SEC Recruiting: Winners and Losers
Posted on | February 2, 2012 | No Comments
T.J. Yeldon doesn't interest me yet.
SEC Recruiting: Winners and Losers
There are certain aspects of recruiting that you won’t need foresight to know. You know that there are teams that filled a need, recruited a new class of player, so on and et al. Here’s what was interesting to me beyond the obvious star rating winners.
So if you’re wondering why Alabama and Florida aren’t here? This is why.
Winners
Auburn: Not just because of the Cassanova McKinzey signing. He loves delicious flavor, and Auburn brings it that much closer, but of all the SEC schools, there was only one that offered four year scholarships. Sure, most 18 year olds won’t care, but parental influenced prospects will love this.
Georgia: You saw last year that they were willing to let talented newcomers see the field quickly. And in Keith Marshall, the Bulldogs get the running back that could very easily turn into an integral part of the offense with the way Isaiah Crowell broke down toward the end of the year. J0rdan Jenkins and Josh Harvey-Clemons should join Ray Drew as 3-4 pass rushers that will generate all the sacks.
Texas A&M: Did a good job of protecting top Texas prospects, and from the people who brought Christine Michael, they were able to wrest Kyle Williams away from the Crimson Tide and Edward Pope and DeVante Harris could start for the Aggies straight away.
Losers
Tennessee: You have the 116th ranked rushing attack. You also graduated a running back who’s going to be drafted. You wouldn’t think to add another option or two in an attempt to bolster the running game next season Derek Dooley? I know there’s experience, but this experience couldn’t generate 3 yards a carry against Middle Tennessee State.
Arkansas: Not for the class they signed. Like a Wisconsin or a Virginia Tech, this is a team that will likely surpass the star rating of its prospects. But you didn’t get Dorial Green-Beckham. You lost the day.
Ole Miss: The only news that the Rebels made on the recruiting trail was from the greatest heel turn in the history of 18 year olds putting on hats. If Jeremy Liggins can say the most troll of statements and most Ole Miss fans can’t help but agree in their deepest darkest recesses. The worst thing that can happen to you is that when you get a bad review and you can’t help but agree.
Tags: Cassanova McKinzey > Christine Michael > DeVante Harris > Dorial Green-Beckham > Edward Pope > Isaiah Crowell > Jeremy Liggins > Jordan Jenkins > Josh Harvey-Clemons > Kyle Williams > Ray Drew > Recruiting > Rosin > T.J. Yeldon
Dorial Green-Beckham highlight videos
Posted on | January 31, 2012 | No Comments
Dorial Green-Beckham highlight videos
A part of the reason how my posting schedule becomes shaky from the post bowl season until August? I don’t trust recruiting. You find that Nick Fairley was the 27th ranked guard coming out of high school or that Mark Ingram was the 58th ranked running back? You can see just how much of a crapshoot this can be.
<object width=”300″ height=”250″><param name=”movie” value=”http://www.youtube.com/v/jVQuiYq0wHY?version=3&hl=en_US”></param><param name=”allowFullScreen” value=”true”></param><param name=”allowscriptaccess” value=”always”></param><embed src=”http://www.youtube.com/v/jVQuiYq0wHY?version=3&hl=en_US” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” width=”300″ height=”250″ allowscriptaccess=”always” allowfullscreen=”true”></embed></object>
But that being said? There are some players who seem to have the physical gifts to be an instant impact player. Look at Jadeveon Clowney. And this year? Dorial Green-Beckham could be the piece to make Alabama relo0ad just that much faster, help Arkansas be the chic national championship choice, or save Missouri from having a harsher rebuild as they move up in weight class.
<object width=”300″ height=”182″><param name=”movie” value=”http://www.youtube.com/v/OHpPFIMtrNg?version=3&hl=en_US”></param><param name=”allowFullScreen” value=”true”></param><param name=”allowscriptaccess” value=”always”></param><embed src=”http://www.youtube.com/v/OHpPFIMtrNg?version=3&hl=en_US” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” width=”300″ height=”182″ allowscriptaccess=”always” allowfullscreen=”true”></embed></object>
His measurable numbers just leap off the page. 6’6″, 220 pounds, a 4.43 forty yard dash time. And when you see that he’s looking to stay local? He has a definite chance to make grown defensive backs look downright silly starting this September.
<object width=”300″ height=”233″><param name=”movie” value=”http://www.youtube.com/v/dy7jIr4MUrs?version=3&hl=en_US”></param><param name=”allowFullScreen” value=”true”></param><param name=”allowscriptaccess” value=”always”></param><embed src=”http://www.youtube.com/v/dy7jIr4MUrs?version=3&hl=en_US” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” width=”300″ height=”233″ allowscriptaccess=”always” allowfullscreen=”true”></embed></object>
Tags: Dorial Green-Beckham > Mark Ingram > Nick Fairley > Recruting > Rosin > Video
SEC’s Early Exit Breakdown
Posted on | January 16, 2012 | No Comments
Trent Richardson was never gonna be drafted higher.
