The Season Draws Near

Go ahead and laugh, I laugh at it myself. Some may say that I was a band nerd. Alls I'm saying as that chicks dig the uniform(especially the cape). So, football season draws near. I am excited! I think it's gonna be a great year for football fans here in south Louisiana and for those in Tuscaloosa as well. Let's begin with the NFL. Our beloved Saints have a lot of talent on the roster this year, particularly on offense, and if nothing else they will be fun to watch. Now don't misunderstand what I am saying. It's gonna be a tough season. Our schedule may not look terribly difficult but we are slated play some very tough teams. True we get to play Atlanta twice and 3/4's of their offense we be in court while we play(refering to vick, for those who may have been under a rock for the last 2 months). But, Atlanta isn't known for scoring a million points, they rely on a stout defense. Also you better believe that they will be out to prove that they are more than a one trick pony. What bodes well for the black and gold as that they can potentially score from anywhere on the field and with the talent we have can stretch the field and create a lot of mismatches and one-on-one scenarios. Defensively, I think we are stronger this year. It's still early in preseason and I fully believe that many of the issues we are most concerned about (DB's) will work themselves out as opening night approaches. The predictions on the saints vary. If your asking me, I am thinking that we will be somewhere around 11-5 and deep into the playoffs. How deep? I will not speculate, but I will say that this team is one of the most dangerous in the league, and I mean that with both good and bad contexts. If we lose Brees, We're dead.

Turning to the college ranks. I think it will be an exciting year nationally. There are a lot of powerful teams ready to stake their right to play in the national championship game. But beware, Rutgers and Boise State don't plan on slipping back to anonimity. That's not to say that they are going to the big game, rather, I am suggesting that there are some other school who are ready to make a jump into the spotlight. Rutgers and Lousville will have an affect(effect?) on things. Also watch out for some bottom dwellers who are gaining strength. Kentucky will be a factor in deciding the SEC East. They will upset at least two of the big dogs in the east this year(though I'm not sure which two). Also, Watch out for the PAC-10. We all know about USC but UCLA is tired of playin the little brother role.

But let's talk about the issue that you all really want to hear my take on. LSU @ Alabama. Let us take off our purple and gold or crimson colored glasses. You and I both know(though we may not publicly admit it) that this game could go either way. Yes, LSU has been rather dominant the last several years and Alabama has been hit and miss, but this will clearly be a game of emotion. Alabama players understand how much LSU wants to win this game. The boys in Crimson and white love their coach and their university and will not die easy in this game. On the flip side, The tigers are taking this game personally(I'll write a post on that some other time). They want this victory more than a natioanal championship. You think I'm just saying that but trust me, I hear lots of things while working at a very popular Dining establishment here in tiger-town. So, let's turn our attention to the field of play. LSU is a little sketchy at QB. They have talent there but are unproven thus far. They have lost several recievers and coach miles continues to make comments that someone needs to step up in that role, we'll have to see if someone does. In terms of running backs there is no clear #1 but there seems to be a hundred #2's. Defense, where they have been simply dominant the last couple years(minus that big oops against Tennesee 2 years ago) should be pretty strong again. But with the loss of some of their top players I would not expect them to be the fighting tigers you have become used to. They will give up some points this year, not alot, but they will not be able to stop everyone, everytime.

As for BAMA. They didn't look great last year but they did have a lot of young guys get alot of experience. Their QB started every game as a sophmore and has proven that he can make every throw in the playbook. Also, he remains calm and rarely makes mental mistakes. The offensive line returns all 5 starters (I think they were mostly sophomores last year). The running back situation is alot like LSU's. No one seems overly dominant but there are several guys who, unlike LSU, seem ready to take the #1 back position. Recievers are an issue at BAMA. They have some guys who can flat out fly but may not be the most reliable and some guys who will catch everything but lack big play speed. It'll come down to play calling to maximize what they have. Finally, the defense. Alabama has always been a defense first school. They, however, lack the dominance that they had even 2 years ago. However, the do have a couple of playmakers who can force turnovers and make big stops. All in all, they will be similar to LSU in that they will appear dominant at times and be like trying to eat soup with a chopstick other times.

So, this brings us to the issue of coaching. I will tell you who has the edge and why. But read what I have to say before unleashing your verbal assault in my direction. It think LSU is ahead of the curve on the coaching side because Les Miles has been there for a couple of years and his way of doing things is routine their now. But he has several new coaches on staff, including coordinators which means that the tigers are having to install some new systems. Alabama also has alot of new coaches this year including Nick Saban (who, though I love BAMA, i am not really a fan of). I have given this much thought and after the waying all of the issues, pros and cons, etc. have determined that Alabama has a better coach than LSU. DON'T START YELLING YET! Heres my justification for saying this. When Saban left LSU, tiger fans hailed him as the greatest coach in their history(yes, you did. be honest with yourself). In Les Miles' career at LSU he has been criticized repeatedly for being inferior to Saban(you may not want to admit it now but again, you know I speak the truth). And finally, Why is LSU taking this game so personally? because they are seeking not to prove that they are better than Alabama, but that they are better than Nick Saban. LSU, by their own actions, have determined that Saban IS a better coach than Les Miles.

My prediction for the game-like I said, it could go either way. I'll give you my pick the week of the game. I will say that at this point I lean towards LSU, but hat could be because one of my legs is longer than the other.

OK, let the swearing begin.