Eatin' well in Tuscaloosa

What the hell are they eating in Tuscaloosa?

Alabama's Terrence Cody, a 6-foot-4, 370-pound, run-stopping mass of humanity did not impress many folks at the Senior Bowl when he removed his shirt. Cody may have actually made people forget former Tide OL Andre Smith's jiggling, boob-bouncing 40-yard run at the NFL combine last year.

I don't see a single muscle in Cody's physique (he actually brings an entirely new meaning to Man Boobs), but let's be honest ... the guy can play. Still, did he do any training since the Tide won the BCS Championship on Jan. 7? I'd say he spent too much time here.

Not sure how much this will hurt him on draft day considering the Bengals didn't shy away from Smith. But it may cause the team that selects Cody to reconsider the menu at the rookie camp buffet line.

AEAAE Top 25 (Final)

We know Nick Saban has picked up all of the National Title hardware, but if he'd like the trophy that comes with winning the final AEAAE poll he should let us know in the comment section and we'll set up a meeting place.

Team (LW) Record

1. Alabama (1) 14-0
2. Texas (2) 13-1
3. Florida (6) 13-1
4. Boise State (5) 14-0
5. Ohio State (7) 11-2
6. Iowa (9) 11-2
7. TCU (3) 12-1
8. Penn State (11) 11-2
9. Cincinnati (4) 12-1
10. Virginia Tech (14) 10-3
11. Oregon (8) 10-3
12. BYU (17) 11-2
13. Nebraska (15) 10-4
14. Georgia Tech (10) 11-3
15. LSU (13) 9-4
16. Pittsburgh (18) 10-3
17. Wisconsin (23) 10-3
18. Utah (24) 10-3
19. Miami (12) 9-4
20. Central Michigan (22) 12-2
21. USC (NR) 9-4
22. Mississippi (NR) 9-4
23. West Virginia (16) 9-4
24. Clemson (NR) 9-5
25. Texas Tech (NR) 9-4

Others receiving votes: Rutgers, Navy.

Podcast: Episode 56

Less than 24 hours after watching Colt McCoy go down early and Alabama claim its 13th, seventh, fifth—I don't know who to believe—national championship, Phil and Tom are breaking down what was the perfect ending to a boring college football season.

We also take a closer look at the other BCS bowl games and discuss whether any conference can lay claim to superiority following the postseason (we like what the Big Ten accomplished on the big stage, and can't overlook the Tide and Florida).

We also look into the future a bit and discuss Terrelle Pryor, Boise State, South Florida without Jim Leavitt and the SEC. Enjoy as we are taking a week off from podcasting and probably won't return until Jan. 20.

Podcast update

To all of our loyal podcast listeners, we will not have our customary Wednesday show. Instead, Phil and Tom are getting together Friday so we can break down the National Championship game as well as other important college football news. So come back Friday for your weekly update from An 'Eye and an 'Eer.

Are you looking to piss off Bama fans?

I have a few friends who are Alabama fans, and a few others who are Texas fans. So it's fun to sit back and watch them chirp at each other.

It's also fun to see which group of fans can out-do the other.

This T-shirt, which you can have for just $15 is a nice jab at the Tide fans. However, what I have learned about Bama's faithful ... don't mess with Bear Bryant.

Waiting now to see what Alabama's response will be.

(Hat Tip: College Gridiron 365)

AEAAE Top 25 (Week 11)

Based on a more impressive performance in the SEC title game, Alabama jumps from No. 3 to No. 1, while Texas remains No. 2 despite a lackluster performance in the Big 12 title tilt

Team (LW) Record

1. Alabama (3) 13-0
   
2. Texas (2) 13-0
   
3. TCU (4) 12-0
   
4. Cincinnati (5) 12-0
   
5. Boise State (6) 12-0
   
6. Florida (1) 12-1
   
7. Ohio State (7) 10-2
   
8. Oregon (8) 10-2
   
9. Iowa (9) 10-2
   
10. Georgia Tech (13) 11-2
    
11. Penn State (10) 10-2
    
12. Miami (14) 9-3
    
13. LSU (11) 9-3
    
14. Virginia Tech (17) 9-3
    
15. Nebraska (21) 9-4
    
16. West Virginia (20) 9-3
    
17. BYU (18) 10-2
    
18. Pittsburgh (16) 9-3
    
19. Arizona (NR) 8-4
    
20. Stanford (22) 8-4
    
21. Oregon State (12) 8-4
    
22. Central Michigan (NR) 11-2
    
23. Wisconsin (25) 9-3
    
24. Utah (NR) 9-3
    
25. Oklahoma State (24) 9-3
    

Others receiving votes: North Carolina, Navy, Missouri, Texas Tech, East Carolina.

