CFB Playoff and Championship Predictions

Panelists' records are against the spread, but the picks for the CFB Playoff are straight up.

Synopses:

Jeremy

1. Florida State vs. Oregon - This game concerns me since I picked Oregon. Sure, FSU hasn't been the dominant force everyone expected after last year, but they're still undefeated and I just wonder if they'll pull an NBA style switch-flip. Oregon's offense will put up points here. The question becomes when does FSU's offense take the field. If they play a poor first half as they have most of the year, it could be curtain early. I don't think that will be the case but the Heisman winner that makes the plays to win in the end will be wearing Green and Yellow (or whatever colors they are wearing this game). Oregon 34-28

2. Ohio State vs. Alabama - If Ohio State was starting their usual QB, I'd have more faith in them. But here's the deal, they're starting QB is in his 2nd game against a Nick Saban defense that has had a month to prepare. I think the Buckeye defense will throw some curve balls at Lane Kiffin and Blake Sims but the Tide D will be the difference here. Alabama 31-20

3. National Championship - Every bone in my body says to pick the Tide. I think they are the better team. But, I think they will struggle with the Oregon offense in a relatively quick turnaround. The Ducks offense is better than Auburns with a more accurate QB. The Ducks have been knocking for years, I think they win a shoot-out for the National Championship in a classic first play-off championship game. Oregon 42-38


Brian

1. Florida State vs. Oregon - I have always said that when Oregon plays more physical offensive and defensive lines, they struggle and that's why I can't take them completely seriously. FSU's lines aren't as good as last year, but as a team, FSU can match Oregon's speed. That presents problems for Oregon. Florida State 35-28

2. Ohio State vs. Alabama - Ohio State's win over Wisconsin really impressed me, given their string of QB injuries this year. I believe Urban Meyer is the 2nd best coach in college football. However, I am not sure Ohio State has played anyone close to Alabama in terms of talent and depth. Ohio State will put up a better fight than during the Tressel days, but will still lose. Alabama 42-31

3. National Championship - At the beginning of the year, I picked Florida State to win the National Championship again. I do not think FSU is nearly as good as they were last year, but they still find ways to win. It isn't easy to go undefeated in Power 5 Conference play, no matter what. Alabama has a more dynamic offense than last year, but their defense is worse. I can't stand Jameis Winston, but he finds ways to win. I'm not sure Blake Sims is that kind of leader. Florida State 35-32

Keppel

1. Florida State vs. Oregon - Duck Tape

2. Ohio State vs. Alabama - Tide Bleach

3. National Champion - High Tide

End of Season Poll and SEC Standings

Ohio State posted a dominant win over Wisconsin Here was my poll at the end of Week 14. Here is my update at the end of the regular season. 

Further, below the rankings, I will list a few superlatives from the week. 

End of Regular Season Top 10

1. Florida State

2. Alabama

3. Oregon

4. Ohio State

5. Baylor

6. TCU

7. Michigan State

8. Mississippi State

9. Georgia Tech
10. Ole Miss

End of Season SEC Standings

1. Alabama

2. Mississippi State

3. Ole Miss
4. Georgia

5. Auburn
6. Missouri
7. Arkansas

8. LSU
9. Texas A&M

10. South Carolina

11. Florida

12. Tennessee

13. Kentucky

14. Anchor Down. 

Team of the Week: Ohio State

Failed execution of the week: Wisconsin. Lost 59-0 against OSU 3rd String QB???

Projected National Champion: Alabama. 

Did the CFB Playoff Committee Get it Right?

Trevone Boykin and TCU were left out of the Top 4

Brian

Overview

For years, fans argued the BCS was a flawed system, noting that computers shouldn't be a deciding factor in determining who plays for the National Championship. I honestly didn't have a big problem with the BCS formula. It was comprised of the Harris Interactive Poll, the Coaches Poll, and the Computer Average, making it 2/3 human and 1/3 computer.  

I really liked that the BCS contained an objective element - the computer average. What I didn't like about the BCS was that it only included 2 teams. Instead of expanding the BCS to 4 teams, the system was overthrown altogether for the 12 member CFB Playoff Committee. 

Proponents of the Committee System argued that the eye test is more important than a formula, especially at the end of the season. I understand this argument, but I despise the fact the new system completely erased any form of numerical objectivity. Having said this, did the committee get it right this year?

In my opinion, yes. However, I do have some complaints...

Why they got it right

I've told friends for weeks that TCU has by far the weakest argument to be one of the four playoff teams. Do I think TCU is a legit team worthy of a playoff spot? Absolutely. However, given that Baylor and TCU are in the same conference and played common teams, I could not justify sending TCU to the playoff after they lost to Baylor (assuming both finished with 1 loss). 

Even though the Big 12 recognizes co-champions, nowhere in American sport does a team that loses a head-to-head win a tie-breaker. Let me use an example to show how silly TCU making the playoff would have been. In 2013, the Iron Bowl featured undefeated Alabama vs. 1-loss Auburn (lost to LSU). Auburn defeated Alabama in the "Kick Six" game and advanced to the SEC Championship. Can you imagine if someone would have said, well, since Alabama's loss was better than Auburn's loss to LSU, then Alabama should go to the SEC Championship instead of Auburn? Or, even though Auburn beat Alabama on a "lucky" play, Alabama was really the better team. How ridiculous would that have been?

Thus, for me, as long as Baylor finished with 1 loss, TCU was irrelevant. Sure, some argue that TCU had a tougher non-conference schedule than Baylor, but if you are banking this argument on TCU playing Minnesota, it is a pretty flimsy argument. 

