KoKoPuf's Random Thoughts 11/3/11

1.    Most of my thoughts this week are about LSU-Alabama, I mean how do you concentrate on anything else? Work? Nyaaw! Stock market? No way! Politics? Get real. Wife/Girlfriend? Maybe just a little.

2.   I have to admit I’m a little worried about LSU. They are big, strong, fast and well coached. They aren’t going to roll over for anyone. Many of the past “Games of the Century” have been classics like Texas v Arkansas; Notre Dame v MSU; Nebraska v Oklahoma and Miami v FSU are just some of the games that were decided by a couple of plays and just a few points so you just never know.

3.   On the positive side, Bama is also big, strong, fast, even better coached and they are playing at home. I think LSU may be a little overconfident. I know that sounds strange but they have talked a little much in the past few weeks. Bama on the other hand has been quiet and focused.

4.   Most folks seem to think LSU will come out determined to stop the run and almost daring AJ to throw. I think instead LSU may try to first shut down the passing game and force Bama to drive it on the ground. Risky strategy with TR in the backfield.

5.   If the game is a blowout (10 points or more) Bama wins. 7 pts or less then who knows? One broken play could be the difference. If the game is decided on a play where there is a fumble batted by a defensive lineman off the helmet of a wide receiver into the back of the Field Judge and scooped up by a player who still should be on suspension or under house arrest who goes 50 yards untouched for a TD then it is probably LSU. Les’s deal with the devil and all.

6.   There is another matchup of SEC teams in the Top Ten this week, USC v ARK, and for the life of me I can’t understand why the game is head to head against Bama/LSU. Probably the #2 game of the week and they can’t get it on at 2:30? Puhleeze! Maybe the networks don’t want to showcase 4 teams all of which might manhandle a powerhouse like Okie State.

7.   GA’s suspension of Isaiah Crowell and friends doesn’t say much about the focus for Mark Richt’s Bulldogs. A chance for a pretty darn good season and these guys put it all in jeopardy this late in the season. Maybe it is time for Richt to move on.

8.   Stanford’s win over USC was big for the Cardinal’s BCS chances and Andrew Luck’s Heisman chances. A loss would have probably doomed both.

9.   Florida’s offensive performance against GA should put a stake through the heart of the idea that Charlie Weis is a great OC in the college game. One year at ND he did well. Now the Gators are truly screwed up. It will be interesting to see if Muschamp retains CW after this year.