Super Bowl Sunday is upon us, National Signing Day is rapidly fading from the sports news shows. I’m going to have to admit that it is closing.

Friday afternoon I happened upon a segment of “College Football Live” on ESPN”U”. ‘Couldn’t believe my good fortune! It felt like a huge bonus point; we were going to have football “year ’round” -what a nice surprise! ‘Settled in to listening/watching, I multi-tasked, making the bed, and folding clothes.

Then I heard it; they began their “sign-off” statement which started off with an innocuous, “We’ll take a brief break now and… see you back April 5th”. A brief break??!! Hardly.

Oh well, acceptance is the only way to avoid being miserable, I suppose. So, I’ll turn my attention to some worthwhile pursuit. I picked up a jigsaw puzzle that had never been opened from my mom’s storage closet. It has an Audubon photo on it – a goldfinch, bright and yellow. No team has a goldfinch as a mascot; that’s a lucky thing for me. If it had been a Cardinal or Jay, or Eagle…well, it wouldn’t have afforded me the opportunity for a clean break. You understand.

So now, in my spare time – the time where I listened to sports radio, ESPN and followed the blogs; I’ll stop by and put a piece or two in the puzzle. I got the frame done this morning.

As the controversy raged about the “re-match” between #1 LSU and #2 Alabama, many said that in a close game the Associated Press (AP) voters would still put LSU #1 on their final 2011 ballots. As it turned out, only one voter did that. In the Final Ballot, the AP voters gave 55 votes to Alabama, 1 to LSU and…4 people voted for Oklahoma State. 55 is a nice vote of confidence, I’d say.  Congratulations to the Crimson Tide, to the University and to the fans!

Were you as surprised as I about the 21 to 0 margin of victory for the Crimson Tide? It seems that many were. I won’t bore you with what I’m sure you’ve already heard about the dominance of the Alabama team and, I won’t bore you with stats or give you a commentary on the game. Most of you watched it or read about it.

The ESPN afternoon guys have called it a “terrible game” and bemoaned the lack of touchdowns and dearth of exciting offensive displays. Coach Gundy from Okahoma State (they got 4 AP 1st place votes-remember?) still maintains that if his team had played in the Championship game, it would have made for a much more exciting game. Is that what its about – entertainment?

I am more inclined to believe that it is about finding the best team in the nation.

Its not “made for television drama”; its not scripted nor is it designed for entertainment. It is the bowl game that is supposed to determine the best team in Division 1 Football! The announcers, the interviews with coaches and players, the bands and cheerleaders, the attractions of the host cities and even the advertisers provide the flash and the entertainment. The Game is just that – the Game. If it is evenly matched, we watch a well planned and intriguing contest. If it is not evenly matched, we watch a blow-out, a beating, or as Brent Musburger put it, “a mauling”.
Why didn’t LSU score? I  know why Alabama made 15 of the 21 points they had via Field Goals – it was because LSU’s defense kept them from scoring touchdowns: therefore, I’d assume Alabama’s defense must have done it’s job to prevent LSU from scoring. It was SEC Football; a defensive display of skill and intelligent play, a defensive front and secondary that didn’t allow the QB’s time to throw downfield to an undefended (uncovered) receiver, and a pass rush that kept the QB ever on his toes. Coach Gundy said he’d have had his QB throw it 50 times… I can’t get started on this comment – I’d go on forever!

It was a game between two good teams from the SEC. Alabama finished #1, LSU #2 and Arkansas #5 – isn’t that amazing?!! Three teams from the same conference AND the same Division! I am proud of that. The only way we will ever be able to prove the point is to play the “OK States” of the world and the other doubters that say they could have beaten the Southern teams. This year made a lot of racket go up about the BCS system; change will be coming. We will see it in the not-so-distant future but, we will just keep doing what we do in the South.
We’ll play good solid football and let the chips fall where they may.

The Friday evening, “Cotton Bowl” between Arkansas and Kansas State seemed thoroughly entertaining to me. As a Southerner, I was pulling for The Hogs and was glad to see them get the W. I thought the FOX coverage guys did a good job and we (my husband and I) remarked that it was a welcome change from the CBS duo that we’ve endured for yet another season. I realize some of you might really enjoy the Danielson/”Vern” coverage, so I apologize if I offend. Truthfully, it’s not just them that I mind…it’s the graphics they have up between plays that obscure the view of the actual plays and the fact that they replay the previous plays so often that we miss the real-time action. Enough. I did like the game, the stadium, the coverage and the graphics via FOX and, the score turned out to my liking as well.

