Mark's Week Two Thoughts

It's 3:30 and I have been in heaven since 11 a.m. watching football non-stop. I've decided a few of my pre-season predictions are probably wrong. Here are a few of my thoughts:

South Carolina is better than I thought. Spurrier may kill freshman Marcus Lattimore if he keeps giving him 37 carries, but he needed them all today to take down Georgia.

Georgia's offense is not very good without A.J. Green. I like Murray, but it's pretty tough when you have to play with a hand behind your back. His best receiver is now a tight end, Orson Charles. The South Carolina D probably had a lot to do with it, but 6 points ain't gonna cut it.

Florida looks vulnerable. Brad, Shawn and I have been talking all day about how bad the Gators have looked through two weeks, and I am not feeling very confident about my SEC East pick.

Oklahoma was looking past Utah State to Florida State. The Sooners offense has clicked on all cylinders in the first half against the Seminoles, as Landry Jones is torching the secondary to the tune of 13-16 for 173 yards and 2 TDs in the first half.

Miami is faster than Ohio State. I've heard Herbie and everyone in the media who wants people to think the Big-10 is worth a crap say that the Buckeyes have closed the speed gap that has plagued them in big games against quality teams from the south, but guess what...they're wrong. I can't really put my finger on what Ohio State's issue is, because speed isn't all of it, but I don't see OSU beating a quality SEC team in the near future.

Boise State's quality win just disappeared. Virginia Tech losing to JAMES MADISON (isn't he Billy's brother?) takes the one win the Broncos could hang their hat on and flings it in the fire.

Football in HD is probably the awesomest (yeah, I said it) thing since sliced bread, and I will continue to partake in its splendor through Monday Night Football!

Your thoughts???

Early Football Ramblings

Saturday's first games aren't even over yet, and I have some serious thinking to do.

Florida is having all kinds of trouble with Miami (Ohio) and the fighting Szczerbiak's. A hundred yards of total offense well into the fourth quarter in the Swamp. So many bad snaps and stupid penalties I lost count, and shaky play-calling from Urban Meyer have me re-thinking my prediction of the Gators over Georgia in the SEC-East. Georgia has a lot to do with that though, as Aaron Murray and the 'Dogs have been very impressive without A.J. Green and Washaun Ealey on the offensive side of the ball. Georgia has thoroughly dominated Louisiana-Lafayette on both sides of the ball. It has been a beat-down in every facet of the game. Murray has shown touch on the deep ball, great decision making (even running for a touchdown) and poise in the pocket. I will be interested in how this shakes out.

I'm hoping the Hogs can show up big tonight and put a beat-down on the Golden Eagles of Tennessee Tech.

Mark's SEC West Forecast

An extension of my SEC picks, as promised:

1.

Alabama: A returning Heisman trophy winner, an undefeated QB and a horde of talent will be too much for Arkansas to overtake, and the Tide will roll back into Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game for a third straight year. The defense will need to replace eight starters (not counting Hightower), but another highly rated recruiting class and defensive whiz Nick Saban should allow Alabama to stay atop the league.

2.

Yet another step in the Bobby Petrino world-takeover will vault the Hogs into national prominence behind the arm of Ryan Mallett and the offensive genius of Petrino. Expectations are sky high, and anything less than 9-3 will be viewed as a disappointment in God's country. A tough road game between the hedges in Athens against Georgia and a home tilt against the defending national champions will tell this season's tale. I expect a split in those two and I'm starting to lean more toward 10-2 than 9-3. The Kool-Aid tastes delicious!

3.

I'm definitely not drinking the Herbstreit beverage, so I certainly won't be going nuts by picking Auburn to be any higher than third. The gimmicky offense and suspect defense haven't changed, and lest we forget, the head coach is still a nobody. No more words should be wasted on the Tigers with an identity crisis. Can anyone explain how a Tigers team cries War EAGLE? I don't care for the story so spare me.

4.

LSU is always super-athletic and talented, as they seem to always recruit well. The talent had better win out over coaching, however, because the Mad Hatter Les Miles is a moron. If they can out-play his ineptitude they have a shot, but 4th (at best 3rd) is where they'll end up.

5.

Jeremiah Masoli's on-again off-again eligibility aside, the QB Killa will work his magic this year and there will no doubt be hundreds of smoke draws, fullback dump-offs to the flats, and one-man routes from offensive (insert sarcasm) mastermind Houston Dale Nutt. The addition of Masoli could re-arrange this list as Auburn, LSU and Ole Miss could easily switch places, but this is my prediction. May be wishful thinking, but here's hoping they don't win a game.

6.

Dan Mullen will have the Bulldogs out of the cellar very soon, but it won't be this year. All-everything RB Anthony Dixon is gone, and there just is not enough talent to equate to enough wins to pull the 'Dogs out of the doldrums.

Shawn's SEC East picks

First I have to say Mark piqued my interest with a return to our blog with, you guessed it, football! That's right, the greatest game going. Vince Lombardi said it best, "when the leaves begin to change, boys become men." Coach Lombardi is referring, of course, to football The passion of the game brings communities together. States split with the team that carries each city's banner. The game that young kids can do chants, friends can share memories of past games, and the passion of fan-dom can override even the roughest of weeks.