Picks of the Week: No. 11

I’m 0-10 on upsets this season. I thought I had the Florida State game against Clemson last week and then C.J. Spiller and the Tigers went crazy in the fourth quarter and ended my hopes of ending the drought. Here I go again. Let’s see if I can finally get a 5-0 week.

Idaho (+32.0) over Boise State
You have to love Idaho coach Rob Akey. All week he’s been hyping this game. The Vandals have been a joke the past decade, but Akey has Idaho playing at a higher level and feeling like it can take down the WAC-power Broncos. Idaho isn’t going to go into Bronco Stadium and take take Chris Petersen’s team, which has the nation’s best home winning percentage this decade at .968 (60-2). Not to mention Boise has won 10 straight in this series. Also hurting the Vandals chances of pulling an upset is the possible loss of starting QB Nathan Enderle, who’ll be a game-time decision. Still, I think Idaho will be jacked and keep this closer than 32 points.
Pick: Boise State 44, Idaho 32

Wisconsin (-8.5) over Michigan
Badger fans were ready to ship coach Bret Bielema out of Madison at the beginning of the season and start making a run at Brian Kelly or Chris Petersen. Instead, Wisconsin has been one of the best surprises in the Big Ten and could easily finish this season 10-2. Michigan’s defense will have a tough time stopping QB Scott Tolzien, who completed 11-of-20 for 194 and a score in last week’s win over Indiana. The Wolverines have fallen apart since opening the season 4-0 and are in trouble of missing a bowl game for a second consecutive season under Rich Rodriguez.
Pick: Wisconsin 38, Michigan 17

Alabama (-12.5) over Mississippi State
The Bulldogs have been a competitive and spunky bunch under first-year coach Dan Mullen, but Mississippi State will struggle to score against Alabama’s staunch defense. RB Mark Ingram, who should be the favorite to win the Heisman this season, should pad his rushing stats in this one. He’s rushed for 1,148 yards and eight TDs this season. QB Greg McElroy could also work out of his midseason funk against the Mississippi State defense. It should be noted that McElroy did play well against LSU last week.
Pick: Alabama 27, Mississippi State 9

Oregon (-18.0) over Arizona State
After weeks of anticipation, this game marks the return of RB LeGarrette Blount. But when or will Chip Kelly put him on the field Saturday? The Ducks should bounce back from last week’s disappointing performance against Stanford as Oregon remains in a great position to win the Pac-10. The Sun Devils secondary is porous so QB Jeremiah Masoli should rack up some impressive stats. Arizona State QB Brock Osweiler has a bright future, but he’ll be stymied by Oregon’s defense.
Pick: Oregon 45, Arizona State 21

Upset of the Week
Arizona (+3.0) over California
Wildcats coach Mike Stoops is doing the best job of coaching in the conference, as well as in his family. Arizona has a tough close to the season starting with Cal and then Oregon, Arizona State and USC. The Wildcats get the stretch going in the right direction behind QB Nick Foles, who should feast of the Bears weak pass defense. Cal must also deal with the loss of RB Jahvid Best, who suffered a concussion for the second straight week.
Pick: Arizona 30, California 28

Last Week: 3-2
Season Record: 26-24

AEAAE Top 25 (Week 5)

For the third consecutive week the top three stayed the same, but Iowa jumped to No. 4 from No. 6 after winning at Michigan State on the last play of the game. Appears our Big Ten members voted en mass this week to push the Hawkeyes up the rankings. The Big East voters let down Cincinnati as the Bearcats dropped two spots to No. 6.

Team (LW) Record

1. Florida (1) 7-0
2. Alabama (2) 8-0
3. Texas (3) 7-0
4. Iowa (6) 8-0
5. USC (5) 6-1
6. Cincinnati (4) 7-0
7. Boise State (7) 6-0
8. TCU (9) 7-0
9. LSU (10) 6-1
10. Georgia Tech (11) 7-1
11. Penn State (12) 7-1
12. Oregon (13) 6-1
13. Oklahoma State (14) 6-1
14. Pittsburgh (16) 7-1
15. Utah (23) 6-1
16. West Virginia (20) 6-1
17. Ohio State (19) 6-2
18. Houston (17) 6-1
19. Miami (8) 5-2
20. Virginia Tech (18) 5-2
21. South Carolina (24) 6-2
22. Central Michigan (NR) 7-1
23. Ole Miss (NR) 5-2
24. Arizona (NR) 5-2
25. Notre Dame (NR) 5-2

Others receiving votes: Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas Tech, Clemson, Brigham Young

Podcast: Episode 45

It seems like almost every college football fan agrees that Florida, Alabama and Texas are the top three teams in the nation (pick the order). So does it seem odd that all three seem to have glaring weaknesses and there is no dominant team in any conference. So let the season play out and see what happens.

