National Signing Day 2013

Alex Collins and his father (sans mother) signing his Letter of Intent. Collins said he wore a camo suit "for the fans."

Usually at this point in the game, 24 hours later, writing a National Signing Day column is considered late. Thanks to Alex Collins' mama drama, deadline has been extended. This day seems to get wilder and more unpredictable as the years pass, and as social media continues to grow along with college football's importance nationwide, there is no where but zany for it to go. Here are a few things that stuck out to me looking back at this year's big day:

ALEX COLLINS' MOTHER STOLE THE SHOW- It would not be Arkansas football if there wasn't a circus involved, and thanks to Collins' mother we got a party. Collins, a Miami native, was all set to sign his Letter of Intent to play football at Arkansas, a decision he made on Monday night on national television. It should have been a time to honor the hard work he has put in earning a scholarship and a time to celebrate his decision.

However, as has been well reported, his mother came to the signing ceremony at Collins' school and took the binding paperwork because she wants him to play at Miami University in Florida. What makes this story even more difficult to understand is that Collins does not even live with his mother.

This afternoon he signed official paper work, cosigned by his father, which officially makes him a Razorback. His mother on the other hand has hired lawyers from a Johnny Cochran law firm to try and prevent his move to Arkansas. Her reasoning per her lawyer: "her only concern is Alex's well being." Give it a break, lady.

THE OLE MISS SURPRISE- Don't get me wrong. I loved my experience at The Grove and weekend in Oxford when the Rebels hosted Samford in 2010. But before Rebel fans get too excited about the future, thinking under coach Hugh Freeze you will challenge the SEC West big boys, namely Alabama, let's take a look at what happened in order for you to land the No. 7 class in 2013.

Ole Miss landed the No 1 recruit at the following positions: defensive end (Robert Nkemdiche), offensive lineman (Jeremy Tunsil), wide receiver (Laquan Treadwell), and a top-notch defensive back (Antonio Conner).

Nkemdiche has an older brother already at Ole Miss, who did some serious recruiting, and a mother who made it public that she wanted her boys to play together. Conner is from South Panola High, a Rebel stronghold for years. These two would have made a good class for Ole Miss alone on most years. They also recruited other top players and sold them on the idea that this could be the class to change the Rebel's fortune, instead of going to Alabama and continuing their championship tradition.

It was a perfect storm, but before we crown them Division Champs, know that other schools in the division have been doing this kind of work for five-plus years.To rise to the top it will take more than one class of stars to change the culture. Coach Hugh Freeze applied the full-court press to haul these guys in. SI.com writer Andy Staples reveals one of Freeze's assistant coaches exchanged more than 800 Facebook messages with Tunsil and another 400 with his girlfriend to help culture their relationship which turned into a commitment. Hard work paid off to bring this class (three 5-stars and 9 4-stars) to fruition.

TIE-DYE SCREAMS SWAG- There was nothing this year that compared to Isaiah Crowell pulling out a bulldog puppy to declare he would attend Georgia a couple of years ago. There was some impressive fashion from some commitment ceremonies though:

WR Stacey Coley (above) commits to Swag U. The only way this gets better is if a Vanderbilt or Stanford commit had donned a "Nerd" hat at their commitment ceremony.

DL Montravious Adams (above) commits to Auburn and proves tie-dye is alive and well. And yes, that is a picture of himself on his shirt. Love his humbleness.

ONE CONFERENCE IS NOT LIKE THE OTHER- Not that long ago the Big 12 was being compared to the SEC. There were some who thought it might be able to challenge the SEC for dominance in college football. Hindsight is 20/20 and we know that thought is comical. Thanks to conference realignment (Texas A&M and Nebraska leaving), Texas and Oklahoma's steady decline, and now recruiting we know who stands above the other.

Not one 5-star prospect according to Rivals.com chose to play football in the Big 12, meaning the Big East, the conference just waiting its demise, had more top players commit to it than Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, West Virginia and the like. Kentucky--yeah that one--would have had the fourth-best class in the Big 12. These are signs your conference no longer has the gravitas it once did.

