SEC Football: Top 5 Wide Receiver Candidates for 2011

Joe Adams (pictured r.) in 2011 spring scrimmage

Over the last three seasons, the SEC has seen plenty of talent at wide receiver, but the media love was pointed squarely on the jersey's of two phenoms: A.J. Green and Julio Jones. Both players were game-changers for their respective teams and their potential as impact players on the next level led them to be selected in the Top 10 of this years NFL Draft. Their departures leave the door wide open for a few other difference-makers in the SEC, some of whom need no introductions, to make their presence felt on a national level.

The players you will find in this list are guys who have made key contributions on their teams already and could be poised to have an outstanding season in 2011:

1. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina: This is a no-brainer. Jeffery could have been a first-round pick in this year's draft had he been eligible, but his under-classmen's status will be South Carolina's gain this year as his return is sure to have SEC defensive backs running scared. Last season, he put up some beastly numbers (88 receptions, 1,517 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 17.24 ypc average) on his way to helping lead the Gamecocks to their first SEC Championship Game appearance in more than two decades. This season, if South Carolina can settle their quarterback situation, you can expect to see a lot more of him on the highlight reel.

2. Joe Adams, Arkansas: Where Cobi Hamilton (see next) brings the thunder, Adams is most certainly the lightning as the rising senior lit up the Arkansas spring game for 183 yards and two touchdowns. He is clearly on a mission to lay waste in the SEC West this season and assert himself as a candidate for the league's best player. Look for him to make a marked improvement over last season's numbers in Petrino's pass-happy offense (50 receptions, 813 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 16.26 ypc average).

3. Cobi Hamilton, Arkansas: Before you figure me for a fool because I neglected to name either Greg Childs or Jarius Wright in this space, hear me out. Hamilton, the junior receiver who is often lost in the shuffle of the Razorbacks plethora of talent at receiver, did more with less than any other wide receiver on the team last season (32 receptions, 680 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 19.69 ypc average). Even more, he barely played until after the first four games were in the books. Hamilton had a great spring and looks to be on track for a breakout season with the Hogs.

4. Justin Hunter, Tennessee: Denarious Moore is gone and the Vols will be looking to a new guy to fill that void, look no further than Justin Hunter (16 receptions, 415 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 25.94 ypc average). Hunter has the size, the physical playing style, and the talent to both stretch the field and make the big plays.With Tyler Bray solidifying his place at quarterback—stabilizing the Vols passing game—you can expect to see a lot more of Houston in 2011.

5. Chad Bumphis, Mississippi State: Bulldog quarterback, Chris Relf, isn't exactly a candidate to win any Heisman trophies, but he won't have to be if he can avoid making bad decisions with the football. Bumphis (44 receptions, 634 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 14.41 ypc average) is a skilled receiver with a ton of speed and he can definitely make plays in the open field. With the Bulldogs returning much of their offense, bolstered in part by the stout running of Vick Ballard, Mississippi State could be tough yet again.

Other notable players: Orson Charles, Georgia, Jarius Wright, Arkansas, Rueben Randle, LSU, Emory Blake, Auburn, LaDarius Perkins, Mississippi State

So, who did I miss? Go ahead...feel free to let me know.

*All stats appear courtesy of cfbstats.com.

VIDEO FLASHBACK: Odell Thurman Runs A Loooonnnnngggg Way

The 2003 Auburn Tigers came into the year ranked in the Top 10 and poised for a run at the National Championship. However, after opening the season with two road losses* to USC and Georgia Tech, respectively, it seemed that the Tigers may have been given a little bit too much respect by the pollsters.

While they quickly recovered from the stumble—winning their next five games in a row—by the time they met up with the Georgia Bulldogs in Sanford Stadium, they were losing steam fast as they'd lost two of their last three games—including a heartbreaking 20-24 loss to Ole Miss in Auburn—and were trying desperately to get back on the winning track.

Georgia, coming off their first SEC Championship in 20 years, was enjoying their resurgence in the SEC as a perennial contender—under the leadership of third-year head coach Mark Richt and defensive coordinator Brian Van Gorder—and entered the contest ranked No. 7 in the nation, with a 7-2 overall record.

Considering the history of this rivalry, the average football fan would have thought Georgia's chances were pretty good coming into the contest—after all, they were playing this game at home. However, the truth of it was, Georgia hadn't beaten Auburn, in Athens, since 1991, and had only accomplished the feat three times in the previous 14 meetings at Sanford. It wasn't exactly a sure thing for Georgia.

However, the offense didn't need to be great on this day, as it was all about the defense. The Dawgs held the Tigers to 259 yards of total offense and put the kibosh on their stud tailback, Carnell Williams holding him to 45-yards on the day.

