Saturday in Reverse...Week 5

NAPA Know How, NAPA Know How. Yeah its a terrible commercial jingle, but one thing is certain, Nick Saban knows how to silence a hostile, Saturday night crowd. Alabama physically manhandled Florida for a 3rd consecutive year, beating down the Gators by 28 and it could have been worst. The Tide defense stuffed Florida repeatedly after being burned on some bad secondary technique on the games first play. Offensive guru Charlie Weis, he who routinely was defeated by Syracuse, UConn, Navy & Air Force while in South Bend, was befuddled. (Anybody in Gainesville want Dan Mullen back now???) Tide OC Jim McElwain called a masterful game, keeping Florida off balance on first down by routinely calling for passes. The end result is 'Bama has some smooth sailing on the way to its November showdown with LSU, who sleepwalked through a 35-7 win over Kentucky and take on the Gators next.

As for 'Bama's opponent last week, Arkansas looked dead in the water in Jerry World against future SEC foe Texas A&M. The Aggies had a 18 point lead and seemed in control, until they took a page from the LeBron James playbook and decided to only play 3 quarters in Dallas. Now Mike Sherman is sure to feel some heat after blowing huge 2nd half leads the last 2 weeks.

Most unexpected result of the day was not Auburn beating South Carolina, but the fact that Auburn won not in a shootout, but in a defensive struggle. Steve Spurrier is generally considered the 2nd best coach in the history of the SEC behind Bear Bryant, but the recognition is in serious jeopardy after being outcoached by Auburn DC Ted Roof. After all this carnage yesterday, the most certain thing is the SEC West is way better then whoever the sacrificial lamb that arrives out of the East in Atlanta on December 3rd.

Saddest result from yesterday is the lack of quality QB play across the nation. Some of these guys have played Gods Gift to Football, 7 on 7 pass camps, for years, but teams like Indiana, Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, South Carolina, Auburn, Florida don't have a quarterback who can make simple plays. Its embarrassing to see teams with 4 and 5 star recruits at that position that can't generate a 100 yards passing. And we're not talking about wishbone teams, we're talking about some of these teams running the greatest offensive invention ever, THE SPREAD!!! I'm just thankful that I still cheer for a team that physically dominates its opponent and plays old school, fundamental football.

Other teams that impressed: Clemson getting it done on the road at Va. Tech. Dat Boy Dabo did it again! Russel Wilson has added a dimension to Wisconsin that makes them a legit national title contender, but only if 2 of the top 3 ahead of them lose a game. Ga. Tech continues to romp to victories with its flexbone. And Pitt had a nice win against USF on Thursday. Sorry Notre Dame, but until you beat a legit opponent, you won't get mentioned here and sadly you won't play a ranked team the rest of the year.

Teams that looked horrible. THE ohio state university, less the 200 yards of offense. Penn State needing to knock down a Hail Mary to hold off, ahem, Indiana, a team that had lost to North Texas & Ball State. Mississippi State again lays an egg and now heads to Legion Field to face UAB. If they lose that came, the SEC needs contraction, ASAP.

Saturday in Reverse...Week 4

Wake me up when September ends.

Also wake me up when Maryland decides to go back to some normal uniforms. Getting worked over by Temple 38-7 at home is really, really bad but its even worse when wearing a hideous uniform like the Terps. Last time these two teams played in Philly in 2005, UMd. won 38-7. My how things have changed for these programs. Oh by the way, Benard Pierce just scored again.

Speaking of scoring, LSU showed its toughness in manhandling West Virginia in Morgantown. The Bayou Bengals physically worked over the 'Eers and when they were remotely threatened in the 3rd qtr, Les Miles team squashed the rally by returning the ensuing kick-off to regain a 2 touchdown cushion. LSU is a physically dominating defense that just smothers you. They may not be seriously challenged until they come to Tuscaloosa in November.

As for challenging, Arkansas proved once again they are not quite ready for primetime. Bobby Petrino's high octane offense was once again outmaneuvered by Nick Saban. Alabama did not score an offensive TD until the middle of the 3rd qtr, but still led 24-7 behind a fake gield goal, pick 6 and an electrifying punt return by Marquise Maze that caused the 101,000 in Bryant Denny to explode. Saban and Kirby Smart's in game adjustments again gave the Hogs fit. Thats 5 in a row over Arkansas by the Tide and 4 of those have come under Petrino's watch. Arky has scored 14, 7, 20and 14 against 'Bama since Petrion arrived in Fayettenam. The Tide now has a Saturday night trip to Gainesville while the Hogs face potential SEC member Texas A & M.

Texas A&M can join the not ready for primetime crowd by blowing a 20-3 lead to Oklahoma State at home, by self destructing in the 3rd quarter. OSU is trying to keep pace with big brother Oklahoma who took care of Mizzou at home. As for who should be # 1 between OU, LSU & 'Bama, hands down its LSU at this point. They've done more and haven't played but 1 home game in Death Valley.

Another team living well in Death Valley is Clemson. Yabba Dabo Doo did it again taking down Florida State. Now the Tigers have to go on the road to face Virginia Tech. Traditionally, Clemson has not handled these situations well and will face a significant challenge next week.

Other notes, congrats on the Big East officials for missing a field goal call between Syracuse and Toledo.

Big 10/11/12 debacle(s) of the week. North Dakota State beating Minnesota. North texas beating Indiana.

And finally, in the U-Haul Bowl, where the loser gets a free moving van, Mark Richt staved off elimination and pushed Houston Nutt one step closer to leaving Oxford.