Fat Ass Coaches

OK. I fully realize all of us are not all as "svelte" as we used to be, but Notre Dame's hiring of Brian Kelly brings about an interesting question - Who was the last overweight head coach to be successful?
Mark Mangino had some success at Kansas, but we all know how that turned out. And don't bring up Bill Parcells - we are talking straight up college here. Let's be honest - if a fat ass coach walked into your home in an attempt to recruit your son, would that affect your opinion? Think about Pat Fitzgerald from Northwestern, Charlie Strong, or Gene Chizik sitting in your living room as compared to Ralph Friedgen. Just like fat women may turn off guys, do fat coaches have a negative impact on prospects' parents?
Granted, Brian Kelly is not "biggest loser" material, he does have at least 35 lbs too much in the gut. Will that affect his success at Notre Dame? History says yes. Look at the best coaches in college. Steve Spurrier, Nick Saban, Pete Carroll, Bob Stoops, etc. Notice a trend here? Charlie Weis and Mark Mangino were just fired. Ralph Friedgen has one foot on a banana peel.
When the headset is stretched to its limit, you can bet the person wearing it is not too successful. Will be interesting to see if Mr. Kelly follows suit.

Platinum Plays

Well, I needed a week off to sit back and re-examine my gameplan here. After 3 straight losing weeks, it is what all great gamblers do. Why I did it, I don't know.
On to the picks - we are getting back on track this week.........
YTD: 6-9 ATS

Georgia (-9.5) at Vanderbilt
The Dawgs are coming off an embarrassing loss in which they made Jonathan Crompton (The Waynesville Wormburner) look like Peyton Manning. That is inexcusable and there is a lot of turmoil on this Bulldog staff right now.
With that said, Vandy is H-O-R-R-I-B-L-E. Did I make that clear enough for you? The Dawgs cover this number with ease.
Georgia -9.5

Southern California (-10) @ Notre Dame
Many think Charlie Weis' time is about up at Notre Dame. I'll tell you this - the guy has been lucky this year, if nothing else. With talent all over the field, this ND team plays with zero toughness, taking on the personality of their head coach. He continues to make excuses for his team. No excuses this week. SC in a rout.
USC -10

Iowa @ Wisconsin (-2.5)
I liked Wisky in this game earlier in the week when they were 1 point dogs. The line has shifted favorably in Wisky's favor. I still like'em/ Wisconsin is kryptonite to Iowa's defense: a big, physical, power running team. Iowa is quick on defense, but not big. This should be a good ballgame (as far as the Big-10 goes anyway), but in the end, feel the Badgers win by at least a FG.
Wisconsin -2.5

Good luck to all this weekend!

New Blogger

Sorry about the lack of information posted here lately. My real job is getting in the way (g). That will change shortly, though.
Most importantly, I am very excited to take this opportunity to welcome Drayton Miller to this Blog. I am very thankful Drayton has agreed to do some writing here. His interpretation of the X's and O's in both basketball and football are second to none. You (and I) will get to enjoy his thorough breakdown and analysis of Crimson Tide Sports as he always provides a good synopsis of "the game behind the game." . Just a little background on Mr. Miller:

Occupations:

Graduate Asst Football Coach: Eastern Illinois University
- Home of NFL Head Coaches Sean Payton (Saints), Brad Childress (Vikings), Mike Shanahan (formerly Broncos), and Dallas Cowboy QB Tony Romo

Basketball Coach: Jacksonville University (Florida)
- Set all-time season scoring record, 104.3 ppg; Set all time scoring record at Madison Square Garden (156-106 vs St. Peters)

Basketball Coach: Boston College

Basketball Coach: University of South Alabama

Professor: United States Sports Academy
- Current Texas Tech Head Football Coach Mike Leach was one of Drayton's students

Athletics Director & Basketball Coach: Spring Hill College

Currently President/CEO of Miller Technologies International (Mobile, Al)

You can obviously see why this is such a huge coup to have someone of Drayton's experience agree to write here. Any questions/comments you may have are always welcome

Platinum Plays

OK. Rough week last week. Already tired of the "Plutonium Plays" jokes. We are going to make like Greg Louganis and come from behind this week.
Last week: 0-3 ATS
YTD: 5-7 ATS

