SEC Championship Preview - Alabama v. Georgia

Technically, college football’s four-team playoff isn’t supposed to start until 2014, but the SEC decided to get a jump on it.

This weekend, the SEC Championship, featuring the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs, is basically a one-game playoff to get to the title game. With the two teams carrying identical 11-1 records and occupying the #2 and #3 spots in the BCS rankings, this conference championship game could not be more important. With the winner playing the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for the BCS National Championship, perhaps the most relevant question is, “Which team will let the other team score the least?”

Alabama’s defense is ranked 1^st in the country. Georgia’s is not far behind at 16^th. On paper, this game should be a low scoring trench war, much like Alabama’s 9-6 loss to LSU last season. However, both defenses have an arduous task ahead of them. They’ll be facing two offenses ranked 15^th (Alabama) and 17^th (Georgia) in the country, which score a combined 77 points a game.

Alabama’s high-paced offense, scoring 39 points a game, comes into this game with some big issues.

Its talented receiving corps is depleted, as deep threat Kenny Bell broke his leg during Alabama’s 49-0 pounding of Auburn and leaves junior quarterback AJ McCarron with fewer options. McCarron has proved that he can come through in the clutch, noting his exceptional performance as a sophomore. However, when he faced two of the top defenses this year there was a noticeable drop in his performance.

McCarron’s completion percentage against the 11^th ranked and 12^th ranked defenses (Michigan and LSU, respectively) dropped from 71% in Alabama’s 10 other games to just 52%. In there only loss to Texas A&M, he threw two interceptions against a Aggie defense that only sent four pass rushers on 70% of McCarron’s drop backs. This defensive formation forced him to throw into double coverage, which resulted in the only interceptions he threw all year. Georgia would be smart to follow Texas A&M’s example and leverage its own talented defensive backs.

On the other side of the field, Alabama’s defense also has some key areas to exploit against Georgia’s 38-points-a-game offense. Against then 6^th-ranked South Carolina (Georgia’s only loss of the season), the Gamecocks defense exposed some flaws that Saban and the Tide should be quick to pounce on.

First, there’s quarterback Aaron Murray’s inability to control his throws when under pressure. Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks showed this by regularly blitzing, lowering Murray’s completion rate to just 23%. In addition, South Carolina also picked off a throw and sacked Murray twice.

Another flaw Georgia has is its lack of a decent offensive line. In the South Carolina loss, the Bulldogs had 12 negative plays (e.g., sacks, interceptions, loss of yards), with nine of them against a four-man pass rush. With Murray losing control when under pressure, combined with 6-7 linemen unable to protect him, Georgia is going to have a hard time getting anything going.

Another thing both teams share is that they’ve been here before and know what’s at stake.

Last year, the Bulldogs played in the SEC Championship game, where they were shut down by LSU and sent off to the Outback Bowl, stinging from the defeat that knocked them out of the title picture. This year, they come in with determination to win, as a defeat will all but eliminate its chances of the title.  Georgia coach Mark Richt summed it up by saying, “Physically, mentally, be ready to handle your business when the ball kicks off. That’s my only focus.”

On the other side, this is Alabama’s 8^th SEC title game, but its first against a team other than the Florida Gators. Alabama Coach Nick Saban comes into this game excited and ready. “Regardless of what you accomplished in the past,” said Saban, “this is the most important game we’re going to play this year.”

No matter who has the better offense, or better defense, the path to the BCS National Championship goes through this game, so be ready for one of the most exciting games of the year.

With Alabama’s superior defense, expect Murray to be pounded early and often by the relentless Tide attack. Turnovers and other pressure-related problems will likely keep the Bulldogs in check. Meanwhile, Georgia’s NFL-caliber defense will keep it close, but McCarron’s experience and the chance to appear in his second championship game will drive Alabama to a win. Alabama 21, Georgia 10

Toronto: From Worst to First?