SEC’s Early Exit Breakdown
This was a record breaking season for people deciding they were done with college football. And while there will be some people who will not be drafted (Darron Thomas? Art thou serious bro?), the SEC’s exodus of talent will lead to pride on draft day. As many as seven could go in the first round, and no one is going to spend the draft pulling a Jevan Snead, at least now that Russell Sheppard came crawling back.
But who goes where? And how will they go about it? Read on fellows and lady fellows.
Trent Richardson (RB-Alabama) In this day and age, the running back is not nearly as important as they once were in the Sunday league. I’m not saying that Trent Richardson is going to have a Mark Ingram worry? But that being said, despite his spectacular gifts, the chance that he falls out of the top ten is a number beyond slim and none.
Morris Claiborne (CB-LSU) Here’s my pick for first SEC player off the board. Because here’s the thing, he kept getting thrown at. Between Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu, Claiborne had to keep getting thrown at. And he was up to the task like every single day. With the way Passing went in the NFL last year? He could go 3rd and I wouldn’t be surprised.
Dre Kirkpatrick (CB-Alabama) Reminds me a lot of Al Harris. Long, lanky, and aggressive. He just shuts receivers down. Barring a Julio Jones combine, he may not get past Claiborne, but I can guarantee that he’s not going to fall out of the top ten.
Fletcher Cox (DT-Mississippi State) There’s a 3-4 team that’s going to fall in love with Cox. Scouts grade him as a decent inside pass rusher with a great motor. He will not leave the first round, and if he’s at 28? He just seems too perfect as a fit for Green Bay.
Dont’a Hightower (ILB-Alabama) Scouts grade him as a smart, and strong run stuffer with an underrated pass rush, but he’s a step slow. (4.78 40-yard time). This isn’t to say that he isn’t going to have a bad career. But the thing of it is? You can’t be surprised if he falls out of the first round.
Michael Brockers (DT-LSU) One of the things that happens every year is that some defensive lineman with amazing athleticism gets up the draft board because everyone is going to be all like OMG Upside! Brockers should be picked between 35 and 75. But don’t be surprised that he’s picked by like Dallas at 13. He’s all upside and athleticism.
Alshon Jeffrey (WR-South Carolina) He was supposed to rival Justin Blackmon for the first WR off the board. But that being said? The skills that he’s shown haven’t exactly disappeared. Michael Floyd seems to have definitely passed him and Kendall Wright has probably passed him. A good 40-time? And he’s still a first round choice.
Rueben Randle (WR-LSU) One of those receivers LSU always seems to graduate. Big and rangy and probably a step slower than what scouts would like. Randle will probably be a second or third round pick. But a James Jones comparison isn’t exactly an insult, either.
Stephon Gilmore (CB-South Carolina) Right now, he seems like the Mexican Non-union equivalent of Charles Woodson. He has the blitzing, run support, and ball hawking skills of Woodson, he’s spent time playing offense and isn’t a half bad return man. The only question is can he stay at corner. There are whispers, you guys.
Orson Charles (TE-Georgia) A more physically gifted Aaron Hernandez. I’m not saying that he’s going to be a superstar straight away, but with his hands and great vertical skills, as the tight end becomes more important? By 2013? He could be in the conversation with your Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski.
Bobby Massie (RT-Ole Miss) An intriguing talent. He’s got the physicality to be an NFL right tackle, but the athleticism that a switch to the left side could be considered. He’s not going to be likely drafted before Round 3, but the magazines will be putting a picture of a dude sleeping by his name. Because, see, he’s a sleeper.
Tags: Alshon Jeffrey > Bobby Massie > Breakdowns > Donta Hightower > Dre Kirkpatrick > Fletcher Cox > Michael Brockers > Morris Claiborne > NFL Draft > Orson Charles > Rosin > Rueben Randle > Stephon Gilmore > Trent Richardson
Alabama vs. LSU, BCS Reactions, 2012
Posted on | January 10, 2012 | No Comments
@LSUFreek has the right idea. Jordan Jefferson's not going to be tabbed for DONDA.
Alabama vs. LSU, BCS Reactions, 2012
Was this game ugly? Yes. Like all sequels, they pale in comparison to the original. I’m not saying that every aspect of the game was terrible. But that being said? This was more impenetrable than a Lars Von Trier movie in several spots.
But you have to give credit to Jim McElwain. He called a game that turned the Honey Badger into something mortal. He called a game that generated the most rushing yards and the most non-Holgorsen aided passing yards on LSU’s defense. If I was Colorado State, I’d be fired up for next year. He made the perfect closer to his run at Alabama.
