With the stories of the college football year starting to pick up steam, it’s only fitting to stock up on tomatoes – specifically aiming at those who earned them in the opening weeks leading up to the beginning of conference play.  Take the following targets that may wanna duck due to their lackluster beginnings…


Throwing Tomatoes – Volume XVII

Ohio State
Tressel may want to switch from sweater vest to turtleneck.
For a team that appeared in back-to-back National Titles, returned 19 starters, and snagged the top recruit in the country in Terrelle Pryor, the Buckeyes have really underachieved after getting smoked by USC, trailing late to Ohio, and struggling to get into the end zone against Youngstown State.

Maurice Evans
Someone please check his phone records for Josh Howard or Ricky Williams.
The defensive lineman for the Nittany Lions is considered to be one of the best in the country, but he’s yet to produce due to a marijuana possession charge.  Having him back will be key to Penn State’s season – but when that will be is still up in the air.

Rutgers
At least Piscataway is still a big score in Scrabble…
I guess it’s official, the Scarlet Knights are yesterday’s news, gone faster than you can say “Ray Rice runs for the Ravens”.  If you need proof, how about blowout losses to Fresno State and North Carolina, plus losing to a Paul Johnson-less Navy team.  On the bright side, Morgan State is on deck.

West Virginia
All of a sudden, Rich Rod doesn’t look so bad now, does he?
After back-to-back road losses to East Carolina and Colorado, a three game homestand against Marshall, Rutgers, and Syracuse will be mighty refreshing for the Mountaineers.

Steve Spurrier
Didn’t his past teams put up these kind of numbers in fourth quarter mop up duty?
Great effort by South Carolina against Georgia, but… twenty-three points against Wofford?  Really?

Tennessee
It isn’t like they can easily hide in those uniforms…
Plain and simple, this team should be better.  But if the Vols experience another loss like the OT heartbreaker to UCLA or the blow out against Florida, Coach Fulmer’s seat may get a little hotter.

UCLA
After recent play, there’s only one place that finger belongs…
The Bruins have been outscored 90-10 over the last two weeks.  Something tells me that Tennessee game is feeling like it happened years ago.

Oregon State
McKnight with a migraine will still shred up this Beaver defense…
“Wake me up when September ends” is what Coach Riley has to be saying, and with McKnight, Sanchez, and USC on deck, October won’t come soon enough.

East Carolina
Looks like Cinderella broke a heel on the way to the ball – or Tom O’Brien tripped her.
After such a great start, to lose to an N.C. State team that is still trying to find itself… that’s just a  tough loss to take.  Besides, we as fans now have to look elsewhere for a BCS buster.

BYU anyone?  Or perhaps Boise State again?


This has been “Throwing Tomatoes”… where conference play could get even messier.

Take a deep breath… the wait is finally over. Football is here!

Every season, each team earns a clean slate, and 2008 will be no different. However, whether a team likes it or not, everyone earns a reputation and a theme even before the season begins. With that being said, I’ve pieced together a series of conference previews, with a unique twist.

Call this one a SEC preview set to music – featuring all twelve teams presented in the order of standing at the end of the 2007 season – and the theme song they should be playing in the locker room this week.


SEC EAST PREVIEW

Tennessee Volunteers
“Rock Steady” – No Doubt

“Steady now, stop rocking it… it’s a delicate environment.”
Erik Ainge may be gone to the NFL, but the Volunteers will be just fine on offense, as there are a handful of veterans present, including Arian Foster, Lucas Taylor, and Josh Briscoe. Therefore, the Tennessee offense should be “rock steady” for QB Jonathan Crompton – or “rocky top steady” if you will. It’s the Tennessee defense that will have to step it up, especially after losing talented players such as Jerrod Mayo and Jonathan Hefney. Another New Year’s Day bowl is certainly not out of the question for the Volunteers.

