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Battle of the Century II

Posted on 9/10/13 at 9:10 pm
Posted by Chris Warner
Perdido Bay
Member since Jan 2009
5575 posts
Posted on 9/10/13 at 9:10 pm
“Battle of the Century II” – A College Station Clash

The SEC Riviera Roundup
By Chris Warner
Weekly Column

September 10, 2011


In 2012, Texas A&M University, the “Home of the 12th Man,” like its former Southwest Conference partner, the University of Arkansas, in 1990, became a part of the nation’s most powerful athletic conference. The Aggies, in true maverick fashion, did not disappoint during their inaugural season in the nation’s toughest league. Led by an unlikely redshirt freshman, Texan quarterback turned Heisman Trophy winner, the fleet-footed Johnny Manziel—the Pride of Kerrville, the Aggies enjoyed a first year in the SEC that will long be remembered—especially by Alabama fans. With losses to only Florida and LSU, A&M finished 11-2, with a 41-13 Cotton Bowl thumping of former Big 12 partner, Oklahoma. However, the sweetest win of the early slate was the 29-24 road victory over #1-ranked Alabama, the defending National Champions, on their home turf in Bryant-Denny Stadium. There exists a rich coaching tradition shared between the two schools, as both Bear Bryant and Gene Stallings served as a head coach at the University of Alabama and Texas A&M University. With the tradition-rich Aggies’ auspicious entrance into the nation’s most competitive sub-conference, the SEC Western Division, the balance of power has unquestionably shifted toward the setting sun.

In this everything SEC fall football column we will discuss the impending monster match-up between Lucifer and Satan--Johnny and Nick, in College Station, Texas this Saturday; and whether or not Alabama’s spectacular run of the SEC will continue; as the Tide, much like A&M, has an easy schedule the rest of the way, with only LSU looming large. In addition, we will take our regular armchair quarterback tour across the nation’s toughest conference, the SEC, as well as comment on LSU’s continued rise in the national rankings and collective conscience.

Johnny Be Good

Johnny Manziel’s recent off-the-field actions have been deplorable. They’re so bad that Texas A&M’s President R. Bowen Loftin and SEC Commissioner Mike Slive worked overtime in the summer’s eleventh hour to procure what amounted to a false punishment from NCAA President Mark Emmert, so Johnny Football could play by the second half of the Aggies’ first game against an also-ran. This was characteristic of Emmert, who also helped another Heisman winner, Cam Newton, out of a similar, high-paying, jam.

While Manziel’s off-the-field problems are many, his on-the-field shortcomings are few. The redshirt freshman who shattered all of Cam Newton’s records en route to winning the Heisman is every bit as good as advertised. When he takes the field on Saturday, Manziel will be the fastest and most talented player; and he will expect to win—just as he did before, in T-Town, because in his first two games, he was Johnny on-the-spot with his throws. Some analysts claim that despite his accuracy, Manziel has “lost a step.” These analysts, of course, live in Alabama, a state that with the help of great politics, great coaching and great scheduling has claimed four straight crystal balls. The only step Manziel recently lost was another year of college ball, as he has already hinted of going pro following the season.

The Weak Link of Alabama’s Offensive Line

Alabama is still a talented, big strong football team. However, it is one that is stronger on defense, much like LSU was a year ago. Offensively the Tide will lean on its best back, Yeldon, to grind out the tough yards and eat clock, while McCarron will be asked
to make the safe throws for first downs and to maintain field position. However, Alabama’s offense, and potentially, its defense, will only be as good as its unheralded and unproductive, offensive line, as A&M will force them to make plays. Nick Saban recruited more defensive talent the last few years than he did for the offensive line, something he was criticized for repeatedly while he was at LSU.

Alabama’s biggest fear has to be falling behind early in this game. If McCarron is pressured into a situation where he feels he has to win the game himself by scoring with Manziel, it could spell disaster, as Alabama’s line is simply not ready to fully protect him. Alabama will want to score first and take the pressure off of their offense, particularly their offensive line, which is two fifths of what it was a year ago.

