The clock winds down

Championship weekend looms brightly and I'm looking forward to spending Saturday with Brooks drinking excessively, watching the SEC championship (among others), and anxiously awaiting the Titans-Browns showdown in the wonderful city of Nashville.

So, Florabama '08. There will be mullets, there will be jorts, but most importantly, in the immortal words of Dan Dierdorff, "These two teams are playing football today."

Saturday was a rough day. I was in the car returning from a trip to Savannah. A ride in which I spent most of my time cycling through AM channels trying to home in on an Iron Bowl broadcast. I lucked out and picked up the Auburn sports network. I almost feel bad for them. They started their broadcast with such high hopes and a determined effort. By the time I lost the signal north of Atlanta midway through the 3rd quarter the broadcast became almost comical. I know they're catering to a specific demographic, but they'd spend 5 minute analyzing a Kody Burns incomplete pass, when on the flipside, you'd get, "Coffee, runs right..........touchdown." I assumed they were on the goaline. You can imagine my delight when I later tuned to Sirius sports radio and discovered it was a 43 yard run.

Anyway, I digress. I'm ecstatic. The first victory over Auburn in 7 years, the first victory over Auburn ever in Bryant-Denny Stadium, the first shut out of Auburn in 16 years, but more importantly, a clear display of a dominant defense (albeit against a sub-par offense), and an outstanding display of offense against a good all-around SEC defence, especially on the ground. I was happy to see Saban feeling good about beating Auburn, because let's face it, that was really his only true goal at the beginning of the season. The fact that he's leading an undefeated team with a shot at a national title is a welcome bonus. Coach of the Year?? Thoughts??? I think it's a given.

I think Saturday's game is going to be amazing. There are so many what-if's at large that no one can accurately predict what's going to happen. You could look at each teams ratings, but if you based a decision solely on them, Alabama should still be 25th and Georgia should be walking into the title game. Tech what what?? The media wastes no time touting Florida's offense, but have they played any teams with truly effective defences lately? LSU is about the only defence I can think of that stood any chance. I don't know how the minds-at-be could pierce the Himalayic defensive power the Citadel could muster.

I'm very anxious to see how the Gators play against Bama's tight secondary and I'd especially love to see good ol' Mount Cody give Tebow a nice hug. By the way, Cody running block from halfback against Auburn, was probably one of the most hilarious things I've ever seen. Well played sir!

I digress yet again. Florida's defence is solid, but does have holes which can be exploited by Bama's ground attack. John Parker Wilson doesn't always get the ball where it needs to go, but he does have pocket presence, discipline, and an outstanding O-Line. I also haven't seen him cry after throwing a pick-6 (I'm looking at you, Tebow). Not to completely knock Tebow. Bama has shown some weakness at dealing with athletic, mobile quarterbacks and that could very well make all the difference.

Bama's going in as the underdog and that's exactly the way they like it. They were underdogs against Clemson, Georgia, and even LSU. It's the situation Saban thrives on and I think his team responds to it as well. I can say one thing with certainty and a clear conscience.

At least we didn't lose to Ole Miss.


On another note: Say what you want about Phil Fulmer, I think that was one of the most well-deserved wins of his career and he earned his ride off the field on the shoulders of his players (cue fat jokes). He's a classy coach and it will be strange to picture the Volunteers without him at the helm. It's strange to say, but we'll miss you Phil!