.jpg)
2. Who's Talking Now
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Trivia Challenge (Week 8)
Here's how it works:
1.Over 20 weeks, we will be asking a trivia question each Thursday. The challenge started Thursday, May 1, 2014.
2. Answers must be submitted to groundrulehuddle@gmail.com by 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day the question is posted.
3. Scoring will be based on each week's question.
4. During the 20th week, we will have a final bonus question that allows for movement on the leaderboard.
5. The winner will receive an Amazon Gift Card and an opportunity to be featured on the blog.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THIS CHALLENGE
6. FOR EACH PERSON YOU RECRUIT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIVIA CHALLENGE, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 2 BONUS POINTS. THE SAME RULE APPLIES TO YOUR RECRUITED FRIEND AS WELL (EACH PERSON THEY RECRUIT, THEY WILL RECEIVE 2 BONUS POINTS).
7. FURTHER, IF YOU WRITE A BLOG ENTRY THAT WE APPROVE OF TO BE FEATURED ON FRIDAY, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 5 BONUS POINTS. THERE IS A 1 BLOG ENTRY LIMIT.
WEEK 8 TRIVIA QUESTION (6/26)
No Outside Resources. This means you cannot use other people, the internet, or other means to help your answer.
This week is an invisible sports movie challenge. For each of the pictures below, name the actor/actress and the movie they appeared in. You will receive 1 point for each correctly guessed actor/actress and 1 point for each movie. If you guess all 4 series correctly, you will receive an 4 extra points.
Julie Bowen, Denzel Washington, Susan Sarandon, Jon Favreau
1.Over 20 weeks, we will be asking a trivia question each Thursday. The challenge started Thursday, May 1, 2014.
2. Answers must be submitted to groundrulehuddle@gmail.com by 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day the question is posted.
3. Scoring will be based on each week's question.
4. During the 20th week, we will have a final bonus question that allows for movement on the leaderboard.
5. The winner will receive an Amazon Gift Card and an opportunity to be featured on the blog.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THIS CHALLENGE
6. FOR EACH PERSON YOU RECRUIT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIVIA CHALLENGE, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 2 BONUS POINTS. THE SAME RULE APPLIES TO YOUR RECRUITED FRIEND AS WELL (EACH PERSON THEY RECRUIT, THEY WILL RECEIVE 2 BONUS POINTS).
7. FURTHER, IF YOU WRITE A BLOG ENTRY THAT WE APPROVE OF TO BE FEATURED ON FRIDAY, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 5 BONUS POINTS. THERE IS A 1 BLOG ENTRY LIMIT.
WEEK 8 TRIVIA QUESTION (6/26)
No Outside Resources. This means you cannot use other people, the internet, or other means to help your answer.
This week is an invisible sports movie challenge. For each of the pictures below, name the actor/actress and the movie they appeared in. You will receive 1 point for each correctly guessed actor/actress and 1 point for each movie. If you guess all 4 series correctly, you will receive an 4 extra points.
Julie Bowen, Denzel Washington, Susan Sarandon, Jon Favreau
| Week 8 Scoreboard | ||
| Name | Week Score | Cumulative |
| Bruce* | 7 | 41 |
| Bryan | 12 | 64 |
| Derrick | 7 | 44 |
| Josh* | 7 | 42 |
| Jarred | 0 | 14 |
| David* | 12 | 64 |
| *Note: Extra points for Blog Submission | ||
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Trivia Challenge (Week 7)
Here's how it works:
1.Over 20 weeks, we will be asking a trivia question each Thursday. The challenge started Thursday, May 1, 2014.
2. Answers must be submitted to groundrulehuddle@gmail.com by 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day the question is posted.