Around the SEC…

The West

Alabama – Nick Saban has apparently questioned everyone he can think of--old mentors, coaches and even his few friends on how to stop Johnny Manziel. He has received much advice, but I can’t imagine it being any better than something he’d come up with on his own. No one mentions that in addition to facing the Heisman Trophy winner on Saturday, Saban is also squaring off against the SEC Coach of the Year; and that he, Kevin Sumlin, just may have a confounding game plan of his own in store for Alabama.

Arkansas – Alex Collins, the Hogs’ true freshman running back, is averaging 151.5 rushing yards per game, which is best in the league, first among all freshmen in the country and sixth in the NCAA. He is the first freshman in Arkansas history to open play with consecutive 100-yard games. Collins rushed for 172 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries against Samford, which is the 9th-highest rushing total in the NCAA in 2013 and the highest among freshmen. Even more impressive is the fact that Collins has not had a negative carry. The Hogs host a hapless Southern Miss team this weekend to go to 3-0.

Auburn – Auburn, like the Hogs, are 2-0 on the season. Unlike the Hogs, they host a real team this weekend, the 1-1 Mississippi State Bulldogs, in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn is a team on the move—whether it goes up or down this year will hinge on this pivotal game. Auburn blew out Malzahn’s old team, Arkansas State, last week, by the score of 38-9. It is unknown whether or not senior signal caller Tyler Russell will be able to start. If healthy, he will get the nod over Dak Prescott, who rode the Dawgs to a 51-7 shellacking of Alcorn this past Saturday.

LSU – Odell Beckham, Jr. had 334 all-purpose yards and 100 “miscellaneous” yards for a 108-yard missed field goal return for a touchdown against UAB. Les Miles with the win avenged an earlier Saban loss, improving the Tigers’ record against the Blazers to 1-1. Beckham, a junior, along with fellow junior receiver Jarvis Landry, has looked like an all-conference performer. Senior quarterback Zach Mettenberger also looks the part. John Chavis’ defense is still learning and settling into a playing rhythm heading into next weekend’s hosting of Auburn. LSU entertains Nick Saban’s alma mater, Kent State, this Saturday in Baton Rouge. Look for more youngsters to play as the Tigers ready for upcoming league competition.

Mississippi – Ole Miss starting cornerback Charles Sawyer was booked with DUI on Sunday morning outside of Oxford. Coach Hugh Freeze says that Sawyer is “a fine young man” who was “emotional after the arrest” and that he will “discipline him internally” like he does all the other reckless driving cases. Meanwhile, Freeze still must prepare his team to go roadtripping against a wounded Texas Longhorn squad that was embarrassed the last time it suited up (The Longhorns gave up 550 rushing yards to BYU). Good luck with that one. Mack Brown and the Burnt Orange Nation will be lying in wait for redemption in the form of Hugh Freeze’s untested road Rebels.

Mississippi State – Dan “Merlins” Mullen, with his trusty mortar, pestle and hair of the Starkville Dawg, is trying to summon unforeseen power and strength from his team as it embarks on another tough road test early in the year. The opening loss against Oklahoma State was a humbling experience. This game, against a rebuilding Auburn team, is much more winnable—if they want it. One can only wonder what Mullen’s crystal ball portends. Dan may want to add a hint of bull testicle to the mix, a move Jackie Sherrill patented back in the 1990’s for a guaranteed State win.

Texas A&M - In 2012, with his uncanny ability to extend plays, Manziel accounted for an amazing 47 total touchdowns, 26 rushing and 21 passing; rushing for 1,410 yards and passing for another 3,706. He finished the season with a 155.32 quarterback rating, completing 68 percent of his throws. He set the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Freshman record for total offense in a season with an unreal 5,116 yards. He also broke Archie Manning’s long-standing record for most yards of total offense in a game with 576, smashing Manning’s 1969 record of 540 yards, and his own record of 557, set two weeks earlier. He also broke Cam Newton’s total yardage in a season record with two fewer games played. Since these Earth rumblings, he has dated supermodels, hung out with Lebron James and signed an autograph—free of charge—to the “most interesting man in the world.” On Saturday afternoon, he may once again—much to the chagrin of a watching nation, become the favorite to win the coveted Heisman Trophy, by leading his team to victory over Alabama.





