I started this new column a week ago to provide my thoughts each weekend regarding college football, NFL, recruiting and anything else I decide to throw in. It's not an Insider Report or Q&A session. I'll comment on the topics discussed though.
Crimson Tide rolls
We will each week with thoughts on the Crimson Tide. Alabama delivered a 48-0 win against Nick Saban's alma mater on Saturday. Not a big surprise. Coach Saban wanted to see his team play a complete game. Sure everyone wants to see a complete game against the likes of Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas A&M, LSU and Auburn, but to get one still isn't a bad thing.
Mid-way through the first quarter, I'm thinking maybe it's time to take out all the major contributors on the team. The players were dropping like flies. Of course, it wasn't going to happen. I'm sure most Bama fans were ready to get a substantial lead and let the third and fourth string players get some experience.
It might be a little too early to tell if Joshua Jacobs is the next star back for Alabama. Yes, he looked good on Saturday taking the place of injured Damien Harris. He certainly looks the part from a physical stand point. I expect him to get better each week.
Alabama is blessed at the running back position now, and in the future with Najee Harris and Brian Robinson committed in the 2017 class. Damion Pierce is committed in the 2018 class.
It was also encouraging to see Cam Sims make plays. He has dealt with injuries in the past. Now the tables turn with more PT with ArDarius Stewart out. He's a big target on the outside. He can become a big weapon for Alabama throughout the rest of the season.
Back to SEC play as Alabama takes on Kentucky on Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama is a 34.5 point favorite.
Nick Saban is now the longest tenured head coach in the SEC.
Bama recruiting nuggets
LaBryan Ray, Rivals100 defensive end from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama, was very impressive on Friday night against Clay-Chalkville. Hard to knock him down from my No.1 player in the state. I will make a strong push to have five-stars next to his name by the end. Fans of Clay-Chalkville were coming up to him after the game to say how impressed they were with his performance. Of course I heard a few say Roll Tide, War Eagle and Go Dawgs. I expect him to sign with Alabama.
I spoke with a few people close to Nico Collins, five-star wide receiver from Clay-Chalkville High School on Friday night. The belief is Michigan is the team to beat. Alabama and Georgia are also still in it. He is not expected to decide anytime soon.
Alabama assistant coaches Mario Cristobal and Karl Dunbar were in attendance at the game on Friday night to see LaBryan Ray, Nico Collins and Alabama commitment Kyriq McDonald who scored three touchdowns in the win for James Clemens.
A few no-shows at the Kent State game. Jarez Parks, five-star defensive end from Sebastian River High School in Florida, and Chris Allen, four-star linebacker from Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge, did not make the trip as expected. The only big names really in town for the game were commitments- Alex Leatherwood, Markail Benton, Kyriq McDonald and Hunter Brannon.
I spoke with a source regarding Isaiah Wilson, five-star offensive tackle from Poly Prep in Brooklyn. Alabama feels in great shape for him at this time. He really likes Michigan, but Alabama has done a really good job recruiting him. He also has a great relationship with Mario Cristobal. A very tight battle until the end.
Farewell Les,
I think most assumed the loser of the game on Saturday night in Auburn would mark the end of an era for one head coach. It did. Crazy how clock management ended Les Miles' run with the Tigers. Miles ran a steady program throughout his time in Baton Rouge. He had an astonishing number of NFL draft picks. He just couldn't beat Nick Saban enough, and when you lose other SEC games the masses are ready for the exodus.
LSU will hire a big name coach. Tom Herman, Jimbo Fisher, Lane Kiffin? OK, I really don't think Kiffin is the next head coach of the Tigers, but I am starting to think he ends up as a head coach in the SEC at some point.
What will we remember most about Les? The mad hatter. The coach who would eat grass on the sidelines in the fourth quarter. The awkward hand clap. The countless clock mismanagement times. The 2011 team which many thought was one of greatest ever, but lost to Alabama in a rematch in the national championship. He did win a national championship.
A lot people ask the recruiting impact? It's hard to judge just yet. LSU will likely suffer some losses from the class. Several uncommitted players who won't sign there because of the situation. Hiring a great head coach or someone a prospect already has a relationship with can certainly help keep players on board.
Former LSU commitment Dylan Moses, Rivals100 linebacker from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, will take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. The Baton Rouge native was a big fan of Coach Miles. Alabama is certainly a contender. This might have a big impact. At the same time, the next head coach will make Moses a top priority.