Michigan @ Michigan State (-3.5)
On paper, the Wolverines should be about a 7 point favorite. They are 4-0 while Sparty is 1-3. However, Michigan State has played some good football this year. Vegas agrees. The line opened up with Michigan as a 1-point favorite. Something's up.
Michigan State -3.5

Alabama @ Kentucky (+15)
This is a dangerous spot for Alabama. The Wildcats are a pretty well-coached team and absolutely laid an egg in the first half against the Gators last weekend. That will not happen 2 weeks in a row. Kentucky ALWAYS upsets or scares the hell out of a Top 10 team every year at home. Add in the early kickoff (11AM Central) and this one could get real interesting.
I believe the Tide wins, but Kentucky covers.
Kentucky +15

Auburn @ Tennessee (-2)
Interesting game. The best thing about this one is that either Auburn or Tennessee will lose Saturday night. It would be too much to ask for the field to open up and swallow both teams and coaching staffs whole, never to be heard from again.
If the Vol head coaches do not run the ball right at the the heart of that Auburn defense all night, then they should all be lined up and shot. Wait a second, they don't have a choice. Tennessee has the Waynesville Wormburner at QB (Jonathan Crompton).
Let's give the Tigers' credit - Their offense is much improved. I am not ready to say they are one of the better offenses in the SEC until I see them play somebody, but they can stake that claim Saturday night. Tennessee has a solid defense, even without starting MLB Nick Reveiz, whom was lost last week to a season ending ACL injury. This should be a good one, but I always take the better defense, especially when they are at home.
Tennessee -2

Pat's Platinum Plays

Tough week last week as I went 1-2. Not going to make excuses, though I did not know Kentucky would turn the ball over 15 damn times :)
Last week: 1-2 ATS
YTD: 5-4 ATS

Washington +7.5 @ Stanford
The Huskies are for real. After playing LSU toe-to-toe and beating USC, there is nothing else they can do to prove to me they are in this for the long haul. QB Lockett is a future NFL QB and can make defenses pay on the ground or in the air. If my confidence was not so shattered after last weekend, I would bet Washington and the ML here. As it is, I will take the points.
Washington +7.5

Cal -5 @ Oregon
The Ducks are always tough at home as Utah found out last week. Unfortunately for folks in Euguene, Jeff Tedford has his deepest and most talented team he has ever had out in Berkeley. This is an easy cover. Cal by 2 touchdowns.
Cal -5

LSU (-12) @ Miss State
Thank God for Vanderbilt. If it were not for Vandy being laying down like a cheap rug for Miss State last week, this line would be at least 3 touchdowns.
LSU -12

Alabama-Arkansas

SEC time is here and the Hogs come to Bryant-Denny with a 6'7" gunslinger at QB, much more offensive depth than last year, and an atrocious defense.
Georgia appears to be a decent offensive team, but Arkansas made Joe Cox look like Joe Montana last week. It could have been worse, too - The Georgia receivers were behind the Hog DB's all night and the middle of the Arkansas defense was like the parting of the red seas.
Appears we will be dealing with rain at kickoff, so this prediction is a little tougher - How will McElroy handle the elements and a wet football? How about Mallett? The weather is my only concern. Arkansas will sell out to stop the run. McElroy can hit the deep ball and it will be available early and often on Saturday. If we connect, the Arkansas safeties will have to stay out of the box, opening up the run game for Ingram and Co.
As long as we take care of the ball, this one should not be close. We have more speed and size at every position. Arkansas showed against Georgia that they continue to have trouble running the football. If they thought it was tough to run against the Bulldogs, they are in for a rude awakening in Tuscaloosa. Mallett cannot throw the ball 50 times against Alabama (or any other SEC team for that matter) and be successful.
Alabama 42 Arkansas 20

Auburn Theory Timelines

Nick Saban will never take the Alabama job. Those Bammers are living a pipe dream.
- January 4, 2007 - Nick Saban is introduced as Alabama Head Football Coach

Nick Saban will never be able to recruit at Alabama like he did at LSU.
- 2007 - 2009: Three recruiting classes ranked in the Top 10, including the last two ranked as the top recruiting class in America by Rivals.com

Nick Saban has a losing record against Tuberville. He can't beat Tuberville. Saban and the Bammers are the least of our worries.
- November 29, 2008: Alabama 36 Auburn 0
- December 3, 2008: Tommy Tuberville fired as Head Coach of Auburn University

Nick Saban will never be as successful at Alabama as he was at LSU. He is overrated.
- 2008: 12-0 regular season. Led Alabama to #1 ranking during the regular season for the first time since 1980. SEC West Champions in only his second season.