The East

Florida – Coach Will Muschamp is trying earnestly to win the hearts and minds of Gator fans, despite the fact that he lost to an unranked Miami team this past weekend. Really, he is. The problem is he doesn’t have an offense—like Miami or Florida State. Quarterback Jeff Driskel is well-intended, like his coach, but … it doesn’t look like he has what it takes to pass the ball effectively in FBS. The Gators have a brilliant defense, but if they can’t score it’s going to be a long year. The Gators have an off week before hosting Tennessee next Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin.


Georgia – Mark Richt bought himself more time with a win over the Evil Genius between the hedges last Saturday. Aaron Murray was 17-of-23 passing (74 percent) for 309 yards and four touchdowns for a 244.2 pass efficiency mark in the win. Murray moved to No. 2 on the school's all-time list for total offense with 10,907 yards, and is now 4-11 against ranked opponents. The Bulldogs are idle this week, working on their defense, preparing for LSU late in the month, after a warm-up with North Texas next Saturday.

Kentucky – The Wildcats improved to 1-1 on the season with a victory over Miami of Ohio, 41-7. Offensive guard Kevin Mitchell graded at 90 percent in that game with nine knockdown blocks, and did not allow a sack or have a penalty. Mitchell helped Kentucky amass 675 yards total offense, the third-highest total in school history. Kentucky hosts Louisville at noon on Saturday. Win this one and Coach Stoops will have em’ talking more than just hoops in Lexington.

Missouri – There is already talk in Columbia of an undefeated season and a Heisman Trophy for quarterback James Franklin, after Mizzou won their second outing in as many tries, this time against Toledo, by the score of 38-23; although, they trailed in the third quarter before rallying for the win. Mizzou is idle this week and then travels to Indiana and then back home for Arkansas State, which are two winnable games. If Pinkel’s squad can gain confidence early they may be looking squarely at a bowl game at season’s end. They will need to win a couple of SEC games, however.

South Carolina – Darth Visor lost a hard-fought battle to a team on their own turf. But, the DeathStar remains largely intact, meaning the possibility of a championship run still exists. The Gamecocks had a tough time stopping the run against Georgia’s physical rushing attack, led by Todd Gurley, who did his best Herschel Walker impressions last Saturday in the 41-30 victory, rushing for 132 yards on 30 carries with one rushing and receiving touchdown. The Cocks hope to rebound by hosting Vandy this weekend.

Tennessee – Vol fans are in hog heaven with their 2-0 start. However, that could be short-lived with a trip to Oregon on the slate this weekend. Defensive back Brian Randolph had eight tackles, intercepted two passes and broke up another in the Vols’ big win over Western Kentucky. Randolph is currently 3rd in the NCAA in interceptions.
Tennessee forced seven turnovers versus Western Kentucky, including a NCAA-record four on four consecutive plays in the first quarter. But, Tennessee will need offense, not defense, and probably a few more consecutive, timely turnovers, to beat the Ducks.


Vanderbilt - James Franklin’s squad redeemed themselves with a 38-3 victory over Austin Peay this past Saturday. Unfortunately, his team must face a Steve Spurrier-coached team that lost this past week, meaning they will be motivated toward the same redemption Vandy sought a week ago. Receiver Jordan Matthews is one of the league and nation’s best, and so is Franklin.

Beyond Thunderdome: The Alabama Fan College Station Pilgrimage

Thursday and Friday classes in Tuscaloosa likely won’t be too well attended. That’s because Alabama students and fans have had this game penciled in since last year’s painful setback. The entire revenge-minded Tide Nation will soon be whiskey bent and open road bound for College Station, Texas. If the Aggies only knew what was coming…if they only knew.

Alabama lost the game that was first tabbed, “The Game of the Century.” It was played in Tuscaloosa, where Alabama had a distinct, loud, home field advantage. They lost that epic clash 9-6. On Saturday, Alabama will be facing the SEC Coach of the Year, the Heisman Trophy winner, and the legendary 12th Man. That and LSU is all that is standing between it and another shot at fleeting conference and national glory—and, one for the thumb for the State of Alabama.


