Eagles Rule (Allen that is)

A week after the fact, I’m finding time to crow about my adopted Allen Eagles.  One of the most memorable nights of my sports-watching life, being in that live environment with 48,000 fans and knowing many of the players, parents, and cheerleaders.  Being in the stadium all day I was able to score great seats for the final game and sweated it out with the Allen crowd.  And, wow, was Lamar better than we were led to believe!  Big and athletic, well-coached, and with a dynamic QB, they were a load.  No sustained drives on this night by the Eagles.  Big plays won the day: 3 long TD runs, an interception return, and a kick-off return.  For the 2^nd straight game, the defense and special teams made plays that were the difference.  No points allowed in the final 15 minutes.

As you know, I’m a fan who appreciates championships as much or more than anyone.  I know how hard they are to come by.  How many good teams stand in the way and how many small things can go wrong in a single elimination scenario.  This was not Allen’s most talented team, but the soundest, and the most committed I think.  The front 5 on offense and the front 7 on defense controlled the games and won the trenches.  It was enough to make up for a lack of talented skill players.  Here is the capsule from ESPN:

Meanwhile, Allen (Texas) had arguably the toughest road of any team in the nation in capturing its Class 5A, Division I state title. Its 35-21 win over then-No. 15 Lamar (Houston) marked its second straight win over a top-15 opponent. The previous week, the Eagles downed DeSoto (Texas), a squad some considered the most talented in Texas in years, by 15 points. Prior to that, they upended a Skyline (Dallas) squad that started the year No. 4 in the nation. So even though Allen has one loss, a performance against that schedule earns it a top-three nod.

As with the title in 2008, Allen went through 3 undefeated teams in the playoffs, plus a talented 1-loss team.  It’s a gauntlet and so that makes it sweeter.  2012 was amazing:

·         Completion of nationally recognized $60mm stadium

·         Open the stadium by exorcising the Southlake demons, 24-0

·         Capture 7^th straight district title

·         Defeat nation’s #1 ranked team in state semi-finals

·         Win state title at Cowboy Stadium

I told a friend, we never had much of a chance to win state at my own high school, never even a thought.  It was the Neville’s, Ruston’s, West Monroe’s that won state, not Airline.  So I get to experience life on the other side now, and I have to say its pretty fun.  Allen should be a power right through Shelby’s time at the school.

Meanwhile, I see a great coach in action.  I think I can call Tom Westerberg great now.  Nine seasons, 103-16 record.  Since 2006, working on 7 straight district titles, 84-10 record, 3 appearances in state semis, 19-5 in the playoffs, 2 state titles.  This year, he made the tough call to switch QB’s in mid-season, going to a sophomore, who had 55 and 68-yard TD runs in the championship.  That 2^nd title just brings so much more clout.

And so for future reference:

ESPN 25 Power Rankings: Week 18
RANK	SCHOOL/REC (CITY, STATE)	TRENDING	COMMENT
1	De La Salle (15-0) Concord, CA	-- Last Week: 1	Last Game: Defeated then-No. 17 Centennial 48-28 in the CIF Open Division State Championship Bowl Game Next Game: Season Complete
2	Katy (16-0) Katy, TX	2 Last Week: 4	Last Week: Defeated Cedar Hill (Texas) 35-24 in the Class 5A, Division II state championship Next Game: Season complete
3	Allen (15-1) Allen, TX	3 Last Week: 6	Last Week: Defeated then-No. 15 Lamar (Houston) 35-21 in the Class 5A, Division I state championship Next Game: Season complete
4	Bellevue (14-0) Bellevue, WA	2 Last Week: 2	Last Game: Defeated Eastside Catholic (Sammamish, Wash.) 35-3 in the Class 3A state championship Next Game: Season complete
5	John Curtis Christian (14-0) River Ridge, LA	2 Last Week: 3	Last Game: Defeated Evangel Christian (Shreveport, La.) 35-13 in the Class 2A state championship Next Game: Season complete

S

Cowboys Saints

As we expected the Saints game was a disaster for the Cowboys defense. They truly never stop someone that has a creative scheme. The Saints controlled the game from the start and only a nother ROMO miracle comeback kept them close.  Truthfully, dropped passes in Cincy and Philly is the only reason they won those games.


Dallas is a pretender by all methods that I can use to determine a quality team

At what point does Garrett get blamed for these yearly blunders? Should Red be given "an out" for the injuries, an offense that is totally dependent on Romo being spectacular, the worst Special Teams coach in the NFL, and working for “Jerry The GM “ and his pitiful player evaluations.

Points allowed vs. Points Scored are a big driver to me in a coach’s ability to get the most out of his teams. Dallas is still (-14) with an 8-7 record. They are the only team in the NFC with a winning record that is a negative in this category. Indy and Luck is the other one in the AFC and they are in a bad division..

Will Garrett ever coach a team that upsets a good team? His past coaching record says NO!



j

Off-Season Disaster for Rangers

Where to start?  Our beat writer Evan Grant actually was writing that it was practically sealed that the Rangers would score Zack Grienke and then re-sign Josh.  Two days later, the franchise gets struck by a hurricane of events.  Grienke to the Dodgers, Hamilton to the Angels!  Then James Shields gets traded to KC, shutting down any chance that Texas could make improvements to the team.  All of a sudden, the 2 faces of this franchise, Michael Young and Hamilton are gone.  Mike Adams then signs with Philly, and there goes our setup man.  Not only do the Rangers now face a youth movement, but must watch the Angels field Trout, Pujols, and Hamilton every night.  From the last week of the regular season till now, the house seems to have burned down.

What can I salvage?  Well, I am on record as saying I wouldn't pay Hamilton $20 million a year, much less the $25 he got from LA.  Maybe Trout will inspire him, or maybe not being the best athlete on the team will make him pout all year.  Who knows.  What I do know is that Hamilton was cruising on his talent and could not carry the team against good competition.  He refuses to adjust and so his mid-30's look iffy to me.

We'll get a look at top prospects Martin in center, Olt at various positions, and of course Profar in the middle infield.  As I've said before, things hinge on Holland and Feliz.  If they neither become front-liners then the franchise is really set back.  Nellie Cruz must rebound, Darvish must settle into a #1, and the kids must prove out.  For certain, they won't be the team to beat next year.

