UT and Vandy Report week 10

Tennessee and Vandy had decidedly different outcomes in their games this weekend. UT manhandled Memphis 50-14 and and Vandy was on the end of a 55-14 whopping. Let's breakdown both games.

UT 50 Memphis 14 - Tyler Bray got the start for Tennessee and delivered big time for the Vols. Bray made some exceptional throws going 19/33 for 325 yards and 3 touchdowns. Bray, showed why the coaches and the team are so high on him, making the young Tigers secondary look over matched. Although this was a mediocre Memphis team, Bray showed poise in the pocket through out the game. UT actually started the game by spotting the Tigers a 7-0 lead. Ryan Williams put Memphis on the scoreboard first as he hit Marcus Rucker with a four-yard TD strike midway through the first quarter, but from there the contest belonged to UT as it tallied 50 straight points.

UT begin its manhandling with Bray tossing two touchdown passes, one to Taurean Poole for nine yards and then a beauty of a throw to Justin Hunter for 42-yards. The score was 14-7 after the first quarter.

In the second is where the Vols really took off on the Tigers, scoring 26 points. It started with a 26-yard field goal from Micheal Parlardy and two more touchdown passes from Bray to Denarius Moore and Da'Rick Rogers of 14 and 22 yards. Bray would later find Gerald Jones (who moved into the top 10 all-time receiving in Vols history) on a nine-yard TD pass play and Micheal Parlardy ended the quarter with another field goal to make it 40-7 at halftime.

In the third, Tauren Poole (Who finished with 101 yards on 16 carries)  would burst for a 21-yard run and Parlardy would add another field goal. The game was over going into the fourth. It was good to see the Vols have some success after struggling so much this year. The defense even showed some teeth with Chris Walker recording a couple of sacks and the team recorded 3 interceptions. They also forced 3 fumbles but only recovered one. The Vols would end the night with 510 yards of offense, including 379 through the air. The 50 points matched Tennessee's largest scoring output of the season. I am excited to see Bray's progression. No knock against Matt Simms, but Bray has all the tools for in an SEC quarterback with the big arm and quick release. UT can open the playbook more with his play. Bray has a chance to be very good in the coming years and should only develop a better chemistry with his young receivers in Justin Hunter and Da'Rick Rogers. This has to be a good feeling for the Vol faithful after suffering one of the toughest season's of memory but the future looks bright on the offensive side of the ball.

One bad note of the game perhaps was kicker Micheal Parlardy. Head coach Derek Dooley wasn't happy with his kicker after the game. He didn't play well last night," Dooley said on his Sunday teleconference. "He took a little step back."

The win now puts UT at 3-6. The next three games look to be winnable for the Vols as they face Ole Miss, Vandy, and Kentucky.Hopefully they can keep the good play up and win their last three games to become bowl eligible.

Florida 55 Vanderbilt 14 - Florida walked into Nashville and thoroughly demolished the Commodores. The Gators used their big play ability to turn this one into a laugher.

Chris Rainey (In his second game back from suspension) would block punts from Vandy twice and also caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from John Brantley. The Commodores would not score until  Ryan van Rensberg blocked a punt Javon Marshall recovered and ran in for a touchdown, making it 41-7.

Its really disheartening to see Vandy play so bad. They couldn't stop the Gators in any phase of the game. Vandy has now lost its fourth straight, ensuring a second straight losing season under first-year coach Robbie Caldwell. They have also been outscored 168-35 in this slide. I knew with top running back Warren Norman out they would struggle but the offense was just anemic. Larry Smith finished a dismal 7/18 for 28 yards passing no touchdowns before being relieved by Jared Funk. The offense only generated 109 total yards and that just won't get it done in the SEC. Vandy had trouble fielding kickoffs and the miscues on top of such a horrible offensive performance all but the doomed the Dores.

Vandy is now 2-7 with 3 games remaining and will have a hard time winning any the way they are playing. I really like Robbie Caldwell but he seems to be in over his head. Its hard to justify bringing him back if the team doesn't show any improvement in the last three games of the season. Vandy's remaining schedule concludes with Kentucky, Tennessee and Wake Forest. They will be the underdog in all of their remaining games. Let's wish the Commodores the best and see if they can pull it back together for their remaining schedule.