The Miami Marlins latest payroll purge was approved on Monday by Commissioner Bud Selig. This blockbuster deal, paired with other lopsided deals the Marlins have made throughout the year, continue to alienate the shrinking Marlins fan base.

Since midseason, when they started trading away players from a sinking ship, 12 major leaguers have been traded. These 12 players aren't just anybody. Two-time Silver Slugger™ Award winner and former Rookie of the Year Hanley Ramirez was sent to the Dodgers, and former NL batting champ Jose Reyes was recently sent to Toronto.

With these trades, the Marlins have eliminated huge salaries. The amount of money in guaranteed salaries associated with the 12 traded players is $163.75 million dollars. In 2012, only three teams – the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies – had a higher total payroll than that. Of that, $96 million belonged to Jose Reyes, one of the Marlin’s big free agent signings last season.

Reyes was the centerpiece in the recent trade to the Blue Jays, a trade involving 12 players and an extra $8.5 million in cash that Miami sent to Toronto. This trade has sent the Blue Jays payroll through the roof. Last year, the Blue Jays had the 19th highest payroll in the league. After this trade, their Opening Day payroll could be the 5th highest in the league, behind teams like the Yankees and the Phillies.

The various Marlin deals have dramatically shaken up the Major League Baseball landscape going into the 2013 season, particularly the AL East. Here's a look at the potential impact.

Miami Marlins

 What are they doing? Since mid season they have shipped out player after player, getting rid of so much in guaranteed contracts that there opening day payroll is expected to be only $36 million for active players. Even though its only November, not many free agents are expected to sign multi-year deals after none of the players Miami signed last year remain. Without any more players coming in, there payroll will be the lowest in the league since 2008. In comparison, the smallest payroll in 2012 was the AL West champion Oakland A’s $59.5 million. It might be a good path for Miami, after their huge spending spree in the offseason didn't work, as they finished with a 69-93 record.

The loss of Jose Reyes will especially hurt the team, as he was a key part in keeping the team afloat after they traded Hanley to the Dodgers.  Losing starters Buehrle and Johnson is going to hurt their rotation a lot as well. With a rotation where the #1 pitcher might be Ricky Nolasco, they will struggle to win games. Also, having guys like Bryan Petersen in the lineup, trying to set up Stanton will be a problem. Without solid support for Stanton in the lineup, both he and the Marlins will falter.

They are coming off a tumultuous season involving former manager Ozzie Guillen, who they fired, and quickly replaced with Mike Redmond. Redmond retired from baseball just two years ago, so it isn’t clear what management is thinking. The 41-year old Redmond is not the right choice for manager. They need an experienced, veteran manager who can right the ship.

If the team stays on this track, they’re potentially heading to the same place the Astros find themselves: the cellar.

Toronto Blue Jays

 All of a sudden, the AL East has become more competitive, building on the 2012 season which saw three teams with over 90 wins. The Blue Jays will now likely join that elite group, instead of being the team that has been near the bottom of the division since winning the division title (and the World Series) 19 years ago. The future is looking up because of the fleet of talented players from Miami, including former All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes, talented starting pitchers Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson and utility players Emilio Bonifacio and John Buck. On paper, they are arguably the best team in the East; ahead of last year’s division Champion New York, 93-win Baltimore, and 90-win Tampa Bay. Sure, they don’t have a true No. 1 starter, but with the ever-reliable Mark Buehrle, the talented Brandon Morrow, and Ricky Romero, along with the addition of Josh Johnson, you have a decent rotation. According to a multiple baseball executives (Terry Ryan, Andrew Friedman and others), Toronto has a lot of number twos and number threes on the mound, which makes their rotation competitive.  Pair that rotation with a bullpen of live arms and a decent offense, and you have a much-improved team. Their offense, which fell after Bautista was hurt, gets rejuvenated when you mix in the leadoff power of Reyes and Bonifacio. With those two at the top of the lineup, you have two guys who will get on base a lot. Then, with Edwin Encarnacion coming off a strong season- the Blue Jays have a potent offense. With all these pieces in place, they have a chance at there first AL East title since 1993.