There was a lot of drama in the game despite the rather lop-sided 29 to 16 score. Two Kansas State players collided and one was immobilized by the medical staff and removed via stretcher from the field. Very thankfully, he was okay and had no severe injuries. Moments like that during a game really call to mind how very brutal the play is and how quickly the focus can go to the more important things in Life.

On the sidelines, we observed Petrino and the “Anti-Petrino”. No two coaches have ever appeared more polar opposite to me. Bill Snyder, with his serene and grandfatherly demeanor was poised, pleasant and positive as he stood calmly directing his team. He just looks like the “kindliest of gentlemen”. He came onto the field each time one of his players was “shaken up”; holding an arm, speaking a word of encouragement, kneeling to comfort the young player. I never saw him raise his voice (or his arms) and he appeared thoroughly composed and assured throughout. Bobby Petrino, on the other hand, showed a fiery, petulant, explosive temperment with lips bearing easy-to-read explotives as he looked likely to explode, himself. His team was winning, by the way. Petrino is a good coach, and I recognize the great strides he has made at Arkansas. I’m just saying…wow, they were so different!

I wanted to address an odd situation that occurred when Kansas State blocked an extra point attempt (Point After Touchdown-PAT) by Arkansas. We rarely see this happen, so its not a “rule” that I list in “Let’s Kick it Off, Ladies”. When an extra point attempt (kick) is blocked by the defensive team and recovered by a defensive player, the player may advance the ball toward the opposite end of the field as long as the player is not ruled “down”.

We saw this strange event unfold during this game! When Arkansas’ PAT was blocked, the defense scooped the ball up off the ground and ran for the opposite END ZONE, pursued by only a few stunned Arkansas players who didn’t catch him. The ball carrier was awarded 2 points for his team, the points associated with a Safety. Just as with any Safety, insult is added to injury when the next kick off goes right back to the team receiving the 2 points. To be honest, I don’t think I have ever seen this happen while watching a game. Interesting, huh?

We are coming down to the wire here, folks. Monday night, January 9th will bring another SEC BCS National Champion. Will it be Alabama or LSU? New Orleans is the site and the Super Dome is the locale. Don’t forget to watch!

Hello to all and Happy 2012 to each! I sure do hope that this year will bring numerous joyful experiences, answers to your questions and concerns, good health, great wealth, genuine gratitude AND some time to enjoy all of it.

I have been “silent” for a while on the blog. The Bowl Season of course, kicked off back on December 17th, but I have had very little interest in the match ups that have been offered. New Year’s Eve did give us a bit of entertainment with the Auburn (WIN), Vanderbilt (LOSS), Texas A & M (WIN) and Georgia Tech (LOSS in OT) appearances in their respective bowl games. BUT, come on…has anyone else noticed that the match ups have been uninteresting?

The last 2 Bowl Seasons prior to this one, I have sat in front of the TV with a print-out of every bowl game and watched most of them. My husband became extremely grumpy about this and made comments, first under his breath and then more assertively as the days wore on. Maybe its my age and/or cynicism but it just seems like there are SO many and the team play is below average in most. I did get a kick out the TWEET I got this a.m. that Washington had fired its entire Defensive Staff after Baylor put up 63 points against them. That firing seems like a prudent move, don’t you think?

Monday, January 2, 2012 starts the parade of more highly ranked teams playing in more recognizable Bowl Games, so maybe I’ll get more interested. Five total games are slated for that day. From January 3rd on through the 6th, the games feature programs and teams that will be fairly closely matched on the field, and the Bowls, themselves are ones that we are pretty familiar with. The less interesting BBVA Compass and the GODADDY.COM bowls air on the 7th and 8th, ushering us into the National Championship Game on the 9th between the 2 SEC West Teams – LSU and Alabama.

By now the talk about how appalling the “re-match” of #1 and #2 is, has died down and the nation seems to have accepted that the South will dominate NCAA Football one more time. Still, it IS weird, isn’t it? I mean, it even feels really peculiar to me – sort of uncomfortable, you know? I almost want to react apologetically when I hear how dominant the South has been over the past 6 years. It’s a little like high school, when Sandy Appleton won the beauty walk 3 years in a row and said she felt like a “heel”.

Don’t misunderstand; I am proud and will remain so. But I am getting a little worried about taking this all for granted. Folks are sick of the South winning, that is for certain. It will inevitably come to an end and another conference will step in as BCS National Champs, but for now… let’s enjoy it ONE MORE TIME!

By now you no doubt have heard the roar of joy and, dissatisfaction about the National Championship Game scheduled for January 9, 2012. ‘Seems the vote was unanimous for SEC, undefeated, LSU who sits comfortably in the #1 spot in all polls. Not so easily and not so unanimously, we find Alabama precariously sitting at #2 while much of the nation takes um-bridge with the choice.  It is no doubt a very unusual spot to be in and one without much precedent since the inception of the BCS.

