Bama/LSU Week!
Auburn will be 9-2 entering Iron Bowl
Gus Malzahn was one second away from most likely losing his job earlier this season. Les Miles came out on the losing end, and lost his the next day. Both sets of Tigers have yet to lose since the game on September 24. Auburn's rushing attack has been impressive the last few weeks led by Kamryn Pettway. I highly doubt we will see Auburn lose to Vanderbilt or Georgia prior to the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa. Auburn will most likely rank in the top 10. Malzahn isn't going to lose his job.
UF defense only thing impressive about the East
I'll throw in Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham as well, but watching the teams in the East play this year has been downright atrocious and embarrassing. Sure, there are some first year head coaches like Kirby Smart, Will Muschamp and Barry Odom. No excuses though. How is Kentucky No.2 in the East? Tennessee lost to South Carolina...Really? Florida's defense has been impressive in most games, but also were taken to the woodshed against Tennessee. Is winning the East even a big accomplishment this year? Asking for a friend.
Big 12 can't get it done
Baylor and West Virginia were the final hope for a school to represent the Big 12 in the college football playoff. Baylor couldn't beat Texas- a team ready to bring on a new coaching staff. Will they do it now? West Virginia was smacked in the mouth by Oklahoma State. Several teams will need to lose for Oklahoma to potentially sneak back into the playoff picture.
A look ahead
Alabama at LSU
Nebraska at Ohio State
Florida at Arkansas
Wisconsin at Northwestern
Vanderbilt at Auburn
Bama targets heading to Baton Rouge
Cam Akers, five-star running back from Clinton High School in Mississippi
Marvin Wilson, five-star defensive tackle from Episcopal High School in Houston, Texas
DeVonta Smith, Rivals100 wide receiver from Amite High School in Louisiana
Chris Allen, four-star linebacker from Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Phidarian Mathis, three-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana
Kelvin Joseph, 2018 Rivals100 cornerback from Scotlandville High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (LSU commitment)
NFL power rankings
1. New England Patriots
2. Dallas Cowboys
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Denver Broncos
5. Oakland Raiders
6. Atlanta Falcons
7. Seattle Seahawks
8. Kansas City Chiefs
9. Green Bay Packers
10. Buffalo Bills
Cowboys season ends
All great things must come to an end. It was so much fun coaching the Cherokee Bend Cowboys (Mountain Brook) this fall. We unfortunately lost in the semi-finals against the Bills on Saturday morning. We defeated the Bills during the season, but it wasn't close on Saturday. They took it to us. Just didn't have any answers on either side of the ball.
My plan is to continue coaching next year. Likely fourth grade. There is a draft each year so unfortunately I won't coach the same group, but hopefully a few. I didn't plan on coaching. I was asked the day before the first practice if I could help. Even then I couldn't commit. I went to the first practice and was hooked.
It was amazing to see how much these kids grew as football players throughout the season. Third grade is the first year for 11-man tackle football. The kids continued to get better each week. We certainly had some great athletes on the team who will be HS stars (at least). I'm definitely going to miss hitting practice with these kids, and the games. It was one of the most rewarding things I have been able to do.
Johnson forced to decommit because of academics
Gary Johnson, four-star linebacker from Dodge City Community College in Kansas, was focused to back away from his commitment to Alabama because of academic requirements in the SEC for junior college transfers. Johnson learned on Friday a few particular online classes were not accepted by not only Alabama, but all schools in the SEC.
Johnson could put an extra work load into potentially get to Alabama in July or August, but at the same time it's not guaranteed he will pass the classes. Alabama can't afford to wait. Neither can Johnson. It was a mutual split, but it also puts Alabama in a position to recruit another inside linebacker.
There have been several linebackers targets mentioned throughout the year including some very big targets like Baron Browning, Jarez Parks and Chris Allen. All three of those players remain top targets for the Tide. The coaching staff wants to add another true inside linebacker to the class with the loss of Johnson.
Alabama is evaluating several players. TD Moultry, four-star linebacker from Jackson-Olin High School in Birmingham, had very high interest in Alabama in the spring. Alabama was not ready to accept his commitment then as wanted him to attend summer camp. Moultry committed to Auburn. Alabama's interest has resurfaced as DC Jeremy Pruitt went to watch him play on Thursday night. One to watch for sure these next few months.
Jalen Hurd to leave Tennessee?
(from VolQuest.com)
This is gathered from the Volquest staff - As we’ve posted earlier, here’s what we know heading into noon and Butch Jones’ press conference:
Jalen Hurd stayed after the team meeting last night and met with select players. In that discussion he explained his plans of wishing to leave the program and find a program that will help him develop as a tight end.
The expectation among those that were in that meeting, and from some in the staff, was that Jalen Hurd’s time as a Tennessee football player was over.
But, this morning, we have it from multiple sources that Hurd has had conversations with Butch Jones about his future, both in this program or in another. We aren’t sure those conversations are finalized by the time Jones meets with the media. They could have more talks later today.
