I Am Not Good at Picking Games and Other Thoughts

With the end of the season, I thought it would be interesting to look back at what all of my picks from my previews were and compare them to the actual results.  The results are cataclysmic.

SEC East:

1.  Florida  12-0, 8-0 SEC (My pick: 12-0, 8-0 SEC)
2.  Georgia 7-5, 4-4 SEC (My pick: 9-3, 6-2 SEC)
3.  Tennessee 7-5, 4-4 SEC (My pick: 8-4, 4-4)
4.  Kentucky 7-5, 3-5 SEC (My pick: 5-7, 1-7 SEC)
5.  South Carolina 7-5, 3-5 SEC (My pick: 4-8, 2-6 SEC)
6.  Vanderbilt 2-10, 0-8 SEC (My pick: 5-7, 2-6 SEC)

SEC West:

1.  Alabama 12-0, 8-0 SEC (My pick: 11-1, 7-1)
2.   LSU 9-3, 5-3 SEC (My pick: 9-3, 5-3 SEC)–ed. WOOHOO!
3.  Ole Miss 8-4, 4-4 SEC (My pick: 11-1, 7-1 SEC)–ed.  OVER-RATED! clap, clap, clap, clap, clap
4.  Arkansas 7-5, 3-5 SEC (My pick: 8-4, 4-4 SEC)
5.  Auburn 7-5, 3-5 SEC (My pick: 5-7, 2-6 SEC)
6.  Mississippi State 5-7, 3-5 SEC (My pick: 1-11, 0-8 SEC)

Thoughts:  Not as bad as I originally thought, although I was WAY off on Vandy, South Carolina, and Mississippi State.  Despite me not being as far off as I thought, I don’t think Phil Steele is shaking in his boots thinking I’m coming after him.

PAC 10:

1.  Oregon 10-2, 8-1 Pac 10 (My pick: 10-2, 8-1 Pac 10)
2.  Arizona 8-4, 6-3 Pac 10 (My pick: 5-7, 3-6 Pac 10)–ed.  I had them 8th in the Pac 10.  Epic fail.
3.  Oregon State 8-4, 6-3 Pac 10 (My pick: 9-3, 6-3 Pac 10)
4.  Stanford 8-4, 6-3 Pac 10 (My pick: 5-7, 4-5 Pac 10)
5.  USC 8-4, 5-4 Pac 10 (My pick: 12-0, 9-0)–ed. Good job, Pete Carroll.
6.  California 8-4, 5-4 Pac 10 (My pick: 9-3, 6-3 Pac 10)
7.  Washington 5-7, 4-5 Pac 10 (My pick: 3-9, 2-7 Pac 10)
8.  UCLA 6-6, 3-6 Pac 10 (My pick: 7-5, 5-4 Pac 10)
9.  Arizona State 4-8, 2-7 Pac 10 (My pick: 6-6, 4-5 Pac 10)
10.  Washington State 1-11, 0-9 Pac 10 (My pick: 1-11, 0-9 Pac 10)

Thoughts:  Well, I was right for the records of Oregon and Washington State, and way off on USC.  I was not prepared for how good the PAC 10 was this year…1 through 9, I think it’s the best league in the country.

Conference USA East:

1.  East Carolina 8-4, 7-1 C-USA (9-3, 7-1 C-USA)
2.  UCF 8-4, 6-2 C-USA (My pick: 4-8, 3-5 C-USA)–ed. Another epic fail.
3.  Southern Miss 7-5, 5-3 C-USA (My pick: 9-3, 6-2 C-USA)
4.  Marshall 6-6, 4-4 C-USA (My pick: 6-6, 4-4 C-USA)
5.  UAB 5-7, 4-4 C-USA (My pick: 2-10, 1-7 C-USA)
6.  Memphis 2-10, 1-7 C-USA (My pick: 6-6, 4-4)–ed. Disaster.

Conference USA West:

1.  Houston 10-2, 6-2 C-USA (My pick: 9-3, 7-1 C-USA)
2.  SMU 7-5, 6-2 C-USA (My pick: 5-7, 3-5 C-USA)–What a coaching job by June Jones.
3.  Tulsa 5-7, 3-5 C-USA (My pick: 7-5, 5-3 C-USA)
4.  UTEP 4-8, 3-5 C-USA (My pick: 7-5, 5-3 C-USA)
5.  Rice 2-10, 2-6 C-USA (My pick: 2-10, 2-6 C-USA)
6.  Tulane 3-9, 1-7 C-USA (My pick: 2-10, 1-7 C-USA)

Thoughts:  Two teams (UCF and SMU) wildly exceeded my expectations, while Memphis was a disaster.  There’s a lot of truth to what Tommy West said about the administration, but the bottom line is, he deserved to get fired.  He did a terrible job with this team.

Big East:

1.  Cincinnati 12-0, 7-0 Big East (My pick: 8-4, 4-3 Big East)
2.  Pittsburgh 9-3, 5-2 BE (My Pick: 7-5, 4-3 BE)
3.  West Virginia 9-3, 5-2 BE (My pick: 9-3, 4-3 BE)
4.  Rutgers 8-4, 3-4 BE (My pick: 10-2, 6-1 BE)–Way off on this one…schedule was set up for them…Ole Miss of the Big East.
5.  Connecticut 7-5, 4-4 BE (My pick: 4-8, 2-5 BE)–Randy Edsall deserves to be in the discussion for National Coach of the Year…to lose a player mid season and still make a bowl game with a depleted roster was amazing.  So close on so many losses also.
6.  South Florida 7-5, 3-4 BE (My pick: 10-2, 6-1 BE)–I have an excuse on this one…Matt Grothe, all time total offense leader in Big East history, had a season-ending injury early in the season.
7.  Louisville 4-8, 1-6 BE (My pick: 4-8, 2-5 BE)–I did predict Steve Kraigthorpe would get fired, so I did get that right.
8.  Syracuse 4-8, 1-6 BE (My pick: 2-10, 0-7 BE)

Thoughts:  I think it’s clear based on the evidence I knew nothing about the Big East.

Big 10:

1.  Ohio State 10-2, 7-1 Big 10 (My pick: 11-1, 8-0 Big 10)
2.  Iowa 10-2, 6-2 Big 10 (My pick: 8-4, 5-3 Big 10)
3.  Penn State 10-2, 6-2 Big 10 (My pick: 11-1, 7-1 Big 10)
4.  Wisconsin 9-3, 5-3 Big 10 (My pick: 6-6, 2-6 Big 10)–I’m actually glad I missed on Wisconsin this badly.
5.  Northwestern 8-4, 5-3 Big 10 (My pick: 8-4, 4-4 Big 10)–Went out on a limb…I’ll definitely pat myself on the back for this one considering my picks look like post-WWII Stalingrad right now.
6.  Michigan State 6-6, 4-4 (My pick: 8-4, 5-3 Big 10)
7.  Purdue 5-7, 3-5 Big 10 (My pick: 4-8, 2-6 Big 10)
8.  Minnesota 6-6, 3-5 Big 10 (My pick: 7-5, 4-4 Big 10)
9.  Illinois 3-9, 2-6 Big 10 (My pick: 9-3, 6-2 Big 10)–This has to be my worst pick in any conference.  That’ll teach me to trust Ron Zook.
10.  Michigan 5-7, 1-7 Big 10 (My pick: 6-6, 3-5 Big 10)–Horrendous coaching job.
11.  Indiana 4-8, 1-7 Big 10 (My pick: 2-10, 0-8 Big 10)

Thoughts:  Other than Illinois, I didn’t do as horribly as I did in the other conferences.  But 6 (!) games off on Illinois is hard to swallow.

Big 12 South:

1.  Texas 12-0, 8-0 Big 12 (My pick: 11-1, 7-1 Big 12)
2.  Oklahoma State 9-3, 6-2 Big 12 (My pick 11-1, 7-1 Big 12)–I didn’t think they’d lose to Houston.  Go fake tan, Mike Gundy.
3.  Texas Tech 8-4, 5-3 Big 12 (My pick: 8-4, 4-4 Big 12)
4.  Oklahoma 7-5, 5-3 Big 12 (My pick: 11-1, 7-1 Big 12)–Bradford’s injury really hurt them.
5.  Texas A&M 6-6, 3-5 Big 12 (My pick: 4-8, 1-7 Big 12)
6.  Baylor 4-8, 1-7 Big 12 (My pick: 6-6, 3-5 Big 12)–Ditto OU on QB injury…this team is totally different with Robert Griffin.

