Johnny Manziel Gets Headlines; The Monster, Jeremy Hill, Plays On

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel has grabbed headlines for every step he has taken since winning the Heisman trophy eight months ago. From going to the NBA Finals, to becoming friends with the Drake, LeBron James, from being excused from the Manning Passing camp, to attending a fraternity party in Austin at the Aggies rival Texas, Manziel has had his fair share of air time over what seems like the longest college football offseason ever.

While none of these activities were against any NCAA rules, the most recent allegations to come against the redshirt sophomore have him in a real heap of — just for the agricultural school — cow patties.

Johnny Manziel

ESPN is reporting that Johnny Football took a $7,500 exchange for some autographed pictures. If this is true it does not bode well for A&M's title hopes, and due to the NCAA's amateurism rules, you have most likely seen Manziel play his last down of college football if the reports are true.

This story, because of the high-profiles involved — a team on the verge of a run at at a national championship and the current Heisman winner — is easy to sell to the masses, get ratings and viewership, but 366 miles away someone else was given another chance to play this season, after a crime, not some comparatively tenuous NCAA violation.

The news came in a blip across the bottom of your television screen, via a few tweets in your timeline, or perhaps you missed it. LSU's Jeremy Hill was reinstated for the season.

For the second time in his 22-year existence, the sophomore running back was arrested. The first coming in high school where Hill and a buddy committed despicable acts to a girl four years his junior.

Afterwards, LSU head coach Les Miles rewarded the four-star recruit with a scholarship.

This time the 6-foot-2, 235-pound monster attacked a defenseless man outside of a Baton Rouge bar as you can see in the video here. As wild as it may seem, his defense attorney — an LSU alum — convinced the judge — also an LSU alum — that Hill, who pleaded guilty to the charges, deserved probation, not time in prison.

Being what the Louisiana court system is, Hill found his way out of a prison sentence. Instead, he was sentenced to two years probation (of course traveling for LSU away games and playing in night games does not break probation), 50 hours of community service, pay $375 for the victims medical bills and write a letter of apology.

Les Miles

This time Miles awarded Hill with a welcome back to the football team.

Hill's football career, which made him a star in the state of Louisiana, will remain as it was. He was allowed back on the football team he rushed 755 yards and 12 touchdowns for. Why?  Most of all because he will help win football games.

Miles told the press on Monday if it was up to him, Hill would not be allowed but on the team, but Miles allowed the team to vote on it. And big surprise here, Hill's 18-22 year-old buddies let him come back on the team.

Johnny Football wanted some extra cash. For what, who knows? Was it worth the consequences that may arise from his actions? No, but if his allegations are true, Johnny Football's college career will presumably be over. I can't say how, as a 20-year-old, I would handle the limelight. I can't definitively say I would not fall into the same traps. I've never been offered more than about $10 bucks an hour for any skill I possess.

However, I do know what Hill did to a defenseless man outside a Baton Rouge bar in early July is deplorable. I do know that Miles dropped a couple of notches on my scale, a scale he was already low on for the way he has handled situations like this in the past.

Based on his previous handlings of simple battery situations, I should have known better. I should have known that winning football games and keeping the LSU fanbase — including the alums in a defunct court system — is more paramount than developing character, and that the Johnny Football drama is more signigicant to the media than allowing a monster back on campus where other potential victims may be living their lives.

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

The Weekend That Was: Irish and Seminoles Back?, Ducks Defense, Bulldogs 'Barking' for Love

Notre Dame's Manti Te'o

There both back. No doubt. Notre Dame and Florida State are back to their old form. Whip out your LA Gear light-up sneakers, Tamagotchis, and favorite boy band CD. It is like we have been sent back to the 90s.

In the words of former Seminole Lee Corso, "Not so fast, my friends."

"Back" for both of these teams does not mean a perfect third of the season, if so both have already come "back" in the last decade. No. "Back" for these programs is an entire perfect season and a championship rings, hats and shirts adorning the players in January.

Notre Dame has played the tougher schedule, with wins over a top 10 team on the road (Michigan State) and a win against  No. 18 Michigan on Saturday. The Irish also has the more difficult schedule remaining, which will keep them from contending for one of the top two spots in the BCSNC. One of their biggest improvements since last season is turnover margin. Redshirt freshman Everett Golson has kept the ball from opposing defenses and the Irish defense is playing stingy. Notre Dame sits at No. 5 in turnover margin at plus-9. Four games into last season the Irish were ranked No. 118.

Florida State looked awfully good on Saturday though defeating No. 10 Clemson 49-37 at home with over 660 yards of total offense. E.J. Manuel is beginning to look like the player everyone thought he could be for the last two years, compiling over 1000 yards of offense, 8 touchdowns, and completing 73 percent of his passes this season. The Seminoles have the easiest schedule on paper of any true title contenders, but they must continue to improve and win games they should unlike they have done recently with such high expectations. Their most challenging game looks to be No. 11 Florida at home on the final week of the season.

DUCKS DEFENSE, RUN GAME IMPRESSIVE: Tell me if this makes any sense: Team A had 25 first downs, Team B had 19. Team A had 495 yards of total offense, Team B had almost 350. Yet, Team A beat Team B 47-0. Team A is Oregon, and Team B is Arizona.