Alternatively, as stated previously, some may argue that the CFB Playoff isn't exclusively about head-to-head matchups and also about "the eye test." If this is true, then, can someone reasonably say TCU is DEFINITELY better than Baylor just by watching the two right now? I do not think so. 

So, using my logic, that leaves Baylor and Ohio State. I honestly cannot say which of these teams was more deserving to be in the playoff. Given the Big 12 does not have a championship game, I agree with the committee's decision to give the nod to Ohio State over Baylor. It isn't Baylor's fault the Big 12 doesn't have a conference championship, but the committee had to justify one of the two teams somehow. Some argue that Baylor's out of conference schedule was weak, but you can counter that argument with Ohio State's loss being worse than Baylor's. 

From a fan perspective, I am thrilled about Ohio State making it, as Nick Saban will re-match Urban Meyer, hopefully re-creating some of the Alabama-Florida intrigue in past SEC Championships. However, I do feel for Baylor. I feel for the seniors who may never have a chance at a football championship again, in the NFL or retired. 

Why they got it wrong

I fault the committee in two major areas: 1) the order of the 4 teams that made the playoff, and 2) ranking TCU 3rd last week. 

1) I can't stand Jameis Winston. I despise how Florida State has handled the Jameis Winston situation. However, despite these feelings, I do not believe an undefeated team in a Power 5 conference (who has actually played decent competition) should be behind 2 teams with 1 loss each. Florida State should be #1. I don't care if they have squeaked out victories, in the end, winning is what matters, and Florida State has consistently proven they are winners. Does this mean they are better than Alabama and Oregon? Not necessarily, but it's almost like we're rewarding 2 teams for losing. It would be more beneficial for Florida State to play in New Orleans against Ohio State instead of traveling to Pasadena to play Oregon. 

2) As stated in the first section, you know my feelings on TCU. Given the potential for Ohio State, Baylor, and TCU to all finish with 1 loss (and Baylor's head-to-head win over TCU), it made absolutely no sense for the committee to put TCU in the top 3 last week, only to move them out to #6. It ultimately backed the committee into a corner and made them lose a little bit of credibility. 

Jeremy

Overview

All in all I think the committee got it right. If you look at everything on paper, Ohio State had more good wins than Baylor or TCU. Wisconsin may have been overrated by the committee but that had to play into the equation. Also, Michigan State rated higher than TCU's best win in Kansas State. Honestly though, TCU shouldn't factor into the equation because Baylor's head to head victory over them was the best win of the three. Here's what I learned from teh committee, timing still matters. It's hard for anyone to shake the idea that Ohio State had just drubbed a team that was favored over them in a conference championship game. Ultimately, that is what kept Baylor out in my opinion.

Why they got it right

Alabama is the best team right now. If you don't believe humans, then the BCS formula would have said the same thing. They destroyed Missouri in what was a mismatch from the start. They have gotten better as a team throughout the year and it's hard to argue they aren't #1. But according to the old BCS formula, the committee got all four teams right. The BCS would've swapped Oregon and FSU but that's splitting hairs. They would play anyways. What I learned from this is that it really doesn't matter if you are 2 or 3 but it definitely matters if you are 3 or 4. And it matters a lot more if you are 4 or 5. Also, whoever said that the playoffs would water down the regular season are crazy. There's always going to be that weekend or two where everything goes sideways and your team is right back in it. You don't have to be ranked #1 or #2 anymore and that gives everyone more hope.

Why they got it wrong

It's an uneven playing field. Ohio State got in strictly because they were able to play a 13th game. That's not fair. Either everyone plays a championship game so there is a level playing field or everyone doesn't. Personally, I would like to see championship games done away with. This solves a couple of problems other than a level playing field: (1) Attendance. Other than the SEC Championship game, how many were sell outs? Looked pretty sparse in Charlotte. Know it was in Santa Clara. (2) Divisions. In the SEC the schedule is so haywired to keep divisions. Teams don't play each other often enough but to alleviate that problem, you have to give traditional rivalries. Schools and fans don't want that. Eliminating divisions allows you to play more rivalry games while rotating everyone else. It's a win-win. (3) More Scheduling. The Big 12 plays 9 conference games without a championship. The SEC plays 8 with. In order for the committee to make an unbiased decision, everyone should play the same # of conference games with or without a championship. (4) It Could Hurt. What if Alabama had lost on Saturday? Or Oregon? There's a chance your conference could get left out because you played an extra game. Just wait, in the current format, that will cost someone and their fan base will raise holy hell about it. (5) More Playoffs. Listen, we all know this is just the beginning of a bigger playoff. There's too much money to be had not to do it. Eliminate the conference championships and make it an 8 team playoff. No one can argue about the 'extra games' things or the fact that it interferes with classes. We are going to end up there anyways, we might as well go ahead and speed up the process.

Conference Championship Week and Scorecast

Here are the picks for Week 15. Keep in mind that the panelists' records and picks are made
based on the spread.