It will be interesting to see how Jones addresses the Hurd situation at noon.
So, the question most are wondering are, how did we get here?
Going back as far as bowl preparations, Hurd and those around him had expressed concern about how he was being used in Tennessee’s offense despite the prolific season he had. Basically, they were concerned about how he fit in an offense that didn’t use him in any pro-style looks (h-back, behind the QB, pistol, etc.)
It was more than a coincidence that Tennessee showed a lead blocker look consistently against Northwestern in the Outback Bowl.
Since there was a lot of success from that formation, it was evident coming into the season Tennessee was planning to use that more, both because it worked so well in the bowl game and because it helped Hurd develop his game.
In Tennessee’s game against Appalachian State, the Vols were under center or in the pistol nine times in the first half. We’re not sure they have done that nine times since the opener.
It’s true, throughout the season Hurd picked up his fair share of bumps and bruises, but tension has been building, especially since the Georgia game when Hurd didn’t play the majority of the second half.
Heading into the South Carolina game, the winning was helping to mask what seemed to be some frustration from Hurd in how Tennessee continued to use him. Some will ask, 'Why is all of this just coming out?' The reality is no one was discussing, or wanted to discuss this, because of the Vols' success. It wasn't a topic of discussion because the Vols were in real contention be in Atlanta the first weekend of December.
On the other side, some within the program questioned his commitment level.
That came to a head Saturday night after the Vols’ loss to South Carolina when Hurd didn’t play in the second half. Multiple people in and around the program have told us they believed Hurd not playing had little to do with injury.
That led to Sunday night’s meeting and where we are now. The question now is, is Jalen now a part of the program today and moving forward? And, if he wants to transfer, what are his options?
Can he graduate and move to another FBS program? Or does he have to transfer down?
If for some reason he decides he wants to remain a part of the program, how would he be received by his teammates and how does Butch Jones manage that?
Can the Cubs win on Tuesday to force Game 7?
This World Series has been a tremendous pitching and defensive match-up heading into Game 6 with the Indians ahead 3-2 in the series. I predicted the Cubs in 7. I'm just not sure how the Cubs are going to win two in Cleveland. All bets are off though if the Cubs can win tomorrow night. They have a great chance to Jake Arrieta on the mound. Arrieta vs. Josh Tomlin. A Game 7 will give us Kyle Hendricks vs. Corey Kluber. Can't wait to watch tomorrow night!
Auburn will be 9-2 entering Iron Bowl
Gus Malzahn was one second away from most likely losing his job earlier this season. Les Miles came out on the losing end, and lost his the next day. Both sets of Tigers have yet to lose since the game on September 24. Auburn's rushing attack has been impressive the last few weeks led by Kamryn Pettway. I highly doubt we will see Auburn lose to Vanderbilt or Georgia prior to the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa. Auburn will most likely rank in the top 10. Malzahn isn't going to lose his job.
UF defense only thing impressive about the East
I'll throw in Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham as well, but watching the teams in the East play this year has been downright atrocious and embarrassing. Sure, there are some first year head coaches like Kirby Smart, Will Muschamp and Barry Odom. No excuses though. How is Kentucky No.2 in the East? Tennessee lost to South Carolina...Really? Florida's defense has been impressive in most games, but also were taken to the woodshed against Tennessee. Is winning the East even a big accomplishment this year? Asking for a friend.
Big 12 can't get it done
Baylor and West Virginia were the final hope for a school to represent the Big 12 in the college football playoff. Baylor couldn't beat Texas- a team ready to bring on a new coaching staff. Will they do it now? West Virginia was smacked in the mouth by Oklahoma State. Several teams will need to lose for Oklahoma to potentially sneak back into the playoff picture.
A look ahead
Alabama at LSU
Nebraska at Ohio State
Florida at Arkansas
Wisconsin at Northwestern
Vanderbilt at Auburn
Bama targets heading to Baton Rouge
Cam Akers, five-star running back from Clinton High School in Mississippi
Marvin Wilson, five-star defensive tackle from Episcopal High School in Houston, Texas
DeVonta Smith, Rivals100 wide receiver from Amite High School in Louisiana
Chris Allen, four-star linebacker from Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Phidarian Mathis, three-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana
Kelvin Joseph, 2018 Rivals100 cornerback from Scotlandville High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (LSU commitment)
NFL power rankings
1. New England Patriots
2. Dallas Cowboys
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Denver Broncos
5. Oakland Raiders
6. Atlanta Falcons
7. Seattle Seahawks
8. Kansas City Chiefs
9. Green Bay Packers
10. Buffalo Bills
Cowboys season ends
All great things must come to an end. It was so much fun coaching the Cherokee Bend Cowboys (Mountain Brook) this fall. We unfortunately lost in the semi-finals against the Bills on Saturday morning. We defeated the Bills during the season, but it wasn't close on Saturday. They took it to us. Just didn't have any answers on either side of the ball.