The Wildcats had the ball six times in the Ducks red zone and came away with exactly zero points. With the way Arizona was moving the ball it is quite a testament to Oregon's defense to hold the shutout. In no way I am saying the Ducks' defense belongs in the same conversation as some of the SEC big boys but it is impressive nonetheless.

While it was slowed down a little in this game, even more impressive on the season has been the Oregon rushing attack. Lead by senior Kenjon Barner and the most electric player in college football, De'Anthony Thomas. The two have combined for more than 600 yards rushing and 10 scores through three games. Thomas would be the Heisman favorite if not for having to share the backfield with another potential contender. This means Thomas, who is scoring on every fifth offensive touch, is being underutilized.

I know that we have seen it before and I am not calling for the national championship right now, but it sure would be fun to see them play a top-tier SEC defense.

BULLDOG MAKING STRONG 'BARK' FOR HEISMAN: Speaking of Heisman contenders Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray has to start getting some love. If the Bulldogs are able to continue their winning ways, it can only help him. Against Vanderbilt on Saturday Murray was 18 for 24 for 250 yards, two passing scores and one rushing touchdown. He is on pace for more than 3,500 yards and 33 touchdowns for the regular season.

If gets enough support from the stout UGA defense to remain undefeated and can somehow beat Alabama or LSU in the SEC Championship, look for his name to be called at the Downtown Athletic Club during the second week of December.

Samford's Fabian Truss

BULLDOGS REMAIN UNBEATEN: It may not be hitting the national media, but there is another Bulldog team that is 4-0 and 2-0 in their conference, the Samford Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs scored 15 fourth quarter points for a 25-21 win at Southern Conference foe Western Carolina on Saturday. Running back Fabian Truss ran the ball 23 times for 173 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score.The win sets up a televised game at Georgia Southern this week (Being televised at this level is still a big deal.) Under the direction of Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan, the program is without a  doubt headed in the right direction, and the Bulldogs are ranked in the coaches poll for the first time since 1995.

I am going to an alumni event in Atlanta on Tuesday and for the first time ever I have a feeling the Bulldogs from Birmingham will be a conversation over dinner. I will proudly take part in the "It's Great, To Be, a Saaaamford Buuulldog!" chant.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST:

We sat so close I could feel the spit coming off of Tech's
defensive coordinator Al Groh's tongue. 

-Oregon State defeated another ranked team to take coach Mike Reily officially off the hot seat: Wisconsin two weeks ago and ULCA this week. To celebrate the win, Reily ordered 200 double-doubles with fries from In-and-Out for his team.

-Georgia Tech lost a strange game to Miami in which the Hurricanes scored 19 points to open the game. The Yellow Jackets followed with 26 straight points in response. Miami scored the final 23 points, including a touchdown in overtime, to win the game.

-Western Kentucky won again, pounding Southern Mississippi 42-17. The Hilltoppers have won 10 of their last 12. Their two losses? LSU and Alabama.

-Missouri hates grown man football, and has begun initial talks of a move back to Big XII.

The Weekend That Was: Barkley Owned, Another Historic Loss, Irish for Real?, My New Favorite Player, SEC Joke Coaches

While it is the surprises, upsets and a sense of loyalty to a team that draws us to college football, there are a few truths that seem inevitable. A few of those came true this weekend: Virginia Tech begins the year in the top 10 and falls to an inferior team, Alabama beats Arkansas, USC starts in the top 5 and is a national championship favorite and falls, and Notre Dame wins three games and moves up the polls quickly. Now that you have the gist of Week Three in football, let's get to the nitty gritty.

Barkley remains defeated versus Stanford

STANFORD OWNS BARKLEY & CO.: At some point, what Stanford did/is doing will no longer be a fluke. Cardinal coach David Shaw has to get credit. He is Andrew Luck-less and is still pulling off 'upsets' of the No. 2 team in the country. I say "'upsets'" because it should no longer come as a surprise when he is able to beat the California team from the south. Maybe, just maybe, Shaw will be able to sustain some of the success his predecessors (Jim Harbaugh and Andrew Luck) began. I am all up for nerds ruling the football world.

Stanford is a rarity in college football. Not only do they all make 34's on their ACTs but they know who they are and what they can and can not do. They know they run the football well with a huge push from the big uglies upfront, which creates an obvious, enormous mismatch for USC, who is setup to beat the likes of Oregon.

Matt Barkley will graduate having never beaten Stanford, which is incredible when you look at the history of these two programs.

ANOTHER HISTORIC LOSS: Remember the questions I brought up last week after Arkansas blew a 28-7 lead to University Louisiana-Monore? There are more this week. Instead of doing listing those, here is some historical perspective of what a team that was beat by ULM in 2007 (Alabama) did on Saturday in Fayetteville.

The Tide shut out the Hogs at home for the first time since 1966, a 44-0 loss to the Baylor, but that was two years post national championship. It was the worst loss for the Razorbacks since a 70-17 show from the USC Trojans. It was an embarrassing day for Arkansas, and while the weather did not help keep fans in their seat, neither did their play on the field.

Injured Razorback quarterback admitted he thought some of his teammates quit, which is a direct reflection of coaching. There's good reason to be worried as Rutgers comes to Arkansas this week.

If anything, this makes The Game of the Century III (Alabama at LSU) all the more anticipated, and as my old man said, no doubt there is a Pop Tart sale in Arkansas.