Synopses:

Jeremy

1. Florida State vs. Georgia Tech - I want to pick Tech for the upset. I think everyone does. Here's why I'm not. UGA should've beat Tech. They were on their way to a 21-0 lead and fumbled going into the endzone twice. FSU out-athletes Tech at every position. Will it be close? Sure. But just like every other game this year. FSU wins. FSU 31-27

2. Wisconsin vs. Ohio State - This line has risen to 6 and I wouldn't take Wisconsin and 6 but I like them at 4. Ohio State will still be ok without their QB. I think they will hold Wisconsin down enough to stay within striking distance. However, I just don't believe they'll be able to make a play at the end to get over the hump. Wisconsin 24-17

3. Arizona vs. Oregon - Oregon wins this game but I'll be damned if I'm going to lay 2 TDs against a team that beat them at home already this year. RichRod has done some good work at Arizona. I think his team hangs around before succumbing at the end. Oregon 41-31

4. Missouri vs. Alabama - I love Bama to win this game but just like the PAC-12 Title Game, 2 TDs is too much here. Mizzou's defense isn't bad. Even against UGA, it was the offense that helped the Dawgs get 34 by turning it over so much. If the turnover battle is even, Mizzou can hang around but the Tide get it done with a late TD.  Bama 30-17


Brian

1. Florida State vs. Georgia Tech - I'm still not sure what to think of GT's victory over UGA. Both teams played poorly at times. It was an impressive win for the Jackets on the road though. Florida State appears to be a more consistent and complete team than UGA. Tech will probably keep it close, but I like FSU in the end due to Winston's continued 2nd half play. Florida State 35-28

2. Wisconsin vs. Ohio State - I feel for Ohio State. Not losing one star QB, but now two. Whether you like Ohio State or not, that just stinks to see a team plagued by injuries. I don't think Wisconsin is great, but replacing Barrett will be tough. Last time Ohio State fielded a new QB after injury, they lost to Virginia Tech. Wisconsin 17-10

3. Arizona vs. Oregon - Rich Rod has Arizona playing well. I don't see Arizona beating Oregon, but they should give them a run. A lot of this game will come down to the play of Oregon's offensive line. During the meeting earlier in the season, Arizona held Oregon to only 144 yards rushing. If Arizona can limit Oregon's rushing offense, they stand a chance to win again. I believe Oregon will run better this time and win a close game. Oregon 31-28

4. Missouri vs. Alabama - Missouri keeps surprising people. Missouri has a great defensive line. The key for Missouri is forcing teams to pass to allow their pass rush to become effective. Arkansas was unable to rush effectively in the 2nd half and their QB (Allen) was pressured relentlessly. I expect Alabama to run on Missouri well enough to eliminate the pass rush and wear down Missouri. Alabama 42-24

Keppel

1. Florida State vs. Georgia Tech - State. 

2. Wisconsin vs. Ohio State - Sin. 

3. Arizona vs. Oregon - Gon.

4. Missouri vs. Alabama - Ama. 

Week 14 Poll and SEC Standings

Mississippi State went down. UCLA went down. Georgia went down. Missouri won the East despite being projected to finish 4th, and Alabama continued to impress. Here was my poll at the end of Week 13. Here is my update at the end of Week 14. 

Further, below the rankings, I will list a few superlatives from the week. 

Week 14 Top 10

1. Florida State

2. Alabama

3. Oregon

4. Baylor 

5. TCU

6. Ohio State

7. Michigan State

8. Arizona

9. Mississippi State
10. Kansas State

Week 14 SEC Standings

1. Alabama

2. Mississippi State

3. Ole Miss
4. Georgia

5. Auburn
6. Missouri
7. Arkansas

8. LSU
9. Texas A&M

10. South Carolina

11. Florida

12. Tennessee

13. Kentucky

14. Anchor Down. 

Team of the Week: Georgia Tech

A-Holes of the Week: Mississippi State. What an egg laid in the Egg Bowl.  

Failed execution of the week: Unfortunately,  Mark Richt - the squib kick. 

Current Projected SEC Champion: Alabama.

Giving Thanks

Growing up with an actual newspaper, there were always columnists that I sought out to read. Usually they appeared in the Sport Section of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Lewis Grizzard was, of course, a must read. I read and still read Mark Bradley and Jeff Schultz despite how maddening they can sometimes be. There were others, but one column I always made sure to read was Furman Bisher's Thanksgiving column. Despite our 60 years difference in age, I always thought they were poignant and honest. Now that Mr. Bisher has passed, there is typically a tribute to him in the AJC on Thanksgiving and there are a host of folks who imitate his column. I've used Facebook and my own blog to do my own version in years past but felt it appropriate to do on GRH this year. So here is what I'm Thankful for this year...

I'm Thankful for crisp, fall days that end up in the stadium but begins under a tent or in a parking lot with your closest friends and family pretending to celebrate a football team but really celebrating each other.

I'm Thankful for having the opportunity to watch Todd Gurley in person for 2+ years. I'm not old enough to remember Herschel, but I imagine he's the closest thing I'll get to see to it (Though Nick Chubb may prove me wrong).

I'm Thankful I live in a country where people have the right to protest what they feel is wrong but I'm sad that people choose to utilize that right as an opportunity to commit crimes. I'm also sad that there are some in power who don't remember that people have that right.

I'm Thankful for the briefest of moments, sports reminds me what it is like to be a kid again. Nowhere else am I more hopeful than when my favorite teams take the field and nowhere else am I so crushed at the outcome of a game. 

I'm also Thankful that I'm an adult and don't hold on to those bipolar feelings for too long after a win or a loss.

I'm Thankful for the front porch swing and a head on my shoulder letting me know I'm loved.

(As much as they drive me crazy sometimes) I'm Thankful for two little girls that are giving me an opportunity I've never had before.

I'm Thankful I'm not as attached to my phone and technology as much as other people I see.

I'm Thankful for the opportunity to spend my mid-30s on a college campus as a student and pretend I learned my lesson when I was 21.

