Barrett Jones to return for senior season

Alabama offensive lineman Barrett Jones has decided he would rather be a student-athlete in 2012 than play football at the next level.

At the conclusion of Alabama’s Friday practice session, the Outland Trophy winner announced his plans to return to Tuscaloosa for his senior campaign with the Tide.

Jones, who has already earned his college degree, plans to enroll in graduate school.

While the ‘Bama offensive lineman does admit to having NFL aspirations, his love for the University of Alabama, by his own admission, was one of the major factors in his decision to return to the college gridiron and the classroom.

"I guess the main reason to stay is that I love being here," Jones said. "That sounds cliché, but I don't know if life gets better than this."

Jones, who has been the preeminent and most versatile offensive lineman for the Crimson Tide this season, will once again be the “anchor” across the offensive front in 2012.

LSU/UA: Originality halted as rematch draws near

As the BCS National Championship game draws closer, the majority of media pundits have nothing “fresh” to say.

Even though nothing was actually awarded on the night of Nov. 5, and everything will be on the line come Jan. 9…virtual “stillness” has come over most media members and fans.

AFCA National Championship Trophy

Other than rehashing the original early November “keys to the game” and pushing various personal opinions and/or agendas regarding the contest, the lengthy hiatus has provided most “responsible” media members, and Tide and Tiger fans, with sheer boredom.

Most “sane” fans have been relegated to watching “second tier” bowl games and watching the clock, while the “fanatical fringe” have taken to Twitter with the hopes of breaking the world record for “trolling” until they are threatened with death by three or more people.

Social media "trolling" to pass the time

Once LSU and Alabama arrive in New Orleans the pace will accelerate and various “nuggets” will be revealed, but until then, the rehashing, agenda pushing, bowl watching, and hard social media "trolling" will continue.

The BCS “got it right” in respect to LSU and Alabama, but when the “Game of the Century” has already been previewed, hyped, and played, all one can do is simply sit back and wait for the rematch.

After all, if you don’t know who LSU and Alabama are by now, and what each team brings to the table, you probably have no intentions of watching on Jan. 9…and certainly didn’t care on Nov. 5.

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2012 SEC Football Schedule

*Courtesy of SECDigitalNetwork.com*

ALABAMA
Sept. 15: at Arkansas
Sept. 29: OLE MISS
Oct. 13: at Missouri
Oct. 20: at Tennessee
Oct. 27: MISSISSIPPI STATE
Nov. 3: at LSU
Nov. 10: TEXAS A&M
Nov. 24: AUBURN

ARKANSAS
Sept. 15: ALABAMA
Sept. 29: vs. Texas A&M
Oct. 6: at Auburn
Oct. 13: KENTUCKY
Oct. 27: OLE MISS
Nov. 10: at South Carolina
Nov. 17: at Mississippi State
Nov. 24: LSU

AUBURN
Sept. 8: at Mississippi State
Sept. 22: LSU
Oct. 6: ARKANSAS
Oct. 13: at Ole Miss
Oct. 20: at Vanderbilt
Oct. 27: TEXAS A&M
Nov. 10: GEORGIA
Nov. 24: at Alabama

FLORIDA
Sept. 8: at Texas A&M
Sept. 15: at Tennessee
Sept. 22: KENTUCKY
Oct. 6: LSU
Oct. 13: at Vanderbilt
Oct. 20: SOUTH CAROLINA
Oct. 27: vs. Georgia (Jacksonville)
Nov. 3: MISSOURI

GEORGIA
Sept. 8: at Missouri
Sept. 22: VANDERBILT
Sept. 29: TENNESSEE
Oct. 6: at South Carolina
Oct. 20: at Kentucky
Oct. 27: vs. Florida (Jacksonville)
Nov. 3: OLE MISS
Nov. 10: at Auburn

KENTUCKY
Sept. 22: at Florida
Sept. 29: SOUTH CAROLINA
Oct. 6: MISSISSIPPI STATE
Oct. 13: at Arkansas
Oct. 20: GEORGIA
Oct. 27: at Missouri
Nov. 3: VANDERBILT
Nov. 24: at Tennessee

LSU
Sept. 22: at Auburn
Oct. 6: at Florida
Oct. 13: SOUTH CAROLINA
Oct. 20: at Texas A&M
Nov. 3: ALABAMA
Nov. 10: MISSISSIPPI STATE
Nov. 17: OLE MISS
Nov. 24: at Arkansas

OLE MISS
Sept. 29: at Alabama
Oct. 6: TEXAS A&M
Oct. 13: AUBURN
Oct. 27: at Arkansas
Nov. 3: at Georgia
Nov. 10: VANDERBILT
Nov. 17: at LSU
Nov. 24: MISSISSIPPI STATE

MISSISSIPPI STATE
Sept. 8: AUBURN
Oct. 6: at Kentucky
Oct. 13: TENNESSEE
Oct. 27: at Alabama
Nov. 3: TEXAS A&M
Nov. 10: at LSU
Nov. 17: ARKANSAS
Nov. 24: at Ole Miss