Nick Saban and Alabama will get hammered with "Textbook-Gate." The beginning of the end for the turds - Numerous lost of scholarships, post-season bowl ban, etc
- June 11, 2009: Sanctions released by the NCAA: No scholarships lost. No postseason Bowl ban.

Nick Saban will leave Alabama at the drop of a hat.
- August 29, 2009: Nick Saban signs 3-year extension taking his contract through the 2017 season stating: "Our acceptance of the extension expresses our commitment to the University of Alabama for the rest of our coaching career."

Future Auburn Theory Timelines to be updated in the very near future:

Alabama cheating in Gadsden.

Alabama players receiving free Dodge Chargers

Nick Saban can't win in Jordan-Hare

Nick Saban will never win the SEC Championship at Alabama

Nick Saban will never win a National Championship at Alabama

Feel free to add your favorite Barner predictions and I will be glad to update as time goes along............

Random Thoughts/Observations through 3 weeks

- Greg McElroy has been a pleasant surprise. No offense to JPW, who was a true bama man and warrior, but it is so nice to have a QB who can go through their progressions and throw to their 3rd or even 4th option. There will be ZERO dropoff at this position from last year.
- Trent Richardson is a star in the making. I know his carries for the most part have been against N. Texas and FIU, but it is not the competition I am comparing him to. The guy can flat out play. We will need him badly this year because once again, and God bless him, Upchurch just cannot stay healthy.
- Our defense is hell on wheels. Enough said
- Our special teams are going to lose a game for us come SEC play if we are not careful.
- Julio will be fine. If it was a good time for an injury, this was it. Expect to see him have a big game next week against a porous Arkansas secondary.
- The light is starting to come on for Mark Barron. Watch out!
- Auburn is much better on offense than I thought. Credit Malzahn for putting those guys in a position to succeed. He is not making Chris Todd throw square-ins through a 2 foot window. He is not making him throw deep outs. Malzahn knows what he has in Todd and he uses his strengths. This will not be enough against the big boys in the SEC, but you have to be a bit impressed with the toughness they have displayed thus far.
- Auburn is worse on defense than I thought. Linebacker play is horrible. SEC teams will run up and down the field on the Tigers. ZERO depth in the DL.
- I even get embarrassed for Auburn when they show Trooper Taylor on the sidelines, slinging a towel around, chest bumping with his hat on backwards. It is starting to become a bit uncomfortable.
- I personally don't care if Craig Sanders goes to Auburn. We have better prospects out there.
- Tennessee played well against UF yesterday. They had a very good game plan and as much as I hate to say it, I was impressed with how hard Kiffin's players played. On the other hand, I have a feeling UT shot their wad against the Gators and it is very doubtful we will see an effort to duplicate the one they put out Saturday.
- I am concerned about our game in Lexington. Kentucky pulls a big upset every year, they are much improved, especially at QB. This one will be a dogfight for the Tide.

Weekend Picks

Sorry I have been slack this week with Bama rewind, etc. My real job has gotten in the way. I promise, it will get better soon :)

Went 2-1 last week. Damn Auburn has hit me 2 weeks in a row. Their offense is better than expected. Enough about the Barn and on to this weeks picks
Last Week: 2-1 ATS
YTD: 4-2 ATS

Louisville @ Kentucky (-13.5)
Believe me and hear me when I say this - Kentucky is no pushover this season. They are a well-coached team and prior to Ole Piss, I am very concerned about our game in Lexington. Will talk about that later.
These are 2 teams going in opposite directions. UK wins this by 3 touchdowns. They began the week as 10 point favorites. Now they are -13.5. Still not enough. Hartline will be one of the most improved QB's in the SEC this year. They guy can play. UK wins by 3 touchdowns
Kentucky -13.5