I'm Thankful for friends that drag me out when I need to get out.

I'm Thankful for family that allows me to stay home when I've been out with my friends too much.

I'm Thankful for mentors who are not only incredibly supportive but are just as happy to have a beer with you as they are to meet you in their office. 

I'm Thankful for the roar of the crowd.

I'm Thankful for all of the amazing people who grace my life. I was reminded this year that there are no guarantees as to how long this roller coaster lasts but I'm incredibly happy for the other riders that get on and get off the one I'm riding.

I'm Thankful I knew Matt.

Finally, I'm Thankful for second chances. We all deserve them but we don't always get them. Make the most of the times you do. 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.

Rivalry Week Scorecast and Synopsis

Here are the picks for Week 14. Keep in mind that the panelists' records and picks are made
based on the spread.

Synopses:

Jeremy

1. Arkansas @ Missouri - How impressive was Arkansas last week? They appear to have finally figured it all out in the SEC. However, Mizzou has also been impressive. They've had to win two very tough road games to maintain their hold on the SEC East. Here's the problem: They play this game at home where they lost to Indiana and were destroyed by UGA. The Hogs gets it done in a good game. Arkansas 27-21

2. Mississippi State @ Ole Miss - Ole Miss has seen its magical season fall apart at the end of the year. Their losses have actually hurt State who still is fighting for a spot in the playoff. This game is at Ole Miss but they aren't the same without their best player on offense. Their defense is solid but Dak Prescott finds a way to get it done. State 24-21

3. Georgia Tech @ Georgia - Tech has quietly been very good this year. Their defense has been the catalyst and their offense is always difficult to prepare for. UGA has the athletes to dominate Tech and have managed to do so over the last decade. Despite their record, I think Paul Johnson is still coaching for his job here. Plus, a win over the Dawgs and the Noles and Tech becomes a dark horse playoff candidate. I think the Engineers will play well but the Dawgs just have too much to overcome at home in the end. UGA 31-21

4. Auburn @ Alabama - Auburn has looked like a shell of itself in the past few weeks while Alabama has returned to the top of college football. But I just don't see them getting shellacked in the Iron Bowl. I think the Auburn offense does enough to keep them around in this game, but I think the Tide punch their ticket to Atlanta in the end. Alabama 28-20


Brian

1. Arkansas @ Missouri - Missouri may not be great, but they are better than people give them credit for. The loss at home to Indiana was bad, but outside the UGA game, Missouri has played well lately. Missouri has one of the best defensive lines/pass rushes in the country. Arkansas has one of the best rushing attacks in the nation and has played very impressively the past two weeks. The last two teams Missouri has beaten (Texas A&M and Tennessee) rely on QB play more than Arkansas. Thus, I like Arkansas's rushing attack to nullify Missouri's stellar pass rush. Arkansas 31-21

2. Mississippi State @ Ole Miss - It really surprised me how terrible Ole Miss looked against Arkansas. Mississippi State still has a ton to play for and will be ready for this game. I don't see the Egg Bowl being overly close. Mississippi State 34-17

3. Georgia Tech @ Georgia - This game is a question of whether Georgia will show up or not. Yes, Tech has played well this season, but I don't give their offensive and defensive lines a chance against Georgia's, assuming UGA takes Tech seriously. By the start of this game, UGA will know if they will be representing the SEC East in Atlanta. If Missouri wins the East, it could be a small let down for UGA, even though they could still make one of the power bowls. In any case, I still expect UGA to overpower Tech. Georgia 42-28

4. Auburn @ Alabama - Auburn did not look good against Samford, and we know how they looked against Texas A&M and Georgia. Setup for a blow-out in Tuscaloosa, right? Not exactly. Strangely, Saban defenses have struggled against Malzahn offenses. While Alabama has everything to play for, Auburn knows this and would love to spoil Alabama's season. Expect this to be closer than the spread, but the Tide will still win. Alabama 31-28

Keppel

1. Arkansas @ Missouri - One of these teams will show up. I pick Missouri at home. 

2. Mississippi State @ Ole Miss - One of these teams will show up. I pick Mississippi St. 

3. Georgia Tech @ Georgia - One of these teams will show up. I pick Georgia.

4. Auburn @ Alabama - One of these teams will show up. I pick Alabama. 

Week 13 Poll and SEC Standings

Arkansas became the first unranked team to shut out ranked teams in consecutive weeks. Can they beat the Missouri Tigers this week? Here was my poll at the end of Week 12. Here is my update at the end of Week 13. 

Further, below the rankings, I will list a few superlatives from the week. 

Week 13 Top 10

1. Florida State

2. Alabama

3. Oregon

4. Mississippi State

5. TCU

6. Ohio State

7. Baylor

8. Georgia

9. UCLA
10. Michigan State

Week 13 SEC Standings

1. Alabama

2. Mississippi State

3. Georgia

4. Auburn
5. Missouri
6. Arkansas

7. Ole Miss
8. LSU
9. Texas A&M

10. South Carolina

11. Florida

12. Tennessee

13. Kentucky

14. Anchor Down. 

Team of the Week: Arkansas

A-Holes of the Week: Tennessee. You had people starting to believe you were turning it around. Looked pretty mediocre as usual against Missouri. 

Failed execution of the week: Ole Miss, the whole game vs. Arkansas. 

Current Projected SEC Champion: Alabama.

Week 13 Scorecast and Synopsis

Here are the picks for Week 13. Keep in mind that the panelists' records and picks are made
based on the spread.