Phil and Tom also dissect the problems with Ohio State following the Buckeyes surprise loss to Purdue, as well as take on the BCS system. During Quick Hitters we discuss Charlie Weis and moral victories, Tony Pike and the Bearcats' future, as well as our thoughts on the Heisman race.

Enjoy.

Mea culpa for SEC officials ... again

Let me see if I got this right.

The most powerful, cash-rich conference in the nation can't find a quality group of football officials. Here I thought the Big East officials were worthless and incompetent.

There were the unnecessary unsportsmanlike penalties in the LSU-Georgia game on Oct. 3. SEC officials were nice enough to apologize to Georgia and admit the officiating mistake.

Then this past weekend it appears SEC officials were screwing up calls in favor of the higher-ranked teams in Gainesville and Tuscaloosa.

In the Florida-Arkansas game, the officiating crew had at least two horrendous calls go against the Razorbacks on the Gators' game-winning drive. They also had one missed called on the Gators.

The first bad call was a phantom interference call that you can watch here.



The second pitiful penalty was a personal foul on a defensive lineman protecting himself from a block. See what you think.



Then there was the missed offensive pass interference on UF receiver Riley Cooper that could have easily kept the Gators from getting into field-goal range. Again, you be the judge.



Now South Carolina's Steve Spurrier is accusing the Crimson Tide of its own form of trickery by using tape to spot field goals and extra points in last weekend's 20-6 Alabama win.

I'm not unrealistic. Officials are going to miss calls. Maybe they don't see something. But there is no excuse when officials call something that didn't happen. I can't overlook that and neither should the SEC. The statement released by conference officials is actually disturbing.

"After video review, there was no evidence on the video to support the personal foul penalty called on Arkansas midway through the fourth quarter. The other calls that were referenced are judgment calls and a review of those calls have been communicated to Arkansas."

I would expect something stronger. But Florida and Alabama are carrying the SEC this year (and last year), so no one (not even game officials) are going to rock ratings gold of these two.

(Hat tip: The Wiz of Odds for finding all of the video proof)

AEAAE Top 25 (Week 4)

Week 4 rankings at An 'Eye and an 'Eer are about as stable as they have been all season. The top five are the same for the second straight week. Here are this week's rankings:

Team (LW) Record

1. Florida (1) 6-0
2. Alabama (2) 7-0
3. Texas (3) 6-0
4. Cincinnati (4) 6-0
5. USC (5) 5-1
6. Iowa (6) 7-0
7. Boise State (8) 5-0
8. Miami (10) 5-1
9. TCU (11) 6-0
10. LSU (12) 5-1
11. Georgia Tech (17) 6-1
12. Penn State (16) 6-1
13. Oregon (15) 5-1
14. Oklahoma State (19) 5-1
15. BYU (22) 6-1
16. Pittsburgh (25) 6-1
17. Houston (27) 5-1
18. Virginia Tech (7) 5-2
19. Ohio State (9) 5-2
20. West Virginia (23) 5-1
21. Kansas (14) 5-1
22. South Florida (13) 5-1
23. Utah (26) 5-1
24. South Carolina (20) 5-2
25. Texas Tech (NR) 5-2

Others receiving votes: Central Michigan, Arizona, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Idaho, Michigan, Boston College, Arkansas.

Picks of the Week: No. 6

Mixing it up a little again this week. In hopes of improving his record the ’Eer is adding a mid-major game and getting away from all of the ranked teams. He believes this is the week he turns the corner and proves his supernatural abilities at picking games against the spread.

