Guest Blog: Lauren Sisler

Editor's Note by Stan J. Griffin: Late last year after my friend Darren Owens and I created this sports blog site, one of the first people I enlisted to help us out was Channel 42 sports anchor/reporter Lauren Sisler, who I had not long before become friends with on Facebook. Just taking a random risk, I sent her a message, informing her about our site and inquiring if she might be open to being interviewed for The Sports Connection. Even though she had never met me or had any real conversation with me, she quickly replied and said that she would love to help out. I sent her a few questions, and what followed was a great and movingstory, not only about her sports career and the journey that led her to Channel 42, but also a riveting story that detailed some of the highs and lows of her personal life. This also included a bit of tragedy as well.  The interview was received very well, and to this day, it is probably the blog piece that has received the most comments since we began the site in November of lastyear. Despite her crazy, busy schedule of late, which includes getting prepared to cover both the Sugar Bowl matchup between Alabama and Oklahoma and also the BCS Championship matchup between Auburn and Florida State, Lauren, without hesitation, agreed tofurnish her own guest blog to The Sports Connection, and a piece which I think you will also find enjoyable, especially if you're a fan of Gus Malzahn's Auburn Tigers. Thanks again Lauren for your excellent work and valuable help. The following is the exclusive guest blog by Lauren Sisler.

When I first moved to the state of Alabama to work at CBS 42, I was assigned to cover the Alabama football team. I traveled to all of their home and away games and enjoyed the thrill of the Crimson Tide earning their 14th National Championship.  But it was all still very new to me. The SEC that is. It didn't take long however, to understand why the SEC straight dominates college football.

The following season, 2012, our crews switched things up and I was assigned to the Auburn Tigers.  Now if you followed their fall from grace, you can probably relate when I say each week got harder and harder. Eventually, I was numb to the losses.  As a media member, it's tough following a team that is always on the losing end. Sitting in the press box, standing on the sideline, doing postgame interviews can all be difficult when you have a team that can never find a way to win (aside from 3 wins that had very little meaning).

But then the Gus Bus rolled into town and little did everyone know the final destination would be a trip to Pasadena for the BCS National Championship.

The season seemed to start off a little slow. Nothing too flashy about the Auburn Tigers. But then as the season rolled on, the Tigers threw on the flash bulbs (The Drive--Week 3 against Mississippi State). From there, there was no turning back.  I remember running back Tre Mason said "We will be a  Top 10 team this season." That comment came soon after Auburn broke the Top 25 so many thought that was a bold statement.  Obviously, the guys in the locker room knew something we didn't.  Gus Malzahn got these guys to buy in from jump.  Forget 2012, "It's a New Day."  

It sure is.  

The Auburn Nation came to life as Gus Malzahn orchestrated it all.  And not to mention, the personnel really didn't change from 2012 to 2013.  Just the coaching staff and the catalyst,  quarterback Nick Marshall.  Just what Auburn needed.  A guy like Marshall who can throw the ball, run the ball, and even fake out his own teammates on the read option.  It also helps to have a unit of running backs that can stack up yards and an offensive line that can open big holes.  Defense and special teams certainly gets credit too.  The defense bailed the offense out in critical situations meanwhile special teams (punt returns, kick returns, ohand field goal returns) proved to be a turning point in several games.

Biggest takeaway for me this season...

I spent last season with the Auburn Tigers.  I felt their pain.  Losing week in and week out while Alabama was on top of the world was a tough pill to swallow.  Our Alabama crew was getting to see some good football.  I, on the other hand, witnessed a lot of bad football and I hated every minute of it.  Not so much for me, but for those players, the coaches, and the fans.  Remember, I am not biased and don't take Alabama over Auburn or vice versa, however, covering an outstanding football team makes my job a whole lot more fun! That said, I can empathize with Auburn's 2012 season.  My junior year at Rutgers, I was part of a National Championship gymnastics team. The following year we fell less than a tenth of a point shy of making the finals.  That was it. My gymnastics career was over and I felt like I never really got to have a proper farewell.  I can only imagine what the 2012 Auburn seniors felt like. They went from being on top of the world with a National Championship to a steady nosedive to the very bottom.  In my opinion, experiencing a 3-9 season gives you a much greater appreciation for what Auburn has accomplished this season and I have a strong feeling the players, the guys that pour their heart and soul into the game of football, feel the same way.

Some of my memorable moments (the life of a sports broadcaster)...

-The 13 hour drive to College Station on a bean bag in the live truck that included Sodolak's Chicken Fried Bacon, a pitstop at Buc-ee's, and the nicest fans I've ever met

-Nick Marshall went down with a knee injury in the Ole Miss game. Ironically, I went down with a fractured ankle that was the size of a tennis ball when we finished our postgame show (old gymnastics injuries never go away).  The giant walking boot was a lovely accessory for the next 3 weeks

-Our live truck battery died during our pregame show before the Georgia game. Our crews got the shot back up however I had to race back to the studio (2 hours away) in case the shot went back down.  I didn't get to witness the Miracle at Jordan-Hare in person but I did get back in time to catch it in HD in the sports office

-The Iron Bowl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you weren't there to see that, or haven't seen any replays, I suggest you do a little Google search. Enough said.

-The SEC Championship in the Georgia Dome. It's where I started the season for the Chick-Fil-a Kickoff between Alabama and Virginia Tech. It's where I ended the season...almost!!!  A trip to New Orleans and Pasadena are in my near future and I am grateful to have the opportunity to cover two of the nation's best football teams to ring in the new year!

Iron Bowl Preview: An Iron Bowl For The Ages

Much of the discussion concerning Saturday's epic showdown in Jordan-Hare Stadium between Nick Saban's No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide and Gus Malzahn's No. 4 Auburn Tigers has focused on whether this might be the biggest Iron Bowl in the heated rivalry's long and intense history.

