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.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
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
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
Friday, October 2, 2009
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
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
Saturday, September 26, 2009
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
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
Friday, September 25, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
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............
- 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............
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