That game 6 loss to the Cardinals looms larger and larger when you see how hard it is to stay on top.  I could live on that one World Series for a long time.  Now, the road back just looks longer and harder.

S

Eagles vs. Eagles

So my adopted hometown Allen Eagles will make their 4th state semi-final appearance of the past decade on Saturday.  A quick look back:

2003 - Unknown Eagles run up against dynasty Southlake Dragons and go down 37-21
2006 - Eagles more of a known commodity but lost QB Nathan Dick on first series and get crushed by Dragons again 38-0
2008 - Now a powerhouse, Allen gets outplayed by most accounts but drives for TD in waning seconds to beat Round Rock Stony Point 23-21 and go on to win state for the first time
2012 - For the 4th time, Allen enters semi's with a 13-1 record and for the 3rd time is the underdog

I go back to early in the season when I said Desoto was the best team in the area.  They beat Trinity, Jenks badly (who went on to win state again), Bowie who finished 11-2, Cedar Hill easily, but most impressively crushed the area's best defense in Coppell by 42-14 and didn't break a sweat.  They had to work for it against Southlake last week, but still rang up 620 yards.  Logic says they win it all.

But, I have watched Allen closely for the last 5-6 years and they rarely, actually almost never get outclassed. They have routinely beaten athletic teams such as Longview, Cedar Hill, Plano East, etc.  They have held their own against Trinity.  Only once in the last 6 years have they clearly been outmatched, that against Trinity in last year's playoffs.  Skyline fielded 8 Div I prospects last week and got thumped by Allen 37-17.  Allen typically runs about 50 times, throws 20 times, controls the clock, beats people up and wears them out.

I am terrible at predictions, and its actually a dumb exercise.  Too many crazy things happen in sports.  I will however be surprised if Desoto has an easy time of it.  Allen will have the size, and they have seen speed this year.  It is probably Desoto's time to finally cash in, but I hope for a couple of breaks and a chance to win it late.  If Allen is overwhelmed by the speed like Coppell was, we'll know early.  Gametime is 6pm and the weather looks good.  Fingers crossed.

S

La State Champions - Private School Runaway

5A- Rummell over Barbe
4A- Karr beat Neville- Public School Victory
3A- Parkview Baptist over Notre Dame
2A- John Curtis over Evangel
1A- Ouachita Christian over Hanyesville.

4 of 5 champs!

The last time I counted LA had about 427 High Schools with around 110 Private Schools with over 100 students.

Louisiana has the 3rd highest Private School enrollment in the US. (Hawaii and Delaware lead)
It is a little less than 20% of total Student Population.

S

Manziel Note

Some stuff I've picked up while reading on Manziel and the Heisman coming up.  He was not really under the radar as has been said.  He was a Parade All-American and originally committed to Oregon.  Mike Sherman personally recruited him and flipped him.  Check out these stats as a senior at a 4A Texas school in Kerrville: 3,609 passing yards with 45 touchdowns, 1,674 rushing yards with 30 more touchdowns.  75 touchdowns in one year!  An interesting quote from Sherman was that Manziel has huge hands, accordingly to him the only other person he has seen with hands like his is Brett Favre.

S

SEC New Hires

My opinion on the surprising news of Bret Bielema to Arkansas: I applaud Jeff Long for some original thinking.  I heard Paul Finebaum say that he spoke recently to the Touchdown Club in Fayetteville, and they discussed around 25 potential candidates for the Hog job, none of which were Bielema.  They are getting a good young coach who has won at a high level of competition.  Seven years after taking over for the iconic Barry Alvarez, he has averaged nearly 10 wins, although he has a poor Bowl record.  This reminds me of about 12-13 years ago when a guy named Saban jumped from the Big 10 to the SEC.  He knew where the talent was and knew he could win if he got his hands on it.  I think it says something of Bielema that he was willing to take the challenge of facing the gauntlet of SEC West coaches, rather than staying safe in Wisconsin, where they are happy with 8-9 wins, and 10 wins makes you a hero.

As for Malzahn, I am skeptical, mostly because I view him as an Offensive Coord at heart, who might not have the skills to run a big program outside of the X's and O's.  I may be proven wrong, but many times these guru's don't work out as head coaches.  There is a lot of CEO stuff involved and he may hate it.

S

Big Weekend in DFW

Taking a look at Rivals.com, 4 of the top 26 teams in America will play each other in the Dallas area on Saturday afternoon.

Desoto is the #1 team in America per Rivals.  Watch 4-star RB Dontre Wilson who is committed to Oregon.      They play #15 Southlake at SMU at 2pm.

Across town in Mesquite at 3pm, #14 Allen plays #26 Skyline.  I am obviously concerned.  Skyline has 8 Div I prospects per Rivals, 4 of which are 3-star, and 2 of which are 4-star (see below).  There will be a talent and speed discrepancy, obviously (Allen has one 3-star).  We'll see if Allen can control the line of scrimmage.  Otherwise, curtains.

DT	Kerrick Huggins	Dallas, TexasSkyline	6'4"	283	N/A	4 stars	5.9	15	Texas A&M
QB	Devante Kincade	Dallas, TexasSkyline	6'1"	185	4.5	3 stars	5.7	26	Mississippi
WR	Ra'Shaad Samples	Dallas, TexasSkyline	6'0"	170	4.5	4 stars	5.8	37	Oklahoma State
DB	Will Barrow	Dallas, TexasSkyline	5'10"	160	4.6	3 stars	5.6	65	Texas Tech
RB	Ellis Onic	Dallas, TexasSkyline	5'9"	170	N/A		N/A	N/A
OL	Dominique Woods	Dallas, TexasSkyline	6'1"	290	N/A	2 stars	5.2	N/A	list
DE	Devion Anderson	Dallas, TexasSkyline	6'3"	225	4.6	3 stars	5.5	N/A	list
LB	Isaiah Williams	Dallas, TexasSkyline	6'1"	223	N/A	3 stars	5.5	N/A	Kansas State
LB	Roderick Moore	Dallas, TexasSkyline	6'0"	225	N/A	2 stars	5.4	N/A	Southern Methodist

Kudos to John Curtis, currently #2 on Rivals!

