Texas A&M and the SEC have been talking for months

This has been a cataclysmic day in college football. USC has finally received punishment for its dirty dealings in 2004. Nebraska looks to make the Big 10 the official big 12. And Andy Staples of Sports Illustraded has reported as Wednesday rolls into Thursday that the SEC is has been using the wingman approach to get Texas to join them.

Well, that’s the subtext I got out of it anyway. His report is that the SEC has been talking with Texas A&M for months in regard to joining the conference. And it goes without saying that the Texas legislature would seem to want Texas and A&M in some sort of a package deal. 

Then again? In and of itself A&M wouldn’t be a bad program to have. Academically, it raises the stock of the conference. And while the degree of difficulty grows in the SEC West, they’ve been able to win games before with time and care. And it allows many fanbases two to three years to heap the most vile of insults at Christine Michael.

He’s Texas A&M’s starting running back. And I didn’t make a typo. That name will be insult fun for the whole family.

Anyway. It seems that tonight has dropped the first dominos of conference realignment. And this long strange journey of a breakdown may be over.

UPDATE: Orrrrrrrrr…Texas and A&M are going to join the Big Ten who are terrible at math. But as consolation prizes go? Oklahoma’s like getting a Maserati instead of a Bugati and a Lexus. If they can get a random college up to the SEC standards.

And apparently Oklahoma State isn’t going to the Pac-10. So, yeah.

UPDATE THE SECOND: The Scott Van Pelt show says that we’re loooking at Texas A&M and Virginia Tech. If I’m the SEC? I’d probably reconsider A&M at present. At least knowing what’s rumored.

The Next Big Things of the SEC…

One of the themes of the SEC this year, especially after the graduation of an all-time great collegian like Tim Tebow, is transition. New players will step in and make their mark in the SEC. Some picks will be obvious. (SPOILER ALERT: The thumbnail picture is a hint. Or if you’re not one of the people who are actually looking here for what the search list is. Freaks are coming here.)

As such, your humble host here will attempt to deign who will and who will not rock the party that rocks the body in 2010.

Alabama: Now, for the next big thing, you’ll find that a lot of these will be players of a skill position phylum. Not for the Crimson Tide. D.J. Fluker’s physical gifts at tackle were good enough that there was something to the rumors of him starting right away as a true freshman. Cooler heads prevailed, but he will be rolling some sucker D-linemen soon enough.
Arkansas: As much as I want to believe that Jatashun Beacham will grow up to be the next Jared Lorenzen, the Razorbacks NBT looks as if it will be a wide receiver. We all know about Greg Childs and his awesome and Joe Adams and his toughness. But Cobi Hamilton? He looks like he has a chance to force the issue.
Auburn: If I actually put up a post about why I want Cameron Newton to succeed and actually put up a picture of him on this post? I’m not gonna switch it up to Michael Dyer out of nowhere.
Florida: They got to the SEC Championship with a passing game that made Addazio a word of curse for those in the Gator Chomp nation. But if an electrifying athlete like Andre Debose was healthy? History might have changed.
Georgia: Becoming a 3-4 OLB from a 4-3 defensive end is a dangerous proposition. You have a chance to unleash hell, and you have a chance to bastardize a talented defensive end. Justin Houston has a chance to be very good or very disappointing. I’m hedging my bet, but I’m leaning toward the latter.
Kentucky: There are openings on the defensive line. Veterans with four years of experience have now gone to Sundays. A true freshman will make his presence felt. His name is Mister Cobble. His name is Mister Cobble.
LSU: The Tigers have had a tendency to find success in turning over the reins at running back to a true freshman. This year may be no exception. Spencer Ware is a potential electrifier at the tailback spot. And there’s an opening. 
Mississippi State: Not since the days of A Christmas Story has there been a Bumphis with an opportunity to make an impact. Considering that the Bulldogs have lost their mighty runner in Anthony Dixon? Chad Bumphis and his pass catching will be a key to success for this season.
Ole Miss: With all the graduation that kid giggidy has felt over the past two seasons? A more conservative tack will be a good fit for the Rebels. That being said? Brandon Bolden has that certain BenJarvus Green-Ellis about him perfect for the role.
Tennessee: In recent years, Tennessee has had a bevy of talented, but problematic running backs. With Bryce Brown’s transfer and Montario Hardesty’s graduation, the next man to step in the hole? Tauren Poole. He could get 30o touches this year.
South Carolina: You want to know where the next Dexter McCluster may reside? It may be in Gamecock Country. The Name? Ace Sanders. His game? Electricity in space. Among the tall trees in the passing game? He may have a big year one.
Vanderbilt: I’m a believer that bloodlines can be a harbinger for success, especially at a position like quarterback. I am also a huge fan of the Green Bay Packers. Thus, if I were to choose anyone else besides Jordan Rodgers for the Commodores? I would be fooling myself, and you as well.