AL East

The AL East just got very interesting, as there are now five teams in contention, assuming the Red Sox can turn things around. Last season, there were three teams with over 90 wins, which did not include the Red Sox (who had a terrible season under now-fired manager Bobby Valentine) and the newly revamped Blue Jays.

Perhaps the AL East’s new slogan should be “where good teams go to die.”  There are five teams in the East capable of making the playoffs, but only a maximum of three spots these teams can fill: division champion plus two wildcards. Given that the whole division clearly has talent, the large number of divisional games will make for some exciting baseball. Out of the division, all of the teams are going to have to win a lot just to get close to the playoffs. This lopsided trade by the Marlins really took the AL East’s already competitive division and somehow made it even more competitive: five teams in playoff contention.

Looking Ahead

Many people believe the Marlin trade will have a big impact now, but in the long run, the impact could be even greater. Divisional realignment and/or more wild card teams are possibilities that could leave a resounding impact on Major League Baseball. Its time for Jeffery Loria to take a long look at what’s going on around the league, as he’s alienating his team’s fans and killing the Marlins future dreams as a contender in this league, as well as, potentially, affecting the league’s future.

Rival Week in College Football

It's down to this- the last week of regular season College Football, and the stakes are high. This week has been nicknamed "Rival Week", and there's a good reason for it! Some of the NCAA's biggest rivalries are being continued this week- and they all have a pretty big impact on the BCS landscape.

#1 Notre Dame vs. USC

This rivalry has been around since 1926, and these perennial football powers always put on a show. With 22 titles and 14 Heisman trophies between the two of them, this match up has always been important- but even more this year! This year USC came in as the #1 and Notre Dame was unranked- and now it’s been reversed, as the Fighting Irish had some luck last week. They won, but there outlook looked bleak because they were ranked #3, behind two teams that looked invincible. However, when Oregon and Kansas State were both shocked- South Bend came alive as they are ranked #1 for the first time since 1988.They come into this game as the only undefeated bowl eligible team-while there longtime rival USC is 7-4. USC hasn't met expectations this year- under performing against teams like UCLA and Arizona. Last week they were beat by UCLA- an unranked team. Also during there 38-28 loss, they lost there star senior quarterback Matt Barkley- a loss that will greatly affect there chances against Notre Dame.. I think that without Barkley, USC coach Lane Kiffin is going to have to alter his game plan a lot, as they will be starting red shirt freshman Matt Wittek. He‘s 19 years old, and has talent- Kiffin has even said that he has more arm strength and speed than Barkley. That doesn't mean he’s the next big thing, though- he’s inconsistent and you can tell that he’s young based on the way he plays. For me, the key for USC to win is to get there run game going and take some of the pressure off Wittek- but Manti Te’o and the Fighting Irish will keep that from happening. Notre Dame is hard to score on- there first in the nation because they only give up 10 points a game- and that’s even though they've played teams like Oklahoma, Michigan, Michigan State and Stanford. I think that there killer defense will force Wittek into problems early, Kiffin won’t be able to get his run game going, and Manti Te’o and Notre Dame will be off towards the BCS Championship with a win. Notre Dame 30, USC 21 