We at the blitz love our football, so we all will be bringing our views.

6. Vanderbilt: Like Mark I don't really see much else for these guys. New coach Robbie Caldwell, albeit a funny man in an interview, like Rodney Dangerfield still gets; "no respect." The dores with all kinds of problems on offense, just doesn't appear to have the goods for anything more than cellar dweller status. The fighting Ivy Leaguers won't be able to add up enough wins here, 2-10

5. Tennessee: Rocky Not is the song they will be singing here. Derrick Dooley will be a good one long term for Vol Nation, just not this year. I believe if the revolving door of coaches in Knoxville stops here they will be fine, but we are talking this year. No Qb to speak of, and a questionable running game with Hardesty gone. Tennesse struggles, and the Vols hit "Rocky Bottom" this year, 4-7

4. Kentucky: Tough call here, New coach Joker Phillips isn't joking at all. Actually, he has an interesting team in the east. Hartline has had his moments of struggles and successes since being in the SEC. However, experience goes a long way, and he has it. With Randall Cobb (SEC's most versitile player) moved to full-time WR he is a real threat. Cobb will get some wildcat snaps, and he teamed with Derrick Locke they have some juice, just not enough to pull ahead of South Carolina. Mark has almost convinced me South Carolina has too many issues, but the Joke's on Kentucky this year, 5-7.

3. South Carolina: The old ball coach has come along way since dominating the SEC with Wuerffel and the fun-and-gun. He has went from the Gator orange and blue, to a stint in Redskin country, to a land that football forgot in Columbia, South Carolina. Where national championships in football are as likley to happen as Charles Barkely actually playing a good round of golf. Coach Spurrier brings to the table Stephen Garcia who is a long way from the Wuerffel days. The Gamecock version might be called the "not so fun, and run;" because if you're a QB behind that o-line, it will be no fun because you will be running for your life.. They have skill guys, but the o-line has more holes than the Oklahoma highways. It's going to be rough. Their D is great, but you can't win many if you don't score. Defense gets them to a bowl though, 6-6.

2. Florida: "Oh where, oh where did my Tebow go, oh where oh where could he be." These are the lyrics to Urban Meyer's new country single, "Lost without a friend." All joking aside, John Brantley is probably a good QB, but as if the pressure of replacing Tebow isn't enough, he is leading an offense that will have to score early and often.. Replacing almost the entire defense from a year ago won't give Brantley the luxury that Tebow had at times a year ago when the Gators vaunted offense was erratic at best in certain games. Last year you could see the loss of Dan Mullen as the offensive coordinator was rough on the offense. This year they have to deal with the loss of Charlie Strong as he left his defensive coordinator job for head coaching at Louisville. So I see that being just one of the many that has turned the pressure cooker to high for Brantley. You know it's always tough to follow a legend, and for Brantley its going to be especially tough. Pour guy will always hear "well when we had Tebow." So in all I just cannot buy the Gators. Too many questions that have yet to be answered. There is still enough talent to win though, 9-3.

1. Georgia: Mark Richt brings in a loaded offensive attack lead by true freshman Aaron Murray. This team intrigues me. I look at them offensively and see how a lot of people could buy into them. I mean AJ Green is, in my opinion, the best WR in the nation, and a future all-pro guy. A running game that features a one-two punch as good as arguably anyone outside of 'Bama in the nation, Washawn Ealy and Caleb King give any defensive coordinator headaches. However, big question mark on D. Their D got thrashed last year and they return all but arguably the two best in safety Rashad Jones and linebacker Rennie Curran who are now in the NFL. Also, they are switching to a 3-4 alignment that is designed to put more emphasis on rushing the passer which, in turn, will help the secondary, which will really make Brandon Boykin a handful at cornerback. Will these moves shake the "RICHTER" scale to a 10 and win the whole SEC? Well I will tell you later. However, with the offensive weapons and an offensive line you could set up a tent behind, they for sure win the east, 10-2.

Check back for the west predictions and the SEC championship game, you know the east, now I will tell you who will win the Wild Wild West and why.

Mark's SEC East forecast

It's about that time! Football kicks off the real deal Thursday as fall practices and pre-season NFL gives way to a little college football action. I'm sure we will talk up the games and of course the Razorbacks, but we'll start with the SEC Eastern division. West will be forecast tomorrow, stay tuned (and I'm sure Brad and Shawn will disagree!)

6. Vanderbilt:

The new coach may have made some waves---as well as a few fans--- with his good ole boy routine at SEC media days, but he has lost his best running back to injury and returns a 2-10 team that won no conference games in 2009. Expect more of the same in '10.

5. Tennessee:

Derek Dooley's Vols will look a lot different that Lane Kiffin's squad, as highly touted running back Bryce Brown has bolted for Kansas State and several others have found themselves on the wrong side of the law. Eventually, I'm sure Dooley will field a quality team, but this year, they won't get to .500.

