When did we break down the schedules in two parts? It just doesn't make sense to me. Or does it? Usually the OOC vs IC schedule parts SEC vs well, everyone else. Fans of Team A blasts Team B for a weak conference. Then Team B attacks Team A's out of conference schedule. Blah, blah, blah. There's truth in both.
Just take a look at the two highest profile games this upcoming year:
Ohio State at Southern Cal
Georgia vs Florida @ the Cocktail Party
Both games are being treated like it's the plus one system in effect. Two games, most likely both will be a top 5 matchups. Here is my point, I think. Ohio State and USC went outside their conference to get their Top 5 matchup while Georgia and Florida have their Top 5 matchup built into their schedule. I'm not saying either is better or worse for it. What I'm saying is that when the season is over, all four of these teams will likely be in the Top 10 in strength of schedule. So can we please put to rest the OOC vs the IC? It's a weak arguement.
- Brady Quinn the QB is different from Notre Dame the football team. People are confusing them.
- Why on earth would anyone want to move Reggie Nelson to CB? Did they not watch any Gator game in the last year?
- Calvin Johnson is the best player in this draft. I just wish he would stop looking so damn draftable and fall to my Bucs @ the four spot.
- In terms of overall value, Amobi Okoye is only behind Calvin Johnson. This kid is extremely smart and only 19. Could be a defensive franchise piece for a smart NFL Club.
- I'd rather take Robert Meachem or Dwayne Bowe than grab Ted Ginn Jr. In three years, Ginn Jr will be strictly returning punts and kickoffs (if that).
- Anthony Gonzalez will be the best Ohio State WR and a steal late in the second round.
- There's a huge drop off from QB after JaMarcus Russell and Quinn. Not sure if anyone else could start on a team in the next two years and do well.
- There is no safe pick at RB, Adrian Peterson is the best back, but is he healthy and can he stay that way?
1: a mania for great or grandiose performance 2: a delusional mental disorder that is marked by feelings of personal omnipotence and grandeur
A delusional mental disorder? Maybe so. Most people who have disorders don't know they have them.
SEC fans carry a certain cockiness and arrogence that would make a spoiled Prom Queen jealous. Do they have a right to be that smug? I don't think anyone has a right to be smug. There are some proud people out there and they don't know how to debate, just attack each others character. Those of you will have a great career in politics.
Here's my explanation for the whole why the SEC is a tougher, (not better conference):
Look at the competition. I'm not talking about week in and week out. I'm talking about competition for the conference title.
BIG TEN: You have Ohio State and Michigan in a two man race every year. Sure Iowa or Penn State comes up every year or two to make it look like a wider race, but they often fall victim to the top two.
Big 12: Texas and Oklahoma have this conferece on lock down. Nebraska and Kansas State may be worthy opponets, but it's more like Texas and Oklahoma are the main events and K-State and Nebraska are the undercard.
Big East: You have a Louisville and West Viriginia team both trying to flex some muscle. Rutgers in right there, but with a blow out loss to Cinncinatti hurt them. I still believe year in and year out, it's a two team marathon.
PAC-10: This is a one team race. USC could speed walk and still beat out Cal. They've won the last five conference titles. The PAC-10 also has Oregon, but they aren't consistant enough.
ACC: Wow, this conference is having a down year to say the least. On most years, this is a three to four team race. Miami, Florida State, and Virginia Tech are your front runners. Though they are having a downward spiral this year, I believe this is one of the deepest conferences.
SEC: Now to the arrogent, pompous SEC. Say what you want, but they are top heavy. Every year it could be one of five teams that wins in Atlanta: Auburn, LSU, Florida, Georgia or Tennessee. Arkansas already has it's invitation to join the mix and it looks like they will be RSVPing.
I'm not saying I'm right or wrong. I'm just saying this is why I believe the SEC is the strongest and toughest conference. When half of your conference has a chance of taking home the championship, those are pretty good odds. Who knows though, I could just be messed up in the head and not even know it.
I'm not trying to be a sports writer. I just want to share some different views with you.
Sid Bream sliding into home may be my favorite sports memories.