MISSOURI
Sept. 8: GEORGIA
Sept. 22: at South Carolina
Oct. 6: VANDERBILT
Oct. 13: ALABAMA
Oct. 27: KENTUCKY
Nov. 3: at Florida
Nov. 10: at Tennessee
Nov. 24: at Texas A&M

SOUTH CAROLINA
Aug. 30: at Vanderbilt
Sept. 22: MISSOURI
Sept. 29: at Kentucky
Oct. 6: GEORGIA
Oct. 13: at LSU
Oct. 20: at Florida
Oct. 27: TENNESSEE
Nov. 10: ARKANSAS

TENNESSEE
Sept. 15: FLORIDA
Sept. 29: at Georgia
Oct. 13: at Mississippi State
Oct. 20: ALABAMA
Oct. 27: at South Carolina
Nov. 10: MISSOURI
Nov. 17: at Vanderbilt
Nov. 24: KENTUCKY

TEXAS A&M
Sept. 8: FLORIDA
Sept. 29: vs. Arkansas
Oct. 6: at Ole Miss
Oct. 20: LSU
Oct. 27: at Auburn
Nov. 3: at Mississippi State
Nov. 10: at Alabama
Nov. 24: MISSOURI

VANDERBILT
Aug. 30: SOUTH CAROLINA
Sept. 22: at Georgia
Oct. 6: at Missouri
Oct. 13: FLORIDA
Oct. 20: AUBURN
Nov. 3: at Kentucky
Nov. 10: at Ole Miss
Nov. 17: TENNESSEE

LSU/Alabama: Statistical Revision Required for UA

Points of Note

-If Alabama is held under 100 yards on the ground, once again, they will lose. With the combination of Richardson and Lacy, the Crimson Tide must garner a total of 165 yards rushing…at minimum.

-Alabama must outgain LSU on the ground. In reference to the point above, Alabama must succeed in the running game, while holding LSU to less than 100 yards rushing.

-The Crimson Tide must “win” the penalty stat. Alabama had a total of 73 yards in penalties, and several were of the illegal substitution variety.
One such penalty came during the critical overtime period. ‘Bama spent too much time “behind the chains” on Nov. 5.

-Ball security is important regardless of the opposition, but ball security against the LSU Tigers is paramount. As was the case in the initial meeting, AJ McCarron, and all offensive skill personnel, will need to protect the football and survive to play the next down. “Forcing the issue” is not the way to go…

2012 Alabama Football Schedule

Sept. 1 Michigan (Cowboys Stadium)

Sept. 8 Western Kentucky

Sept. 15 *at Arkansas

Sept. 22 Florida Atlantic

Sept. 29 *Ole Miss

Oct. 6 Open Date

Oct. 13 *at Missouri

Oct. 20 *at Tennessee

Oct. 27 *Mississippi State

Nov. 3 *at LSU

Nov. 10 *Texas A&M

Nov. 17 Western Carolina

Nov. 24 *Auburn

*SEC Contest

Nelly “The Champ”—ESPN Bowl Coverage

*Video Courtesy of YouTube/ESPN*

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Alphonse Taylor Gives Verbal to ‘Bama

Davidson High School (Mobile, AL) lineman Alphonse Taylor has given his verbal commitment to the University of Alabama.

Taylor, who stands 6-foot-6 and tops the scale at 340-pounds, selected the Crimson Tide over Florida State after decommitting from the Seminoles earlier this month.

Expected to play nose guard for the Tide defense, Taylor becomes the 24th Alabama commitment in respect to the 2012 signing class.

Travell Dixon commits to Alabama

Defensive back Travell Dixon (Eastern Arizona J.C.) has officially signed his letter of intent and will attend the University of Alabama.

Dramatic "school reveal" via Twitter

Dixon, who is regarded as one of the top junior college DBs in the nation and a four-star prospect per Rivals.com, selected the Crimson Tide over the likes of Florida State and Mississippi State.

Dixon revealed his “college of choice” in a special announcement via Twitter.

Since Dixon was a junior college performer, he was permitted to sign his letter of intent today.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound signee is expected to play a pivotal role on the Crimson Tide defense in 2012.

Yeldon gives verbal to ‘Bama, AU fans in hysteria

Daphne High School (AL) running back T.J. Yeldon has officially decommitted from Auburn University and given his verbal commitment to the University of Alabama. Yeldon is expected to enroll at UA next month.

Yeldon, who is considered one of the top running backs in the nation in respect to the 2012 signing class, verbally committed to Auburn in June but changed that commitment Sunday afternoon.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound prospect was considered a “firm verbal” to Auburn, but in the wake of AU’s mediocre offensive production this season, coupled with the recent departure of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, Yeldon became a potential “flip” as the days moved forward.

Yeldon, who is regarded as a five-star talent per Rivals.com, has caused a major stir due to his recent verbal pledge to Alabama.

