Karle's Korner

The SEC Championship Game: Take Offense- No, Really!

     Where's the fun, anyway? I just finished filling out my Heisman ballot, and per the Heisman Trust, I'm not supposed to go mouthing off to you about my picks.  Guess those folks are buckling down on the blabbermouths (it's all about nabbing the most viewers on Heisman night). The problem this year is that the winner is pretty much already sealed.  If the kid from Texas A&M doesn't win the thing, something's wrong with (dare I say the word) the process.

     Of course I'm still not telling you for whom I voted, but I can say that after looking over the statistics of the major Heisman candidates, I got to thinking about offense. While we usually think "defense" when it comes to the SEC, I have a feeling we will see some good offense this weekend in Atlanta. Yes, Alabama is ranked #1 in the SEC in scoring defense while Georgia is #3, but it's those two offenses led by a pair of talented quarterbacks that have grabbed my attention.

     A look over the SEC statistics shows you how dominating QB's AJ McCarron and Aaron Murray have been for their respective teams. Take a look:

   Passing Efficiency:   #1 McCarron (167.8)       #2 Murray (160.7)

   Total Offense:            #2 Georgia  (439 ypg)     #3 Alabama (434 ypg)

   Scoring Offense:        #2 Alabama (37.9 ppg)   #3 Georgia (33.5 ppg)

   In fact, McCarron and Murray are ranked #1 an d #2 in the NATION in pass efficiency.  Murray is one of the nation's leaders in Points Responsible For Team with 17.7 ppg, and is ranked 4th in the nation in total offense.  And SEC rushing? Georgia's Gurley is #1 at 95 ypg while Bama's Lacy is #2 at 91 ypg.  

    What team do I like Saturday? I don't pretend to have any secret knowledge of game plans or hidden injuries, but here's a hunch:  Georgia freshman kicker Marshall Morgan has missed four PAT's this season, while Bama's Jeremy Shelley is a perfect 39-of-39.  I tend to like a team's chances when they have either a senior quarterback or a quarterback who has been tested and succeeded in big games (McCarron). So take all of those "Georgia chokes in big games" thoughts out of your head, and go with the veteran, proven, "been-there-done-that" kicker in Shelley.

   About 6:30 on Saturday night, UGA kicker Marshall Morgan will miss a PAT or a makeable field goal that would have given his team the lead. In the end, Bama wins by a foot, 28-27 because of a bad Bulldog foot.  Now, back my pick for the Heisman...

Auburn Needs A Football Coach: It's Time To Fear The Bo

     This morning I feel a bit like I did last Thursday when I sat down for Thanksgiving dinner- there's just too much on my plate. From the Iron Bowl breakdown, to the SEC Championship game to the Gene Chizik dismissal, this past weekend certainly left me with lots to digest. But after spending 17 hours at Auburn Sunday, eventually chasing the story of the day, I thought I'd tell you why the Auburn folks might be in better shape in landing a new coach than may think:  A man named Bo Jackson.

     At first glance, the timing of the Gene Chizik dismissal was poor. Yes, Chizik, while a good man, had to go, but the talent pool of available head coaches is not very deep and the list of other schools looking for coaches is as deep as ever. Searching for a new coach? Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Cal, Purdue, Colorado, NC State, Boston College and others.  For the newly-former Auburn search committee, finding a top-notch coach is certainly possible, but it will take work. I liken it a bit to bass fishing on a cold winter day. You're not going to land a 5-lb largemouth by tossing a crankbait into the lake and hoping for the best. While a lunker can be snared, it may take patience and work finding that bass that lies in deep water.

     While some insist this Auburn job would nab a middle-of-the-road rating- while others insist there are too many cooks in the Auburn kitchen that make decisions difficult to make, I think this Auburn job is a very good one. And the man to lead the Auburn nation back to relevance? Bo.

     Auburn Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs has announced a search committee consisting of himself, Mac Crawford, Pat Sullivan and Bo Jackson. With all due respect to the other three gentleman (So Jay Jacobs really kept his job?),  it's the man was once the greatest athlete in the world that has the weight of the Auburn nation's shoulders upon him.