Johnson has been "The Beast" for a while.

MY FAVORITE PLAYER IS A VOLUNTEER: Is there anything Tennessee sophomore A.J. Johnson can not do? He was named to the All-SEC freshman team a year ago and now is starting to show out on the offensive side too from the Wildcat formation.

Not only does he make grown-man tackles on defense, but the Volunteer captain scored a rushing touchdown against Florida.

He did the same thing in high school, too.

A Gainesville, Georgia native, he dominated this area for four years like few have and remains a local legend. If he continues on his current path, he will soon be a legend in the Knoxville area as well before making his way to the professional ranks.

NOTRE DAME IS FOR REAL (maybe): The Irish get their fair, and maybe more, share of articles and columns written about them, but anytime you go on the road, in a night game, and defeat a top 10 team, you start getting press for all the right reasons.

Coach Brian Kelley, who was brought over from Cincinnati for his offensive prowess, has started building his program from the defensive side of the ball. Now, other than Alabama and LSU, he may have the top defensive front in the country and the best linebacker in Manti Te'o. Kelley will build his offense no doubt, and if both sides of the ball progress like they seem to be doing, the Irish could be trouble in the future.

HOW QUICKLY CAN CHIZIK BE REPLACED: It's really a three-way race between Arkansas' John L. Smith, Auburn's Gene Chizik, and Kentucky's Joker Phillips to see who will be fired first. Two of the three will definitely be told to seek employment elsewhere come season's end, but Chizik has enough equity built up from a national championship two years ago.

After two dismal performances from his quarterback Kiehl Frazier, these games are much more like what we expected from Chizik when he came from Iowa State. This is what a Chizik team minus a $200,000 quarterback looks like.

That's what a Hilltoppers look like after they get their first SEC win.

KENTUCKY'S BIG JOKE(er): Get it? Their coach's name is Joker and that's what he has made the Wildcats in the eyes of football fans. We have all heard Kentucky fans say the only sport they care about is basketball -- and horseracing. However, there are better ways to let everyone know that other than getting beat by Western Kentucky. Heck, they've only been an official FBS program for four years!

Sure you make all SEC fans proud during March and early April, but there is no excuse for this. Bye, bye Joker.

Honey Badger Didn't Care, Saban too Tough, Howard Happy, My New Home

Matthieu will have to look elsewhere to play this season.

There has been a celebration in the South. In small towns all over Alabama and Arkansas, chocolate fountains have been working hard, and there is a shortage of all-you-can-eat and cotton candy supplies at Golden Corrals in light of recent news out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

As we know, Tyrann Mathieu was dismissed from the LSU football team on Friday for an undisclosed violation of team rules, which will help the entire SEC West in their respective journeys to the SEC Championship.

Reports say that the Honey Badger could not stay away from hitting the pipe. His decision have cost selfish player playing time for the Bayou Bengals in the past, leaving coach Les Miles no other choice but to dismiss the Heisman Trophy finalist. Does this sound like someone you would want to hang out with?

On his Twitter feed, the 2011 unanimous All-American wrote, "The realist hearts have been through the most pain!! I'm out!!"

By horrifying the LSU English department, Mattieu showed again that he simply does not get it. He does not understand how actions have consequences and when you break rules -- over and over again -- you will be punished accordingly. He does not demonstrate an understanding that the game is not all about him. Now he will learn this lesson at a FCS program (reportedly McNeese State in Lake Charles, Louisiana).

As a fan of college football, it is sad to see arguably the most exciting player in the game no longer able to compete with the top talent. What is worse is when an individual with his talent, who has the chance to set an example for young people, can not get his act together though given multiple opportunities.

ALABAMA TRANSER TO TRANSFER: After four practices under Nick Saban, cornerback Travell Dixon has completed paperwork to transfer from the Crimson Tide. The junior college transfer was expected to see significant playing time, but reports from Tuscaloosa say that Dixon was experiencing, "a little overload."

Call me crazy, but isn't that what is to be expected when you commit play for Saban? Isn't that what makes playing against the Tide's defense so good and so dang difficult for opponents? Isn't that what makes Alabama players NFL ready as soon as they are drafted?

The good news is Alabama will, like LSU with Mattieu (though his back-up Tharold Simon also missed games last year because of drug related problems), fill in their new loss with another speedy monster on the depth chart.

Howard at his Laker press conference.

HOWARD APPEARS TO BE HAPPY, FINALLY : Dwight Howard was traded from the Orlando Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers this week in a four-team deal. Just go look at Y! Sports site if you want to see all of the players involved. Blogger will not let me have that long of a post.

It only took the Magic two years, a Howard agreement on an extension, and a two better offers turned down. Yes, Orlando got rid of the best defensive player in the game, and they got the fourth best player of all the teams and no one to fill Howard's void. Thirty-year-old Magic general manager Rob Hennigan has plenty of work to do. On the bright side, because of his age he has plenty of time to do it.

Keeping with the franchise tradition of big-time big men, the Lakers again stole the greatest big man in the game from Orlando as they did with Shaquille O'Neal in 1996. Other similarities include their draft position (No. 1 overall) and nickname (Superman). Remember how these two bicker about how different they are? And how Howard said he does not want to follow O'Neal professional career?