College Football Weekend Finale

This is the time of the season when you can't lose. The BCS frowns upon late season losses and a few teams are now out of contention. Utah got exposed by TCU and the same goes for Arizona against Stanford. Alabama saw their defense of the national title go up in flames at the hands of the "Mad Hatter" and LSU.

Now for the breakdown of those games and some other notables I saw this weekend:

LSU 24 Alabama 21  - This was an old fashioned SEC slugfest but the hatter was in full effect in Baton Rouge. Les Miles was chomping on grass and making gutsy calls in the Tigers victory of the Crimson Tide. "I have a little tradition that humbles me as a man, that lets me know that I'm a part of the field and part of the game," said Miles. LSU got an unusual good performance out of QB Jordan Jefferson who was 10/13 for 141 yards and 1 touchdown. If Jefferson had played this way the whole year, its possible LSU could have been undefeated. Jared Lee also came in and made some clutch throws down the stretch, including the de facto game ender, a 47-yard bomb to Rueben Randall on the final possession. Say what you want to about Miles, but nobody has the galls to make some of the calls he makes. The reverse pitch on fourth and 1 was the hatter at his best. Deangelo Peterson would take it 23-yards to set up Steven Ridley's 1 yard touchdown run. It just seems Miles has a special flair for the dramatics. Most people say he is crazy but I see a Coach who teams love to play for him. Alabama meanwhile squandered its opportunity it had to control their own destiny."I don't think there's an excuse. They beat us. They really did," said Greg McElroy QB of the Crimson Tide. "They did a great job. Credit their players and their coaches. We just didn't come out and play the way we should have played. LSU now has an outside shot at the SEC west title but would need Auburn to lose their next two games.

TCU 47 Utah 7 - This one got out of control in a hurry. TCU was able to dominate the Utes on both sides of the ball and just blew them out of the water. Andy Dalton threw for a career high 355 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Horned Frogs jumped out to a 20-0 lead as Dalton threw two touchdown passes early and Jeremy Kerley, the former high school QB, throwing one himself. Utah's inexperience showed as they had the deer in the headlights look. I thought that TCU would win but defintely not in this fashion. Jordan Wynn was ineffective and had horrible numbers finishing 16/35 for 148 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. He started 5 of 12 for 42 yards, with a sack and a fumble and just couldn't find his way from there against the nation's number 1 ranked defense. Any shot of Utah busting the BCS party is over after this demolition they took (I did like the camouflage and black uniforms the Utes had on though.) "This ranks up there with any game I've played," said Dalton, a senior who recently got engaged. "I have grown up. My team relies more on me now to make plays and not just manage the game." TCU looks to be in good position should one of the top two teams falter in the upcoming weeks.

Stanford 42 Arizona 17  - I had a feeling that Stanford was due for a let down game and lets just say I've been wrong before. The Cardinal laid a beat down on the Wildcats. Andrew Luck continues to show why he is the best college QB and the projected number one pick in next years draft. Luck was throwing lasers and ate the Wildcats secondary up for lunch. He finished 23/32 for 293 yards and 2 touchdowns. Stanford would go up 21-3 by halftime and never let the Wildcats in the game. I was impressed with the way they kept their foot to the throat of Arizona. Nick Fowles returned for the Wildcats but as expected was a little rusty in returning from injury and the number 1 ranked defense in the PAC-10 was just overwhelmed by Luck's precision passes. From the looks of this game, Luck could play in the NFL right now. He makes accurate throws and has a rocket launcher arm. Stanford is enjoying its best season in 40 years and remain in contention for the Rose Bowl, sitting in second place in the conference. They would need a Oregon loss but from the sounds of it, Luck will let the cards fall as they may. "I know there's many different situations about bowl games and what not," Luck said. "That all doesn't really matter unless we win. So we're taking it like that."