Could the Next Colt McCoy be SEC bound?

Breaking Down the rumored SEC Expansions…

As we’re living in a world where the facts of life are expansion rumors? The greatest confederation of talent since the days of Oceans 11 is not expempt from rumor and speculation. And as recruiting has gone dark and news is slow? I will break down the rumored teams, and throw in one which would be a great fit.

The first and most obvious candidate for the process of expansion? The Texas Longhorns. And I’ll tell you what? It may be quite possibly the perfect program to try to lock down to your conference. It would build up your academic reputation, and they are traditionally good to great in other revenue based sports. (It would make SEC Baseball a lot more interesting for what it’s worth.)

Even if you have to take a mediocre at best Texas A&M, and the conference that gets Texas will get the Aggies as well. Texas would be a worthwhile addition. However? Like a young Shawn Michaels, conferences get weak at the thoughts of Texas coming to join them. Someone may make a godfather offer to get Texas in to their conference.

The Marty Jannetty in this analogy be damned.

As for the Eastern balance? There is really nobody truly electrifying. The SEC runs every state from South Carolina southward. And they aren’t going to get in on North Carolina. However? In terms of football rivalry, Clemson has had several interesting moments in facing teams in the SEC East. And not just versus South Carolina either.

Ask an old school fan of Clemson about a trip between the hedges and they would lament their three losses in 1978, 1982, and 1991. Ah, but Clemson’s lone national championship came with the lone regular season loss in the Herschel Walker era. And you add the fact that Clemson and Auburns histories are interespersed? Clemson would be a great fit for the SEC.

And the rumor is Florida State would be the other team. At least according to Mr. SEC.com. Obviously, the name is still with gravitas, even if recent performances don’t show their power. And it’s not as if Florida being in Gainesville hasn’t made inroads into dominance, either.

This is the selfsame sort of logic that would make Georgia Tech a less than inspiring choice as well. They’re a good ACC football team, Georgia showed how much that was worth last year. Miami’s history would most definitely be interesting as well and like Texas, they would make the SEC Baseball something very powerful.

However? If you’re going Texas-Texas A&M-Clemson, why not make the 4th team Virginia Tech? Like the Texas didactic? The Hokies would bring an expansion to a new market, as well as some reasonably high quality Beamer Ball. Also? Blacksburg is in the southwest part of Virginia. It definitely can call itself a part of the Southeast. And like the other rumored ACC Poach Candidates? It’s not an original member of the conference.

I don’t see the SEC going to 14 teams. They would want Texas bad enough that they would have to take on Texas A&M. The key is making the East better as well. And sure you could see them take Clemson. But beyond that? I think they may leave the best choice for the East Division off the list

South Carolina: A Long Distance 2010 Preview

If you look at South Carolina? You look at a team that should be fun to watch. Stephen Garcia is the quarterback who could be the gunslinger just having fun out there. And he’s throwing it to two gigantic receivers. One of who has my sisters name. Hey, Tori Gurley, your name is delightful and hilarious and I would never say such things in your presence!

She’s not reading this.

Anyway. This is the sort of team that should hit every aspect of my wheelhouse. I love linebackers with badass names, and the Gamecocks have Shaq Wilson, whose best hits should be compiled into some sort of plaque or even a pack. I love hilarious names, and come on. D.J. Swearinger! Justice Cunningham! Hutch Erickson! These guys are awesome and totally exist!

And I could show love for a team with an upside of eight wins. I live in Big Ten country after all.

But you know what? I’m not fired up for the Gamecocks. Not even with the whimsy that touches me at my 12 year old maturity level. (Because Stephon Gilmore will be taking snaps in the single wing. And the nom de plumb of their version of the Wildcat? The Wild Cock. Yeah. I will tweet that to the point of losing followers.)

 So what happens to make me feel as if someone damaged the South Carolina Bandwagon? These things three.

1) Spurrier’s not a good villain anymore.

