A Return to Form

As the lighters flashed and the smoke rose upon the night air in Knoxville, Tuscaloosa and countless other areas, one could finally feel content about the Alabama team that took the field.

It may be hard to feel content about the schedule ahead which features ranked LSU, Mississippi State and Auburn. But it is a hell of a lot more content than the feeling following the South Carolina and Ole Miss games.

The high-caliber athletes are in place. The coaching is in place. The prestige and tradition are in place. Finally, it seemed as though the motivation and drive came back into place during the second half of Saturday’s game.

The opponent was browbeaten Tennessee, in which coach Derrick Dooley later likened to the Germany during the Allies attack of Normandy saying:

“Right now we’re like the Germans in World War II,” Dooley said. “Here comes the boats, they’re coming. You have the binoculars, and it’s like, ‘Oh, my God, the invasion is coming.’ ”

However weak or inexperienced Tennessee may be, there were a multitude of positives to gain from this game. Offensively, it was obvious to anyone who had eyes on the game that this was the explosive offense hyped during the preseason and visible during the first few games of the year.

Ingram and Richardson combined for 207 yards and three touchdowns with Ingram garnering most of the touchdowns (2) and Richardson garnering most of the yards (119). Both were finding holes and gaining yards after contact. Ingram’s red zone run that included pushing the pile five to seven yards was extremely reminiscent of his Heisman capability.

A huge component of the revamped running attack is due to a Fluker-less line stepping up to the task and playing as the stereotypical hard-nosed Alabama line. DJ Fluker with his injured groin could have run through the hole that Richardson burst through for his touchdown. Besides the pressure on Greg McElroy first half, there were mostly improvements with the line and few complaints.

Greg McElroy stayed in the spotlight as the one of the offense’s main weapons over the past weeks going 21-32 for 264 yards. Having been criticized for holding the ball too long in the last couple of weeks and straying away from the pocket, he looked calm, cool and collected while dropping in the pocket and delivering quick, catchable balls.

Then, there is Julio Jones.

Did he even have hand surgery? After 12 receptions, 221 yards and a multitude of extraordinary catches, Julio finally seemed to be the Julio he was recruited to be. Of course, everyone knew of his strength and size, but everyone really saw his big play ability through several deep passes and one incredible catch by the goal line.

Defensively, besides the 59-yard touchdown run by Tauren Poole and giving up 117 yards, they played solid. This was the first time that an Alabama defense has surrendered over 100 rushing yards to an opponent since BenJarvus Green-Ellis of Ole Miss ran for 131 in 2007.

DeMarcus Milliner and LSU-transfer Phelon Jones rose to the challenge and played strong in the secondary. Also, the Tide’s patented red zone defense from the first half of the season returned as they were able to supply pressure to Matt Simms, and Robert Lester gained his fifth interception of the year which is tied for the most in the FBS.

Moving forward, this was the best possible scenario for Alabama. The confidence has returned going into the bye-week, and one can only imagine what Nick Saban is preparing for the LSU Tigers that wait on the tail end of it.

Top Five Matchups of This Weekend

5. #1 Auburn (8-0) vs. Ole Miss (3-4)

On the back of Cam Newton, the Auburn Tigers are ranked number one for the first time in BCS history. After playing South Carolina, Arkansas and LSU, the Tigers look prime for a run at both the SEC and National Championships. However, Auburn played all three of these teams at home. Although it is Ole Miss, Jeremiah Masoli rebounded against a poor Arkansas defense last week going 21/36 for 327 yards and 3 touchdowns. With the weaknesses in Auburn’s secondary, expect this game to possibly be a shootout especially on the road. Everyone knows what has happened to number one over the past three weeks, so do not count Ole Miss out.

My Pick: Auburn wins, but the score is within two touchdowns. Auburn-41 Ole Miss-30

4. Kentucky (4-4) vs. #21 Miss. State (6-2)

It is hard to believe what Dan Mullen has done with this Mississippi State program. From the depths of the SEC, he has brought them out and into contention talk in the SEC West. Living and dying off of their revamped defense, Miss. State faces their first true test as a ranked team this Saturday. Kentucky can have an explosive offensive attack, and expect this game to be an exciting contest of the Kentucky offense against the Miss. State defense.