Other notables games and players:

Oklahoma State - How bout them Cowboys? OK State had it rolling on offense and Justin Blackmon may just be the best receiver in college football. He made some spectacular plays including a 69-yard reverse that had me jumping out of my seat. Blackmon was returning from a suspension after being charged with a DUI last weekend and made the most of his return. The Baylor Bears just had no answer for the Cowboys on offense. Brandon Weeden threw for school record 435 yards and Oklahoma State set another school record rolling up 725 yards of total offense. For me though, it was Blackmon who stole the show. He showed his versatility with the reverse but also made catch after catch as Weeden kept feeding him the ball. He finished with 13 catches for 173 yards and 1 touchdown catch.I was really impressed by the Cowboys offense.

Oklahoma - This team never looked championship caliber to me and now are proving it. Texas A&M was able to shut down the Sooners offense and really just beat them up on defense. The Aggies built a 19-0 lead and never trailed. This team doesn't have the championship mental fortitude. When they get down as they did with Missouri, they lack the spirit from within to comeback. They have to many offensive breakdowns in the most critical situations of the game. I will give them credit for rallying in the third quarter but I am disappointed in Oklahoma and Bob Stoops this year.

Michigan vs. Illinois - 67-65 are you kidding me? I was watching another game as the score rolled by on the bottom of the screen and I had to remember that it was a football game and not a basketball one. The stats are incredible from this game. The teams would combine to roll up 1237 yards of offense and 58 first downs. Roy Roundtree would set the Michigan all-time one game receiving yard total with 246 yards. Denard Robinson threw for 305 yards and 3 touchdowns before giving way to Tate Forcier who came in and threw for another 114 yards and 2 touchdowns. This wasn't your father Big 10 game as the defense's was defense-less against the offensive onslaught. I'm sure Rich Rodriguez could care less how he gets the win as long as he gets it these days. It was such an entertaining game and Michigan is now bowl eligible for the first time under Rich Rod.

Penn State and Joe Paterno - You have to give it up for Joe Pa. He got his 400th career victory as head coach, as his Nittany Lions came from behind to beat Northwestern 41-35. Even if you don't like Paterno, you have to respect his 400 wins. The longevity of his career is remarkable and he doesn't seem to be slowing down.

Possible Cam Newton bombshell

Uh Oh.Cam Newton is tearing up the college scene this year but he may have a scandal they will rock his Heisman worthy season. ESPN is reporting that Newton was on the market for a robust $200,000. Mississippi State was the first school to get a crack at him, and was even given a discount on that original number that dropped it down to $180,000, because of his connections and fondness for former Florida offensive coordinator and now Mississippi State Head Coach Dan Mullen. The Bulldogs however didn't take the bait and "some way or another", Newton has ended up at Auburn and has them in national title contention.

The claim was made by John Bond a former MSU player. “During the 2009 football season, I was contacted by a former football teammate, who represented to me that he was speaking for the Newton camp," Bond said " "He told me that Cam Newton wanted to play at Mississippi State, but that a specified payment would have to be made. The person in question soliciting the payment is also a former MSU player named Kenny Rogers. Rogers, runs a company called Elite Football Preparation, which holds camps in Alabama, Chicago and Mississippi, and matches football prospects with colleges. Bond played quarterback for Mississippi State from 1980 to 1983. Rogers was there from 1982-85.

Auburn has not commented on the situation but clearly Newton is playing for the Tigers at a price and I hate to say it but this is the nature of big time college football. In the cutthroat world that it is, school and players all know their value. Great players name their price and schools or agents desperate for their services will pull out the checkbook. It's the dirty underbelly of college athletics and everyone knows it. The NCAA can drop all these sanctions and suspensions as much as they please but the story will remain the same. Josh Luchs’s Sports Illustrated story detailed everything you need to know about agent’s side of it. I'm not going to indict Newton at this point, he is innocent until proven guilty but if Auburn did pay, then they actually got a steal. The money generated by Newton is well in the millions at this point. Newton's father denies any wrongdoing. “If Rogers tried to solicit money from Mississippi State, he did it on his own, without our knowledge”. Said Newton's father.

Auburn has known about the allegations for months but continued to play Newton. The SEC became aware almost a year ago, according to ESPN.com. So this was all but inevitable. It seems the kid can't stay of trouble, let’s not forget the reason he left Florida. Newton is the front-runner for the Heisman and has his team on the cusp of the national championship but unlike his opponents that he ran over or past this year, he can't stiff arm these allegations.