4. Kentucky:

Is there a theme developing? The bottom three teams all breaking in new coaches means growing pains and lots of L's. Joker Phillips will struggle through the SEC, although they have a favorable road schedule, with trips to Gainesville, Oxford, Starkville and Knoxville. Not to say they will win any of those, but they do get Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina and Vanderbilt at home.

3. South Carolina:

Too many people are picking the Gamecocks as SEC favorites for my liking. So let's look at this logically. Who is their QB? Stephen Garcia. Coach Spurrier doesn't even like him! How about their offensive line? Spurrier bad-mouthed them at SEC media days as well, worried they wouldn't be up to the job either. What about their stud player? Alshon Jeffery aside, Weslye Saunders may be the best target SC has, and he has lied his way into the doghouse too, earning an indefinite suspension. What part of this team is appealing?

2. Georgia:

I am not overly excited about the Bulldogs this season (as a Hog fan, that is impossible anyway) because they are once again breaking in a new QB. Last year Arkansas got a first-hand look at Joe Cox, as they made him look like Peyton Manning in Fayetteville. I'm not predicting the Ark-Georgia game here, but lets just say I don't expect another 50-point outburst from the 'Dogs against the Hogs. They are here based mostly on attrition. I don't like anyone else already mentioned to be better, so an 8-4 or 9-3 Georgia team will land at #2 in 2010.

1. Florida:

And the Gator train keeps on rolling. I have little doubt in my mind about this one. Florida may be better this year than last, as crazy as this sounds. Tim Tebow is a college legend, but Urban Meyer's system was almost totally shaped around his talents---and shortcomings---during his tenure. Insert John Brantley, after waiting his turn Brantley is ready to take the reigns and roll, and there are several reasons I think they won't miss a beat. For all the reasons I don't like South Carolina, I like Florida. Brantley's skills will be utilized in Meyer's system, the offensive line is loaded with blue-chip talent (like everywhere else. When you sign a top-3 class every year, it tends to be that way) and the next wave of skill players are itching for their chance. Youth should not be a problem, besides, we've seen this before. Tebow and Percy Harvin didn't have much of an impact their freshmen year, did they? I see absolutely no way the Gators fail to return to Atlanta this year for the SEC championship game, even if their October 2 trip to Tuscaloosa results in a loss. It will be their only one until the SEC-CG, and we will cross that bridge when we get there.

Can't give away all the predictions yet, so stay tuned!

Those Sandbagging Celtics

I'm hacked off.

I hate losing, and almost as bad as losing, I hate when the teams I pick to win lose. LeBron James went for a triple-double Thursday in game 6 of the Eastern Conference semis, with 27 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. He also had nine turnovers and shot 8-21.

But, at the end of the day, the Celtics won and will move on to face the streaking Orlando Magic who have been nearly unstoppable this post-season.

I'm most upset about how the Celtics snuck up on me. I, like most others, had bought in to the opinion that the Celtics were too old and battered to challenge The King. Did the team we just watched run roughshod over the number one seed look like a 50-32 team that is too old and past their prime to compete? I am of the opinion they coasted, tanked, sandbagged, whatever you want to call it, to prepare for such a run.

Kevin Garnett got healthy, Rajon Rondo took over, and Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Rasheed Wallace stepped up to fill out a formidable team.

Watch out Orlando.

I think Cleveland overlooked these geezers, while forgetting they have a couple of their own (Shaq and Big Z), and they also forgot that after 82 games YOU STILL HAVE TO PLAY IN THE PLAYOFFS. It seems like LeBron was the only one who got that memo.

I will cool down a little and break down LeBron's July 1st decision soon, but I will be hard pressed to find the positives to staying in Cleveland as far as the talent goes. The $ will be best in Cleveland, with a longer contract worth up to $30 million more than anyone else can offer, but Jamison, Mo Williams (aside from the first half of game 6), and the rest of James' supporting cast pulled a Houdini Thursday night.

LeBron had better meet with every prospective teammate and ask him if he is scared to play in the post-season, because the Cavs were loaded with that kind of player.

Yes, I'm bitter.

Well, lets enjoy the rest of the playoffs and join together in a nationwide prayer that the Lakers don't repeat; I'm not sure my heart could handle that.

Exciting News

Man, it has been a long time since we have been able to do anything resembling a blog post, so for that we apologize. Shawn got married, Brad and I (Mark) started working different jobs, and Tech backloaded the spring semester to effectively eliminate any free time we might have had! But we have some exciting news to report as far as The Sports Blitz goes...

We are not sure the date yet, but The Sports Blitz will shortly begin a weekly show on KWXT 1490 AM! It will start as a Wednesday afternoon, 11-11:30 spot, and we are hoping to expand as quickly as possible to an hour then a daily show.

Brad and I recorded the promos and now we are just waiting on the word as to when we will start, so tell everyone to check us out, and hopefully you will all enjoy our show. If we get a web-stream going I will let everyone know, but as of now all I know about KWXT is that from Conway to Ozark anyone who wants can tune in to The Sports Blitz!