On behalf of the city of Knoxville and the SEC, I extend a sincere apology to the University of Georgia football team for whatever officiating misfortune comes its way this afternoon.
That's not to suggest I have any telepathic insight. But I know what happened last month and last week.
Last month: Georgia safety Reshad Jones broke up an Oklahoma State pass with a jarring, but legitimate, hit on a receiver. All he got for a great play was a personal-foul penalty, which led to a game-clinching Oklahoma State touchdown.
Last week: The Bulldogs were penalized for celebrating A.J. Green's touchdown catch. The penalty on the ensuing kickoff set up LSU's game-winning touchdown drive.
The SEC later admitted the call was in error and reversed the outcome.
Just kidding. But it did admit its error.
That's two brutal calls against the Bulldogs. And you know what they say about bad calls: They come in threes.
So I apologize ahead of time - just in case.
Georgia 16, Tennessee 14: Bulldogs win on a last-minute drive, after which they walk quietly to the sideline with their heads hung in celebration while carefully avoiding eye contact with their opponents or the officials.
Florida 20, LSU 17: I'm no doctor, but I've seen enough replays of Tim Tebow throwing up against Kentucky to convince me he shouldn't play against LSU.
Even with backup John Brantley, the Gators still will have an advantage at quarterback. The X factor: Running back Emmanuel Moody, who could provide the tough yards between the tackles if Tebow can't play.
Alabama 34, Ole Miss 17: The Rebels' supposedly potent offense has yet to jell.
This just in: Supposedly potent offenses don't jell against Nick Saban's defense.
By the way, if you find out who's wearing quarterback Jevan Snead's jersey let me know. Whoever he is ranks 10th in the SEC in passing efficiency and has completed a lower percentage of his passes than Tennessee's Jonathan Crompton.
Auburn 38, Arkansas 37: Tigers offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn returns to Arkansas, where then-coach Houston Nutt and his staff referred to Malzahn not so affectionately as "High School."
Three years and 500 yards per game later, he needs a new nickname.
South Carolina 24, Kentucky 17: It's too bad the Wildcats couldn't have worked in a non-conference game with Texas this weekend. Then, Top 25 voters would have a better measuring stick for the nation's top three teams.
Two weeks ago, Kentucky lost to No. 1 Florida 41-7. Last week, it lost to No. 3 Alabama 38-20.
All that's missing is No. 2 Texas.
Bonus pick: Texas 42, Kentucky 17 - if they played today.
Houston 42, Mississippi State 35: The Bulldogs defense must be wondering what it did to deserve this.
Mississippi State opened SEC play a month ago against Auburn, which ranks fifth nationally in total offense.
Last week, they faced Georgia Tech, which ranks sixth in rushing.
In two weeks, they will play Florida, which ranks third in total offense. In November, they will go against Alabama (14th in total offense) and Arkansas (18th) on back-to-back Saturdays.
Did I mention that Houston leads the nation in total offense?
Vanderbilt 27, Army 13: Traditional football fans who still resent the legalization of the forward pass should be thrilled about this match-up.
There's compelling statistical evidence that Vanderbilt and Army would be better off relying on the flying wedge than the forward pass.
Army ranks next to last nationally in passing efficiency. Vanderbilt ranks last.
Top 25: Texas 52, Colorado 20; Virginia Tech 31, Boston College 20; Ohio State 30, Wisconsin 13; TCU 30, Air Force 17; Miami 38, Florida A&M 7; Iowa 27, Michigan 20; Oregon 30, UCLA 17; Penn State 38, Eastern Illinois 7; Oklahoma State 41, Texas A&M 34; Kansas 38, Iowa State 27; BYU 37, UNLV 10; Oklahoma 38, Baylor 20; Georgia Tech 31, Florida State 24.
Record: 88-24 (.796) overall, 49-46 (.516) against the spread.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 57
the10sevol writes:
wow. and you're the editor? i don't want a homer, by any means, but from all indications (including the vegas lines), the Vols are favored. do you read the articles your writers produce? try it some time. then try reading Rucker and the staff at the chatt times-free press.
Vols make a statement 9/10, and kns won't write about it. my prediction.
GBO
crimsonviper writes:
Class post Gator and I second all of that...Go gett'em Vols!
gavol writes:
You arrogant so-and-so. Who do you think you are speaking for anyone but yourself and the phooey paper you write for? You are the lowest and the worst! Adams, I am so tired of your stupid phooey!
thaclaw writes:
amen..... go volsssssss
gavol writes:
One day KNS will wise up and fire you. C*R*A*P not phooey. What a hoot.
gslaton#227127 writes:
Vols get it together, win 30-24. Cox throws away from Berry. Crompton goes 15/28. Defense recovers fumble in endzone. Hardaway gets 105 yds. Here's hoping!!
gavol writes:
Do you want a legal challenge to the word C*R*A*P, KNS?
hueypilot writes:
I know they are favored. The burning question is why in the name of heaven is Tennessee favored over Georgia? I realize the line is the measure set to attract equal action on both sides of the proposition. Does that mean half the betting populus thinks Tennessee will win? I am amazed.
murrayvol writes:
UGA fans are a little numb right now. They were ranked and actually had expectations for this season.