While fans of the Crimson Tide rejoice at the promise of adding yet another quality running back to the stable, Auburn fans have turned on Yeldon, his family, and virtually everyone associated with the University of Alabama.

“Switching is fine, but show some class when you do it,” expresses one AU supporter. “This kid's obviously a piece of crap thug.”

Using social media and various message boards to proclaim displeasure, the “Auburn Family” is convinced that Alabama and Nick Saban provided Yeldon and his family with impermissible benefits in exchange for his football services.

“It's time to take the gloves off,” writes a zealous fan. “Those (Alabama) scumbags need to be taken down by any means necessary.”

While the conspiracy theories have kept AU fans busy, one can’t live on “cheap fiction” alone. Auburn fans have also directed scathing remarks towards Yeldon via Twitter and wished him virtually everything short of physical death.

“…Would never wish this on anyone but T.J. Yeldon, I hope you tear every ligament in your knee,” tweets AU fan @ChapmanTanner1.

Although the above remark has since been deleted and replaced with an apology, the original “tweet” was well documented courtesy of various Twitter users exploiting the “retweet” function.

Auburn’s “fan meltdown” is certainly nothing new and the “syndrome” has become even more pervasive since 2008. The lack of basic common sense, coupled with delusions of grandeur in respect to the “worth” of the AU football program, has created utter pandemonium more often than not.

In respect to the T.J. Yeldon saga, Auburn fans simply can’t believe a highly-touted recruit would dare take a “step down” and agree to WILLINGLY play for the University of Alabama. How could someone leave Auburn for Alabama without being paid?

“This certainly rots. I'm going to love finding the money trail,” writes one Auburn madcap. “Right now it’s hard to tell if he played us or if he was simply paid off. Going to check this out right now…”

While “Mr. Tin Foil Hat” is checking it all out, sanity has arrived with a dose of reality.

Yeldon didn’t reject Auburn for Troy; he turned down Auburn for one of the elite programs in the nation.

As much as it pains Tiger fans to read and comprehend…Auburn is not an elite program and Gene Chizik is not Vince Lombardi.

Auburn is, at best, a perennial top-25 program, and Chizik is just a “yes man” in a windbreaker.

On the other hand, with an overall record of 47-6 since the 2008 season, the University of Alabama is one of the elite football programs in the nation.

Validated as a perennial national title contender since the ’08 campaign, UA is now on the cusp of earning the school’s second national title in three seasons.

Alabama also stakes claim to the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner and the 2011 Heisman Trophy third-place recipient.

What does it all mean?

Five-star prospects want to play for a stable “five-star” program. Auburn does not have a stable “five-star” program at this time.

Keep this in mind ladies and gents, prolific high school football players want to EAT Chick-fil-A after winning the BCS title…not PLAY in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

Talent on the Table: Potential 2012 Alabama Signees

Alabama currently has a total of 21 verbal commitments in respect to the 2012 signing class, but who are the remaining targets for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide?

Here is a quick look at ten prospects Alabama will attempt to reel in as national signing day approaches…

*Players listed in no particular order*

Jameis Winston-Hueytown, Alabama

-Five-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Duel-threat quarterback
-No. 1 quarterback in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 1 overall prospect in the state of Alabama per Rivals.com
-Soft-verbal to Florida State
-Has a possible future in baseball

T.J. Yeldon-Daphne, Alabama

-Five-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Running back
-No. 3 running back in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 2 overall prospect in the state of Alabama per Rivals.com
-Solid-verbal to Auburn (Potential to be “flipped” due to the departure of Gus Malzahn)

Landon Collins-Geismar, Louisiana

-Five-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Safety
-No. 2 safety in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 1 overall prospect in the state of Louisiana per Rivals.com
-Considered an Alabama “lean” by several recruiting experts

Eddie Goldman-Washington, District of Columbia

-Five-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Defensive tackle
-No. 1 defensive tackle in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 1 overall prospect in Washington, D.C. per Rivals.com
-No. 2 overall prospect in the nation per Rivals.com
-Considered an Alabama “lean” by several recruiting experts

Travell Dixon-Thatcher, Arizona

-Four-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Cornerback
-Currently attends Eastern Arizona Junior College
-Regarded as one of the top defensive backs in the junior college ranks
-Considered an Alabama “lean” by several recruiting experts

Cyrus Jones-Baltimore, Maryland

-Four-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Athlete/Wide Receiver
-No. 6 “athlete” in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 3 overall prospect in the state of Maryland per Rivals.com
-Considered an Alabama “lean” by several recruiting experts

Alphonse Taylor-Mobile, Alabama

-Three-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Offensive guard
-No. 26 offensive guard in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 15 overall prospect in the state of Alabama per Rivals.com
-Recent Florida State decommit
-Considered an Alabama “lean” by several recruiting experts

Daniel McCullers-Milledgeville, Georgia

-Four-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Defensive tackle
-Currently attends Georgia Military College
-Alabama and Tennessee appear to be the front-runners

