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SEC Riviera Roundup - Week Two part one
Posted on 9/2/14 at 10:26 am
Posted on 9/2/14 at 10:26 am
College Football’s Changing Landscape
The SEC Riviera Roundup
By Chris Warner
September 2, 2014
“Brutality and foul play should be treated with the same summary judgment as a man who cheats at cards.” In 1905, America’s progressive President Teddy Roosevelt’s famous edict forever altered the landscape of college football, prompting the inception of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the implementation of the forward pass. Subsequently, the game reverted from its heavy-handed, brutal smash-mouthed nature to one that placed added emphasis on speed, quickness and daring sleight of hand. Today, with the advent of the popular hurry-up, no-huddle offenses that smartly spread defenses across the full width of the field, college football has again irreparably changed. The result has been the evolution of a more exciting, fan-friendly game of high-octane, high scoring offenses; and the gradual decline of defenses laden with massive linemen and linebackers whose presence once blocked out the midday sun.
In this exclusive, weekly column of everything SEC Football, we will analyze the dominating trend in college football proffered by wizards like Gus Malzahn at Auburn, Kevin Sumlin at A&M and Mark Helfrich at Oregon, and how their successes have forced the hand of able defensive coordinators to adjust—in not only how they play, but what type of players they recruit to man their defenses. Further, we will take our regular armchair quarterback tour through the nation’s toughest conference as it prepares to tackle week two in an early season that is sure to tickle the fancy of every SEC die-hard with a pulse.
Stopping the Hurry-Up No Huddle
Last Thursday night served as a wake-up call to traditional college football fans everywhere. Kenny Hill, the able replacement to Johnny Manziel, stepped into Kevin Sumlin’s spread offense and performed admirably, piling up 511 passing yards (a new Aggie record surpassing the departed bill roller) and 680 total yards of offense. The performance proved two things: 1) That Kevin Sumlin likely had as much to do with Manziel’s incredible success than did his speedy legs; and 2) That Steve Spurrier needs to spend a little less time on the links and a little more time preparing his team to play pass defense. In hindsight, Spurrier was given a healthy dose reminiscent of the one he gave SEC coaches twenty years ago at Florida with the confounding Fun-N’-Gun. It came full circle, and it wasn’t pretty for Cock fans—who are likely wondering much about the Ole Ball Coach.
Les Miles, often derided by ESPN and other misguided college football analysts as “an idiot,” “goofy,” and “clock-challenged,” has quietly stayed ahead of the trend currently dominating college football. Miles, who has recruited players as well as anyone, has more importantly, also well recruited coaches—notably John Chavis—who twice shut down Johnny Manziel and the Sumlin offense. Under Chavis, LSU has drastically changed the type of front defensive player it recruits, preferring the sleeker, speedier linebackers and defensive linemen to the sturdy, sedentary behemoths that once typified the game. As a result, LSU’s stop troops are much better prepared to stymie today’s high octane spread offenses (Auburn), yet they still possess enough beef on the roster to line up and play with the traditional I formation or pro set offense still played by Wisconsin, and more specifically—Alabama. With Chavis, LSU has a championship defensive guru who time and again has adjusted to beat the competition with Les Miles recruits. This fact alone makes LSU an extremely dangerous team down the stretch of SEC competition.
Miles may be goofy and at times, even aloof, but in the end you cannot argue with his staggering on-the-field results. At some point even the blissfully ignorant must accept the fact that the Ohio native can coach football. Miles is on pace to not only become LSU’s greatest coach (if he isn’t already) but historically one of the nation’s best, solidifying his legacy among pigskin icons like Bryant, Bowden, Warner and Stagg. Maybe then, the LSU goobers and “expert” college analysts at ESPN will get off his back—and once and for all—off Saban’s sequin-lined jock.
The SEC Riviera Roundup
By Chris Warner
September 2, 2014
“Brutality and foul play should be treated with the same summary judgment as a man who cheats at cards.” In 1905, America’s progressive President Teddy Roosevelt’s famous edict forever altered the landscape of college football, prompting the inception of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the implementation of the forward pass. Subsequently, the game reverted from its heavy-handed, brutal smash-mouthed nature to one that placed added emphasis on speed, quickness and daring sleight of hand. Today, with the advent of the popular hurry-up, no-huddle offenses that smartly spread defenses across the full width of the field, college football has again irreparably changed. The result has been the evolution of a more exciting, fan-friendly game of high-octane, high scoring offenses; and the gradual decline of defenses laden with massive linemen and linebackers whose presence once blocked out the midday sun.