Top Returner: RB Arian Foster (1,193 yds rushing and 12 TD’s in ‘07)

Georgia Bulldogs
“Great Expectations” – Styx

“Everybody will be watching just to see what can you do. They’ll be waiting, anticipating for the genius to come through.”
Before you say it, yes “Who Let The Dogs Out” was the logical choice, but I thought I would go in another direction. I’ll be honest, if I were to rank a team by talent, I would put Georgia at the top of the list – and I’m certainly not alone there. The question remains, can Georgia live up to these “great expectations”? The schedule isn’t exactly easy, with a road trip to Arizona State being added in the mix with an already brutal SEC schedule that features LSU and Florida in back-to-back weeks. Still, as we all know, one loss can still get you into the title game – heck, even two.

Top Returner: RB Knowshon Moreno (1,334 yds and 14 TD’s in ‘07)

Florida Gators
“Torn” – Toad The Wet Sprocket

“I feel nothing besides this pain… please don’t watch me.”
Yes, the Gators are loaded with talent – again. Yet, that isn’t the story in Gainesville entering the 2008 season. Instead, it’s the injuries – specifically the five torn ACL’s that Florida players have sustained. Among the injured include starting TE Cornelius Ingram and starting safety Dorian Munroe, who are both out for the year. Overall, the Gators only lost 11 lettermen, while also having another solid recruiting class (#12 in 2008 according to Scout.com). While health has been an issue, depth likely won’t be. So does anyone know when Gatorade Ligament is going to be released? Something tells me it will taste the same as all the others.

Top Returner: QB Tim Tebow (3,286 yds passing, 895 yds rushing, 55 total TD’s in ‘07)

Kentucky Wildcats
“Down In A Hole” – Alice in Chains

“I’d like to fly but my wings have been so denied.”
On paper, it looks like this season will be a drop-off for the Wildcats, especially on offense, where only four starters return. Gone are most of the offensive weapons, from almost the entire receiving corps, to Rafael Little, to star QB Andre Woodson. The defense returns eight starters, but in the tough SEC Conference, it may be too much of a hole for Kentucky in 2008.

Top Returner: DE Jeremy Jarmon (62 tackles and 9 sacks in ‘07)

South Carolina Gamecocks
“Double Vision” – Foreigner

“I get my double vision, oh, seeing double double…”
This season in South Carolina, there isn’t just one Spurrier calling plays, but two, as Steve Spurrier Jr. is also in the mix. The report during the opener against N.C. State was that Spurrier Jr. is calling the plays, but the “Ol’ Ball Coach” himself has the right to override any call at any time. Don’t worry my friends, you aren’t seeing double on the sidelines. Still, the question remains… how will this change affect South Carolina throughout the season? The QB position features a trio of options, and this team could easily go in either direction as the season progresses.

Top Returner: WR Kenny McKinley (77 rec, 968 yds, and 9 TD’s in ‘07)

Vanderbilt Commodores
“Gone” – Pearl Jam

“Gonna leave ‘em all behind me cause this time I’m gone… long gone.”
Coming off a 5-7 season, the Commodores return only nine starters, including only three on offense. The rest of the starters are long gone. It’s been over 25 years now since Vandy has been to a bowl game, and it looks like the Commodores will be waiting for at least one more year.

Top Returner: CB DJ Moore (83 tackles and 6 INT’s in ‘07)


SEC WEST PREVIEW

LSU Tigers
“We Are The Champions” – Queen

“We are the champions – my friends. And we’ll keep on fighting – ‘til the end.”
Entering this season, Les Miles and the Tigers earn the right to say they are the champions. As 2008 approaches, there is enough talent still present to give it another go. Still, 24 lettermen have moved on and only 12 starters return on this year’s LSU squad. A midseason three week stretch at Florida, at South Carolina, and home vs. Georgia won’t be easy either. With that being said, LSU’s talent is going to cause all kinds of headaches for the rest of the SEC.

Top Returner: DE Kirston Pittman (68 tackles and 8 sacks in ‘07)

Auburn Tigers
“What You Are” – Dave Matthews Band

“What you’ve become, just as I have… are you and I so alike?”
Over the last few seasons, it seems like Auburn struggles against the weaker teams, while excelling against the top teams. Coming off a 9-4 season, the Tigers return 16 starters, and have enough talent to take the SEC – if they can keep their focus across the entire season. In addition, Auburn’s toughest road foes are West Virginia and Alabama, as they host Georgia, Tennessee, and LSU.