Dorial Green-Beckham-Springfield, Missouri

-Five-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Wide receiver
-No. 1 wide receiver in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 1 overall prospect in the state of Missouri per Rivals.com
-No. 1 overall prospect in the nation per Rivals.com
-Green-Beckham has Alabama listed in his “final five” but Arkansas/Oklahoma are considered the main front-runners
-Green-Beckham is scheduled to visit the University of Alabama in January

Jordan Jenkins-Hamilton, Georgia

-Four-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Weakside defensive end
-No. 6 weakside defensive end in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 5 overall prospect in the state of Georgia per Rivals.com
-Considered an Alabama “lean” by several recruiting experts

Justin Thomas Decommits from ‘Bama

Prattville High School (AL) multipurpose standout Justin Thomas has decommitted from the University of Alabama in an effort to maintain his desire to play quarterback at the collegiate level.

Thomas, who is listed as a four-star prospect by Rivals.com, was targeted by Alabama as a defensive back…not a quarterback.

“Justin decommitted this morning,” said Prattville head coach Jamey Dubose. “Alabama told him he was going to play defensive back, and he wants to play quarterback. Alabama was honest with him and hats off to Justin and his family for sticking with what he wants to do. Alabama and Justin left it on good terms and to be honest this is the best on both parties.”

Thomas has reopened his recruitment with the hopes of becoming a multifaceted quarterback at the next level, rather than a multi-position athlete.

Thomas’ college choices include, but are not limited to, Florida State, Georgia Tech, and LSU.

CSU hires McElwain as new head coach

Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain has accepted the daunting task of resurrecting Colorado State football.

The Rams have hired McElwain to succeed Steve Fairchild as the school’s new head coach. Fairchild led the Rams to a record of 3-9 each of the past three seasons and concluded his tenure with an overall record of 16-33.

McElwain, who will continue his coaching responsibilities at Alabama through the BCS title game, is expected to receive a five-year contract in the range of $1.5 million per season from Colorado State University.

Since arriving at the University of Alabama in 2008, McElwain has been a major catalyst in the program’s success. During his tenure at UA the Crimson Tide have amassed an overall record of 47-6, won the SEC crown, captured the school’s first Heisman Trophy, and earned the 13th national championship in program history.

On Jan. 9, in his final game at Alabama, McElwain will look to guide the Crimson Tide offense to the school’s 14th national championship and second championship in three seasons.

UPDATE I: Jim McElwain was officially introduced as the new Colorado State head coach at a press conference in Fort Collins, Colorado earlier today.

UPDATE II: McElwain’s contract is a five-year deal worth $1.35 million annually. McElwain will receive an additional $150,000 in bonus money if proper graduation rates are met and no NCAA violations take place.

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Colorado State hires McElwain as new head coach

Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain has accepted the daunting task of resurrecting Colorado State football.

The Rams have hired McElwain to succeed Steve Fairchild as the school’s new head coach. Fairchild led the Rams to a record of 3-9 each of the past three seasons and concluded his tenure with an overall record of 16-33.

McElwain, who will continue his coaching responsibilities at Alabama through the BCS title game, is expected to receive a five-year contract in the range of $1.5 million per season from Colorado State University.

Since arriving at the University of Alabama in 2008, McElwain has been a major catalyst in the program’s success. During his tenure at UA the Crimson Tide have amassed an overall record of 47-6, won the SEC crown, captured the school’s first Heisman Trophy, and earned the 13th national championship in program history.

On Jan. 9, in his final game at Alabama, McElwain will look to guide the Crimson Tide offense to the school’s 14th national championship and second championship in three seasons.

Griffin III wins Heisman, Richardson distant third

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III has been awarded the 77th Heisman Trophy. “RG3” becomes the first Heisman winner in Baylor history.

Alabama running back Trent Richardson, who was considered a front-runner less than two weeks ago, finished a distant third.

Whether it was due to “BCS backlash” surrounding the Alabama Crimson Tide and the SEC, or the fact “RG3” happened to finish his regular season one week after Richardson, it only took a matter of days for the ‘Bama running back to be eliminated from Heisman contention.

Not only did Richardson finish third in the overall voting…he failed to “carry” the South region.

National Vote Ranking

1) Robert Griffin III (Baylor)
1,687 points-405 first-place votes

2) Andrew Luck (Stanford)
1,407 points-247 first-place votes

3) Trent Richardson (Alabama)
978 points-138 first-place votes

4) Montee Ball (Wisconsin)
348 points-22 first-place votes

5) Tyrann Mathieu (LSU)
327 points-34 first-place votes

South Region

1) Griffin 303 points
2) Richardson 256 points
3) Luck 182 points

The Honored Tide: 2011 College Football Awards

Postseason honors continue to mount for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team.

Thursday night at the 2011 Home Depot College Football Awards several members of the Crimson Tide, including the program as a whole, received awards acknowledging on and off the field excellence.

Running back Trent Richardson received the coveted Doak Walker Award which is presented to the nation’s best running back. Richardson is the first running back in Crimson Tide history to win the award.