My Pick: Kentucky’s offense overcomes a strong Miss. State defense to win. Kentucky-24 Miss. State-14

3. #14 Nebraska (6-1) vs. #6 Missouri (7-0)

The spread offense led by Junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert proved to be too much for a shaky Oklahoma defense last week. However, the defense was the big standout in the game forcing Landry Jones to throw two key interceptions. This week is a different story. Nebraska, on a run of vengeance after the loss to Texas, has its eyes set on the Big 12 championship. Expect a shootout, but it is hard to win a shootout when facing Taylor Martinez, Roy Helu Jr., and the fifth strongest running attack in the nation.

My Pick: It will be a shootout, but Nebraska’s talent and depth will overcome. Nebraska-54 Missouri-42

2. #5 Michigan State (8-0) vs. #18 Iowa (5-2)

The running back tandem of Baker and Bell for Michigan State have amassed over 1300 rushing yards on the year while quarterback, Kirk Cousins, has delivered an impressive 2000 yards in the air. The problem is that Iowa’s defense is 11th in the country in points allowed only giving up 15.7 points per game. When weighing the team’s weaknesses, Iowa’s offense is much stronger than Michigan State’s defense.

My Pick: Iowa overcomes last week’s lost to Wisconsin and poor clock management by driving down the field and kicking the game winning field goal against Michigan State. Iowa-17 Michigan State-14

1.#2 Oregon (8-0) vs. USC (5-2)

The Coliseum is a hard place for anyone to go and win. Well, the Oregon Ducks have not known hard the whole year. Besides the first half against Stanford, the Ducks have repeatedly and methodically scored and scored and scored. Averaging 55.1 points per game, expect the Ducks to put up numbers. However, the Trojans have only lost two games, and both were within five points to good teams. Matt Barkley has been tearing defenses apart as of late and expect the Trojans to score as well.

My Pick: The Ducks overcome a slow start in a hostile environment to beat the Trojans. Oregon-42 USC-35

Mid-Season Heisman Report

We are at that point in the season where the Heisman race starts to take form, and this may be the most perplexing Heisman race of the last decade. A Terrelle Pryor-esque quarterback in Auburn, a pint-sized track star taking the snaps in Michigan, and an explosive running back in Eugene, Oregon, have been receiving most of the media attention. They have actually managed to overshadow the returning Heisman winner, Mark Ingram, and Terrelle Pryor himself.
Here are my top five candidates for Heisman:

1. Cam Newton QB/Auburn (Passing: 1278 YDS, 13 TDs, 5 INT; Rushing: 860 YDS, 12 TDS)

With the schedule that presents itself, it is Cam Newton’s Heisman race to lose. Looking ahead at games against LSU, Alabama, and possibly an SEC Championship game, it is either make or break for Newton. So far, it has only been make as Newton continues to be the one component that compels Auburn to victory. Defenses cannot figure out the Terrelle Pryor quarterback that delivers better than Terrelle Pryor. In the 65-43 win against Arkansas, Newton rushed for three touchdowns and threw for one.

2. LaMichael James RB/Oregon (Rushing: 848 YDS, 9TDS)

James is the number one rusher in the nation averaging more than 169 yards per game. His balance of power, speed, and vision has been the X-factor in an explosive Ducks offense. He single-handedly carried Oregon on his back in the win against highly ranked Stanford and looks to do the same against Pac-10 foe UCLA this week.

3. Kellen Moore QB/Boise State (Passing: 1567 YDS, 16TDS, 1 INT)

Kellen Moore may be the most talented player on the board, but it will not get him far considering conference play in the WAC. Of course, the Heisman is meant for the ‘best player in college football,’ but as of late, especially with Mark Ingram and Tim Tebow, schedule strength and the motivational factor play a huge role in the voting process. Expect to see Kellen Moore in New York come presentation time but expect to see him in the middle of the pack. Moore threw for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 48-0 thumping of San Jose State.