S

Kelly & Meyer are Threats

I can go back almost a decade now since a team I hate has won the national championship (as you know I've never hated USC).  But, now I have some worries about the coming years.  If not for the tattoo scandal we could be facing a Notre Dame - Ohio St. championship game.  These 2 schools have the tradition and the resources to recruit nationally, and they may have the coaches in place to strike fear into the SEC.

Brian Kelly is an unknown to us as far as big games, but his history suggests we should be nervous.  He took over Division II Grand Valley State at the ripe age of 30, went 118-35, and played in the Div II national championship game his last 3 years, winning the last 2.  Later he took Cincinnati to 3 straight 10+ win seasons including an undefeated Sugar Bowl champion team.  Now it's taken him all of 3 years to go undefeated at Notre Dame.  I don't know much about his X's and O's, but history says he will win.  At 51 he figures to have a decade of success ahead.  Yuck.

And of course Urban Meyer is back, and how.  Meyer is only 48!  In 11 years as a head coach he has rolled out 116 wins with 5 conference championships, 2 national championships, a 7-1 bowl record, 2 undefeated seasons, and 3 13-1 seasons.  A focused and healthy Meyer is a nightmare waiting to happen for the Big 10 (and me).  He knows how to recruit, he knows great athletes, and he just doesn't lose.  He just went 12-0 with a team that went 6-7 a year ago.  Crap.

So, how long before Saban gets bored?  Spurrier is old, Richt average, Miles overrated.  I get the impression that Brian Kelly and Urban Meyer are not afraid.  But we maybe should be.

S

Mack

Watching Texas is getting really difficult for me and I can only imagine what the Orange Bloods feel.

The season started with hope in Oxford and it gave me hope for a big year and a bad prediction.
After W. VA showed up, everything changed and  the entire psyche of the team was lost. 

How bad is it? I even heard Bill King discussing it on the radio.  Since the best game I have ever seen one player have in the NC Game, Mack is 21-16 and he always has the most talent.

Texas is 1-11 in the last 12 against top 25 teams.  It is so bad that I refuse to even look up who the top 25 team is that they beat last actually was. I am afraid it was someone like
J.

Big 12 Football is Exciting

Nine of the ten teams qualified for a bowl game out to the newly formatted Big 12.
I am not sure if parody means that a conference is really good or just really an average talent league.
The leagues is getting a lot of press for the deepest conference and on a percentage basis, I agree.

This league may not be very deep with contenders for the national title, but no conference is as fun to watch with these high octane offensive minds. 

Parody runs rampant from and I "do not like it."

Schools like Texas and Oklahoma should never be run over like they have been the last two years. 
Baylor, K State and even TCU do not get the level of athletes to beat these teams.  The good part is that it shows that these new offenses do level the playing fields when the other coaches do not adjust quickly.

I do know this, I spent the entire year flipping channels to see what kind of crazy game that Fox was carrying on Saturday night.

I did compare the top 10 SEC teams to the Big 12 in a bowl scenario based on where they finished in the conference.  (This is how I expect the season to end.)

Bama- Kstate
Florida-Okla
LSU-Texas
GA-Okla Stat
Texas Ag-TCU
S Car-TTech
Ms State- W VA
Vandy-Baylor
Ole Miss- Iowa State
Ark-  Kansas

I would be hard pressed to find 3 Big 12 teams favored.
But as last years Bowl Record Shows for the Big 12, the Big 12 definitely have good teams from top to bottom.

j.

Miles to Arkansas

Really? Again!

Miles agent leaks this type of thing yearly and I hope he leaves this time.  It's just ridiculous to offer that kind of money to Miles and worse for his agent to let these things out.  It hurts LSU and Arkansas when the rumors fly and only Miles and his contract are helped with this crap.

(Hell, Miles is Houston Nutt with a Louisiana recruiting base!)

After failing to win the NC the last two years because of his ineffective Oline and meddling in the offense.

Let the Hatter Go!
J

Sean Taylor

I was sitting in my hotel room and ESPN ran a story on the 2007 death of Taylor at 24 years old.

It reminded me of how special Sean Taylor was and that we actually considered him to be better than Ed Reed.

Let's Compare some great safeties:
 Reed (4.5 -40)and Polamula (4.4-40) are both under 6feet and weigh a little over 200lbs.
Taylor (4.5-40) was 6'2" and weighed in at 230 as a 21 year old that was voted the hardest hitter in the NFL.

Production:
Reed in 4 years 25 turnovers.
 Polamula 11 turnovers.
 Taylor 20

Tackles. Reed. 227.   Polamula 217  
Taylor 299 Tackles and much more intimidating in the secondary than anyone in recent history.

  He was the best college safety that I have ever seen.

Greatness needs to be remembered!
Try YouTube if you have forgotten.
J

Compare a Hall of Fame Candidate and a Scapegoat

I will never understand why people blame QB's for the success of teams.
It starts with the Coach and managements preparation of the talent resources and in my opinion, it usually ends there with any chances of success with equal talent.

The Saber matrix stats for football are available and are an even bigger supporter of the DFW Scapegoat. Eventually, I will read through them and decide which one's I find to be most detailed with situation type information.

J.

Rankings.

Recently, someone sent me an article downplaying the SEC and the out of conference games that they play.  It is the same old stories we read each year and lacks any fundamental information. I recently did some research and found that the LSU/FLA had won more games against top 25 non-conference teams than any conference's total number team wins during the past 6 years. .

But the question was based on this year and seems just as ridiculous.
All other AQ teams combined have beaten one win against top 20 non-conference.  UCLA won a game against Nebraska early in the year.   The SEC has 3 wins. (This weekend Fla and SC beat two 10-1 teams and SC did it with back up QB and RB.)

It made me consider how I would you rank the teams. My list is not very different than the 3 major polls nor the BCS rankings. This is not who I think is the best overall, which of course, I think at least 3-6 SEC teams would likely beat Notre Dame in a bowl game. (Definitely 6 if South Carolina was healthy.)

Some other points of confusion, I also do not understand why Oregon is still ranked ahead of Stanford.
Is Ohio State better than I think?  They definitely have NFL talent, but I still don't buy that they are a top team.  Do I have Texas too high?