*Chris Warner is the author of “A Tailgater’s Guide to SEC Football Volume IV,” which is due out later this month, and “Bushwhacked at the Flora-Bama.” He lives in Fairhope, Alabama. Visit his website: LINK



Posted by FISH N TIGER
South Louisiana
Member since Jun 2007
1165 posts
Posted on 9/10/13 at 9:12 pm to
Nice read,but Shouldn't this be on SEC Rant ?
Posted by LSU Tigershark
10,000 posts
Member since Dec 2007
10543 posts
Posted on 9/10/13 at 9:14 pm to
quote:

September 10, 2011


???
Posted by Spankum
Miss-sippi
Member since Jan 2007
55970 posts
Posted on 9/10/13 at 9:15 pm to
thanks...I always enjoy reading your work...
Posted by harry coleman beast
Left Field
Member since Aug 2008
52210 posts
Posted on 9/10/13 at 9:15 pm to
Posted by tigerfan in bamaland
Back Home now
Member since Sep 2006
61076 posts
Posted on 9/10/13 at 9:22 pm to
quote:

September 10, 2011


In 2012, Texas A&M University,...


article written in the past about the future.



good read.
Posted by southernelite
Dallas
Member since Sep 2009
53140 posts
Posted on 9/10/13 at 9:25 pm to
tl;dr but this game isn't near GOTC II, maybe it is, but i think it's too early in the season to really know how big it is, and i don't think it's really that hyped, either.
Posted by AubieALUMdvm
Member since Oct 2011
11713 posts
Posted on 9/10/13 at 9:53 pm to
Chris Warner; didn't read
Posted by brick
Member since May 2009
1159 posts
Posted on 9/10/13 at 9:58 pm to
LINK


nice march to go with the word battle.
This post was edited on 9/10/13 at 9:59 pm
Posted by lsutothetop
TigerDroppings Elite
Member since Jul 2008
11323 posts
Posted on 9/10/13 at 10:08 pm to
quote:

Chris Warner; didn't read

^

seriously, this game isn't even #1 v #2, there's no history between the schools, the hype does not approach 11/5

come on man
Posted by BigEdLSU
All around the south
Member since Sep 2010
20268 posts
Posted on 9/10/13 at 10:10 pm to
Just my two cents, calling Manziel and Saban lucifer and satan is uncalled for. Seriously. Couldn't get past that in the beginning.

Surely all LSU fans are sore over Saban. But that's really uncalled for.

Just my two cents
Posted by MrTide33
Member since Nov 2012
4351 posts
Posted on 9/10/13 at 10:17 pm to
Chris, I'm working on being a sports writer as well. There's a few things I need to note in your article.

quote:

while McCarron will be asked
to make the safe throws for first downs and to maintain field position.


This really depends on the line's play. It's okay to say this will happen because of line play but saying this:
quote:

However, Alabama’s offense will only be as good as its unheralded and unproductive, offensive line.
then makes it look like you think AJ would only make those throws anyway, which is not true with his experience and talent.

quote:

their offensive line, which is two fifths of what it was a year ago.

This is also sort of misleading. We lost three starters, but that doesn't translate to our line being two-fifths of what it was last year. You are also downing our line a lot which is okay, that's your opinion, but it's probably too bold with the improvement we will make.

Overall, I like your style and think you have great potential. Keep it up.
This post was edited on 9/10/13 at 10:22 pm
Posted by Mullen3:16
Nerlins, LA
Member since May 2012
4708 posts
Posted on 9/10/13 at 10:20 pm to
You're killing your father Chris
Posted by S
RIP Wayde
Member since Jan 2007
155357 posts
Posted on 9/10/13 at 10:24 pm to
stop
Posted by Ted2010
Member since Oct 2010
38958 posts
Posted on 9/10/13 at 10:24 pm to
Chris picked Bama to lose? Shocker I say!
Posted by familydad
Baton Rouge
Member since Nov 2007
45 posts
Posted on 9/11/13 at 11:13 am to
I thank you for a great review, Chris. Love your writing
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