4. Alshon Jeffery WR/South Carolina (Receiving: 40 REC, 690 YDS, 5 TDS)

My dark horse in the competition, Alshon Jeffery is the key to the South Carolina offense. That is if Garcia can get him the ball. Two 100-plus yard performances against Alabama and Auburn have shown his athleticism and sure hands. Expect him to put up dominant numbers in prime time against a weak Arkansas secondary and a downtrodden Florida squad. In a close loss to Kentucky, Jeffery had 6 receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. If the Gamecocks play for the SEC championship, expect Jeffery to be in the Heisman talk.

5. Denard Robinson QB/Michigan (Passing: 1319 YDS, 9 TDS, 5 INT; Rushing: 1096 YDS, 9 TDS)

The last two weeks have not been the best for Denard Robinson as Michigan played against stouter defenses in Michigan State and Iowa. Despite rushing for over 100 yards against the Hawkeyes, Robinson could not keep his team in the game. Still, no single player in the country can bask in the numbers that Robinson owns, and a strong second half of the season could boost him to the top again. The only two obstacles that stand in his way: his re-occurring injuries and the Michigan defense.

The Iron Bowl's Return to Greatness

As 'Poise' flashed on the Jumbotron during the pre-game Traditions video in Bryant-Denny Stadium, I took a deep breath before bursting into cheer as Van Tiffin nailed a 52-yard field goal to overcome Auburn 25-23. Looking around the half-filled monument to football that is Bryant-Denny, I could not help but realize that most of the crowd, students trying to avoid the dreaded upper deck, including myself had never experienced firsthand the joy that was felt by Bama nation on that day. Still, the excitement displayed by the students from that play and others such as 'Wrong Way Bo' uncovered what I should have already known.

The Iron Bowl is the greatest rivalry in college football.

Forget Texas/Oklahoma, Ohio State/Michigan, and Notre Dame/USC. They are all historic in their own right. Forget Florida/Florida State, USC/UCLA, and Ole Miss/Miss. State. They are all territorial in their own right. The perfect rivalry game contains history, location, and pure, old-fashioned hate for the other team. The Iron Bowl encompasses all of these aspects.

History has proven that the Iron Bowl deserves to be among the talk in top rivalry games. I need not preach to the Alabama campus about the many memorable players, coaches, and games that have benefitted both teams over the years. I also need not preach about how deep this rivalry runs.

I may be biased in my opinion, but I grew up with Alabama and Auburn fans. There are Auburn fans in my extended family. I know Alabama/Auburn marriages disputes, sibling disputes, and, most frequently, childhood disputes. I remember not wanting to go to school and faking sick after Auburn victories just so I would not have to listen to the 'dumb' Auburn fans.

This rivalry is in our bloodline and our future. This is not so much the case for Ohio State/Michigan. At the same time, this rivalry provides history and prestige, unlike Ole Miss/Miss State. This year also adds a little more spice.

Considering Alabama and Auburn both win out, which is a daunting task in itself, the game would feature two national title contenders most likely both ranked inside the top five. Add a little college gameday, CBS primetime coverage, a new Bryant-Denny stadium, a chance at the SEC championship, a national title berth, and, wait, a Heisman race.

That is why this game will have the added dimension. We were all witnesses to the devastation Cam Newton delivered to the Arkansas defense. We were all witnesses to the devastation that Mark Ingram dealt last year. Although, he may not have the exact numbers as last year, everyone knows he has the 246-yard South Carolina game in him every time he steps on the field.

The Iron Bowl needed a facelift after the last ten seasons of one stellar team facing off against a mediocre adversary. Through Cam Newton, Mark Ingram, a revamped Auburn team, and a vengeful Alabama team, this year should propel the Iron Bowl back to its glory days. Hopefully, the Bama faithful will see a ‘Wrong Way Cam’ or, may the football gods forbid, another ‘Punt Bama Punt.’

BCS for Dummies

I know the into may sound familiar, but keep reading.

The BCS-it is three harmless consonants that, when put together, become the most feared acronym in the college football universe. It is a combination of computer code, a calculus exam, and a beauty pageant. Teams are thrown into a mixture of logarithms and equations while having to please voters in multiple polls by 'looking their best' every week. The BCS has her favorites, and they are from the so-called BCS conferences. Still, the BCS likes to flirt with those outside her normal boundaries.

