Curse the SEC

I love Tuesdays. In the news world it is usually the most boring day of the week. Now, being as my Monday and Tuesdays are more like Saturdays and Sundays, I had nothing better to do last Tuesday than listen to some good music, clean my room- and discover. The cover.

With voodoo dolls and a "Curse the SEC" proclamation, ESPN magazine's college football preview is asking, "can someone please take down college football's most dominant conference?"

Less than a month till kick off, and this is what finally does it. And by "it" I mean this gets the blood pumping, the adrenaline flowing and I realize ladies and gentleman- it's here. Every reason why I love college football is right here.

After several rants, in my head, on social media and once more in my head, I realized I couldn't be happier that ESPN did this. Curse the SEC? Well, you can certainly try. In fact I wouldn't be a part of the SEC if I didn't chuckle at this. For years the SEC has already faced the brunt of anti-SECism. But now, instead of being confined to just conversations, back of the internet blogs and young 20-something frat guys bickering in bars or Skip Bayless needlessly speaking when he takes a break from Tebow- this sentiment has gone "mainstream" finally gracing the cover of ESPN Magazine. AND- my favorite- it's complete with the statement at the bottom "We're talking to you, Trojans"... 

Gag me now.

ESPN officially does not care about transparency.

Every year, fans and media go off intangibles to try to define a season ahead. But without hesitation, before the first whistle even blew I already bet that USC will not make it to a National Championship this year. Sorry to disappoint, ESPN, or any of the other college football fans who are insulted by my confidence. A confidence that has only a little to do with where I come from and everything to do with going against what Alabama Football's fearless leader believes. (I'm sorry Nick Saban, my distaste for Lane Kiffin was overpowering).

We don't know who will get hurt in the season, we don't know who is going to pull a jackass moment and get caught with drugs [at the time of this writing Tyrone Mathieu had not been dismissed- but it goes to show you], DUI's or heaven forbid another sex scandal. Or for those of you who like the glass half-full mentality, we don't know if a break-out star will just unleash come November. We just don't know.

Right now, all we have is that the SEC still has the top two teams in preseason rankings, but Nick Saban will tell you why that doesn't matter worth a shit.

"All these predictions that you all make, they hijack the game,"he said the morning of UA's 2012 Fan Day.

Yes, Saban was talking to the media and maybe for the love of the lord ESPN is taking notes. Especially when he added, "All anybody worries about in college football is the BCS, who's going to be in the final game. We have a lot of great games.... Michigan is going to be a great game, The Arkansas game, Tennessee game, LSU, Auburn. I could go through every game on our schedule and say how exciting a game this is going to be."

Which brings me to my next point.

Time and time again, despite intangibles, there are things we can count on to impact seasons in their entirety. Defense wins championships, and strength of schedule still significantly matters in a system where hundreds of schools are competing for one prize. If you don't compete against the best, then what makes you feel like you deserve to be the best?

And that's why the SEC still gets the win in my mind. Depth is at one of its greatest strengths at Alabama this year. At LSU? Well, their returners are potent with talent that has already taken them through a strong season last year. And they're hungry.

Alabama has a strong pulse of energy to be defined as anything but complacent, and even after winning a National Championship last year, the tone of the season rests on who-ever steps up in leadership positions and reminds them they are not the team of the past and Tuscaloosa wants to make history in 2013. It also rests on the return of a more mature QB, and an O-line that haunts nightmares. (If I had a nickel for every time I heard, "Good lord Fluker's huge" at Fan day...)
 

There goes some of the reasons people hate SEC fans, and if you're one of those haters, please I beg you just try to finish reading (although I know finishing is hard for some of you). Welp, probably lost a few readers there, but in all seriousness I realize I am a lucky son of a you-know-what to go to school where I go to school, when I go to school. (Roll Tide) I also realize what its like to be on the other side of this argument of passion. I am a Red Sox fan and yes, the Yankees a lot of time are just better. But keep your Alabama, Yankee comparisons to purely win-loss comparison. (Class and respect are things the Yankees don't have and Alabama and the SEC does).

Each conference is full of teams that can boast characteristics making their place to play football, "the best". Ralphie's run on the field is still a source of pride for CU fans- as it should be, and hook em horns (gah it hurts to type) will always be a hand gesture embodying the Texas spirit. There are traditions that make ESPNU's "Never Graduate" hit home at every college campus and the SEC is no different. Yet, every college football fan that comes to an SEC game at Alabama makes the same comment. "I've never seen anything like this." And its usually followed by deeply appreciated moments of silence as the person takes in as much as they can from the scene.

And thats why, when I heard what ESPN Soccernet's Susie Schaaf posted in her blog, I couldn't help but apply it to the SEC.

"Mia san Mia. It's a Bavarian phrase used by Bayern that translates as "We are who we are". It's somewhat akin to the Manc phrase I've seen on banners this year, "Not arrogant. Just better." We are two, insanely proud, universally loved by their fans - and hated by everyone else, clubs with long, storied traditions."

Don't get jealous, get even, and to do that you're going to need a lot more than a pass spread offense with a less than moral-driven coach and a California quarterback.

