I'm talking to McFather in my office and we were discussing the last time we had a moment like that at UGA to cheer for. Well, I guess the answer is Belue to Scott just because of how meaningful the game was to our championship hopes. I was only 2 at the time so I don't remember that but my guess is if I was old enough to remember, I would have acted like these people. My favorites are the ones with the stunned Alabama fans having to deal with the ecstatic Auburn fans.
1) Who's #1? - I've been saying since the beginning of the year that this might be the end of the line for the SEC's championship run. However, I don't think I would have ever guessed how it has worked out. If Florida State and Ohio State take care of business on Saturday, they will meet for the National Championship. However, if either lose, the door will be open for the SEC to sneak back in and if both manage to lose this weekend, we could potentially see another SEC rematch for it all. The arguments have already started around the office about whether or not the Noles or the Buckeyes are deserving. The answer depends. Are you the type of person that believes all schedules are equal? If so, going undefeated is the standard bearer and these two teams belong in the championship. However, if you believe that strength of schedule matters, I'm not so sure either team belongs. FSU can at least point to beating Clemson and Miami at full strength but Ohio State's best win is against a Wisconsin team that just got housed by Penn State. Their other big game of the year was a game they should have lost against Northwestern who ended up tanking the rest of the season.
2) Does it Matter? - It might not. Michigan State has a nasty defense. They haven't given up a TD drive of 80+ yards all year. I think they can stop Ohio State. Maybe not all the time, but enough. The question is can they score. Ohio State just gave up 400+ yards passing to a Michigan QB not known for his precision. Additionally, people don't know it, but Mark Dantonio is a solid coach. Urban Meyer is elite, no doubt. But Dantonio will have his squad ready to go.
3) Who's the Coach of the Year? - I know that Gary Pinkel and Gus Malzahn have excellent cases for coach of the year and they are matched up in the SEC Championship game, but I think you have to look a little further east to see the coach of the year. David Cutcliffe has led Duke to 10 wins. Do you understand that? Auburn and Mizzou have experienced success on the gridiron and their current coaches both have had a hand in that. Other than the short-lived Steve Spurrier stint at Duke, the Blue Devils have been a laughing stock. Why did Ole Miss fire David Cutcliffe? Why didn't Tennessee hire him? He's done some amazing work in Durham. Unfortunately, I don't think he has the guns to get it done against the Noles but we'll see.
4) Who's Next? - Let's say either of the States lose. The SEC holds the 3rd, 4th, and 5th ranked teams. If Auburn wins, it's a no brainer. They replace either team that may lose. But, what if Auburn doesn't win? What if Mizzou squeaks by? Will the voters have them jump Alabama in the polls? There's such a mystique with the Tide that I'm not so sure what would happen. Missouri has been underrated all year. Would that trend continue?
5) What if Everyone loses? - If Florida State and Ohio State loses, what happens next? I think there would be a ton of backlash against another all SEC championship. But the Iron Bowl was so good. Who doesn't want to see that again? What about Missouri against Bama? Would Missouri's brand keep them out? Does Oklahoma State factor into this at all. I'm an SEC fan but I just don't see the whole country jumping on an Alabama vs SEC Champion National Championship. It would be really interesting to see both States lose and Oklahoma State jump Bama a la what happened to UGA in 2007 because they didn't win the SEC. Alabama fans would riot.
SEC Power Rankings
14) Kentucky - It's officially basketball season!
13) Arkansas - You had LSU beat. Then you let the backup QB hit a bomb to beat you. #karma
12) Florida - Wow
11) Tennessee - Patiently waiting Butch Jones first recruiting class.
10) Mississippi State - Egg Bowl champs. They celebrated like it was a National Championship.
9) Ole Miss - Egg Bowl losers but the future is looking up.
8) Vanderbilt - Can they hold on to James Franklin after another 8 win year? My guess is yes because USC and A&M are both off the table.
7) Texas A&M - I expected more out of Johnny Football in his regular season finale. Based on the last two weeks, he'll struggle in the NFL.
6) LSU - I rated them ahead of UGA last week because of Aaron Murray's injury. Zach Mettenburger got hurt this week and they should have lost to Arkansas. They fall back.
5) UGA - Hutson Mason looked shakey in this first start but found his legs. Todd Gurley has always had legs and he carried the Dawgs to a comeback win. Next year, they'll be solid.
4) South Carolina - A&M let down the Cocks by losing in Missouri. Carolina reminded everyone they own Clemson anyways.
3) Alabama - I'm not sure they really should be number 3 but I was tired of putting them #1. Their absence from the SEC Championship doesn't mean they are out of the National Championship picture though.
2) Missouri - They just keep winning. their defensive line is for real. They have great receivers. They are well coached. They will be ready for Auburn.
1) Auburn - Truly the Cardiac Cats. They should have lost one other game this year but they didn't. Championship teams get lucky. I wonder if Auburn has already used all of theirs up.
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