Brian

1. Arizona @ Utah - Arizona has the marquee win over Oregon, while Utah got beaten easily by Oregon and had a double overtime win over Stanford this past weekend. Even though the game is at Utah, I think Arizona has played better this year overall. Arizona 35-24

2. Ole Miss @ Arkansas - Arkansas finally secured its first victory in the SEC under Bret Bielema this past weekend. It was a solid win for a team that is probably better than their record. I'm not ready to jump on them just yet, and Ole Miss does have a very good defense. Ole Miss 20-10

3. Missouri @ Tennessee - Missouri shocked many people and won in College Station last weekend. It was an impressive victory for the Tigers. Outside the losses at home to Indiana and Georgia, Missouri has been solid. Tennessee notched a nice win against Kentucky, but Kentucky has been reeling. Missouri 31-27

4. USC @ UCLA - Both teams have played well lately. Cody Kessler of USC has been excellent, but so has Brett Hundley of UCLA. I think USC has a better defense and will make enough stops to win a very close game. USC 35-31


Keppel

1. Arizona @ Utah - Utah wins. No doubt.

2. Ole Miss @ Arkansas - Ole Miss wins. No doubt. 

3. Missouri @ Tennessee - Tennessee wins. No doubt. 

4. USC @ UCLA - UCLA wins. Krispy Kreme. 

Week 12 Poll and SEC Standings

Todd Gurley, Nick Chubb, and the UGA o-line had a strong showing this past weekend against Auburn. Here was my poll at the end of Week 11. Here is my update at the end of Week 12. 

Further, below the rankings, I will list a few superlatives from the week. 

Week 12 Top 10

1. Florida State

2. Alabama

3. Oregon

4. Mississippi State

5. TCU

6. Ohio State

7. Baylor

8. Georgia

    Ole Miss

10. Michigan State

Week 12 SEC Standings

1. Alabama

2. Mississippi State

3. Georgia

    Ole Miss

5. Auburn
6. Missouri

7. LSU
8. Texas A&M

9. Arkansas

10. South Carolina

11. Florida

12. Tennessee

13. Kentucky

14. Anchor Down. 

Team of the Week: Georgia

A-Holes of the Week: Nebraska. You had 1 loss. How did you get beat that badly by Wisconsin?

Failed execution of the week: Texas A&M late in the 4th quarter against Missouri

Current Projected SEC Champion: Alabama.

Thoughts on Derrick Rose "Sitting Out" and Todd Gurley

This past week featured some key storylines, as related to careers and injuries. Earlier last week, Derrick Rose acknowledged sitting out at times to think about life after he is done with basketball.

On Saturday, Georgia's Todd Gurley, who was playing in his first game since being suspended for four games, tore his ACL late in the game after Georgia had already put Auburn away. 

GRH weighs in below on Rose saving his for the long-term, and Gurley's injury. 

Jeremy

In case you missed it, here is the quote from Derrick Rose:

 “I’m good, man,’’ Rose said when asked to assess how he’s been playing. “I feel I’ve been managing myself pretty good. I know a lot of people get mad when they see me sit out. But I think a lot of people don’t understand that when I sit out, it’s not because of this year. I’m thinking about long term. I’m thinking about after I’m done with basketball, having graduations to go to, having meetings to go to.

“I don’t want to be in my meetings all sore or be at my son’s graduation all sore just because of something I did in the past. Just learning and being smart.’’

Look, we all already know that the NBA has the most meaningless regular season of any sport. More than half the teams make the playoffs and athletes feel they can 'flip a switch' when the time comes. Especially those on contending teams. So the fact that Derrick Rose wants to sit out probably shouldn't be that big of a deal. However, his justification is off-putting to fans to say the least, especially Bulls fans. 

Derrick Rose gets paid $90 million for his services, a figure that they average fan can only dream about. And he only has one job, to play a game. He gets more money from shoe contracts and endorsements so it's not his only income. I understand that he has had two pretty severe knee injuries but his reason for sitting out might not out to be some meetings he has in the future. It probably should be so his team has a chance to win in the future. Like this year. 

I could understand worrying about his son's graduation but some random meeting that he has in 2029. I'm not buying it. You get paid more than I'll ever see to play the one game I wish I could play professionally. It's ok to worry about the future but don't tell me it's some meeting that you want to be able to sit down at so you can make more money twenty years from now. 

It's eerie that an injury to a local star happened in the same week that the Rose story broke. People questioned Todd Gurley's decision to come back and play after his suspension because it could cost him money. He came back and blew out his knee which will certainly do that. Would I show the same disdain for Gurley if he hadn't have come back to play college ball? I don't know. Maybe because he hasn't signed healthy contract yet, I would have given him the benefit of the doubt. To me it seems to be two different scenarios. 

I suppose it also would depend on how Gurley framed it. I honestly have no problem with Rose sitting out some regular season games if it means he is healthy for the playoff run. What bothers me about Rose's comments are the reasons he feels it necessary to sit out. He's flat out telling you he's a selfish person and doesn't care about his teammates. Maybe Gurley would've come off the same way. 

Brian

In the case of Derrick Rose, I completely understand Rose wanting to preserve his body for the long-term, especially given the amount of season ending injuries he has endured thus far. I can respect that. 

However, I do have a few questions for Rose if this is how he intends to finish his NBA career. 

1. Would Rose consider being paid less?

Right now, Derrick Rose is being paid a superstar salary. Given his talent, I have no problem with his salary. Rose is being paid a salary that carries an expectation for him to play at the highest level and lead the Bulls to consistent success. However, given his cautious approach, if the Bulls decided to pay Rose less, would he be alright with that?