Let's take a look at the top ten teams in the BCS poll:

1.Oklahoma
2.Oregon
3.Boise State
4.Auburn
5.TCU
6.LSU
7.Michigan State
8.Alabama
9.Utah
10.Ohio State

So, why does this poll differ so much from the AP Top 25 or the USA Today Top 25?

NOTE: THIS IS THE BORING DEFINITION

First of all, the BCS rankings have three factors that determine a team's positioning. The Harris Poll (which replaces the AP Poll), The Coaches Poll, and the Computer Rankings all have one-thirds say in each team's ranking.

Through the Harris and Coaches, or USA Today, polls teams are ranked by the voting members from 1-25. Inversely, teams that are ranked 25th get one point, 24th gets two points, and so on. In the end, the team's scheduled points are divided by the overall possible points they could have received which is 2,580 points in the Harris Poll and 1,475 points in the Coaches Poll. Therefore, if a team is voted number one by all voters in the Harris Poll, there tally would be 2,580/2,580 which equals 1.000.

The computer ranking is trickier because it adds multiple aspects. Strength of schedule, quality of wins, and win/loss goes into calculating six categories of rankings. Say a team has a ranking of 1,2,2,2,2,5 in the respective categories. The computer rankings drops the highest and lowest rankings (1,5) and averages the rest to rank the team as the 2nd best in the nation. To determine the ranking, just divide 24 (the points the team would have received) by 25 (the maximum possibility of alotted points).

Now enter in the simple equation (Harris+Coaches+Computer/3). If the team was number one in the Harris and Coaches with all of the number one votes and number two in the computer rankings, the team would have an average of .987.

NOTE: THIS IS THE REAL DEFINITION

If you happen to still be reading after that definition, let me put a more accepted spin on the BCS.

The BCS is a woman. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. It is a woman who is looking for love. She may not be the most committed woman, as she needs a new flame each year, but, nevertheless, she has her own needs. She has the class of the Bachelorette with the re-run capability of Tila Tequila, and the fight for her love has never been more dramatic.

The BCS places more value on 'her' conferences. The six conferences (ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Big East, Pac-10, SEC) are automatically admitted to her treasured 'galas'...or bowls. They are the stronger, more attractive teams that have to endure many trials and obstacles to obtain her love. The endurance and passion that they show for her sake entice her to value them more.

Then, there are the Cinderellas (Boise St., TCU, Utah). They are those nice, charming guys who are subject to the BCS's flirtation and have high hopes year-after-year to only be diminished into the friend zone. They are those guys that all of her friends like, but do not hold the value and prestige as the older, socially acceptable guys. As much as these Cinderellas feel cheated and betrayed, make no mistake. The BCS is hurting from their hurt and is close to a transition.

She is now caught between history, temptation, and reputation. The love affair with the SEC is becoming steady. The 'friend' is turning into the flame. Countless other upstanding 'men' are proving that they deserve her love in the Big 10, Big 12, and Pac-10. Will the love affair continue? Will she become committed to one man (Alabama) for longer than a year? Will the sweet, charming friend overcome the strong, attractive men? Or, will this just be Armageddon?

There are many questions to be answered, but one thing is for certain. It is sure to make great television.

A Much Needed Loss

Sitting in the South Carolina student section amid the reverberations of sandstorm and the many unnecessary cock references, I experienced a long lost feeling. It was that odd feeling in the pit of my stomach that is the midway point between anger, depression, and disgust. It was a feeling that I had known to mask during the Dubose, Franchione, and Shula eras as well as Saban’s first year.

As the fans swarmed the hedges, booing the announcements to not storm the field while chanting ‘You can’t stop us’, I soaked in the unthinkable Alabama loss. I had not experienced that feeling since the ’08 SEC Championship game, and I had forgotten how bad it hurt. I believe the players had as well.

If the saying ‘what does not kill you only makes you stronger’ is true, the Crimson Tide national championship hopes are far from dead. In fact, I believe that a loss betters our championship chances. Actually, it gives Alabama the opportunity to grow into the championship team it can be. South Carolina uncovered the flaws that lost Alabama the game, commitment and complacency. Alabama, as Nick Saban pressed after the game, needs to be committed to this program and no longer be complacent as the seemingly dominant Alabama team.