Big 12 North:

1.  Nebraska 9-3, 6-2 Big 12 (My pick: 9-3, 6-2 Big 12)
2.  Missouri 8-4, 4-4 Big 12 (My pick: 4-8, 2-6 Big 12)–Epic fail.  Again.
3.  Kansas State 6-6, 4-4 Big 12 (My pick: 7-5, 4-4 Big 12)
4.  Iowa State 6-6, 3-5 Big 12 (My pick: 4-8, 1-7 Big 12)
5.  Colorado 3-9, 2-6 Big 12 (My pick: 8-4, 5-3 Big 12)–This wasn’t Division 1 football.  This was intramurals.
6.  Kansas 5-7, 1-7 Big 12 (My pick: 8-4, 4-4 Big 12)–This team totally imploded.

Thoughts:  Well, at least I got the Big 12 title game right.

ACC Coastal:

1.  Georgia Tech 10-2, 7-1 ACC (My pick: 9-3, 6-2 ACC)
2.  Virginia Tech 9-3, 6-2 ACC (My pick: 11-1, 8-0 ACC)
3.  Miami 9-3, 5-3 ACC (My pick: 6-6, 4-4 ACC)–They were much better than I thought.
4.  North Carolina 8-4, 4-4 ACC (My pick: 8-4, 4-4 ACC)
5.  Duke 5-7, 3-5 ACC (My pick: 3-9, 1-7 ACC)
6.  Virginia 3-9, 2-6 ACC (My pick: 3-9, 1-7 ACC)

ACC Atlantic:

1.  Clemson 8-4, 6-2 ACC (My pick: 10-2, 6-2 ACC)
2.  Boston College 8-4, 5-3 ACC (My pick: 6-6, 3-5 ACC)
3.  Florida State 6-6, 4-4 ACC (My pick: 9-3, 6-2 ACC)
4.  Wake Forest 5-7, 3-5 ACC (My pick: 4-8, 3-5 ACC)
5.  NC State 5-7, 2-6 ACC (My pick: 7-5, 4-4 ACC)
6.  Maryland 2-10, 1-7 ACC (My pick: 4-8, 2-6 ACC)

Thoughts:  I guess I was closer on this conference than any other, which isn’t saying much.

So there you go.  The final verdict–my preseason predictions were entertaining, and so were the picks.  Meaning, they sucked.  Instead of checking my predictions next year to see who’s good, might still want to invest in the Phil Steele guide.

Johnson made the right call

I don’t know how the decision went down. I don’t know if Fred Smith caved in or was in full support of Larry Porter. I still don’t understand the whole Jerry Gray thing. Bottom line is R.C. Johnson made the right call.
Of course I don’t have a Crystal ball that can tell me how the team will do under their new head coach. I just think this one was a no-brainer. I said weeks ago that Porter should be the head coach, and will be the head coach. Did I think I was wrong the past few days when everyone seemingly had Gray penciled in as the new coach? Yes I did. However, there was still the thought that it wasn’t over especially when my contact in D.C. told me Gray had not been offered the job yet. This was one that R.C. was taking plenty of heat for, and he hadn’t yet made an announcement. I think Johnson heard the negative chatter and used common sense in his decision making.
There is no need for me to talk again about the two candidates resumes. Gray was a Pro Coach and Porter a College Coach. It was that simple. Porter was a Memphis alum, Gray an alum of Texas. One recruited, the other didn’t. Should I go on?
I know Gray is a good football coach and an even better teacher of the game, but this one was an obvious choice. On the day after Tommy West was fired, I proclaimed on my Radio Show that there were two choices for Memphis. One was Gus Malzahn, the Auburn Offensive Coordinator, who I said would not be interested. The other was Porter who I not only said would take the job, but I would be shocked if he wasn’t the next Tigers Coach.
This one will sit well with the fans and the alumni. This one will sit well with former players who have felt alienated over the years. And this one will certainly sit well within the African-American community as the Tigers hire their first black Head Football Coach.
Congratulations R.C. I don’t know how you came to this conclusion, but you came to the right conclusion. Now let’s see what happens.

What Happens Now?

We’re nine games into the season, and for all intents and purposes, the Memphis Grizzlies’ season is over.  The team sits at 1-8, showing an alarming lack of defense in most games, and a shocking inability to play offense in others.  The team shows no outward signs of having any chemistry whatsoever, and the makeup of the roster is flawed to the point where it is almost comical to watch.  The starters score in bunches but can’t play a lick of defense, and the bench has no scoring; DeMarre Carroll is counted on to be the best offensive option.  Allen Iverson wasn’t told about coming off the bench before he got here, and then acted shocked when Lionel Hollins had the absolute nerve to not start him in game 1 after Iverson had not played basketball in eight months and was coming off a hamstring injury.  The Grizzlies are an absolute comedy of errors so far this season by players, management, and coaching.  So what must be done?

1.  Trade Rudy Gay and Mike Conley

The Grizzlies face a vital question at the end of the season: do you extend Rudy Gay for $10-$12 million dollars?  The Grizzlies can’t afford to pay nearly max money to a guy that isn’t worth it again…that’s the same mistake they made with Pau Gasol.  Try to trade Rudy (and include Conley in any deal) while Gay’s value is at its highest.

Rudy Gay is having his best offensive season statistically, averaging almost 21 points and 6 and a half rebounds a game.  This is no surprise, since Gay’s contract ends after this year and he’s angling for a huge payday.  Gay’s value will never be higher, and I don’t believe he is vital whatsoever to the future of this team.  He too often drifts into one-on-one play, taking ill-advised shots that are nearly impossible, and it doesn’t appear that he has any chemistry with O.J. Mayo or anyone else that is part of the core.  Mike Conley, meanwhile, can’t play.  He is not a starting point guard, will never be a starting point guard, and needs to be added to any deal with Gay.  Conley will never succeed here, mainly because he was a #4 overall draft pick and hasn’t turned out to be any better than the guy that was here when Conley arrived, Kyle Lowry.

2.  Move O.J. Mayo to the point guard

It’s very clear that Conley does not have the skill set or the demeanor necessary to be a starting point guard in the NBA.  O.J. Mayo has made it very clear that he would like to play point guard.  I’m not sure he has enough quickness or ball-handling skills to do it, but you do know two things: Mayo cannot guard twos in the NBA, and he can most certainly score.  Whether or not he is a point guard remains to be seen, but at this point, what do the Grizzlies have to lose seeing if their franchise player can play the point?  His size would give most point guards problems…but will he be able to defend their quickness?

3.  Play Hasheem Thabeet

One of the few bright spots for the team this season has been the play of Marc Gasol, who is averaging a double-double and showing heart, which is more than could be said for most of the rest of the team.  The Grizzlies desperately need defense, though, and barring injury or foul trouble, Thabeet should provide that.  I am not a fan of Hasheem Thabeet.  He is a project, and the Grizzlies can’t afford a project at this point, especially when guys like Tyreke Evans, Brandon Jennings, and Jonny Flynn are making immediate impacts at a position of need for the Grizzlies.  You drafted the guy with the #2 pick in the draft, so play him and see if he has potential to be what you thought he was.

4.  Reshuffle Your Rotation

It’s very clear that the rotation as it is currently constructed is not going to win.  The starting lineup is all offense, no defense, and the bench is all defense, no offense.  The bench desperately needs Darrell Arthur, and I can’t even believe I just typed those words.  At some point, you’re going to have to make a move to even things out, or both the starters and the bench will continue to be liabilities.

5.  Don’t worry about Allen Iverson

The Iverson signing was doomed to failure from the start.  It was the brainchild of an owner more concerned about whether or not his wife was a big fan of the guy than how Iverson would fit in on his basketball team.  It’s hard to blame Iverson for being Iverson, but it’s also impossible to defend a guy who had only worked out with the second team and hadn’t played in a game in eight months complaining about coming off the bench.  The Grizzlies don’t owe Allen Iverson anything but a paycheck every two weeks.  Leave the sense of entitlement at the door, please.  Iverson left about a week early; if he had waited until it became clear that Mike Conley can’t start and he got back in basketball shape, Iverson probably would have cracked the starting lineup.  That being said, the Grizzlies can’t worry about what Iverson does…he’s not part of the future of the team and his opinion should matter very little.

6.  Hire a basketball person to do basketball things

This is by far the most important but least likely of the six steps.  Chris Wallace is a nice guy, but is essentially a mouthpiece for ownership that has no real power.  Wallace is the sacrificial lamb to the media when all of the ridiculous moves Michael Heisley makes invariably go wrong.  What this franchise needs (in addition to a new owner) is a bright basketball mind that has the power to go out and make decisions and moves to improve the team.  The history of the Memphis Grizzlies has been dominated by the egos of two men: Jerry West and Michael Heisley.  Those two men have done what they wanted, when they wanted, damn everyone else’s opinion.  Jerry West never listened to other people in basketball operations because he thought he was brilliant.  Heisley, if he is going to be a legitimate owner, needs to put the mess Jerry West left the team in behind him, check his ego, and hire a bright basketball mind to make decisions.  Heisley is a businessman, not a basketball guy, and he needs to stop trying to be Mark Cuban and just be the guy who signs the checks.