Nebraksa @ VA Tech (-4.5)
Bo Pelini may end up being a good coach at Nebraska, but Va Tech is only giving 4.5 points strictly because of their performance against Alabama and, what I believe, is the best defense in college football (including Florida).
Va Tech can score. Unfortunately for Nebraska, so can their special teams and defense. Va Tech won in Lincoln last year. What has changed? Nebraska is improved, but so has Va Tech.
Va Tech -4.5

Georgia (+1) at Arkansas
Arkansas starts out like this every year. They beat up on a bunch of patsies and everybody thinks they are great. Georgia is battle tested and Richt is damn near unbeatable in SEC Road games. Yeah, Mallet is the next coming, etc, but Arky's defense still sucks. The Dawgs win straight up.
Georgia +1

Good luck to all this weekend

Recruiting Notes

- We are looking much, much better for Keenan Allen. No set timeline for a commitment from the 5-star athlete, but would be surprised if he is not in Crimson when all is said and done
- No such luck for Gabe King - He is headed to the Left Coast
- We have one spot left at Linebacker with the commitment of Alfy Hill. That spot is reserved for C.J. Mosley. Of course we would always find room for a Jeff Luc type prospect, but Luc is a longshot at this point
- As has been reported, we lost a commitment from OL Jawaun James. This has been in the works for a while, folks and is really not that much of a surprise. He looks headed to Tennessee. The Vol staff has been working the depth chart angle for a while now with James and it appears to have paid off. While James will likely be a solid player for whomever ends up landing his services, we have many, many other options - Damien Robinson, Shon Coleman (despite being committed to Auburn, he is still in play at this point), and my personal favorite offensive tackle prospect - Arie Kouandjio. We are in pretty good shape for Robinson and Stone at this point. As you can see, it is never fun to lose a commitment, but this one does not hurt nearly as much as say ..............
- Keiwone Malone. The Vol staff is all over him as well, but we will not go down without a fight on Malone. Watch Ole Miss here, too. His commitment to Alabama is shaky right now.

Awesome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43RkVoFAjSE&feature=player_embedded

Patrick's Platinum Plays

I went 2-1 last weekend, but just started this blog this week so I did not get a chance to post my picks from last week. If you don't believe me, I don't care.
YTD: 2-1

On to this weekend's games..........

USC @ Ohio State (+7)
OK, here is the killer stat: USC is 10-1 against the spread against the Big 10 in their last 11 games. To make it even worse, Ohio State is 1-7 against the spread in the last 8 home games. Easy pick, right? Wrong
Throw those out the window for this one. USC has not started a true Freshman QB in their last 11 against the Big 10. I know, I know, Matt Barkley is the next coming, etc, but he is a Freshman! True Freshman QB's do not win games like this. Ohio State's last 8 home games have not been at night on this stage, either.
Ohio State struggled last week against Navy, but Tressel and Company played it close to the vest. You can rest assured, with all the heat the Big 10 has taken, especially Ohio State, Tressel has been preparing for this game since walking off the field after a tough loss in the Fiesta Bowl against Texas.
Look for Prior to make a couple big plays in the 4th quarter and Ohio State wipes that smirk off Pete Carroll's face.
Ohio State +7

Stanford @ Wake Forest (-3)
The Cardinal are an up and coming team. Jim Harbaugh's team plays more like his roots in the Big-10 than the finesse of the Pac-10. They are a very physical, smash mouth type offense. I really feel as though Stanford will surprise some people in their league this year.
Wake lost a tough game to a very young, underrated Baylor team. Baylor coach Art Briles is one of the better coaches in the country you may have never heard of. The loss to Baylor will work in Wake's favor - Jim Grobe does not lose games like this after a loss. He will have the Deacons ready to play. Don't believe me? The Demon Deacons are 10-2 against the spread in their last 12 games following an against the spread loss. This game started out as a Pick and Wake is now a 3 point favorite. That is still not enough. Wake wins by a TD.
Wake Forest -3

Miss State (+14) @ Auburn
Gambling 101 in the SEC - Never, ever take a SEC team to cover when favored by double digits against a conference foe. NEVER. Auburn's offense surprised me last week. On top of that main statistic, Auburn is 1-7 against the spread in their last 8 SEC games and 2-9 against the spread overall.
I give Malzahn credit in making chicken salad out of chicken s--t. I know most of you may disagree, but I like him as an offensive coordinator, always have. He puts his players in a position to make plays. Unfortunately for Auburn, they do not have a whole hell of a lot of players.
I like Auburn to win this game, but Miss State will keep it close.
Miss State +14

Good Luck to all this weekend!