Now the Lakers are the team to beat in the Western Conference because they have the most complete starting lineup with room to add a few wiley veterans.

Some things change, but Ole Blue remains the same.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE: I would like to apologize to all three of my readers for not posting more often lately. There have been several events that I would have loved to share my opinion on, but I have been moving into a house from the south Hall County Georgia to the northern parts. The move has cut down on the time I have been able to sit down and write. However, because of the move, I now I have a beautiful new desk, a better view from my desk, and the improvements in overall quality of life that come along with moving from an apartment to a house -- like a quite night's sleep and a new pillowtop mattress, which will change your life. All are welcome.

The Five SEC Players I Would (And Would Not) Hang Out With

I recently had a conversation with a college friend of mine of a college quarterback's, now thanks to the internet  infamous tattoo. It led to the idea for this post. Without further ado, here is the list of players in the SEC, given the opportunity, I would like or would not to hang out with in no particular order.

The "Woulds":

Even Nick Saban likes Barrett Jones

Barrett Jones, Alabama center- A 2011 unanimous All-America selection and Outland Trophy winner, Jones is not only a beast on the field at 6-foot-5, 311-pounds; but he also holds a 4.0 at Alabama, while working on his masters and preparing for the CPA exam. The over-sized nerd, once finished 15th in his age division at a Scrabble competition. Oh and he has played violin continuously since age three. 

Jordan Rodgers, Vanderbilt quarterback- The community college transfer followed began the 2011 season as the No. 2 quarterback on the Commodore depth chart before taking over the starting job and topping Jay Cutler's freshmen year in total yards gained. I would hang out with Jordan on the outside shot he would bring his brother Aaron along, Super Bowl MVP and champion for the Green Bay Packers.

Knile Davis, Arkansas running back and Tyler Wilson, Arkansas quarterback- I went with a combo here for the same reason no parent wants to choose their favorite child. Davis and Wilson are arguably the top players in the SEC at their respective positions. In addition, reports came out that the duo had conversations with former Razorback coach, and poor motorcycle-driving connoisseur, Bobby Petrino over the summer. Wouldn't you like to know exactly what was said?

T.J. Moe, Missouri wide receiver- In my last post, I wrote how Moe stole the show at SEC media days with his comments of how the SEC is better than the Big 12. Other than that,  I do not know much about the No. 1 wideout on the Tiger's depth chart. However, I do know if we were to hang out there is a strong possibility I would have more one-liners to add to my arsenal, which is enough to make the list.

Johnson, stud on and off the field.

A.J. Johnson, Tennessee linebacker- Would I be a fan of his had I not moved to Gainesville, Johnson's hometown two years ago? Probably not, but after doing so and hearing some of the local lore I would like to talk to this kid and get the his full story. I have watched him on some YouTube highlights, and the more I watch the more I wish I could have seen the then Red Elephant in person. Locals here say he is a great all-around person.

Honorable Mention-

Bacarri Rambo, Georgia safety- He was called Fudge before he changed his name in grade school. I would ask for the full story.

Barkevious Mingo, LSU defensive end- The name game again. What is its origin?

Kiero Small, Arkansas fullback- The 5-foot10, 255-pound Small is a willing block seeker in the second and third level. He broke more than ten opponent's helmets and at least eight of his own in 2011.


The "Would Nots":

Tyrann Mathieu, LSU cornerback- If an explanation is necessary, just Google is name. The Honey Badger is a good ball player but has a number of character issues.

Da'Rick Rogers, Tennesee wide receiver- Yet another prima donna wide receiver, who tweets about hanging out with high school kids in hot tubs when he goes home to Calhoun, Georgia. Rogers is talented receiver who used his five-star ranking to shortchange Georgia. He switched his commitment in the last hour to the Volunteers by finagling a scholarship for his high school quarterback. A season later, he publicly announced that he was going to transfer to Georgia State after a disappointing season. These plans never worked out, and now he is still giving his all -- if that possible -- for Tennessee today.

Hard to believe the guy on the right has the art on the right inked on his chest.

A.J. McCarron, Alabama quarterback- Though he is not the reason this blog was created, he comes in a close second because of his tattoo. When one decides to go through with a terrible permanent marking on their body, they prove to me of their poor decision-making skills, which would make hanging out with him not so fun. McCarron's tattoo does just that (and he strives to be just like John Parker Wilson, Bama Bangs and all).

Brad Wing, LSU punter- Football players do not generally respect the masters of special teams (kickers and punters). Sure it was a good play, and another gutsy call by LSU coach Les Miles, but taunting the opposing team after scoring your only career touchdown (which was called back) as a punter is a quick way to find yourself on this list. Cocky punters? Nah.

Bray needs no nameplate on his jersey. He
already has a permanent one on his back.

Tyler Bray, Tennessee quarterback- The Volunteer signal caller is the proud owner of the star tattoo which brought this whole post to life. Since telling the press at SEC Media Days how proud he is of his star back-branding, Bray has thrown a temper tantrum after allegedly being told he would be evicted from his apartment complex. With his cannon-like right arm, he threw beer bottles and golf balls at a neighbor's car. Although he apologized and is paying for the damages, I am not up for a night of taking out anger through vandalism of private property.

