The SEC might want to revise its rallying cry of: "Strongest conference in the country from top to bottom."
Major revisions aren't required. Just delete "the bottom."
There's nothing askew at the top. Florida will play for the national championship, and Alabama would have been playing for the national championship if that little regional skirmish in Atlanta hadn't got in the way.
As strong as the conference is at the top, there's also well documented weakness at the bottom, as evidenced by a few embarrassing non-conference ventures. Tennessee lost to Wyoming and UCLA; Mississippi State lost to Louisiana Tech and was embarrassed by Georgia Tech; Auburn looked as bad against West Virginia as Mississippi State did against Georgia Tech; and Vanderbilt lost to Duke.
Vanderbilt and Kentucky might be going to bowls, but they don't look like bowl teams. Did you ever think an SEC team that was good enough to qualify for a bowl would be bad enough to be an underdog to a Conference USA team? Welcome to Kentucky vs. East Carolina.
LSU 30, Georgia Tech 27: The Yellow Jackets have shredded a couple of SEC defenses (see Mississippi State and Georgia for details) with a rushing attack that ranks third in the country. But as foreign as the triple-option offense seems to most SEC defenses, it should be a welcome sight for LSU. The Tigers have been so inept at pass defense, any run-oriented offense - even if it is on the exotic side - is cause for optimism.
The extra weeks of practice should benefit more than LSU's defense. It also should help freshman quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who already is an upgrade over Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch.
Georgia 37, Michigan State 27: This could be the goodbye game for Bulldogs quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Knowshon Moreno, both of whom likely will leave early for the NFL.
Goodbye games are nothing new for the Bulldogs this season. It seems as though every Saturday they're saying "goodbye" to some unfortunate starter who has suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Despite all the attrition, which includes five injured linebackers, the Bulldogs still have too much offense for the Spartans, whose pass defense will make Stafford look more NFL-ready than he is.
Iowa 23, South Carolina 20: Just because the Gamecocks rank 12th nationally in total defense, don't assume they will shut down Iowa's ground attack, which features Shonn Greene, the nation's second-leading rusher and also includes three offensive linemen and a tight end who made first- or second-team All-Big Ten.
The Gamecocks will miss hard-hitting student-athlete Emanuel Cook, who was knocked out by the six-hour rule, which requires players to pass at least six hours in the fall semester to be bowl-eligible.
Ole Miss 31, Texas Tech 30: This is as close as you will get to a national championship preview. The Rebels edged Florida during the regular season, and the Red Raiders were routed by Oklahoma.
Texas Tech's offense is one of the best in the country, but Ole Miss' isn't too shabby, either. And the Rebels' defense improved significantly in the second half of the season.
Ole Miss has won five consecutive games, including its last three by 122 points.
Boston College 20, Vanderbilt 13: This would be one of the most entertaining games of the bowl season - if Matt Ryan still played quarterback for Boston College, and Jay Cutler still played quarterback for Vanderbilt.
Boston College ranks 94th nationally in total offense, which qualifies it as the offensive juggernaut of the Music City Bowl. Vanderbilt ranks third from last in total offense.
Enjoy.
East Carolina 24, Kentucky 20: The Wildcats' stretch run has been one stumble after another. After winning their first four games, they lost six of their last eight and three in succession to end the regular season.
Their low lights included a 63-5 loss to Florida during which they were incapable of executing something as basic as a fourth-down punt and a 28-10 loss to UT during which they made Dave Clawson's offense look borderline competent.
Alabama 24, Utah 10: The Sugar Bowl might seem like a comedown for a team that was one victory away from the national championship game. But in this case, it's also a step up for Alabama.
The 1961, 1966 1979 and 1992 Alabama teams capped unbeaten seasons with Sugar Bowl victories. The 1961, 1979 and 1992 teams clinched national championships in the Sugar Bowl.
Alabama hasn't been to the Sugar Bowl in 16 years. As comedowns go, this is as good as it gets.