To be sure, this is an organization with massive issues.  I’m not 100% sure that the team will ever be competitive for championships as long as Michael Heisley is the owner.  It’s been demonstrated over and over again in sports (Clippers, Cardinals, Raiders, etc.) that incompetent ownership breeds a losing culture, and until Heisley eases his stranglehold on basketball operations and stops being so involved in every decision, the Grizzlies are never likely to be championship caliber.  Here’s hoping that Michael Heisley is a little less Mark Cuban and a little more Dan Rooney.

The Calipari Jinx

Those of you who know me understand I had a good relationship with former Tigers Hoop Coach John Calipari. They also understand that I am one of the rare people who is still singing his praises for what he did while here in Memphis. Yes, the way he left wasn’t good, but that’s not going to tarnish what I think his tenure meant to the program. With all that said I think Calipari has indirectly put the whammy on the University of Memphis Athletic Department. Some would say he did it on purpose, but I’m not convinced of it.
Since Cal’s departure, the University of Memphis was placed on probation by the NCAA and had their entire 2007-08 season stricken from the record book. The Tigers lost basically every recruit that was headed to Memphis, and than New Head Coach Josh Pastner had players leave for the riches of Professional Ball (Latavious Williams) or go down with season ending injuries (Martin Ngaloro, Angel Garcia). After that came the Football season and what a disaster that has been. Head Coach Tommy West was fired Monday after nine seasons at the helm. The team has won two, count em, two games and talk of a BCS Conference may be a pipe dream at this point. Also Monday, former Tigers great Chris Douglas-Roberts, now of the New Jersey Nets, was diagnosed with a case of swine flu.
What in the wide, wide, world of sports is going on around here? Well, it’s simply the Calipari Jinx? I don’t have a cure to fix it or a way to diagnose the problem. It’s here to stay and that my friends is frightening.

The Madness is Approaching

There are more questions than answers for the Memphis Tigers as they enter the new College Basketball Season. First year Head Coach Josh Pastner will lead his squad onto the FedExForum floor a week from Tomorrow when the Tigers host their annual Memphis Madness get together. With the Tigers Football team struggling the way they are, fans have been quick to embrace the upcoming hoop season. I understand that this is normally the process, but let’s remember that this Tigers team goes into the season with lower expectations than usual. It’s not that the expectations are for a bad first season for Pastner and his squad, it’s just that the last several seasons the anticipation was so intense because the Tigers were a legitimate National Title contender. Pastner has a solid starting 5, and barring any major catastrophe, should be competitive with mostly everyone. The problem is that after the first 5 the Tigers lack depth and experience. Most of the National powers can likely go 10 or so deep.
O.K. let’s be honest, this will be a little different. Nobody knows what to expect. Can Pastner be a top notch x’s and o’s Coach? Can he demand the respect and attention of his players, something that Calipari was able to do? It won’t take long to find out these answers, but don’t look too much into it either way. This is a learning curve for Pastner and that goes for the fans too. It’s all right to get excited about the Madness but take the entire season in stride. And for goodness sakes Tigers fans, if you really are a true fan, don’t be so quick to dispose of your Football Team. They need some love too!

Weekend on the Couch!

          

We’ve already had a crazy start to the college football season.  For the first time since I’ve been watching college football, I’m glad I’m not a voter for the polls.  After the top three, who knows! 

College Football Thoughts:

-          Hey Ole Miss!  What was that?  It sure looked like Houston Nutt wants Jevan Snead to come back another year.  24 scouts were in attendance for that!  I do think the Rebels were shafted in the polls.  To drop from 4 to 21 is ridiculous.  The only reason for the massive drop is because of the national media using the “overrated” word all month.  If the voters believed they were number four, and now think they’re overrated, they are hypocrites!  USC lost to a worse team, while the Rebels lost to an SEC team coached by Steve Spurrier on national TV on a Thursday night.  Why is USC still in the top ten?  One answer- they’re USC.  They’ll try anything to get them back in title contention.  The bias towards USC is disgustingly similar Notre Dame.

-          I think I take the unpopular stance with Dan Mullen (Mississippi State) this week.  Sure his play calling cost them the game against a “Top 5” team, but Bullies fans now know that they can expect that innovative play calling in the future when he gets more talent.  It worked at Florida for Mullen, and it will work in Starkville when he fits in the pieces.  I liked the risks, even though the reward sucked.  He’ll win those games in the future.  State fans should love that Mullen plans on coaching like he did at Florida.  That’s confidence.

-          Alabama has won their last three by 100 points.  They average 234 rushing yards per game and allow 47 per game.  That’s a championship formula, and they could arguably be the best team in the country right now.  Sorry Timmy Dynamite.

-          Speaking of…… I thought the country was going to have a vigil and a moment of silence for Tebow Saturday.  I haven’t seen that much of an overreaction since people thought Twister was going to be a good movie.  Despite the near death experience, Tebow is now one rushing touchdown behind Herschel Walker for first all time in the SEC.  He had two on the ground Saturday.  By the way, for those who think Tebow hasn’t been dynamic again this year, think again.  He does have 11 touchdowns against three turnovers.  Plus, he beat death!  SEC Commish Mike Slive announced today that from now on, concussions will be called Tebow’s.

-          Mark Richt (Georgia) is 35-4 against non- conference teams.  Too bad Okie State is one of those losses, because the Dawgs would be #4 in the country.  While LSU may be vulnerable this week, Georgia NEEDS to cut down on their penalties (10 per game) and turnovers (3 per game) if they want to get back in the hunt

-          Chris Todd (Auburn) has 1012 yards passing and 11 touchdowns.  In 2008, Tommy Tuberville’s Tigers had 1985 passing yards and 7 touchdowns on the season.  I hope the Memphis Tigers have already reached out to Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn. 

-          It’s too bad for Tommy West (Memphis).  We’ve all said it, and you hear it over and over again.  He’s a great guy.  GREAT guy.  But his tenure in Memphis is over.  The thing about Tommy is that he understands.  As he told me Monday, it affects him, but he can’t let it affect his coaching.  He’s been doing this for 30 years.  He’s not stupid.  He knows it’s part of the business.  The best thing this week for Memphis fans is that Tommy won’t quit on the team.  He’ll continue to do his best to get the team better each week.  Now it might not work, but he won’t quit, like Tuberville did at Auburn last year.  And some think Tuberville should come to the Tigers.  What a horrible idea!  Three quick replacement names without any deep research- Malzahn, Steve Spurrier Jr. (South Carolina Passing Game Coordinator), Shane Beamer (South Carolina Special Teams Coordinator).  Spurrier and Beamer both have the potential to be a Skip Holtz.  Why not?  Their fathers are both innovative coaches and Hall of Famers.  I’ll take that chance.

-          Speaking of fathers, Frank Beamer (Virginia Tech) is a special teams genius.  His Hokies have 74 non-offensive touchdowns in the last 11 seasons.

-          FREE MITCH MUSTAIN! 

-          The Houston Cougars are in first place in the Big XII South.  2-0 with 1091 yards of offense in two games against the nations 2^nd best division.  Case Keenum for Heisman.

-          Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame) for Heisman!  It was a gutty effort by Clausen that may have saved Charlie Weiss’s job this year.  On the season, Jimmy Dynamite has 1122 yards, 10 touchdowns, and one interception.

-          The Texas Longhorns are averaging 540 yards per game, but Colt McCoy doesn’t have near the production he had last year.  Through four games, he has 42 incompletions.  Last year, he had 44 after eight games.  He has nine touchdowns and five interceptions.  Last year after four games, he had 14 td’s and one pick.  Colt had just 7 interceptions all of last season.  Don’t crown him Heisman just because you felt sorry for him and his Longhorns last year.

-          Florida State CANNOT bring Bobby Bowden back next year.  Too bad the old man thinks he can still coach.  They need to figure out a painless way to cut ties.  The Seminoles are 2-2 for the first time since 1989, they’ve lost 4 of 5 at home, and their coach doesn’t even know who they’re playing.

    

These two pictures are both Bowden!  At least he hasn’t aged.

-          Ralph Friedgen will be gone soon.  Maryland has more turnovers than touchdowns (13-11).