First of all, and of course if you live in this state you do not really need me to pass this on to you as it is not exactly breaking news, but any Iron Bowl is going to be off the charts in terms of the importance and significance of the game to both schools and their respective supporters whether the teams are playing  for a possible berth in the national championship game or if they are just playing for a winning record or simply bragging rights.  That is the way it is when you are talking about the nation's top college football rivalry, and no rivalry game comes close in terms of the animosity, tension and just raw emotion that is generated by Alabama vs Auburn. So, I really don't want to hear it from the fans of games such as USC/UCLA, Michigan/Ohio State, Florida State/Florida or even Army/Navy (with of course no disrespect intended to our nation's armed forces). And while the players and coaches for both the Tigers and Crimson Tide have always seemed to have a healthy respect for each other, it is far different for the fans of both schools and this year is certainly no different.

Saying all that, I do not think one would be overhyping Saturday's contest on The Plains by calling it the biggest Iron Bowl in the legendary history of the series.  Certainly there are many facets to this particular contest that seem to confirm that bold comment, although each individual Iron Bowl always seems to have its own unique identity and heroics whether those famed feats be provided by an expected source, such as a Bo Jackson or a  Johnny Musso, or someone not quite as predictable, like a Rory Turner or a Tre Smith.  Several storylines regarding this weekend's game, however, place the 2013 Iron Bowl at the top of the list in terms of sheer magnitude, and these include:

* RANKINGS:  With two-time defending national champion Alabama entering the game still holding the top spot in the land and in the BCS rankings, and the Tigers carrying a No. 4 ranking along with its sparkling 10-1 record, the two teams bring the highest combined rank in the rivalry's history, and an upset by the Tigers over a Tide team that is favored by around 10 points would certainly throw a lot more chaos into the final year of the Bowl Championship Series.

* AUBURN TURNAROUND: If an Auburn team still riding a miraculous comeback victory against Georgia is able to somehow defeat the 11-0 Crimson Tide,  a program which has captured the past two Iron Bowls by a 91-14 margin, it would not only represent a stunning turnaround from last season's 49-0 dismantling of the Tigers by the Crimson Tide, but it would also put a fitting end to a remarkable regular season rebound campaign by Malzahn's team from a dismal 3-9 season in 2012. It would also send Auburn to the SEC Championship Game as Western Division champs and give the Tigers an outside chance of playing in the BCS title game.

* ALABAMA CONTINUES TO CHASE HISTORY: Whether it be this week's Iron Bowl, or Alabama's first game this season against Virginia Tech, every game on the Crimson Tide schedule is a mammoth one and a huge headlining event because every win by quarterback AJ McCarron and company moves Alabama one step closer toward its historic goal of winning an unprecedented third consecutive BCS national championship. Auburn is just the latest obstable in the way of that quest. Whether or not Auburn proves to be the toughest roadblock in the way of possible trips to Atlanta and Pasadena for the Crimson Tide remains to be seen.

As far as the game itself goes, I see this game going in two possible ways.  Much like the 2009 Iron Bowl, also at Jordan-Hare during the Tide's first national championship season under Saban, If Auburn gets off to a fast start and gets its crowd into a frenzy, I could see the Tide getting into an early 14-0 or 17-0 type hole. This was also the predicament that the Tide found itself in during an earlier road game this season against Johnny Manziel and the Texas A & M Aggies. Of course the 2009 Tide eventually settled into the game and pulled out a 26-21 victory late in the game, and this year's Tide team eventually rallied to pull out a scary 49-42 triumph in Kyle Field. It would be interesting to see if Alabama would have the discipline and maturity to be able to withstand an early Auburn uprising and rally yet again in a dangerously perilous environment.

Then again, these are the type games that Alabama often starts fast in and plays some of its best games, especially on the road, as the Crimson Tide often seems to play fairly comfortably in an "us against the world" type of situation. If this were to happen and Alabama was able to dictate play and perhaps expose the Tigers as somewhat overrated, I think the Crimson Tide could win fairly comfortably. I am not saying that Alabama could win 49-0 again or even in that range, but I definitely think it would not be out of the realm of possibility to see Alabama win by two touchdowns or so.  Alabama, despite a sloppy performance against Mississippi State in Starkville, has played much like a team on a mission during the past month or so.  This was especially true in its impressive win over a good LSU team that dominated Auburn earlier this season. LSU was the only team that Auburn has played this season that remotely resembled the Crimson Tide, and Auburn was no match against Les Miles' team despite some late points that made the score closer than the game actually was.

So what happens on Saturday?

I think the contest will range somewhere in the middle of my two scenarios listed above.  I think Auburn will start fast, still riding the momentum from the Georgia game, and it would not surprise me to see the Tigers with an early 10-0 lead or so, but I don't think the Alabama defense will allow Auburn to get too much of a cushion as the Tigers will not run roughshod over the Crimson Tide as it has run over pretty much everyone else on its schedule. Auburn will not be able to be one-dimensional and have a lot of success against C.J. Moseley and company and quarterback Nick Marshall will definitely be forced to have some success in the air to keep the game competitive. Of course the Tigers do have a lot of weapons in terms of its running game and with its receivers so I do expect Auburn to be able to score some points.  I think the biggest question of the game, however, involves the Auburn defense and how it will be able to handle emerging Heisman trophy candidate McCarron and his array of skill position weapons.  If Alabama's offensive line plays its "A" game and gets running backs such as T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake going off early then it could definitely be a Crimson Tide type of day where Alabama is able to dominate the time of possession while keeping the dangerous quick-strike Tiger offense on the sidelines.  Again, though, I think the Tigers will find ways to get some points on the scoreboard and keep it close, but I think the Tide's focus on its mission, its ability to play tough on the road and withstand periods of adversity and its offensive firepower will prove to be a bit too much for the Tigers as Alabama improves to 12-0 and gets set for a probable meeting with surprising Missouri in the SEC Championship Game.

Alabama 30, Auburn 24. 

The Wind Beneath My Wings

When I first began to write about sports for actual money instead of just for fun, back in 1994 for the Delta Democrat Times in Greenville, Miss., my dad was quick to inform me that I would never have any real success as a sports journalist until I did an interview with him.

As my newspaper career would later take me to locales such as Pell City and Andalusia, Alabama, and even gaining me a few awards, my old man would continue to evaluate my performance and overall career by noting that I was a pretty good writer, but that I would still never reach a higher plateau until I did an interview with him.

