BCS Title Game Thoughts

Well, here we are again. Another college football season winding down, another CRIMSON TIDE  appearance in the BCS Championship Game. Once again, all the haters can come out. Sadly, though, I didn't get to see their heads explode at the prospect of another all-SEC title game again.
 Sure-- just like last year, BAMA needed some help after a mid-season loss to get back in the picture, and just like last year-- they got it. Like I had said all year, Johnny 'Football' Manziel was the real deal, and dangerous. He made the plays, and Texas A&M's defense stepped up to the plate. Luckily, The TIDE fought their way back, teams ahead of them lost, and BAMA's back in the game-- this time as SEC Champs...!
 With SIX teams in the Top Ten, it's a shame that the Georgia Bulldogs didn't even get a BCS Bowl bid. After that SEC Championship Game slugfest with BAMA, they deserved it. With Florida, LSU, South Carolina and Texas A&M, this was a pretty impressive showing. The Gators get the Sugar Bowl bid as next highest-ranked, and The Bulldogs are relegated to a lesser-tier bowl.

  VS  

ON to THIS year's CHAMPIONSHIP Game. I remember learning to hate Notre Dame early on. As a child, I had perfectly good Christmas Holiday vacations RUINED-- two years in a ROW-- by the Fighting Irish. Two weeks out of school, Christmas gifts, fun-fun-fun. All wiped away by soul-crushing losses by BAMA to Notre Dame. The first time in the Orange Bowl, 24-23. The very next year was a repeat in the Sugar Bowl, 13-11.

As a child, I had become accustomed to The CRIMSON TIDE always winning. When they lost-- on a national stage, no less-- I was emotionally confused. Back then, there were only a few games televised every year. If you were lucky, you could see The TIDE twice, maybe three times in a season. Usually, you listened to games on the radio. TV games were a rare treat, but better when the outcome was a win. 

Throughout the years, I've always harbored ill feelings for those bitter memories, as I'm sure thousands of fans have, as well.

 I was never "over-the-top" like SOME, though. I remember that there was a gas station on Schillinger Road that was obviously owned by auburn fans. After every TIDE  loss, they always would post something 'clever' and derogatory about The CRIMSON TIDE. After the '74 season, following the Sugar Bowl loss, they posted "THE TIDE GOT ROLLED" on their marquis. I knew it was a bad idea for them when I saw it. After the first day or so, someone broke (vandalized) their sign, but inexplicably THEY PUT IT UP AGAIN!

 The following weekend, some bitter redneck burned the gas station to the ground! These lunatics took that stuff seriously even way back then...!

 I will post my thoughts and prediction for the upcoming game in a week or so. In the meantime.....

ROLL TIDE!!

OUCH! Update!

Sorry for the 'failure to post' during this most critical time of the year-- COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON!
I've been physically unable, and you can read about it over on The Brentoons Blog.
RTR!

S.E.C. Championship Gameday Comic & Prediction

ALRIGHTY, then! Here, as promised, is my SEC Championship "Gameday Comic"...!

My prediction for the game:

Georgia's tough, and they play good ball. I just think BAMA's a little better, and a little more experienced.

ALABAMA 35, Georgia 17

ROLL TIDE!

ANOTHER S.E.C. Championship Comic!

Well, since Georgia's players don't think that BAMA's that good....

THIS is what BIG AL does to 'smack-talkers'...!! ROLL TIDE!

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP COMIC!

Sorry I haven't posted in, like, FOREVER, but health issues have me VERY limited! Here, for your enjoyment, is my FIRST comic about the SEC Championship Game between the Georgia Bulldogs and THE UNIVERSITY of ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE.

ROLL TIDE!

ONCE Upon a Time.... SAD CORNDOGS!

WHAT IF "BIG AL" and his travels throughout the SEC were put into picture-books? Here's a page from a possible collection of children's stories......

The TIDE Tackles Tigahs

Sorry. Have been physically unable and too medicated to make game-day comics and predictions. This week, I make an exception.
ALABAMA 28, LSU 10
The TIDE is strong, determined, and motivated. BAMA wants NO questions, no perceived doubts, and no asterisks for the NEXT trophy. ROLL TIDE.

SOOEY, PIG..!! TIDE ROLLS INTO FAYETTEVILLE TO SLAUGHTER HAWGS!!

Well, the Arkansas Razorbacks lost last week to an unranked Louisiana-Monroe, dropping out of the Top25 and KILLING BAMA's power rankings. ESPN Gameday was scheduled to broadcast from Fayetteville, but Arkansas ruined their opportunity to be the center of the 'College Football Universe'. Tyler Wilson will mercifully be held out to save him another beating.