    Vincent Jackson grew up in tiny McCalla, Alabama as tremendous baseball, football and track star. An admitted punk in childhood, Bo grew to become the most beloved athlete in Auburn sports history. Today, Bo's business empire is considerable, and his charity work admirable. Now, Bo looks to lead the way in landing a "splash" hire. Petrino? Malzahn? Smart? Strong?  When Bo talks, people listen. He's far from a "suit", but when this man sits in a conference room and brings his thoughts to the table, watch out. This is a man who does not have time for small talk, BS, or Auburn family favors. This is Bo Jackson, ready to "Just Do It." So when Bo Jackson tells the committee what coach will lead the Tigers, not too many arguments will follow.

     It was 30 years ago when Bo went over the top at Legion Field, changing the balance of power of an Iron Bowl series that saw Coach Bryant and Alabama win nine straight. Bo's short TD run gave Auburn fans hope and confidence in showing the world that those big bad folks from Tuscaloosa weren't the only folks around who could play a little football.

    Yes, it's time to "Fear The Bo":  Over the next few weeks, the former Heisman winner will once again be called upon to take the Tigers over the top- and while that rascal named Saban really has it going at the Capstone, Bo's hire could help put the Tigers program back on top.  Three decades ago Auburn fans cheered wildly for number 34- they're cheering wildly for him again. 

Whatever Happened To The Iron Bowl?

   Dear Iron Bowl,

   I'm glad that you have agreed to peruse my email.  I know you are in for a very busy week, but I wanted to speak from the heart in hopes that you take my thoughts into consideration. By the way- do you mind if I call you IB? Thanks!

   I want you to know that while we have enjoyed a special relationship over the past many decades, I feel as if you are slipping away.  Maybe we've been seeing too much of each other, maybe we need a new twist in our relationship. But when I think of what you will be offering this Saturday, my mind wanders. While you always tell me to "throw out the record books", this weekend's game might get ugly- I mean one team is favored by some 30 points. Thirty points? Is that any way to add excitement to our relationship?

     I want you to be honest with me IB:  Is there another man that has caused you to become a mere blip on the college football landscape? Look- I'm a man- in fact I'm over forty. So if you tell me that Nick Saban has caused you to sink to just another game, so be it.  What's so special about this guy anyway? He's 5 foot 7 and eats Little Debbie snack cakes, for crying out loud. But over the past few years, this guy has been sucking the excitement out of you!

     Before you exhange me for Mr "Ya Gotta Finish", remember what we have been through. You have brought me breath-taking moments like "Punt Bama Punt", "Bo Over The "Top", "Tillman, Tillman, Tillman", "Van Tiffin's Kick", "Langham's Pick", "Riddle's Run", "One For The Thumb", "Go Crazy Cadillac", "The Drive", and "Cam's Comeback". Now you've become just another game.  Those guys from Tuscaloosa have left you- they consider games against LSU, Miss State, even Texas A&M more exciting than what you have brought them. And the guys from Auburn? This year's been tough, but let's hope the Tigers "bring it" and you can offer us a breathtaking finish!

     I'm not sure what you can do, IB, to keep the excitement in our relationship.  I've been loyal to you for years (allright, back in 1983 I went to the Florida-FSU game, but I wasn't cheating, only looking).  I'll be watching you this weekend, IB, and if you decide to become just another game, remember that I will always love you. But be wary of that sneaky Saban character- and don't get all tingly inside when he tells you about The Process. 

 

The Crimson Kid: How The Alabama Nation Gave Back

     Being a journalist now for 33 years (where did the time go?), I'm more freely admitting that as detached from raw, emotional stories I try to be, I often have a difficult time not taking those stories home with me. From stories reported on Carson Tinker/Ashley Harrison, Natalie Bunn, Brad & Br0oke Franklin, Kevin Turner, John Mark Stallings, The Big Oak Ranch, Pat Sullivan, Gene Bartow, the April 2011 tornado and others, I continue to prove that I'm human afterall, and that's a good thing.  The latest story that has touched me will air Thursday night at 10:10 and again Saturday at 10 am on Fox6.