Of course I usually rolled my eyes whenever he would say this, knowing that such an interview would mean yet another rendition of the stories involving various sports figures and events in his life that he told me over and over.

What I would give to hear one of those stories now.

But in retrospect, he was right, as he was in most cases, as some of his stories, especially involving Alabama football, the main bonding element between the two of us, probably would have translated into quite an interesting read, and I regret now that it never actually happened.

But regrets, I guess, are just a part of the unique and sometimes complicated thing that is the father-son relationship. It is easy to dismiss a father's words of wisdom, his stories and his advice, but then when your dad is no longer around, you realize just how valuable his advice was and how you should have just listened more instead of arguing and trying to be always right.

I recently lost my dad, who was also my hero and my very best friend, after he lost his final battle in what was a series of battles against cancer. I cannot tell you how much I miss seeing him everyday and talking to him, and especially eating his grilled hamburgers and watching Alabama football with him and teasing him about his pants that he held together with safety pins or his collection of cheap eyeglasses.

He was the Sheriff Andy Taylor of my life, as he was always there to attempt to educate me through his own life experiences and share his wisdom, while also being there to get me out of various situations and jams that I often created for myself because I didn't heed his words quite well enough or often enough.  Dad and I had our share of disagreements over myriad things, but I was always fully aware of how much he loved me, especially in his later years, when he mellowed and became a lot more emotional with age and we did become a lot closer.

But even when we did not have anything else to talk about, sports, and especially football, was always the dominant subject that could keep us conversing for hours, and we have no doubt driven my poor mom crazy millions of times keeping the television occupied with all-day football marathons.  Although my dad, a pretty good football player and athlete during his high school days as a Holt Ironman, did not see fit to pass down some of his athletic genes to yours truly, he apparently still found a way to foretell that I would have some significant involvement in sports by naming me after one of his all-time favorite sports heroes.

Many of you already know this, but he named me after iconic St. Louis Cardinals slugger Stan "The Man" Musial.  Dad explained to me that when he was younger, the Cardinals were the only team whose games he could pick up on the radio, so he began to root for the Cards, and especially players such as Musial, a Hall of Famer known as much for his grace, class and character as his incredible talents. Of course me being a Cubs fan, he and I would trash talk quite a bit when it came to our baseball teams, especially when they were playing each other. I would have given anything, however, if he could have seen his beloved team capture one more World Series title before he left this earth.

Ironically, Musial also died this year, passing on Jan. 19 at the age of 92.  

And while dad followed baseball and many other sports quite closely, he is the one most responsible for my passion for Alabama Crimson Tide football, because he was equally passionate about all aspects regarding it.  We would spend countless hours talking about various games, players, past games and championships and of course recruiting. When Nick Saban recently secured the commitment of the nation's No. 1 prospect for the Class of 2014 in Virginia defensive end Da'Shawn Hand, my thoughts immediately turned to how proud dad would be as he would often collect clippings about recruiting and would put a check mark by the photos of different coveted prep prospects once they committed or signed with the Crimson Tide.

Like me, he was reveling in the current reign of success and championship glory for the Crimson Tide program under the direction of Saban, but his thoughts often still drifted back to the Crimson Tide football years that he enjoyed under the direction of coaches such as the legendary Paul W. "Bear" Bryant and Frank Thomas and some of his favorite former Tide standouts such as Harry Gilmer (whom he almost named me after, but I am so glad he didn't since I am already a hairy-enough Griffin), Pat Trammell, Billy Neighbors and Lee Roy Jordan.

Although he repeated them NUMEROUS times, I was more than anything fascinated by his stories regarding Crimson Tide football, especially Bama football under the direction of Bryant.  He and mom and many of his friends had quite a few adventures during their years of traveling all over the place to attend Crimson Tide games, whether they were in Baton Rouge, Knoxville or even in Mobile.

 

Not only did dad get to watch his favorite players on the football field during games, he actually got to know quite a few of them when he worked with them back when college players were allowed to actually have summer jobs, and there was even one occasion where he and a buddy wound up bunking with a few of the Tide players during one of the Crimson Tide's home games away from Tuscaloosa. Dad also told stories of sneaking into Alabama practices during Bryant's tenure at the Capstone and witnessing the legendary coach dressing down his players, nervously hoping that Bryant would not spot him watching and give him the same treatment.

There were also some stories about dad that always received a few laughs, even at his recent funeral, but also emphasized just how important sports were to him.  Dad was actually very close to being late for his own wedding because he and his best man were at Tuscaloosa's famed Foster Auditorium watching the state high school basketball tournament, a tournament that also did make him late for his rehearsal dinner.

And then, where does dad take Mom on their honeymoon? Believe it or not, he took her all the way to St. Petersburg, Fla. for Major League Baseball spring training games. Obviously it was not the most romantic honeymoon destination for sure, but I guess it gave her an early indication that sports would indeed be a major part of their lives together, and I guess she was OK with it, as they were happily married for an amazingly loving 56 years.

During the past few years, although he still followed sports, his love for it faded quite a bit.  Too many highly-paid athletes, too many scandals and controversies involving athletes and too many me-first showboat athletes. He was old-school and athletic divas totally turned him off. I guess I am just like him in that regard.

But one thing that never changed or faded was his love of the Crimson Tide on the football field, and I have to say that I am giving him a lot of grief right now for leaving me before Bama could win this latest national title, and watching games without him is just not the same. It leaves me with an empty feeling that I doubt I will ever totally get over.

Hopefully Bama can survive the rest of this season and capture that third consecutive title, and just know if that happens, it will totally be for you Dad.....

I miss you greatly, and I love you more than words can say.

ROLL TIDE!!!

College Football Review: Alabama v Georgia State Nothing But A Farce

Not to alarm you, but we are entering, believe it or not, the sixth week of the college football season, marking the official midway point of the regular season.

While this weekend's games include several intriguing matchups, including Auburn/Ole Miss, Stanford/Washington, Florida State/Maryland and Northwestern/Ohio State, one of the games you will not hear or read much about, and rightfully so, is the farce of a matchup involving Nick Saban's No. 1 Alabama team and a Georgia State program (formerly coached by Bill Curry) in its fourth year of bigtime Division 1 football.