Prediction: ALABAMA 35, Arkansas 14

auburn 28, ULM 27.... plainsmen/war-eagles/tigers get lucky. It would be great if they lost, as it would put Louisiana-Monroe 2-0 and in first place in the SEC West. The TIDE needs cow college to win for our strength-o-schedule ratings.

tennessee 31, Florida 24.... I hate orange, but we need the Viles to win for OUR power rankings. I think they just might be a little more explosive than the seemingly plodding gators.

South Carolina 28, UAB 10..... meh... spurrier... who cares anymore.....
LSU 31, Idaho 10...... Mmmmmm..... taters...... Corndogs should handle them easily..
Georgia 45, Florida Atlantic 24..... Bulldogs secondary exposed, but they still win easily
Vanderbilt 28, Presbyterian 10.... meh
I hope Mississippi State can beat Troy, and that Ole Miss can get by Texas, but I'm afraid to make those two picks. I don't know enough about Missouri or Texas A&M yet to predict those.
I just hope they ALL win their out-of-conference match-ups.

ROLL TIDE!

ALLSTATE Premier Sponsor of BAMA's Upcoming Beatdown of Michigan

Allstate Insurance Announced as The Premier Partner of

Cowboys Classic on College Football Opening Weekend

Alabama-Michigan game at Cowboys Stadium on Sept.1 will feature the Allstate Tailgate Tour, halftime kick promotion and appearance by Cowboys legend Jay Novacek

NORTHBROOK, Ill. – Allstate Insurance Company today announced it has become The Premier Partner of the Cowboys Classic to be played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sept. 1. As part of the deal with the Dallas Cowboys, Allstate will receive signage and activation rights around the game between the University of Alabama and the University of Michigan on college football’s opening weekend.

The agreement will allow the company to raise its Allstate “Good Hands^®” field goal net behind the stadium goalposts and engage fans with the traveling Allstate Tailgate Tour located at the ESPN Fan Fest outside of Cowboys Stadium.  At the Allstate Tailgate Tour, a unique and interactive fan experience, fans can participate in college football-themed games and activities and receive an autograph from Dallas Cowboys legend Jay Novacek.

“For Allstate, joining hands with the Dallas Cowboys as The Premier Partner of the Cowboys Classic is a great way to celebrate the kickoff of the 2012 college football season,” said Lisa Cochrane, Allstate’s senior vice president of marketing.  “We are thrilled to help Cowboys Stadium host Alabama, reigning champions of the 2012 Allstate BCS National Championship™, and Michigan, defending champions of the 2012 Allstate^® Sugar Bowl^®, and their fans in a great environment for college football.”

A three-time Super Bowl champion as a tight end with the Cowboys, Novacek will be on the field at halftime when two lucky fans – one representing Alabama and the other Michigan – compete to see who can convert the most successful field goals from the 15-yard line in 60 seconds.  Allstate will present the winner with $4,000 and tickets to either the 2012 Southeastern Conference or Big Ten Conference championship game.

“We are proud to welcome Allstate, a company that has shown great commitment to the sport of college football and to enhancing the overall experience for its fans, as The Premier Partner of the Cowboys Classic,” said Jerry Jones Jr., Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer.

The 2012 Cowboys Classic will be broadcast live on ABC at 7 p.m. CDT on Sept. 1

Alabama fans can stop by the Allstate Tailgate Tour located at the ESPN Fan Fest outside of Cowboys Stadium to participate in college football-themed games and activities and receive an autograph from Dallas Cowboys legend Jay Novacek. The three-time Super Bowl champion will be on the field at halftime when two lucky fans – one representing Alabama and the other Michigan – compete to see who can convert the most successful field goals from the 15-yard line in 60 seconds. Allstate will present the winner with $4,000 and tickets to either the 2012 Southeastern Conference or Big Ten Conference championship game.
Courtesy of Katy Sparrow--TAYLOR Strategy

COUNTDOWN!

ROLL TIDE, brothers and sisters!
After seven months of enjoying the seat on the throne of College Football, we begin the trek to NUMBER 15! As you all know, THE UNIVERSITY of ALABAMA completely dominated LSU in a re-match of SEC juggernauts while the rest of the world hated, fumed, and spewed jealous bile.
Bottom line: To BE the best, you have to BEAT the best. Coach Nick Saban is not one to rest on his laurels (in this case, Championship laurels from the Beatdown in the Bayou), and he has brought in some MAJOR talent to replace the departed leaders. This group should be good enough to beat Michigan early, and should gel by November 3rd, the date of the LSU game in Baton Rouge.
Gonna be a doozy of a season, folks! Hang on!
 While we wait, I have begun a series of "SEC BAMA Villains". Here are the first two :

LSU's Les Miles as the 'Mad Hatter', drinking the 'Crimson Kool-Aid'

auburn's Gene Chizik as 'the Joker'

There will be more to follow when I get some time.....