Florida International Preview

OK, week 2. The butterflies are gone, the anticipation has subsided a bit. Thankfully, we can all concentrate on football from here on out as opposed to fishing and laptops.
Florida International and their fans are experiencing the same feelings we did last week as this is their first game of the year. Third year head coach Mario Cristobal (sounds like a Shakespeare character) brings his Golden Panthers to Bryant-Denny on Saturday. He is a former Rutgers and Miami assistant coach trying to build this program from the ground up. The last time we played FIU was in 2006 and we steamrolled them 38-3. However, they did get up 3-0 on us if memory serves correctly.
FIU has some decent talent returning. Paul McCall is a veteran QB who holds the school’s single-season record for touchdown passes, throwing 15 last year. They have some good receivers led by T.Y. Hilton. He will be one of the quicker receivers we see all year. Really need to watch out for this guy on punt returns - Hilton was named to the Freshman All-American team as a punt return specialist by the Football Writers Association of America last year.
Defensively, FIU will be an experienced bunch in the back 7. Watch for a linebacker by the name of Scott Bryant. He can play. FIU has to replace their entire starting defensive line - UH-OH! That does not bode well against a physical run team such as Alabama.
Usually, the visiting team has to match the intensity of their home-standing opponent. However, I don't think that will be the case this week. We are coming off a nationally televised game of the week against the #7 team in the nation in the Georgia Dome. We are returning home to play a school that sounds more like an airline than a college football team. FIU has been working towards this game all summer and has had nothing but the thought of Alabama on their minds since last December. As a result, it is important for us to come out early and match THEIR intensity.
Even though all the signs point to us coming out flat, I believe we play hard, fast, and physical from the opening snap. The OL gets a good scrimmage as they continue to build their chemistry together. If you have been jonesing to see our Freshman and Redshirt Freshman - this is the game for you. Look for a lot of Trent Richardson in the 2nd half. We will also get our first look at Star Jackson in a regulation game.
Final Score: Alabama 45 FIU 7

Welcome Alfy!

I had the pleasure of attending the press conference of Alfy Hill yesterday in Shallote, NC. Arguabably, the top player in the state of North Carolina, Hill wasted little time informing the crowd that he would be a member of the 2010 Crimson Tide. With the commitment of the 4-star, Rivals 100 linebacker, the Tide may have finally gotten the Jack Linebacker we have long been searching for.

Alfy does not weigh 222 per his Rivals profile. He weighs 251 lbs and looks like he could carry another 25-30 lbs easily. He is very raw as he has only played 3 years of organized football. Most importantly - the guy runs like a deer.

We have good Jack Linebacker prospects already on campus - Courtney Upshaw, for one. Even as talented as Upshaw and company may be, none have the potential of Hill. Rarely do you see a prospect of Hill's size who plays in space so easily. If he wasn't 6'4, 250lbs, you would swear the guy would be a wide receiver.

On top of all of his size, speed, and athleticism, he is a great kid. There were not 14 hats spread around the table, no antics - just simply thanked his family, coaches, and teammates. Interestingly enough, come February, Hill will be the first player from North Carolina to sign with the Tide since Jeff Dunn in the late 80's. Just goes to show - Saban does not concede any player to anyone!

Virginia Tech Rewind

Virginia Tech Rewind

Well, where do I start? Even though this was an Alabama win, the game was still difficult to watch for a second (and third) time. One of the most frustrating first 3 quarters of football I can remember. We had out-gained Va Tech 3 to 1 and were still losing. This is what they call Beamer Ball – Win by any means necessary. Whereas last year we were the ones letting opponents beat themselves, Va Tech was returning the favor.