Alabama is in great shape to land DeVonta Smith, Rivals100 wide receiver from Amite High School in Louisiana. I stated last week in the Insider Report I did not consider LSU a major threat to Alabama for the Tide's top WR target. I believe Alabama is also in good shape for Phidarian Mathis, three-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana. Alabama and LSU are fighting hard for Mathis.
JaCoby Stevens, Rivals100 safety from Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, chose LSU over Alabama. Stevens is originally from Louisiana. He grew up an LSU fan, and has always said it is his dream school. Alabama has continued recruiting him, and is working to get an official visit. "I'm committed to LSU, but I will continue to monitor who LSU hires and especially what happens with the current defensive staff," Stevens told Rivals.com.
We may also see impact on three five-star defensive linemen. LSU commitment Tyler Shelvin, five-star defensive tackle from Notre Dame High School in Lafayette, Louisiana, is likely to take an official visit to Alabama. Isaiah Buggs, five-star defensive tackle from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Parkinston, has LSU in his top four along with Alabama, Auburn and Ole Miss. Marvin Wilson, five-star defensive tackle from Episcopal High School in Houston, also had very high interest in LSU.
LSU appears completely out for Marvin Wilson after his post yesterday.
Tyler Shelvin is going to take some time to think about everything.
"I had not known about it until just now and it's just devastating me," Shelvin told Rivals.com. "We had a tight relationship. We talked to each other. I called him a lot and whenever he needed to talk to me he would contact me. Every time I visited there we had meetings in his office, so we had a tight relationship."
It's anyone's guess as to what Isaiah Buggs will do at this point. He will take an official visit to Alabama. The coaches know getting him on campus can put them in position to land his commitment. We'll see what happens.
Many have expected Kelvin Joseph, 2018 Rivals100 cornerback from Scotlandville High School in Baton Rouge, to decommit. Joseph is strongly considering Alabama after spending time in Tuscaloosa in the summer. He is certainly one Alabama fans needs to know.
Interesting to see if Alabama turns up the heat on either one of the in-state defensive linemen committed to LSU- Neil Farrell, three-star defensive tackle from Murphy High School in Mobile and/or Justin Thomas, three-star defensive end from Spanish Fort High School.
“I just really don't know [about a de-commitment] at this point," Farrell told Rivals.com. "Alabama, Michigan, USC and Florida State are the schools I’m gonna check out [in case]."
We'll see how things take shape in the next few weeks/months. The firing of Les Miles does not guarantee anything on the recruiting front as many will wait to see who is hired as the next head coach at LSU.
My surprise teams of week 4
Tennessee: Expectations were extremely high in Knoxville this season. Then the Vols almost lose to App State in the first game of the season. They blew out Virginia Tech (which is now looking like a much better win). Then barely escaped with a win against Ohio-a team which had lost to Texas St. Florida takes a 24-3 lead against the Vols. Game was over. No chance of scoring against that Florida defense. I never thought Tennessee would score 35 points in the second half. Not even the fans who left Neyland Stadium at halftime. That was an impressive comeback for the Vols.
Duke: What happens when you are considered one of college football's top tier programs and lose to Duke at home? Someone gets fired. Notre Dame fired DC Brian VanGorder on Sunday. Brian Kelly said it wasn't the coaches fault for the loss though. It was the players. No...it's your fault you lost to a team which has zero former five-star recruits.
Wisconsin: LSU's loss to Wisconsin really doesn't seem that bad any longer. This team is fantastic. That was one hell of a win at Michigan State on Saturday. Just a dominating defensive performance. I can't see Wisconsin beating Michigan this weekend, but it should be an awesome game.
Colorado: Mike MacIntyre has turned the corner. Big win at Oregon on Saturday. They played Michigan well last week. It will not shock me to see this team in the Pac-12 Championship game. A few big home games with Arizona State, Utah and UCLA. They still have to travel to USC, UCLA and Arizona.
Wake Forest: When I think of Wake Forest I think of Tim Duncan don't you? The Demon Deacons are 4-0 after winning at Indiana on Saturday. They could be 6-0 when they travel to FSU on October 15.