Enter OSU & LSU. Lose tomorrow and the CMR deathwatch begins in earnest.
crimsonviper writes:
You have got that right murrayvol,I live amongst some bulldog natives and they are restless.Too many years of the same thing.
creekroad writes:
Adams has to be the poorest writer in all of sports..its not just his opinions, but his total lack of style and ability...wonder what this guy would do for a living if he weren't a sports hack?....Coach, maybe?????, nah, not smart enough
creekroad writes:
Talk about time passing someone by....we gave up on witch doctor bs 100 years ago....bones don't lie, they don't do anything.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
You do realize what a deathwatch could do to the sales figures of mousse and hairspray in the Athens area?
Tremble the economy, I say!
the10sevol writes:
i think it's a product of uga turnovers, penalties, and a lack of production running the football. throw in a Monte defense with eb, at Neyland, and, well...i can see the logic on the line. i think it will be a low scoring slugfest, like we usually have with jawja, but i like our chances.
GBO
Bigger_Al writes:
"Tuscaloosa John" Adams doesn't clean it up when his dog poos on his neighbor's lawn.
Seriouslyorange writes:
"while the players walked to the sidelnes with their heads hung in celebration, not making eye contact with the officials or the opponents"
In the words of Larry the Cable Guy......thats funny I don't care who you are!! You can't be too careful in celebration these days.
the10sevol writes:
c'mon, witchie, be fair. phil was pretty husky to begin with. he didn't get fat after '98.
as i've read on this site "just sayin'."
GBO
GhostofRobertNeyland writes:
Please don't be hatin' on WD or I will be forced to place a curse on you that your beer is always warm and your wife always PMS! Go Vols! Go WD!
creekroad writes:
Jump on Phil all you want...leave his wife out of it. Bones are just bones as Randy Travis once said.
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
Tennessee- 17 (by 1.5)
Georgia-16
Houston- 20
Mississippi State- 31 (by 1.5)
Vanderbilt- 34 (by 10.5)
Army-10
Auburn- 31 (by 2.5)
Arkansas-42
Kentucky- 17
South Carolina-20 (by 9.5)
Alabama- 31 (by 6)
Ole Miss- 17
Florida- 14 (by 8)
LSU- 13
Texas- 52 (by 32.5)
Colorado- 7
Boston College- 14
Virginia Tech- 30 (by 13.5)
Ohio State- 28 (by 16)
Wisconsin- 17
TCU- 31 (by 10)
Air Force 14
Miami- 56 (no line)
Florida A&M 7
Iowa-13 (by 8)
Michigan-10
Oregon- 27 (by 3.5)
UCLA- 21
Penn State- 38 (no line)
Eastern Illinois- 0
Oklahoma State- 34 (no line)
Texas A&M- 24
Kansas- 31 (by 19.5)
Iowa State- 24
BYU- 41 (by 16.5)
UNLV- 10
Oklahoma- 42 (by 25)
Baylor- 10
Georgia Tech- 34
Florida State- 21 (by 3)
98-16 overall, 61-50 against the spread.
Beating John Adams like a insolent schoolboy thus far!
samjrr writes:
Great article.
the10sevol writes:
you're still "the man".
not to be confused with that da-poser.
GBO
feathersax writes:
John Adams...well, the one who lived 200+ years ago was a great write & patriot. The one who scribes for the KNS "rag" couldn't complete a sentence, unless it was a 20-year sentence for journalistic fraud.
the10sevol writes:
rofl, re: your last sentence, that worked 30 years ago, as well (i'm UT '79).
my point was that kns articles, althogh sparse, have pointed out weaknesses in the uga team which play to our strengths. even better analysis from the aforementioned Mr. Rucker, in my hometown.
my point was aimed at kns, sorry if it disturbed ya.
GBO
beachvol1 writes:
Hey John...don't put your payroll on any lines in Vegas, or you will be in huge trouble...ever thought about writing for the Athens Ga paper..sounds as if you are better than what they have...get ready to eat crow....
halloffamebowler writes:
The Vols were 2.5 points favorite over Auburn last week.Who won that game?
murrayvol writes:
You're too kind.