NFL Thoughts:

-          Why have 0-3 teams only made the playoffs three times since 1990?  Because 0-3 teams usually suck!  It’s the most overrated stat in football.  Seven teams are currently 0-3, and only one has a shot of the playoffs- the Titans.  Maybe Carolina could make it, but they won’t unless Jake Delhomme retires today.

-          Mark Sanchez (Jets) became the first NFL quarterback to start a season 3-0 in his rookie year.  I think the Jets have the pieces for a run at the Super Bowl.  They also have a coach that will take over for Bill Belichick as the most hated coach in the league.  I love it.  Can’t wait to see them in New Orleans this weekend.

-          The Texans are a fraud!  They were supposed to make the playoffs last year and this year.  They have one September win in the last two seasons.  Rush defense might be the problem this year.  190 yards allowed against the Jets, 240 in Nashville, and 184 against Jacksonville.  Gary Kubiak’s seat should be heating up.

-          The Chiefs have lost 26 of 28.  Up next are the Giants and Cowboys.  Good luck.

-          Kevin Kolb (Eagles) became the first NFL quarterback to have 300 or more yards passing in his first two starts.  I certainly thought Kurt Warner accomplished the feat with the Rams.  Warner had 309 and 275.  DeSean Jackson has 3 touchdowns for the Eagles and they’re all over 60 yards.  His shortest touchdown is 64 yards.

-          The Browns have been outscored 94-29 this year.  They have one offensive touchdown.  It’s the only touchdown they’ve scored offensively in the last 37 quarters.  That’s 9 and a quarter games!

-          The Ravens are my Super Bowl pick and have been since preseason.  I didn’t even know how good this offense was going to be.  Wow!  They’re like Auburn.  Joe Flacco has six touchdowns in three games.  Last season, it took him nine games to get number six.

-          The Patriots have won sixteen straight regular season games against the NFC.  Tom Brady had his 200^th career touchdown pass in the win over Atlanta.  He’s the 27^th quarterback to accomplish the feat.  Brett Favre and Peyton Manning are the only other active players in the top 27.  Favre is first with 469 and Manning is fourth with 340.  Brady should finish the season 21^st, one spot behind Steve Young.

-          Ben Roethlisberger lost for the first time in the NFL in the state of Ohio.  He’s 11-1 after the loss at Cincinnati.  Big Ben has at least one interception in each of his last five regular season games.  In that span he has seven picks and five touchdowns.

-          The Broncos have allowed a total of 16 points in three games.  Last year they held only two teams under 16 points.

-          Three teams fired their offensive coordinators in the offseason- Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Buffalo.  They’re a combined 1-8.

-          Top 5- 1. Ravens 2. Giants 3. Jets 4. Vikings 5. Saints

-          Bottom 5- 5. Raiders 4. Bucs 3. Chiefs 2. Browns 1. Rams

-          Quarterback of the Week: Peyton Manning (IND) 24-35, 379yds, 4td’s, Int

-          Running Back of the Week: Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX) 23-119, 3td’s

-          Wide Receiver of the Week: DeSean Jackson 6-149, TD

-          Hot Seat: Zorn (WAS), Fox (CAR), Cable (OAK), Jauron (BUF), Kubiak (HOU)

-          Richardgardner.com is a website providing sports betting opinions.  Richard is hosting a charity NFL picks contest for media around the country.  This week, I was 7-9 against the spread which was good for 52^nd place.  I want to apologize to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  I will be better in upcoming weeks.  The weekly winners receive $250 for their charity and the year end winner will get $5000 with second place receiving $2500.  I hope I can raise some money for the great people at St. Jude!  Check out richardgardner.com.  On the season, I have a 26-22 record which puts me in a tie for 32^nd overall.

The Sports Bar Big SEC Coaching Power Ranking

COACH (TEAM)- LAST WEEK

1. Nick Saban (ALA) 2

2. Gene Chizik (AUB) 1

3. Urban Meyer (FLA) 3

4. Dan Mullen (MSU) 6T

5T. Mark Richt (UGA) 8

5T. Bobby Petrino (ARK) 4

7. Steve Spurrier (SC) 11

8. Les Miles (LSU) 9

9. Rich Brooks (UK) 6T

10. Houston Nutt (MISS) 5

11T. Lane Kiffin (UT) 10

11T. Bobby Johnson (VAN) 12

13. Tommy West (MEM) 13

 

The Big SEC Quarterback Ranking

QB (TEAM)- LAST WEEK

1. Chris Todd (AUB) 2

2. Greg McElroy (ALA) 3

3. Tim Tebow (FLA) 4

4. Jordan Jefferson (LSU) 6

5. Ryan Mallett (ARK) 1

6. Stephen Garcia (SC) 9

7. Joe Cox (UGA) 5

8. Jevan Snead (MISS) 7

9. Mike Hartline (KEN) 8

10. Tyler Bass (MEM) 10

11. Larry Smith (VAN) 12

12. Tyson Lee (MSU) 11

13. Jonathan Crompton (TEN) 13 

Words to Live By

You’re not going to have a platinum record every time you put a song out, but it’s the going for it that is really the pot of gold. As I’ve gone along, as I’ve experienced life, I’ve learned that it’s the going after it that’s the really awesome thing.”- Brett Michaels

               

There’s plenty happening in Tunica this weekend.  For a complete list of events and attractions in Tunica, Mississippi, click on the link below.  Get easy access to the casinos, golf courses, and all other entertainment.

http://www.tunicamiss.com/ 

Here are some coming attractions: 

Chicago (Harrah’s) 800-946-4946

Date: October 02

In 1967, Chicago musicians Walter Parazaider, Terry Kath, Danny Seraphine, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, Robert Lamm, and Peter Cetera formed a group with one dream, to integrate all the musical diversity from their beloved city and weave a new sound, a rock ‘n’ roll band with horns. Their dream turned into 20 Top Ten singles, 12 Top Ten albums (five of which were #1), and sales of more than 120 million records.

Travis Tritt (Sam’s Town) 800-456-0711

Date: October 03

Billy Currington (Fitz) 800-766-5825

Date: October 16

Kenny G (Goldstrike) 888-245-7529

Date: October 17

Miranda Lambert (Goldstrike) 888-245-7529

Date: November 07

Darius Rucker (Sam’s Town) 800-456-0711

Date: November 11 

Have a Great Week!

Tranghese equals very good Investment

When making a financial decision you should always way your options. For what you are dishing out, are you getting equal or better value in return? In the case of the University of Memphis’ hiring of Mike Tranghese the answer is obvious….YES!
The former Big East Commissioner, who stepped down in June after 30 years on the job, is now a consultant for the University of Memphis. Tranghese actually started his association with the U of M in early August and will make $5,000 per month over the course of the next half year.
The hiring of the former Big East “Big Boss Man” brings instant credibility to the School’s pursuit of a spot in a BCS Conference. What could be better than to have a guy who has run a BCS Conference for 30 years? Not much. Tranghese can help direct buddy R.C. Johnson, School President Dr. Shirley Raines, and other school officials and Big Boosters as to what direction they need to go in. Should they dump a lot of money into the Football program? Would an On-Campus Stadium be a selling point to a BCS Conference? There are many questions that need to be addressed and answered, and Tranghese is the right guy to answer them. Tranghese also has plenty of pull. His word means a whole heck of a lot. This is the best move R.C. Johnson has made in some time.
Now the obvious question from everyone is “when can we expect some movement within the Conferences”? Tranghese has made it pretty clear that he doesn’t expect anything significant until the current Television contracts run their course, and even then, there are no guarantees. Now some will say this is a hire to quiet all the recent negativity surrounding the Tigers Football program and the recent NCAA investigation and sanctions. While it does give Memphis fans a little something to get excited about, this is a move of necessity to begin the process. It’s Johnson being proactive. It’s a move that already has one Orlando Columnist questioning whether or not Memphis pulled a fast one on the University of Central Florida.
Remember what I said earlier. When you are making a financial commitment of any size, you need to weigh the pro and cons before pulling the trigger. This one was a no-brainer.

The Sports Bar – Tuesday 9/15

Jeff’s Top 10 Teams Regardless of Record…

T-10. Texas Tech/Houston
9. Virginia Tech
8. LSU
7. Cal
6. Penn St.
5. Ole Miss
4. Alabama
3. USC
2. Texas
1. Florida

Heck Yeah, Hell No!

1. Ohio State choked on Saturday against USC…
2. Nick Stevens will play before halftime this weekend…
3. Auburn will beat 1 of the top 3 teams in the SEC West…
4. Ryan Mallett will throw at least 50 passes this week…
5. Jeff will include BYU in his “Top 10″ sometime this year…

All Weekend on the Couch!

