Offense is still going to struggle. Mississippi State knows that we're going to come out and run the football. I would be willing to bet that Cox could throw 35-40 passes, get around 375-400 yards, and several touchdowns if Borges wanted to do that. But you know the coaching staff wants to establish the running game - not only to show other teams that we're still a tough, smash mouth football team, but to give confidence to the O-line and running backs. Croom, who is five times the coach Shula is by the way, will have that Mississippi State defense so jacked up and ready to go. I guarantee if they win the coin toss they will defer and go on defense first. My prediction for our first offensive series: hand off into the line for loss of one...toss sweep to the strong side for two yard gain...screen pass or draw play for 3-5 yards...punt. Lost in the rout of Mississippi State last year was the performance of Omar Conner. He was nearly flawless against our D, hitting some ridiculous number of passes. I think he was 12 of 13 in the first half or something like that. They just couldn't stop our offense and they were playing from way behind the whole game. This one is going to be different. I think it will be a tight game at the half - 13-10 AU and we'll pull away a little because of superior talent and depth. Final score 30-16.
Other thoughts...Arizona State shocks LSU. There's no way those players can be ready to play a football game. If you get SI make sure you read Rick Reilly's column as soon as your magazine shows up at the house. I have so much respect for everyone associated with LSU, from the school administration to the athletic department officials to the students and athletes who have busted their asses to help out the last two weeks. They have just gone through too much to be focused on a football game against a quality opponent (especially after preparing all off season for the game to be played at home, only to have it moved a thousand miles away).
Georgia smacks the crap out of the SpurCocks. Way too much speed and talent for USC.
Alabama's defense shuts out Southern Miss. USM has been through a lot as well, having moved to Memphis since Katrina came through. Plus they have some suspensions. Bama wins ugly and easy 24-7 (Crodie throws a pick six late in the third quarter causing Sheila to drop a few F bombs).
Arky runs all over Vandy. The Hogs are going to be good...against teams that can't force them to pass. They might get worked by USC next week in Los Angeles but I think they'll handle Vandy pretty easily.
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I'd love to make some intelligent comments, but since I haven't seen either team in a full game I'll hold back a little. From the few times I saw Tre carry the ball, he just looked small, and unable to deliver the blow. If the holes are there I think he can find them, but if not, he's not going to create his own. Maybe one of the younger guys will emerge. I think the passing game will be fine. The receivers seem poised for big seasons and as Cox matures he'll start making better choices. Hopefully Borges will speed up that process. I'm also hopefully that the defense will have something to prove.
My prediction/guess: AU 27 MSU 10
James...this is a blog. "Intelligent comments" are not allowed.
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