3. Scoring will be based on each week's question.
4. During the 20th week, we will have a final bonus question that allows for movement on the leaderboard.
5. The winner will receive an Amazon Gift Card and an opportunity to be featured on the blog.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THIS CHALLENGE
6. FOR EACH PERSON YOU RECRUIT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIVIA CHALLENGE, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 2 BONUS POINTS. THE SAME RULE APPLIES TO YOUR RECRUITED FRIEND AS WELL (EACH PERSON THEY RECRUIT, THEY WILL RECEIVE 2 BONUS POINTS).
7. FURTHER, IF YOU WRITE A BLOG ENTRY THAT WE APPROVE OF TO BE FEATURED ON FRIDAY, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 5 BONUS POINTS. THERE IS A 1 BLOG ENTRY LIMIT.
WEEK 7 TRIVIA QUESTION (6/19)
No Outside Resources. This means you cannot use other people, the internet, or other means to help your answer.
Name the 5 Countries with the Most FIFA World Cup Titles. You will receive 1 point for each correct answer.
There is one country with 5 Titles, one country with 4 Titles, one with 3 Titles, and two with 2 Titles. Here are some ways to gain bonus points:
1. You will receive an extra 2 points if you guess the countries correctly.
2. You will receive an extra 4 points if you guess the countries in correct order.
Brazil (5), Italy (4), Germany (3), Argentina (2), Uruguay (2)
1.Over 20 weeks, we will be asking a trivia question each Thursday. The challenge started Thursday, May 1, 2014.
2. Answers must be submitted to groundrulehuddle@gmail.com by 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day the question is posted.
3. Scoring will be based on each week's question.
4. During the 20th week, we will have a final bonus question that allows for movement on the leaderboard.
5. The winner will receive an Amazon Gift Card and an opportunity to be featured on the blog.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THIS CHALLENGE
6. FOR EACH PERSON YOU RECRUIT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIVIA CHALLENGE, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 2 BONUS POINTS. THE SAME RULE APPLIES TO YOUR RECRUITED FRIEND AS WELL (EACH PERSON THEY RECRUIT, THEY WILL RECEIVE 2 BONUS POINTS).
7. FURTHER, IF YOU WRITE A BLOG ENTRY THAT WE APPROVE OF TO BE FEATURED ON FRIDAY, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 5 BONUS POINTS. THERE IS A 1 BLOG ENTRY LIMIT.
WEEK 7 TRIVIA QUESTION (6/19)
No Outside Resources. This means you cannot use other people, the internet, or other means to help your answer.
Name the 5 Countries with the Most FIFA World Cup Titles. You will receive 1 point for each correct answer.
There is one country with 5 Titles, one country with 4 Titles, one with 3 Titles, and two with 2 Titles. Here are some ways to gain bonus points:
1. You will receive an extra 2 points if you guess the countries correctly.
2. You will receive an extra 4 points if you guess the countries in correct order.
Brazil (5), Italy (4), Germany (3), Argentina (2), Uruguay (2)
| Week 7 Scoreboard | ||
| Name | Week Score | Cumulative |
| Bruce* | 1 | 34 |
| Bryan | 11 | 52 |
| Derrick | 3 | 37 |
| Josh* | 7 | 35 |
| Jarred | 0 | 14 |
| David* | 4 | 52 |
| *Note: Extra points for Blog Submission | ||
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Elite Coaches Since 1990: No. 4
4. Nick Saban
Product certainly does follow process, Coach Saban. If you listen to Nick Saban, he constantly preaches process, process, process. Over the years, at least at the college level, Saban has found an unbelievable process that consistently yields overwhelming success. He fields teams which are mentally the toughest and the most disciplined.
In 18 years as a college head coach, Saban has won 165 games, 4 National Championships, 4 SEC Titles, and 2x AP National Coach of the Year. While some argue that Saban has won National Championships at places conducive for winning titles, that doesn't mean that just anyone can step in and win National Titles. Just ask Mike Shula, Mike DuBose, or Gerry DiNardo. And, it isn't merely the number of National Titles that Saban has led that makes him so great, it's the year after year dominance that Alabama displays on the field. From 2011-2013, Alabama lost a total of 4 games. That is simply unbelievable.
