football thoughts from the week

-awful week for my picks. 2-5 just ain't what I was looking for. I was able to go 3-1 on NFL picks on Sunday to regain some precious cash, but just not a good showing.

- Well at the last minute I came to my senses about 3.5 hours before kickoff of the auburn game. Luckilly it takes less that two hours to get there from Atlanta. Auburn looked mediocre at best. The starters played way too long with a Sunday game coming up. I didn't think Auburn would cover but that was because I saw the 2nd or 3rd string defense giving up some points late in the game. Well that wasn't the problem. Following the LSU game and looking ahead to the USC game the team came out flat. Which I expected to some extent and understand. But never the less Auburn has a few problems that have become crystal clear after 4 games. Brandon Cox by no means has a rocket for an arm. We will always struggle to have a consistant vertical passing game. Compounding that problem is that Courtney Taylor is currently the only receiver worth a damn. Everyone else has trouble getting separation and/or blocking compared to last year's group. As has been the case for at least 5 years, Tuberville's undersized but quick defense constantly over runs plays and is vulnerable against the option, counter plays, and reverses. On the bright side Auburn might have the best pass defense in the conference coupled with the best punter and best kickoff return team. Also, whether he's given holes or not Kenny Irons runs as hard as any tailback I've ever witnessed. Plus Brad Lester is a hell of a changeup back that is lightning quick and a touchdown machine.

- UGA was exposed. The UT, UF, Auburn, and Tech games will all be a struggle for them. That's about all they have on the schedule and they stand a good chance of pulling out 2 of those games. However the line, WR's and QB's are below recent UGA standards. Though with Milner's catch on Saturday he looks ready to step up and play the role of massive UGA TE that makes at least one important play a game. I'm also not sold on Willie Martinez yet. He's done a hell of a job against lesser teams, but those Auburn and West Virginia peformances are still fresh on my mind. I could see Florida, TN, and Auburn all putting up over 20 points on the Dawg D this year. Don't get me wrong Georgia is still a quality program, I just don't think they are a threat to win the SEC this year.

- I've actually been impressed with Kentucky this year. At this moment I'm ranking the SEC Auburn, LSU, Florida, UGA, UT, Arkansas, bama, Kentucky, South Carolina, Vandy, Ole Miss, Miss State. All subject to change at any moment. Though I think I may have inflated view of LSU. They can't run at all, which will work against less talented defenses.

- The Falcons game last night was a debacle on every level. I can't think of one facet of the game where Atlanta looked good. Maybe kickoff returns? Although I'm not sure anything that I saw was reason for long term concern. Other than the fact that Greg Knapp is a below average play caller that should be fired on the spot. Here's a tip. If you on the road in a hostile environment, the last thing you should do is throw a ton and put Vick in situations where he can be sacked. That opens the door for three and outs and the crowd erupting. Traditional runs. After the Saints have been working on the shotgun option play all week, it's awful idea to run it on the first possesion. Just make them think it's coming.

- The Braves season ends on Sunday. I was offered "pimp seats" for the Tuesday, Friday and Sunday games and turned down the offer for all three. I'll be fired up and ready to go again next spring but the 2nd half of the season really took it's toll on me as a fan.

- Going to the Auburn game in Columbia on Thursday night. If anybody has any Williams Bryce tailgating tips or knows any good restaurants in the area let me know in the comments.