‘Bama offensive lineman Barrett Jones earned the Outland Trophy which is presented to the nation’s most outstanding interior lineman. Jones is the third player in Alabama history (Chris Samuels-1999, Andre Smith-2008) to receive the award.

RB Trent Richardson, OL Barrett Jones, LB Dont’a Hightower, and DB Mark Barron were named to the Walter Camp All-America First-Team, while
C William Vlachos and LB Courtney Upshaw received All-America Second-Team honors.

With a total of four players chosen, Alabama had the most players selected to the Walter Camp All-America First-Team.

Without question the most emotional moment of the night came when the University of Alabama football program, represented by long snapper Carson Tinker, received the Disney Spirit Award.

Alabama was selected for the award due to the overall response and recovery efforts following the tornado that devastated the city of Tuscaloosa on the afternoon of April 27.

Denzel Devall Gives Verbal to ‘Bama

Bastrop High School (Bastrop, LA) linebacker Denzel Devall has given his verbal commitment to the University of Alabama for 2012.

Devall, who stands 6-foot-2 and tops the scale at 236-pounds, selected the Crimson Tide over the likes of LSU and Texas A&M.

Devall, who is considered the fifth-rated linebacker in the nation according to Rivals.com, becomes the 22nd Alabama verbal commitment in respect to the 2012 signing class.

Wuerffel Trophy, Coaches' All-SEC Team Selected

Alabama offensive lineman Barrett Jones has been awarded the coveted Wuerffel Trophy for 2011.

Named after former Florida quarterback and Heisman winner Danny Wuerffel, the award is presented to the FBS player who achieves high standards not only on the field, but in the classroom and in the community.

Jones, who graduated from the University of Alabama in August with a 4.0 GPA, has done mission labor in Haiti and has been recognized for his relief efforts following the April 27 tornado in Tuscaloosa.

The Wuerffel Trophy will be presented to Jones on Feb. 17 at the All Sports Association Awards Dinner in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

2011 Coaches' All-SEC Football Team

-Alabama had 11 players selected.
-The Crimson Tide led the second-team with a total of five players selected.
-Wide receiver/return specialist Marquis Maze earned two positions on the second-team.
-Coaches were prohibited to vote for their own players.

First-Team Offense

OL-Barrett Jones
C-William Vlachos
RB-Trent Richardson

First-Team Defense

LB-Dont’a Hightower
LB-Courtney Upshaw
DB-Mark Barron

Second-Team Offense

OL-Chance Warmack
WR-Marquis Maze

Second-Team Defense

DL-Josh Chapman
DB-Dre Kirkpatrick

Second-Team Special Teams

RS-Marquis Maze

Kurt Freitag Gives Verbal to ‘Bama

Buford High School (Buford, GA) tight end Kurt Freitag has given his verbal commitment to the University of Alabama for 2012.

Freitag, who stands 6-foot-3 and tops the scale at 245-pounds, selected the Crimson Tide over the likes of Auburn and Florida.

Freitag becomes the 21st Alabama verbal commitment in respect to the 2012 signing class.

Tide Players Receive AP and Coaches’ Honors

University of Alabama running back Trent Richardson has been named the Associated Press SEC Offensive Player of the Year as well as being named to the AP SEC first-team.

First-team selection honors were also awarded to center William Vlachos, offensive lineman Barrett Jones, safety Mark Barron, and linebacker Courtney Upshaw.

Linebacker Dont’a Hightower, nose guard Josh Chapman, and defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick were selected to the AP SEC second-team.

In similar proceedings, a total of five Crimson Tide players have been named to the 2011 AFCA FBS Coaches’ All-American Team.

Those players include, RB Trent Richardson, OL Barrett Jones, LB Dont’a Hightower, S Mark Barron, and DB DeQuan Menzie.

As the description would imply, FBS coaches perform the duty of player selection.

Abomination Apocalypse: UA is in...let hatred begin

The BCS system had the audacity to place the two best teams in the country in the Allstate BCS National Championship Game. What an outrage!

The above declaration is essentially the argument you are currently hearing from Alabama detractors once you peel away the bitterness, frustration, and revulsion.

In what became official Sunday night, the No. 1 LSU Tigers (13-0) will face the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1) at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans to determine the BCS national champion.

…Let the “Abomination Apocalypse” commence.

Theatre of the Absurd

People who are not “happy” with the idea of a rematch have decided to pitch the, “Alabama is better, but Oklahoma State deserved to go” argument. Why is this argument laughable and worthless? Let me count the ways…

The BCS and major college athletics is not about letting “little Jimmy have a turn,” but rather elite competition where the “best of the best” play each other for the right to capture superiority.

Simply stated, if Alabama is the “better” team, then under no circumstance does Oklahoma State “deserve to go.”

Another utterance of absurdity that has been washed with the same detergent as the above argument, is the innocent pitch, “oh, well, I just wanted to see someone else play LSU.”

As a fan of college football, excluding team and school allegiance, I would certainly hope that after a long season I could witness the two best teams clash for the championship instead of the No. 1 team facing an opponent randomly selected from a wicker basket.