That said, the most memorable defensive play of the game came in the fourth quarter when linebacker Odell Thurman collected a tipped Jason Campbell pass in the Auburn endzone, and ran it back for 99-yards and the score—sealing the deal on a 26-7 Georgia Bulldogs' victory.




*The Auburn/USC match-up was played in Atlanta—a neutral site.

Steve Spurrier: Giving New Meaning To The Word "Procrastination"

So, Stephen Garcia is suspended again for something, assuredly stupid, and will likely find himself embroiled in yet another position battle this spring.

However, less interesting than Garcia's suspension—because let's face it, it would be more interesting if Garcia actually didn't get into trouble—is the fact that it took so long in the first place.

According to James Kratch of The Daily Gamecock, the suspension is as a result of something Garcia did in December when the Gamecocks played Auburn in the SEC Championship Game. Coach Spurrier stated it was something they "...were finally getting around to handling".

Honestly, waiting until now to announce Garcia's punishment only guarantees more unneeded publicity for your team. If you knew he was going to be punished, why not say as much shortly after the bowl game and not months after it—at least that way it's not a surprise.

Whatever Spurrier's intentions, he hopes the suspension will make Garcia a better man for his team as the season progresses. Honestly, it sounds to me like Garcia isn't Spurrier's only problem heading into an expectation-filled 2011.

I found this comment particularly interesting, "...it’s not fun not being on a team, from what I understand. Hopefully, all these guys will understand if they want to be on our team, just follow the few simple rules we have and everybody will be happy.

Sounds like they might be ripe for the SEC East picking in Columbia if Spurrier's players continue to get the big head.

We shall soon see.

Georgia Bulldogs: Sometimes, Perception Is Everything

Playing the "what if" game is always dangerous, but let's do it anyway—just for today—and rewind to Georgia's first championship season under Mark Richt.

It was 2002, and that David Greene led squad was pegged by many as the best team in the SEC, ending their regular season at 12-1 while securing their first SEC title in twenty-years.

The only thing standing between them and a BCS bid was a loss by either Ohio State or Miami.

Unfortunately for them, both teams won out and, eventually, played each other for a shot at the national title.

Now, fast forward to the here and now and ask yourself, if given today's college football landscape, you could see a scenario where a one-loss SEC team is overlooked in favor of an undefeated Big East one.

I'll go on the record and say it wouldn't happen—not today.

The media is securely on the SEC's bandwagon. Many sportswriters and pundits believe that even a two-loss SEC team is better than most any undefeated WAC, Big East, or Mountain West one.

However that wasn't the case in 2002 when Miami was still the media darling and considered, by many, to be unbeatable.

So when did the SEC become king?

Well, despite BCS Championships by Tennessee (1998) and LSU (2003), the shift officially began in 2006 when
Urban Meyer actively campaigned for his one-loss Gators to be extended a bid to the BCS title game based on the premise that their schedule was tougher.

He felt, and this appears to be the reigning sentiment even now where SEC teams are concerned, that there was no schedule more grueling than an SEC one.

He won the argument, much to Michigan's chagrin, and Florida played Ohio State for the national title.

The rest is history.

In 2007, LSU benefited from the same logic, as they were offered a spot in the BCS title game as a two-loss team—and won—giving further credence to the idea that the SEC is "the toughest conference in the nation".

Now, what if Georgia were given those same benefits in 2002?

It seems fair to argue that they would have leap frogged either Ohio State or Miami for a spot in the title game—undefeated records or not—and then who knows?

Now, I know what you're thinking, I'm taking a whole lot of license with this argument, and I probably am, but it has to make you think...just a little bit.

Of course, most would be quick to point out that even though you can't get 2002 back, you still have to justify the lapses since.

A loss to Tennessee in 2007 left room for LSU to make their move.

A bad loss to Alabama in 2008 negated Georgia again.

Add to that, attrition, injuries, coaching changes, and a rising level of competition, and the perception of your program, within the SEC, as a stand-alone product—particularly judged against the successes of LSU, Alabama, and Florida—becomes as much a factor as the play itself.

Coach Richt deserves responsibility for recruiting misses (the years he failed to close the borders and great talent got away) and being too loyal to both coaches and players (redshirting Knowson Moreno, keeping Willie Martinez for too long, and starting Joe Tereshinski over Matthew Stafford in 2006). By no means can Richt be let off the hook—and he isn't.

The only point here is to state that the perception of the SEC, since 2006, has played as much a role in the opportunities that have been granted as anything.