Dishonorable Mention- 

Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn tight end- He added to the myth that white men can't dance with The Lutzie against Alabama in 2010.

Thoughts and opinions of my list? Or others you would want to add? Comment below.

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!

Jailbirds take LSU To the Championships

Arkansas lost again to a group of players that might should have been suspended, in jail or kicked off the team for offenses committed during the offseason and this season, reminiscent of their game with Ohio State in the 2010 Sugar Bowl.

Pryor's tattoo sleeve

In the Razorback's game with the Buckeyes in January, quarterback Terrelle Pryor, receiver DeVier Posey and running back Daniel 'Boom' Herron scored touchdowns. Up by seven points, linebacker Soloman Thomas sealed the OSU victory with an interception on Arkansas' last drive of the game. These four players and one other, a starting offensive linemen, were allowed to play in the Sugar Bowl after the NCAA found the five guilty of selling championship rings, jerseys, awards and receiving improper benefits from a tattoo parlor. The NCAA did suspend the players for the first five games of this season but there was very little support behind its decision to let the five player play in the bowl game last season.

Jefferson's mugshot from his arrest on Aug. 28


  Similarly, without LSU's Jailbirds' points on Friday the Bayou Bengals would have tied the Razorbacks 17-17 -- that score includes the Tigers extra points scored after four Jailbird touchdowns-- and forced no turnovers if the the Jailbirds had not played.

The Jailbirds are led by the starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson (1 rushing TD, 1 passing TD), who was arrested during the offseason for his involvement in a bar fight, where he stomped a man's face into the ground. The other three members of the gang are defensive backs Tyrann Mathieu (1 punt return for touchdown and 2 forced turnovers), Tharold Simon (multiple pass breakups) and running back Spencer Ware (1 rushing TD), who all tested positive for marijuana earlier this season.

Do not see a bitter fan writting away in his living room as you read this. I am not complaining about the 41-17 thrashing the Tigers handed the Razorbacks.  LSU is the best team in the game and deserves to go to the BCS National Championship no matter the result of next week's SEC Championship against Georgia. It was a fair played beat down where LSU proved to be the far superior team. Instead, look at the game from a different perspective. Is college football actually developing young men as is its purpose?

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 13

Arkansas at LSU- Though The Battle for the Golden Boot is not getting the hype that LSU-Alabama received, it could have as much to do with who plays in the national title as "The Game of the Century" does. The Hogs have won three of the last four games and are one of the few offenses that can challenge the Blitzing Bengals. It is the blitzing that has cost the Tigers in the past and can again. Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson has actually been more efficient when faced with five or more pass rushers (17 of 18 and 2 touchdowns the last two weeks). The game will hinge on whether the Razorback offensive line can slow down LSU's rush. As underdogs, Arkansas should cover the 14 point line but LSU is on a mission and will eventually wear down the Razorbacks.

Penn State at Wisconsin- Amidst all of the turmoil in Happy Valley, the Nittany Lions have put together a solid season and will travel to Madison for the de facto Big Ten Legends Division Championship, with the winner heading to play Michigan State in the first ever Big Ten Conference Championship game. Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson is the Badgers' main attraction, but watch running back Monte Ball and his Big Ten record 30 touchdowns against the nation's third best scoring defense that has allowed only more than 20 points twice this season. Wisconsin has more skill on both sides of the ball and will win, setting up a rematch with MSU, the team that gave the Badgers their first loss.

Alabama at Auburn-  A chance to participate in the national title game is again on the line in the Iron Bowl. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of living in the state of Alabama during college football season or attending this rivalry game, it's something you should look into. There is no where else in the country where college football -- and the results of a rivalry game -- means as much as it does in the Heart of Dixie. Alabama running back Trent Richardson, his 1,380 yards and 20 touchdowns have just about wrapped up the state's third straight Heisman -- as was predicted earlier here. For Auburn to have a chance the defense has to take advantage of forced turnovers. Unfortunately for Auburn fans the visiting team will leave with the 'W,' as it has been for the last two seasons.

Other picks (winners in bold)

Georgia at Georgia Tech- UGA locked up a place in the SEC Championship, but would love to cap of the regular season with a win over their in-state rivals. After going 1-9 in their last 10 meetings, Tech is looking to slow down the Bulldogs winning ways. The Bulldogs are too strong for the Yellow Jackets and earn their tenth consecutive win.

Clemson at South Carolina-The Tigers finally pulled their classic Clemson, losing in blowout fashion to a then sub-.500 NC State team. USC has been discounted as a good team, but their only two losses are to Auburn and Arkansas. The Gamecock defense is one of the best around and handles the Clemson at home.

Ole Miss at Mississippi State- The Nuttcracker -- or Dan Mullen as he more formally known -- is a huge reason Houston will be out of a job after Saturday. The Rebels have lost two in games to Mullen's Bulldogs and looked embarrassingly bad in SEC play. Ole Miss gave up on this season a month ago making a State blowout win for the Egg Bowl even easier.