Now that being said? Jordan Jefferson played like a punk. When I made my prediction, on of the major reasons as to why I made a prediction that was misled? The option game. Jordan had his big boy pants on when they played Alabama the last time. Then again, they were preparing for Jarrett Lee.
This time, every time Jordan would run the option, he would leave the running back out to dry. He pitched the ball way too early, and he would make less effort than a late-90′s NBA star after he made the pitch. Now I grant the premise that if I were to get hit by so much Courtney Upshaw I would develop a case of the limber tail is a solid one. But that being said. It’s one game. Suck it up for one game.
Because if you do? You can develop a legend. Like A.J. McCarron. You know how many National Championship QB’s were sophomores when they won? One. And it’s the guy who threw to Brad Smelley like the entire night.
And while the National Championship rematch definitely has benefited the SEC in its rare iterations, but here’s the thing. The games have been terrible. Florida stomped on the gas and won its first National Championship game by 32. And Ole Miss shut out LSU in the rematch of the Billy Cannon game.
Congratulations to Alabama. Congratulations to LSU. But the rematch must not happen again. Nothing good will come of it. Nothing.
Tags: AJ McCarron > BCS Championship > Brad Smelley > Jim McElwain > Jordan Jefferson > No More Rematch > Reactions > Rosin > Tyrann Mathieu
LSU vs. Alabama, BCS National Championship, Predicition Pick 2012
Posted on | January 6, 2012 | No Comments
Trent Richardson is going in for redemption.
LSU vs. Alabama, BCS National Championship, Predicition Pick 2012
I’m not going to just throw up my last call. Though the fact of the matter is that this is a game that has a very similar vibe. If the Alamo Bowl was a Michael Bay movie, and the Rose and Fiesta Bowls were X-Men 2 and X-Men: First Class? Then this is Tree of Life. Impenetrable to the casual watcher, but something that has beauty in between the lines.
Because the fact of the matter? We’re going to see a very similar game. Not that the offenses are going to be slowed up. The defenses always have a greater advantage when the bowl games go off later in the year. And these two defenses are spectacular.
So what’s the differences? For one, the option question. Most people aren’t surprised that LSU was the SEC team that ended up with the best per carry average of all the D-1 opponents Alabama faced. When Jordan Jefferson came in and the speed option was run? They got forward momentum on Alabama.
But then the Crimson Tide faced Georgia Southern. The team that made the flexbone famous gashed Alabama. 25% of Alabama’s Touchdowns allowed? To Georgia Southern. 33.6% of Alabama’s rushing yards allowed? To Georgia Southern.
You’re going to see a lot of option from Jordan Jefferson and their four pronged running back attack. And while they’re not going to have 300 yards rushing by any stretch? They may yet get a touchdown. (Gasp, I know.)
And then there’s the special teams question. I don’t expect Brad Wing to get himself another game changing punt. I also don’t expect Tyrann Mathieu to break one. But that being said? Alabama’s 6 of their last 13 on field goal attempts. Now most of that’s on Cade Foster, but the fact of the matter is that Alabama’s going to have to be in four down territory from a greater distance than Saban will feel comfortable.
And barring a wrinkle, or the injuries in Alabama’s secondary stopping them from playing on Monday, LSU’s special teams will prove to be the difference. It won’t be a game that will bring joy to the masses. But there will be beauty in this clash.
LSU 13, Alabama 10.
Tags: Alfred Blue > Brad Wing > Cade Foster > Kenny Hilliard > Mark Barron > Marquis Maze > Michael Ford > Nick Saban > Reuben Randle > Spencer Ware > Trent Richardson > Tyrann Mathieu
Arkansas vs. Kansas State, Cotton Bowl, 2012 Prediction Pick
Posted on | January 4, 2012 | 1 Comment
This photo could get a Cotton Bowl sequel
Arkansas vs. Kansas State, Cotton Bowl, 2012 Prediction Pick
In a game that definitely has more in-season cache than last night’s Sugar Bowl, you will see a styles clash of some tremendous proportions. On Arkansas, you’ll have a passing game that averages 300 yards per outing. Kansas State takes a different set of tactics. Quarterback Collin Klein went into bowl season second nationally in Rushing touchdowns.
Why is that interesting? Well for one, Tyler Wilson and the Greg Childs, Jarius Wright, Joe Adams trio are going to feast on the 104th ranked passing defense in the country. But that being said, the Klein led Wildcats running game is going to face an Arkansas defense that definitely has a soft underbelly to it. So the major key to the game is obviously going to be hidden yardage.
That means turnovers. If you break it down strictly on a yardage quotient? Kansas State doesn’t belong here. They’re 76th per play and 74th per game. But they’re here on the simple fact that they win the turnover battle. Plus thirteen turnover margin is a big number.
