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Can you hear that? (crickets)
It's the sound the media is making about expansion. Most outlets are reporting that all the hoopla is over, and the PAC12 put an end to the madness. The PAC12 saved it's own bacon by not extending invitations to the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse of the BIG12, because the 4 horsemen hadn't formally sent a letter to the BIG12 office announcing they were seeking opportunities elsewhere. Remember the scenario and how it played out with Texas A&M, and the SEC? It ain't over yet folks.
In other news the BIG12 President is resigning. According to the Kansas City Star it's because the Oklahoma regents are not at all happy with the favorable treatment that Texas receives. Where have we heard that before?
When asked earlier this week about what needs to be done to stabilize the BIG12 a scource for The Sporting News had this to say.
Oklahoma is expected to propose equal revenue sharing as a key part of the reform, the Tulsa paper reported. Texas and Oklahoma will meet to "iron out their differences," Orangebloods.com reported, and the two are expected to make a five-year pledge to the Big 12.
Yes Virginia, it's all about money.
Jay Jacobs has stated again, that Auburn's woes have nothing at all to do with the current coaching staff. Without naming names he emphasizes that the previous Coaching staff was not successful in their last two years, with respect to recruiting. Out of 58 athletes signed in those two years, there are currently a total of 9 seniors and fifth year seniors remaining. A far cry from the 24 that Auburn won the BCS title with last season.
I am not in favor of pointing fingers, or playing the blame game, but the facts are there to prove it. Still, it seems to go against the Auburn spirit to blame someone, rather than roll your sleeves up and get to work. It could be said that the work is being done, and Jacobs is merely running interference for Chizik and company. After all, Chizik is Jacobs first football coach hire.
Several key games are set for this weekend, LSU travels to Morgantown, WV to take on the Mountaineers. WVU has had a black eye because one of its student groups decided to print some T-SHIRTS. An embarrassment to the school, without a doubt.
While in the Eastern division, undefeated Vanderbilt, (you read that right) takes on South Carolina for an early leader on that side of the SEC. The Commodores beat a BCS bowl team in UConn so far this season, but reality has to check in somewhere, and Marcus Lattimore is the key.
Future SEC member Texas A&M will play Oklahoma State. This will be a great game, with the winner having the momentum and confidence to try and dethrone Oklahoma. I went out on a limb and picked the Cowboys to win the BIG12 this season, and be in the running for a BCS title shot. We'll find out how close I am to being right about that, this weekend.
The SEC Western Division gets a step closer to being settled this weekend as Arky and UAT go at each other. The winner will have the upper hand as far as head to head goes. I think it will come down to that scenario this season, as it may be the most difficult season to go undefeated in quite a while. It will be the toughest test of Bama's defensive unit thus far, and likely will tell us more about Petrino's squad than all the other games the Razorbacks have played this season.
In Auburn, we'll be looking for some improvement in the basics of tackling, and alignment from our defense, and a pounding, punishing run game display from our offense. There will be a few big pass plays, but I think we will see plenty of Mike Dyer in the first half.
Florida Atlantic hasn't been too spiffy, as we've seen from Acid's report yesterday, so don't look at the final score. Look for execution, and basic football to be the keys this week. Auburn's defense needs some confidence before heading into that brutal October stretch where champions are formed. This coaching staff has proven it can adjust and get better, as the season plays out, and I for one am looking forward to some major improvement on both sides of the ball.
Apparently it's never too early to look at next year's schedule possibilities. Here is one from Anchor of Gold member(like how I did that? yeah baby), Brian SWard. It's got some merit, so look through it before you throw your tomato soup at me.
Until next time.
WAR EAGLE and GOD bless!