2. Can Derrick Rose alter his playing style?

Derrick Rose is one of the fastest players in the NBA. His aggressive slashing and ability to drive to the basket sets him apart from other players in the NBA. However, while Rose's style is largely responsible for his success, it increases the likelihood for injury. Later in his career, Michael Jordan became much more of a jump shooter and less of a slasher. I'm wondering if Rose can alter his game to decrease his injury probability AND stay on the court. 

In the case of Todd Gurley, as I have said in the past, I don't like that he broke a rule, even though I disagree with the rule...That's old news. 

Whether you like or dislike Todd Gurley, how can your heart not feel for him to some degree? Prior to his suspension, Gurley practiced and played as hard for Georgia as any player I have seen. When he was suspended, instead of making excuses and hiding, Gurley publicly apologized for his mistakes - unlike some other major collegiate athletes.

During his suspension, Gurley could have decided to give up on the team and merely sit out to prepare for the NFL - he was a projected first round pick. Instead, Gurley continued to practice with the team, ran stadium stairs, and trained as if he would return. Given his four game suspension, the safe move would have been for Gurley to sit out the entire season. But, because Gurley was committed to Georgia and his team, he enthusiastically wanted to return to the field. 

Late in the Auburn game, when Gurley went down, despite all the excitement from the game, my heart sank. My heart sank because Gurley not only seemed to have a passion for the game, but also because he was using football as his medium to improve life for himself and his family. There is no doubt Gurley can rehab his knee from the ACL injury, but I'm not sure he will be a first round pick anymore. 

Yes, players like Adrian Peterson have come back from ACL injuries and performed at high levels, but there are also examples like Marcus Lattimore where ACL injuries keep happening and careers end. Sure, Gurley has an insurance policy for possible injuries, but I just hate to see a player who has poured his heart into a program go down like that. I certainly hope Gurley recovers and has a great NFL career, as he is truly an amazing talent to watch.

Brain Droppings

College football can be a cruel sport sometimes. Sanford Stadium may have never been louder as when Todd Gurley broke open for a long kickoff return to start the game with Auburn. Weeks of waiting to see the best player in America were all validated in a 12 second run. Conversely, despite the score and the raucous atmosphere, it may have never been quieter than when he lie on the ground writhing in pain with a little over 5 minutes left in the game. With a torn ACL, it is likely that was the last image we'll have of Gurley in the Red and Black but the images of him hurdling defenders, breaking long runs, and bowing in the endzone after a TD will forever be etched in Bulldog lore. Unfortunately because of injuries and rules, we may never have seen what Todd truly had to offer. He may have been the one that finally lived up to the 'next Herschel' talk that every running back at UGA has to deal with. It's a shame we only got to see glimpses of what could have been one of the best of all time.

Studs - Alabama - All that talk about Miss State, Ole Miss, and Auburn. The Tide are the ones with a very clear path to Atlanta and all they have to do is beat an Auburn team that is suddenly floundering at home. People make a big deal out of the fact that other teams have been rated above the Tide all year but Nick Saban gets it. Just win and everything will take care of itself. Nick Chubb - Lost in the return of Todd Gurley was Chubb's brilliance. It seemed the roles were reversed on Saturday night. Chubb needed fewer carries to get more yards while Gurley ended up the battering ram. Both were magnificent until Gurley's injury but Chubb leaves UGA fans feeling ok about the future without the best player in CFB. Melvin Gordon - He averaged 16+ yards a carry and ended with an absurd 408 yards on 25 carries and didn't even play in the 4th quarter against a legitimate team in Nebraska. That's it. I can't say anymore.

Thuds - Arizona State - All they had to do was take care of Oregon State and Washington State and they would have set up a huge match-up with in-state rival Arizona for the right to play Oregon and a chance at the play-off. Oops. They blew a 10 pt halftime lead and their season in Corvallis. Texas A&M - After the biggest win of the season after weeks of mediocrity, A&M showed that they, in fact, have no defense by allowing almost 600 yards and 32 first downs to a Mizzou team that has shown no proclivity for offense since playing Toledo. Ouch. Nick Marshall - It was an ugly game for Marshall against his former UGA squad but calling out his receivers by saying they should've caught some passes was a low-light. Auburn needs to figure something out before they visit the Tide and another team looking for revenge.

Playoffs - (1) FSU (2) Alabama (3) Oregon (4) TCU - I'm still not giving Ohio State any love. I don't think the SEC is going to get two teams in. And I'm very close to putting Baylor ahead of TCU. If the top 3 keep winning then they will be in it. The 4th spot is up for grabs and there are a number of teams fighting for it.

Next Week - Pretty dull for a late November saturday. Mizzou against suddenly resurgent Tennessee. Utah and Arizona. Kind of ugly. Lots of teams with tune-ups before they take the field against their arch rivals.

SEC
14) Vanderbilt - A week off before the home stretch of losses
13) Kentucky - Completely imploded after a 5-1 start
12) Tennessee - Offense looks to be on track finally. Big game against Mizzou this weekend.
11) Florida - Muschamp fired after inexplicably blowing a game against Carolina
10) Carolina - Defense finally showed up but its too little, too late.
9) Arkansas - Finally got an SEC win and in resounding fashion against a rival
8) Texas A&M - Their defense is atrocious
7) LSU - Offensive is inept
6) Mizzou - This team can win the East and they lost to Indiana
5) Auburn - Reeling with 2 straight losses and Bama on the horizon
4) Ole Miss - Can still ruin State's season and get into SEC Championship if Auburn can catch the Tide napping.
3) Georgia - Supremely talented. Madly inconsistent.
2) Mississippi State - Tough loss but still a very good team with a shot at the playoff
1) Alabama - Back where they belong (I guess)

Week 12 Scorecast and Synopsis

Here are the picks for Week 12. Keep in mind that the panelists' records and picks are made
based on the spread.