   

OZZIE NEWSOME To Appear in Leighton, AL

From TAYLOR STRATEGY:

Pro Football Hall of Fame and Allstate Insurance Company to Honor Ozzie Newsome as “Hometown Hall of Famer™” at Colbert County High School in Leighton, Ala.

National Program Recognizes Pro Football’s Greatest Players in their Hometown Communities

Canton, Ohio – May 10, 2012 – Pro football legend Ozzie Newsome will be recognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Allstate Insurance Company in Leighton, Ala., on Thursday, May 17, as part of “Hometown Hall of Famers™,” a national program honoring the hometown roots of the sport’s greatest players with special ceremonies and plaque dedication events in local communities.

“’Hometown Hall of Famers™’ has been warmly embraced by communities and Hall of Famers alike,” said George Veras, Pro Football Hall of Fame Enterprises president and CEO. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Allstate to bring the Pro Football Hall of Fame to communities across the country and congratulate Ozzie Newsome and Colbert County High School on bringing a piece of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to Leighton.”

A 13-year veteran of the league as tight end for the Cleveland Browns and former high school standout at Colbert County High School in Leighton, Ala., Newsome will be presented with his “Hometown Hall of Famer™” plaque during a special ceremony at 1:30 p.m. CT on Thursday, May 17, at the Colbert County High School gymnasium, where the plaque will live permanently to serve as an inspiration for the school’s students and athletes. The presentation will be made by Lee Craft, Colbert County High School alumnus, assistant principal and athletic director.

“To be part of a program that brings the prestige and tradition of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to communities like Leighton is an honor for Allstate, our agents and employees,” said Lisa Cochrane, Allstate’s senior vice president of marketing.

The ceremony will be attended by Colbert County High School students, faculty, staff, alumni and Newsome’s family members and close friends. Colbert County High School Principal Melcha Satchel will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.

In addition to the plaque, a commemorative Ozzie Newsome “Hometown Hall of Famers™” road sign will be on display in Leighton, Ala.

At Colbert County High School, Newsome was a three-sport star in football, baseball and basketball, winning high school All-America honors in football and basketball. In 1972, Newsome led the Colbert Indians football team as a wide receiver and defensive back to a 13-0 season and a 3A state title.

Newsome went on to star as a wide receiver for the University of Alabama under Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant where he started in 48 consecutive games and led his team to a 42-6 record and three SEC championships. Nicknamed “The Wizard of Oz” due to his “wizardry” on the field as a wide receiver,  Newsome was a three-time All-SEC selection, the 1977 SEC “Offensive Player of the Year” and named first-team All-America as a senior and second-team All-America as a junior. Newsome finished his collegiate career with 102 catches for 2,070 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 1978 NFL Draft, Newsome became the first rookie in 25 years to be named the Browns’ Offensive Player of the Year in 1978. A longtime Browns offensive captain, Newsome played in 198 consecutive games and led the Browns to three AFC championship games. Considered by many as one of the greatest tight ends of all time, his 662 receptions for 7,980 yards and 47 touchdowns stood as NFL records until 2001. Throughout his career, he was voted into three Pro Bowls and named All-Pro seven times. Newsome is currently the general manager of the Baltimore Ravens.

Newsome was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

“Hometown Hall of Famers™ presented by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Allstate” is the Hall of Fame’s first nationwide plaque program and will lead into the celebration of its 50^th anniversary in August 2012.  For more information on the program and event videos, fans can visit www.profootballhof.com.  

About the Pro Football Hall of Fame

In its day-to-day operation, the Pro Football Hall of Fame works very closely with all facets of the pro football family – the National Football League, the 32 NFL clubs, and other entities to ensure the overall success of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In turn, the Hall strives to serve as the best possible historical showplace and repository for the sport of pro football. The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational institution that focuses on education, promoting, preserving, and honoring the great individuals and moments that have shaped the sport’s history.

About AllstateThe Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names. Widely known by its slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate^®,” Allstate offers insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate^®. As part of Allstate’s commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate employees, agency owners and the corporation provided $28 million in 2011 to thousands of nonprofit organizations and important causes across the United States.

BAMA Legend CLEM GRYSKA Passes

Former TIDE player and loooooonnnnnngtime Assistant Coach CLEM GRYSKA recently died.
Read the full write-up HERE .

#3 Goes Third! Four In First Round!