Ohio State at Michigan
Notre Dame at Stanford
UCLA at USC
Florida State at Florida

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 10

LSU at Alabama- There is not a stat that I can write that you have not heard at this point in the week for the most hyped regular season game ever. These two teams are far and above the two best teams in the nation and most of the hype is well deserved (ESPN's coverage has been overbearing). One day it will be fun to look back at these talented defenses when they are dotting  NFL defenses and remember when they were on one field for a night. Pick your poison on defense. It comes down to whether you like the Blitzing Bengals or do you like the "sit back and dare you to come at me" style of the Tide. The offenses will be the real question. Two not so talented quarterbacks will be forced to make plays. Luckily for LSU, they have the better receivers, but Alabama has the better running backs. The evenness of these two teams is ridiculous. In 2009 (Bama's last national title run), I had the opportunity to see Alabama play Mississippi State in a home night game. If you have ever been to a night game in Tuscaloosa, you will understand why I am taking the Crimson Tide 23-17.

South Carolina at Arkansas- Oh yeah... there is that other game between two teams ranked in the BCS top 10. The Gamecock offense is missing  running back Marcus Lattimore, which is to be expected. Arkansas has had no running game to speak of for the entire season. Though they do boast of the number 12 passing offense in the nation, the Hogs will be facing one of the most athletic defenses in the country in USC. South Carolina has a top notch defensive line and cornerbacks. The Hogs have gotten off to slow starts in their past two games against Ole Miss and Vandy, which were both on the road and at noon. A night game in Fayetteville is just what the doctor ordered. Razorbacks win.

Kansas State at Oklahoma State- Remember when the Big 12 Conference played defense? I don't either.
The Cowboys are averaging 50 points, 400 yards passing and 181 yards rushing... per game! The Wildcats will try to slow down the most explosive offense in the country, the operative word being "try." KSU was embarrassed last week against Oklahoma 58-17 in their first loss of the season. This week's game will look similar against a different team for the Wildcats. The Pokes are looking forward to an end-of-year match-up with the Sooners to decide their BCS Championship fate and again put a ton of points on the board.

Other picks (winners in bold)

Texas A&M at Oklahoma- The worst pass defense (Aggies) and the best passing attack (Sooners) in the Big 12. This could have been one of those games that Sooner quarterback Landry Jones could have helped his Heisman chances, but he will put up big numbers nonetheless. Oklahoma wins easily.

Ole Miss at Kentucky- The two worst teams in the SEC will get together. Can Rebel coach Houston Nutt avoid a 12th straight SEC loss? Wildcat fans are just hoping it does not last long so they can get to the Breeders Cup.

UT-Chatanooga at Samford- With home win, the Bulldogs can lock up their first winning season since 2008 with a win against the Mocs.

Vandy at Florida
Notre Dame at Wake Forest
Texas Tech at Texas

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 8

Wisconsin at Michigan State- A classic battle of offense versus defense. Wisconsin will be challenged unlike they have been all season by a top-ranked Spartan defense. The weak schedule the Badgers have played thus far was shown as they were ranked a little lower than expected in the first BCS rankings. MSU has won three of the last three home games against Wisconsin, but that streak stops here. Wisconsin will be a huge Spartan fan after Saturday because the Badgers need some help from the BCS computers, which put an added emphasis on strength of schedule and none on margin of victory. On Wisconsin!

Washington at Stanford- As a person who lives in the Eastern time zone, opportunities to see quality PAC-12 football before midnight are a rarity. I am looking forward to seeing two of the county's best quarterbacks going back and forth. On one side of the ball is the Mr. All-Everything, Andrew Luck, of whom you have heard plenty about. The visiting sideline will host Washington's (No it's not Jake Locker) Keith Price, who has saddled the tough job of replacing Jake Locker and done quite well. Some experts say when it is all said and done in Seattle the current QB may be better than the former. The Cardinal should win easily, but if like passing game... enjoy this prime time PAC-12 game.

Auburn at LSU- The only reason this game made the cut is that I like to at least preview all of the ranked teams versus other ranked teams. This game ought not be too much trouble even without two star LSU players. Auburn has started to show their losses on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball were tremendous. LSU is counting down the days until their trip to Tuscaloosa, The Tigers from Baton Rouge are too deep and will take care of business easily at home.

Other picks (winners in bold)
Arkansas at Ole Miss- The annual Houston Nutt Bowl is always one of my father's, and most Razorback fans, favorite games to watch all year. Bobby will show off all of his toys to the former Arkansas coach.

North Carolina at Clemson- Some are calling this a "slip-up" game, but that will come a few weeks later for the Tigers. But watch Taj Boyd struggle a little more against a talented UNC defense.

Tennessee at Alabama- Just like LSU, the Tide wants to look forward the Nov. 5 match-up, but they have a coach that will have none of that. Saban will again prove why he is the greatest coach in the nation.

Penn State at Northwestern- Upset special. The Nittany Lions have gone unnoticed after their loss to Alabama, going undefeated since. But they also almost lost to Temple. It has to catch up at some point.

Georgia Tech at Miami
Oregon at Colorado
Maryland at Florida State

Author's note: I'm sorry for any spelling and/or grammatical mistakes, but I covered high school football until 1 a.m. tonight and have to be at FBC Gainesville to help cook for the youth's BBQ Rib Sale at 7 a.m. I did give it one thorough read, but time is of the essence.

Les Miles Eats Grass. His Players Smoke It.



The Honey Badger



In a sport where even getting to the championship game, much less winning it,  is the toughest in all of sports, LSU's cornerback Tyrann Mathieu and running back Spencer Ware have shown an enormous amount of selfishness.