And I’m just saying that in the terms of being a tremendous fan of a good pro wrestling styled villains. When Spurrier was rocking the Gators in the 90′s switching quarterbacks at will? It was all a part of the mystique. But this year? He’s threatening Stephen Garcia with a freshman named Connor Shaw. With no strength of quality in terms of coaching? He’s a bit of a jerk.

2) Also? The offensive line is kind of bad.

Pretty self explanatory.

3) They’re not a Cal.

There’s something kind of timeless about the team that always falls off a cliff. Start out 5-1 and finish 7-6? People are going to remember that. The in-state ACC rival has that sort of jejune (and I am using that word correctly) to collapse properly and not just stop and start. South Carolina? They just stop and start. It’s not cool?

This year? It just feels like more of the same. 8-5 and another Pizza Bowl loss. In a word, ennui.

Why I Want Cameron Newton To Succeed.

In terms of full disclosure, I did not grow up as a fan of an SEC team. It’s just me. But as I’ve found my way down toward the SEC, fun factor is something that is just as important as alliegance. And I’m here to tell you, a successful Cam Newton is good for the SEC.

Why? Well, that’s why we’re here, isn’t it?

First of all? When you have someone who had the physical gifts of a 250 pound guy who runs a 4.5 40 yard dash, there is no doubt that you are the sort of physically gifted triggerman who would make the Gus Malzahn offense sing. He nearly combined for 3500 yards in total offense last year at his junior college. If he can translate this? There will be some big Saturdays in his future.

And if you steal the show? You get your own parody of the Bill Brasky facts. That’s just win.

Cameron Newton Fact: Alligators kill themselves for the chance to be worn by Cam Newton.

REASON THE SECOND! A part of the fun of the SEC is rivalry weeks. The Third Saturday in October, the Iron Bowl, the Worlds Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Cameron Newton only makes this history more fun. Remember, Auburn almost beat Alabama with a rag armed pocket passer. Imagine how the games going to go with the man destined to run Gus Malzahn’s basketball on grass.

But that’s not all…

Yes, that is Tim Tebow’s hip colliding with the form of Cameron Newton. And yes, this was the man who beat out John Brantley before he transferred. For you see? He bought a stolen laptop and wasn’t nearly cool enough about it to stay within the Urban Meyer family.

So now? He’s a War Eagle. And for the next two years, he’s the sort of guy who’s potentially good enough to change the game and make music with the rivalries.

Reason the third? Because there is no way that a successful Cam Newton can make the common fan sick of the high praise and hosannas that the news of the mainstream media would undoubtedly rain down on him.

Of course? I could be wrong. But I really don’t want to.

Florida vs. Alabama, Prediction Pick The SEC Championshippening

Here we go. The match-up that everybody saw coming. Florida v. Alabama. Ingram vs. Tebow. Man Mountain Cody vs. Spikes. Jorts v. Bama Bangs.

Who does the man John Hill called an “uninformed fricking idiot” think will win? Follow me.

Well, we all know the story coming into the game. How will Florida overcome the pass rush loss of Drunk Carlos Dunlap? And I have to say, despite the divinity of the man called Jermaine Cunningham?  There’s a small problem. Greg McElroy with time will be a good game manager. This will put undue pressue on Joe Haden to lock down Julio Jones.

And even then? Some combination of Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson should be able to move the ball. And Javier Arenas? He is someone who can change games with pass coverage and punt returns. And with Renaldo at his side? Saban is someone who is truly Dangeresque.

But Florida? The case for Florida is based on two reasons. One, it’s rare that you have such a veteran team at the high stakes win or die aspects. And at this point? It won’t matter how much you win by. Nobody’s going to break a pompon over your head for a one point win.

And Aaron Hernandez is a mid-range force of nature. He will be necessary for Florida to win? You know what else will be necessary? The Tebow who earned praise for deeds instead of words. His passing game has atrophied without Harvin.

But that being said? It’s a difficult prediction pick. Florida is favored by five and a half. And that makes no sense on paper. Alabama looks like the better team. They should win and cover.

However? And considering the year we’re in and my lack of a Florida homerism, this is a bitter pill to swallow. I am saying Florida 24 Alabama 17. My head says don’t bet against the Tebow in a one game playoff.

But I’m watching the game with the mute button. I’m breaking out the indie rock on the iPod.

Last Week: 3-5
Overall: 48-38

 What we learned about the SEC…

So now the season is basically done except for the single greatest game in the history of college football. (Alternate title? THE TEBOCALYPSE). I’m going to tell you this. What I want and what I think will happen? It’s going to be different.