              

Love to hear that the Tigers are being PROACTIVE in trying to prepare themselves for the next movement in conference realignment.  It’s inevitable so they might as well be ready this time.  The easiest move would be to kick Notre Dame out of the Big East and have Memphis replace them.  What do they bring to the table?  Prestige?  So what!  Memphis is better in basketball, and it would be great to just knock Notre Dame down a notch.  Tell them to go join Conference USA!

College Football Notes You Might Not Know:

-          Mark Dantonio (Michigan State) looks like Neil Diamond.  He tied Bill Snyder (Kansas State) for the worst performance a day after getting a new contract.  M-State lost to Central while K-State lost to Louisiana Laffeyette.

         

-          Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State) would win the Heisman if Mike Gundy could get out of the tan bed, become a man, and figure out how to get Dez the ball.  In two games, he has eight catches for 162 yards and two touchdowns.  He’s also returned a punt for a score.  He should have 8-162 every week.

-          Kevin Sumlin (Houston) was 5-0 against Oklahoma State as an assistant with Oklahoma.  Seems like he had a pretty good idea about what the George Hamilton of college coaching was planning.  It was the first win for Houston against a top five program since 1984.  Okie State has lost 3 straight when ranked in the top 5.

-          Speaking of coaches who have had great rants, Dan Hawkins is on a $2.5 million hot seat.  That could be the cost of his buyout.  After losing to Nebraska to end last season, he said, “Next season- 10 wins and no excuses.”  Well, he’s 0-2 with losses to Colorado State and Toledo.  Toledo had 624 yards.  Looks like the Buffs will have to run the table now.  Not easy with road games at Texas and Oklahoma State.  Not easy with Wyoming coming in this weekend either.  Texas ONLY beat the Cowboys 41-10, and led 13-10 at the half.  Colorado is a 7 point favorite.

-          In his last three games, Jimmy Claussen (Notre Dame) has 1052 yards, 12 touchdowns, and no interceptions.

-          In two weeks, Idaho State is 0-2.  They lost at Arizona State and Oklahoma.  They have amassed 81 TOTAL YARDS of offense this season.  81!

-          Nick Stephens (Tennessee) must really be bad.

-          Terrelle Pryor (The Ohio State) reminds me of Mike Vick.  He can do a whole lot that generally generates very little.  Ohio State has lost six straight against top five teams.

    

-          A week after my disappointing trip to Stillwater, although I did pass through the home of Carrie Underwood in Checotah, OK, I laughed when I watched Pokes Kicker Danny Bailey win the DBag of the week award.  He trotted out in the awful puke orange jersey wearing bright and shiny gold shoes.  His field goal attempt wasn’t close.  If you wear gold shoes on a football field, you best be golden!  Not so much Bailey!

-          A close second on DBag kicker of the week- Jason Olesnavage of Michigan.  Rich Rodriguez took a delay of game penalty to give his kicker a better angle- DOINK!  Not even doink!  He missed like Michael Spurlock used to miss receivers.  He almost broke the play clock.

-          Do you think Nick Saban is working on kick coverage this week?  Do you think any player is exempt from that unit this week?  The Tide have allowed a touchdown on a return in each of the first two games.  He should call Frank Beamer.  His Hokies ran one back against the Tide and had another against Marshall on Saturday.

-          Nebraska has won 6 straight.  It’s their longest winning streak since 2001.

-          Can Auburn really be 4-0 heading to Knoxville?  West Virginia comes in as a dog Saturday and Ball State will follow next weekend.  Gus Malzahn to Memphis?  It just might be too late.  It’s the first time Auburn has gone back to back with 500 yard games since 1970.  Last year the Tigers had seven offensive touchdowns against the SEC all season.  They had six against State

-          Steve Spurrier is 1-4 against Georgia since coming to South Carolina.  He was 11-1 as the head coach at Florida against the Dawgs. 

-          Timmy Tebow has 45 rushing touchdowns in his career.  He’s four shy of Herschel Walker’s SEC record.  He tied Cadillac last week and is one away from equaling Kevin Faulk’s 46.  What’s amazing is that he’s done it as a quarterback.  What’s also amazing is that Herschel’s 49 touchdowns on the ground don’t come close to the best of all time in college football.  Here’s the list:

1. Travis Prentice, Miami (Ohio) (1996-99): 73 career rushing tds
2. Ricky Williams, Texas (1995-98): 72
3T. Anthony Thompson, Indiana (1986-89): 64
3T. Cedric Benson, Texas (2001-04): 64
5. Ron Dayne, Wisconsin (1996-99): 63
6. Eric Crouch, Nebraska (1998-01): 59
7. Marshall Faulk, San Diego State (1991-93): 57
8T. Steve Owens, Oklahoma (1967-69): 56
8T. Ken Simonton, Oregon Sate (1998-01): 56
10T. Tony Dorsett, Pittsburgh (1973-76): 55
10T. Chester Taylor, Toledo (1998-01): 55
10T. DeAngelo Williams, Memphis (2002-05): 55

-          The SEC has a 13-2 (.867) non-conference record after two weeks of the 2009 season, the best winning percentage in the nation.  The Big Ten is second at 18-4 (.818).

-          SEC teams are outscoring opponents 202-64 in the fourth quarter.

 

NFL Thoughts:

-          Brodie Croyle was 16-10 as a starter at Alabama.  He’s 0-9 with the Kansas City Chiefs.

-          Shaun Hill is 8-3 as a starter for the 49ers after they went to Glendale and beat the Cardinals Sunday.  As the saying goes, “All Shaun Hill does is win football games.”

-          Jake Delhomme should retire to stud.  He was one just a few years ago, but his decisions and ability are taking a slide.  He had 5 turnovers Sunday for the Panthers as Carolina got smoked by the Eagles.  He has 11 turnovers in his last two starts.  That’s worse than Jonathan Crompton!  Jake got a five year extension this year at the age of 34.

-          Mark Sanchez had a good game in his debut as the Jets waxed the Texans.  He was 12-15 for 191 yards and a touchdown on third down alone.

-          Not as good of a debut for Jay Cutler with the Bears.  Cutler threw four picks and is 17-21 in career games.  His record was worse at Vandy.  It’s been since high school that Cutler has won anything.

-          The Falcons are 8-1 at home under Mike Smith after beating Miami.

-          In 11 games with the Cowboys, Roy Williams has two touchdowns- both against Tampa.

-          Don’t get too excited Cowboys fans about your win against the Bucs.  Tampa racked up 450 yards of offense.  The Cowboys are, at best, third in their own division.

-          The Rams were thrown a bagel by the Seahawks Sunday.  St. Louis has scored 16 or fewer points in 13 of their last 17.  Plus, they’ve now lost 11 straight.

-          Top 5- 1. Ravens 2. Eagles 3. Giants 4. Vikings 5. Saints

-          Bottom 5- 1. Rams 2. Chiefs 3. Bucs 4. Lions 5. Texans

-          Quarterback of the Week: Drew Brees (Saints) 26-34, 358 yards, 6 touchdowns

-          Running Back of the Week: Adrian Peterson (Vikings) 25-180, 3 touchdowns

-          Wide Receiver of the Week: Santonio Holmes (Steelers) 9-131, TD, 8 first downs

-          Richardgardner.com is a website providing sports betting opinions.  Richard is hosting a charity NFL picks contest for media around the country.  In my first week, I was 9-7 against the spread which was good for 22^nd place.  I want to apologize to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  I will be better in upcoming weeks.  The weekly winners receive $250 for their charity and the year end winner will get $5000 with second place receiving $2500.  I hope I can raise some money for the great people at St. Jude!  Check out richardgardner.com.

 

Random Thoughts:

-          For the past month, Paddy Harrington has had an adventure hole each weekend.  It’s amazing how he has a great chance to win the FedEx Cup despite some of the holes he has had.

-          The Memphis Tigers Basketball team made cartoon news in the Billings Gazette.  Wow!  People in Billings, Montana, are all fired up about the Tigers and John Calipari’s decision to leave.  These cartoons were taken from three separate days in the newspaper.

-          Beyonce is flawless!  She was the only redeeming quality of the MTV Video Music Awards this week.  She’s probably the only redeeming thing about MTV these days.  To quote Lt.Frank Drebin from Naked Gun, “She had legs you could lick on for a day.”

    

-          Kanye was thinking of himself again?  That’s weird.

-          Are Mark the Chef and I alone in our thinking that Khloe is better than Kourtney?  Kourtney might be hotter, but there’s just something about that Khloe.