Once again reiterating the aforementioned commentary, the objective of the BCS is to find the “best of the best” not cater to “little Jimmy” simply because a faction of the general public want him to have a swing at the giant.

The Infinite Reality

As discussed in a preceding article, Oklahoma State never had a realistic chance to surpass Alabama in the final BCS standings.

Although the Cowboys created far more drama than anyone could have imagined, myself included, you simply can’t lose to an unranked team who is currently 6-6 (3-6 in the Big 12), and expect to play for all the marbles.

In a current society where “hating” has become as common as wearing pants, those who can’t deal with the present BCS situation will be required to accept the SEC’s dominance, and soon to be sixth consecutive BCS national championship.

"We are not going to apologize for being in the game," Alabama head coach Nick Saban said Sunday night. "Our players created this opportunity, and they deserve it. That's the system, and according to the system, we should be there."

While people like Tim Brando try to crunch the numbers and figure out a way for Boise State to play in the Super Bowl, the sane faction of society will understand that the agreed upon system is the current structure…and the only structure.

Don’t disrespect the system “little Jimmy”…you formally agreed to accept your fate many years ago.

Artie Burns Gives Verbal to ‘Bama

Miami Northwestern (FL) defensive back Artie Burns has given his verbal commitment to the University of Alabama for 2013.

Burns, who attends the same high school as 2012 Tide verbal Amari Cooper, becomes the forth verbal commitment for the Crimson Tide in respect to the 2013 signing class.

In addition to his football prowess, Burns is also an accomplished track and field star in the state of Florida.

Richardson Emerges as Heisman Front-Runner

Due in large measure to his career-high 203 yards rushing against the Auburn Tigers, Alabama running back Trent Richardson has emerged as the Heisman front-runner according Heismanpundit.com and ESPN’s Heisman Watch.

Final votes which will determine the Heisman winner are due on Monday, and by all accounts a very close race is expected between Richardson and Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. The coveted award will be presented Dec. 10 in New York City.

The Level of Competition

One could easily make the argument that a player of Richardson’s caliber would produce incredible statistics against Pac-12 opponents on a weekly basis, while a player of Luck’s aptitude, although exceptional, would be relegated to “skillful” status due to the superior defensive capacity, speed, and general athleticism found in the SEC.

However, neither Luck or Richardson control who they play, they only control how they perform as individuals and team players against the allotted oppositions.

Both Luck and Richardson have not only performed admirably from an individual standpoint, but have also proven to be vital offensive cogs for their respective teams.

It goes without saying that neither Alabama or Stanford would be where they are this season without the offensive contributions and team leadership brought forth by each player.

Luck/Richardson Statistics

QB Andrew Luck-Stanford Cardinal

RB Trent Richardson-Alabama Crimson Tide

Tears in the Ointment: Alabama a lock for title game

The “agenda pushers” and “fly in the ointment” lunatics are coming to the plate for the final time this season and nothing less than a “grand slam” will suffice.

Why such a hefty order? It will take a “grand slam” of “voter proportions” to elevate the Oklahoma State Cowboys ahead of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the final BCS standings.

Current BCS Top 5

While Tim Brando, Rod Gilmore, and a host of other “scenario seekers” look for the next fictional opportunity for chaos, the realists already know the verdict.

An Oklahoma State win over Oklahoma will not be enough to send the Cowboys to New Orleans.

The Okie Pokie Plunge

Remember when OK State lost to unranked Iowa State after being
26-point favorites to win the contest? Sure you do.

The “talking heads”…they all forgot.

If Alabama had lost to Vanderbilt (6-6), Tennessee (5-7), or Mississippi State (6-6) instead of LSU, do you think the media would have suffered the same memory loss? …Of course not. Do you think Alabama would be in national title contention? …Of course not.

Alabama’s only loss of the 2011 season came at the hands of the current (and then) No. 1 team in the nation.

Oklahoma State’s only loss of the 2011 season came at the hands of an unranked (and still unranked) Iowa State club who currently sits at 6-5 with one regular season game remaining on the docket.

Did you say unranked and 6-5? Sounds comparable to the likes of Vanderbilt, Tennessee and/or Mississippi State…correct?

OK State QB Brandon Weeden

For those who claim a team has no business playing for the national title without winning their respective conference, I’m of the opinion no team has any business playing for the national title if they lose a game in overtime after they were favored to win by 26 points.

National champions don’t lose to an unranked team they were predicted to defeat by almost four touchdowns.

I’m well aware the 2008 Florida Gators, losing to unranked Ole Miss, can provide an anomaly to counter the above statements. However, I’m also aware that Ole Miss garnered a nine win season in 2008 and won the Cotton Bowl.

Iowa State, on the other hand, will be lucky to finish the season (bowl included) with a winning record.

If OK State fans are praying for an anomaly…they’re going to be horribly disappointed.

When the final BCS standings are revealed Sunday night, the only toxin in the “ointment” will be the tears of the agenda-laden and disillusioned.