Synopses:

Jeremy

1. Missouri @ Texas A&M - This is a tough one. I like A&M at home but have no faith in their defense. I'm also not 100% sold on the A&M offense after one solid showing by their newest star QB. However, Missouri's offense is not very good to say the least. I think A&M has weapons and will score enough to cover here. Texas A&M 34 -27

2. Clemson @ Georgia Tech - Clemson has been very good on defense since the UGA game to start the year. In fact, they lead the nation in 3 and outs. The Tech offense actually has very few three and outs on the year. I think the difference here is Deshaun Watson. His return at QB for Clemson gives them the edge. Clemson 30-24

3. Auburn @ Georgia - This game all of a sudden means far more for Georgia than it does for Auburn. Auburn still has a chance if there's a zany 3-4 way tie in the SEC West but UGA has a much better chance to win and have Mizzou lose once to win the East. Auburn's defense has been wrecked in the last 4 games and Hutson Mason has gotten better as the year has progressed. Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb will be the battering rams. Auburn also is without it's best receiver. Ruh Roh.  UGA 41-35.

4. Mississippi State @ Alabama - State is getting very little respect as the #1 team in the nation. The line on this game opened at 7 and has ballooned to 8.5 in favor of the Tide. Dak Prescott should be healthy but Alabama is a different team at home. I think the balance of run with their stocked backfield and the threat of Amari Cooper on the outside is just too much for the Bulldogs to bear. I'm taking the Tide here.  Alabama 30-20

Brian

1. Missouri @ Texas A&M - From a Georgia fan's perspective, Texas A&M needs to win. A Missouri loss and a UGA win seals the East for the Dawgs and sends them back to ATL. From the way Texas A&M played last week behind Kyle Allen against Auburn, the Aggies seem like the likely victor. However, getting up for games week in and out can be difficult in the SEC. Since the game is being played in College Station, I lean towards Texas A&M. Texas A&M 42-35

2. Clemson @ Georgia Tech - With Watson, Clemson is a pretty decent team. Without him, they are mediocre. Watson is expected to start against the Yellow Jackets this Saturday. While Tech has exceeded some people's expectations this season, they tend to fail against teams with bigger and more physical lines. Clemson should take care of business. Clemson 31-17

3. Auburn @ Georgia - This is my favorite game of the season every year. Not only is it a great rivalry, but also I grew up in Auburn (went to Georgia). There are a lot of family ties and meaning to this game. As for the analysis, this game is very difficult to predict. Georgia certainly has plenty of incentive to beat Auburn: 1) redemption from last year, 2) Gurley is back, 3) UGA can still win the East, 4) night game. With Auburn's loss last week, Auburn has less incentive from a conference and national perspective. So, it will be interesting to see how Auburn comes out. Auburn is still a very dangerous team, especially offensively. Assuming Auburn brings their "A" game, it will be very hard for Georgia to win. I expect this game to be a track meet, and I am sticking by my Bulldogs to win in an overtime thriller. Georgia 51-48

4. Mississippi State @ Alabama - The SEC and country are blessed to have games this intriguing and important late in the season. Alabama squeaked a victory in Death Valley and Mississippi State has been rolling. Mississippi State has proven me wrong time and time again, but for some reason, I still don't trust them completely. However, the spread is much larger than I would have figured, and Alabama may be a little dinged after last week; so I will take Mississippi State to cover but lose. Alabama 35-31

Keppel

1. Missouri @ Texas A&M - Who cares? Texas A&M

2. Clemson @ Georgia Tech - Who cares? Clemson

3. Auburn @ Georgia - Who cares? Georgia

4. Mississippi State @ Alabama - Some care. Alabama

Week 11 Poll and SEC Standings

Kevin Sumlin's Aggies notched a huge upset over Auburn this past weekend. It appears that Kyle Allen is a star QB in the making. Here was my poll at the end of Week 10. Here is my update at the end of Week 11. 

Further, below the rankings, I will list a few superlatives from the week. 

Week 11 Top 10

1. Mississippi State

2. Florida State

3. Alabama

4. Oregon

5. TCU

6. Arizona State

7. Ohio State

8. Auburn

9. Baylor

10. Ole Miss

Week 11 SEC Standings

1. Mississippi State

2. Alabama

3. Auburn

4. Ole Miss

5. Georgia
6. LSU

7. Texas A&M
8. Missouri

9. Arkansas

10. Florida

11. South Carolina

12. Kentucky

13. Tennessee

14. Anchor Down. 

Team of the Week: Texas A&M

A-Hole of the Week: Kaelin Clay of Utah, for his goal-line fumble against Oregon

Failed execution of the week: Auburn's 4th quarter

Current Projected SEC Champion: Alabama. Mississippi State is still top dog until they lose...I don't expect MSU to win at Alabama. 