-          I don’t think I’ve cut grass in ten years!  I’m happy to say that I don’t plan on ever doing it again.  The worst chore ever!  I’d rather clean bathrooms.  I used to get $20 a lawn.  What are the kids making today?  Don’t think they’ve gotten the pay raise they deserve!

-          I’ve watched the first two Jay Leno shows.  I’m not a huge fan of Jay’s Tonight Show work, but so far, pretty decent.  His opening monologue is still a bit cheezy and fake, but his guests have been great and the interviews have been much more interesting than the fluff crap he had on the Tonight Show.  The show actually has a little edge.  Now granted, it’s only been two shows.  We can’t be too far away from a random zoo guy coming on with “crazy” animals that Jay’s scared of.  BORING!  Johnny Carson was the only host that has ever made that segment hysterical.

 

The Sports Bar Big SEC Coaching Power Ranking

COACH (TEAM)- LAST WEEK

1. Gene Chizik (AUB) 5

2. Urban Meyer (FLA) 1

3. Nick Saban (ALA) 2

4. Bobby Petrino (ARK) 3

5. Rich Brooks (UK) 8

6. Houston Nutt (MISS) 9

7. Bobby Johnson (VAN) 7

8. Les Miles (LSU) 10

9T. Dan Mullen (MSU) 4

9T. Mark Richt (UGA) 12

11T. Lane Kiffin (UT) 6

11T. Steve Spurrier (SC) 11

13. Tommy West (MEM) 13

 

The Big SEC Quarterback Ranking

PASSING                              Att          Cmp       Int           Pct.         Yds         TD                          Last

1. Mallett (ARK)                  22           17           0              77.3        309             1                           2

2. Tebow (FLA)                   39           25           0              64.1        425            5(2 Rush TD)       8

                This Week- (15-24, 237yds, 4TD/71rush, TD/Fumble)

3. Hartline (KEN)               27           18           0              66.7        222             2                              4

4. McElroy (ALA)              54           33           1              61.1        471                 2                           7

                This Week- (18-24, 241yds, TD)

5. Todd (AUB)                     49           27           0              55.1        441                2                          3

                This Week- (10-23, 186yds)

6. Jefferson (LSU)              48           31           0              64.6        310              3(52rush)              5

                This Week- (20-29, 138yds/10rush)

7. Relf (MSU)                          21           12            2              57.1        152         3(134rush/TD)       6

                This Week- (5-11, 77yds, 2INT/52rush)

8. Cox (UGA)                         54          32            2              59.3        363             3(fumble)              11

                This Week- (17-24, 201yds, 2TD, INT)

9. Garcia (SC)                        75           44           2              58.7        461               2                            12

                This Week- (31-53, 313, 2TD, INT, 42rush)

10. Snead (MISS)                22           12           2              54.5          175               2                              10

11. Smith (VAN)                  42           21           1               50.0         241         1(Rush TD)                 9

                This Week- (11-24, 88yds, INT/Rush TD)

12. Crompton (TEN)       54           34           5              63.0        326         5                                        1

                This Week- (13-26, 93yds, 3INT)

13. Hall (MEM)                   52            28           3              53.8        203         0                                   13

                This Week- (13-22, 93, INT)

Others: Burns (AUB / 55rush, 4TD, 1Pass TD), Lee (MSU / 15-24, 150yds, TD)

 

Words to Live By

You’re not going to have a platinum record every time you put a song out, but it’s the going for it that is really the pot of gold. As I’ve gone along, as I’ve experienced life, I’ve learned that it’s the going after it that’s the really awesome thing.”- Brett Michaels

          

There’s plenty happening in Tunica this weekend.  For a complete list of events and attractions in Tunica, Mississippi, click on the link below.  Get easy access to the casinos, golf courses, and all other entertainment.

http://www.tunicamiss.com/ 

Here are some coming attractions:

Chicago (Harrah’s) 800-946-4946

Date: October 02

Travis Tritt (Sam’s Town) 800-456-0711

Date: October 03

Billy Currington (Fitz) 800-766-5825

Date: October 16

Kenny G (Goldstrike) 888-245-7529

Date: October 17

Miranda Lambert (Goldstrike) 888-245-7529

Date: November 07

Darius Rucker (Sam’s Town) 800-456-0711

Date: November 11

Don’t forget to join me every Thursday afternoon at Tunica National for our three person scramble.  $25 gets you nine holes of golf, a dinner following your round and an opportunity at great prizes, including $150 in promotional chips at the Fitz Casino for closest to the pin.  This is the FINAL week to qualify for the Tournament of Champions.  Just call 662-357-0777 or 866-833-6331.

Have a Great Week!

SEC and Memphis Predictions

We asked all the Sports 56 hosts to make their picks for the 2009 season, both the SEC and the Tigers…Here is what everyone thinks:

-Peter Edmiston

Memphis: 6-6 (4-4)
Losses: Ole Miss, at Southern Miss, East Carolina, at Tennessee, at Houston, at Tulsa

SEC East

Florida: 12-0 (8-0)
Losses: none

Georgia: 9-3 (6-2)
Losses: at Oklahoma State, at Arkansas, Florida (neutral)

Tennessee: 8-4 (4-4)
Losses: at Florida, at Alabama, at Ole Miss, Georgia

South Carolina: 4-8 (2-6)
Losses: at NC State, at Georgia, Ole Miss, at Alabama, Tennessee, at Arkansas, Florida, Clemson

Kentucky: 5-7 (1-7)
Losses: Florida, Alabama, at South Carolina, at Auburn, at Vanderbilt, at Georgia, Tennessee

Vanderbilt: 4-8 (1-7)
Losses: at LSU, Ole Miss, Georgia, at South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Florida, at Kentucky, Tennessee

SEC West

Alabama: 12-0 (8-0)
Losses: none

Ole Miss: 10-2 (6-2)
Losses: Alabama, at Auburn (Nutt always seems to lose one he shouldn’t)

LSU: 9-3 (5-3)
Losses: at Georgia, at Alabama, at Ole Miss

Arkansas: 8-4 (5-3)
Losses: at Alabama, at Florida, at Ole Miss, at LSU

Auburn: 6-6 (2-6)
Losses: at Tennessee, at Arkansas, at LSU, Ole Miss, at Georgia, Alabama

Mississippi State; 3-9 (0-8)
Losses: at Auburn, at Vanderbilt, LSU, Georgia Tech, Florida, at Kentucky, Alabama, at Arkansas, Ole Miss

-George Lapides

Memphis: 6-6 (5-3)

SEC EAST

Georgia: 10-2 (8-0)

Florida: 11-1 (7-1)

Vanderbilt: 6-6 (3-5)

South Carolina: 6-6 (2-6)

Kentucky: 6-6 (2-6)

Tennessee: 5-7 (2-6)

SEC West

Ole Miss: 11-1 (7-1)

Alabama: 10-2 (6-2)

Arkansas: 9-3 (5-3)

LSU: 8-4 (4-4)

Auburn: 5-7 (2-6)

Mississippi State: 2-10 (0-8)

-Dave Woloshin

Memphis: 8-4 (5-3)

SEC East

Florida: 12-0 (8-0)

Georgia: 10-2 (6-2)

South Carolina: 7-5 (4-4)

Tennessee: 7-5 (2-6)

Kentucky: 7-5 (3-5)

Vanderbilt: 5-7 (2-6)

SEC West

Alabama: 11-1 (7-1)

LSU: 10-2 (6-2)

Ole Miss: 9-3 (6-2)

Arkansas: 7-5 (3-5)

Auburn: 5-7 (1-7)

Mississippi State: 2-10 (0-8)

-Brett Norsworthy

Memphis: 9-3

Wins: Middle TN St., UT-Martin, Marshall, UCF, UTEP, Southern Mississippi, ECU, UAB, Tulsa

Losses: Ole Miss, Tennessee, Houston

SEC East

Florida: 12-0

Wins: Charleston Southern, Troy, Tennessee, at Kentucky, at LSU, Arkansas, at Mississippi St, Georgia, Vandy, at South Carolina, FIU, Florida St.