My expectations are simple, when the Bowl Season is over the SEC will have another BCS title and have won around 8 games while playing teams that have finished much higher in their conference than the SEC teams finish.   The Final SEC Rankings will have 1. Bama, 2. GA 3. FL 4. LSU T-5.Aggies and SC.
  
How to judge a Conference: I use the top half- Can anyone consider their 4th team to be on the level of LSU I doubt many people really think their conference champion would be a favorite against LSU:

4th Seeded Teams:
*ACC-NCarl, *Big 12-Ok St. *Big 10-Penn ST, *Big East -UConn,  *Pac 12-UCLA.
When I drop to 5th or 6th is gets even worse. (The only negatives I found was that the 5th place Big 10 team beat the 8th place SEC and 3rd seated Texas beat 10th seed Ole Miss. )

S, I know you sometimes get frustrated with me because I do base my rankings on overall talent in the conferences and down play the other teams at times because of recent history when the SEC gets to bowl games and healthy.  I don't understand why Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio State and USC aren't fighting for NC each year, but they don't.




J

Rivals 100 - Revisited

I was looking at this year's top 100 on Rivals and started goofing around looking back on previous years.  Interesting how things work out.  Check out a few of these that will make you smile or cringe:

2011
#5 - DeAnthony Thomas - Oregon (slow by J's standards)
#10 - Malcolm Brown - Texas (oh yeah)
#17 - Anthony Johnson - LSU
#18 - Jarvis Landry - LSU
#32 - Jeff Driskel - FL
#34 - Braxton Miller - Ohio St.
#36 - Marquise Lee - USC
#43 - Odell Beckham - LSU
#63 - Kenny Hilliard - LSU
#86 - JW Walsh - OK St.

2010
#10 - Marcus Lattimore - SC
#12 - Jackson Jeffcoat - TX
#19 - Spencer Ware - LSU (5-star baby!)
#34 - Mike Davis - TX (Skyline)
#82 - Cedric Ogbuehi - A&M (Allen, TX!)
#90 - Eric Reid - LSU

2009
#2 - Rueben Randle - LSU
#5 - Matt Barkley - USC
#6 - Trent Richardson - AL
#7 - Russell Shepherd - LSU
#11 - Dre Kirkpatrick - AL
#12 - Manti Te'o - Notre Dame
#18 - Garrett Gilbert - TX
#20 - Craig Loston - LSU
#46 - Aaron Murray - GA
#59 - Michael Ford - LSU

2008
#1 - Terrelle Pryor - Ohio St.
#4 - Julio Jones - AL
#5 - Patrick Peterson - LSU
#9 - A.J. Green - GA
#14 - Blaine Gabbert - Missouri
#15 - Tyron Smith - USC
#55 - Mark Barron - AL
#68 - Andrew Luck - Stanford (that one kind of jumps out)

2007
#2 - Joe McKnight (traitor)
#3 - Eric Berry - TN
#4 - Ryan Mallett - Michigan
#13 - Terrence Tolliver - LSU
#14 - Chad Jones - LSU
#28 - Cameron Newton - FL (or Cam for short!)
#54 - Dez Bryant - OK St.

2006
#1 - Percy Harvin - FL (Meyer says best player he ever coached)
#5 - Sergio Kindle - TX
#6 - Mathew Stafford - GA
#8 - C.J. Spiller - Clemson
#10 - Mitch Mustain - Arkansas
#22 - Tim Tebow - FL
#35 - Demarco Murray - OK
#43 - LeSean McCoy - Pitt
#50 - Charles Scott - LSU
#61 - Jevan Snead - TX-

2005
#7 - Mark Sanchez - USC
#8 - Martellus Bennett - A&M
#16 - Ryan Perriloux - LSU (cringe)
#18 - DeSean Jackson - Cal
#23 - Darren McFadden - Arkansas
#48 - Michael Oher - Ole Miss (Blindside fame)
#51 - Ndamukong Suh - Nebraska
#57 - Jamaal Charles - TX
#90 - Rashard Mendenhall - Illinois

2004
#1 - Adrian Peterson - OK
#2 - Tedd Ginn Jr. - Ohio St.
#3 - Early Doucet - LSU
#4 - Rhett Bomar - OK
#13 - Chad Henne - Michigan
#28 - Marshawn Lynch - Cal
#37 - Calvin Johnson - GA Tech
#47 - Glenn Dorsey - LSU

2003
#2 - Reggie Bush - USC
#26 - Chris Leak - FL
#42 - Alley Broussard - LSU
#79 - Jamarcus Russell - LSU
#87 - LeRon Landry - LSU

2002
#1 - Vince Young - TX
#28 - Devin Hester - Miami
#37 - Maurice Clarett - Ohio St.
#50 - Justin Vincent - LSU
#81 - Chase Pittman - TX (Evangel)
#83 - Jonathan Wade - TN (Evangel)

Pretty fun to look back.

S

Where the Skill players study.

While playing Jerry Jones “Junior”, I thought it would be interesting to see where the NFL speed players go to college. I did a small survey in the office and asked them to pick the top 5 schools. Of course they all said LSU, Fla, Alabama and USC. One of these did not make the top 11. Not one of the 5 people I asked named the top producer of skill players (I know that S would guess this top team in his top 5.)

 

I admit I was surprised that USC, Oklahoma and Georgia were missing.

 

1. • Miami 22
2. • LSU 18 
3. • Ohio State 18 
4. • Florida 14 
5. • Texas 13 
6. • Alabama 12 
7. • Cal 12 
8. • Illini 11 
9. • Va Tech 11 
10. • South Carolina 10 
11. • Notre Dame 10

J.

Peterson Back?

Last year I posted on Adrian Peterson when he went down with the shredded knee, paying tribute to his 5 seasons, 4.8 yd/avg, and speculating that he probably would never be the same.  Wrong!  After less than a year of rehab and 10 games in 2012, Peterson doesn't look as fast at the top end, but he is amazingly averaging 112 yards/gm, leading the league in rushing, and running for an eye-popping 5.8 yds/carry!  Freak of nature doesn't even do it justice.  His healing powers appear to be equal with his ridiculous talent.  Adrian Peterson's place among the all-time greats of East Texas is not only secure, but still on an upward path.  Truly amazing.