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College Football Weekend Setup

Week 10 is already here and the national championship picture now has taken shape. Two teams know that if they win out they should be in the championship game (Auburn and Oregon), three non AQ teams looking for one of them to fall (Boise St.,Utah, and TCU), and then you have the one loss teams praying for the right set of circumstances to get in (Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Ohio St, LSU, Missouri, Stanford, Michigan St, Iowa, Oklahoma St.).

There are some tremendous games of importance this week starting with BCS No.3 ranked TCU as they take thee spotless record to Utah, the No.5 ranked BCS team. Alabama is the highest ranked one loss team (and that is huge with their upcoming showdown with Auburn) and will be taking on LSU in an SEC showdown. Arizona faces Stanford with the loser falling out of the Pac-10 race. It's just a big defining weekend in College Football. Let's break down the three biggest games of the weekend

TCU vs. Utah - This is the first time the Mountain West Conference has two teams facing off ranked in the top 10. Both of these teams hang their hat on their defense. TCU is vying to lead the nation in total defense for third straight season. TCU also leads the nation in scoring defense, pass defense, fewest first downs allowed per game and opponent third-down conversion percentage. The Utes are no slouches either, Utah is ranked in the top 10 in the nation in total defense, scoring defense, pass defense, opponent first downs, opponent third-down conversions and opponent fourth-down conversions. With two great defenses on the field, Quarterback play will be at a premium. Andy Dalton is the more experienced one in this game. He is the active leader in wins with 38 and hopes to add one more to his total with this game. Jordan Wynn of Utah is more athletic than Dalton and leads the MWC in passing averaging 238.5 yards a game. This is an epic clash of two similar teams. Since the they are so evenly matched, the team that limits its mistakes will win the game. I look for it to be a close game but TCU's experience will pull this one out in a close one. The Pick: TCU

Alabama vs. LSU - Bama has positioned themselves perfectly in the scheme of things. If they can win out the rest of the year (which is no easy task with LSU,Mississippi State, and and the Iron Bowl with Auburn, then the SEC championship with a likely rematch against South Carolina) than they would deservedly be in the National title game. No team has played a slate like Alabama, and thats why they should be where they are now. I still will take them on a neutral field against ANYBODY, including Oregon. LSU(with my favorite coach of all-time Les Miles) still has an outside shot for the SEC west crown. LSU needs to win out in the SEC against Alabama, Mississippi and No. 17 Arkansas then hope unbeaten Auburn - the only team to beat LSU - loses to Georgia or 'Bama. Sorry Tigers fans but thats not happening. I look for Bama to wear down the Tigers with their dual RB threats Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. There is just no way the anemic offense of the Tigers will be able to score on the Crimson Tide. LSU will keep it close thanks to there good defense but just don't have a offense capable to beating Bama. The Pick: Bama

Arizona vs. Stanford - Andrew Luck is probably the best QB in the nation. He just annihilated Washington in the much hyped battle with Jack Locker (so much for him going number 1 in the draft, thanks Mel Kiper) and will lead his Cardinal versus the multi faceted offense of the Wildcats. Something has to give in this game as Stanford (7-1, 4-1) is fifth in the FBS in scoring at 42.4 points, while Arizona (7-1, 4-1) seventh in the nation in scoring defense at 14.4 points. Arizona's injured starter Nick Fowles will try to give it a go but even if he doesn't, Arizona looks to be fine at that position. The offense put up 583 yards with backup Matt Scott directing last week. I am interested in seeing what kind of defensive scheme Jim Harbaugh comes up with. If you haven't seen the Wildcats play, then your in for a treat. They are multi-talented with a two headed running back tandem featuring Nic Grigsby and have some of the best receivers in college football especially Juron Criner. I predict a high scoring game and think Stanford is in for a let down. The Pick: Arizona

Game of the Week - TCU vs. Utah. This is easily the biggest game of the year for non BCS conference teams.

Most Intriguing game - Boise St. vs. Hawaii. This is another huge game for Boise. They have a chance to show the pollsters just how good they are.