#2 Alabama vs. Auburn

The Iron Bowl is one of the best and most hard fought rivalries in all of sports. Started in 1893, there have been over 75 games between the two biggest universities in Alabama. The last three years, the winner of this game has gone and won the BCS Championship- Alabama twice and Auburn once. For the fifth straight year, the Iron Bowl features a team in the national title hunt- the 10-1 Crimson Tide, who control there own fate now. A victory over the 3-8 Tigers would put the Tide in the SEC Championship game against the team right behind them in the rankings- #3 Georgia. That game would be one of the most exciting of the year because it would basically be a semi-final, with the winner inevitably going to the title game. Ever since Alabama fell to Texas A&M and Johnny Manziel, they have been crossing there fingers for something big to happen. There wishes came true, as the top two teams fell, leading to a midnight celebration in Tuscaloosa, as they flew up to #2 in the rankings. Now, they’re on the verge of getting to the top for the third time in four years- and there opposition looks easy. Auburn head coach Gene Chizik, the mastermind who in 2010 led them to a BCS Championship is on the verge of being fired- his Tigers are winless in SEC play, and only have 3 wins this year. However, Alabama is not going to be caught off guard, as Nick Saban was talking to the press about the fact that this is a rivalry game, and all previous games get thrown out the window. I don’t think he should be worrying about much- with a top ranked defense and a offense that’s scoring 36 points a game will lead Alabama to a easy win- remember, there’s no holding back in rivalry games! Alabama 45, Auburn 10

#13 Oklahoma vs. #21 Oklahoma State

The Bedlam Game- the inter-state rivalry between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, a rivalry game that dates back all the way to 1904! Oklahoma leads the 108-year old rivalry game with 82 wins to Oklahoma States 17. The Bedlam is continued after last years crazy game, when Oklahoma collapsed and was rolled over by Oklahoma State, 44-10. Now, with both of them in the top 25 again and looking for bowl games, this match up should be interesting. An outright Big 12 title is in play for Oklahoma after Kansas State fell last week, and even Oklahoma State could earn a share of the title. This game is going to be very intriguing with the changes that both teams have been making. First of all, Oklahoma State is borrowing a page out of the Sooners playbook- they unveiled a new game plan- a short-yardage scheme with an alternate quarterback. This will make the game interesting, as neither of these teams can play defense well- and the Cowboys offense has a new attack which will turn this game into a shootout. I think that even though the Cowboys changed there dynamic and it’s a good plan, Oklahoma has more experience at the short-yardage scheme and last week’s Capital One Impact Player of the Week Landry Jones will lift the Sooners to avenge there meltdown last year. Oklahoma 41, Oklahoma State 36

#4 Florida vs. #10 Florida State

This rivalry was ignited in 1958, and it has been going on ever since between the two oldest public universities in the Sunshine State. The game was dominated by powerhouse Florida, who won the first 19 games- but in the last 40 years, it has evened out, with both teams winning 20 games. This year is the first year since 2000 that both teams are in the top 10, and it makes the game very interesting. The Gators, sitting at #4 in the rankings – suddenly have a shot at the title game after winning 3 straight since there loss to Georgia. It won’t make a difference if they can’t find a way to beat the tough #10 Seminoles. The Gators have a chance at getting to the game, they just need to win and put there fate in the opponents of Notre Dame, Alabama and Georgia. However, it will be tough with the Gators struggling offense (only scoring 18 points per game recently) against the Seminoles #1 ranked defense. The Seminoles defense is led by defensive ends Bjoern Warner and Cornellius Carradine, who've combined for 20 sacks. The imposing forces the Seminoles have allow only 236.6 yards a game, tops in the nation, and rank fifth in scoring defense. Florida also has a top defense, ranked third in scoring defense- but they have a tough test in Seminoles quarterback EJ Manuel. He has thrown for 2,785 yards and 20 touchdowns this year, and is a multi-purpose threat. I think that Manuel will help push Florida State over the top- as there defense will shut down Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel and kill the Gators title game hopes. Florida State 28, Florida 21