From the stands, one could tell that the Alabama team, and even the fans, possessed no real sense of urgency. It was as though everyone believed the football gods would come down from the heavens to right what was wrong. Instead, Garcia received the blessings by playing uncharacteristically good and utilizing two of the best skill players in the conference in Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffery while the Gamecock defense rebounded after allowing Cam Newton 400 plus yards to holding the best running back tandem in the country, Ingram and Richardson, to 64 yards.

Dissecting Alabama’s schedule at the beginning of the year, the loss seemed inevitable. Alabama played the toughest three week stretch of any team in the nation that included two top twenty teams, one top ten team, and two games on the road. Only Lou Holtz’s 1990 Notre Dame Fighting Irish have fought through a similar scenario without a blemish.

They will go on to play five SEC schools with bye weeks after South Carolina, including two that will possibly remain in the top ten. Disturbingly, one saw what Spurrier could do with an added week’s time so any of those games look more dangerous.
To make it through this schedule, the team needed a wake-up call. Say what you want about the SEC. It is not as weak as I, and many others, had thought. This week showed that this is the SEC of the early 2000s that would beat each other out of the national championship game.

The public is not used to that evenly matched SEC. They are accustomed to the perennial powerhouse conference that would always end with two teams battling in Atlanta for the bid to greater glory. Alabama is hands down more talented and better coached than any other team in the conference, but passion, desire, and execution trump complacency any day of the week.

McElroy made a vow after the game that he will not allow this team to lose another game. As much as I hate to say it, his statements sounded Tebow-esque in reference to his vow after the Ole Miss loss, only without the tears. The situations are similar as well. Both teams were favorites. Both teams were outplayed. Florida went on to win the national championship. May Alabama do the same. Of course, the football gods will need to do some work to the top six, but Alabama is far from out of the race. One thing is certain. I would hate to be the Ole Miss team that comes into Bryant-Denny stadium on Saturday.

The Utah Effect

Sore subject for Alabama fans, but I find it relevant to this year's situation.

"Out of their element, out of their league-and still perfect."-Associated Press describing Utah after the 2009 Sugar Bowl

In their element and league but just shy of perfect, the Alabama Crimson Tide went into the 2009 Sugar Bowl as heavy favorites. Jaded from their 31-20 loss to a hated Florida Gators team and a hated Tim Tebow, many expected the Tide to roll into New Orleans and roll over the smaller, slower, and undermanned BCS-buster Utah. As the game panned out, the reverse took place. A pathetically apathetic Tide team gave up twenty one points in the first eleven minutes. Despite Nick Saban's best efforts and a hell of a punt return from Javier Arenas, Goliath was only able to pull within four before ultimately losing 31-17.

After exceeding expectations in Nick Saban's second year, this was embarrassing. Check off a perfect regular season, a stout defense that allowed around eleven points a game, and playmakers such as a powerful, young receiver in Julio Jones, the veteran running back, Glen Coffee, and freshman phenom Mark Ingram. What did Utah have? Ask anyone outside of the Mountain West, and they probably could not tell you. Apparently, they had a defense, a quarterback, and more heart than Alabama could imagine. They sacked John Parker Wilson eight times. Brian Johnson threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns. Ultimately, the mentality of the 'fight in the dog' overcame the size of the SEC dog in the fight.

Speaking of mentality, a new one emerged on that night. It was not the one of BCS-busters having championship say. Earlier Utah and Boise State teams had proven that. The mindset was one more of discredit from the 'other' side. As I am sure Oklahoma feels towards Boise State, Alabama fans discredited the Utah team. Excuses protruded from every Bama faithful tongue. The Tide were not motivated to play in a Sugar Bowl when they could have been at the National Championship, especially against lowly Utah. No matter, fact is fact. Utah outperformed the Tide in every aspect of the game, including soul. At the end of the day, they were the only undefeated team in the nation and were never in a position to even make the National Championship game.

However, Boise State is now in that position. The mindset is more prevalent than ever. Top-ranked BCS conference teams and fans believe they could trounce the Broncos if given the chance, but they are hesitant of that chance. The stakes are higher. If you lose, talk will continue for years to come. If you win, so what? You were supposed to dominate as Georgia did against Hawaii. Had Hawaii won, Georgia still would not be able to live down the fact. Alabama has not been able to live down the fact. While one side discredits the fact, the other side revels in the fact and always resort to it. Honestly, Alabama discredits Boise State, but, at the same time, Broncos faithful always resort to the Utah game in argument. Considering this is a much improved Alabama team and Boise State is better than the typical 'SEC' mindset, are we both in the wrong?