Vanderbilt: Luck always balances out. Always. They were lucky in 2008. Not so much this year.
Mississippi State: I would give Dan Mullen coach of the year for getting to five wins. But I have no voting power. So yeah…
Kentucky: Randall Cobb is a force of nature. So long as he’s healthy? They have a punchers chance in each and every game they play. And he still has two more years of eligibility.
Auburn: There’s a lot to like if nobody snaps up Gus Malzahn as a head coach. Chris Todd was fine most of the year. Except for those final 86 seconds in the Arn Bowl? Those were indefensibly awful.
Arkansas: Most of the offense comes back. Ryan Mallett. Dennis Johnson. The indestructible wide receiver Joe Adams. On experience alone? They could be the victims of the magazine sleeper jinx.
South Carolina: For what it’s worth? All they really lose is Eric Norwood. If Spurrier gave a damn? There would be blood.
Tennessee: The coach may have a mouth that writes checks his team can’t cash? But they can recruit. And for a franchise that was atrophied? He’ll get them on the right track if they can avoid idiots thinking a Prius as a getaway car. Also? Jonathan Crompton is going to get drafted. And not as a joke either.
Georgia: Winning the rivalry game does not heal all wounds, but wrecking the Paper BEEEEEEEEEEEEEES can help heal many of them. 
LSU: Les Miles winning, by a field goal? OUTRAGEATORIOUS!
Ole Miss: A fern could have coached a five win season out of this team. Getting eight is not an impressive feat.
Florida: You beat an infirm old man into unemployment. That’s a real Christian thing to do, Tim Tebow.
Alabama: Could they have peaked on that game winning drive in the Arn Bowl? I’ll answer that question later. That drive was impressive. Damned impressive. 

My projection will come shortly. WHOO.

LINES AND FINALITY

Here we go, the end of the regular season. It all comes down to this. The jockeying of all the bowl slots between three through nine. Rivalry week. ARN BOWL! Can you tell that I AM FIRED UP?

Because I am.

Georgia @ -7.5 Georgia Tech

The Bulldogs have broken badly. You know this. I know this. The American people know this.

But while I feel this is going to be a game for 40 minutes? Those extra 20? Will belong the uncrowned Heisman Trophy Candidate Josh Nesbitt. One half of a stealth good game gets momentum. Tech by two scores.

Clemson -3 @ USC

This Dabo Swinney has taken the players of Tommy Bowden and made it his own. They’re a scrappy team and C.J. Spiller is a weapons grade all-purpose threat. Kyle Parker is a Freshman. A mature freshman. But South Carolina’s hope comes in attempting to turn him into Joe Cox. But it won’t happen. Clemson and Georgia Tech redeem the top of a conference that’s had some hilarious missteps.

Florida State +24 @ Florida

And speaking of hilarious missteps? We’re not going to see the Zombie Bowden shock the world here. But they have the an offense that can get to twenty points. Florida may score 45. But for the team whose biggest accomplishments rank as beating LSU, weepy salty tears of Urban Meyer, and the look of Brandon Spikes haunting my nightmares.

No photo. But Florida coasts to a 34-20 win.

Ole Miss -7 @ Mississippi State

Giggidy. It’s Egg Bowl time. And while the Bulldogs have fought like champions, and probably deserved entry into a Bossier City hotel because a break went their way earlier this year. That being said? Ole Miss has the ship righted. A late McCluster bomb makes it 28-17. Ole Miss.

Tennessee -3 @ Kentucky

I know the momentum is all Kentucky’s. But here’s the problem I see. Janzen Jackson is a stabilizing force in the backfield. Even if his life choices weren’t exactly the smartest? He will make sure that Kentucky won’t have near the time as Ole Miss had. Add that to game manager Crompton? And you get a comfortable win for the Vols.

Arkansas +6 @ LSU

This game has always been sort of strange. At least recently. But when Arkansas offense is humming? They can be tough to stop. And Les Miles is out to prove that he is a good coach daggum it. And as such? Take the Underdog.

Alabama @ +13 Auburn

I just have a feeling. This year has been too conventional. We have not seen a cataclysmic event. Something, that will shake the core of the BCS. Something, that unlike a website or a twitter account, will get people to say hey, this BCS is not so bad. Auburn has no right to beat Alabama on paper.

But they will. And if I’m wrong? Let us never speak of this again.

Last Week: 4-1
Overall: 45-33