     A year ago, little Mikey Crossley was a happy, healthy 5-year old from Nashville. Mikey was also one of the biggest Alabama football fans in America. Today, Mikey is no longer with us after losing his fight.  Mikey was diagnosed 10 months ago with a deadly DIPG brain tumor, and while he fought the good fight, he died on September 12th.

     During his fight, Mikey and his parents, Crece and Terry Anglin, learned that the human spirit and the gift of giving are thriving. After learning of his illness, several Alabama football players called Crece and Terry to tell them they were thinking of their son. As Mikey's days wound down, Nick Saban picked up the phone and called Crece and Terry. Mikey was comatose, but Crece tells me that when Mikey heard Saban's voice, her son's heart rate jumped from 110 beats per minute to over 130. Soon afterwards, Mikey was gone, perhaps knowing that his wish- hearing from Coach Saban- was fulfilled.

     Last week I travelled to Nashville to hear the Anglins talk bravely about little Mikey. Just last night, Bama players such as Barrett Jones and Carson Tinker talked with us about how special Mikey was to them.

    The next time you think that a big, bad football player near you is a mere robot in headgear, think of Vinnie Sunseri dedicating the season to Mikey.  Think of Vinnie being so broken up about Mikey's passing that he didn't have it in him to talk with us on camera... Think of Nick Saban as a man that can be short and tempermental, but also a man that be passionate... Think of the Anglin's pain and the joy brought to them by a few of their heroes reaching out.

     The Mikey Crossley story will be on Fox6 News At Ten tonight (should hit about 10:10 ct). As always, I'll do my best to present the story as profesionally as I can. But remember that some stories remain with reporters for years.  This is one I'll not soon forget.

For Bama, It Ain't Over 'Til The Fat Lady Sings

     It's over! The vaunted Alabama Crimson Tide football team is out of the National Championship chase! Not so fast. The Fat Lady may be backstage clearing her throat, but until she walks on stage and does her best Beverly Sills impersonation, don't think for a minute that the Bama nation can't be celebrating a third BCS title in the last four years.

     Haven't perused the schedules of the top three unbeatens? Let me save you the time to Google.  Top-ranked Oregon has a tough road to haul before that final BCS poll emerges. The Ducks face two  nationally-ranked teams in Stanford and Oregon State, then have to play in a conference championship game. 2nd-ranked Kansas State? The Wildcats have to play Baylor and then dangerous Texas. And Notre Dame? I think Bama would run this team out of the stadium but that aside, I will tell you the Irish has to go to Los Angeles to face Southern Cal.

   When the dust settles, will there actually be two unbeatens out there? I'm here to tell you that the winner of the SEC Championship game has a very good chance to play for a national title as a strong one-loss team from the big bad SEC. The Georgia Bulldogs are playing inspired football, the Crimson Tide uninspired football.  The Tide team is now ranked 70th in the nation in passing and 70th in sacks allowed.   Nick Saban hinted Saturday after the loss to Texas A&M that he was concerned about the mental state of his players in the days prior to that game.

     I noticed one other item that Saban mentioned. Did I notice a small bit of campaigning from the coach when he reminded the media that two of his three national championship teams had one loss? Saban's no doubt a smart guy and a master manipulator: Don't think for a minute that powerful people don't listen to what a powerful man has to say.

     So then: IF the Crimson Tide wins the Iron Bowl, IF the Crimson Tide wins the SEC Championship game, and IF two of the nation's top three teams lose in the next few weeks, look for that team from Tuscaloosa to head south and play for a national championship... again!