In this exclusive, weekly column of everything SEC Football, we will analyze the dominating trend in college football proffered by wizards like Gus Malzahn at Auburn, Kevin Sumlin at A&M and Mark Helfrich at Oregon, and how their successes have forced the hand of able defensive coordinators to adjust—in not only how they play, but what type of players they recruit to man their defenses. Further, we will take our regular armchair quarterback tour through the nation’s toughest conference as it prepares to tackle week two in an early season that is sure to tickle the fancy of every SEC die-hard with a pulse.
Stopping the Hurry-Up No Huddle
Last Thursday night served as a wake-up call to traditional college football fans everywhere. Kenny Hill, the able replacement to Johnny Manziel, stepped into Kevin Sumlin’s spread offense and performed admirably, piling up 511 passing yards (a new Aggie record surpassing the departed bill roller) and 680 total yards of offense. The performance proved two things: 1) That Kevin Sumlin likely had as much to do with Manziel’s incredible success than did his speedy legs; and 2) That Steve Spurrier needs to spend a little less time on the links and a little more time preparing his team to play pass defense. In hindsight, Spurrier was given a healthy dose reminiscent of the one he gave SEC coaches twenty years ago at Florida with the confounding Fun-N’-Gun. It came full circle, and it wasn’t pretty for Cock fans—who are likely wondering much about the Ole Ball Coach.
Les Miles, often derided by ESPN and other misguided college football analysts as “an idiot,” “goofy,” and “clock-challenged,” has quietly stayed ahead of the trend currently dominating college football. Miles, who has recruited players as well as anyone, has more importantly, also well recruited coaches—notably John Chavis—who twice shut down Johnny Manziel and the Sumlin offense. Under Chavis, LSU has drastically changed the type of front defensive player it recruits, preferring the sleeker, speedier linebackers and defensive linemen to the sturdy, sedentary behemoths that once typified the game. As a result, LSU’s stop troops are much better prepared to stymie today’s high octane spread offenses (Auburn), yet they still possess enough beef on the roster to line up and play with the traditional I formation or pro set offense still played by Wisconsin, and more specifically—Alabama. With Chavis, LSU has a championship defensive guru who time and again has adjusted to beat the competition with Les Miles recruits. This fact alone makes LSU an extremely dangerous team down the stretch of SEC competition.
Miles may be goofy and at times, even aloof, but in the end you cannot argue with his staggering on-the-field results. At some point even the blissfully ignorant must accept the fact that the Ohio native can coach football. Miles is on pace to not only become LSU’s greatest coach (if he isn’t already) but historically one of the nation’s best, solidifying his legacy among pigskin icons like Bryant, Bowden, Warner and Stagg. Maybe then, the LSU goobers and “expert” college analysts at ESPN will get off his back—and once and for all—off Saban’s sequin-lined jock.
2
Posted on 9/2/14 at 10:26 am to Chris Warner
Around the SEC …West to East (in alphabetical order)
Alabama – At halftime against West Virginia Nick Saban described his defense as “soft.” Perplexed and befuddled by the unforgiving machinations of the spread offense, Saban continues to try and place a round peg in a square hole. Give him credit for stubbornness.
Auburn – Second string quarterback Jeremy Johnson is better than both LSU and Bama’s first stringer. He and Auburn’s starting signal caller, Nick Marshall, are two of the three reasons why Auburn is now the favorite to win the Western Division. Gus is the third.
Arkansas – Bielema continues to snoop along like a hog searching for a buried truffle. If he can keep his patience that first SEC win may come before his third season, as his team, at times, was competitive against Auburn. Like Lombardi said, winning is a habit.
LSU – Like prancing rainbow warriors the Nega-Tigers came out on Saturday, deploring their head coach in every way, shape and form. These were the folks who left NRG early, and kicked their dogs at home when they discovered Miles was once again victorious.
Mississippi State – The Bulldogs looked impressive in all phases against Southern Miss despite vanilla play calling by the Wizard, Dan “Merlin” Mullen. Everyone always said State would be a beast when they finally got a quarterback. The thing is—he’s a beauty.
Ole Miss – While the Rebels dispatched an overmatched Boise State, they did little to prove they are capable of winning the West. Wallace looks pedestrian and the Rebels need to dust off the off-season rust. Freeze’s decision-making, at times, is a mystery.
Texas A&M – Sumlin dropped a butt-whipping for the ages on a disbelieving Columbia crowd that has to feel cursed. Even the great Darth Visor wilted to the challenge of stopping the Aggies, which has proved confounding to teams not wearing purple and gold.
The East
Florida – While Champ’s troops were chomping at the bit Saturday, the weather was uncooperative, prompting a rare rain cancellation. It is uncertain whether the game will be rescheduled. The Gators are a mystery as they prepare for Eastern Michigan.