Don't forget to check us out @GRHuddle. Who do you think are elite coaches? Submit your feedback to us with the hashtag, #GRHEliteCoach
No. 5: Geno Auriemma
No. 5: Geno Auriemma
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Trivia Challenge (Week 6)
Here's how it works:
1.Over 20 weeks, we will be asking a trivia question each Thursday. The challenge started Thursday, May 1, 2014.
2. Answers must be submitted to groundrulehuddle@gmail.com by 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day the question is posted.
3. Scoring will be based on each week's question.
4. During the 20th week, we will have a final bonus question that allows for movement on the leaderboard.
5. The winner will receive an Amazon Gift Card and an opportunity to be featured on the blog.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THIS CHALLENGE
6. FOR EACH PERSON YOU RECRUIT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIVIA CHALLENGE, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 2 BONUS POINTS. THE SAME RULE APPLIES TO YOUR RECRUITED FRIEND AS WELL (EACH PERSON THEY RECRUIT, THEY WILL RECEIVE 2 BONUS POINTS).
7. FURTHER, IF YOU WRITE A BLOG ENTRY THAT WE APPROVE OF TO BE FEATURED ON FRIDAY, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 5 BONUS POINTS. THERE IS A 1 BLOG ENTRY LIMIT.
WEEK 6 TRIVIA QUESTION (6/12)
No Outside Resources. This means you cannot use other people, the internet, or other means to help your answer.
Name the 6 Golfers with the Most U.S. Open Titles. You will receive 1 point for each correct answer.
There are four players tied with 4 wins and two tied with 3 wins. Here are some ways to gain bonus points:
1. You will receive an extra 1 point for each golfer you correctly guess and match with wins. For example, if Corey Pavin had 4 US Open Titles, and you guessed Corey Pavin was one of the golfers with 4 wins, you would receive an extra point.
2. You will receive an extra 2 points if you guess 3 of the 6 correctly.
3. You will receive an extra 4 points if you guess 6 of 6 correctly.
1.Over 20 weeks, we will be asking a trivia question each Thursday. The challenge started Thursday, May 1, 2014.
2. Answers must be submitted to groundrulehuddle@gmail.com by 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day the question is posted.
3. Scoring will be based on each week's question.
4. During the 20th week, we will have a final bonus question that allows for movement on the leaderboard.
5. The winner will receive an Amazon Gift Card and an opportunity to be featured on the blog.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THIS CHALLENGE
6. FOR EACH PERSON YOU RECRUIT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIVIA CHALLENGE, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 2 BONUS POINTS. THE SAME RULE APPLIES TO YOUR RECRUITED FRIEND AS WELL (EACH PERSON THEY RECRUIT, THEY WILL RECEIVE 2 BONUS POINTS).
7. FURTHER, IF YOU WRITE A BLOG ENTRY THAT WE APPROVE OF TO BE FEATURED ON FRIDAY, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 5 BONUS POINTS. THERE IS A 1 BLOG ENTRY LIMIT.
WEEK 6 TRIVIA QUESTION (6/12)
No Outside Resources. This means you cannot use other people, the internet, or other means to help your answer.
Name the 6 Golfers with the Most U.S. Open Titles. You will receive 1 point for each correct answer.
There are four players tied with 4 wins and two tied with 3 wins. Here are some ways to gain bonus points:
1. You will receive an extra 1 point for each golfer you correctly guess and match with wins. For example, if Corey Pavin had 4 US Open Titles, and you guessed Corey Pavin was one of the golfers with 4 wins, you would receive an extra point.