Michigan State (-4.0) over Illinois
It just seems like the Spartans should be much bigger favorites in this one. The Spartans have won five consecutive games at Illinois' Memorial Stadium (Illinois' last home win in the series came in 1992) and they could easily be 4-1 instead of 2-3. Despite the early missteps, Mark Dantonio will have MSU ready for the Illini and keep the Spartans in the Big Ten race.
Pick: Michigan State 33, Illinois 20

Alabama (-5.0) over Mississippi
This game scares me a bit because Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt always does his best work when his team is overlooked or counted out. But Alabama’s coaches, players and fans just seethed during the offseason when everyone was picking the Rebs to win the SEC West (of couse we didn’t). QB Greg McElroy is 5-0 as the ‘Bama starter and he won’t be nearly as harassed as his counterpart Jevan Snead.
Pick: Alabama 28, Mississippi 17

Wisconsin (+16.0) over Ohio State
Can you believe Wisconsin has the best red zone offense in the nation? It’s true. The Badgers have converted 20-of-20 attempts in the red zone. Wisky hasn’t faced a defense quite as good as the Buckeyes so getting into the red zone may be tough. However, 16 points is too much to give UW and not take it. Plus, the Badgers defense isn’t too bad and they might keep Terrelle Pryor in check enough to keep this much closer than the odds makers think.
Pick: Ohio State 27, Wisconsin 17

Ohio (-3.0) over Akron
The Bobcats are the surprise of the Mid-American Conference and at 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the conference they are primed to win the East Division. An easy four-week run begins at Akron this weekend. Ohio QB Theo Scott has been efficient this season, including a 11-of-19 for 203-yard performance in a win against Bowling Green. The Bobcats also have a solid running game led by Chris Garrett.
Pick: Ohio 29, Akron 17

Upset of the Week
Connecticut (+7.0) over Pittsburgh
This is a nice Big East match up that’s receiving regional ABC coverage. UConn is one stupid penalty away from being undefeated, but instead the Huskies are 3-1 and boast the conference’s best defense. Pitt gets the home-field advantage (if there is such a thing at Heinz Field for Pitt) and a stronger offense. But UConn has something to prove and the Huskies don’t want another mid-season meltdown. That starts with a win on the road at Pitt.
Pick: Connecticut 24, Pittsburgh 14

Last Week: 3-2
Season Record: 13-12

Is that William Zabka posing as a Bama fan?

Beware: This video contains way too much douchebagery ... even for an Alabama fan. (Is it just me or does this guy remind you of this guy?)



This isn't the first embarrassing video by a Bama fan that I've run across this week, or this year. Thanks YouTube now we have all the proof we needed to show people from Alabama are all illiterate racists.

AEAAE Top 25

Welcome to the first An 'Eye and an 'Eer Top 25 poll. Since we despise the validity of preseason polls we waited until after the fourth week to gather rankings from our correspondents around the nation. We could still use reliable voters from Big 12 and Pac-10 country, but the knowledge and diversity of our voters makes this Top 25 better than that lame Harris Poll.

Team Record
1. Florida (4-0)
2. Texas (4-0)
3. Alabama (4-0)
4. Cincinnati (4-0)
5. LSU (4-0)
6. Boise State (4-0)
7. TCU (3-0)
8. USC (3-1)
9. Iowa (4-0)
10. Ohio State (3-1)
11. Oklahoma (2-1)
12. Virginia Tech (3-1)
13. Michigan (4-0)
14. Houston (3-0)
15. Missouri (4-0)
16. Kansas (4-0)
17. South Florida (4-0)
18. Auburn (4-0)
19. Oklahoma State (3-1)
20. Oregon (3-1)
21. Penn State (3-1)
22. Georgia (3-1)
23. Miami (2-1)
24. Wisconsin (4-0)
25. Nebraska (3-1)

Others receiving votes: Mississippi, BYU, California, Notre Dame

Picks of the Week: No. 1

I'm back for a second year to offer my best prognostication skills against the talented odds makers of Las Vegas. OK, last year I went a mediocre, but above .500, 32-27. If you follow the 'Eer you'll know he follows his gut (which seems to be getting bigger) more than he should. But he thinks 2009 is his year.

We'll see.

