Something about the first weekend in November...

Alright followers I’m back with some insight into what you should be partaking in this weekend. We have an exciting one on our hands this week, big-time college football matchups, NBA kicking into season and even some solid NFL matchups.

Let’s not linger, I’ve only got thirty minutes for lunch!

Kicking off my ten-piece combo is the most anticipated game on my schedule every year. Alabama travels to LSU this weekend to take on the Mighty Tigers. Alabama is 8-0 on the year and have won each game by a more than Alabama margin this year. Let me dissect the five keys to the game.

(I) Quarterback play will affect who wins this game but it WILL NOT decide this game, however it will play an impact in it, as you could guess. A.J. McCarron holds an edge now, but Zac Mettenberger could show up and be what he’s supposed to be any week. However Mettenberger cannot run like Jordan Jefferson could, so LSU will be looking for a new game plan. Look for quick receiver routes early to set up a big pass later.

(II) Defenses WILL decide this game. These are the two best defenses in the country. Sorry Notre Dame, but I’ve seen all three play and believe that these are the two best defenses in the country. Offense is not lacking in the SEC, the defenses are just that good! It’s a different type of defense, one that hits you in the mouth, gets up and then hits you again. LSU’s defensive line can take over a game by rushing Alabama, but they’ll also have to stay disciplined enough to stop the run. Alabama’s secondary is young but talented, while LSU’s passing attack is limited. Look for the linebackers to be up on the line guarding the run and looking to take away the underneath routes.

(III) Running backs are plentiful with these two teams as both have relied on multiple bodies to gain yards; and they all have. Spencer Ware has slowed down this year, but the rising of Jeremy Hill has to worry Alabama’s defense as he is a good combination of speed and power (typical LSU running back). Eddie Lacy can and will run down tacklers while T.J. Yeldon will shift his way through tackles.

(IV) Coaching has its advantages and its disadvantages. Nick Saban brings a controlled fierceness to the field as his team is taught to do their jobs. Les Miles has a little les control over his decisions and his team. He has motivated his team to listen up and enjoy the moment. Both coaching philosophies work for each team. LSU has grown cocky and believes that they can beat anybody, especially at Tiger Stadium (as they should be). Bama has an edge that they are better, just trying to prove it through doing their jobs.

I didn’t give a score in my family pack this week, but I will give you who I think will win and why.
I think that LSU plays really well at home, maybe the best home-field advantage in football. But Alabama’s A.J. McCarron comes out confident like he did in the BCS Championship game and does just enough to give his team the edge. LSU has lost some playmakers in its secondary and has some good ones playing now, just not as experienced. (V) Bama wins this week, but the starters will not be out in the 3rd quarter, I hope.

Oregon headlines the other big game this week as they take on USC in Los Angeles.

Oregon may have the quickest offense in the NCAA but USC still has the capabilities of being the No. 1 team in the country. Lane Kiffin has a knack for coaching up these games (referring to last year’s win in Eugene). Am thinking that (VI) USC wins this game with Barkley throwing touchdowns throughout the game and USC’s defense does just enough for the Trojans to get the win.

The (VII) NBA has tipped off its season and with that comes the creation of my weekly NBA talk that I do with my main bro, Papa Bear (wait for future post for explanation of nickname). Kobe Bryant is “injured” but still dropping 30 points a night. Bryant is the best fantasy scorer, I draft him in every league because he fits the shoot the ball mentality that fantasy teams need.

Atlanta has always had a great baseball team in my mind, but this year it’s all about Matty Ice and the football team. The (IX) Falcons have been unbeatable this year (granted they don’t have Alabama on the schedule), but I’ve said the addition of Julio Jones makes any offense very potent.

Hats off to (X) Sam Montgomery and his classy gesture to wear the number “21” for the rest of the year in honor of his friend, Marcus Lattimore. I’ve enjoyed rooting for Montgomery and will have a hard time this weekend when he targets my Tide’s QB. But a great move by a great player.

My French fries in today’s combo have seen better days, they’re a little stale. Several SEC coaches could be feeling like my fries today. Gene Chizik’s Auburn Tigers have won one game this year, however he does have a championship and a good recruiting class coming in next year. Joker Phillips coaches at a basketball school in Kentucky. However, they’ve had some good players come through the program, just can’t get any consistency. Derek Dooley has been on a tight leash with his orange pants. Tennessee isn’t used to losing, especially for this long. Then we come to Arkansas and John L. Smith, who’s presser comes to mind, when he is telling the media to smile after his team got man-handled by Alabama. Out of these four, I believe three are looking for new work next year, wouldn’t be surprised to see Chizik back one more year, especially if he can somehow manage to upend in-state rival, Alabama (knock on wood!).

Have a wonderful day people and enjoy your weekend!
Roll Tide!
Wing Man Out!