Alabama did not win the SEC West, as we’ve mentioned before (they lost to LSU by 3 points in overtime) and therefore did not play in the SEC Championship Game last weekend. The disagreement has been that OK State, who soundly beat their rival OK last weekend, should be in the #2 spot and play LSU for the National Title. We knew from the BCS gurus that it would take an awful big swing to put OK State(lost to unranked Iowa St.) ahead of Bama, but nevertheless, it seemed to come as a shock to the Cowboys and others. Who can blame them?

I am a southerner, but I watch football from September to January each year as it is played across the country. And, I have seen a huge difference in the caliber of “play” across this nation this season and last - there’s no denying it. Traditional power houses like Michigan, Ohio State, Texas, and others have slipped out of the picture. I can totally understand the nation’s reasons for having “SEC fatigue”. The SEC has won the last 5 National Championships and now…, there is no doubt it will become “6″.

You see, I am admitting how very odd it is. But, I do think that Alabama and LSU are the best 2 teams in the nation. I have watched a lot of football (just ask my husband) and read about it and listened to commentary on it. Would it be fun to see OK State play LSU? Yeah, I guess it would. But, I can honestly say that I think LSU would dominate so profoundly that it would not be fun for very long -for anyone but the Bayou Bengals.

I’ve heard a lot of talk about the system being “flawed” and so much speculation about how it could be improved. I say, “of course it is flawed”! Let’s be realistic! “Polls” are involved, humans vote in polls, fans have favorites and coaches vote favoring their teams. What a shock…

I’ve been watching football for a long time (I’m old). I remember when the UPI (no longer exists) and AP polls sometimes came up with 2 different teams for the #1 spot at season’s end. I’ve seen countless losses that could be attributed to an officiating mistake or a inaccurate “call” – now, we have replay to help with that, but it’s still not perfect. Have you ever noticed that in our country’s national elections, the electoral voters don’t always vote the consensus of their constituents? Do you remember that 7th grade student council race at your school where the most popular kid got elected, rather than the most qualified?

We are not likely to wipe out bias and create a perfect system. We cannot do anything about the voters who lack integrity and we cannot control the behavior or misbehavior of others. All we can do is make sure that WE operate with integrity and hope that the men and women who lead our student athletes do the same.

So, it is an SEC rematch. I am not happy that it will be debated and debunked until January 9th. But, I believe that once play begins we will see have little doubt that it was a good choice. If I am wrong, I’ll surely admit it.

It’s really hard for me to believe that the season is drawing to a close this weekend. I was more excited about this season than any in previous memory. We counted down the days and broke down the teams, anticipating the Kick Off of 2011 College Football.

No crystal ball could have foreseen all of the drama that unfolded in the college ranks, both on and off the field. Legendary coaches fell, scandals broke, new coaches made their mark and some old ones were fired, players were arrested and suspended, new stars were born and former ones lost their lustre, the BCS took a terrific beating in area of “predictability”. And now, we move into the final weekend of regular play which includes conferences championships.

It really looks as if #1 LSU and #2 Alabama will play for the National Title on January 9th. LSU is a shoe-in and again, several important games could help seal the deal this weekend for Alabama. Oklahoma State plays Oklahoma and is the favorite. If they are upset by the Sooners, it will be a boon for Bama. Further, Virginia Tech plays Clemson in the ACC Title game. If Va Tech wins this one, it pushes Oklahoma State further down the list and “sures-up” Alabama’s position in the #2 slot. Why? Well, because the “computers” have VA Tech ahead for OK State and this would keep that distance intact. If you don’t get it, please don’t worry…it is way beyond me.

Keep your eye on the SEC Championship game between LSU and Georgia to see how GA handles the Tigers. Most say that LSU is so far ahead in the BCS standings that even a loss wouldn’t keep them from the BCS Title Game. Also, watch the Clemson vs. VA Tech ACC Title game to see if Clemson bounces back from a disappointing end to their great season. Then, the game in Stillwater – BEDLAM (its called) between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Sunday night on ESPN, we will here the final rankings and know who goes to the BCS Championship Game. I believe it airs at 8:15 Eastern time.

It’s been fun.

Tomorrow is a very big game in the SEC – LSU vs. Arkansas. LSU is #1 and Arkansas is #3. By now you know that we have the top 3 spots in the BCS covered by LSU, Alabama and Arkansas. Lots of eyes are on this one, ladies. It is big. If LSU wins, it will be an easy route for the Tigers to the SEC title game with Georgia. If Arkansas pulls the upset, well…we could see any number of scenarios unfold.