The SEC went out and collected seven of the top 11 spots in the team rankings, according to 247sports.com. Which means what former LSU receiver Russel Sheppard tweeted may be all the more true:

From the looks of the recruiting classes the #SEC will win the next 4 National championships again !!!!
— Russell Shepard Jr.. (@LSUShep10) February 6, 2013

Clemson RB coach Tony Elliot

Speaking of other conferences, Clemson does some serious recruiting, taking prospects from Florida and Georgia just like the big boys year in and year out.

Coach Dabo Swinney knows what he is doing in getting high schoolers interested in his program. Is running backs coach Tony Elliot the secret into their minds? Notice the Twilight posters surrounding him:

It was a great day, and one that started early for this college football fanatic. I made sure to go to bed early the night before and was up at 5:30 a.m., waiting for the first faxes to be sent.

Yes, they still use fax machines which is a whole other issue: The NCAA at its finest, only 20 years behind the curve.

Column from National Signing Day 2012

National Signing Day

Throughout this world wide web, there is an abundance of places where you can find who "won" signing day. Was it Alabama, or was it Texas? Which university was able to lure that particular recruiting site's number one high school player to a certain school? Was it Missouri, or was it Florida State? Not here boys and girls. Here we will take a closer look at the fanfare that has become signing day and some schools successful days. But in no way am I declaring a winner or, even worse, as some claim a national championship. For you NFL junkies that do not understand a crazed college football fan's obsession, imagine the free agency period and the draft all in one day. Here are a few news and notes...

Let it be known that I try hard to not get entangled in the web of rankings built by sites such as Rivals.com, Scout.com, or 247sports.com about certain prospects. These sites try to project an 18 year-old's football abilities three years in advance. It is an inexact science and impossible to predict. This is not to say that I, just like many of you, do not drool over YouTube videos of their top prospects' skill levels (Johnathan Gray everyone) , but I know that just because a website gives a young man who is 6-foot-7, weighs in a 270, runs a 4.8 second forty-yard dash, and physically dominates top high school competition only  "two-stars" that not much stock can be taken their celestial rating system. Spend some time. Watch some film. And wait to see if the coach of your beloved team can do with the prospect's skills.

Saban "bought" a heinous diamond sweater,
but he can sell his program.

That being said, based on this star rating system, Alabama signed more four and five stars than I ever have in my dynasty on NCAA 2009. (I still play the 09 version because Darren McFadden adorns the cover). They signed more than twice as many prospects from ESPN's top 150 athletes than any other SEC school. With the talent accumulated during his tenure at LSU and now Alabama, the Crimson Tide's coach has shown why he has many changing the acronym NSD from National Signing Day to Nick Saban Day.

The University of Georgia was able to come away with the top player in four different states, thanks to a late fax from the nation's top outside linebacker and Valdosta, Georgia resident, Josh Harvey-Clemons. The poor kid came on national television to announce his intentions to become a Bulldog. His grandfather and legal guardian had other plans. With Valdosta being closer to Florida, most of Harvey-Clemons' family wished to see him as a Gator come fall. After a little embarrassment, the kid won out and will run out in Red and Black in August.

The famed "Chick-fil-a" recruit, McKinzy

In as much preparation he did for the day, calls, texts, emails, official and unofficial visits, in-home visits and more, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney could have done nothing more to convince Cassanova McKinzy to become a Tiger. Well, maybe Swinney could have done one more thing, built a Chick-fil-a on the Clemson campus. The best named recruit in the country said he chose Auburn over Clemson because, "they (Clemson) have no Chick-fil-A on campus."

Stanford signed three consensus five-star prospects to their offensive line. Andrew Luck's presence carries on though he will be in the NFL. However, if you are a big boy that wants a physical run game, where better to go than to block for Barry Sanders Jr., who also signed with the Cardinal.

Not to be confused with that above school out west, Samford added 18 new players for the 2012 team. Much praise was given to the Bulldogs in Southern Conference circles by guys that pay attention to recruiting much more closely than you and me. If you have not been paying attention to what coach Pat Sullivan, the 1972 Heisman trophy winner, has been doing with my alma mater in Birmingham, which chances are you haven't, you should. The Dogs are going places... hopefully.