Losses: None

Tennessee: 8-4

Wins: Western Kentucky, UCLA, Ohio, Auburn, South Carolina, Memphis, Vanderbilt, Kentucky

Losses: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Ole Miss

Georgia: 11-1

Wins: Oklahoma St., South Carolina, ASU, Arkansas, LSU, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Tennessee Tech, Auburn, Kentucky

Losses: Florida

South Carolina: 5-7

Wins: N.C. State, South Carolina St., Kentucky, Vanderbilt

Losses: Georgia, Ole Miss, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida , Clemson

Kentucky: 6-6

Wins: Miami University, U of L, LA Monroe, Mississippi, Eastern Kentucky, Vanderbilt

Losses: Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Auburn, Georgia

Vanderbilt: 5-7

Wins: Western Carolina, Mississippi State, Rice, Army, Georgia Tech

Losses: LSU, Ole Miss, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee

SEC West

Alabama: 10-2

Wins: Virginia Tech, FIU, North Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Chatanooga, Auburn

Losses: Ole Miss, LSU

Arkansas: 7-5

Wins: Missouri State, Texas A&M, Auburn, Eastern Michigan, South Carolina, Troy, Mississippi State

Losses: Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss, LSU

Auburn: 6-6

Wins: Mississippi State, WVA, Ball State, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Furman

Losses: Louisiana Tech, Tennessee, Arkansas, LSU, Georgia, Alabama

LSU: 9-3

Wins: Washington, Vanderbilt, Louisiana Lafayette, Mississippi State, Auburn, Tulane, Alabama, Louisiana Tech, Arkansas

Losses: Georgia, Florida, Ole Miss

Ole Miss: 11-1

Wins: Memphis, Southeast Louisiana, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, LSU, Alabama, UAB, Arkansas, Northern Arizona, Tennessee, Mississippi State

Losses: Auburn

Mississippi State: 2-10

Wins: Jackson State, Middle Tennessee

Losses: Auburn, Vanderbilt, LSU, Georgia Tech, Florida, Houston, Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, Ole Miss

-Eli Savoie

Memphis: 7-5 (5-3)

Wins: at Middle Tennessee State, UT-Martin, Marshall, at UCF, UTEP, East Carolina, UAB

Losses: Ole Miss, at Southern Miss, at Tennessee, at Houston, at Tulsa

SEC East

Florida: 12-0 (8-0)
Wins: Charleston Southern, Troy, Tennessee, at Kentucky, at LSU, Arkansas, at Mississippi St, Georgia, Vandy, at South Carolina, FIU, Florida St.
Losses: None

Georgia: 8-4 (6-2)
Wins: South Carolina, Arizona St, LSU, at Tennessee, at Vandy, Tenn tech, Auburn, Kentucky
Losses: at Oklahoma St., at Arkansas, Florida, at Georgia Tech

South Carolina: 7-5 (3-5)
Wins: at NC State, Florida Atlantic, South Carolina St, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, at Tennessee, Clemson
Losses: at Georgia, Ole Miss, at Alabama, at Arkansas, Florida

Tennessee: 7-5 (3-5)
Wins: Western Kentucky, UCLA, Ohio, Auburn, Memphis, Vandy, at Kentucky
Losses: at Florida, Georgia, at Alabama, South Carolina, at Ole Miss

Vanderbilt: 5-7 (2-6)
Wins: Western Carolina, Mississippi St, at Rice, at Army, Kentucky
Losses: at LSU, Ole Miss, Georgia, at South Carolina, Georgia Tech, at Florida, at Tennessee

Kentucky: 4-8 (0-8)
Wins: Miami-Ohio, Louisville, La-Monroe, Eastern Kentucky
Losses: Florida, Alabama, at South Carolina, at Auburn, Mississippi St, at Vandy, at Georgia, Tennessee

SEC West

Ole Miss: 11-1(7-1)
Wins: at Memphis, SE La, at S. Carolina, at Vandy, Alabama, UAB, Arkansas, at Auburn, Northern Arizona, Tennessee, at Miss St.
Losses: LSU

Alabama: 10-2(7-1)
Wins: FIU, North Texas, Arkansas, at Kentucky, S. Carolina, Tennessee, LSU, at Miss St., Chattanooga, at Auburn
Losses: Virginia Tech, at Ole Miss

Arkansas: 9-3 (5-3)
Wins: Missouri St., Georgia, Texas A&M, Auburn, E Michigan, S. Carolina, Troy, Miss State, at LSU
Losses: at Alabama, at Florida, at Ole Miss

LSU Tigers: 8-4 (4-4)
Wins: at Washington, Vandy, Louisiana-Lafayette, at Miss St, Auburn, Tulane, Louisiana Tech, at Ole Miss
Losses: at Georgia, Florida, at Alabama, Arkansas

Auburn: 6-6 (2-6)
Wins: Louisiana Tech, Miss St., West Va, Ball St, Kentucky, Furman
Losses: at Tennessee, at Arkansas, at LSU, Ole Miss, at Georgia, Alabama

Mississippi State: 4-8 (1-7)
Wins: Jackson St, Houston, at Middle Tennessee, at Kentucky
Losses: at Auburn, at Vandy, LSU, Ga Tech, Florida, Alabama, at Arkansas, Ole Miss

-Greg Gaston

Memphis: 8-4 (5-3)
Wins: @MTSU, UT-Martin, Marshall, @UCF, UTEP, East Carolina, @Tennessee, UAB,
Losses: Ole Miss, @Southern Miss, @ Houston, @ Tulsa

SEC East

Florida: 12-0 (8-0)
Wins: Charleston Southern, Troy, Tennessee, @Kentucky, @LSU, Arkansas,
@Mississippi State, Georgia (Jacksonville), Vanderbilt, @South Carolina,
Florida International, Florida State
Losses: None

Georgia: 8-4 (6-2)
Wins: South Carolina, @Arkansas, Arizona State, @Tennessee, @Vanderbilt,
Tennessee Tech, Auburn, Kentucky
Losses: @Oklahoma State, LSU, Florida (Jacksonville), @Georgia Tech

Tennessee: 7-5 (4-4)
Wins: Western Kentucky, UCLA, Ohio, Auburn, South Carolina, Vanderbilt
@Kentucky
Losses: @Florida, Georgia, @Alabama, Memphis, @Ole Miss

Kentucky: 6-6 (2-6)
Wins: Miami, OH.(Cincinnati), Louisville, Louisiana-Monroe, Mississippi State,
Eastern Kentucky, @Vanderbilt
Losses: Florida, Alabama, @South Carolina, @Auburn, @Georgia, Tennessee

South Carolina: 4-8 (2-6)
Wins: Florida Atlantic, S.C. State, Kentucky, Vanderbilt
Losses: @N.C. State, @Georgia, Ole Miss, @Alabama, @Tennessee, @Arkansas,
Florida, Clemson

Vanderbilt: 3-9 (0-8)
Wins: Western Carolina, @Rice, @Army
Losses: @LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Georgia, @South Carolina, Georgia
Tech, @Florida, Kentucky, @Tennessee

SEC West

Alabama: 12-0 (8-0)
Wins: Virginia Tech, Fla. International, North Texas, Arkansas, @Kentucky, @Ole
Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, LSU, @Mississippi State, Chattanooga, @Auburn
Losses: None

Ole Miss: 11-1 (7-1)
Wins: @Memphis, SE Louisiana, @ South Carolina, @ Vanderbilt, UAB, Arkansas,
@Auburn, Northern Arizona, Tennessee, LSU, @Mississippi State
Losses: Alabama

LSU: 9-3 (5-3)
Wins: @Washington, Vanderbilt, Louisiana, @Mississippi State, @Georgia, Auburn,
Tulane, Louisiana Tech, Arkansas
Losses: Florida, @Alabama, @Ole Miss

Arkansas: 7-5 (3-5)
Wins: Missouri State, Texas A&M (Arlington), Auburn, Eastern Michigan, South
Carolina, Troy, Mississippi State
Losses: Georgia, @Alabama, @Florida, @Ole Miss, @LSU

Auburn: 5-7 (2-6)
Wins: Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State, Ball State, Kentucky, Furman
Losses: West Virginia, @Tennessee, @Arkansas, @LSU, Ole Miss, @Georgia, Alabama

Mississippi State: 3-9 (1-7)
Wins: Jackson State, @Vanderbilt, @MTSU
Losses: @Auburn, LSU, Georgia Tech, Houston, Florida, @Kentucky, Alabama,
@Arkansas, Ole Miss

-Keith Parker

Memphis: 7-5 (5-3)
Wins: @Middle TN, UT-Martin, Marshall, @UCF, UTEP, ECU, UAB
Losses: vs.OM, @So Miss, @UT, @Hou, @Tulsa

SEC East

Florida: 12-0 (8-0)
Wins: Charlston So., Troy, UT, @UK, @LSU, ARK,  @MSU, UGA, VAN, @SC, FLA Int’l, Florida St.