On Saturday we have the Auburn vs. Alabama game. What can I say? This one is always huge anyway, but this year it will likely (notice, I said “likely”) be the difference between Alabama’s shot at the National Championship game and the consolation bowl for Bama – the Sugar Bowl.

There are tons of other rivalry games all over the U.S. on the books as well, but none are crucial to the top spots in the BCS as these I have mentioned above. I can tell you one thing for sure: the rest of the United States has gotten extra tired of the SEC and the seeming monopoly it has held on the National Title. What will Associated Press voters and Coaches Poll voters do if the process gets more complex than it is now? That is, what will happen if LSU loses to Arkansas?

Hold your breath. We’ll have all our answers by Saturday night.

I must offer my apologies for the absence of a “Head-Turner” last week. To be perfectly frank, I just couldn’t think of any way to talk about college football without dealing with the Penn State debacle. I didn’t have it “in” me to write even a word on the subject and…, I still don’t.

From the perspective of my rear-view mirror,  this past weekend has left me with little to say except, “Wow!”. Who would have ever seen it coming? #2 Oklahoma State fell to an unranked, 3 touchdown underdog- Iowa State. Baylor beat Oklahoma for the very first time in history. And to top it all off, Oregon fell to USC and Lane Kiffin - who was an irritating joke at Tennessee but appears to be doing something VERY right in California.  All this left folks scratching their heads and wondering what would happen in the BCS rankings. No need to wonder any longer.

The top 3 spots in the BCS are held by SEC West teams! Not only is it unprecedented to see three teams from the same conference in this spot, the “wow factor” is further increased by the fact that all 3 are from the Western Division of the SEC!

Next weekend, all eyes will be on the SEC West as Alabama takes on rival Auburn at Jordan Hare Stadium and #3 Arkansas plays #1 LSU in Baton Rouge. In order for this odd circumstance to remain intact,  LSU and Alabama need to win their respective battles next week. Then,  LSU will go to the SEC Championship game and play Georgia. Although UGA has been playing much, much better since mid-season, there is little doubt in my mind that LSU will be the victor and represent the SEC at the BCS National Championship Game on January 9th. They will be playing…#2 Alabama – who is representing, well…themselves, I guess.

I do hesitate to mention this BUT, if LSU and/or Alabama lose their battle/s next weekend – it will be really difficult to say what will happen. Much of it will become very subjective and lots of folks will find LOTS of ways to disagree. In short, it will be BCS Chaos.

We will hide and watch and maybe pray, just a little bit.

Coming up with a Head Turner this week is a bit of a challenge. By now, we have all settled into the notion that LSU will play in the National Championship Game on January 9th (pending some sort of VERY unusual development). Their opponent, however is still in question. As of now, it is Oklahoma State, but they still have to play Oklahoma who was – as I am sure you remember, pre-season #1.

Stanford is next in line after OK State and they play the Oregon Ducks this weekend. Most Crimson Tide fans are hoping for the Quack Attack to conquer and put Stanford out of the BCS running. Guess we’ll have to hide and watch. Why? Because Alabama is still #3 in the BCS rankings, even though its by a very slim margin and they would stand to advance if Stanford lost and then, OK State lost to Oklahoma. It’s complicated and it involves a lot of “ifs”.

Georgia and Auburn play this weekend - a very old and storied rivalry. You might to mention how fussy and chippy last years’s game became. Two Auburn players were suspended the next weekend for the first half of the Iron Bowl due to some fighting and its rumored that Georgia players remember it well enough to bear a slight grudge.

So, watch out for the Georgia vs. Auburn game. And, be prepared to comment on the question marks that surround the opponent that LSU will play on January 9th.

Stay warm and enjoy your weekend. Next weekend brings all the Rivalry Games.

“Tis the Eleventh month on Day, Zero-Five and nary a girl is now alive”… Who could bear another comment on the LSU/ Alabama GAME!!!!

Have you EVER seen or heard so much hype, analysis and “insider info” on any game? We’ve seen everything from expert analysis to the inside of Les Miles and Nick Saban’s vehicles on their way to work. I’ve listened to radio and ESPN coverage ad nauseum and I honestly can’t find a new angle to focus on for our Head Turner. Don’t get me wrong, I am interested and I do care, but enough is enough.

What I really wonder is, why is it so out of control?  I mean, this is more media coverage than given to the National Championship games of the last two years. I think that the answer might be outside of football’s realm. Could it be that the NBA lock-out has shut down the diversion of professional basketball that is normally present during this time? What do you think?

So, you might bring this angle up for discussion – I guarantee it’s probably the ONLY one that we haven’t heard! Enjoy the game, ladies!