Top Ten College Foot'Bowl' Games

Throw together Christmas, New Years, family and college foot'bowl' games and you have a potent combination for am enjoyable holiday season. So unless you are Oklahoma State, Kansas State or Boise State fans, let's get ready for an wild bowl season.

And to you who favor a playoff season, did the BCS system not to what it was created to do? We have the nation's best two teams playing for the national championship. (Oklahoma State fans... be serious... we have seen the spread offense versus SEC defensive speed more than once and know the outcome.) Sure there are teams that were snubbed of the chance to play in a bigger bowl game, but this is the system we have. So can we all get along while we wait Prince of Peace's arrival? (No doubt He would have a better system...)

In the meantime, here is a list of the ten bowl games I am looking forward to the most this college foot'bowl' season:

1. BCS National Championship Game- Alabama vs. LSU- If the first game was "The Game of the Century" what does that make this one? The most anticipated rematch of all time will decide the national champion, no matter the outcome. When the country's top two defenses were not playing one another they averaged almost 40 points a game. In good news for every other conference, at the end of the night the SEC will finally have a loss in the BCS Championship Game.

2.Fiesta Bowl- Oklahoma State vs. Stanford- Two of the country's top five offenses, and best quarterbacks in Andrew Luck and Dan Weeden, will take the field . The Pokes are a little disappointed they are not in the championship game, but they must be careful of not falling to the same fate the a Alabama squad did when the Tide were crushed by Utah in the 2008 Sugar Bowl.

3. Vizio Rose Bowl- Wisconsin vs. Oregon- Here are two teams, in the "Grandaddy of them all," who get it done offensively by different means. In one corner is Oregon, who uses speed and a spread offense to keep the scorekeepers busy. In the other corner are the Badgers, who line up in the I-formation and use power to wear down opponents. Watch two of the country's top running backs -- UO's LaMichael James and UW's Montee Ball-- go head-to-head.

4. AT&T Cotton Bowl- Arkansas vs. Kansas State- In what amounts to the sixth BCS game, Kansas State is a little disappointed they do not represent the Big 12 in an actual BCS game. Arkansas' two losses this season came at the hands of the two teams in the national championship. The Wildcats defense will be charged in slowing down a Razorback passing attack which averages 307 yards per game, while the Hogs defense has to stop KSU quarterback Collin Klein, who tallied 1,745 yards and 12 scores through the air and 1,099 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns.

5. Outback Bowl- Michigan State vs. Georgia- Both schools are coming off of conference championship losses and looking to end great seasons on a positive note. The Dawgs have won 10 of their last 11 games, while the Spartans won at least 10 games for the second year in a row. MSU needs to redeem itself after their last game against an SEC opponent, a 49-7 drubbing from Alabama last year in the Capital One Bowl. Spartan head coach Mark Dantonio is 0-4 in bowl games.

6. Orange Bowl- Clemson vs. West Virginia- The Orange Bowl is usually the weakest of all the BCS bowls, but the hosts got lucky when the Moutaineers were able to win the Big East so that America was not forced to watch Cincinatti or Louisville in this game. At least WVU has been down this road before and had success. Clemson has been one of the hottest and coldest teams at times this season but handled Virginia Tech for the second time this season and won the Tigers' first ACC Championship in 20 years.



7. Sugar Bowl- Virginia Tech vs. Michigan- Of the two controversial BCS matchups in The Big Easy this year, Alabama vs. LSU is the other, the Sugar Bowl one is the most puzzling. The teams were selected solely because their fans travel better than other, more deserving, teams. The game still has the possibility to be quite entertaining, even if it is the first Sugar Bowl without an AP Top 10 team since 1945. Michigan quarterback Denard "Shoelace" Robinson work is magic is worth your time.

8. Capital One Bowl- South Carolina vs. Nebraska- The Gamecocks have won 10 games in a season for the second time in school history, and the Huskers are coming of a nine-win season in its first year in the Big 10. USC head coach Steve Spurrier may run up the score if he gets the chance. For you history buffs, the Cornhuskers gave Spurrier his most embarrassing loss, a 62-24 affair in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl when "The Ole Ball Coach" was at Florida.