2. You will receive an extra 2 points if you guess 3 of the 6 correctly.
3. You will receive an extra 4 points if you guess 6 of 6 correctly.
Willie Anderson (4)
Jack Nicklaus (4)
Ben Hogan (4)
Bobby Jones (4)
Tiger Woods (3)
Hale Irwin (3)
| Week 6 Scoreboard | ||
| Name | Week Score | Cumulative |
| Bruce* | 0 | 33 |
| Bryan | 12 | 41 |
| Derrick | 8 | 34 |
| Josh* | 6 | 28 |
| Jarred | 0 | 14 |
| David* | 10 | 48 |
| *Note: Extra points
for Blog Submission |
||
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Trivia Challenge (Week 5)
Here's how it works:
1.Over 20 weeks, we will be asking a trivia question each Thursday. The challenge started Thursday, May 1, 2014.
2. Answers must be submitted to groundrulehuddle@gmail.com by 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day the question is posted.
3. Scoring will be based on each week's question.
4. During the 20th week, we will have a final bonus question that allows for movement on the leaderboard.
5. The winner will receive an Amazon Gift Card and an opportunity to be featured on the blog.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THIS CHALLENGE
6. FOR EACH PERSON YOU RECRUIT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIVIA CHALLENGE, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 2 BONUS POINTS. THE SAME RULE APPLIES TO YOUR RECRUITED FRIEND AS WELL (EACH PERSON THEY RECRUIT, THEY WILL RECEIVE 2 BONUS POINTS).
7. FURTHER, IF YOU WRITE A BLOG ENTRY THAT WE APPROVE OF TO BE FEATURED ON FRIDAY, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 5 BONUS POINTS. THERE IS A 1 BLOG ENTRY LIMIT.
WEEK 5 TRIVIA QUESTION (6/05)
No Outside Resources. This means you cannot use other people, the internet, or other means to help your answer.
Name the 5 Largest College Football Stadiums by Seating Capacity. You will receive 1 point for each correct answer. Here are some ways to gain bonus points:
1. You will receive an extra 4 points for ranking the stadiums in order.
2. You will receive 1 point for each facility that you list the actual name of the stadium, not merely the school which plays football in it.
1.Over 20 weeks, we will be asking a trivia question each Thursday. The challenge started Thursday, May 1, 2014.
2. Answers must be submitted to groundrulehuddle@gmail.com by 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day the question is posted.
3. Scoring will be based on each week's question.
4. During the 20th week, we will have a final bonus question that allows for movement on the leaderboard.
5. The winner will receive an Amazon Gift Card and an opportunity to be featured on the blog.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THIS CHALLENGE
6. FOR EACH PERSON YOU RECRUIT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIVIA CHALLENGE, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 2 BONUS POINTS. THE SAME RULE APPLIES TO YOUR RECRUITED FRIEND AS WELL (EACH PERSON THEY RECRUIT, THEY WILL RECEIVE 2 BONUS POINTS).
7. FURTHER, IF YOU WRITE A BLOG ENTRY THAT WE APPROVE OF TO BE FEATURED ON FRIDAY, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 5 BONUS POINTS. THERE IS A 1 BLOG ENTRY LIMIT.
WEEK 5 TRIVIA QUESTION (6/05)
No Outside Resources. This means you cannot use other people, the internet, or other means to help your answer.
Name the 5 Largest College Football Stadiums by Seating Capacity. You will receive 1 point for each correct answer. Here are some ways to gain bonus points:
1. You will receive an extra 4 points for ranking the stadiums in order.
2. You will receive 1 point for each facility that you list the actual name of the stadium, not merely the school which plays football in it.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Elite Coaches Since 1990: No. 5
5. Geno Auriemma
Geno Auriemma has been the dominant coach of the UConn Women's Basketball team since 1985. In his first 3 seasons as UConn head coach, he failed to reach the NCAA Women's Tournament.
However, since then, Auriemma has compiled 879 wins (.868), 19 conference championships, and an astonishing 9 National Championships at UConn. From 2000-2003, UConn's teams won 69 consecutive home games.
Further, Auriemma won the Naismith Coach of the Year Award 6 times (AP Coach of the Year 7 times), and coached the 2012 Women's National Basketball Team to a gold medal at the Olympic games in London. Coupled with his coaching wins/championships and players in the WNBA, Auriemma is undoubtedly an elite coach.