Sure, LSU and Tennessee won titles in 1998 and 2003, respectively, but ask anyone how many people—outside of Knoxville and Baton Rouge—thought they would?

The SEC was still playing second-fiddle to the Big 12 (Oklahoma), the Big East (Miami), and the ACC (Florida State/Virginia Tech) in those early BCS years—and the teams in those conferences were given far more respect.

Georgia's luck in 2002 might have been different had that team played in today's landscape.

Perception is everything, and sometimes, too, it's just bad timing.

What say you?

Georgia Bulldogs Football: Getting Back To Fourth-Quarter Dominance in 2011

There was a time when the Georgia Bulldogs knew how to 'Hunker Down' in the fourth-quarter. They knew how to G.A.T.A and make the other team play their game.

There was very little of that in 2010, and Georgia has got to get back to doing that if they expect to impose their will on the SEC in 2011.

The new strength regime at has expressed an understanding of this fact, and that bodes well for the future, but the end-result will come on the football field—we're left with questions until then.

That said, this post is less about continuing the conversation about the direction of the defense or the strength program,  than it is about recalling a time when that conversation wasn't necessary.

Below is another phenomenal video—courtesy of Patrick Garbin—(circa 1976) that shows the 'Junkyard Dawgs' (JYD) in action against the hated Florida Gators—back when Georgia owned the orange and blue—the game was a close affair through the first-half, but the JYD's showed up and shut Florida down in the second-half—yielding no points.

Their fourth-quarter dominance during that season—particularly in this game—was impressive and, given the lack of such dominance this past season, made this video all the more compelling to watch.

Enjoy:



(h/t apgarbin)

CFB Rumors: Gus Malzahn Still Mulling Over Vanderbilt Job—Seriously?

Announcer: Hey Gus, your team just won the SEC Championship, your quarterback is a Heisman Trophy Winner, your team is 13-0, and on their way to Arizona to play in the National Championship Game...what are you going to do now. 

Gus: I'm going to Tennessee?

Announcer: Huh?...What did you say?

Gus: I'm going to become the next head coach at Vanderbilt!

*record scratches*

Okay, enough with the jokes. Seriously, folks, if Gus Malzahn's best offer is a head coaching job at Vanderbilt, then he should hold out for something better.

This is in no way meant to offend the fine alumni of Vanderbilt University, but, your football team is awful. They've been awful for a long time and, due to the academic restraints placed on them via entry requirements, that isn't likely to change anytime soon.

That said, why on earth would Gus Malzahn take his offense, and his recruiting wares to a program that has become a perennial doormat in the SEC (13-67 over the last 10 years)? Does he feel that his stock is as high as it can possibly get at the moment?

After all, Auburn averaged better than 40 points per game this season using Malzahn's scheme—with the right personnel. However, he's not likely to get the same result at Vanderbilt as he will be competing with Tennessee for the state's best players and could find it difficult to pitch a perennial loser to a guy who wants to build an NFL resume.

On the other hand, if he wants a challenge, then Vanderbilt would definitely be the place to go. Since joining the SEC in 1933, the Commodores are 102-351-15—not including their dismal 2010 record. Have at it, Gus. If Dan Mullen can do it, why can't you?

Quite honestly, though, he's better off staying where he is and seeing how things shake out after 2011. More job openings, with a much higher profile, are likely to become available at that time and, if Auburn manages to stay relevant without Cam Newton (many feel the Heisman winner will bolt for the NFL this season), then he will have proven that he's not a one-trick pony.

That alone would pay dividends.

Hold out for something better, Gus. Vandy definitely isn't Disneyland. 

Related articles

• Gus Malzahn Leaves Auburn to Coach Vanderbilt (thebiglead.com)

Friday Snapshot: Gene Chizik As Possible Candidate for UF Job?

Obviously, the fine fans of Auburn University are drinking the Gene Chizik kool-aid—their press included. There is at least one journalist who believes the Florida Gators should consider hiring the, once ridiculed, coach for their football coaching vacancy. That's an interesting thought considering that most people aren't buying his success.

If you remove the talents of Cam Newton from Auburn this season, how many of you really believe that would a) be undefeated, b) on their way to a BCS National Title berth, or c) have a player worthy of Heisman consideration?...Yeah, didn't think so.

Gene Chizik didn't become a genius overnight. He struck gold with Cam Newton and Cam Newton excelled under the offensive scheme of Gus Malzahn. Sure, the stellar play of Michael Dyer, Nick Fairley, and Michael Dyer didn't hurt, but let's not be naive about Newton's impact on this team.