The two sophomores, along with Mathieu's backup Tharold Simon, have been suspended for the Bayou Bengals SEC West showdown with defending BCS Champion, the Auburn Tigers because all three tested positive for synthetic marijuana, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.



Synthetic? Now I am no connoisseur of the ganja, but synthetic is never as good as the real thing right? If I was a recruit committed to or considering LSU this would be a red flag. The Baton Rouge Tigers are obviously not paying their players enough.



I digress... but in a conference where any one can win on any given Saturday it was a self-centered move to put the team at any sort of disadvantage. Granted, LSU is still a 21-point favorite over Auburn even without the trio, but why even risk it when your team is on a collision course to a Nov. 5 match-up with No. 2 Alabama, the most anticipated SEC game since I have been alive.



Ware is leading rusher with 512 yards and six touchdowns for the top-ranked team. Mathieu, or as Verne Lundquist loves to call him the Honey Badger has been arguably the most exciting player in the nation, but he can now kiss his Heisman hopes goodbye with this "incident."

Now LSU coach Les Miles has not told any details about the situation, but did call the allegations "left of center. I know as well as you do if the "allegations" just come about involving illegal substances and two star players the only reason you would not come out and right these accusations is because they have truth to them.

On a positive note, backup quarterback Jordan Jefferson is the happiest person in Louisiana now that the attention has been turned away from his arrest for assault this summer.

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 6

Oklahoma vs. Texas- One of the best atmospheres in college football is at the Cotton Bowl during the Texas State Fair, disgusting combinations of fried foods and Big Tex can be found at the Red River Rivalry. In the last two years the Longhorns have held a potent Sooner offense to 311 and 361 yards. This year's OU team is better than a year ago, but it is no doubt that Texas coach Mack Brown know how to play the Sooners. The more experienced Oklahoma team is able to come back home with an easy win.

Florida at LSU- One guy you should feel sorry for this week? Florida freshman starting quarterback Jeff Driskell.Really you should feel sorry for anyone on the offensive staff for the Gators, too. Last week it was the punishing Alabama defense and Saturday they have the Blitzin' Bengals. Simply put, it is cruel and unusual punishment. Do not doubt Florida too quickly. They did beat an eventual national champion LSU with a freshman quarterback in 2003. Granted, Chris Leak had three starts under his belt. Watching Tiger defensive back Tyrann Mathieu create turnovers is reason enough to watch this game when LSU starts to run away with it in the second half.

Auburn at Arkansas- The one game I have been to in Fayetteville was a 9-7 snoozefest filled with field goals in 2007. How times have changed... Defense? Where? Not here. Last year the score was in favor of Auburn 62-45 and this year could be close to that because both teams have struggling defenses. Both teams are also coming off games in which they were not favored to win, but Donald W. Reynolds will be rocking on Saturday night and having DE Jake Bequette back on the field will be the difference for the Hogs.

Georgia at Tennessee- With South Carolina having serious issues on the offensive side of the ball, this game has become one of those games we will look back to at the end of the year as a difference maker for the Vols or Dawgs. Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray is the most efficient passer in the SEC but he will be going against a Todd Granthum 3-4 defense that continues improve every week. Georgia also boasts the NCAA leader in interceptions in safety Barari Rambo. The Vols need to get a running game going if they want to win; UGA needs Aaron Murray to step up if they want to have a shot. Based on recent history, Tennessee will blow out Georgia in Neyland. To take a line from Lee Corso, "Not so fast, my friend!" Dawgs win.

Other picks (winners in bold)

Georgia Tech at Maryland
Boston College at Clemson
Illinois at Indiana
Air Force at Notre Dame
Michigan at Northwestern
Texas A&M at Texas Tech
Ohio State at Nebraska

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

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 1

Finally, God's greatest four month long gift is here again. Amidst all the controversy of its offseason, the game will be back to normal, and the pageantry and tradition of Saturdays in the fall will cover up the black eye of college football.

Everything that makes college football will be back in full swing, and I am here to tell you what will happen each week in the biggest games.

There are only a few games being played tomorrow that will not be (at least should not be) blowouts.

No. 3 Oregon vs. No. 4 LSU:  Say what you will about coach Les Miles, the Bayou Bengals always play big in big games, 5-1 in their last six bowl games and Oregon has trouble with size on the line (BCS Championship game versus Auburn last season). The Ducks are faster than everyone in the Pac-12 and can win. However, when they play the SEC everyone on the field is fast and LSU is bigger. The Tigers will have a back-up quarterback starting, but Jarrett Lee has waited his time, proven he can win big games and has plenty of play makers around him.

No. 5 Boise State vs. No. 19 Georgia: Another instance of a team from the greatest conference in the game, SEC, playing a quick team from the West. The size on the line of the Bulldogs versus the Broncos will again prove to be the difference. Great example: Boise State center- 5-11, 290 vs. Georgia defensive tackle- 6-6, 360. Bronco senior quarterback Kellen Moore is good, but I'm not sure he will have time to get the ball off in basically a home game for the Bulldogs.

A few games kicked off the season last night and let it be known I was a big proponent of the Wisconsin Badgers last season. Now they have transfer QB Russell Wilson and I have already fallen back for the big boys from Madison. Watch out for this team to make noise in the chase for the BCS National Championship.