Quite simply, this is an embarassment of a college football contest, with the top college football program in America playing host to what is likely the worst program in the nation, and columnist Kevin Scarbinsky of The Birmingham News is totally correct in stating that UA should be ashamed of scheduling the game not only once (Alabama defeated GSU 63-7 in the Panthers' first year as a football program) but then scheduling another battle against this overmatched school from Atlanta in what shapes up as another glorified scrimmage where Bama third-teamers will likely see a great deal of action. 

It is games such as this that represent one of the major reasons that attendance figures continue to plummet in the world of college football, along with ever-increasing ticket prices and the increasing comforts of home and high-definition television. 

Personally, I have not attended a college football game since 2010, and although I know it makes me sound old and bitter, I really do not feel much of a desire to deal with the headaches of parking, traffic and crowds.......and sometimes inclement weather, to pull for my teams in person anymore.  I can sit comfortably at home where I can also enjoy other games, eat what I want to eat, enjoy my game in high-definition where I can enjoy every play and instant replays up close and also not have to deal with horrifying public restrooms at the stadium. 

I noticed that as of Wednesday, UA still had tickets available for the Georgia State game for $55, which includes seats at the very top of the upper decks in the end zone. Wow, what an enticement for a game such as this. A horrible game, enjoyed live from the nosebleed seats.  No thanks, UA officials, but ROLL TIDE anyway.

I know with the college football world continuing to change, with playoffs beginning in 2014, conferences continuing to realign and additional conference games likely just around the corner, that it is good for schools such as Alabama to secure "breather" games whenever they can. 

But next year, when the playoffs begin, strength of schedule will be a key part of the criteria when selection committees begin to determine the playoff seeds and brackets, and I don't think that it will be prudent for teams such as Alabama and Ohio State to have schedules dotted with dregs such as Georgia State, Buffalo and Chattanooga.

I am beginning to also think in line with a lot of others, relative to when it is time for Alabama to begin looking at its future non-conference opponents, maybe the Crimson Tide should consider looking closer to home and keeping the money in the state by scheduling some in-state schools such as UAB, Jacksonville State and Troy. While games against the Blazers or the Gamecocks might not represent a huge boost to the the Crimson Tide's strength of schedule, it would definitely be a marked improvement to the schedule in terms of interest and excitement. Perhaps it might also encourage yours truly to consider attending more games IN PERSON again......Maybe. 

Moving onto the SEC games of WEEK 6:

GAME OF THE WEEK: Ole Miss at Auburn: Very intriguing matchup at Jordan-Hare as Hugh Freeze's Rebels look to rebound from a dispiriting loss at Alabama last weekend. It will not be easy as Gus Malzahn's Tigers are obviously one of the most improved teams in the nation, and even gave LSU a lot of fits before losing in Baton Rouge a couple of weeks ago. Ole Miss enters the game as a slight favorite, but I am not sure if mentally the Rebels will be in a very good place after failing to score against Alabama. That 25-0 dismal loss came after Ole Miss entered that showdown against the Tide with much hope and hype. If this game was being played in Oxford, I might give a slight edge to the No. 24 Rebels, but I think Auburn's homefield advantage, as well as the expected Ole Miss letdown, translates into a slight upset for Malzahn's Tigers. AUBURN 28, OLE MISS 24

In other SEC games it is:

Georgia State at Alabama: Although the Crimson Tide has yet to fully play up to its ranking and put forth a complete game, the Tide has basically been untested for the most part this season and enters this matchup with the Panthers as a 56-point favorite. Look for Bama third-teamers to see much quality action in this name-your-score affair for the Crimson Tide. ALABAMA 53, GEORGIA STATE 0.

Georgia at Tennessee: In what was likely the most exciting contest of last weekend, Mark Richt's No. 6 Bulldogs affirmed that they indeed are still very much in the hunt for the SEC and national title with a huge comeback victory over LSU. While the Bulldogs are continuing to have some struggles defensively, Georgia's offense remains prolific and quarterback Aaron Murray is showing he is still a dangerous weapon despite his reputation for not being to win the big game too often. I expect the Bulldogs to surrender a few points in this clash in Neyland Stadium as the Volunteers do have some weapons of their own, but Tennessee will not be able to survive a shootout. GEORGIA 41, TENNESSEE 23.

Arkansas at Florida: The No. 18 Gators continue to struggle on offense and things probably will not get much easier with the loss of starting quarterback Jeff Driskel. Fortunately for Will Muschamp's Gators, Florida still possesses a very stout defense, and that will be needed as a much improved Razorback squad journeys to Gainesville. Arkansas gave Texas A&M all it wanted last Saturday before falling short and I am tempted to pick the Hogs in an upset. However, I think the homefield advantage for the Gators, as well as that defense, will allow Muschamp's team to survive this matchup in The Swamp.  FLORIDA 21, ARKANSAS 17.

LSU at Mississippi State: There is little doubt that Les Miles' team will likely enter this game in Starkville a little flat after losing a wild and emotional clash against Georgia last week, a game in which it led late before falling in the final two minutes of that contest. Fortunately for the Tigers, they battle a Bulldog team which has been inconsistent on offense and defense this season, and has yet to prove it can consistently beat SEC West foes such as LSU and Alabama. LSU 29, MISSISSIPPI STATE 17.

Kentucky at South Carolina: Perhaps one of the biggest disappointments in the country have been Steve Spurrier's No. 13 Gamecocks, although they are still a formidable team to deal with, especially for lowly programs such as Mark Stoops' Wildcats. UK must face this rough road task before hosting No. 1 Alabama next week. SOUTH CAROLINA 31, KENTUCKY 18.

Missouri at Vanderbilt: The Tigers, led by a finally-healthy quarterback in James Franklin, have been somewhat of a surprise team in the early season, and this battle between the Tigers and the host Commodores should be a fairly even and entertaining affair. This also might be quite the offensive shootout as well.  In a slight upset I am thinking....MISSOURI 28, VANDERBILT 27.

Tide / Aggies Showdown Headline Week 3 Of College Football Preview

It is a bit hard to believe, but we are actually entering the third week of the college football season. Definitely a bit of strange reality for fans of Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide, with Bama only having one game under its belt thus far.