And, for those of you who don't buy the 'one-player-can-make-a-difference' argument, just look at how far the Gators have gone minus Tim Tebow. Even better, what would Ohio State have been without Maurice Clarett—in his one season? Georgia without Herschel in 1980?

Certainly, none of those players led their team to a national title every year, but they definitely placed them in the conversation.

Chizik is still Chizik. Until he duplicates this feat minus Cam Newton, to many, he will still be the guy that Auburn fans booed at the airport.

-And, speaking of misguided expectations, what is all this chatter about Mark Richt being under pressure to win the East now that Meyer is gone? Seriously, in what universe should THAT be an expectation?

While it's understandable that Georgia fans should expect better of this team in year two of the 3-4 defense, under the leadership of Aaron Murray, and minus the anchor that was Dave Van Halanger, it's a mighty big leap to take for any one to start believing Georgia is heading to the SEC Championship Game in 2011.

For one, South Carolina has proven it is better with Marcus Lattimore. He''ll be in season two—stronger and more experienced—will Georgia have an answer for him? Secondly, if both A.J. Green and Justin Houston make their expected exits for the NFL, who will take their places?

Rantavious Wooten, Tavarres King, and Marlon Brown have been flashing their "potential" for years, will they suddenly be able to fulfill it?

Will the running backs be better than this season? And, before you answer that, consider the fact that both Shaun Chapas (one heckuva a lead blocker), and Fred Munzenmaier are both graduating.

That said, there may need to be more tempered enthusiasm in the Bulldog Nation. By no means is an SEC Championship impossible, but the expectation of one is a dangerous proposition this early in the game.

-Some fans will go to any lengths to support their team. Ron Pettichord, a guy who says he's not really a "die-hard [Oregon] Ducks fan" has decided to postpone his heart surgery so that he can be sure to take in the BCS National Title game.

Not for nothing, but, that's what they made DVR's for, right? Seriously...some people.

-

Related articles

• Auburn's Cam Newton: I've done nothing wrong (sportingnews.com)

Urban Meyer Says He "Had Oregon Ranked No. 1 For Quite Some Time"

There was a collective head-scratch when people found out that Urban Meyer was the ONLY SEC head coach who did not rank the Auburn Tigers No. 1. Some perceived it as sour grapes—Meyer was just mad that Auburn was winning with his cast-off quarterback.

While others didn't feel Urban needed to make any explanation at all. He had his vote, he used it on Oregon—it is what it is.

Well, Urban Meyer finally let the world know exactly why he dismissed Auburn in favor of Oregon, here's what Meyer had to say about his decision not to vote Auburn No. 1:

"It could have been 1A, 1B,'' Meyer said. "I watched that SEC Championship game and to say they are not the best team in America would be incorrect. I have not watched Oregon as much, earlier in the year I did. I've had Oregon ranked No. 1 for quite some time now. And it's just like when we were up there in the rankings _ unless you deserve to lose that ranking _ that's no disrespect to Auburn obviously. But it's 1A, 1B in my mind. I just had Oregon No. 1 for a longer period of time.''

Okay, Urban...whatever you say, buddy.

College Football ATS: Can South Carolina Defeat Auburn This Time Around?

After a 13-7 haul last weekend, the 'Lady' finally was able to get above that elusive .500 (79-76) mark. So, with that goal met, and only a few games left to go before championship football and bowl season begin, this site now shifts to picking ATS winners for the next few weeks—every game, every match-up.

The slate this weekend will be a small one, but the biggest one, for those of us who live in the southern part of the country, is likely to be tonight's game between Auburn and South Carolina. South Carolina nearly pulled the upset over the Tigers in their first meeting, but the Cam Newton show took over late in the game—with a little help from a mistake-laden Stephen Garcia—and sealed the win for the Tigers.

So, the natural question this weekend has to be, can Auburn do it again?

At stake for them is a trip to the BCS National Championship game, while South Carolina is hoping to win its first ever SEC Championship. If either feat takes place, both coaches will be lauded as pure genius as it only took one player to make their teams come to life.

For Steve Spurrier, his capture of South Carolina's biggest in-state running back prospect since George Rogers—Marcus Lattimore—has been the catalyst behind the Gamecock's resurgence. Popular opinion has always been if Spurrier could ever find a good back, he might be able to make a little more noise in the SEC East. Lattimore not only exceeded expectations but, in week two, he made his glorious presence felt against a Georgia Bulldog team that often got the better of their match-up.

However, it was his 212-yard, three touchdown performance against Florida that really made heads turned. The Gamecocks had finally arrived and Steve Spurrier has found his man for, presumably, the next three years.