Top Returner: DE Antonio Coleman (38 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 9.5 tackles for a loss in ‘07)

Arkansas Razorbacks
“Crash Burn” – Blues Traveler

“I’m gonna watch you… gonna watch you fall like a tower of cards.”
Bobby Petrino left the Atlanta Falcons and has come to Fayetteville to run the Arkansas program. While Petrino has had success in the college ranks (at Louisville), there are going to be some growing pains in the early going – and for a number of reasons. First off, Petrino and Co. bring an entirely different offense to Arkansas, 25 lettermen have been lost, and only 11 starters return. Most importantly, nearly 3,000 yards of rushing offense is gone to the NFL, as Darren McFadden and Felix Jones have departed. In a tough SEC conference, it likely will be a difficult year for Petrino and the Razorbacks.

Top Returner: C Jonathan Luigs

Mississippi State Bulldogs
“Hey Bulldog” – The Beatles

“Some kind of innocence is measured out in years.”
Mississippi State was a team that crept under the radar in 2007. When they lost to the SEC powers, they were blown out – yet they still managed eight wins, including victories over Auburn and Alabama. Head Coach Sylvester Croom also nearly doubled his win total from the previous three seasons combined. With 14 starters returning in 2008, the question remains as “Hey Bulldog”, who are you going to be this year? Likely not an SEC title contender, but a second straight bowl appearance is certainly not out of the question.

Top Returner: FS Derek Pegues (50 tackles and 5 INT’s in ‘07)

Alabama Crimson Tide
“Dream On” – Aerosmith

“Every time I look in the mirror, all these lines on my face getting clearer – the past is gone.”
Nick Saban certainly has Alabama moving in the right direction, especially after taking the #1 recruiting class according to Scout.com for 2008. Still, as we know, that class will have a more significant impact down the road. For this season, the Crimson Tide will be a solid team, but title hopes are just a dream for now, especially with the road schedule that Alabama has on its plate – including Clemson (on opening weekend), Tennessee, LSU, and Georgia.

Top Returner: FS Rashad Johnson (94 tackles and 6 INT’s in ‘07)

Mississippi Rebels
“Houston” – R.E.M.

“So a man’s put to task and challenges…”
Houston Nutt takes over the Ole Miss program that once featured Ed Orgeron, who was responsible for recruiting a large amount of Pete Carroll’s former talent at USC. At Ole Miss, Orgeron was able to bring in some talent, yet unable to lead the Rebels to a bowl appearance. Nutt, who’s had plenty of success at Arkansas, could be just what this team needs to get back on track. A bowl appearance will be tough in 2008, especially with road opponents that include Wake Forest, Florida, Alabama, and LSU.

Top Returner: DE Greg Hardy (64 tackles and 10 sacks in ‘07)

Never out of season, it’s time to break out the tomatoes once again, and direct them at the individuals in sports that deserve them the most. As always, there certainly isn’t a shortage of suitors in my eyes.

Where do you direct your tomatoes this week? Here’s where I feel mine are most deserving:

Throwing Tomatoes – Volume V

NFL

McFadden “Haterade” Drinkers
…can you say “Adrian Peterson Part Two”?
Reports exist that Darren McFadden ran a 4.33 40-time during the NFL combine. Anyone want to consider letting him drop in the draft now? I get why the Dolphins don’t want to take a running back. They have Ronnie Brown and a boatload of other needs. Therefore, if I’m Miami, I trade out of the number one slot and get multiple picks to build the franchise back up. The team dealing with Miami can take McFadden #1.

Chicago Bears
…for their recent signings.
Let me get this straight, one complaint after another about how the Bears need a quarterback, yet they resign both Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman? Is anyone else confused?

Matt Ryan’s Draft Position
… and where he falls.
Honestly, he seems like a solid enough player, but I just don’t see Matt Ryan as a number one pick. I don’t. I’m no draft expert by any means, but if you ask me, I don’t see one single elite QB in this year’s draft.