S

TX HS Playoffs

Check this out, the playoff bracket for 5A Div 1 has Coppell and Desoto meeting in Round 2!  Either of those teams could be on their way to winning state.  Trinity and Southlake look headed for a 3rd round match-up, with the winner of that getting Coppell/Desoto.  That's what it will take just to get to state this year in Region I.  Allen will get an undefeated Mesquite in Round 2 in the Region II bracket.  Should they fight their way into the regional final, it would likely be against Skyline.  I just can't get over Coppell and Desoto meeting in Round 2, that could easily be a state final.

In 5A Div II, the best teams are spread out.  Abilene, Cibolo Steele, and Katy, all undefeated and in the state top 10, are in different brackets and could all be headed for the semi-finals.

S

Low Tide

I guess now we can start hearing from the Tide fans whining for another 2nd chance after losing at home again.  Your post on Sumlin was prophetic.  The Aggies did not play with any fear.  Alabama is missing the playmakers they had last year.  Those 4 defenders chosen in the first 30 picks are not so easily forgotten.  Last season everywhere you looked it was Hightower, Upshaw, Barron, and Kirkpatrick making plays.  Now the SEC has to hope for some losses.  I just can't see the voters putting a 1-loss Bama ahead of an undefeated Pac 12 or Big 12 champ.  The streak is in serious jeapordy.

S

Some NFL Favorite Draft Places

I didn't include all of the obvious teams for this review of information, but touched on a few of the Schools with titles in the last 6 years.   I excluded last years teams and this years draft.

I often wondered about USC and Texas talent vs SEC Powers.
If I were a five star, it would make me do a soul searching for the way some of the coaches practice.

Urban has a success rate that is ridiculous.
USC appears to be overrated in developing talent.
Bama stats are changing quickly since Saban's arrival.

Make of this what you will, but it confirms why I voted Florida team of the decade.
j

Andrew Luck

I have had the privilege to watch Luck about 4 times this year and I admit that I am amazed.
Can he really be the best Rookie QB that I have ever seen? 
I know RGIII had all of the press during the first half of the season, but LUCK just looks different to me.

This sent me searching the Net for information, I was wondering if I should be concerned with his low completion percentage.

There are a lot of sites out there in agreement, but one in particular shows some incredible information.
http://www.advancednflstats.com/

The information I read had the listing that includes the type of passes and also had rushing attempts included.
Luck is not only turning the hapless Colts into a Playoff contender, he is doing it in an offense that requires down field passing without the quick dump passes.   As a caveat, his rushing attempts lead the lead in first down percentages.  People tend to forget that his measurables at the combine were the equal of Cam Newton. 

I thought you would enjoy this website.. Below is a preview.

Here is a QB Chart:

Glossary:
Air Yards Per Attempt (Air YPA) - The average air yards (AY) gained per pass attempt. Note that this does not include any sack yards.


Win Probability Added (WPA) – The difference between a team’s Win Probability (WP) at the start of a play and the WP at the end of the play. WPA is the measure of a play’s impact on the outcome of a game. An individual player’s WPA is the sum of the WPA of the plays in which that player was directly involved. Being directly involved is defined as an offensive player who ran, threw, or kicked the ball, was targeted by a pass, or flagged for a penalty. Defensive players are credited for WPA when they tackle or sack the ball carrier, are credited with an assisted tackle or sack, cause a fumble, defend a pass, or are flagged for a penalty.

Expected Points Added (EPA) – The difference between the Expected Points (EP) at the start of a play and the EP at the end of they play. EPA is the measure of a play’s impact on the score of the game. An individual player’s EPA is the sum of the EPA of the plays in which that player was directly involved. Being directly involved is defined as an offensive player who ran, threw, or kicked the ball, was targeted by a pass, or flagged for a penalty.

Win Probability Added per Play (WPA/P) – The average Win Probability Added per play in which an offensive player is directly involved. WPA/P is a measure of an individual player’s impact on the outcome of his games, on a per play basis.

Expected Points Added per Play (EPA/P) – The average Expected Points Added per play in which an offensive player is directly involved. EPA/P is a measure of an individual player’s impact on the scores of his games, on a per play basis. EPA/P differs from WPA/P in that it is not as context-sensitive because it does not consider game score and time remaining.

Positive Win Probability Added per Game (+WPA/G) – The measure of a defender’s impact on the outcome of his team’s games, on a per-game basis. Like +WPA, +WPA/G is limited to positive plays for individual defensive players.

Success Rate (SR) – The proportion of plays in which a player was directly involved that would typically be considered successful. Specifically, SR is the percentage of plays resulting in positive Expected Points Added (EPA).

Adjusted Yards per Attempt (AYPA) – A quarterback’s Yards per Attempt (YPA) minus sack yards, adjusted by a 45-yard penalty for each interception thrown. 45 yards is chosen because it is approximately equivalent to the Expected Point (EP) value of an interception.

Deep Pass Percentage (Deep%) – The proportion of pass targets in which a receiver is greater than 15 yards beyond the line of scrimmage.

Auburn

It is all over the net about Auburn preparing to buy out Chizik's 3.5 Million Dollar contract after this incredible collapse.
2-7 and 0-6 in conference..   The worse season in 60 years.
Next up for Georgia and Bama beat downs.

Have we ever seen such a fall from grace! 
This is the real example of a coach losing control of the organization, After hiring some incredible coaches and recruiters. (Determine for yourself about how CAM ended up at Auburn)   The O-Coordination leaving was a death blow and the players they recruited will require them to hire a spread coach.  

2010 National Champion- 2012-Fired.  Wow!.

There has to be something hidden in the Auburn closet on the coach for it to be this bad, no second chances after a National Title creates wonder for me.

J.

All Ego

After already being depressed enough this morning over the election, I'm treated to Jerry's follow up interview to his Costas interview this weekend.  Yesterday on the radio he reiterated that he would never own the Cowboys without being the GM.  This after saying that his performance as GM would justify his firing by an owner.  All you can gleam from this is that Jerry puts his ego above the success of the franchise.  That is the most inexcusable thing of all.  He is admitting that his wishes come first, the success of the team second.  I'm so weary of this clown being the face of the Cowboys.  Are you getting those Papa John commercials in Louisiana where Jerry performs to a rap song?  Pathetic.  A complete and total ego-maniac.  Then Gosselin today writes a scathing rebuke of Jerry the GM.  What can we do but suffer on?