Coaches on the rise (I plan to have different coaches on this list each week)
1. Mike McIntyre (Colorado)
2. Dave Clawson (Wake Forest)
3. Bob Nielson (Western Illinois)
Heisman Favorites after week 4
1. Lamar Jackson (Louisville)
2. Lamar Jackson
3. Lamar Jackson
4. J.T. Barrett (Ohio State)
Can't miss games this week
1. Louisville at Clemson
2. Wisconsin at Michigan
3. Stanford at Washington
4. Tennessee at Georgia
Best NFL teams after week 3 (my opinion)
1. New England Patriots
2. Denver Broncos
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. Minnesota Vikings
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Green Bay Packers
7. Seattle Seahawks
8. Baltimore Ravens
9. Cincinnati Bengals
10. Arizona Cardinals
Miscellaneous
1. OK, so I never thought losing your center in third grade football to an injury would be such a big deal. It was on Saturday morning as my team was defeated by seven points. We'll get back on the right path on Tuesday night.
2. I was shocked by the news on Sunday morning of the death of Miami Marlins No.1 pitcher Jose Fernandez. People who don't follow baseball may not have known much about him. He was certainly one of the best pitchers in MLB. Tough to see someone so young with so much going for him have his life cut short by a horrific accident.
3. "Back in 1965 Sports Illustrated said I was going to be the next Arnold Palmer"- Love that quote from the movie Happy Gilmore. RIP to Arnold.
4. BHM folks- Come to trivia night at Sky Castle on Tuesday. I am one of your hosts each week. Several give-aways, cash prizes and happy hour specials all night.
5. You know I would love to see Mark Ingram have a great game against the Falcons, but also hope he doesn't score a lot of fantasy football points. My team is rolling right now with a 2-0 record. I am up 13 points heading into the night. My opponent has Mark Ingram. I have Jacob Tamme and Tevin Coleman. I think I'm good. How's your fantasy team doing this fall?
6. I'll join former Alabama All-American Mike Johnson at Rounders bar on the strip on Saturday for our recruitment segment. The show is live from 1-3 p.m.
7. Speaking of Mike Johnson....Did you know he has joined the Andrew J. Bone Real Estate Group team? Mike and I are real estate agents in the state of Alabama. While we focus on residential properties in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden, Smith Lake, Mentone we can help buyers and sellers throughout the entire state. If anyone is in the real estate market please give us a call! 205-531-5577
8. Alabama commitment Alex Leatherwood, five-star offensive tackle from Washington High School in Pensacola, Florida, attended Alabama's game on Saturday against Kent State. The Alabama coaching staff feels great about where things stand with Leatherwood in regards to his commitment. He will take all five official visits including one to Michigan this weekend.
9. Face smash. Glad all are OK!
10. So who's ready for the presidential debate?
Crimson Tide rolls
We will each week with thoughts on the Crimson Tide. Alabama delivered a 48-0 win against Nick Saban's alma mater on Saturday. Not a big surprise. Coach Saban wanted to see his team play a complete game. Sure everyone wants to see a complete game against the likes of Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas A&M, LSU and Auburn, but to get one still isn't a bad thing.
Mid-way through the first quarter, I'm thinking maybe it's time to take out all the major contributors on the team. The players were dropping like flies. Of course, it wasn't going to happen. I'm sure most Bama fans were ready to get a substantial lead and let the third and fourth string players get some experience.
It might be a little too early to tell if Joshua Jacobs is the next star back for Alabama. Yes, he looked good on Saturday taking the place of injured Damien Harris. He certainly looks the part from a physical stand point. I expect him to get better each week.
Alabama is blessed at the running back position now, and in the future with Najee Harris and Brian Robinson committed in the 2017 class. Damion Pierce is committed in the 2018 class.
It was also encouraging to see Cam Sims make plays. He has dealt with injuries in the past. Now the tables turn with more PT with ArDarius Stewart out. He's a big target on the outside. He can become a big weapon for Alabama throughout the rest of the season.
Back to SEC play as Alabama takes on Kentucky on Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama is a 34.5 point favorite.
Nick Saban is now the longest tenured head coach in the SEC.
Bama recruiting nuggets
LaBryan Ray, Rivals100 defensive end from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama, was very impressive on Friday night against Clay-Chalkville. Hard to knock him down from my No.1 player in the state. I will make a strong push to have five-stars next to his name by the end. Fans of Clay-Chalkville were coming up to him after the game to say how impressed they were with his performance. Of course I heard a few say Roll Tide, War Eagle and Go Dawgs. I expect him to sign with Alabama.
I spoke with a few people close to Nico Collins, five-star wide receiver from Clay-Chalkville High School on Friday night. The belief is Michigan is the team to beat. Alabama and Georgia are also still in it. He is not expected to decide anytime soon.
Alabama assistant coaches Mario Cristobal and Karl Dunbar were in attendance at the game on Friday night to see LaBryan Ray, Nico Collins and Alabama commitment Kyriq McDonald who scored three touchdowns in the win for James Clemens.