College Basketball

Duke Blue Devils
…and exactly how good are they?
Recent back-to-back losses to Miami and Wake Forest leave us questioning how good these Devils really are. Is this a Duke team destined for another early exit during March Madness? Only time will tell.

MLB

Tampa Bay Rays
…for even having internal discussions about signing Barry Bonds.
Let your young talented core gel, while also getting some significant time on the field.

Jeff Borris (Agent for Barry Bonds)
… for making a comment that “Japan certainly is an option” for Barry to play next season.
If so, I think Godzilla may have some competition, considering how big Barry is.

Boston Red Sox
… for signing Bartolo Colon to a minor-league deal.
I understand the fact that he is a low risk / high reward signing. What I don’t get is why the Red Sox keep blocking players like Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz from pitching in the majors. If you aren’t going to let these young guys pitch, then why not trade them away for Johan Santana a few months ago?

Florida Marlins
…for hosting auditions to create a new dance team made of all large males.
Very large males. What’s that? No, that wasn’t the sounds of tickets being sold, that was Oscar Mayer trying to buy some real estate at Florida’s stadium.

Randy Johnson
…for staying in the game.
Something tells me that the 44 year-old version of Johnson would just be playing pitch and catch with this bird (see below). He’s a baseball legend, but I think he should have hung it up a few years ago.



Pedro Martinez
… for bragging about dominating the league during the steroid era.
Why open your mouth Pedro? Who is to say that you never did any illegal performance enhancing drugs? While no one obviously has any proof, perhaps you were simply never caught. Sure, it’s all speculation, but why draw the attention to yourself during a time when steroids are the hot topic?

NBA

Phoenix Suns
…after the Sunday night home court beatdown they took against the Detroit Pistons.
As for newcomer Shaq? Try 3 for 8 from the field and 1 for 8 from the line… sounds like no “sun” at all, but instead mostly cloudy with a chance of a tomato…

Dallas Mavericks
… for not being road warriors.
Has anyone else noticed that the Mavs are 14-16 on the road? They either need to hope that Jason Kidd can help get them that top seed in the West, or they need to learn to play better on the road.

Conference Inconsistency
…within the NBA.
The Western Conference is a battle right now, with the top seven teams all within three games of each other. Over in the East, the 76ers hold the 8th spot with a record of 25-32. It’s nothing new, but still… Yikes!

Miscellaneous – Golf

Stewart Cink
…for not even showing up during the Accenture Match Play Championship Final.
Seriously, Cink never stood a chance against Tiger Woods. Heck, the Miami Heat may have more of a shot against the NCAA’s top teams. Zing!

Golfweek on Tiger
… and discussing Woods possibly having a perfect season.
A perfect season to me is when you win every match or event of that season. Take the Patriots, who went undefeated during the NFL regular season. Tiger Woods skips a number of events. If he can go through the entire PGA season (like many pros do), I would call that a perfect season. Otherwise, let’s not go there. He’s on fire, but he won’t sweep his events in 2008. Mark my words.

Honorary Tomato Throwers of the Week
Because those who found success earn a chance to sling one at their opposition

Tennessee Men’s Basketball – for knocking Memphis from the ranks of the unbeaten.
Congress – at Roger Clemens
Carl Edwards – at the NASCAR field after winning the California 500.
Cleveland Cavaliers – at the East after adding major pieces in a blockbuster deal.


This has been “Throwing Tomatoes”… I hope you have some Tide stick handy.

First-team All-Americans, Heisman award watch candidates… all rubbish. Borrrrring. Let’s instead focus on the elite college football players that are doing their best to flush their futures right down the toilet. That’s right football fans, more and more, we keep seeing talented players getting into the news for all the wrong reasons… so much in fact that one could easily form up a starting roster that could compete with the team that played on “The Longest Yard”. Honestly, it’s sad how often this is happening in college sports today. It really is.

Recently, reports of misconduct in college football keep pouring in, practically on a daily basis. Heck, the SEC alone can give us a starting lineup chock-full of college football delinquents.