Richardson, Vlachos Receive SEC Honors

Thanks to his career-high 203 yards rushing against the Auburn Tigers, Trent Richardson has been named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week for the third time in 2011.

Richardson will share the weekly honor with South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw who looked very impressive Saturday night as he helped the Gamecocks defeat in-state rival Clemson.

With his performance at Jordan-Hare Stadium, Richardson became the 11th player in Alabama history to rush for more than 200-yards in a single contest and the first Tide player to achieve such a feat since Mark Ingram (246-South Carolina) in 2009.

Richardson now has a total of nine 100-yard rushing games this season and currently leads the SEC in rushing averaging 131 yards per contest.

Not to be overshadowed, Alabama center William Vlachos has been named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week for his performance against Auburn.

Vlachos will share the weekly honor with Vanderbilt offensive lineman Kyle Fischer who was instrumental in Vandy’s win over Wake Forest.

In respect to Vlachos, the Crimson Tide center did not allow a sack, quarterback pressure, and had no missed assignments or penalties against Auburn.

Vlachos received an offensive lineman grade of 97 percent which tied the highest percentage of any Crimson Tide offensive lineman this season.

“Barner” Brutality: Alabama 42 Auburn 14

Led by running back Trent Richardson and the best defense in college football, the Alabama Crimson Tide annihilated the Auburn Tigers to the tune of 42-14.

Richardson rushed for a career-high 203 yards while quarterback AJ McCarron tossed three touchdown passes in the initial half of play.

In an age where “style points” are imperative, the Crimson Tide made a significant statement and gave the country one final look at “dominance personified” as the 2011 regular season came to an end.

Alabama Aerial Attack

AJ McCarron wasn’t “Joe Montana”…but he was unquestionably efficient and productive.

McCarron finished the afternoon 18-of-23 for 184 yards which included touchdown passes to Kenny Bell, Brad Smelley, and Trent Richardson.

The Alabama offense utilized the tight end position against Auburn as Smelley caught a total of six passes for 86 yards including the aforementioned touchdown.

McCarron was able to spread the ball to a total of seven different receivers on the afternoon while managing to keep the Auburn defense off balance for the majority of the game.

Roll Trent Roll

With runs of 35 and 57 yards, Trent Richardson was able to turn a solid day…into a career day.

The “Heisman hopeful” displayed his amazing talent on a national stage which not only aided Alabama in dismantling their in-state rival, but propelled Richardson into serious Heisman contention.

"To me, Trent's the best football player in the country," Alabama coach Nick Saban said.

In the same fashion that Alabama made a national statement as a team, Richardson made his own personal statement as he concluded the 2011 regular season in “career-besting” style.

The Crimson Curtain

As the 2011 edition of the “Iron Bowl” ventured into the final quarter of play, the Auburn Tigers had a robust 44 yards of total offense.

The Tigers would finish the day with 140 total yards which marked the lowest offensive output by any Auburn team in 15 years.

Alabama put an end to Auburn’s 14 game home winning streak, and severed the “genius” tag that AU offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn had been carrying since the 2010 season.

The daunting Alabama defense held running back Michael Dyer to a meager 48 yards, while relegating AU quarterback Clint Moseley to just 62 yards through the air including several misguided throws.

One of Moseley’s “misfires” included a “pick-six” by Crimson Tide defensive back Dee Milliner with 14 minutes remaining in the final quarter of play.

When the day was done the Tide defense had limited Auburn to a mere nine first downs and only allowed three third down conversions out of a possible 15 attempts.

Statement Complete

Barring something short of “SEC backlash” of catastrophic proportions, the Alabama Crimson Tide will play for the national championship in New Orleans.

The “agenda pushers” and “fly in the ointment” splinter groups will always remain, but thankfully for the sake of Alabama…sanity still runs the show.

While Tim Brando sits in a dark room and attempts to put UAB in the national title game, the people who actually watch football without an agenda will rightfully place the Alabama Crimson Tide in the national championship game.

Alabama/Auburn Team Statistics

Inside the Numbers: Alabama/Auburn 2011

***Rankings 1-120 to encompass all 120 FBS teams***

*Click on the chart if resolution is not adequate.*

The Ill-Prepared and Excused: AU Offensive Decline

What has been the biggest difference between the Auburn offense of 2010 and the Auburn offense of 2011?

Is it youth and inexperience across the offensive line? Is it general lack of offensive team chemistry?

Or…

Is it the simple fact that Kiehl Frazier, Clint Moseley, and Barrett Trotter combined are not good enough to carry Cam Newton’s jockstrap?

The offensive genius known as Gus Malzahn now looks very pedestrian without his prized possession and arguably one of the best players in the history of college football.

Cam Newton, the man who vaulted Malzahn to the “next big thing” in coaching circles, and seemingly carried the Auburn offense (and defense) through more escapes than Harry Houdini, is now a star with the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League.