Brain Droppings

The season is winding down and that bring's a tear to my eye. It's been a wild ride thus far and it doesn't seem as if it will let up with some huge games still to be played down the stretch. I, for one, can't wait. On a personal note though, I would like to complain about the fact that my pick of LSU this week lost in the scorecast. Sure, Alabama technically covered....in overtime. LSU played toe to toe with the tide for the whole game only to be victims of a coin toss. Of course, that's why it's called gambling I suppose but I was on my way to a 3-1 weekend instead I toil away at .500. That game wouldn't have mattered in our standings as McFather also lost and I at least gained some ground on him this weekend. Anyways, on to my thoughts...

Thuds - Auburn - We all knew that the luck was going to run out at some point. I just didn't think it would be against a Texas A&M team that Alabama beat 59-0. I was on a guys trip to Lexington and offered a $10 bet on Auburn to win at halftime. No one took me up on it despite a 35-17 lead for the Aggies. That's the perception of Auburn. Something is going to go their way. It almost did too. Then they were cursed with the same fumble-itis that plagued Ole Miss against them last week. Amazingly, they still aren't out of the wacky SEC West and have a huge game against UGA this weekend. Notre Dame - Hear that? It's the band wagon emptying. Notre Dame had one good loss all year. That's why they were ranked close to the top 10. That's it. Their win against a pedestrian Stanford team was a bit of a fluke. The Irish still have an opportunity to play in an upper tier bowl game. I hope they get Marshall. K-State - I thought this was the game of the weekend. TCU absolutely handed it to Bill Snyder's crew. Beat Baylor and they can still finish tied for first in the Big 12 but the playoff push is over for the Wildcats. That's too bad. I liked the way they played and have nothing but respect for the 131 year old Snyder.

Studs - UGA Freshmen - Isaih McKenzie ran a punt and a kickoff back for a TD. Nick Chubb is self explanatory. Sony Michel came back from injury to put up 84 yards. Lorenzo Carter is making plays on defense. Dominick Sanders is a fixture in the secondary. I know everyone hyped the "Dream Team" a couple of years ago, but this crop has been ridiculously productive. Now if they can just get past those stupid losses. Blake Sims - Listen, I predicted he would struggle in the atmosphere of Death Valley and for 98% of the game, he did. Then he made the plays needed to get Bama the tie and the win when it mattered most. A lot of people thought this kid was just holding a spot for Jacob Coker. Coker isn't even a thought when Sims is struggling. The Egg Bowl - CBS chose to televise the Egg Bowl over the Iron Bowl this year. This may be the biggest upset of the season. Especially since there's a chance neither team could be controlling their own destiny. If Alabama wins this week against State then they will control their own destiny in the West. Plus, it's the two teams that have played for the last 5 National Championships and who played one of the classic games of all time last year.

Playoffs - (1) Mississippi State (2) Florida State (3) Oregon (4) TCU - You read that right. Alabama doesn't have the same resume at this point as Oregon and TCU. A win against State and Auburn takes care of that though. Arizona State also controls it's own destiny and could knock Oregon out. The Baylor/TCU dynamic is most interesting. Baylor holds the head to head but TCU has a better resume at this point. Baylor will catch up if they keep winning. The stretch run will be very interesting. If FSU manages to lose a game then it becomes a complete free for all too.

Next Week - Bama/Miss State. Georgia/Auburn. Miami/FSU. Clemson/Georgia Tech. Missouri/A&M. Even Ohio State/Minnesota. The Tide and Bulldogs are the biggest game nationally by far. But these other are extremely important in their conference races. Should be a fun weekend.

SEC
14) Vandy - May have found a QB but another tough loss.
13) Arkansas - Still winless in the SEC under Bilemma.
12) South Carolina - Reeling from their loss to the Volunteers but a chance to beat the Gators this weekend.
11) Tennessee - They have a QB and a chance to win again against Kentucky.
10) Kentucky - They've fallen flat after a big start. Have to win one more to get bowl eligible.
9) Florida - Still a chance to win the East with some help.
8) Texas A&M - Where has that been since opening weekend?
7) Mizzou - I still don't trust the offense but they just manage to win.
6) LSU - Defense has rounded into shape but the offense can't score against legitimate defenses.
5) Georgia - Defense still has holes.
4) Ole Miss - Can the offense step up without it's best player down the stretch?
3) Auburn - The brutal schedule continues with a road trip to Athens this week.
2) Alabama - Looking to return to the #1 and reclaim their spot in the SEC.
1) Miss State - Win this week and a playoff birth isn't far behind.

JD's Deuce Points (How You Remind Me)

1. Kroeger's: Right Song, Right Price, Right?

Halloween ended. My brother and his family left. That means Wendy, his dog, left too. I can tell this has impacted Lady much more than  it should. Her nipples have been drooping more than usual. 

My wife and I have been searching for something to appease Lady's loss in not being able to see Wendy as much. When I was watching the NFL games on Sunday, seeing Peyton Manning and other quarterbacks gave me a great idea...Nickelback! 

You see, Nickelback is everyone's cure when they are down. My wife and I pulled out the ol' boombox and broke out Nickelback's Silver Side Up. FYI - my wife and I used to get down to this album back in the day. And by getting down, I mean air guitaring the hell out of some Nickelback!

I put the CD in the boom box and made sure to turn down the treble (for Lady's ears) before hitting the "play" button -"never made it as a wise man, couldn't cut it as a poor man stealing..."

Lady heard these words and then took a big deuce all over the floor. Maybe there was a reason the Nickelback album had dust on it. 

2. Algernon's Dishes

There is a maze. I see the maze. The paths keep winding and I don't know how to avoid the turbulence. I feel trapped.

The door mouse wants his food. He's in the maze with me. We have to work as a team. Communication is hard. The walls are closing.

The scheduled emergency test has commenced.