Don't forget to check us out @GRHuddle. Who do you think are elite coaches? Submit your feedback to us with the hashtag, #GRHEliteCoach
No. 6: Bobby Bowden
No. 6: Bobby Bowden
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Brain Droppings Makes Summer Predictions
Summer is in full swing here at GRH's International Headquarters. So, naturally, we've been kind of lazy. But, after a couple of weeks of rest, lets dive back in to some Brain Droppings. Remember, use the hashtag to comment on Twitter or leave any thoughts below...
1) #NBARematch - The NBA Finals are set to tip later this week and I have to admit, though not the biggest NBA fan, I am excited about the match-up. Actually, it didn't matter who won the Western Conference, I would have been intrigued either way. You can't argue that the San Antonio Spurs are one of the best franchises in all of sports over the last 15 years. Tim Duncan is a class act and easy future hall of famer. However, the Heat have lived up to the hype since signing their version of the Big 3. This is their 4th straight finals appearance and they are searching for their 3rd straight championship. With the headlines dominated by the Donald Sterling issue over the past few weeks, it will be nice to see two top teams doing battle. Call me crazy, but I like the Spurs in 7. I think it's going to be a hell of a series.
2) #CoastSupremacy - We don't do a great job of covering hockey here but there's little doubt that the NHL playoffs are worth watching if you can manage to find them on your TV. This year's final matches the two largest television markets in the country. The New York Rangers will face the LA Kings. The problem is, I'm not sure anyone is going to watch all that much. The Rangers haven't won a Stanley Cup since Mark Messier led them to the title back in 1994. LA won last year and just dispatched the very talented Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Finals (sorry Sadowsky's!). I'm taking the Kings in 6.
3) #WhatDoSIDsKnow - This week there was a poll released by the Sport Information Directors at SEC schools predicting the order of finish of SEC Football in 2014. Here's a link: http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2014/sec-football-predictions-sids-predict-2014/
Unsurprisingly, the Tide clock in at number one and Auburn follows. South Carolina was pegged the best in the East with UGA just behind. Arguments could potentially be made for all of these teams to move around in the top 4. However, one SID pegged Auburn as the 9th best team in the league. Interesting. Auburn had a lot of luck in their run to the Championship Game last year but it's hard to argue against the fact that they were a good team that continued to get better during the season. While there were some unlikely plays that aided them, they were in position to take advantage of them. With a strong nucleus returning, it's likely they will continue to improve. 9 seems awful low. One SID picked Florida as low as 12th. Anything that poor would probably spell doom for Coach Boom. Someone also picked Mizzou as low as 13th. I certainly would expect a slight drop from the Tigers but that seems awful low with Maty Mauk coming back to lead the offense. The defense will be the biggest question mark. A&M is pegged as the 6th best team without Johnny Football which would probably be a good showing. Vanderbilt finds itself back near the bottom of the rankings at 12 without James Franklin. Kentucky brings up the rear. If Kentucky is the worst team in the conference again, will Mike Stoops recruiting efforts matter for long? Lots of great story lines and I certainly don't want to wish the summer away but the season will be here before you know it. To tide us over a little longer, here are the summer predictions for the SEC from Brain Droppings:
1. Alabama - The difference is the schedule. Alabama gets Florida at home and while Florida will be ok, it's just not the team it has been in the past. Auburn has to go to Tuscaloosa. There's a tough road game at LSU, but A&M is in Tuscaloosa and no UGA or Carolina. They have to replace McCarron but there's a stable of running backs to share the load and the defense is always good.
2. Auburn - The schedule is the reason they finish 2nd. Sure, they get LSU, South Carolina, and A&M at home but tough road games at UGA and Bama at the end. Nick Marshall will be forced to be more accurate at some point this season. But the offense will carry the defense in most games.