Top 25: Texas 34, Ohio State 27; Southern California 31, Penn State 10; Cincinnati 24, Virginia Tech 23; Oregon State 27, Pittsburgh 24.
Record: 219-61 (.782) overall, 133-119 (.524) against the spread.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 29
blitzshoot writes:
LSU will not beat GA Tech. I believe Johnson will have the jackets ready against the Tigers.
I think MICH ST. may beat the dawgs. I agree with the remainder.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
We all know half of the bowl games are for show. The sportswriters just go along with it for the fun of it. Who sponsored these bowl games before Tostitoos came along? I thought we were all going broke this year and still all of these bowl games? Isn't somebody feeling guilty that a homeless person is living out there in the cold? (Remember Judas said that statement about the money) What was it? Something about the poor? And Jesus said , "the poor you'll always have with you", so enjoy the bowl games and remember Abraham Maslow!@ Go Vols!
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
As close as you can get to a national championship preview??? I hate to criticize the writers like everyone does but that is horribly weak.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Ah, the dregs of bitter feelings for not being in Shreveport.
Good chance SC, LSU and Ole Mess will get drilled.
oske writes:
We all know this poster is insane. However I have enjoyed the bowl games very much this year so far. If you are a fan of college football you will know that the bowls do provide some very exciting match-ups. As far as economics go, these games are important economic stimulus for the cities in which they play. The schools make money; conferences share profits which provide much needed funds for athletic programs. IT’S FUN! What’s the problem? A good win in a bowl game helps recruiting and showcases a schools football program in general. The BCS needs a playoff of sorts but the bowls have their place and have been very good to college football for a long time a fact which is not disputable. Everyone has an opinion about the BCS but football bowl games never made anyone homeless you idiot. I love them!
gnm53108 writes:
Yep.
LSU should have put Chavis to work the day after Vandy.
Did you win your battle yesterday against the fearsome peperoni foe?
GreerVol22 writes:
John, you must be a sad, sad, man. You should look up Johnny and reminiss(?) over a glass of ripple tonight.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Yep, conquered that foe.
Omeprazole is the best I've ever taken to put out the fire. Have some 600,000 scoville scale hot sauce that puts it to the test, however.
Expect for GT to rush for 300+ vs LSU. Wouldn't be surprised to see Bradford put on a clinic vs Gators, either.
Happy New Year!
gnm53108 writes:
That hot suace sounds like it could put a hitch in yer giddyup.
Agree with your GT conclusion but not sold on the Bradford hypothesis.That gator D sure suprised me in the seccg.4th qtr...wow!
gnm53108 writes:
ps...Happy New year to you too and all our Vol breathern.
volroadwarrior writes:
For you who don't like the bowl games, don't watch. It's your time and money. Trying to make me feel guilty about bums, drug addicts and alcoholics doesn't work. I feel for their families, but not the bums. If you feel sorry for a wino, spend New Years day at a homeless shelter. They can use your help.
Enjoy the bowl games, Vol and Lady Vol basketball and NFL playoffs and hope the new year brings us better football fortunes.
givehim6 writes:
I got to visit with my brother-in-law over the christmas. I got to hear him try to brag about UK going to a bowl while UT stayed home. I told him the liberty bowl was in Tenn. And thay and Vandy got to bowl because Tenn. felt sorry for them becouse thay lost to the worst team in the SEC. Anyway, good luck to all the SEC teams bowling, { some will need it. }
nimrod1962#649705 writes:
I guess 1:44 a.m. says it all about this post.
smokyredbone writes:
I read Dan Williams is staying and CLK hired the Rams Tight ends coacn as OC!I'm sure KNS will let us know this week sometime!!!
leedsvol2007 writes:
It will be interesting to see how the conference fairs in the bowl games.
Last year top to bottom was a great year for quarterbacks in the SEC this year once you got past Tebow, Stafford, Wilson and Snead there just was not any experience and it showed.
However, despite the Missouri win over Northwestern at first blush it looks like what we thought might be true. Northwestern is a good not great football team and Missouri really could not stop them.