S

LSU Tendencies Discussed.

Where to start with LSU/BAMA.

 

How about the most telling quotes after the game:

 

1. Saban on ESPN after the game when asked about the 2 minute drive.

• He said that each week he sits with his QB’s and reviews the upcoming opponents two minute defense.
• He said LSU did exactly what we expected and the drive to end the first half was also based on the review.
• It kills me when they play off of people, when the DB’s are faster than the WR’s. That last Blitz was just  an overreaction to the previous plays and  I cannot even comment in a plausible way.

Saban's comments really ring true, especially considering the offensive play calling in Baton Rouge for the past few years.  Fake FG on 4th and 12 around midfield.. Really?

2. Many media pundits are now saying Alabama is beatable and have weakness.

 

• Pat Dye was on the radio and said two things.
• LSU has the most talent that Bama will see and even if they haven’t shown the offensive side, we all know it is there.

• If Kansas State or Oregon would have been there, LSU or Alabama would have put up 40 to 50 points on the board and neither would score more than 25. He went on to say, we have seen Oregon twice with LSU and Auburn, Dye said that the Auburn defense was not even a good and they couldn’t run past those guy. Then he commented, I think both of these teams are much better on defense.

J.

Coaching Compliments- Before I discuss LSU/Cowboys

Let’s talk coach of the year and assistant of the year.


In College Station, Sumlin has done a great job and it is ashamed they didn’t have this team in the Big 12 last year. I think they would win the Big 12 this year, yet they will lose 3 in the SEC and likely blow out a higher ranked opponent in a bowl Game.

Mark Snyder is the D Coordinator this year and changed to a 4-3 aggressive defense.

Last year, they sputtered to finished 64th in Scoring Defense and the Red zone area. In my opinion it cost them the Big 12 last year. This year they have jumped to 26th and lowered points from 28.2 to 21.9. But more importantly, the aggressive defense is vastly improved in the Red Zone from 101st out of 124 teams to 23rd this year.

Snyder was the D Coordinator at South Florida the past two years, and the defensive coordinator for the Ohio State team that beat Miami to win the 2002 BCS.

The increased recruiting and attacking offense leads me to think that the Aggies will be fighting year in and year out to join the Bama/LSU/FLA and GA stronghold in the SEC.

Coach of the year in the SEC to me is down to two people.

1. Sumlin-They are a threat to anyone they play and he is going to make the Saban’s and Miles of the world consider what they would have with offenses that attack during an entire game.

2. Hugh Freeze- Ole Miss is a train that is building momentum; Nutt killed the talent at a school that yearly produces NFL prospects. Freeze has come in and made them a team that is scary. The Aggies were lucky to survive. Ole Miss is going to pass the Dogs in Starkville if Mullen refuses to adjust his slow QB decision maker. Ole Miss never quits and they really had nothing to excite anyone when the season started.

This is huge week for Ole Miss, beat Vandy and they are bowl bound and I never expected Six wins with LSU and Mstate still on the schedule.



I lean toward Freeze as coach of the year.

J

AL 21 LSU 17

OK, so the first thing I thought about this morning when I woke up is how much losing this game hurt.  But........the good thing is that it's the first game all year that I came away impressed with the Tigers.  The players played their asses off, Mettenberger stood tall and made throws, and the coaches were aggressive.  Miles gave up 6 points that we needed with stupid calls, and Alleman sucks.  But, this team plays no seniors of note and if they learn to play like they did last night every game, things look up.

First downs - LSU 22 - 18
Total yards - LSU 435 - 331
Time of poss - LSU 39 - 21
Off plays - LSU 89 - 59

I never would have predicted for us to play that well, or to lose if we did play that well.  Giving up those points made a difference, and after the missed field goal at the end, our defense seemed to be dazed and played it too soft.  But, in total contrast to how I felt after last year's title game, I think we're on par with them, except for the head coaching.  Now, can they put it aside, win out this year, kick some ass in a bowl game, and hit next year running?  Time will tell.

S

LSU aftermath

"[Coach Les] Miles thrives on stuff like that," said running back Michael Ford, whose 20-yard, second-quarter touchdown was the Tigers' first score in the 24-19 comeback win. "That's what he wants, to show the world that we're not going to fold when people get ahead of us."

This was a response made to questions regarding a 12-0 deficit and no offense through a quarter and a half.  

That quote will be viewed as a compliment, by some confused souls, to the coach, but it may provide an little insight into the delusions that Miles spouts in private. He is like the kid that says he lost to his sister on purpose.  His offensive scheme is his badge of honor no matter the consequences to his team.  

LSU ran 21less plays than the Aggies yesterday and Punted 10 times to 4 for the home team.  

Just another example that any fool can win if he has the better talent. 

J

Cowboys and Panthers

The game will hinge, in my opinion, on the zebras and Cowboy relationship.  Dallas continues to play undisciplined and careless football.

Murray being replaced by Jones probably will not matter until a tough team shows up.

Romo is a bit off with his accuracy this year, it is really strange to seem him missing people high so often.

I heard Ryan talking about getting his front 7 back for the week and how improved they would be.   My thoughts are it is BS!  Spencer has sucked since he arrived in DFW and I doubt anything will change.  Ryan better hope that Hatcher or Butler explode to get pressure on Newton.  

Red Jesus still doesn't get IT! Dallas  can't score because his red zone offense is too slow developing.   They also lack cohesion and he needs to give up the play calling.   He is below average and we now have plenty of data to prove it.

But first and foremost on my radar,  what will the special team coach screw up today.   Last week a guy the Ravens pick up during week goes 108 for a td.   Today, I predict a penalty at least.  He is the worse.

J

Rating a defense. LSU D has to beat LSU O

After LSU lost to Florida, my temper started to simmer with the papers and radio shows discussing how Florida had dominated the Tigers defense. Then I read another reference from a big news provider.

 

Florida had 237 total yards that day and had the ball the entire game.  Something like 72 offensive plays.

 

This sent me into a research mode to find out how bad LSU really is on offense. The information below is to get rid of the excuse makers and coaches.  It is a fallacy to blame the athletes.