The Good
- Our running backs are some of the best I have EVER seen at picking up blitzers. Roy had one miscue there in the 3rd quarter, but other than that, our RB’s know what they are doing – Kudos to Burton Burns who I personally feel, is one of the better running backs coaches in America. Two things Burton will not stand for out of his running backs – fumbling and non-physical play.
- Defense, Defense, Defense. We are bigger, faster, and stronger than any Alabama team I can remember. McClain and Hightower are NFL ready linebackers now. I know Coach Sal said those two are better than anybody he had on the Panthers. Coach Sal is not known for a lot of compliments. If we do not turn the ball over this year, teams are going to be frustrated trying to get to the 50.
- Very impressed with Kareem Jackson. Had his guy blanketed all night which leads me into….
- Pass Rush – Much improved from last year. I know Va Tech had to replace 3 starters on the OL, but we had guys flying from everywhere. I guarantee you if you ask “T-Mobile,” he would say he has never been pressured like that since the LSU game 2 years ago when they got pummeled (with a bunch of Saban players).
- No mention by the announcers, but what a tackle Rod Woodson made on the opening kickoff. That guy is a missile. I knew he was strong, but did not know he had that kind of straight line speed. He continually beat everyone down on kickoff coverage.
- McElroy is a mature, smart QB. No shocker here. He will NOT get us beat, which is very important on a Saban-coached team. You can have all the playmaking ability in the world, but if you make stupid mistakes, you will not play QB for CNS.
- Love a back who gets better as the game goes along and we have that in Ingram. Have not seen a back for us like him since Dennis Riddle, who was an absolute warrior.
- PJ Fitzgerald – Improved leaps and bounds since last year. Great punts all night with good hangtime.

The Bad
- Our kickoff coverage was atrocious again. It continues to be feast or famine – We either make a stop inside the 20 or the opposing returner ends up on our side of the 50. The late hit on Chris Jordan was a horrible call.
- Barrett Jones – Yes, I know it was his first start, but do not believe he graded out that well. On the other hand, this D we were playing was not chopped liver, either. Va Tech and UNC will be the top 2 defenses in the ACC this year. The good news is he obviously got a little better as the game went along.
- Drew Davis. Was disappointed after watching his performance. The DE from Va Tech (Worilds) beat him like a rented mule. The bright side – I am not sure Davis will face a better DE this year.

The Ugly
- Ro’s 2 unsportsmanlike penalties are the obvious choice. Sergio Render was blocking him high and, after he had already cussed Marquis Johnson out for blowing a coverage on the previous play, this apparently set him off. The shame of the whole situation was Lorenzo Washington making a great play. Not only did he close down on T-Mobile, but he batted the pitch as well. Ro is a stand up guy. He made a mistake and he knows it. Batting the referee’s hands away after the play may have been his worst mistake and he was VERY lucky not to get tossed. I can assure you of this – just like in practice, Ro does not make the same mistake twice and you will never see an outburst from him like this ever again.
- Tied for the above was Marquis Johnson’s blown coverage on the wheel route. In watching the tape, Saban was questioning Barron, but Kirby was all over Marquis and he was right. Despite what you have seen or heard, it was Johnson’s responsibility to go with the back.

The 4th quarter was a thing of beauty – We really asserted control both offensively and defensively with our size and athleticism. If it were not for the BS call on Jordan, we may win by 17.

Ingram has a bruised knee, which may take some time to heal. He would be questionable for our game against FIU this weekend. No ligament damage, but it is a bad bruise and we have the luxury of resting him and letting the other backs get the bulk of the carries.

Coming next - Tennessee review

Blog Update

Welcome to the Walls98 Blog. Follow each week as we review the prior week's game, preview the next opponent, update recruiting information, and for you gamblers, hopefully provide you a couple winners each week. There will also be random observations of other SEC teams, coaches, and players.
Coming Soon - Virginia Rech Rewind

Alfy Hill

Alfy will announce his college destination Wednesday at 10AM at his school. I will be there and provide some updates upon my return.
Not going to steal anybody's thunder, but I feel VERY good about Alfy wearing Crimson.