And while Arkansas has been the bellwether between good and great, a team that’s clean in regards to taking care of the ball has an edge over Arkansas. Kansas State absolutely needs one in a short field situation to have a chance here. They also need to punch it in. Because Arkansas’ defense, while it has its weaknesses, it’s at its best when you’re looking at getting six points off of them.
But that being said? Jake Bequette has an opportunity to build up his draft stock in his final college game. Kansas State is in the triple digits regarding sacks allowed. Bequette finished November with 6 sacks, and he will absolutely be chasing Klein like all day.
Long story short? This feels like last years Cotton Bowl. The Big 12 team is going to stay in it for about a third of the game. But I absolutely believe that Arkansas’ offense is going to force the Wildcats to abandon their plans for a running game. And when they do? Klein just doesn’t have the horses to keep up.
Arkansas 38, Kansas State 21.
Tags: Bowl Predictions > Cotton Bowl > Greg Childs > Jairus Wright > Jake Bequette > Joe Adams > Rosin > Tyler Wilson
Gator Bowl Prediction Pick, 2012, Ohio State vs. Florida
Posted on | December 29, 2011 | No Comments
I will insist on calling Jeff Demps Will. That may be as far as I know.
Gator Bowl Prediction Pick, 2012, Ohio State vs. Florida
This is a game where if I had money to put on games? I would stay away from it. It vows to be ugly. ESPN is going to take the fact that Urban Meyer was the coach at Florida and salt the broadcast so that nothing can grow. There may not even be twenty completions from both sides, and you will see copious amounts of punt.
As a player, Braxton Miller is a talent. He’s an exciting athlete who has already started on building a legend in Columbus. And with him, they can’t game plan for Boon Herron, Carlos Hyde, or Jordan Hall. And while they’re going to get game planned for, with the way Florida plays fast and loose with the ball, I can guarantee they will have a drive from a short field.
Because the fact is, when it comes to bowl games? You usually trust the better defense. And Florida is a top 10 defense yardage wise. But they are one of the worst teams regarding turnover margin. And when you’re averaging a turnover lost per game? You give up an advantage.
Because otherwise, the running joke about SEC speed would apply. Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps should be at full strength. And one home run would be enough to win the game. So yeah. We’re in a situation where it’s evenly matched.
Ohio State has John Simon, and in the game where the defense will likely win, a sack strip may be enough. And he’s the pass rusher. The only consistent one.
So yeah, can you tell with the hemming and hawing I’m not terrifically sure in regards to who will win? My gut says Ohio State, they’re the more disciplined team, and they’re the team that will get the running game untracked.
Ohio State 14, Florida 13.
But I could be wrong.
Tags: Bowl Predictions > Chris Rainey > Jeff Demps > John Brantley > Matt Elam > Rosin
Outback Bowl Prediction Pick, 2012, Georgia vs. Michigan State
Posted on | December 28, 2011 | No Comments
Will Aaron Murray get time to throw? Maybe not.
Outback Bowl Prediction Pick, 2012, Georgia vs. Michigan State
This promises to be one of the more evenly matched games in the entirety of the bowl season. You have two teams with strong defenses, good passing games, and future stars on both sides of the ball, and both lost their conference championship games. Who gets to end on a high note? Find out here.
First of all, it’s going to be a chess match. Michigan State has a superbly experienced passing game, where Kirk Cousins can throw to B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin. They were able to gash the Badgers defense for a copious amount of points. (And they are the 8th ranked defense overall.) Jarvis Jones got a lot of sacks this season, but Michigan State has been really quite good at limiting opponents sacks as well.
And when you look at Georgia, their largest weakness has been opponents with a good pass rush. Their three losses were to teams that could get after Aaron Murray. And like Georgia, Michigan State has a star pass rusher (Denicos Allen) and a lot of people who have a few sacks. They’re 4th nationally, and versus the 86th best against? Aaron Murray’s gonna have to check down more often than he would like.
The other issue? Isaiah Crowell. There’s something of a distraction going on here. Crowell’s worn down as the season’s continued, and while he’s been a solid in his debut, he’s been supplanted in practice by Ken Holcombe, with Richard Samuel and Carlton Thomas looking to be healthy come bowl time. And for whatever the Spartans are worth running the ball? At least they know what they have with Le’Veon Bell and Edwin Baker.
But long story short? This is gonna be a tight one. I like Michigan State’s defense, but they have inconsistent performances. And then there’s Georgia. A good team, but they’re definitely not a great one. Michigan State has had flashes of greatness.
It’s going to be a classic. But Sparty, yes.
Michigan State 28, Georgia 27.
Tags: Aaron Murray > Bowl Predictions > Isaiah Crowell > Jarvis Jones > Ken Holcombe > Malcolm Mitchell > Orson Charles > Predictions > Richard Samuel > Rosin