It bodes well for Florida versus Oklahoma.
Overall I agree with Adams assessment past the first 4 teams in the SEC the rest are average at best.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Jerod Mayo is Defensive Rookie of the Year. 49 of 50 votes. I guess a 23 tackle day against the Jets with 17 solo is a pretty fair effort in the eyes of some voters! Well done old chap, you made the right move!
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Not sure if it is true or not, but his name is John Chaney and he looks like a 10th grade history teacher. Here is the lowdown.
Chaney spent nine years at Purdue as offensive coordinator. He also coached the offensive line and tight ends.
The Boilermakers led the Big Ten in passing offense five times and in total offense in 1997, 1999, and 2002. Purdue was ranked in the top 10 in the nation in total offense in six seasons, including 2000, when the Boilermakers ranked fourth. QB Drew Brees was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2000, Heisman Trophy finalist, and earned All-America honors, leading the nation in total offense with 349.1 yards a game. Tim Stratton also received the inaugural John Mackey Award in 2000 as the nation’s best tight end.
From 1997-2001, Chaney also served as the recruiting coordinator, helping Purdue’s recruiting classes rank in the top 10 nationally each year. Chaney came to Purdue from Wyoming, where he coached from 1993-96.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Arian Foster is thinking the same thing. Sucks for him.
ncvol writes:
It is sad that we are not in a bowl this year but on a positive note,we will overcome and be back strong soon.
Hope our SEC teams make us winners....
Go Vols!
TommyJack writes:
Nice pick on the Vandy game.
et_vol_fan writes:
Anna Nicole and Hitler are ice skating on the lake of fire. Vandy has won a bowl game!!!
douglasawilliams#582863 writes:
The SEC might take a hit today. Iowa absolutely dominated S. Carolina and MSU has a small lead at halftime against Georgia. Still the LSU demolition of Georgia Tech was impressive. I believe Oklahoma will be exposed against Florida and Alabama will take care of business aganst Utah. Not sure how Ole Miss will fare but some analyst give them a decent shot at upsetting TT.
Ralph_Crampton writes:
THE SEC IS UNDER THE THE MICROSCOPE TODAY FROM THE NATION'S FOOTBALL WRITERS WHO ARE LOOKUING FOR ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT THE CONFERENCE NEGATIVELY.
Ralph_Crampton writes:
The ABC announcer, Brent Mulselburger is a one man publicity agent for the SO. Cal., Trojans in the rose bowl game...according to Brent the trojans are the best thing since sliced bread...his gushing comments about the Trojans are out of bounds, in my opinion, Penn. St., this afternoon appears to be a bungling, mistake prone team. This is the first team in the top 10 that So.Cal. has played and in their only defeat appeared to be to Oregon State Beavers who beat them soundly. I think this is subtle hint that the Trojans should be voted tops in nation. Forget the Gator-Sooner game. ABC can count the number of viewers in the Country....And should be played in the Rose Bowl. Money talks guys..real loud.
volunhoosier#366475 writes:
Gosh, I miss the days when you couldn't spell Citrus without U-T. Heck, I even miss the day's when we were stuck watching Clemson thrash the Vols in the Peach Bowl.
Ralph_Crampton writes:
Bowl games came about when some folks in rather large cities in sunny climate decided that the time between Christmas and New Years was a dead time for their local econmy... the Chamber of Commerces of these cities came up with the idea of luring tourists to their towns and what better wat to do that then to invite two football teams and call it the Rose, Sugar Cotton,Orange bowls...pair two teams and the wild spending fans would follow and spend money in the town...its been going ever since...this is the biggest hurdle to a college football playoff.
murrayvol writes:
As it turned out ole JA was dead on regarding LSU/GT. I thought they might win but not 38-3.
LongtimeVol writes:
Ouch times three. Time to retire the crystal ball there hiresanders.
gtown_vol writes:
no use in arguing with Adam's. He'll continue to write garbage as long as you click on it..
We could start a pool for a bus ticket to get Adam's to go.
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