Another team with a solid first game was the Bulldogs from Starkville, granted it was against Memphis. Turns out RB Vic Ballard's production last season was no fluke. He has played 17 games for Mississippi State and had three touchdowns in five of those games.

SEC West Power Rankings

The SEC West is without a doubt the toughest division in college football this season and ranks way up there on the list of All-Time Toughest Divisions.

6. Ole Miss- In Oxford they should substitute one of the "i"s in the school's name for an "e," The football program is more of a "Mess"issippi. The only thing for Rebel fans to look forward to is the unveiling of their new Black Bear mascot. One day, Mississippi will get away from the "get a transfer quarterback and use him for a year" plan (Jeremiah Masoli experiment). The Rebels will most likely go with transfer Barry Brunetti over junior college transfers Randall Mackey or Zack Strount. On the defensive side of the ball the Rebels have lost their leader, LB D.T. Shackelford to a torn ACL at a position where they already lacked depth.

Head coach Houston Nutt gave Mississippi two straight Cotton Bowls and started out to high. He will have one more year after 2011 to prove he is capable of coaching in the SEC.  I am scared for Rebel fans he will have some success and hold on to his job and earn an extension.

5. Auburn- The fall in expectations of the defending national champions is of epic proportion. With five returning starters (offense and defense) from last season, inexperience will plague the Tigers this season. The offense will be in the hands of QB Barrett Trotter, a huge step down in capabilities from the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton. Auburn will still move the ball thanks to retaining offensive coordinator Gus Malzhan with a huge contract.  They also have plenty of talent at running back with Michael Dyer and Onterio McCaleb. The defense lost the most dominant lineman in college football, DT Nick Fairley, to the NFL Draft and defensive coordinator Ted Roof will work hard to earn his money as well.

Auburn has a talented enough team to make to a second tier bowl game. The Tigers will be overlooked by some teams and create a few upsets.

4. Mississippi State- The boys in Starkville have their program going the opposite way from their rivals, "The School Up North." Bulldog fans could not be more thrilled with their head coach and the direction of the program, with 12 of the top 20 crowds at Davis Wade Stadium since coach Dan Mullen has arrived. RB Vic Ballard is an underrated back in the SEC. QB Chris Relf can lead Mullen's offense, and WR Chad Bumphis, when healthy can make big plays with his speed. The defense is losing its three starting linebackers from last season, but will have a talented secondary.
Enormous strides in a coach's second year are becoming the norm. The Bulldogs need to avoid a third year setback, which could be tough in the SEC West. State will make it will make it to a New Years Day bowl once again if they can win games they should win and sprinkle in an upset or two.

3. LSU- Before the QB Jordan Jefferson was arrested the Bayou Bengals were barely hanging on to the number two position in the power rankings, but trusting the offense to Jarett Lee makes LSU even more of a gamble. Athletic playmakers are abundant on both sides of the ball as the Tigers consistently recruit at the top of the game. Two former five star recruits at receiver should help Lee's transition into the starting role. On defense, there is no reason to see a drop-off from one of the deepest clubs in the league. Two huge sophomore DTs, a potential All-American at LB in Ryan Baker, and the best cornerback tandem in the NCAA will be a force.

The schedule is not nice to the Tigers as they go to Dallas to take on Oregon, travel to West Virginia and go through the SEC West gauntlet. No National Championship for this crew, but they will contend for the SEC title.

2. Arkansas- The loss of RB Knile Davis to a broken ankle is less of a blow to the Razorbacks than LSU losing Jefferson. With Davis gone, there are definite questions, but Arkansas has RBs Ronnie Wingo and Dennis Johnson which have had glimpses of hope. QB Tyler Wilson will try and replace Ryan Mallet and if he does the Hogs will continue to run one of the strongest offenses in the league. Questions arise on the offensive line. Luckily for Wilson, he has the nation's best receiving corps to throw to. On the opposite side of the ball, coach Bobby Petrino has his deepest and most talented lineup since he has been in Fayettville. Petrino's defensive line finally looks more like one that belongs in the SEC with a threat to quaterbacks in DE Jake Bequette. Three-time team leading tackler LB Jerry Frankin returns along with FS Tramain Thomas to a more experienced backfield.

A week four stop in Tuscaloosa could make or break the Razorbacks' chances at a date in Atlanta with an SEC East team.

1. Alabama- The best defense in the SEC returns eight starters and should be the best in the nation this season with a chance at four All-Americans. LB's Dont'a Hightower and Courtnet Upshaw are the best linebacking duo in the nation. On the line, Marcell Dareus is gone and will be missed, but what has become Saban's move the coach will just plug in another player and he will thrive. Look out for DT Josh Chapman. Athletes are everywhere as the secondary returns all four starter including the best safeties tandem in the nation, SS Mark Barron and FS Robert Lester. The starting quarterback battle between A.J. McCarron and Phillip Sims has not settled. The offense will lean heavily on RB Trent Richardson, who will finally get his time to be the star for the Crimson Tide after Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram graduated. Alabama will miss WR Julio Jones and his deep threat ability more than most fans may realize.
The Tide should have a shot at the SEC Championship, but Crimson Tide fans are not happy with just a league title. Watch out for Alabama to be in the mix to win the BCS National Championship and extend the SEC's streak to six straight championships.