I'm not saying there won't be a time when the SEC isn't on top. But that time isn't now, and if you ask any serious fan in Dixie, they'll tell you they hope to never see the day when the SEC is overtaken. But the beautiful thing I hope I can speak on behalf of all SEC fans in saying, is when that time does come, if an opponent meets an SEC team on the gridiron, the only way we will accept defeat is to a worthy opponent whose performance is as respectful as ours, both to the game, to the fans and to the legacy of college football which is so proudly protected under southern skies.

Until then, we're not arrogant. Just better, and its literally a fact.

When you produce running backs in a time honored brotherhood whose unspoken traits are consistently; perseverance, physicality, pugnacious fervor to take something head on, and the undeniably SEC will to never be denied....

When your stadium erupts when linebacker's names come across the jumbotron...

When your fans have nothing else to live and breathe for than football- or so it seems every Saturday....

When being a part of your program, even as a fan isn't all glitz but sometimes its a craziness you must accept. When you have fans who show up to a public practice over 72 hours early and camp out for the chance to be first in the stadium for the past five Fan Days...

When your schools never rush the field after a win, because winning is what you came to do and acting like you've never won before says more than the score does... and that's when the southerners say, "Oh bless their heart, they're rushin the field."

When ladies wear dresses, pearls and full make up and curls, and the men wear slacks, polos or even suits to games like its time to go to church. Because football is a religion that doesn't discriminate based on anything but color of jersey and because the respect for this game is more than just cheering, its a tradition that stems from something much bigger than seeing one year in the winner's circle.

You might find my prose dripping with everything that makes the SEC despicable to you. But when your school does all that I just mentioned, then you may know what it means to be in the SEC and what it feels like to have a mantra that is often mistaken for arrogance. To have fans who are often mistaken for elitists. What you are really seeing is a pride that comes from respecting what sacrifice is, and while every team this season comes from adversity, has it's troubles, and makes it's compromises no matter their conference- SEC teams are filling their fall camps with the mentality that nothing is born out of being good, but everything is born in the sacrifice to be great.

Here's what I say to all SEC fans insulted by the lack of professional journalism ESPN showed in their recent magazine cover. Targets on SEC backs are not new and ESPN's love affair with the Trojans isn't either. So why am I so happy about this cover? Because any smart college football fan knows, never piss off an SEC team.

The SEC welcomes the chance every year to be denied. Because in those challenges that threaten to dethrone them, the conference proves time and time again just why they belong on top.

Thanks for the fuel ESPN. Let the season begin, and we'll show you what being a part of the SEC is all about- and it has nothing to do with cursing the opponent and everything to do with a shut-up and play grit that has carried this conference to dominance for six straight years.

Eyes on the Prize; A look at Bama's SEC Matchups

This season in the SEC is once again proving to be an exciting one, full of contenders with eyes on the same prize.

            Preseason hype followed LSU and Alabama with predictions of their clash in Atlanta, with one of them emerging to the National Championship game.

            In August, that story line took a sharp turn for the LSU Tigers when Jordan Jefferson and four other players were allegedly involved in a bar fight after about 50 LSU players went out to celebrate the end of two-a-days.

            According to 19-year-old witness to the altercation, Victoria Long saw Jefferson kick one of the victims in the face. Jefferson was arrested on felony second-degree battery charges, and the Tiger organization was forced to suspend their starting quarterback. Tide fans rejoiced, but not everyone should be clapping.

            Not all of Baton Rouge was set on Jefferson in the first place. Last year Jefferson threw ten interceptions and went through a ten game period without throwing a touchdown pass. Still, people praised Jefferson’s improvement in the offseason- but none of that matters now.

            Back up quarterback, now starting QB, Jarrett Lee is still a more than capable leader. As a senior he is familiar with the LSU offense and has experience on the field in victory and defeat- he had a rough freshman season where he had 17 interceptions but also has made key plays in many significant Tiger wins.  

            But focus doesn’t need to be on LSU’s air game. Last year they were last in the SEC for passing yards, but this year expectations are still high because of their talented defense and running game that has bailed them out before.

            Alabama should still be nervous, and the absence of Jordan Jefferson should not affect the level of preparation for this huge SEC game- whose implications still could indicate a National Championship contender.            

            Another SEC foe that made Bama nervous early on the schedule was Arkansas, mainly because of a lethal running back in Knile Davis. But the Razorbacks suffered a huge blow when Davis injured his left ankle in summer practice. He is expected to be out the entire season.

            Not much has been said about the backs under Davis on the depth chart, but if they had a chance to watch him and be coached by the same coaches they can still do damage. Arkansas Head Coach Bobby Petrino also brought freshman corner back Kelvin Fisher Jr. to running back. Fisher played running back in high school and that position is where he gained attention from Arkansas recruiters. Fisher is just one option presenting itself for Arkansas.

             Petrino brings up another reason his team could look to mar anybody’s idea of a perfect season- their defense who he says doesn’t get enough credit.