Georgia: 10-2 (7-1)
Wins: @ OK ST, SC, @ ARK, Arizona St., LSU, @TN @VAN, TN Tech, AUB, UK
Losses:   vs.FLA, @GA Tech

Tennessee: 8-4 (4-4)
Wins: W KY, UCLA, Ohio, AUB,  SC, Memphis, VAN, @UK
Losses: @FLA, UGA, @ALA, @OM

South Carolina: 6-6 (3-5)
Wins: Fla Atl, OM, SC St., UK, VAN, Clem
Losses: @NC St., @UGA, @ALA, @UT, @ARK, UF

Kentucky: 6-6 (2-6)
Wins: Miami OH, Louisville, LA Monroe, MSU, Eastern KY, @VAN
Losses:   UF, ALA, @SC, @AUB, @UGA, UT

Vanderbilt: 4-8 (1-7)
Wins: Western Carolina, @Rice, MSU,  @Army
Losses: @LSU,  OM, UGA, @SC, GA Tech, @UF, UK, @UT

SEC West

Alabama: 12-0 (8-0)
Wins: vs. VA Tech, Fla Int’l, North Texas, ARK, @UK, @OM, SC, UT, LSU, @MSU, UT Chat, @AUB

Ole Miss: 10-2 (6-2)
Wins: @Memphis, USL, @VAN, UAB, ARK, @AUB, N Arizona, UT, LSU, @MSU
Losses: @SC, ALA

LSU: 8-4 (4-4)
Wins: @Wash, VAN, UL Laf, @MSU,  AUB, Tulane, LA Tech,  ARK
Losses: @UGA, UF, @ALA, @OM

Arkansas: 7-5 (3-5)
Wins: MO St.,  vs.TX A&M, AUB, E Mich, SC, Troy, MSU
Losses:UGA, @ALA, @UF, @OM, @LSU

Auburn: 5-7 (2-6)
Wins: LA Tech, MSU, Ball St., UK, Furman
Losses: WVU, @UT, @ARK, @LSU, OM, @UGA, ALA

Mississippi State: 2-10 (0-8)
Wins: JSU,   @MTSU, @UK
Losses:  @AUB,@VAN, LSU, GA Tech, Houston, UF, @UK, ALA, @ARK, OM

-Tyler McLellan

SEC East
Florida: 12-0 (8-0)
Wins: Charlston So., Troy, UT, @UK, ARK, @MSU, UGA, VAN, @SC, FLA Int’l, Florida St.
Loss: @ LSU

Tennessee: 9-3 (5-3)
Wins: W KY, UCLA, Ohio, AUB, UGA, SC, Memphis, VAN, @UK
Losses: @FLA, @ALA, @OM

Georgia: 7-5 (4-4)
Wins: SC, Arizona St., LSU, @VAN, TN Tech, AUB, UK
Losses: @OK ST, @ARK, @UT, vs.FLA, @GA Tech

South Carolina: 6-6 (3-5), 4th in SEC East
Wins: Fla Atl, OM, SC St., UK, VAN, Clem
Losses: @NC St., @UGA, @ALA, @UT, @ARK, UF

Kentucky: 5-7 (2-6)
Wins: Louisville, LA Monroe, MSU, Eastern KY, @VAN
Losses: @Miami OH, UF, ALA, @SC, @AUB, @UGA, UT

Vanderbilt: 3-9 (0-8)    
Wins: Western Carolina, @Rice, @Army
Losses: @LSU, MSU, OM, UGA, @SC, @GA Tech, @UF, UK, @UT

SEC West

Alabama: 12-0 (8-0)
Wins: vs. VA Tech, Fla Int’l, North Texas, ARK, @UK, @OM, SC, UT, LSU, @MSU, UT Chat, @AUB

LSU: 10-2 (6-2)                                                           
Wins: @Wash, VAN, UL Laf, @MSU, UF, AUB, Tulane, LA Tech, @OM, ARK
Losses: @UGA, @ALA

Ole Miss: 9-3 (5-3)
Wins: @Memphis, USL, @VAN, UAB, ARK, @AUB, N Arizona, UT, @MSU
Losses: @SC, ALA, LSU

Arkansas: 8-4 (4-4)  
Wins: MO St., UGA, vs.TX A&M, AUB, E Mich, SC, Troy, MSU
Losses: @ALA, @UF, @OM, @LSU

Auburn: 5-7 (2-6) 
Wins: LA Tech, MSU, Ball St., UK, Furman
Losses: WVU, @UT, @ARK, @LSU, OM, @UGA, ALA

Mississippi State: 4-8 (1-7)
Wins: JSU, @VAN, Houston, @MTSU, @UK
Losses:  @AUB, LSU, GA Tech, UF, @UK, ALA, @ARK, OM

-Rob Fischer

Memphis: 5-7 (3-5)
Wins: Middle Tennessee State, UT-Martin, Marshall, UTEP, UAB
Losses: Ole Miss, UCF, Southern Mississippi, Eastern Carolina, Tennessee, Houston, Tulsa

SEC East

Florida: 11-1 (7-1)
Wins: Charleston Southern, Troy, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Georgia, Vanderbilt, South Carolina, FIU, FSU
Losses: LSU

Georgia: 11-1 (7-1)
Wins: Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Arkansas, ASU, LSU, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Tennessee Tech, Auburn, Kentucky, Georgia Tech
Losses: Florida

Tennessee: 7-5 (3-5)
Wins: Western Kentucky, UCLA, Ohio, Auburn, South Carolina, Memphis, Vanderbilt
Losses: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Ole Miss, Kentucky

South Carolina: 5-7 (3-5)
Wins: Florida Atlantic, Ole Miss, South Carolina State, Kentucky, Vanderbilt
Losses: North Carolina State, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida, Clemson

Vanderbilt: 5-7 (2-6)
Wins: Western Carolina, Mississippi State, Rice, Army, Kentucky
Losses: LSU, Ole Miss, Georgia, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Florida, Tennessee

Kentucky: 6-6 (2-6)
Wins: Miami University, Louisville, Louisiana Monroe, Mississippi State, Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee
Losses: Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Georgia

SEC West

Alabama: 11-1 (7-1)
Wins: Virginia Tech, Florida International, North Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, LSU, Mississippi State, Chatanooga, Auburn
Losses: Ole MIss

LSU: 10-2 (6-2)
Wins: Washington, Vanderbilt, Louisiana Lafayette, Mississippi State, Florida, Auburn, Tulane, Louisiana Tech, Ole Miss, Arkansas
Losses: Georgia, Alabama

Ole Miss: 10-2 (6-2)
Wins: Memphis, Southeast Louisiana, Vanderbilt, Alabama, UAB, Arkansas, Auburn, Northern Arizona, Tennessee, Mississippi State
Losses: South Carolina, LSU

Arkansas: 7-5 (3-5)
Wins: Missouri State, Texas A&M, Auburn, Eastern Michigan, South Carolina, Troy, Mississippi State
Losses: Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss, LSU

Auburn: 5-7 (2-6)
Wins: Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State, Ball State, Kentucky, Furman
Losses: WVA, Tennessee, Arkansas, LSU, Ole Miss, Georgia, Alabama

Mississippi State: 2-10 (0-8)
Wins: Jackson State, Middle Tennessee State
Losses: Auburn, Vanderbilt, LSU, Georgia Tech, Houston, Florida, Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, Ole Miss

-Will Askew

Memphis: 5-7, 4-4 CUSA, losses Ole Miss, @Middle, @Southern Miss, East Carolina,
@UT, @Houston, @Tulsa

SEC East

Florida: 12-0 (8-0) 
Losses: None

Georgia: 9-3 (6-2) 
Losses: @Oklahoma State, @Arkansas, Florida

Tennessee: 8-4 (4-4)
Losses: @Florida, Georgia, @Alabama, @Ole Miss

South Carolina: 4-8 (2-6)
Losses: @NC State, @Georgia, Ole Miss, @Alabama, @Tennessee, @Arkansas, Florida, Clemson

Vanderbilt: 5-7 (2-6)
Losses: @LSU, Ole Miss, Georgia, @South Carolina, Georgia Tech, @Florida, @Tennessee

Kentucky: 5-7 (1-7)
Losses: Florida, Alabama, @South Carolina, @Auburn, @Vanderbilt, @Georgia, Tennessee

SEC West

Alabama: 11-1 (7-1)
Losses: LSU

Ole Miss: 11-1 (7-1)
Losses: Alabama

LSU: 9-3 (5-3)
Losses: @Georgia, Florida, @Ole Miss

Arkansas: 8-4 (4-4)
Losses: @Florida, @Alabama, @Ole Miss, @LSU

Auburn:  5-7 (2-6)
Losses: WVU, @Tennessee, @Arkansas, @LSU, Ole Miss, @Georgia, Alabama

Mississippi State: 1-11 (0-8) 
Wins: Jackson State