As for Gene Chizik, Cam Newton has been the difference. The SEC's best player has been a menace to all opposing defenses, scurrying and passing his way into record books on his way to leading Auburn to an undefeated season.

If he can make it happen one more time, the Tiger faithful are likely to see their season end with a championship—a national one.

That said, let's jump into the picks for this week:

1. Miami (OH) at Northern Illinois: Northern Illinois (-14.5)

The Huskies enter this game on a nine game winning streak and, during that time, they have been absolutely dominant at home. By contrast, the Redhawks have played many of their games close to the vest and often only manage to win in the final minutes. That said, the Redhawks are prepared for a battle, if need be, even against the No. 1 ranked scoring offense in the conference. This should be a tight one. 

The Lady's Pick: Miami (OH) to cover.

2. Pittsburgh at Cincinnati: Cincinnati (-1.5)

Pittsburgh was embarrassed by West Virginia last week, while the Bearcats were summarily dispatched by Connecticut. Both teams were thought to be Big East factors at the start of the season—neither has impressed. So, this game is about who has enough motivation to come on the field and salvage a disappointing season.

The Lady's Pick: Pittsburgh to cover.

3. Rutgers at West Virginia: West Virginia (-21)

West Virginia is on a roll and Rutgers has been terrible—against just about everybody. It's time for the Scarlet Knights to go back to the drawing board. By contrast, the Mountaineers will just be approaching this game with a win on their mind.

The Lady's Pick: West Virginia to cover.

4. UConn at South Florida: South Florida (-2.5)

The Huskies have been hard to peg this season. They are either lights out or awful. However, South Florida has been equally enigmatic—particularly B.J. Daniels. If the big quarterback, with the talented arm, and fluid mobility can find his groove, he can be the most dangerous man on the football field for the Bulls. That said, if he gets rattled or fails to hit his marks, he can be every bit the disaster.

The Lady's Pick: South Florida to cover.

5. Utah State at Boise State: Boise State (-43)

Clearly, the better team on the field will be the Broncos. However, 43 points just seems ridiculous given the fact that the Broncos are no longer playing for much. Will they have enough energy or motivation to shellac another bad football team?

The Lady's Pick: Utah State

6. Nevada at Louisiana Tech: Nevada (-7.5)

The Wolfpack are coming off a huge win against Boise State and this game may be just an after-thought to them at this point—usually a dangerous mindset to have. However, Colin Kaepernick is not likely to let the Bulldogs break his team's stride.

The Lady's Pick: Nevada to cover.

7. Southern Cal at UCLA: USC (-6.5)

Lane Kiffin will be on the hot seat before too long as it will take a miracle for him to explain how this Trojan team isn't at nine wins—considering the perceived ease of their schedule to start the year. Either way, the Bruins are either as bad as they've looked all or just playing possum. No clue if it's the former or the latter but, in this game, it's probably just safe to go with USC.

The Lady's Pick: USC to cover.

8. Oregon at Oregon State: Oregon (-16.5)

The Beavers play very well at home and they won't be looking to lay down against these Ducks—no matter how good everyone says they are.

The Lady's Pick: Oregon State to cover.

9. Florida State at Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech (-3.5)

The Hokies are a better football team, overall, than the Seminoles. Their experience and the leadership of Tyrod Taylor will be the difference here.

The Lady's Pick: Virginia Tech to cover.

10. Auburn at South Carolina: Auburn (-5)

The Auburn Tigers are nowhere near the same team that the Gamecocks nearly defeated back in week four. Nick Fairley has become a dominant force on the Tiger's defensive line and, despite the ineptitude of Auburn's secondary, the front seven of Auburn can wear down an offensive line like nobody's business.

If that happens, Garcia will be in trouble as his best games seem to happen when Marcus Lattimore is finding space and being effective—Auburn shut Lattimore down the first time. Can they do that again?

The game will come down to line play and Auburn simply has the best of that match-up on both sides of the ball.

The Lady's Pick: Auburn to cover.

The Lady's Luck Picks:

11. Washington over Washington State (NL)


12. Idaho (-13) over San Jose State


13. UNLV (+34.5) at Hawaii


14. Florida Atlantic (-4.5) vs. Troy


15. Middle Tennessee (+5) at Florida International

16. Central Florida (-9) vs. Southern Methodist


17. Oklahoma (-4.5) vs. Nebraska

Georgia Bulldogs Football: What's Been The Biggest Difference In Bulldogs' Wins?

To say that Georgia has played well over the last two weeks would be an understatement. This team has not only played well, they have played better than expected—especially when considering the mistakes and miscues of the previous four weeks that led up to this current streak.