A few no-shows at the Kent State game. Jarez Parks, five-star defensive end from Sebastian River High School in Florida, and Chris Allen, four-star linebacker from Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge, did not make the trip as expected. The only big names really in town for the game were commitments- Alex Leatherwood, Markail Benton, Kyriq McDonald and Hunter Brannon.
I spoke with a source regarding Isaiah Wilson, five-star offensive tackle from Poly Prep in Brooklyn. Alabama feels in great shape for him at this time. He really likes Michigan, but Alabama has done a really good job recruiting him. He also has a great relationship with Mario Cristobal. A very tight battle until the end.
Farewell Les,
I think most assumed the loser of the game on Saturday night in Auburn would mark the end of an era for one head coach. It did. Crazy how clock management ended Les Miles' run with the Tigers. Miles ran a steady program throughout his time in Baton Rouge. He had an astonishing number of NFL draft picks. He just couldn't beat Nick Saban enough, and when you lose other SEC games the masses are ready for the exodus.
LSU will hire a big name coach. Tom Herman, Jimbo Fisher, Lane Kiffin? OK, I really don't think Kiffin is the next head coach of the Tigers, but I am starting to think he ends up as a head coach in the SEC at some point.
What will we remember most about Les? The mad hatter. The coach who would eat grass on the sidelines in the fourth quarter. The awkward hand clap. The countless clock mismanagement times. The 2011 team which many thought was one of greatest ever, but lost to Alabama in a rematch in the national championship. He did win a national championship.
A lot people ask the recruiting impact? It's hard to judge just yet. LSU will likely suffer some losses from the class. Several uncommitted players who won't sign there because of the situation. Hiring a great head coach or someone a prospect already has a relationship with can certainly help keep players on board.
Former LSU commitment Dylan Moses, Rivals100 linebacker from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, will take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. The Baton Rouge native was a big fan of Coach Miles. Alabama is certainly a contender. This might have a big impact. At the same time, the next head coach will make Moses a top priority.
Alabama is in great shape to land DeVonta Smith, Rivals100 wide receiver from Amite High School in Louisiana. I stated last week in the Insider Report I did not consider LSU a major threat to Alabama for the Tide's top WR target. I believe Alabama is also in good shape for Phidarian Mathis, three-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana. Alabama and LSU are fighting hard for Mathis.
JaCoby Stevens, Rivals100 safety from Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, chose LSU over Alabama. Stevens is originally from Louisiana. He grew up an LSU fan, and has always said it is his dream school. Alabama has continued recruiting him, and is working to get an official visit. "I'm committed to LSU, but I will continue to monitor who LSU hires and especially what happens with the current defensive staff," Stevens told Rivals.com.
We may also see impact on three five-star defensive linemen. LSU commitment Tyler Shelvin, five-star defensive tackle from Notre Dame High School in Lafayette, Louisiana, is likely to take an official visit to Alabama. Isaiah Buggs, five-star defensive tackle from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Parkinston, has LSU in his top four along with Alabama, Auburn and Ole Miss. Marvin Wilson, five-star defensive tackle from Episcopal High School in Houston, also had very high interest in LSU.
LSU appears completely out for Marvin Wilson after his post yesterday.
Tyler Shelvin is going to take some time to think about everything.
"I had not known about it until just now and it's just devastating me," Shelvin told Rivals.com. "We had a tight relationship. We talked to each other. I called him a lot and whenever he needed to talk to me he would contact me. Every time I visited there we had meetings in his office, so we had a tight relationship."
It's anyone's guess as to what Isaiah Buggs will do at this point. He will take an official visit to Alabama. The coaches know getting him on campus can put them in position to land his commitment. We'll see what happens.
Many have expected Kelvin Joseph, 2018 Rivals100 cornerback from Scotlandville High School in Baton Rouge, to decommit. Joseph is strongly considering Alabama after spending time in Tuscaloosa in the summer. He is certainly one Alabama fans needs to know.
Interesting to see if Alabama turns up the heat on either one of the in-state defensive linemen committed to LSU- Neil Farrell, three-star defensive tackle from Murphy High School in Mobile and/or Justin Thomas, three-star defensive end from Spanish Fort High School.
“I just really don't know [about a de-commitment] at this point," Farrell told Rivals.com. "Alabama, Michigan, USC and Florida State are the schools I’m gonna check out [in case]."