#5 Oregon vs. #15 Oregon State

The historic Civil War-a game, ranked seventh on the list of most played rivalry games in college football, first originated in 1894.Since the start of the series, Oregon has 59 victories to Oregon States 46 and they've tied 10 times. The last four games have gone to the Ducks high flying offense that took them to two Rose Bowls and a BCS Championship game. This year, the Ducks have just fallen back to earth after being upset by Stanford last week in overtime. They were #1 and just had to win two more games to make it to the BCS championship- and they were shocked by a field goal. Now, they stagger in to face an 8-2 Beavers team who still has a lot to play for. If the Beavers win, they can probably earn an at-large bid in a BCS Bowl Game. Oregon, also have a lot to play for- they still have a outside chance at getting to the BCS Championship- with a whole lot of help from other teams. With an offense ranked #1 in the country, averaging an incredible 54 points a game, last week was a fluke. After spending only 6 days as the #1 team, Oregon is going for more than bragging rights in the 2012 edition of the Civil War. If they can win, they need some things to fall in there favor. A USC win would be helpful, but what they really need is for Florida, Georgia and Alabama to all lose- and then they would be set to play in there second championship in two years. Oregon State, on the other side, is coming off a big win against California. They gained 559 yards to win 62-14. This year, the civil war is one of the most exciting rivalry games because both teams are talented and good. I think that Oregon has the edge, and there high-flying offense is so effective and devastating that the Beavers are going to be pushed up and down the field. The Beavers have a decent offense, led by quarterback Sean Mannion- but I think the Ducks are just too good for the Beavers. Oregon 40, Oregon State 28

#19 Michigan vs. Ohio State

The Game is always a big deal- it dates back to 1935 and ESPN even rated it as the greatest North American sports rivalry, but this year the stakes are as high as 2006. In 2006, they were ranked 1-2 and carried 11-0 records, which Ohio State came out on top, 42-39, on there way to a place in the BCS championship.. This year, the Buckeyes are trying to finish off a 12-0 season, while Michigan frantically needs a win in hopes of catching Nebraska and keeping there BCS at-large hopes alive. The Buckeye’s have been completely turned around by Urban Meyer. Head Coach Urban Meyer makes his first appearance in this intense rivalry, but he knows fierce competition, coming from the Florida-FSU rivalry he coached in. His team, 11-0 coming into this game, has ridden the incredible talent of multi-purpose quarterback Braxton Miller. Miller is one of my favorite quarterbacks to watch in college football- he's efficient, fast, strong, accurate and can flat out play. He has thrown for 1850 yards and also leads the team in rushing with 1200 yards on the ground this season. He's also thrown 14 touchdowns and ran for 13- a total of 26 touchdowns in 11 games. On the other side of things, Michigan comes in with a dilemma. The past three games, junior Devin Gardner has been starting in place of hurt senior Denard Robinson. He’s flourished as a starter, throwing for 834 yards and 7 touchdowns while adding 105 yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground. Michigan head coach Brady Hoke in a press conference said with a straight face that when asked if Robinson would start, he said he didn't know. I think that Hoke isn't saying anything because he might be trying to keep there possible game plan with lining up Robinson as a back or receiver a secret until The Game rolls around. The Buckeyes Meyer said in a statement that they were playing conservative against Wisconsin and that they were going to let it out against Michigan in The Game- and with Braxton Miller as the quarterback that could be big. In my opinion, both of these teams are very talented but I think that Ohio State is better because of Millers talent and Meyer’s skill. I think that Ohio State will win; finishes undefeated and look forward to next year when they are just as talented and still bowl eligible. Ohio State 34, Michigan 24

#24 Arizona vs. Arizona State

The Territorial Cup. The Duel in the Desert. Whatever you want to call it, this match up between Arizona and Arizona State is one of the oldest rivalry games in NCAA football, and is even recognized by the NCAA as an official trophy. Started in 1899, Arizona leads the overall series 47-37-1. This year, there’s not much at stake other than bragging rights because of where the teams are. Both teams, led by new coaches (Todd Graham and Rich Rodriguez), are already in the playoffs and neither of them have a shot at the Pac-12 title. Both teams have strengths and weaknesses, making this game very close. Arizona’s trump card is Ka’Deem Carey, the nations leading rusher- who has been an unstoppable force coming from the backfield and should be a mismatch issue for the Sun Devils. However, ASU also has a way to slow down Carey- one of the best defensive lineman in the country, Will Sutton. Head coach Todd Graham has confidence in his defense after holding Washington State to 1 rushing yard, but he says he’s definitely going to be a tough match up and they've been preparing for him. I think Graham and Arizona State are decent, but I think with the way Careys been playing, he will be hard to stop and will lead Arizona to a close victory over the Sun Devils. Arizona 38, Arizona State 35