Below are the numbers:

 

LSU ranks:

• 112th out of 125 teams in offensive plays this year in road games.
• 63 offen plays per game. .  Leaders are over 80.
• 86th for the year in overall Offensive play against Towson St and UNT.
• I truly expect them to drop lower with conference play and repeat the 62.8 plays they produced last year.
• In 2011 the 13-1 Tiger ranked 122nd out of 124 teams.
• 2010 finished LSU 92nd
• 2009 Finished 122nd of 124 teams .

 

Before anyone tries to consider "time of possession" as a benefit, DON'T!
Specifically, lets discuss away games to get rid of the Cupcakes.
LSU is still under 28 minutes per game and 92nd in the nation.  
Bama with the same philosophy and better coaching is 19th.

 

These stats are hard to even accept as a LSU Fan.
Miles has a dogmatic approach to coaching and wins with better athletes and apparently never developing their skill sets.
 
The moral of the story is that LSU is better on defense than most  people realize and we are just lucky Miles doesn't fashion himself a defensive coach or they would probably suck on defense also.

 

 

J

 

 

 

 

 

Why We Will Live And Honor Les -Until Jerry calls him!

• This info below was sent to me prior to the season, I think it was on tiger droppings
• I blame everything that is disgusting with the LSU offense on Miles as everyone should know.  The Crowton debacle the last 2 years and then the crowning achievement of putting Jefferson in last year and taking last years offense back to the past, where first downs were scarce.  
• It continues this year! Even after the win on Saturday in a dominant rushing performace, I do not think run against Bama. Heck, it took the illness of Ware to finally get the talent on the field.   Ware is still a 4.0yd a carry back, while Ford is at his usual 6yds per carry. 
• Hill, as my buddy Chad said two years ago, is much better than Hilliard and I wonder if Miles even recognizes the lateral quickness in the hole.
• Well, lets hope he stays at LSU and we do not have him coaching in Dallas because of Jerry's ridiculous decisions as GM.
• --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• 77-18 = The Hat's Overall Record at LSU (Now 81-19)
• 41-15 = The Hat's SEC regular season record
• 46-4 = The Hat's record against unranked teams
• 34-1 = The Hat's record against non-conference teams
• 17-1 = The Hat's record in games after a loss
• 5-2 = The Hat's Bowl Record
• 45-6 = The Hat's Home record
• 33-1 = The Hat's home record in Saturday night games
• 20-2 = The Hat's record in night games away from Tiger Stadium
• 31-14 = The Hat's record against Top 25 teams
• 21-13 = The Hat's record against Top 15 teams
• 12-9 = The Hat's record against Top 10 teams
• 7-7 = The Hat's record against Top 5 teams
• 10-4 = The Hat's record at home against Top 20 teams
• 23-9 = The Hat's road record
• 22-7 = The Hat's record in November 
• 26-9 = The Hat's record against the SEC West  
• 73-7 = The Hat's record when LSU rushes for 100 or more yards 
• 52-4 = The Hat's record when leading after the 1st quarter 
• 61-6 = The Hat's record when leading at the half
• 72-9 = The Hat's record when scoring 20 or more points
• 61-5 = The Hat's record when scoring 25 or more points  
• 46-3 = The Hat's record when holding opponents under 100 yards rushing 
• 5-0 = The hat's record against the Pac-10
• 4-0 = The hat's record against the ACC  
• 1-1 = The Hat's record against the Big 10  
• 1-0 = The Hat's record against the Big 12 
• 3-1 = The Hat's record in the Superdome 
• 7-3 = The Hat's record after November 
• 2-1 = The Hat's record in BCS Bowls  
• 3 SEC West Titles  
• 2 SEC Championships 
• 2 BCSCG Berths  
• 1 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP  
• Won the SEC West outright for the first time in LSU history....He has now done it twice  
• Only LSU coach to ever post 3 straight 10 win seasons  
• Only LSU coach to ever post 3 straight 11 win seasons  
• Only LSU coach to ever post 3 straight Top 5 finishes 
• Only LSU coach to win at least 11 games more than once, (Has five 11 win seasons)  
• Only LSU coach to go 13-0  
• Only LSU coach to beat Alabama, Auburn, and Florida in the same season, (he has done it 3 times) 
• Only LSU coach to beat Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, and Florida in the same season, (he has done it twice)  
• Only LSU coach to beat Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Tennessee and Georgia in the same season 
• Of all the LSU Coaches to coach at least 25 games, his winning percentage of 81.1% is the highest of All-Time 
•  
• Has come from behind victories over:  
• #15 Arizona State: trailed in the 4th quarter  
• #4 Alabama: trailed in the 3rd quarter & won in OT 
• #15 Auburn: trailed in the 4th quarter & won in OT 
• #11 Florida: trailed in the 4th quarter  
• #8 Tennessee: trailed in the 4th quarter 
• #9 Florida: trailed in the 4th quarter  
• #17 Auburn: trailed in the 4th quarter  
• #17 Alabama: trailed in the 4th quarter  
• #14 Tennessee: trailed in the 4th quarter 
• #10 Auburn: trailed in the 4th quarter 
• Troy trailed in the 4th quarter  
• #12 Florida: trailed in the 4th quarter  
• #5 Alabama: trailed in the 4th quarter  
• #2 Alabama: trailed in the 4th quarter
• #12 Georgia: trailed in the 3rd quarter
• Ranked in the Top 25 in 111 of 116 polls
• Ranked in the Top 20 in 111 of 116 polls
• Ranked in the Top 15 in 107 of 116 polls
• Ranked in the Top 10 in 90 of 116 polls
• Ranked in the Top 5 in 55 of 116 polls
• Ranked in the Top 2 in 29 of 116 polls
• Ranked #1 in 16 of 115 polls
• Received 1st Place Votes in 38 of 113 polls
• Has beaten 7 National Championship coaches:
• 1. Larry Coker
• 2. Phillip Fulmer, (2 Times)
• 3. Steve Spurrier, (2 Times) Now 3.
• 4. Urban Meyer, (3 Times)
• 5. Nick Saban, (3 Times)
• 6. Jim Tressel
• 7. Gene Chizik , ( 3Times)
• Another fun stat:
• The Hat had a want to go for it on 4th down 91 times and has made it 59 times, including 15 of the last 17 times over the last 3 seasons
• LES frickING MILES!!!