9. Alamo Bowl- Baylor vs. Washington- So you like offense and you want to see the Heisman Trophy winner all in the same game? Sounds like a fun way to spend your New Years Eve Eve Eve. Two of the more explosive quarterbacks in U Dubs' Kevin Polk and the Bears' Robert Griffin III will go head-to-head in this shootout.

10. Gator Bowl- Ohio State vs. Florida- Go ahead and put the over under at 35 on the number of times Urban Meyer's name is thrown around. The former Gator coach is headed to coach the Buckeyes next year after two championship runs in Florida. Meyer has already made his presence known on the recruiting trail. If current head coach, and OSU's next defensive coordinator, Lou Fickell can pull out a win over the SEC the Buckeye bandwagon should fill back up quickly.

*For you college foot'bowl' junkies like myself, here are a few more nuggets that should be fun to watch:

-Kraft  Fight Hunger Bowl- UCLA vs. Illinois- Here is one of those games that opponents of the bowl system have to cringe when they see this matchup. Both schools suffered poor endings (UCLA has a 6-7 record.)  and neither school will have their head coach, as both Rick Neuheisel and Ron Zook have been fired. Try to hold your enthusiasm when watching interim coaches going at it.

-Champs Sports Bowl- Florida State vs. Notre Dame- Both schools entered this season with BCS aspirations but had points during the season they lost games they should not have. The winner of this game will have a leg-up in the polls heading into the 2012 season. If the Seminoles pull out the 'W,' do not be surprised if they are preseason top five next year.

The Weekend That Will Be: Championship Saturday

Georgia vs. LSU- People here in Georgia are trying so hard to convince themselves that Georgia stands a chance. As much as I would love for my sister and her friends to be able to celebrate on Broad Street in Athens until the wee hours of the morning after a Bulldog win, it is just not happening. The only way UGA comes away with a win is if LSU is looking forward to their date with Alabama in the national championship. The Bayou Bengals are too good and wear down opponents.  With their larger-than-NFL-lines offensive line that Georgia will look like they have a chance until halftime, but the depth of the LSU running backs and strength of their defense will be too much for the Dawgs.

 Wisconsin vs. Michigan State- The inaugural Big Ten Championship will feature a rematch of a game that was decided by a controversial Hail Mary pass from the Spartans as time expired. This loss was the first of two losses of the Badgers have suffered by way of the last-drive variety. The second loss came on the road against Ohio State. If not for these two passes Wisconsin would be looking at a possible trip to the BCS National Championship. There is plenty of fire in the belly of the Badgers this week and they will take care of MSU easily at a neutral site and the Badgers rein as B1G Champions for the second straight year. How about that Rose Bowl coming on the First of January? Oregon vs. Wisconsin. Also of note, Badger running back Montee Ball is now 5 touchdowns short of former Oklahoma State running back Barry Sanders' record of 39 scores in a season. Ball has is playing in his 13th game. Sanders did it in 11.

Virginia Tech vs. Clemson- Here is another rematch in a conference championship game as the Tigers try to execute the same plan to perfection they did earlier this season in a 23-3 win over the Hokies in Blacksburg. The difference in this game and the previous matchup will be the play of Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas. In his last seven games he has thrown for 14 touchdowns and only two picks. Add his 10 rushing scores, and the Hokies have a new weapon to unleash against the Clemson defense. Also watch the VT defense, who held the electric Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins to 38 yards in their previous meeting. The Tiger offense has cooled down tremendously, scoring 17 points per game in their last four games of which Clemson has lost three. The Tigers are pulling a Clemson down the stretch and lose to a driven Hokie squad. No worries Tiger fans. Your team is young and has a bright future.

Other picks (winners in bold)
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State- The de facto Big 12 Championship game will the Cowboys take advantage of their one chance every eight to ten years to beat their big brother Sooners. Do not be surprised if they Pokes rack up as many points as they can against their hated rival.

Southern Mississippi at Houston- Coach Kevin Sumlin, quarterback Case Keenum and their Cougar team get the W and head to a BCS bowl game for the first time in school history. Hey coach Sumlin... it will never be this good again. Take your money (reportedly $3 million at possible new schools) and a new job where ever that may be.