NFL Turkey Day Predictions

With Thanksgiving tomorrow and the national pastime to watch the NFL games before pigging out, I decided to preview that jam-packed slate that is on tomorrow. This year, instead of the traditional one game- there is three games on, and they are all pretty interesting.
New England Patriots at the New York Jets

This is going to be a very interesting game- the last time they faced, New England eked out a 3-point overtime victory in front of there home crowd- and now they're traveling to New York without one of the most important parts of there offense. The Gronk. Against the Colts last week, and the end of the game nearing with a 51-24 lead- tight end Rob Gronkowski broke his forearm and Patriots fans everywhere screamed at the wall. And so did the millions of fantasy football owners throughout the world at the sight of the #1 fantasy football tight end go down. The Patriots will feel the pain of playing without there chief playmaker, but you can't forget the guy that they have behind center- Tom Brady. You can gurantee there will be very few three and outs when he's playing, and even though the Patriots defense is horrific- the Jets aren't built to score. With the two most overrated players in the NFL (according to a SI players poll) in Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow, the Jets are going to go three and out often and end up falling to far back to have a chance. My prediction: Patriots 30, Jets 20
Houston Texans at the Detroit Lions

Coming into this Thanksgiving match up  the two teams are going in opposite directions. The Houston Texans are coming in with a record of 9-1, a top-ranked running back with Arian Foster and a 4 game winning streak. They also have a shutdown defense who is 2nd in rushing defense and 7th in passing defense. On the other side of the spectrum, the Detroit Lions are coming in with a 4-6 record, clinging to the hope of a postseason berth. They've lost two in a row, both to divisional rivals. However, this game might not be a complete domination by the Texans- they've got there hands full with the best, statistically speaking, quarterback in the league in Matthew Stafford and the best wide receiver in Calvin "Megatron" Johnson. This passing attack is ranked number one in the league, and Stafford is averaging over 300 yards a game, a shocking number. This matchup with the Texans strong secondary should be interesting, as they only normally give up only 210 yards a game. I think, that overall- both of these teams are pretty equal, just that the Lions have struggled this year. I'm going to go with a upset: Lions 28, Texans 21
Washington Redskins at the Dallas Cowboys

This is going to be a great game between two teams that are close to equal and big time divisional rivals. Coming into this game, the Redskins are 4-6, but are drawing huge crowds because everybody wants to see the next big thing- Robert Griffin III, or RG3. The Cowboys have a better record, at 5-5, and come in to this with a two game win streak and the great news that there superstar running back Demarco Murray is back and can play. Both of these teams need a win urgently! If the Redskins win, they pull into a second place tie with the Cowboys in the NFC East- and if the Cowboys win, they pull ahead a game on the Redskins, which will basically eliminate the Redskins playoff chances. Both of these teams are talented- the Redskins #2 rated rush attack and the Cowboys #7 passing attack- but I think in the end, the return of Demarco Murray to help out the Cowboys #29 rushing will give them the edge. My prediction: Cowboys 36, Redskins 20

About the Author

My name is Bradley Smart and I'm an 8th grader at U-32 Middle School in East Montpelier, Vermont. I'm a die hard sports fan and I follow every major sport. I'm writing this blog to give people perspective on how an average 8th grader looks at everything that goes on in the world, from conflicts to achievements- all the way to sports news. I'm not writing this blog to relay news that goes on in the world, but rather to voice my opinion and hear your responses. Feel free to answer any question you choose in the comments section of my posts, and I will answer them truthfully. Thank you for visiting this blog, and I hope you enjoy it!