Alabama (-6.5) over Virginia Tech
I say it every year, Virginia Tech is the most over-rated team. The Hokies enter this marquee showdown in Atlanta with an 0-20 record on the road against teams in the Top 5. Nick Saban is a better game-day coach than Frank Beamer (seriously, only people in Blacksburg actually believe Beamer Ball is relevant). Bama proved last year in this game that the preseason top-rated team in the ACC is no match for a Top-5 SEC squad.
Pick: Alabama 30, Virginia Tech 17

Nebraska (-22.5) over Florida Atlantic
Remember last year when Howard Schnellenberger said Texas was soft? Exactly, a 52-10 drubbing by the Longhorns. The Cornhuskers aren't Texas, but Bo Pelini will put it on the Owls in Lincoln.
Pick: Nebraska 48, FAU 9

Minnesota (-7.0) over Syracuse
Tim Brewster and the Gophers love these early games. Last year Minnesota opened 7-1 and finished 7-6. As much as I'd love to pick the Orange in an upset and give new coach Doug Marrone a nice start, Minnesota's offense is too diverse and talented for Syracuse. Plus, I can't pick former Duke point guard Greg Paulus to win.
Pick: Minnesota 27, Syracuse 14

California (-21.0) over Maryland
Maybe I'm hating on the ACC a bit this week. But I remember watching the Terps upset the Bears in College Park last year (and who could forget Jahvid Best puking up his breakfast after a big hit). Cal has the better talent, and more experience. I don't think revenge is a huge factor, but Maryland shouldn't expect Cal to sleep in for the first three quarters this year.
Pick: California 38, Maryland 14

Upset of the Week
Nevada (-14.5) over Notre Dame
Go ahead Irish fans. Laugh. But you wont' be laughing after athletic junior quarterback Colin Kaepernick shreds the Irish defense in the first meeting between the two schools. Kaepernick is the preseason WAC Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for nearly 3,000 yards last season. If ND can't protect Jimmy Clausen any better than it has the past two seasons it could be real ugly. Plus it will be fun to watch the Charlie Weis haters get fired up early.
Pick: Nevada 27, Notre Dame 24

Sorry. I wanted to pick Miami over Florida State on Monday, but I don't have the stones to do it.

Season Record: 0-0

Video: Bama's claim to 12 titles a bit bogus

Clearly this video was made by an Auburn fan still smarting from the Tigers' failure to claim any part of the 2004 championship after going undefeated. But it doesn't mean this historical look at Alabama's claim of 12 national championships is not accurate. (Note to Facebook fans, go to our blog to watch video).

Shirtless Tebow is no match for Andre Smith

Tim Tebow is going shirtless for GQ magazine. Doesn't Superman know former Alabama lineman Andre Smith already beat him to this? Just look at Smith's amazing physique.

I actually heard a few TV heads were criticizing Tebow for not possessing rock-hard abs. Seriously? Most of my friends (including yours truly) would kill for those muscles. Besides, have you seen the beating Tebow takes? He needs a little padding to absorb all of those hits.

Preseason: SEC rankings

As we have already mentioned, it is way too early for preseason predictions. But since we started here's our look at the SEC.

East
1. Florida
Key players: QB Tim Tebow, LB Brandon Spikes, DE Carlos Dunlap, CB Joe Haden, RB Jeffery Demps, S Dorian Munroe, OT Omar Hunter
Predicted record: 12-0
This is easy. The Gators are the most imposing team in the SEC, if not the nation. UF's defense is faster and more talented than last year's group that manhandled the offensive juggernaut Oklahoma in the national title game. Even the special teams look better. I don't see Florida losing any games during the regular season and then winning the SEC Championship. The only possible loss is a matchup with USC or Texas in the title game.

2. Georgia
Key players: WR A.J. Green, QB Joe Cox, OL Clint Boling, OT Trinton Sturdivant, LB Rennie Curran, DT Geno Atkins, DE Justin Houston
Predicted record: 9-3
When expectations are high in Athens it's best to pick against the Bulldogs. When expectations are down bet on UGA. Mark Richt has his work cut out for him, but this is when he's at his best. A.J. Green needs someone else to step up at receiver to help cut down on the double teams, and replacing first-round picks Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno is important. The offensive line should be able to open holes, though. A weakness last season, the line is a strength in 2009.

3. Tennessee
Key players: QB Jonathan Crompton, S Eric Berry, TB Bryce Brown, DT Montori Hughes, DL Chris Walker
Predicted record: 7-5
Tennessee wasn't as bad as their 5-7 record of last season. The defense should be stout again this fall, and if Jonathan Crompton can play within the system the Volunteers should win a few more close games than they did last year. If first-year coach Lane Kiffin can coach as well as he verbally spars UT could win 8 or 9.

4. Vanderbilt
Key players: CB Myron Lewis, WR Terence Jeffers, RB Jared Hawkins
Predicted record: 6-6
The Commodores were the talk of college football through six weeks last season. Vandy could be bowl eligible again this season and that would be a major accomplishment for coach Bobby Johnson. This is still a team of unknowns outside of Nashville, but they won't sneak up on any SEC team this year.