3. UGA - If the defense doesn't make strides under new coordinator, Jeremy Pruitt, this prediction will be wrong. They have to go to Columbia early and that game is as big as ever. The Dawgs laid an egg last time there.
4. Carolina - They have to replace the most underrated QB in the SEC in Connor Shaw but Dylan Thompson has plenty of experience. The ol' ball coach will have his team ready to compete again this year. Road games at Auburn, Missouri, and Florida could be tough, but they get UGA and A&M at home.
5. LSU - Just plain consistent. They just play in the wrong division. That doesn't mean they don't have a chance. All the tough games apart from Bama are on the road. That's why they are sitting at 3rd in the West
6. Florida - I'm giving Coach Boom the benefit of the doubt. I still expect the offense to struggle but can it be as bad as it has been? The answer is yes but I don't think it will be. However, they get LSU and Bama from the West. But they get the Cocks at home and play the neutral site game against UGA.
7. A&M - Their defense has to be better, right? It's kind of like Florida's offense. The problem is their offense won't be good enough to carry them all the time. A&M slides because of it.
8. Mizzou - There's plenty to replace, but they escape the top 3 teams from the West and get UGA at home. The Carolina game in Columbia is tough as will be the trip to Kyle field but there's still talent here. However, it's taken a hit.
9. Ole Miss - They'd be higher if they played Mizzou's schedule but they don't. The good news is they dodge the top competition from the East. They'll beat someone they shouldn't too but will continue to struggle
10. Miss State - The same can be said of the Bulldogs. I think they will be competitive and they catch a break in the scheduling from the East. I also think they could sneak up on someone. The only problem is that someone could be Ole Miss.
11. Vandy - The Commodores will take a step back but can still be competitive. Their schedule is ok. Their schedule isn't brutal as they dodge the top teams from the West but James Franklin had some magic and I'm not sure it can be replaced yet.
12. Tennessee - They got no QB and that's the biggest problem. Butch Jones has recruited well but that doesn't mean other SEC teams haven't either.
13. Kentucky - I think Mike Stoops is a better coach then Bret Bielema so I won't put the Wildcats in the cellar. But even a game against the Ohio Bobcats could be a trap. That ain't good.
14. Arkansas - I get the feeling that this season could be ugly for the Hogs. I say that and they'll probably beat UGA. Just my luck.
1) #NBARematch - The NBA Finals are set to tip later this week and I have to admit, though not the biggest NBA fan, I am excited about the match-up. Actually, it didn't matter who won the Western Conference, I would have been intrigued either way. You can't argue that the San Antonio Spurs are one of the best franchises in all of sports over the last 15 years. Tim Duncan is a class act and easy future hall of famer. However, the Heat have lived up to the hype since signing their version of the Big 3. This is their 4th straight finals appearance and they are searching for their 3rd straight championship. With the headlines dominated by the Donald Sterling issue over the past few weeks, it will be nice to see two top teams doing battle. Call me crazy, but I like the Spurs in 7. I think it's going to be a hell of a series.
2) #CoastSupremacy - We don't do a great job of covering hockey here but there's little doubt that the NHL playoffs are worth watching if you can manage to find them on your TV. This year's final matches the two largest television markets in the country. The New York Rangers will face the LA Kings. The problem is, I'm not sure anyone is going to watch all that much. The Rangers haven't won a Stanley Cup since Mark Messier led them to the title back in 1994. LA won last year and just dispatched the very talented Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Finals (sorry Sadowsky's!). I'm taking the Kings in 6.