Of course the Armageddon showdown in College Station's Kyle Field Saturday between Saban's No. 1 and two-time defending champion Crimson Tide and Kevin Sumlin's No. 6 Texas A & M Aggies headlines an intriguing weekend of action.

Alabama is seeking payback for its only defeat in 2012 and also no doubt looking to take back some of the headlines from the embattled and ever-cocky Aggie quarterback Johnny Manziel, the defending Heisman Trophy candidate and who is seemingly a true magnet for controversy wherever he goes.

 

This is no doubt the biggest game in the history of the Aggie program and definitely the biggest on its home campus, with ESPN's Gameday on hand to capture the moment For Alabama, though, it is just yet another hurdle in its quest to make college football history and gain its unprecedented third consecutive BCS national title.

And while this particular road test would be challenging enough for the Crimson Tide, with the nation's eyes firmly focused on this epic showdown, Alabama has had to deal this week with the distractions of a story alleging that former Tide All-American D.J. Fluker, among others, received improper benefits while still playing college ball.

Addressing this briefly, I know the University of Alabama continues to aggressively investigate this matter, and I will also hold off on totally condemning Fluker until more regarding this story actually comes to light. If it is proven, however, that the story is true and Fluker, now with the San Diego Chargers, did accept illegal compensation, then he, along with whoever else was involved in the situation, should receive criminal chargers and jail time. While scuzzy so-called agents and other leaches are the main instigators in this continuing problem involving illegal benefits and college student-athletes, I am honestly sick to death of these athletes being portrayed as victims. These college athletes are very well-versed about the dangers of being involved with shady agents and other slimy individuals. Student-athletes are also provided with many more benefits than the average student is, and it is appalling that their greed and selfishness would lead them to risk jeopardizing their programs and reputations for a bit more ill-gotten gain. I am sure that many Alabama supporters feel that possible scandals such as this are the only thing that could really put a halt to the Crimson Tide's current dynasty, and perhaps also fear that something like this could push Saban to possibly bolt the Tide program.

Moving onto this week's action:

GAME OF THE WEEK: Alabama at Texas A & M: As mentioned, much of the nation's media will descend upon College Station this weekend for what has been hyped for months as the game of the year in college football this season, and for good reason. I have personally gone back and forth on many things in my head in trying to prognosticate a winner for this contest, as it is a game which could really go either way, depending on which team is really the most prepared and perhaps who also gets off to the best start in the game. Texas A & M arguably comes into the game with a bit more momentum after playing a couple of games and getting this game in its own very tough backyard. Alabama, meanwhile, has not played in two weeks since a very sluggish effort in its opener against Virginia Tech. This was especially true on offense as Bama's still-transitioning offensive line did not play with much effectiveness or cohesion against the Hokies. While Alabama's offense sputtered in its opener for the most part, I feel there are a couple of reasons for that. Offensively it is going to take some time for the Bama line to fully gel after losing three All-Americans, including Fluker, but I also feel that Alabama displayed a very vanilla game plan against Virginia Tech. I look for Bama to open things up in a big way this weekend and unleash a few more of its weapons. This will be the first game that the Aggies will have much of their defense intact due to suspensions and other factors, but that defense was suspect at best last season and I am not really sure it will be much better this season against quality opponents (meaning teams much better than Rice and Sam Houston St.). Whether you like or hate Manziel, he is a superb athlete and is capable of incredible things on a football field. There is also no doubt that the Aggies will score some points on Bama's defense. There are many good reasons to pick the Aggies to win this game as it will be an incredibly hostile and loud atmosphere in Kyle Field, the Aggies are a blessed athletic team with a great coach in Sumlin and dynamic playmakers all over the field, and the Aggies will no doubt enter the game with much confidence after having knocked off Alabama in Bryant-Denny Stadium last season. However, the fact that Alabama has had two weeks to prepare for Manziel and company, the likelihood that Alabama's offense should be able to put up big yards and points against an average defense, the revenge factor and the simple fact that Alabama has traditionally played much better on the road during Saban's Bama tenure leads me to give the slight edge to the two-time defending national champions. Alabama is more accustomed to huge national showdown games such as this, and it usually wins them more often than not under the guidance of Nick Saban. ALABAMA 37, TEXAS A & M 27

In other games involving SEC teams this weekend:

Mississippi State at Auburn: The Tigers have begun the Gus Malzahn Era in successful fashion, with wins against Washington State and Arkansas State, and actually showed quite a bit of progress, especially defensively, in its victory over a fairly solid Arkansas State squad. I think we begin finding out a little more about the Tigers, however, Saturday as they begin conference play against Dan Mullen's Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are a bit of a mystery too after a sluggish loss against Oklahoma State followed by a big win over undermanned Alcorn State. Although it has shown a solid ground attack in its first two games, Nick Marshall is still rounding into shape as Auburn's starting quarterback. In what should be a physical contest in Jordan-Hare Stadium, I think Auburn may have to rely on its running game and defense to stay undefeated and get off to a good SEC start. AUBURN 26, MISSISSIPPI STATE 19

Louisville at Kentucky: Although Charlie Strong's Cardinals have lived up to preseason expectations thus far, with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater already amassing incredible numbers, Louisville continues to get crucified because of its schedule, and a battle against Mark Stoops' Wildcats will not help that much. Louisville enters the game as a two-touchdown favorite over its in-state rival and I doubt if Kentucky will have many answers to handle the Cardinals' high-octane offensive attack. LOUISVILLE: 49, KENTUCKY 17.

Tennessee at Oregon: Butch Jones Volunteers have been impressive in coasting to wins in their first two games, but the Vols step it up to another level Saturday as they travel to battle the nation's No. 2 team in one of the toughest road environments in the nation. While the Vols, with their collection of impressive skill position standouts, should be able to put up some points against the Ducks, they will not have nearly enough to match Oregon quarterback sensation  Marcus Mariota, running back De'Anthony Thomas and company and the high-flying Ducks scoring attack. OREGON 42, TENNESSEE 21

Ole Miss at Texas: A very intriguing matchup, with Hugh Freeze's young and talented Rebels traveling to Austin to battle Mack Brown's Longhorns, a once-storied program which continues to reel, and is especially beleaguered coming off an ugly loss at BYU which led to the firing of defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. A home loss to the Rebels would likely be another nail in the coffin for Brown as Texas coach, while a road win against one of the the sport's big-name programs would be another huge building block for Freeze's program. I am thinking that a Texas team seeking to avoid total dire straits early finds a way to get it done and get a close win against the Rebels. TEXAS 21, OLE MISS 17.