Don't forget the Salvation Army and other worthy charities who are up against it as well.
jobrando#216494 writes:
Who cares who wins. It's a new staff and the worst QB in VOL history. Next year it will start to matter. It should be an easy win for the DOG's today.
blitzshoot writes:
In honor of one of the best.....Here's to Leonard!
Dogs jump off the porch only to realize they are the ones being hunted. Smokey bites back this week, Losers....Jawja.
The Tigers go hunting for some pig meat and to remain with a goose egg in the losers column. The boars prove too much and decide to chase the kittens back to Alabama....Losers....Auburn.
Rebels decide to get a surf board and ride the crimson tide all the way to the end zone. The Crimson rip current proves too much....Losers....Rebels.
Gators go into Baton Rouge with some wounded reptiles. The Bengal Tigers want to turn this into a jungle ambush.Losers.....LSU.
I miss one of my favorite sports programs as a kid. Leonard was the best.
TommyJack writes:
Me too. Leonard P., R.I.P.
Razzle writes:
Vols 24-17, Bayou Bengals 18-17.
minnehan writes:
I vote for Adams resignation and return to Louisiana, what about you?
TommyJack writes:
The question is, how do we KNOW these things are true?
mm29680#645909 writes:
If we beat Georgia, I'll buy a UF t-shirt in your honor. Thanks.
joshvols writes:
Georgia has to be the biggest collections of crybabies since the last Meyer family reunion. Georgia didn't get screwed against lsu. The run that lsu scored the go-ahead touchdown on, he could have scored from 150 yards. when three of your players get run over on the way to the end-zone, don't start crying about a call. either grow up or get some red and black diapers. and for our "editor" to be talking about that instead of our team, Mr. Adams, your are an embarrassment.
WytheVol writes:
In defense of the Bulldogs here....Everything I have read from the team, they admitted they left too many plays on the field. They, like UT, were inconsistent at best. Again, like us, you can't wait until the 4th quarter to get your offense going. The call was demoralizing for UGA and a shot of energy and sign of life for LSU. It played a roll, I have no doubt. But at the same time, it wasn't the reason for the loss.
Go VOLS! Beat Georgia!!
WytheVol writes:
Thanks to both you and Crimsonviper. Good luck to both your teams today as well!
On a side note... I hope Tebow doesn't make an appearance tonight.. And if he does, I sure hope he keeps his butt in the pocket with good protection. I think he's just too physical of a player to be held back once in the game...
Go VOLS!
WytheVol writes:
I agree with you tweet. I was more in defense of the the Bulldogs being called cry babaies on that post. I never heard anything from any one coach or player from Georgia that blamed that call for the loss. Both penalties were completely rediculous. I have heard many UGA fans calling it that way, but never any individual involved with the team. Georgia lost the game because LSU was better... Period.
Hopefully the vols prove they are better today too!!
greywolf8 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
gavol writes:
KNS, you will improve your circulation if you fire John Adams and put a sport's editor on you staff that helps support Knoxville's sports teams. We do not respect, like, or believe in John Adams. You may think that this BS John Adams puts to stir controversy helps your circulation; IT ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT! WE WANT SOMEONE WITH PRIDE IN THE REGION AND ITS SPORTS. FIRE THIS HACK WHO HATES UT SPORTS OR SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES.
gavol writes:
Adams, you have no pride in Knoxville; why don't you just leave the area. By the way, the AJC has no interest in you and never will. You are a hack in a small newspaper. JUST LEAVE KNOXVILLE, WE DON'T WANT YOU.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Just beat Jawga!
Somehow, someway....
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
haha! Sorry, but Penny Hardaway retired 4 yrs. ago!!
Slystone writes:
The Kiffin Evaluation continues...
gavol writes:
John Adams is very negative toward this team and this town. I suggest to everyone that he should sit down immediately and write another article apologizing to the team and the fans for this article. Let Mr. Adams know what you think.
nepperso#220348 writes:
Good call Adams... you obviously know football.
uga 19 BIG ORANGE 45
Dalton writes:
You just write what you think old man....I still read it but today's game shows all you doubters out there.....believe
Shep818 writes:
How is this guy allowed to write article for KNS. I agree I dont want a homer but cmon. Vegas lines even had us winning this game and he picked GA winning by 2 16-14? Where did he even come up with that score? What a clown- Big win today- 45-19 Vols... GBO!
tennesseebee writes:
Adams, you, sir, are a drug-crazed, alcoholic charactor in a Stephen King novel...but thanks for the oportunity which allows me to tell you.
smokeyvol1 writes:
John Adams, I'm done with you! I will never read another word you publish! Hello Chattanooga Times and The Tennessean! I will read the Commercial Appeal before I read your junk. Bye Mr. Adams and KNS.
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