannot with a scat back like Demps.

Oklahoma holds on to beat Texas in the Red River Rivalry game, 28-20

DeMarco Murray reigns supreme in Oklahoma's win over Texas

My Thoughts:

• Oklahoma’s defense is not that bad; I love the linebacker play. You cannot run laterally on this defense, too fast.

• The Sooners hurry-up offense tires defenses and keeps them on their heels.

• Texas is struggling to find consistency on offense. The running game is non-existent; they could use South Carolina’s Marcus Lattimore.

• Texas wideouts are not spectacular like year’s past.

• Garrett Gilbert will be good but this year -without a good supporting cast- he will struggle. Let’s see what next year’s recruiting class brings.

• Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator Brent Venables deserves credit; he is sorely underrated as a coordinator.

• I like Landry Jones a lot and Todd McShay thinks he will never be a great quarterback. The same McShay that is in love with Jake Locker (4-20, 71 yards against Nebraska), go figure.

• Oklahoma’s offensive line is a good unit and allows running backs Mossis Madu and DeMarco Murray holes to sprint through.

• DeMarco Murray is stronger than ever, after dealing with nagging injuries throughout his career in Norman. He is clearly special and integral part of this offense.

• Oklahoma wide receiver Kenny Stills is going to be special; he has great hands. And he is only a freshman.

• Junior wide receiver Ryan Broyles is dynamic and is one fast player and catches everything thrown his way.

• The Sooners are on track to meet Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship game on Dec. 4th and a lot of questions will be answered. But you never know, some questions could be answered before that matchup.

• This was not the most exciting Red River Rivalry game like the ’08 version.

• Texas defense is good but they are not the ’05 version.

• The Sooners are going to need to slow down the offense (after they jump out to an enormous lead) and focus on running the ball to hold on to leads if they expect to get to the national title game.

• I believe Oklahoma will play in the title game but games against Missouri, Texas Tech, Baylor and Oklahoma State, are worrisome if the defense has trouble holding teams.