     A few random thoughts as I put the weekend to bed:

     By the time Monday night rolls around, the chances are very high that another SEC football coach will officially be out of work. Just a hunch, but I believe in the next few days, the suits in Knoxville will officially announce that Derek Dooley is toast... My co-hort Paul Finebaum told me two days ago on "Tide and Tigers Today" that he thinks Auburn president Jay Gogue should get it over with. Paul recommends that Gogue issue a statement this week that has Gene Chizik being relieved of his duties. Finebaum thinks the more this is dragged out into Iron  Bowl of SEC Championship weekend, the uglier it may get. While Chizik said Sunday that it is "very accurate" that he has a way to turn things around (firing assistants?), I agree with Paul on this front, and I believe we will hear something from Chizik's attorney over the next week or so... The latest NCAA football statistics are in, and the Auburn Tigers keep sinking lower (that's what a 38-0 drubbing by UGA will do to a team). Here's the latest Auburn rankings from about 120 FBS teams:

Total Offense: 113th... Scoring Offense: 116th... Passing Efficiency: 119th... Passing Offense: 111th.

Total Defense:  90th... Scoring Defense: 67th...Pass Defense: 57th... Sacks: 53rd.

    So do you keep VanGorder and fire Loeffler? Just sayin...  Be with Fox6 Thursday night at 10 pm as I bring you the emotional story of 5 year-old Mikey Crossley of  Nashville. A huge Bama fan, Mikey died 9 months after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Nick Saban along with players such as Carson Tinker, Barrett Jones and Vinnie Sunseri called to talk with Mikey just hours before he passed. I'll visit with Mikey's parents Creci and Terry, and talk with Coach Saban and his players... Maybe it's exactly what NASCAR needs to impove TV ratings and track attendance: A knock-down drag-out fight between Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer.  Gordon ended Bowyer's slim Chase title hopes Sunday by paying back Bowyer for several past brush-ups. Sunday's drama gave fans some real entertainment as Gordon looked to take out Bowyer and many of his crew members.

     Have a great week, and Happy Veterans Day. God Bless those who have served our country so admirably.

Just The Kind Of Praise That Nick Saban Hates

    Statistics can be a wonderful thing. They often strip off the outer layer of a football team and reveal how strong or how weak that team (or that coach) really is. I'm breaking no ground in saying the top-ranked Alabama football team is really good.

     There are many angles from Saturday's 21-17 win at LSU to write about. AJ McCarron's heart, the offensive line's resolve, the player's determination to handle adversity (I'm sure Nick Saban will bring that up on Monday).  But when the crowd finally cleared at Death Valley, the place where Alabama's dreams came to live, it's a perusal of the game notes (provided by UA) that tells you what Saban has done since being in Tuscaloosa.  Take a look:

     The Crimson Tide is 58-3 under Nick Saban when leading at the half.

     Alabama is 12-4 against Top 10 teams the last four years.

     Take out 2007 and Nick Saban is 14-3 in the month of November as Bama's coach.

     Alabama has outscored opponents 222-34 in the first half this season.

     AJ McCarron has now thrown 289 passes without an interception.

     Jeremy Shelley has not missed a field goal or extra point this season (9 FG's, 45 PAT's).

     It has been 12 and a half games since an Alabama quarterback threw an interception.

     Alabama's defense has allowed 3 points or less at halftime five times this season.

     The Tide has scored in 151 consecutive games, the longest streak in UA history.

     Alabama boasts of the 2nd-ranked defense in America (FSU is #1).

    Of course I can go on. Fun facts like these just keep on coming, and the more you look them over, the more you think to yourself, "Maybe Steve Spurrier wasn't off his rocker!"  (Spurrier suggested the Crimson Tide could beat an NFL team if the ball bounced in the right directions).

     Of course articles or blogs like these are exactly what Nick Saban hates. You read facts like these, expectations rise, and when a loss comes, it's the end of the world.   After surviving in Baton Rouge, I don't think a loss will come this season. "Johnny Football" is a Doug Flutie look-alike who will be no match for the Bama defense this weekend. Yes, Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M is ranked 2nd in nation in total offense, the Aggies team is #5 in that category,  but has A&M faced a defense like Bama?  After Texas A&M, the Crimson Tide should have few problems in their two final games of the regular season.

    And the post season? The Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC title game? The Oregon Ducks in the BCS title game? While anything can happen (just ask Saban, he will be glad to remind you), from where I sit, I don't see this team losing anytime soon. If you disagree, just read the statistics.