Their success has caused some fans to let down their guards and start wondering what might have been.

You know that game well if you're a college football fan. You start revisiting all the games your team has played, and you begin asking questions about the key moments within each that could have changed that "L" to a "W".

Georgia fans are no different in that regard. In the wake of such above-average play, many have already started to play that exact game in regards to this season: "what if the team had played this well at Colorado", "what if the defense was this proficient against Arkansas", "what if the offense was clicking this well in Starkville"...the Dawgs' could be 6-1 right now—right?


Well, the danger in playing the "what if" game is that it can cloud perspective, and there's too much football left to play for any one to start expecting greatness from here on out.

The talk of tie-breakers, SEC Championship possibilities, and bowl games, is irrelevant and, quite frankly, premature right now with Georgia only sitting at 3-4.



So, here's what's real:  Georgia has a two-game winning streak on the line as they head to Lexington to take on the Kentucky Wildcats.

That's it.

They need to win that game first and then see what happens the next week—one game at a time.


That said, there is no harm in discussing the things that have made Georgia look so different the last two weeks.

What have been some of the keys to their sudden surge:


1. The defense has not allowed the opposition to score first. 

When an offense can score on their opening drive, it fires up their defense—period. It's not rocket science.

Georgia's defense gave up the first points of a game to their opponent in every loss they've had this season. The last two games saw the opposite happen and that's helped build momentum on both sides of the ball. 


2. The return of A.J. Green.

The impact of A.J. Green cannot be understated. Even if he's used solely as a decoy (which he seemed to be for much of last week), he draws a lot of attention. That opens up the other receivers and gives Aaron Murray more options in the passing game.

3. The running game has improved.

Both Caleb King (who played well against Tennessee, but will sit out, at least, one more week) and Washaun Ealey are healthy and running well. Ealey topped the 100-yard mark for the first time this season, and Carlton Thomas is finding ways to make a contribution on offense—scoring twice last week. 

A better running game has meant a more efficiently run offense.

4. The offensive line has improved.

The re-congfigured line has made Aaron Murray's job easier.  He has not been flushed from the pocket as much and he seems to have more time to go through his progressions than did earlier in the year.

Trinton Sturdivant (LT) has looked more confident each week and Kenarious Gates (RG) has played well since being inserted into the starting lineup.

5. More fire!

During the losing stretch, the team appeared lackadaisical and sluggish. At times they showed flashes of life but, mostly, they looked defeated towards the end of games. It was as if they had no more fight left. Nowhere was this more evident than in the game against Colorado.

The team rallied around A.J. Green as he made his glorious return, but, once he left with cramping, they fell back into mediocrity—on offense and defense.

However, over the last two games, they look more focused, more organized, and more confident—particularly on defense—and that has translated into less mistakes and more big plays on both sides of the ball.



The BIGGEST DIFFERENCE:

Confidence. The team finally looks like they are on the same page with the coaching staff.


The defense has given up a few plays here and there, but their tackling is better, their coverage schemes look crisper, and their grasp on the defense looks more sound.


As for the offense, Aaron Murray looks more and more comfortable every week, and he seems more determined to prove that A.J. Green is not the only weapon this offense has on the field. In recent weeks, Tavares King, Aron White, and Orson Charles, have all seen their jersey called on key downs. And, who can speak loudly enough about the contribution Kris Durham has made?

It's tough to say how much of this play will continue once the team leaves the friendly confines of Sanford Stadium, but, it certainly has been fun to watch and, hopefully, that trend continues the rest of the way.

College Football: The SEC's Wild, Wild West And It's Effect on the BCS

As of Sunday morning, seven SEC teams are in the Top 25 of the Associated Press Poll (AP). Four of those seven teams are from the western division of the SEC—three of them are in the Top 10.

The SEC West became very interesting after the Alabama Crimson Tide got rolled up in Columbia, by the South Carolina Gamecocks, over the weekend.
No. 7 Auburn, the team that few gave a chance, rallied to defeat the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday.

That made their record 6-0 coming into this weekend's match-up with No. 12 Arkansas, down on 'The Plains'.

Arkansas will come in with "upset" on their mind as they try to get back into the Top 10 at the expense of their division rival.

Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas, and LSU are all in a position to win the division, and represent the western half of the conference in the SEC Championship Game in December.

As things stand right now, Arkansas would need a little help because they lost to the Tide, but none of the other teams (Auburn, Alabama, or LSU) have played each other yet, so there is still plenty of SEC Championship hope for the Razorbacks.