Georgia – The Bulldogs look to be the strength of the Eastern Division after throttling Clemson 45-21, led by Heisman hopeful Todd Gurley’s 198 yards rushing. With South Carolina’s precipitous fall, and a so-far healthy squad, Richt’s silver britches are it.
Kentucky – Mark Stoops’ Wildcats came out of the gates hoofing it, whooping UT Martin by a lopsided score of 59-14. While the big win was somewhat surprising, it won’t be when the Cats sneak up on someone later this fall. The worm is turning.
Mizzou – Pinkel’s Tigers beat the South Dakota Jack Rabbits 38-18 in one of the most lightly watched games during an exciting first week. They prepare for a road game in Toledo this Saturday before returning to Columbia next week to play Central Florida.
South Carolina – JaDeveon Clowney’s boyhood nickname was the unthinkable, “Doo Doo.” In his absence, the South Carolina pass rush looked shockingly similar. One has to wonder what Spurrier learned from watching the film, and if he can overcome.
Tennessee – Butch Jones tabbed senior quarterback Justin Worley as starter and the Vols punched Utah State in the mouth with an impressive 38-7 win in the opener. Bama fans everywhere are wondering if this is the year Tennessee avenges earlier painful upsets.
Vanderbilt – Derek Mason’s debut as Vandy head coach didn’t go as planned, dropping their first game 37-7 to the Temple Owls, after turning the ball over an unconscionable seven times. Mason now has to prepare the Commodores for Ole Miss on Saturday.
Going Soft on a Hot Saturday Night
Nick Saban might as well have called his defense weak, because they looked nothing like his bold and menacing teams of old against unranked West Virginia on Saturday in Atlanta. Alabama’s number two national ranking is as suspect as the mindset of its aging head coach, and the obsequious, fawning national media that continues to prop up the condescending field general. Alabama fans may not be Rhodes Scholars, or win many congeniality contests, but they know football, and of course, how to pick their poison. Even Harvey Updyke is concerned, as after that performance Bama’s schedule just got a lot tougher, especially that looming large November night game in Baton Rouge.
Until next time…
*A noted SEC football observer for over 15 years, Chris Warner is a graduate of LSU and the University of New Orleans the author of over twenty titles, including the popular “A Tailgater’s Guide to SEC Football, Volume IV,” “SEC Sports Quotes Compendium,” “Bushwhacked at the Flora-Bama,” and the newly-released fourth novel, “Saved at the Alabama-Florida Line,” set in Perdido Key in 2010, the same year of the BP Oil Blowout in the Gulf of Mexico. He lives with his family in Lower Alabama. Find his books on Amazon.com and the Kindle Store.
Alabama – At halftime against West Virginia Nick Saban described his defense as “soft.” Perplexed and befuddled by the unforgiving machinations of the spread offense, Saban continues to try and place a round peg in a square hole. Give him credit for stubbornness.
Auburn – Second string quarterback Jeremy Johnson is better than both LSU and Bama’s first stringer. He and Auburn’s starting signal caller, Nick Marshall, are two of the three reasons why Auburn is now the favorite to win the Western Division. Gus is the third.
Arkansas – Bielema continues to snoop along like a hog searching for a buried truffle. If he can keep his patience that first SEC win may come before his third season, as his team, at times, was competitive against Auburn. Like Lombardi said, winning is a habit.
LSU – Like prancing rainbow warriors the Nega-Tigers came out on Saturday, deploring their head coach in every way, shape and form. These were the folks who left NRG early, and kicked their dogs at home when they discovered Miles was once again victorious.
Mississippi State – The Bulldogs looked impressive in all phases against Southern Miss despite vanilla play calling by the Wizard, Dan “Merlin” Mullen. Everyone always said State would be a beast when they finally got a quarterback. The thing is—he’s a beauty.
Ole Miss – While the Rebels dispatched an overmatched Boise State, they did little to prove they are capable of winning the West. Wallace looks pedestrian and the Rebels need to dust off the off-season rust. Freeze’s decision-making, at times, is a mystery.
Texas A&M – Sumlin dropped a butt-whipping for the ages on a disbelieving Columbia crowd that has to feel cursed. Even the great Darth Visor wilted to the challenge of stopping the Aggies, which has proved confounding to teams not wearing purple and gold.
The East
Florida – While Champ’s troops were chomping at the bit Saturday, the weather was uncooperative, prompting a rare rain cancellation. It is uncertain whether the game will be rescheduled. The Gators are a mystery as they prepare for Eastern Michigan.