Former Genius and Perennial Stooge

For the first time since the 2009 campaign, Gene Chizik has been asked to coach, while Malzahn has been asked to turn “quarterback mediocrity” into “quarterback efficiency” rather than being served individual superiority on a platter without having to develop talent, i.e. Newton.

As the 2011 season draws to a close it has become very clear that Auburn wasn’t prepared for life without Cam Newton…and didn’t care.

The AU coaching staff achieved what they desired last season while virtually conceding (going through the coaching motions) the 2011 campaign to the media clichéd “rebuilding” tag.

Want proof of the media “rebuilding” tag? How many times have we all heard the following during an Auburn football telecast by a commentator and/or analyst?

Auburn Win:
Gene Chizik has done an incredible job with such young talent.

Auburn Loss:
Well…Auburn is a very young football team.

When you have “media apologists” at your disposal, a win is declared a milestone and a loss is dismissed, excused, and expected.

As for the fans, the vast majority of “family members” have been (and will continue to be) more than happy to “justify” poor overall play on both sides of the ball (in most all facets) in order to bask in the glow of the school’s first national title in over 50 years.

Auburn Offensive Statistics of Note

PASSING

RECEIVING

RUSHING

Triple-Option Trouble: 'Bama 45 Georgia Southern 21

Trent Richardson rushed for a game-high 175 yards and two touchdowns as the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the pesky Georgia Southern Eagles by the score of 45-21.

In a game where “style points” were at a premium, the Alabama defense allowed 341 total yards to the No. 3 team in the FCS.

The Eagles, who ran the triple-option to perfection, kept the Crimson Tide defense confused and guessing for the entire game.

GSU running back Dominique Swope garnered 153 yards and one touchdown against the vaunted Alabama defense, and became only the 10th running back since 2005 to rush for over 100 yards against the Tide.

Collecting 21-points on the afternoon, GSU became the first team to score more than 14-points against Alabama in 2011.

While the Alabama defense had difficulty against the triple-option, the Tide offense was solid.

Other than the aforementioned Richardson, Tide quarterback AJ McCarron completed 14-of-19 passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns.

Senior tight end Brad Smelley was on the receiving end of two touchdowns and earned 58 receiving yards on four receptions.

Alabama accumulated 462 yards of total offense against the Eagles.

Injuries/Ailments

-Defensive lineman Jesse Williams suffered food poisoning on Friday night.

-Safety Will Lowery sustained a knee injury against GSU prompting Nick Saban to later say…”it doesn’t look promising.”

Crimson Tide Superlatives

-Running back Trent Richardson set a new school record for the most rushing touchdowns in a single season. The Heisman hopeful surpassed Shaun Alexander’s prior mark of 19.

-The Alabama senior class officially set the school record for most wins obtained by a senior class. Victory No. 46 broke the old mark of 45 set by the senior class of 1994.

GSU/Alabama Team Stats

Crimson Notes 11/16/11

Initial Meeting

Saturday’s contest with the Georgia Southern Eagles will mark the first encounter between GSU and 'Bama on the gridiron.

Senior Class Record

From 1991-94 the Alabama senior class won a grand total of 45 games. With a victory over Georgia Southern the 2011 senior class (2008-11) will obtain win No. 46, establishing a new Alabama school record.

14 or Less

You have to go back to the 1974 Oklahoma Sooners (national champs) in order to find a team who finished the entire season without allowing more than 14 points in a single game.

The Alabama Crimson Tide have achieved that level of success on all 10 occasions thus far in 2011 and show no signs of defensive corrosion.

In what has become arguably the best Alabama defense in 50 years, records continue to be approached…and records continue to be broken.

Roll Eagles Roll: GSU the “Alabama” of FCS

If University of Alabama football is considered the pinnacle of tradition, the Georgia Southern Eagles are the “Alabama” of FCS (I-AA) competition.

GSU has one of the most impressive resumes of any college football program in the nation, and it includes six FCS national championships and nine Southern Conference titles. The ninth SoCon title was clinched on Saturday following a 31-10 victory over the Wofford Terriers.

From the basic uniforms, to the triple-option offense, the GSU Eagles represent vintage college football while playing in a flamboyant modern era.

FCS Supremacy vs. FBS Supremacy

Georgia Southern Triple-Option

Defending the triple-option is based on discipline and responsibility.

Predicated to do nothing more but force the defense to make a mental mistake and/or “bust” in personnel responsibility, the triple-option is one of the most time-honored and effective offensive systems in the history of college football.

Triple-Option Shotgun

-Former head coach Paul Johnson (1997-2001) introduced the triple-option at GSU before taking the head coaching job at Navy in 2002. Johnson has been the head coach at Georgia Tech since 2008.

-Current GSU head coach Jeff Monken, a longtime assistant under Johnson, reinstalled the triple-option attack when he was hired by the Eagles prior to the 2010 campaign.

Triple-Option Motion (Rare Pass Play)

Fake to "Motion Man" and Running Back

1-Option "A" and "B" Wide Receivers

2-"Motion Man" (bottom left) is "C" Safety Valve