3) #WhatDoSIDsKnow - This week there was a poll released by the Sport Information Directors at SEC schools predicting the order of finish of SEC Football in 2014. Here's a link: http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2014/sec-football-predictions-sids-predict-2014/
Unsurprisingly, the Tide clock in at number one and Auburn follows. South Carolina was pegged the best in the East with UGA just behind. Arguments could potentially be made for all of these teams to move around in the top 4. However, one SID pegged Auburn as the 9th best team in the league. Interesting. Auburn had a lot of luck in their run to the Championship Game last year but it's hard to argue against the fact that they were a good team that continued to get better during the season. While there were some unlikely plays that aided them, they were in position to take advantage of them. With a strong nucleus returning, it's likely they will continue to improve. 9 seems awful low. One SID picked Florida as low as 12th. Anything that poor would probably spell doom for Coach Boom. Someone also picked Mizzou as low as 13th. I certainly would expect a slight drop from the Tigers but that seems awful low with Maty Mauk coming back to lead the offense. The defense will be the biggest question mark. A&M is pegged as the 6th best team without Johnny Football which would probably be a good showing. Vanderbilt finds itself back near the bottom of the rankings at 12 without James Franklin. Kentucky brings up the rear. If Kentucky is the worst team in the conference again, will Mike Stoops recruiting efforts matter for long? Lots of great story lines and I certainly don't want to wish the summer away but the season will be here before you know it. To tide us over a little longer, here are the summer predictions for the SEC from Brain Droppings:
1. Alabama - The difference is the schedule. Alabama gets Florida at home and while Florida will be ok, it's just not the team it has been in the past. Auburn has to go to Tuscaloosa. There's a tough road game at LSU, but A&M is in Tuscaloosa and no UGA or Carolina. They have to replace McCarron but there's a stable of running backs to share the load and the defense is always good.
2. Auburn - The schedule is the reason they finish 2nd. Sure, they get LSU, South Carolina, and A&M at home but tough road games at UGA and Bama at the end. Nick Marshall will be forced to be more accurate at some point this season. But the offense will carry the defense in most games.
3. UGA - If the defense doesn't make strides under new coordinator, Jeremy Pruitt, this prediction will be wrong. They have to go to Columbia early and that game is as big as ever. The Dawgs laid an egg last time there.
4. Carolina - They have to replace the most underrated QB in the SEC in Connor Shaw but Dylan Thompson has plenty of experience. The ol' ball coach will have his team ready to compete again this year. Road games at Auburn, Missouri, and Florida could be tough, but they get UGA and A&M at home.
5. LSU - Just plain consistent. They just play in the wrong division. That doesn't mean they don't have a chance. All the tough games apart from Bama are on the road. That's why they are sitting at 3rd in the West
6. Florida - I'm giving Coach Boom the benefit of the doubt. I still expect the offense to struggle but can it be as bad as it has been? The answer is yes but I don't think it will be. However, they get LSU and Bama from the West. But they get the Cocks at home and play the neutral site game against UGA.
7. A&M - Their defense has to be better, right? It's kind of like Florida's offense. The problem is their offense won't be good enough to carry them all the time. A&M slides because of it.
8. Mizzou - There's plenty to replace, but they escape the top 3 teams from the West and get UGA at home. The Carolina game in Columbia is tough as will be the trip to Kyle field but there's still talent here. However, it's taken a hit.
9. Ole Miss - They'd be higher if they played Mizzou's schedule but they don't. The good news is they dodge the top competition from the East. They'll beat someone they shouldn't too but will continue to struggle
10. Miss State - The same can be said of the Bulldogs. I think they will be competitive and they catch a break in the scheduling from the East. I also think they could sneak up on someone. The only problem is that someone could be Ole Miss.
11. Vandy - The Commodores will take a step back but can still be competitive. Their schedule is ok. Their schedule isn't brutal as they dodge the top teams from the West but James Franklin had some magic and I'm not sure it can be replaced yet.
12. Tennessee - They got no QB and that's the biggest problem. Butch Jones has recruited well but that doesn't mean other SEC teams haven't either.
13. Kentucky - I think Mike Stoops is a better coach then Bret Bielema so I won't put the Wildcats in the cellar. But even a game against the Ohio Bobcats could be a trap. That ain't good.
14. Arkansas - I get the feeling that this season could be ugly for the Hogs. I say that and they'll probably beat UGA. Just my luck.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)