With that being said, I give you the “SEC All-Penal Team”…

2008 SEC All-Penal Team

Quarterback

Starter: Ryan Perrilloux – LSU

Offense: Used brother’s ID to get into casino, plus a federal investigation in which he’s a person of interest in a counterfeit ring, nevermind his latest undisclosed transgression.

Backup: Stephen Garcia – South Carolina

Offense: Keying a professor’s car, as well as failing to obey orders of an officer of the law.

3rd Stringer: Jared Foster – Ole Miss

Offense: Transfer quarterback whose previous rap sheet include alcohol possession by a minor, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, while in high school. Those charges were dropped if he agreed to assist with a steroid investigation, as well as stay clean. He was later charged with selling steroids, and has since been kicked off the team.

Did Roger Clemens deny knowing him too?

Running Back

Starter: Brandon James – Florida

Offense: Possession of a controlled substance (less than 20 grams of cannibis)

Backup: Arian Foster – Tennessee

Offense: Disorderly conduct and underage alcohol consumption

Fullback

Starter: Fred Munzenmaier – Georgia

Offense: Underage possession of alcohol and walking in a roadway

Backup: David Holbert – Tennessee

Offense: Underage consumption of alcohol and disorderly conduct

Wide Receiver

Starter: Dion Lecorn – South Carolina

Offense: Marijuana possession

Starter: Ahmad Paige – Tennessee

Offense: Misdemeanor for marijuana possession (a freshman offensive lineman – William Brimfield – and a high school student in town for a recruiting trip, were both present in the car during the act)

I heard the recruit also gave his verbal to the officer that night. Apparently, they also have to get their recruits stoned, in order to sign them?!

Backup: Gerald Jones – Tennessee

Offense: Misdemeanor for marijuana possession

Offensive Lineman

Starter: Ronnie Wilson – Florida

Offense: Firing a semi-automatic rifle in the air during a dispute that began at a nightclub. Eventually charged with aggravated assault, battery, and display of a concealed weapon

Starter: Anthony Parker – Tennessee

Offense: The All-SEC first teamer was recently arrested for disorderly conduct.

Starter: Zhamal Thomas – LSU

Offense: He was kicked off the team due to a burglary charge.

Defensive Lineman

Starter: Marcus Harrison – Arkansas

Offense: Felony possession of ecstasy.

Starter: Jeremy Elder – Alabama

Offense: Arrested on two counts of first-degree robbery.

I heard he was also a steal in the recruiting process…

Defensive End

Starter: Jermaine Cunningham – Florida

Offense: Disorderly conduct, after a dispute over a bag of potato chips at a restaurant at 2am.

You can never eat just one, can you?!

Starter: Brandon Deaderick – Alabama

Offense: Disorderly conduct, and an altercation outside of a bar.

Linebacker

Starter: Brandon Fanney – Alabama

Offense: Arrested for disorderly conduct in front of a bar.

I wonder if he was playing with his “fanney”…

Starter: Derrick Odom – LSU

Offense: Breaking and entering into a residence

Backup: Dustin Lindsey – South Carolina

Offense: DUI

Defensive Back

Starter: Donovan Baldwin – Georgia

Offense: DUI at 3:05am

Starter: Troy Giddens – LSU

Offense: Second-degree battery and one count of battery (on his teammate, by the way), while his previous rap sheet also includes identity theft and simple burglary.

Safety

Starter: Antonio Wardlow – Tennessee

Offense: Disorderly conduct, underage consumption, and public intoxication

I think we should call Phillip Fulmer “The Warden” from now on…

Backup: Jamarca Sanford – Ole Miss

Offense: Disorderly conduct at 1:40am

Kicker / Punter

Starter: Britton Colquitt – Tennessee

Offense: Numerous alcohol related arrests, including the latest in which he drove into a parked car (while intoxicated).

I sense some irony here, considering all the alcohol drunk by a “booter”… if you catch my drift.

Backup: Kyle Keown – Vanderbilt

Offense: Domestic violence and aggravated assault on his ex-girlfriend

There you have it, the 2008 SEC All-Penal team. Something tells me that high school-kid-turned-Tennessee-recruit may be headlining the 2009 squad. All in all, this list is quite alarming.