Yesterday, the Atlanta community was stunned by the announcement that the Braves would be departing Turner Field (and really the city of Atlanta) to a new mixed use facility in the year 2017. Citing the fact that though they could spend $150 million dollars on upgrades to Turner Field (a facility the Braves do not own), they would never be able to fix other problems and never really upgrade the fan experience. This translates to: (a) traffic is horrible getting in and out of the stadium, (b) there is nothing to do around Turner Field except potentially get mugged, (c) the Bullpen was the only eating or drinking option within realistic walking distance to the stadium. (Please bear in mind that I have hung out at the Bullpen on multiple occasions but I would not consider it to be a destination for most Atlanta fans, and (d) most of our season ticket holders reside in the northern part of the metro area so we are going to cater to them.
Was I surprised at all of this? Well, yes. I think everyone was. Turner Field is less than 20 years old and I actually think it's a pretty solid facility. But, that's the way pro sport franchises are nowadays. They are constantly looking for the next big thing even if it is at the expense of the last big thing (both are usually paid for with taxpayers money).
That's why I'm a college sports fan. Sure, I'd like wi-fi in Sanford Stadium for home UGA football games. But the fact that I don't have it doesn't stop me and 92, 700 other people from packing the stands. I don't need to go shopping at halftime. Watching the Redcoats perform is fine with me. I don't need sushi as an option for dining when kickoff is at 7:00. I ate a shitload of fried chicken and boiled peanuts while I tailgated for 8 hours leading up to the game with my friends and family.
I understand that an argument can be made on what a big business college athletics has become and I totally get it. But college sports still feel more traditional to me. The pageantry and the fire and the chance of something coming out of the blue feels like its more existent at a college game than at a pro game. I know people will differ on their opinions of this, but that's how I feel. Now on to my thoughts...
1) What is Texas A&M going to look like next year? - As I watched Johnny Manziel wave his hands in the air demanding the fans at Kyle Field to cheer one last time for him (because there's no doubt he's going pro), I got thinking about how A&M will look in their third year in the SEC. Manziel will be gone. So will the uber-talented WR Mike Evans. There's a chance the head coach, Kevin Sumlin could be gone too. With a defense that just gave up a ton of points to Mississippi State, will the Aggies continue to be the darlings of the SEC West? I don't know.
2) Quack Me? Well, Quack you... - Oregon is not built for championships. I enjoy watching the Ducks as much as any team in college football but I just don't see them getting it done anytime soon. Their offense is too finesse. Remember when they had a chance a few years ago against Auburn? Auburn's defense has talent but as a whole it wasn't that good. What it was though was physical. Ask Aaron Murray. Can the Ducks beat a physical team in a one game scenario? Yes. I just don't think it can beat a really good one.
3) Florida Stinks - I've said on here that I thought Will Muschamp was safe. I mean, the Gators did go to the Sugar Bowl last year. But by the end of the season, Coach Boom will have a worse record than the ol' Zooker after 3 years. Not good. Plus they just got beat at home by Vandy for the first time since World War 2.
4) If this, then what? - Who will Florida go after if they fire Coach Muschamp? I'd say Art Briles at Baylor would get a call from me. Here's the problem though: Would Florida simply just turn into the Oregon of the Southeast? I don't think so because ultimately, I think Florida gets much better players than Oregon. Their defense would be nastier and their offense could be that much better. Guess we'll just have to see.
5) Doomsday Updated - I know last week I talked about the possibility of 4 undefeated teams. Oregon got beat on Thursday but Baylor really impressed me by throwing down on Oklahoma. If they can navigate a difficult home stretch, it would be easy to see them joining Florida State and Ohio State (both almost shoe-ins at this point) and Alabama (tougher but still very possible) as undefeated teams. The problem, there's little doubt at this point who the best two teams are: UCF and Fresno State...just kidding Alabama and Florida State
SEC Power Rankings
14) Arkansas - I think UK would beat them heads up. That's why they're last
13) Kentucky - Basketball season has started so good news Big Blue
12) Mississippi State - Great chance for a win against Arkansas coming up
11) Tennessee - just lost to a team that completed a total of 3 passes by 30 points.
10) Florida - Offense is as good as Tennessee's defense
9) Vanderbilt - beat Florida convincingly but managed less than 200 yards of total offense
8) Ole Miss - this season could be the start of big things in Ole Miss
7) LSU - After a great beginning to the season, the Bengal Tigers look young on defense and clumsy on offense all of a sudden.
6) Georgia - Getting somewhat healthier but this is still a team that is a shadow of the one that beat LSU
5) Texas A&M - Tough games down the stretch but no one's doubting Johnny Football. The defense on the other hand has to be questioned by everyone.
4) South Carolina - Only big hurdle remaining is Clemson. Should be a great finish for the Cocks
3) Missouri - They just keep handling their business but could the pressure get to them in their final two games?
2) Auburn - Far and away the most impressive team considering the expectations put on them early in the year. Two very tough games remaining but they're both at home
1) Alabama - I'm sorry I ever doubted you
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