We'll see how things take shape in the next few weeks/months. The firing of Les Miles does not guarantee anything on the recruiting front as many will wait to see who is hired as the next head coach at LSU.
My surprise teams of week 4
Tennessee: Expectations were extremely high in Knoxville this season. Then the Vols almost lose to App State in the first game of the season. They blew out Virginia Tech (which is now looking like a much better win). Then barely escaped with a win against Ohio-a team which had lost to Texas St. Florida takes a 24-3 lead against the Vols. Game was over. No chance of scoring against that Florida defense. I never thought Tennessee would score 35 points in the second half. Not even the fans who left Neyland Stadium at halftime. That was an impressive comeback for the Vols.
Duke: What happens when you are considered one of college football's top tier programs and lose to Duke at home? Someone gets fired. Notre Dame fired DC Brian VanGorder on Sunday. Brian Kelly said it wasn't the coaches fault for the loss though. It was the players. No...it's your fault you lost to a team which has zero former five-star recruits.
Wisconsin: LSU's loss to Wisconsin really doesn't seem that bad any longer. This team is fantastic. That was one hell of a win at Michigan State on Saturday. Just a dominating defensive performance. I can't see Wisconsin beating Michigan this weekend, but it should be an awesome game.
Colorado: Mike MacIntyre has turned the corner. Big win at Oregon on Saturday. They played Michigan well last week. It will not shock me to see this team in the Pac-12 Championship game. A few big home games with Arizona State, Utah and UCLA. They still have to travel to USC, UCLA and Arizona.
Wake Forest: When I think of Wake Forest I think of Tim Duncan don't you? The Demon Deacons are 4-0 after winning at Indiana on Saturday. They could be 6-0 when they travel to FSU on October 15.
Coaches on the rise (I plan to have different coaches on this list each week)
1. Mike McIntyre (Colorado)
2. Dave Clawson (Wake Forest)
3. Bob Nielson (Western Illinois)
Heisman Favorites after week 4
1. Lamar Jackson (Louisville)
2. Lamar Jackson
3. Lamar Jackson
4. J.T. Barrett (Ohio State)
Can't miss games this week
1. Louisville at Clemson
2. Wisconsin at Michigan
3. Stanford at Washington
4. Tennessee at Georgia
Best NFL teams after week 3 (my opinion)
1. New England Patriots
2. Denver Broncos
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. Minnesota Vikings
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Green Bay Packers
7. Seattle Seahawks
8. Baltimore Ravens
9. Cincinnati Bengals
10. Arizona Cardinals
Miscellaneous
1. OK, so I never thought losing your center in third grade football to an injury would be such a big deal. It was on Saturday morning as my team was defeated by seven points. We'll get back on the right path on Tuesday night.
2. I was shocked by the news on Sunday morning of the death of Miami Marlins No.1 pitcher Jose Fernandez. People who don't follow baseball may not have known much about him. He was certainly one of the best pitchers in MLB. Tough to see someone so young with so much going for him have his life cut short by a horrific accident.
3. "Back in 1965 Sports Illustrated said I was going to be the next Arnold Palmer"- Love that quote from the movie Happy Gilmore. RIP to Arnold.
4. BHM folks- Come to trivia night at Sky Castle on Tuesday. I am one of your hosts each week. Several give-aways, cash prizes and happy hour specials all night.
5. You know I would love to see Mark Ingram have a great game against the Falcons, but also hope he doesn't score a lot of fantasy football points. My team is rolling right now with a 2-0 record. I am up 13 points heading into the night. My opponent has Mark Ingram. I have Jacob Tamme and Tevin Coleman. I think I'm good. How's your fantasy team doing this fall?
6. I'll join former Alabama All-American Mike Johnson at Rounders bar on the strip on Saturday for our recruitment segment. The show is live from 1-3 p.m.
7. Speaking of Mike Johnson....Did you know he has joined the Andrew J. Bone Real Estate Group team? Mike and I are real estate agents in the state of Alabama. While we focus on residential properties in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden, Smith Lake, Mentone we can help buyers and sellers throughout the entire state. If anyone is in the real estate market please give us a call! 205-531-5577
8. Alabama commitment Alex Leatherwood, five-star offensive tackle from Washington High School in Pensacola, Florida, attended Alabama's game on Saturday against Kent State. The Alabama coaching staff feels great about where things stand with Leatherwood in regards to his commitment. He will take all five official visits including one to Michigan this weekend.
9. Face smash. Glad all are OK!
10. So who's ready for the presidential debate?
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