UNIVERSITY of ALABAMA running back TRENT RICHARDSON was selected as the number three overall pick in last night's NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland landed a STUD.
Safety MARK BARRON was selected a few picks later at number seven by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With the seventeenth pick, the Cincinnati Bengals nabbed cornerback DRE KIRKPATRICK.
The New England Patriots moved up to 25th and chose linebacker DONT'A HIGHTOWER.

Surprisingly-- to ME, at least-- COURTNEY UPSHAW wasn't selected until the second round, taken by the Baltimore Ravens with the 35th overall pick. I was ecstatic until I discovered he would replace the recently-departed JARRETT JOHNSON, another standout former TIDER who signed with the Chargers. (Just THINK of a D stacked with Ray Lewis, JOHNSON, TERRENCE CODY, & back-up CHAVIS WILLIAMS!)

NFL Draft Brimming With TIDERS

The National Football League holds their annual draft starting tonight, and it looks like THE University of ALABAMA could have up to FIVE players taken in the first round. Four, at the very least.

Fresh off yet ANOTHER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, The TIDE should represent pretty well in tonight's festivities. Running Back TRENT RICHARDSON is expected to be a Top-5 selection, with Safety MARK BARRON surprisingly seeing his stock rise as of late, and looking to be in the Top15.

Defensive Back DRE KIRKPATRICK --who has seen his stock rise with good workouts but fall after an arrest incident-- is probably next out of the gate from BAMA's stable of studs. 

Linebacker/Defensive End  COURTNEY UPSHAW is seemingly an enigma to NFL teams, who are not quite sure how he will fit into their schemes. He is WAY too talented to not be selected, CERTAINLY a safe bet, and it would be hard to find a more disruptive force in ANY position.

Linebacker DONTE HIGHTOWER is going to be an asset in somebody's defense. Look for him to just CRUSH people.

ROLL TIDE!

TWO MORE TITLES!

CONGRATULATIONS to THE UNIVERSITY of ALABAMA!

ROLL TIDE!!

WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS!!

MEN'S GOLF!!

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!

How It Went:

Some advice:

When you are an offensive genius, you get a job in the NFL. When you get a job in the NFL, you lose games.

When you lose games, you take a job at Arkansas. When you live in Arkansas, you get bored.

When you get bored, you go looking for strange. When you go looking for strange, you find strange.

When you find strange, you take it for a ride on your motorcycle.

When you take strange for a ride on your motorcycle, she reaches around and grabs your junk.

When she grabs your junk, you wreck your motorcycle.

When you wreck your motorcycle, you end up at a press conference in a neck brace.

Don't end up at a press conference in a neck brace...switch from cable and upgrade to DirecTV.

Hogs Ditch Petrino

The University of Arkansas fired football coach Bobby Petrino.
Read the article HERE .

My SUPER BOWL Pick...

Today, I believe that the New England Patriots will be the winner of Super Bowl XLVI (46). I know that everyone is 'tired' of the Pats, and that they were caught intercepting the other team's signals (i.e. 'cheating'), and that many are jealous of their success and the fact that Tom Brady is better than you and has a super-model wife.

MY pick, however, is based SOLELY on the fact that New England boasts TWO people who played on the collegiate level at THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA. That's right.
Former CRIMSON TIDE defensive players MARK ANDERSON (DE) and BRANDON DEADERICK are both on the Patriots squad. That's the only reason. (Incidentally, this is Mark Anderson's second trip- he was on the losing end of SB 41 with The Chicago Bears falling to the  Indianapolis Colts)
ROLL TIDE.

BAMA Had Game Won Before Kickoff

The beatdown of LSU by THE University of ALABAMA Crimson Tide was inevitable. The BCS National Championship Game was literally won before the first snap.
The Bayou Bengals, despite their dirty play, domination of OTHER opponents, and undefeated record KNEW they were lucky to be in their position. If not for BAMA's special-teams missed-kick miscues, LSU would have lost in Tuscaloosa in November. The TIDE was ready, motivated and hungry.
I had a feeling that BAMA would probably win big, and my suspicions were verified about 6 hours before kickoff. That's right. Coach Nick Saban got so far up in the head of Les Miles that any doubts I had were gone. Erased. Kaput.
 Early gameday afternoon, Coach Miles is out at midfield of The Superdome, posing for photos with family, boosters, whoever. Coach Saban walks out of the locker room, across the field, circles their perimeter in close proximity, yet never looks their direction or acknowledges Miles in any way.
 The expressions were priceless. But don't take my word for it. Look HERE:
http://youtu.be/nznM-BMJvSU

ROLL TIDE, brothers and sisters.

New TIDE Cartoon

Sorry for the delay.

As I was up in D.C. for the birth of my first grandson, Preston Daniel Hundley, I was too busy to crank out some National Championship drawings commemorating The TIDE's 21-0 shutout of LSU in the BCS Title Game.