            Alabama’s offense would be wise to take note, significantly making sure their young quarterback is not shaken up by any Razorback getting too close to home. Richardson should be prepared to have a big game that week, not necessarily with big numbers but by being a rock for his offense if he needs to.

            Never underestimate the growth the Mississippi State Bulldogs have made this year. They may not be going to the same championship games as other SEC teams, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t LOVE to be the thorn in the side of a championship nominee.

            Bulldog quarterback Chris Relf has gained experience and according to coaches and players has bought into the organization more this year than ever before. His mobility in the pocket matched with running back Vick Ballard is a one two punch for Mississippi State.

            Another Bulldog to watch is Georgia. Some college football analysts have picked Georgia to go the SEC championship. This is interesting considering Georgia’s previous season record of 6-7 and head coach Mark Richt coming under fire. But that pressure is exactly why some believe this is Georgia’s year.

            Alabama does not play them in the regular season so their matchup is highly hypothetical right now. If it came down to the two teams in Atlanta, Alabama’s experience with big games will be a big mental advantage.

            Florida has a lot to deal with internally but big coaching changes look impressive on paper. Charlie Weis is the new Gator offensive coordinator. Quarter back John Brantley says he has already learned so much from Weis’s offense, offenses that in the past have excelled in both the NFL and a brief stint at Notre Dame.

            While the offense intensifies under Weis, new head coach Will Muschamp has a defensive mindset. It might take more time for their presence to really shake things up but look for those positive changes this season in The Swamp.  

            Hype for South Carolina has died down a bit. Drama with their quarterback Stephen Garcia has left a bad taste with head coach Steve Spurrier.

            Spurrier knows that the success the team had last year doesn’t mean they’ve accomplished anything yet. Keeping tabs on that confidence will be on the agenda as long as it takes for players to buy in to the fact that this is 2011, not 2010.

            In the end, when looking at Alabama’s season there should be no shortage of pride in this years team. But, let last year be a testimony of caution to the power of not finishing four quarters. While still respecting each week’s opponent it could be debated that some games last year were Alabama’s to lose instead of the opponents to win. Alabama can’t lose games this year by not playing their best football. 

Where Did All The Champions Go?

Cause they sure as hell aren’t in Baton Rouge. LSU players are allegedly involved in a bar fight. Why that pisses me off extra.

            Last Saturday at Tuscaloosa’s only movie theater, Hollywood Cobb 16, there was a shooting where 17-year-old Arthur Bryant Jr. was arrested for allegedly shooting a man in the head after a large group was sighted arguing. The victim, also in his teens, was treated in the hospital and later released. Tuscaloosa police say the argument escalated quickly, could have been gang related and may have even started after words were exchanged on a social media site. I don’t know what words could make someone invincible enough to pull out a gun and shoot someone in the presence of a group larger than 40 in number.

            Five days later- that Thursday in a very different city of Baton Rouge, a group fight broke out where as many as 50 LSU players happened to be. Four in particular, including LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson, were summoned to tell police their side of the story but instead chose to hire a defense attorney and postpone cooperation with police.

             These are two very different situations but both have to do with people thinking they’re bigger and better than they actually are. If you think you are a thug, you’re not. If you think you are a gangster- you’re an idiot and if you think you are a college football player- think again because that title can be easily stripped and it means leading an example which no one in college football has done lately. Actually let me rephrase. That title used to be easily stripped and it used to mean leading an example. The definition, at least my definition of an athlete will never be the same.

            If 50 players have to go out to celebrate the end of two-a-days then they aren’t ready for the week in and week out competition of the SEC. Good luck LSU. You’ve got a gaggle of idiots running around in Baton Rouge celebrating the “end” of hard work, already thinking they’re a big deal.

            Sgt. Donald Stone with the Baton Rouge Police told the Associated Press that he could confirm one of the players kicked one of the four victims in the head but could not confirm which one. All four victims were injured. Three with minor injuries, one with a more serious injury that could bring forth a felony charge.

            I don’t know what the victims did to antagonize the attack but I know it wouldn’t be gangster if someone wasn’t kicked in the head.

            It wouldn’t be gangster if a team didn’t celebrate the end of intense practices as a season full of fourth–ranked-in-the-nation-expectation wasn’t on the line in a 13-day future.

            It wouldn’t be gangster if there wasn’t criminal scandal days before an out of conference test against a pugnacious Oregon Duck opponent- ready to pay the SEC back.

Pryor & Tressel Talk it Out

            It wouldn’t be gangster if you didn’t try to get a free car out of the power of a name or a pay for play scam- but those are different stories.

            It might not be gangster, but it is champion caliber, something that should be expected of an athlete and football player given the chance to play on the stage of College Football.

            I am naive but I refuse to stop holding athletes accountable to being good people. For those who defend inexcusable behavior by saying these young adults are just juvenile in the ways of the world and dealing with fame and recognition. I answer by saying I still don’t expect them to be juvenile and reckless when threatening human life.

            There should be no double standard. There should be a zero tolerance policy where morals and dignity are protected in a respectable creed to hold a standard to be better people on and off the field. No, it’s not possible- but its not champion unless we strive for it.

Then again, I never expect champions from Baton Rouge.

ha.