Texas at Baylor- When was the last time the Bears were favorites over the Longhorns? Enjoy it while you can Baylor. P.s. How can you not love Robert Griffin III? Give him the Heisman and Go Bears!

Bobby Dodd Stadium

Last weekend I had the opportunity to go to my first Atlantic Coast Conference game and second game at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium. I had been to watch the Yellow Jackets play once before on their home turf in an early season match-up against my Samford Bulldogs. Needless to say the atmosphere for a non-conference game with a FCS school has a little different feel than when Tech hosts the No. 5-ranked team in the nation, the Clemson Tigers.

The student section 10 minutes to kickoff

I went to the game thinking I would come away with a idea to write about the differences between an ACC and SEC contest. However, the game that would ensue was quite entertaining. Now I am not going as far as to say that the ACC is equal to the SEC atmosphere, not really a contest with about 40,000 less people, but to say I did not enjoy the evening would be lying. If you have never tailgated in an urban environment it's worth looking into.

The crowd with 10 minutes before kickoff was disappointing. Tech is more known for being an academic institution and the students say they have enough time to leave the library, but a half empty student section is inexcusable when you are competing in maybe the biggest game that will happen while you are at school. Nor can a fourth of your stadium be filled with opposing colors. And speaking of the those in attendance, because your team goes down 3-0 in the first quarter to one of the nation's top offenses does not mean you have the right to leave the game, which unfortunately for those who left happened. 



Sammy Watkins about to do work

But after the Yellow Jackets scored on their ensuing drive and the next 17 points, not a soul left (until Clemson fans started pouring out when the game was out of hand). The place was 'buzzing' with excitement and no one sat down, except for halftime and TV timeouts. There was an uneasiness in the stadium with a 24-3 lead because the Tigers can score so quickly (I am now a believer in Clemson WR Sammy Watkins); but with the triple-option offense Georgia Tech 'run's the tension was soon relieved as they pounded the ball on the ground.


Here they come...

When the clock struck 0:00 the students rushed the field, which I had never seen in person. It was a planned reaction, which means it was not the same as if they had won on a last minute field goal but it was impressive nonetheless. Everything that needed to happen in an upset happened for the then unranked Yellow Jackets: turnovers, home night game and an offense that can control clock. Tech fans have become used to this, with coach Paul Johnson undefeated against ranked opponents at home.




It was a great night in Atlanta for Georgia Tech and myself. The next college game on my schedule (unless you invite me to one sooner) is a trip down to a familiar venue in Jordan-Hare Stadium, as the Auburn Tigers host the Samford Bulldogs.

The Weekend That Wil Be: Week 5

Nebraska at Wisconsin- If I could could attend one game in the first half of the season, this is the one I would choose (I know... not an SEC game.). One day I'll get up to Camp Randall and jump around between the third and fourth quarters. I have only heard good things, where the people are kind and force you to try their cheese and slabs of meat. Throw in my Big 10 darling and it sounds like a dream weekend trip. The game is supposed to be good, but not in my eyes. Nebraska is the most overrated Top 10 team, and the environment is too much for the Huskers. "On Wisconsin" to victory.

Alabama at Florida- Two years is this was the most heated rivalry in college football, and it seems as if it is on its way back to claiming that spot with coach Will Muschamp at the helm for the Gators. If you have not done your homework, you may not know Florida has the top offense in the SEC. Bama has arguably the best defense with eight projected first and second round prospects for the NFL Draft. The Swamp will be rocking and holds close for a while before the Tide rolls away. Teacher (Nick Saban) beats (Muschamp) relatively easily in a battle of intensity.

Clemson at Virginia Tech- The real question here is if the Tigers can stay focused for the third week in a row, as they travel for their first road contest of the season. Clemson has had its program's biggest two wins in the Swinney era. The host Hokies have not played a big-time game yet this season. Blacksburg is no easy place to travel to and the under-the-radar Virginia Tech team handles a young Tiger squad.