Even more, after Alabama's loss to South Carolina, the BCS will be looking for a new SEC team to hitch it's wagon to, and the story of the "Cardiac Cats" (Auburn) or "Lucky Les" (LSU) seems fitting in this year of anything can happen in college football.

Who has the best chance to come out on top?

At this stage, Auburn's schedule sets up the most favorably. They face Arkansas, LSU, and Georgia at home in the coming weeks, and will have a bye prior to taking on Alabama in the Iron Bowl on November 27th.

Alabama still has a chance to get back on track as well, however, after all, the loss they suffered was not within their division and , if they can reshuffle the deck a bit, they have just as much a shot as any one in the west to come out on top.

LSU seems to be playing with fire, but the replacement of Jordan Jefferson for Jarrett Lee may prove to be the best decision Les Miles has made this season. Jefferson was reeling and his poor play was becoming a drain on what little offense his team could muster.

Add to that, Miles seems to be back to his old 2007 tricks—calling plays like a Maverick and getting all the lucky bounces he can possibly hope for on the football field.

As for Bobby Petrino's crew, Ryan Mallett may be the catalyst for that offense, but the team will win or lose with Mallett's poise—or lack thereof. If the senior quarterback can maintain his focus, Arkansas can still be the surprise team that many picked them to be at the start of the season. The game against Auburn could be the start of something big or the end of a dream.

The SEC West has become a wild place to be this season. What team will be the last one standing when the smoke finally clears?...

Georgia Bulldogs Football: Arkansas Comes To Play...Will Georgia?

It's high noon as this article is being written and that means the Georgia Bulldogs are getting set to kickoff against the Arkansas Razorbacks in Sanford Stadium—it's gameday in Athens, GA!

That statement alone should be plenty to get any Georgia Bulldog excited but, in the malaise that has followed the news that A.J. Green, Branden Smith, and Shaun Chapas won't play today, people seem to be feeling a little less than confident about what the outcome will be.

Last night, the Twitter feed was bursting with commentary as both fans and frenemies boasted about the Georgia Bulldogs chances of remaining relevant without A.J. Green to catch the ball from his new quarterback. One individual even surmised that the Bulldogs would be 0-3 in the SEC by the time it was all said and done—a notion so ludicrous and short-sighted, in my opinion, that it became necessary for this author to launch into a rant all her own.

Yet, I digress.

No one can overstate the value of A.J. Green to this Georgia team. He's a playmaker, a man amongst boys, and a future pro ball player—without question. That said, he doesn't play defense. The Georgia Bulldogs played without passion or fire last week against a South Carolina team that seemed more motivated than ever to make it to the SEC Championship Game this season—no matter what A.J. might have done last week, he wouldn't have been on the field when the tackling was taking place.

How much of a difference could he have truly made?

Georgia cannot play like the timid bunch of schoolboys they played like on last Saturday. If they do, they will lose again today. There is no question about that. However, my expectation is that these Bulldogs will be ready to play and focused on winning—A.J. or not, they will be ready to get after those Hogs.

My faith is in the red and black—where's yours?

Time to play a little football.

The Lady's Bulldog/Sports Links for Friday (7/23)

The Alabama Crimson Tide are the overwhelming favorites to win another SEC Championship and repeat as National Champions.

The Georgia Bulldogs recruiting strategy: quality over quantity.

Another "hot seat" article on coach Richt. Again, I say, Richt is not on the hot seat and the continued talk of it by outside media sources is annoying and ridiculous.

Georgia Bulldog WR, A.J. Green reiterates the point that he was not in Miami over Memorial Day Weekend. The junior receiver stated, "I've never been to Miami"—I believe him.

The Orlando Sentinel writers, once again, are taking their best shot at bashing the Georgia Bulldogs and Mark Richt. Bill King of The Junkyard Blawg takes them to task for saying that the Georgia Bulldogs are "the most overrated program in history".

How long will the NFL labor negotiations last, hopefully, not long at all.

Baltimore safety, Ed Reed, could miss significant time this season if he's not fully recovered from hip surgery. How much time will he miss...not even Ed knows the answer to that question.

Surprisingly (I say that with a huge amount of sarcasm), The Palm Beach Post thinks the media's pick of Alabama over Florida for the SEC title is wrong.

Georgia's offensive line ranks third overall in the SEC according to Chris Low of ESPN.

A lot of questions still hanging over the Tarheel football program after "agentgate"—who will and won't be playing this season as a result?

Mark Kriegel of FoxSports wonders where Nick Saban gets off calling any body a "pimp".

Mike Florio of The Sporting News, offers solutions on how college football can fix the agent crisis.