Southern Miss at Arkansas: the Razorbacks are already looking like a much different team in the early stages of the season under the direction of new coach Bret Bielema. A Golden Eagle team that is in the initial steps of a huge rebuilding process should not prove to be much of an obstacle for the Hogs. ARKANSAS 37, SOUTHERN MISS 12

Vanderbilt at South Carolina: Although I fully expect Vanderbilt to remain competitive and successful under the direction of James Franklin, the Commodores face a rough road test this weekend against Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks, a team that is no doubt still feeling the effects and frustration of a tough loss to Georgia last weekend and ready to pounce on a conference opponent back in the friendly confines of Williams-Brice Stadium. SOUTH CAROLINA 28, VANDERBILT 18

Kent State at LSU: After breezing past UAB a week ago, Les Miles' Tigers continue to breeze this week, gaining another big win against an overwhelmed non-conference opponent where it should be able to put up some more huge offensive numbers behind much improved quarterback Zach Mettenberger.  LSU 48, KENT STATE 13.

Visit To Athens By Gamecocks Headline Week Two Of College Football

College football fans were definitely treated to a mixed bag of goodies last weekend as the opening week of the 2013 season contained a few instant classics, some mammoth upsets (most notably from FCS schools such as McNeese State), disappointing openers from a few highly regarded schools and some great individual displays. We also, regrettably, had the expected theatrics from Texas A & M quarterback Johnny Manziel, an act that is growing more tired, and attracting more and more negative national scrutiny, on a daily basis. He is definitely giving ESPN pundits such as Paul Finebaum, Mark May and Mike Bellotti plenty to talk about, though.

While most observers point to Clemson's riveting 38-35 victory over Georgia in Death Valley as perhaps the best game of Week 1, I would have to say that the 39-35 victory by the Ole Miss Rebels in Nashville over Vandy could probably match that contest in terms of sheer drama and late game heroics. I know that game certainly translated into a roller coaster ride of emotions for fans of both schools, and also showed just how far these programs have come during the past couple of years or so. 

While teams such as Louisville, Florida State, LSU, Clemson and Oregon began the season in very strong fashion, Nick Saban's No. 1 Alabama squad, the two-time defending national champion, was not overly impressive in its 35-10 opening triumph over Virginia Tech, and especially offensively. Also opening with less than spectacular displays last weekend were No. 3 Ohio State (which struggled somewhat on defense in a 40-20 win over Buffalo) and No. 22 Nebraska.  Among those who shined individually during the opening week of play included Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, Oregon's Marcus Mariota, Clemson's Tajh Boyd, Alabama's Christion Jones, and LSU's Zach Mettenberger.  

But if you happened to watch the Labor Day showdown between Florida State and Pittsburgh, however, then you probably also agree with me that Seminole freshman quarterback Jameis Winston shined brighter than anyone in college football's opening week. Winston, of course, was the highly touted former Hueytown star who opted to select Jimbo Fisher's FSU program over Saban's Crimson Tide, and it had to make Alabama fans everywhere grimace watching Winston surpass those expectations in his college debut in spectacular fashion. He completed 25 of 27 passes for 356 yards and four touchdowns in an impressive 41-13 rout over the host Panthers. Obviously Winston is gifted with much talent, but I think his command of the Seminole offense and his poise was nothing less than amazing. If he stays healthy, Winston will truly be special, and he is already well on the way to becoming that now. 

Which takes us now to Week 2,  and a slate of games that includes a few possible instant classics, such as Notre Dame traveling to Michigan, South Carolina making the trip to Athens to battle Georgia and Will Muschamp's Florida team traveling to battle the Miami Hurricanes.

GAME OF THE WEEK, SOUTH CAROLINA at GEORGIA: Following a heartbreaking opening loss to the Clemson Tigers, the season is suddenly already in peril for Mark Richt's No. 11 Bulldogs, as they get ready to host Steve Spurrier's No. 6 Gamecocks, a team which has dominated Georgia in recent years. Richt and Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray are also having to hear the questions again about whether they can get it done in a big game after so many failures in this situation over the past few years. Unfair, probably, but that's the way it goes in big time college football, and especially in the lion's den that is the SEC. Georgia gave a valiant effort and showed glimpses of how prolific its offense can be in its loss to the Tigers, but struggled mightily on defense against the high-powered Clemson offense. If Georgia is to rebound and have another strong season, it must improve significantly on the defensive side of the ball. South Carolina, meanwhile, was very solid, if not spectacular in its opening win against North Carolina. The Gamecock offense sputtered at times with its two-quarterback attack, although its defense appeared outstanding attimes despite the mediocre performance from perhaps-overhyped standout defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Although South Carolina's offensive unit is not nearly the dynamic juggernaut that the Clemson offense is, the Gamecocks have the ability to run the Bulldogs into submission if Georgia is still in hangover mode from its opening setback, and if Richt's defense does not put forth a much better effort Saturday night in Athens. I think Georgia, realizing how urgent this early SEC showdown is for its conference and national aspirations, finds a way to get it done at home between the hedges. GEORGIA 24, SOUTH CAROLINA 17.