Georgia – The Bulldogs look to be the strength of the Eastern Division after throttling Clemson 45-21, led by Heisman hopeful Todd Gurley’s 198 yards rushing. With South Carolina’s precipitous fall, and a so-far healthy squad, Richt’s silver britches are it.
Kentucky – Mark Stoops’ Wildcats came out of the gates hoofing it, whooping UT Martin by a lopsided score of 59-14. While the big win was somewhat surprising, it won’t be when the Cats sneak up on someone later this fall. The worm is turning.
Mizzou – Pinkel’s Tigers beat the South Dakota Jack Rabbits 38-18 in one of the most lightly watched games during an exciting first week. They prepare for a road game in Toledo this Saturday before returning to Columbia next week to play Central Florida.
South Carolina – JaDeveon Clowney’s boyhood nickname was the unthinkable, “Doo Doo.” In his absence, the South Carolina pass rush looked shockingly similar. One has to wonder what Spurrier learned from watching the film, and if he can overcome.
Tennessee – Butch Jones tabbed senior quarterback Justin Worley as starter and the Vols punched Utah State in the mouth with an impressive 38-7 win in the opener. Bama fans everywhere are wondering if this is the year Tennessee avenges earlier painful upsets.
Vanderbilt – Derek Mason’s debut as Vandy head coach didn’t go as planned, dropping their first game 37-7 to the Temple Owls, after turning the ball over an unconscionable seven times. Mason now has to prepare the Commodores for Ole Miss on Saturday.
Going Soft on a Hot Saturday Night
Nick Saban might as well have called his defense weak, because they looked nothing like his bold and menacing teams of old against unranked West Virginia on Saturday in Atlanta. Alabama’s number two national ranking is as suspect as the mindset of its aging head coach, and the obsequious, fawning national media that continues to prop up the condescending field general. Alabama fans may not be Rhodes Scholars, or win many congeniality contests, but they know football, and of course, how to pick their poison. Even Harvey Updyke is concerned, as after that performance Bama’s schedule just got a lot tougher, especially that looming large November night game in Baton Rouge.
Until next time…
*A noted SEC football observer for over 15 years, Chris Warner is a graduate of LSU and the University of New Orleans the author of over twenty titles, including the popular “A Tailgater’s Guide to SEC Football, Volume IV,” “SEC Sports Quotes Compendium,” “Bushwhacked at the Flora-Bama,” and the newly-released fourth novel, “Saved at the Alabama-Florida Line,” set in Perdido Key in 2010, the same year of the BP Oil Blowout in the Gulf of Mexico. He lives with his family in Lower Alabama. Find his books on Amazon.com and the Kindle Store.
Posted on 9/2/14 at 10:28 am to Chris Warner
I wish you wouldn't spam this site with your shite articles.
Posted on 9/2/14 at 10:31 am to Chris Warner
This is one of the worst things I've ever read.
Posted on 9/2/14 at 10:32 am to Chris Warner
Jesus Christ...everyone has a fricking opinion on these games. Keep it to yourself unless you are providing something unique and/or funny.
Posted on 9/2/14 at 10:33 am to Chris Warner
quote:
Auburn – Second string quarterback Jeremy Johnson is better than both LSU and Bama’s first stringer.
We know.
Posted on 9/2/14 at 10:39 am to Chris Warner
Chris Warner
21-0 teabag victim has been identified.
21-0 teabag victim has been identified.
Posted on 9/2/14 at 10:39 am to Tornado Alley
It truly might be his crowning achievement in hackery so far...
Posted on 9/2/14 at 10:41 am to Chris Warner
quote:
Chris Warner is a graduate of LSU
Ok now I understand
Posted on 9/2/14 at 10:43 am to td01241
But he lives in Alabama
Updyke lives in Louisiana
Why can't morons stay in their own state
Updyke lives in Louisiana
Why can't morons stay in their own state
Posted on 9/2/14 at 10:55 am to nicholastiger
Posted on 9/2/14 at 11:07 am to Chris Warner
quote:
Arkansas – Bielema continues to snoop along like a hog searching for a buried truffle. If he can keep his patience that first SEC win may come before his third seaso[u]n, as his team, at times, was competitive against Auburn.[/u] Like Lombardi said, winning is a habit.
Listen, I know the final score was 45-21. But, did you watch the game?
It was tied at half and only a one possession game with 2:52 in the third (when the pick 6 happened and the wheels fell off). "..at times, was competitive.." is a huge understatement.
Posted on 9/2/14 at 11:08 am to Eric Nies Grind Time
quote:
everyone has a fricking opinion on these games. Keep it to yourself unless you are providing something unique and/or funny.
You do realize this site would shut down if everyone took your advice, don't you?
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