My plan is to continue coaching next year. Likely fourth grade. There is a draft each year so unfortunately I won't coach the same group, but hopefully a few. I didn't plan on coaching. I was asked the day before the first practice if I could help. Even then I couldn't commit. I went to the first practice and was hooked.
It was amazing to see how much these kids grew as football players throughout the season. Third grade is the first year for 11-man tackle football. The kids continued to get better each week. We certainly had some great athletes on the team who will be HS stars (at least). I'm definitely going to miss hitting practice with these kids, and the games. It was one of the most rewarding things I have been able to do.
Johnson forced to decommit because of academics
Gary Johnson, four-star linebacker from Dodge City Community College in Kansas, was focused to back away from his commitment to Alabama because of academic requirements in the SEC for junior college transfers. Johnson learned on Friday a few particular online classes were not accepted by not only Alabama, but all schools in the SEC.
Johnson could put an extra work load into potentially get to Alabama in July or August, but at the same time it's not guaranteed he will pass the classes. Alabama can't afford to wait. Neither can Johnson. It was a mutual split, but it also puts Alabama in a position to recruit another inside linebacker.
There have been several linebackers targets mentioned throughout the year including some very big targets like Baron Browning, Jarez Parks and Chris Allen. All three of those players remain top targets for the Tide. The coaching staff wants to add another true inside linebacker to the class with the loss of Johnson.
Alabama is evaluating several players. TD Moultry, four-star linebacker from Jackson-Olin High School in Birmingham, had very high interest in Alabama in the spring. Alabama was not ready to accept his commitment then as wanted him to attend summer camp. Moultry committed to Auburn. Alabama's interest has resurfaced as DC Jeremy Pruitt went to watch him play on Thursday night. One to watch for sure these next few months.
Jalen Hurd to leave Tennessee?
(from VolQuest.com)
This is gathered from the Volquest staff - As we’ve posted earlier, here’s what we know heading into noon and Butch Jones’ press conference:
Jalen Hurd stayed after the team meeting last night and met with select players. In that discussion he explained his plans of wishing to leave the program and find a program that will help him develop as a tight end.
The expectation among those that were in that meeting, and from some in the staff, was that Jalen Hurd’s time as a Tennessee football player was over.
But, this morning, we have it from multiple sources that Hurd has had conversations with Butch Jones about his future, both in this program or in another. We aren’t sure those conversations are finalized by the time Jones meets with the media. They could have more talks later today.
It will be interesting to see how Jones addresses the Hurd situation at noon.
So, the question most are wondering are, how did we get here?
Going back as far as bowl preparations, Hurd and those around him had expressed concern about how he was being used in Tennessee’s offense despite the prolific season he had. Basically, they were concerned about how he fit in an offense that didn’t use him in any pro-style looks (h-back, behind the QB, pistol, etc.)
It was more than a coincidence that Tennessee showed a lead blocker look consistently against Northwestern in the Outback Bowl.
Since there was a lot of success from that formation, it was evident coming into the season Tennessee was planning to use that more, both because it worked so well in the bowl game and because it helped Hurd develop his game.
In Tennessee’s game against Appalachian State, the Vols were under center or in the pistol nine times in the first half. We’re not sure they have done that nine times since the opener.
It’s true, throughout the season Hurd picked up his fair share of bumps and bruises, but tension has been building, especially since the Georgia game when Hurd didn’t play the majority of the second half.
Heading into the South Carolina game, the winning was helping to mask what seemed to be some frustration from Hurd in how Tennessee continued to use him. Some will ask, 'Why is all of this just coming out?' The reality is no one was discussing, or wanted to discuss this, because of the Vols' success. It wasn't a topic of discussion because the Vols were in real contention be in Atlanta the first weekend of December.
On the other side, some within the program questioned his commitment level.
That came to a head Saturday night after the Vols’ loss to South Carolina when Hurd didn’t play in the second half. Multiple people in and around the program have told us they believed Hurd not playing had little to do with injury.
That led to Sunday night’s meeting and where we are now. The question now is, is Jalen now a part of the program today and moving forward? And, if he wants to transfer, what are his options?
Can he graduate and move to another FBS program? Or does he have to transfer down?
If for some reason he decides he wants to remain a part of the program, how would he be received by his teammates and how does Butch Jones manage that?
Can the Cubs win on Tuesday to force Game 7?
This World Series has been a tremendous pitching and defensive match-up heading into Game 6 with the Indians ahead 3-2 in the series. I predicted the Cubs in 7. I'm just not sure how the Cubs are going to win two in Cleveland. All bets are off though if the Cubs can win tomorrow night. They have a great chance to Jake Arrieta on the mound. Arrieta vs. Josh Tomlin. A Game 7 will give us Kyle Hendricks vs. Corey Kluber. Can't wait to watch tomorrow night!