Moving along to other games involving SEC teams :

Florida at Miami (Fla): After a solid win over Toledo in its opener, the Gators travel to battle a Hurricane team which is becoming nationally relevant once again under the direction of Al Golden and due to a host of talented athletes including running back standout Duke Johnson. This is a defining early test for Muschamp's team, a team which continues to shine defensively, but is still nothing special on offense just yet. These teams have not played in a few years and I am expecting the Gators to enter a very hostile atmosphere, although you cannot always say that for Miami home games. Although the Gators continue to put forth the building blocks in becoming a perennial Top 10 program once again, with Muschamp following the pattern that Saban has used in building a championship-level program at Alabama, I am predicting a mild upset in this affair. MIAMI 27, FLORIDA 19

Miami (Ohio) at Kentucky: The Mark Stoops era at Kentucky began in disappointing fashion last weekend as the Wildcats fell in a shootout to Bobby Petrino's Western Kentucky team in Nashville. Wildcat fans are no doubt hoping that the friendly confines of Commonwealth Stadium will help Kentucky bounce back and gain what might be a rare victory for Kentucky. I think the UK offense led by quarterback Maxwell Smith will pave the way for Stoops initial win with the Wildcats. KENTUCKY 31, MIAMI 24

Western Kentucky at Tennessee: An intriguing matchup in Neyland Stadium as Bobby Petrino's Hilltoppers, fresh off a big win over Kentucky, take aim at toppling yet another SEC opponent. The Volunteers began the Butch Jones era in impressive fashion last week by rolling to a win over Austin Peay (45-0), but step it up competition-wise as they look to run their early-season record to 2-0. There is little doubt that Petrino will pull off some offensive trickery against the Vols and Western Kentucky has proven that it is a program that has a good degree of talent. However, I feel that Tennessee's homefield advantage and offensive talent will prove too much for the Hilltoppers. TENNESSEE 34, WESTERN KENTUCKY 24.

Toledo at Missouri: The Tigers began their season in impressive fashion last week and also showed just how good its offense can be if quarterback James Franklin is totally healthy. Of course that was also against Murray State. Although Toledo represents a mild step up in competition for Gary Pinkel's team, it still won't cause much difficult as Mizzou gains its second win of the season. MISSOURI 42, TOLEDO 17.

Alcorn State at Mississippi State: Dan Mullen's Bulldogs struggled mightily in their season-opening 21-3 loss against Oklahoma State, and hope to rebound at home Saturday against the Braves. The cowbells should be loud this weekend as MSU gains its first 2013 win. MISSISSIPPI STATE 40, ALCORN STATE 6

Samford at Arkansas: The Bret Bielema era began in winning fashion last weekend as his Razorbacks romped past Louisiana-Lafayette. Arkansas looks to improve to 2-0 Saturday as the Hogs battle Pat Sullivan's Bulldogs. Look for another convincing victory for the host Razorbacks. ARKANSAS 35, SAMFORD 11.

UAB at LSU: Although many observers seemed surprised by how impressive the Tigers looked in their opening win against TCU in Arlington, Texas, I was not one of them, as there is still much  talent in Baton Rouge. I also think many of the Tigers have a chip on their shoulders after being relegated to under-the radar status entering the 2013 campaign. Garrick McGee's Blazers get an up and close look Saturday at just how talented Les Miles' team still is. LSU 38, UAB 19

SE Missouri at Ole Miss: It took some late-game heroics by standout Jeff Scott to propel Hugh Freeze's Rebel team past Vanderbilt last Thursday. Such heroics will not be needed this week as Ole Miss moves to 2-0 on the young season in convincing style. OLE MISS 38, SE MISSOURI 10.

Sam Houston State at Texas A & M: Kevin Sumlin's Aggies continue to be the talk of college football in many circles, and not always for good reason as the trashy, frat-boy antics of quarterback Johnny Manziel continue to supercede the overall Aggie program. The Aggies should have no problem in this contest, however, as Texas A & M warms up for its Sept. 14 showdown against Alabama with a huge romp. TEXAS A & M 56, SAM HOUSTON STATE 17.

Arkansas State at Auburn: As Auburn showed in its narrow 31-24 opening win against a very mediocre Washington State team, no game can be taken for granted and assumed to be an automatic win, and Arkansas State is a program which has had a respectable level of success during the past few years. I expect the visitors to give Auburn a scare in Jordan-Hare Stadium before the Tigers finally put the game away late. AUBURN 35, ARKANSAS STATE 24

Austin Peay at Vanderbilt: It appeared at times last week that Vanderbilt was close to putting away Ole Miss before falling in heartbreaking fashion late in the Commodores' season opener. Look for a talented Vandy squad to bounce back, however, this week and get into the win column for the first time in 2013. Also look for a big offensive display by the Commodores. VANDERBILT 38, AUSTIN PEAY 10.

College Football Preview: Week 1

After a long summer of unpleasant headlines, such as players from all over the nation behaving badly, and of course the non-stop soap opera that has been Texas A&M quarterback and defending Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel, college football fans such as myself finally have reason to rejoice as the 2013 campaign gets underway Thursday night.

Of course this is not totally great news to everyone who knows and loves yours truly, as I tend to become a totally different person when it comes to college football, one of the main passions of my life, and this is not a person that many are frankly crazy about.

I tend to get very intense and competitive during a college football Saturday, and have been known to scream and throw various things, including remote controls, especially if things are not going particularly well for team that I have a deep rooting interest in. It's not pretty, and if a team that I love happens to go down to defeat on Saturday, you should know that I am pretty much no good to anyone the rest of that respective weekend.

All that being said, I think all of us who live and breathe college football are beyond ecstatic that the games are actually here, and I know I am definitely hype fatigued after weeks of reading preseason magazines and watching countless ESPN football specials and replays of 2012 games. I am sure that 2013 will be another season of close battles, mammoth upsets and unbelievable plays, as well as a little controversy thrown in for good measure. But isn't that what makes college football the great game that it is?

Before I jump into previewing the games of Week 1 involving SEC teams, I want to comment a little about the "suspension" of Manziel, the subject of my most recent blog.  Manziel's first-half suspension for the Aggies' opener against Rice can only be called a joke, and the fact that Texas A&M was able to basically broker a deal with the NCAA to ensure Manziel's services is beyond ludicrous and unacceptable.  No one can convince me that Manziel is being suspended simply to issue a point to him about the dangers of signing vast numbers of autographs due to the possibility of those being sold. If Manziel was not at least partially guilty of profiting marginally from the sales of his signature, then there would simply be no need for any type of suspension, and I am sure that Manziel, as well as his teammates, have already been very well-versed about the issue of signatures and the lucrative nature of them. And we wonder why Manziel carries himself with such a cocky and seemingly entitled attitude.  I believe the Aggie program threw the NCAA a small bone which would allow its record-breaking quarterback to stay on the field and have the issue regarding Manziel's autograph-hawking exploits to be simply swept under the rug, and I also believe the whole resolution has a totally foul odor.