...And finally, one of my favorite Mark Richt responses from Thursday's media day Q & A session:

The Lady's Georgia Bulldogs/Sports Links For Thursday (7/15)

Former Georgia Linebacker, Rennie Curran, has come to terms with the Tennessee Titans on a four-year deal worth $1.79 million. Curran was drafted in the third-round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Sophomore DB, Shawn Williams' family lost their home in a fire late Tuesday night. The NCAA has allowed donations to be made to assist the family. Click here for more info or to make a donation.

This writer, featured at The Northpoint Gazette, feels that Georgia has as good a chance as anyone in the SEC East to make it to the SEC Championship Game in December—if they can beat Florida. The author cites Florida's tough schedule (having to play both Alabama and LSU) and Georgia's relatively manageable opposition as factors in his analysis. 

Stewart Mandel of SI.com says that Aaron Murray could end up being just as successful as Florida's John Brantley in 2010—citing Brantley's spring game performance and time in the system as the main reasons that many media outlets keep giving Brantley the edge over Murray in the East.

Terrell Owens states he is "definitely open" to joining the New England Patriots. He says, "I'm like LeBron (James). I can go there and take less of a role, take less money and put everything aside and make it work." Ummm...LOL, you wold think the Pats actually NEED his arrogant backside. Puh-Leeze.

Last night at the ESPY's, former Georgia tennis star, John Isner, won the award for a "Record-Breaking Performance" after winning the longest match in Wimbledon history.

Pete Carroll is promoting his book this summer, "Win Forever", but is finding that all people really want to know is why he ditched USC just before the sanction hammer came down. Carroll continues to say that he didn't know the sanctions were coming because he didn't know what was going on at the time. He wasn't made aware of any wrongdoing. Uh-huh, sounds to me like Pete is telling lies again—where on earth is Pinocchio's nose?

Georgia Tech QB, Josh Nesbitt, has been named to the Davey O'Brien Watch list. The O'Brien award is given to the nation's best quarterback.

The Detroit Lions feels that they may finally have their guy in former Georgia QB, Matthew Stafford.

Georgia LB, Justin Houston, is named as one of the SEC's Top 20 Defensive Players for 2010.

Tennessee Titans RB, Chris Johnson, wants to get paid handsomely after totaling more than 2,000+ yards rushing for the Titans in 2009. Personally, I think Johnson needs to back up off his demands a bit because he likely will NEVER duplicate those numbers again and there is no way he's worth as much money as he thinks he is.

Bill King muses on how Mark Richt's decision to cut out two-a-days could work for or against him in the long run.

It Must Be "Let The Village Idiot Loose" Week in SEC Land

I saw this little bit of foolery from Paul Finebaum:

5. Mark Richt (Georgia): Everyone loves Mark Richt (blah, blah, blah), but can the guy coach? That's a strong question to ask for someone with two SEC titles and a glittering résumé. However, Georgia fans have stuck their heads in the sand recently, giving Richt a blank check while blaming everyone else.

Okay, I get it, Paul Finebaum has set a goal this off-season and it involves setting a huge flame to anything Georgia Bulldog related. Well, to each his own.

After all, I've said it once and I'll say it again, no self-respecting Georgia fan should allow anything Paul Finebaum has to say, ruin his/her happy place.

This man makes his living as a pot-stirrer and whenever he needs to find a way to draw more listeners and readers into his tawdry web, he says the most outrageously stupid thing he can imagine. That's his thing.

That said, I still find that lists (particularly those with rankings) irk me. My philosophy where those types of lists are concerned is if you're going to put yourself out there, do so with intelligence.

Don't be a moron.

Here is an example of me taking a moronic list to task. 

So, while I have no problem with Finebaum's decision to release another list ranking SEC coaches, I do take issue with his decision to place Richt at No. 5—particularly when neither of the two guys he ranks before him have 1) won an SEC Championship this decade, 2) have a winning record against Richt, or 3) have played in a bowl game of any significance—specifically a BCS bowl.

Bobby Petrino is 13-12 in two season's at Arkansas. That's it. His team went 8-5 last year and, barely—and I do mean barely—beat East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl.

As for Steve Spurrier, he might have been the "Ol' Ball Coach" at Florida but he's just an OLD ball coach at South Carolina where Richt has gotten the better of him eight times in nine years.

So, I  am willing to go out on a limb and say that Mark Richt is a better coach than both Bobby Petrino (whose done nothing yet) and Steve Spurrier (whose done nothing yet at South Carolina).

Try again Paul Finebaum.

You know, he''d be funny if he weren't such a prick...just saying. 

My advice to Georgia Bulldog fans where Paul Finebaum is concerned: change the station, there's nothing to see here, folks.