J.

Mike Trout

I did not take the time this year to post on Mike Trout, partially because I was pulling hard against his team.  But I can't pass up talking about this massive new talent now that the season is over.

Mike Trout was born in 1991.  He turned 21 years old late in the season.  He is 6-1 and 210 lbs and a natural center fielder.  His array of skills is hard to comprehend.  Maybe even more so than Josh Hamilton and Matt Kemp, who are larger, Trout is blessed with as much natural talent as you are ever likely to see.  In over 1,100 at-bats in the minors, he hit .342 with a .425 OB%.

After spending most of April in the minors, Trout ultimately played 139 games in 2012.  In that time he led the league in both runs with 129 and stolen bases with 49 (caught just 5 times).  It seems that he may be the fastest player in the league.  To go along with those categories, he also finished 2nd in the league in BA at .326, had 30 homers and 8 triples, drove in 83 runs from the leadoff spot, had a .399 OB% and .564 S%.  All this as a 20/21 year old rookie.

As impressed as we usually are with athletes who are linebacker-size, Trout comes in at safety-size which allows him to use his speed on the bases better, while maintaining extra-base power.  How exciting is it to think of a natural centerfielder and highlight-reel fielder who may be the fastest player in the league, who also has a good eye at the plate and has 40-homer power?  Not to mention a reckless abandon attitude who plays like Pete Rose.

Unfortunate the he plays for the Angels who I can never pull for, but I have to be excited to see a talent of this magnitude added to baseball.  Maybe this is our Mantle?

S

A Really Tough Week

So let me recap my sports week.  Last Friday Allen took a rare regular season loss at Coppell.  Big news around here, but I expected a tough game, so I rolled with it.  Saturday night comes along and I watch LSU struggle with an FCS team, trailing in the 2nd quarter and ultimately winning by a paltry 16 in a somewhat embarrassing performance.

Sunday afternoon; the USA Ryder Cup team collapses after leading by as many as 6 points Saturday afternoon.  They ultimately take a 1-pt loss in a match that will long be remembered.  Then, collapses become the order of the week.  The Cowboys offense implodes in embarrassing fashion, at home, on Monday Night Football.  The Cowboys are once again a joke on national radio.

Tuesday - Friday becomes the long, slow, and shocking collapse of the Rangers.  After leading for all but 3 days of the year, they stumble home 1-5 and see the A's make up 5 games with 9 to play.  Then, they mail in the 1-game playoff against a team with half their talent.  Josh Hamilton is the biggest collapsee of all.

So, baseball is over, the Cowboys' typical mediocrity is on display for yet another year, and the LSU offense is worse than ever.  I'm turning my thoughts to the Mavs, which shows just how bad things are.  Hoping for LSU to turn it around this afternoon because this next month will tell all for the Tigers' hopes for 2012.  Tell me again why we love sports?

S

Triple Crown

In well over 100 years of the great game, only 12 players can claim a batting triple crown (10 in the live ball era).  A triple crown signifies that you are 1) the best hitter in the league, 2) the most powerful hitter in the league, 3) the most productive hitter in the league, 4) durable & dependable.  Here are the winners, and you will notice there is no Babe Ruth, or Joe DiMaggio, or Stan Musial, or Willie Mays, or Hank Aaron, or Barry Bonds, or Albert Pujols.  I takes both a special year and significant luck.  It is one of, if not the rarest great accomplishment in all of baseball.  Cabrera's year does not take a back seat to many.

2012 AL	Miguel Cabrera	DET .330, 44 HR, 139 RBI
1967 AL	Carl Yastrzemski	BOS .326, 44 HR, 121 RBI
1966 AL	Frank Robinson	BAL .316, 49 HR, 122 RBI
1956 AL	Mickey Mantle	NYY .353, 52 HR, 130 RBI
1947 AL	Ted Williams	BOS .343, 32 HR, 114 RBI
1942 AL	Ted Williams	BOS .356, 36 HR, 137 RBI
1937 NL	Joe Medwick	STL .374, 31 HR, 154 RBI
1934 AL	Lou Gehrig	NYY .363, 49 HR, 165 RBI
1933 AL	Jimmie Foxx	PHA .356, 48 HR, 163 RBI
1933 NL	Chuck Klein	PHI .368, 28 HR, 120 RBI
1925 NL	Rogers Hornsby	STL .403, 39 HR, 143 RBI
1922 NL	Rogers Hornsby	STL .401, 42 HR, 152 RBI
1909 AL	Ty Cobb	DET .377, 9 HR, 107 RBI
1901 AL	Nap Lajoie	PHA .426, 14 HR, 125 RBI
S

Chipper

I may have blogged on Chipper last year when he announced his retirement, but recently took another look at his career.  Then today I read an ESPN story by Jayson Stark about Chipper's place in history.  This is a player who was better than I have given him credit for.  A few points:

* .304/.401/.530/.931 - I mean, wow
* 468 homers, 549 doubles, 1,623 RBI - again, wow
* Career BA from left side: .304, from right side: .305... !
* Among switch-hitters, only he and Mantle had a .400 OBA + .500 SA + 400 homers
* All-time RBI leader among primary 3rd basemen
* More career walks than strikeouts (1,505 - 1,409)
* More than 400 games over .500 (wins/losses in games played)
* Baseball-Reference.com has him ranked as 33rd best overall hitter of all time

In summary he was one of those players who didn't necessarily put up monster years, but all the more telling metrics show that he was truly great.  Very selective, consistent, lots of extra base hits.  Along with A-Rod and Griffey, the 3 best #1 picks in the draft era.

You can read Stark's column for more detail:  http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8427136/the-many-amazing-feats-chipper-jones

S

Dodge Back to Work

It didn't take long for the Todd Dodge influence to take effect at Marble Falls High.  This from the Houston Chronicle:

It would make sense that Todd Dodge, who led Southlake Carroll to four Class 5A state titles with a number of record-setting quarterbacks, is doing the same at his newest stop (Marble Falls).


That is in terms of a record-setting quarterback.

Marble Falls quarterback Mike Richardson threw for 715 yards in a 62-55 win Thursday over Boerne Champion. Richardson completed 35 of 44 passes and tossed seven touchdowns.

S