Thursday's Games:

North Carolina at South Carolina: A very intriguing matchup between Larry Fedora's up and coming Tar Heels and Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks, a team which many are picking to win the SEC East Division and perhaps even contend for a national title in 2013. Do not sleep on the Tar Heels as I feel they will definitely be a key challenger in the ACC race this season, but the friendly confines of Williams Brice Stadium and a smothering defense led by the incredible Jadeveon Clowney will propel the Gamecocks to a nice opening win. SOUTH CAROLINA 27, NORTH CAROLINA 17

Ole Miss at Vanderbilt: Although Hugh Freeze's Rebel program appears to be very much on the upswing due to a nice finish in 2012 as well as arguably the strongest recruiting class in Rebel football history, the Commodores have actually proven to be quite the nemesis for Ole Miss over the past few years. This is a pivotal early SEC game for both programs, hoping to get off to a strong conference start while also attempting to prove that the success of last season was no fluke. Vanderbilt will likely struggle, however, on offense early in the season as the Commodores are having to replace key leaders at quarterback and at running back. I think this will prove to be the difference in a season-opening win for Freeze's Rebels.  OLE MISS 24, VANDERBILT 14.

Saturday's Games:

Alabama vs Virginia Tech (Atlanta) : After being proclaimed as the overwhelming preseason choice as the No. 1 team in the land by most scribes and analysts, Nick Saban's two-time defending national champion Crimson Tide finally begin its march toward another hopeful championship season, a milestone which would assure the Tide's status as perhaps the sport's greatest dynasty ever with four crowns in five years. While many Tide fans are no doubt already focusing on Alabama's second contest, a Sept. 14 showdown with Texas A & M at Kyle Field, Frank Beamer's Hokies have enough talent, at least defensively, to make this game interesting for awhile anyway. Despite its numerous weapons at running back and receiver, and of course with senior signal-caller AJ McCarron, Alabama's offense may struggle at least in the early stages of the contest due to an offensive line that no doubt will take some time to round into form due to the loss of three All-Americans. Fortunately for Saban's team, a still-strong Alabama defense should have little trouble with a limited and injury-plagued Virginia Tech offensive unit. ALABAMA 31, VIRGINIA TECH 10

Kentucky vs Western Kentucky: A new era begins with the Wildcats, with Mark Stoops looking to revive football fortunes in Lexington. It will not be an easy task, at least in Stoops' first season at Commonwealth Stadium. The Wildcats open the season against a Western Kentucky team also with new leadership as the ever-controversial Bobby Petrino returns to coaching. Although Kentucky is a slight favorite in the contest, Western Kentucky has some talent, and I am guessing that Petrino comes out with a few tricks in trying to make a strong opening statement against an in-state opponent.  WESTERN KENTUCKY 28, KENTUCKY 21

Mississippi State at Oklahoma State: Bulldog coach Dan Mullen is beginning to feel a little heat in Starkville, especially after a strong start last season ended with a disappointing finish, including season-ending losses to Ole Miss and Northwestern. It could be a pivotal season for him as he struggles to maintain support with the Bulldog Nation. The season begins in difficult fashion for the Bulldogs as they travel to Stillwater to battle Mike Gundy's high-powered Cowboys.  Oklahoma State is a big home favorite, and I think the chances of a MSU upset are remote at best. OKLAHOMA STATE 31, MISSISSIPPI STATE 20

Toledo at Florida: Will Muschamp continues to build a strong future powerhouse with the Gators and that included a strong season a year ago, one that, however, ended in disappointing fashion with an anemic loss to Louisiville in the Sugar Bowl. While Florida should be strong defensively once again, Muschamp is still looking for more offensive consistency with his Florida team. Fortunately for the Gator Nation, Toledo should not provide much opposition as the Gators roll to a big season-opening triumph.  FLORIDA 31, TOLEDO 6

Louisiana-Lafayette at Arkansas: One of the most intriguing coaching moves in the nation was Bret Bielema leaving a highly-successful Wisconsin program to take over a Razorback program that had fallen into disarray. Although the Razorbacks have a host of question marks, Bielema's Hogs should have no problem giving him a big win in his Arkansas debut.  ARKANSAS 31, Louisiana-Lafayette 13

Washington State at Auburn: The Gus Malzahn era begins on The Plains as Mike Leach brings his Cougars into Jordan-Hare Stadium following an abysmal season a year ago. While Leach will no doubt have a few tricks waiting for the Tigers, I am expecting Auburn to be a much improved team from last year's horrendous 3-9 squad, and definitely a much better coached team.  I think Auburn will at least get back to a decent bowl in 2013. While many eyes will be on recently-named Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall, I am interested to see if there is significant improvement with the Auburn defense, a defense that was routinely shredded a year ago. I am not expecting Malzahn's team to have much difficulty Saturday. AUBURN 31, WASHINGTON STATE 18.

Georgia at Clemson: In what is perhaps the best matchup of the opening week of games, two preseason Top 10 teams meet in what should be a shootout in Death Valley. Both teams have high aspirations heading into the season, especially Mark Richt's Bulldogs, who are no doubt still smarting from being five yards away from a national championship showdown with Notre Dame a year ago. While I expect both dynamic offenses, with quarterbacks Aaron Murray and Tajh Boyd leading Georgia and Clemson respectively, to have their share of big plays, I have slightly more confidence in the Georgia defense to make just a few more crucial plays in the contest. GEORGIA 28, CLEMSON 24

LSU vs TCU (Arlington, Texas): Another intriguing matchup as Gary Patterson's Horned Frogs take on Les Miles' Tigers, a team which may enter the season with somewhat of a chip on its shoulder due to slightly lowered expectations. I am thinking, however, that the Tigers have been somewhat underrated, as there is still talent aplenty in Baton Rouge, especially offensively.  I think another strong season begins with a convincing win over a very solid first-game opponent. LSU 30, TCU 20