'The Utah Effect' is real. It can be seen on a daily basis through general conversation, chat rooms and discussion boards, and ESPN segments. We, as college football citizens, have bred this mindset. By season's end, there will either be revelry in 'upset' or jubilance through shutting down this BCS-buster revolt.

Luck of the WAC

Next article for the Boise State student media.

Everyone loves a Cinderella story, but no one loves seeing Cinderella in the starring role.

Up 17-0 in the first quarter, Boise State had set the tone to the blockbuster BCS buster game of the first week. In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, I, along with most of the campus, were glued to the television in complete shock. Most, including myself, were ready to celebrate the dashing of Boise's hopes. No one expected this. Where I was watching the game along with twenty of my fraternity brothers, there was a mixture of disbelief, open swearing, and amazement. Also, there seemed to be a repetition of one particular word. Luck.

Luck is defined as the force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person's life as in shaping circumstances, events, or opportunities. To us in the Southeastern Conference, Boise State is the figurehead of luck. All other BCS-busters that had risen to fame had been put in their place. Take for example, teams such as Utah, BYU, Hawaii, older TCU teams, and various other teams had all achieved success only to have it taken away at some point down the road. Still, no one has achieved the success of Boise, and Boise has not had their throne taken. Time and time again, they escape defeat. The Fiesta Bowl of old, The TCU game, and, finally, the Virginia Tech barn-burner of the opening week all seem to prove that some force is working in your favor.

To us, it is not that you are overly talented or menacing. You are a mediocre team that relies on...luck. Somehow, it always works out in your favor. Credit can not be given because you are not a good team that handles their business. To us, you could not go out against a ranked team such as Penn State and dominate them in all aspects of the game. Honestly, you are that annoying thorn in the foot of the NCAA. Consistently there, in media talk and coverage, and always the source of pain. Pain referring to the fact that you are not supposed to be there, and we can not seem to get rid of you.

Well, Broncos, luck has turned against you. You have finally been defeated. It may not have been on that blue turf. It was not even against you at all. The lowly/perrenial-powerhouse FCS James Madison dukes have defeated not only Virginia Tech, but you in all of your Cinderella grandeur. By upsetting Virginia Tech by more points than you could pull away, your luck has taken a drastic free-fall into the dark side. Unless you pull off 70+ against Oregon State, that national championship berth that was in arm's length is now just a distant mirage. You may jump TCU, depending on your performance against Oregon State and for the rest of the year. Do not expect to keep a first place position in the BCS come season's end if a one-loss Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma, or Oregon is breathing down your neck. Face it. An FCS team just ended your shot at the title.

SEC Swagger

My second article in cooperation with Boise State media:

When someone asks about dominance in college football, one automatically thinks of programs such as the Miami 'U' of the 80s, the Nebraska of the 90s, the USC of the 00s, and, especially for us down here, the Bear Bryant era. Well, dominance has been a key part of the college football world today, but it has not been biased towards one team. In fact, it is comprised of a conference of juggernauts who, basically, have kicked butt and taken names when it comes to non-conference play. It is the SEC, and it is the crowning achievement of college football having won the past four national championships. What is the key to this success? There are many variables, but I believe one to be most significant and more idealistic.

Let's look at some facts courtesy of Pat Forde at ESPN.com.

1. Over the past four years, after four, crowned, SEC bred national championship teams, there has been another SEC team denied a chance at that championship game. For those eight teams ('08 '09 Alabama, '06 '08 '09 Florida, '07 Georgia, and '06 '07 LSU), they have been 39-1 in non-conference play. They have a combined 10 losses in conference play.

2. Teams such as Arkansas, Auburn, Kentucky, Mississippi, and South Carolina have managed to beat teams that finished in the top six since the '07 season.

3.The four top-tier title games? Not even close. The average margin of victory being 16.8 points and the closest at 10. There has not even been a second half deficit.