Arkansas vs. Texas A&M- Both schools are coming off losses, have explosive offenses, are old South West Conference members, have played the role of little brother to Texas and next season both teams will play in the SEC. All these reasons are reasons to watch the Southwest Classic from the Jerry Dome in Arlington, Texas. The Aggies will and slow down the Hogs by attacking the Arkansas offensive line with an A&M defense that leads the nation in sacks. The pressure on the quarterback comes at a cost. A&M had 60 pass attempts thrown its way last week and came up with no INTs. Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino likes to throw the rock around a little bit. A&M has not beat an SEC team since 1995 either. Take the Hogs in a mild upset.

Other picks (winners in bold)
Mississippi State vs. Georgia- Battle of the Dawgs will get intense. A loss puts Georgia at two SEC losses and a hard hole to dig out of for any chance at the East title. A loss for MSU will start these Dawgs out at 0-3 and huge disappointment for the season will ensue.

Kentucky at LSU- The last time Kentucky played a No. 1 LSU team? Answer I do not think the Tigers will cover the 31.5-point spread, but finally they relax a little after their tough September.

Auburn at South Carolina- If Auburn can come with any sort of defense they might could win. They do not and Gamecock quarterback Stephen Garcia has a big game.

New Mexico State at New Mexico- Maybe the worst two offenses and defenses in the game on one field, what a rivalry! Perennially bad teams go at it in this heated match-up.

Notre Dame at Purdue- The Irish show off an explosive offense and have only three turnovers.

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 4

Arkansas at Alabama- The SEC's top offense will travel to Tuscaloosa for a showdown with the SEC's top defense.The lack of a running game stopped the Hogs from defeating the No. 1-ranked Crimson Tide last year and once again, the game may come down to how well each team can run the ball and effectively control the clock. If Alabama running back Trent Richardson can keep his pace going the Razorbacks' explosive offense can not get on the field. Also watch to see how a young offensive line from Fayetteville reacts to playing in one of the toughest stadiums (and most picturesque) in the game. Alabama moves to 4-0 and their coach Nick Saban remains undefeated against Arkansas.

Oklahoma State at Texas A&M- In what may be the last game between these two teams for quite some time as the Aggies move to the SEC, plenty of points will be scored. Watch for the running game to be key in who wins the game on Saturday. Texas A&M running back Cyrus Gray will go for his ninth consecutive 100 yard rushing game. The winner of this shootout may very well be the team who has the last possession. If you like defense stay away from the Aggies and Cowboys. Texas A&M wins at home.

Florida State at Clemson- One team is coming off their coach's biggest career win and the other off of a disappointing loss. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney kept his job for a couple of more seasons last week with a win over the defending national champions. Was rushing the field necessary? No and proof Clemson is not quite ready for the SEC. Swinney had an outburst that was reminiscent of Houston Nutt's "We Got that Wood" speech. Luckily for Swinney, he probably keeps his job. Seminole quarterback E.J. Manuel has been officially ruled "questionable" for the game on Saturday at Death Valley. Without Manuel it will be harder for FSU to pull off my upset special, but they still come out on top.

LSU at West Virginia- One can only hope the rumors of LSU students running into West Virginia classes in Morgantown and yelling "Geux Tigers!" is true. It is hard to believe it is not true, knowing rabid LSU fans. The Mountaineer offense is averaging 42 points per game and LSU's defense is giving up about 4.2 points per game. West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith will feel pressure. Pressure to perform and more pressure from the Tigers' defensive line. The Tigers, who have played the NCAA's toughest September schedule, will continue their dominance, winning easily.

Other picks (winners in bold)
North Carolina at Georgia Tech- Just do what you did last week Tech, over 600 yards on the ground and more than 12 yards a carry.

Georgia at Ole Miss- The Hot Seat Bowl ends with even more pressure on Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt. The Bullodgs are too talented.

Vanderbilt at South Carolina- Did I call that the Gamecocks would struggle last week? Vandy wakes up from their dream and plays more like the Vandy we have come to know.

Southern California at Arizona State- USC is young, six total freshamn starters. A tough night road test will prove to be too much.

Notre Dame at Pittsburgh
Florida at Kentucky
Oregon at Arizona