5. South Carolina
Key players: QB Stephen Garcia, CB Stephon Gilmore, OLB Eric Norwood, DT Ladi Ajiboye
Predicted record: 6-6
The Ol' Ball Coach didn't realize winning outside of Gainesville could be so tough. His South Carolina teams have been mediocre at best. The interesting thing is the Gamecocks have been great on defense during the Steve Spurrier years, and sluggish on offense. Spurrier has settled on Stephen Garcia at quarterback and that could pay dividends this season.

6. Kentucky
Key players: CB Trevard Lindley, LB Micah Johnson, DE Jeremy Jarmon, QB Mike Hartline, RB Moncell Allen
Predicted record: 3-9
I'm not as high on the Wildcats as others are around the nation. Some are saying Kentucky is a seven- or eight-win team. I don't see it. I like the Wildcats defense, but the offense could struggle to score all season. Mike Hartline had a nice spring and should provide stability.

West
1. Alabama
Key players: QB Greg McElroy, WR Julio Jones, LB Rolando McClain, NG Terrence Cody, CB Javier Arenas, LB Dont'a Hightower
Predicted record: 11-1
The Tide are loaded on defense and the unit is led by lineman Terrence Cody. This is why I think they'll edge out Ole Miss in the West. Plus I can't pick against Nick Saban. Greg McElroy may actually be an upgrade over John Parker Wilson at quarterback, but Alabama needs to find some offensive lineman to protect him.

2. Ole Miss
Key players: QB Jevan Snead, RB Dexter McCluster, OT John Jerry, DE Greg Hardy, DT Jerrell Powe, DE Marcus Tillman
Predicted record: 10-2
Jevan Snead may be the second-best quarterback in the conference and could lead the Rebels to the SEC championship game. Right now I see Ole Miss just missing that game. The Rebels real strength will be the defensive front, possibly the best in the SEC. Even if they don't make the SEC title game, a 10-win season is nothing to frown about in Oxford.

3. LSU
Key players: QB Jordan Jefferson, OT Ciron Black, RB Charles Scott, WR Brandon LaFell, S Chad Jones
Predicted record: 9-3
Uncharacteristically, the Tigers struggled on defense last year. That has to be a concern this season unless first-year coordinator John Chavis can turn this unit around. Count on it. LSU is also one of the more athletic teams in the SEC, maybe second to Florida. The West is stacked when you consider the Tigers could win this division.

4. Auburn
Key players: DE Antonio Coleman,
Predicted record: 7-5
I'd feel much better about Gene Chizik's first season on the Plains if he had found a quarterback during the spring, especially when you're trying to run the spread (see Michigan 2008). However, the Tigers defense is solid and should get them a few more wins than they had in Tommy Tuberville's final campaign.

5. Arkansas
Key players: QB Ryan Mallett, WR Joe Adams, WR Jarius Wright, TE D.J. Williams, RB Michael Smith, DT Malcolm Sheppard
Predicted record: 6-6
The Razorbacks are a popular pick to really move up in the SEC this fall. They have offensive genious Bobby Petrino and Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett at quarterback. But it's tough to put the Hogs anywhere else because of their untested defense.

6. Mississippi State
Key players: RB Anthony Dixon, WR Chad Bumphis, DT Pernell McPhee, WR Brandon McRae
Predicted record: 3-9
Don't expect too much in the first season for coach Dan Mullen. The Bulldogs will be counting on plenty of newcomers to step up this season and that is just too much to survive in the SEC. Better luck in 2010.

Nick Saban is a baller

I don't need to tell you that Nick Saban's a lucky man. He makes millions, coaches at one of the best college football programs in the nation and his Crimson Tide should be competing for the SEC championship this fall.

But Saban's season was almost put into jeopardy following an injury to his left hand following a pick-up basketball game in the Noon Basketball Association in Tuscaloosa. OK, he wouldn't really miss the season. But could he be considering coaching from the press box to protect himself from more damage?

Charlie Weis is a tough guy and will coach from the sidelines despite the strain on his surgically repaired knee. Saban appears to be equally strong and will not require any special treatment this fall.

Sounds like some good work by team physician Dr. James Andrews.

National Signing Day hoopla

This is just more proof of how overblown and theatrical the National Signing Day has become. Can we just stop the madness? I found this obscene display at The Birmingham News. I'm sure the folks in Alabama thought it was great.