4. Most power ranking polls have up to seven SEC teams in the top 25. Alabama faces six of these teams.

Not impressed? Of those forty non-conference games, thirteen teams were ranked. So, over a fourth of the non-conference games were in no way cupcakes. The one loss in out of conference play was Alabama's loss to Utah in the '08 Sugar Bowl. With a decent non-conference schedule and a staggering conference schedule, the SEC (not entirely including low-tier programs such as Vanderbilt, Kentucky, etc. etc.)has developed something irreplaceable and hard to describe. It may encompass more, but I would like to call it swagger for the purpose of this article.

This swagger is not one of haughtiness but, rather, confidence. Confidence that comes from handling non-conference cupcakes that teams like Boise State include in their conference schedule resume. Also, I believe this has come about due to the mental and physical readiness and stability that these teams must bring to the table week in and week out in conference play. There is no doubt that the SEC breeds and recruits some of the best athletes in the nation, but the fire these athletes are put under does develop a mental attitude. An attitude that has carried over into the thought process that "We are the SEC. We are better than any other conference, and we will show you why." It started with that '06 Florida team and has had an avalanche effect ever since.

Now, staring down a repeat title, Alabama has obtained the same mindset. Hopefully, it will carry them through an extremely stressful year including a non-conference battle against Penn State. Other teams such as Flordia, LSU, Georgia, Arkansas, and South Carolina all have the same aspirations and exhibit the same mindset.

As for Boise State, they have a swagger of sorts, but it can be described as more of an underdog, 'we are out to prove something' attitude. It is one that should not be tampered with in its own rights, and I hope that this season may be the year where we could see the two competing mindsets battle on the field. Who knows? Just maybe, it could be settled, Alabama vs. Boise State, in Tempe, Arizona for the national championship game. One trying to maintain their beliefs and swagger, and the other trying to solidify their swagger and place among the elites of college football.

The BCS and Boise

Hey guys. Here is the article that I wrote in cooperation with the Boise State student media. I hope you enjoy.

The BCS. It is three harmless consonants that, when put together, become the most feared acronym in the college football universe. It is a combination of computer code, a calculus exam, and a beauty pageant. Teams are thrown into a mixture of logarithms and equations while having to please voters in multiple polls by 'looking their best' every week. The BCS has her favorites, and they are from the so-called BCS conferences. Still, the BCS likes to flirt with those outside her normal boundaries. It has never been more prevalent than this year with a certain team from Boise, Idaho.

The love affair started back in 2006. Everyone knows the cinderella story of that Fiesta Bowl night. The BCS received a taste of something other than normal dominance from their usual courters. This taste was much more dramatic and provided Fourth of July fireworks. Also, America had Boise's back. America always approves of a good underdog, and Boise State became, in some ways, America's team. Thus, a rocky, tumultuous relationship ensued.

Over the last two years, Boise State has been among the final contestants in the final 'rose ceremony'-literally last year. Feeling betrayed from a 12-0 ninth place BCS ranking going into the bowl season in '08, the Broncos set out to prove to the BCS that they deserved her title. Thirteen wins later, they were in fourth place. They were on the outside, looking in to the national championship again. How could this happen? Many blamed it on the ease of schedule in which they scored at least thirty four points in every game but two. Then again, they had beaten, in the first week and fistfight of the year, #16 Oregon who was heading to the Rose Bowl. That same Oregon team barely beat Purdue and Utah in the following weeks before bursting out of their shell. It seemed for every positive Boise State claimed, there was a negative staring it in the face.

Well Boise, many heard your cry for foul including the BCS. This year is yours for the taking. You are currently number three in the AP Top 25 and number five in the USA Today poll. You return twenty three of twenty four starters, and your schedule is very reasonable. Virginia Tech and Oregon State, discounting the idea of a slip up, are all that stand in the way of you and a perfect season. The teams ranked before you look vulnerable. Alabama, as much as I hate to say it, will probably not go through their year undefeated. Six SEC schools have bye weeks to prepare for Alabama and a new defense, and the strength of schedule is unmatched. Ohio State, for the past couple of years, has choked away at least one win in the Big Ten. Florida and Texas are still breaking in new quarterbacks to complex offenses. So, the opportunity is there. Show the BCS that you want something real, and may you be the one to receive her love come season's end.