Rivalry Game - Tennessee vs. Memphis. In-state game with two not very good teams. Freshman Tyler Bray gets the start for the Vols.

Under the Radar game - South Carolina vs. Arkansas. This could very well turn out to be the best game of the day

Wake me when it over game - Akron vs. Ball St.

Coach better get it right game - Illinois vs. Michigan. Both coaches are on the hook if they don't produce more wins by the end of the year. I think the seat is hotter for Ron Zook than Rich Rodriguez but both are warm.

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Sportaholic Mid-Week Speed Drills

The Nashville Predators seem to be cooling down after their hot start. They lost last night to the Phoenix Coyotes 4-3 to extend their season high losing streak to 3 games. The veteran defensemen Ed Jovanoski posted a hat trick for the Coyotes. Nashville had been the NHL’s best team in one-goal games, going 23 straight without losing in regulation, dating to Feb. 9 but were unable to pull this one out. The Preds entered the 3rd period up 3-2 but allowed two power play goals, one by Lee Stempniak and another one to Ed Jovanski. Steve Sullivan had a breakway before the two goals were allowed in the 3rd but could take advantage of it.Pekka Rinne did have 28 saves in the losing effort. "We did a decent job, but we’re going to need to find a way to win some games here,” Predators coach Barry Trotz said. The Preds looking to get back on their winning ways begining this Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings.

Vandy's and Tennessee's men basketball teams both began their season on on the right note. The 23rd ranked Vols defeated Brevard 91-42. Scotty Hopson led the Vols with 17 points and super freshman Tobias Harris added 16 as UT looks to put the Bruce Pearl allegations to the side for the moment. Vandy defeated Alabama-Birmingham 69-53. Sophomore Jeff Jenkins sparked the Commodores with 19 and Jeffrey Taylor chipped in with 11. "I think it was just what we hoped to get in an exhibition game - a team that's well coached and stuck with their plan," said head coach Kevin Stallings of Alabama-Huntsville. "

Tennessee Volunteers football team will start freshman QB Tyler Bray for the first time vs. Memphis this year. With the Vols going nowhere this year (2-6, 0-5 SEC) this was the logical move for coach Derek Dooley. I'm very high on Bray. I like his arm and moxie. He showed what he could do against Georgia this year, making some beautiful throws and showed confidence. The future is now in Knoxville and it looks bright at QB with Bray at the helm. Check out Bray's cool tattoo as well: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Headlinin-Tyler-Bray-and-his-amazing-back-tat-;_ylt=AnV6qVqo.g4Sut_c_2luYz3ynYl4?urn=ncaaf-281854

Vandy's football team welcomes Florida to town this weekend. The Commodores will try move on without leading rusher Warren Norman. Norman dislocated his right wrist in a loss to Arkansas on Saturday. Vandy's offense has already been dreadful this year, scoring 18.2 ppg this season while generating 286.8 total ypg, so it going to be tough sledding without their top back.

The talk of town has been the Randy Moss signing. Everyone seems to be excited to see what's in store for the Titans. It's good that they have a bye week to get Moss acclimated to the team. I'm still curious to see which Moss will show up here in Nashville. I think coach Jeff Fisher will get the best out of him though. He has way more control of his team than Brad Childress. I look for the Titans to have a special package for him when they face Miami in two weeks. Chris Johnson will benefit the most because you can't put eight in the box versus Moss. Do so at your own risk. The arrival of Moss came at the right time, with sources close to the team reporting that Kenny Britt could be out for 6 to 8 weeks.

Update: Adam Schefter reports Moss claimed off waivers by Titans

It never fails. As soon as I open my big mouth, I have to stick my foot in it. Not even 24 hours after writing my post on why I don't think Randy Moss would become a Titan, looks like he is. ESPN insider Adam Schefter, is reporting that Moss was claimed off of waivers today by Tennessee.

It still will be up to Moss if he decides to report to the Titans. If he does not, Tennessee will send him a 5 day letter and at the end of that five days, they have the right to put him on the Reserve/Left Squad list.

Wow. Let me catch my breath as I write this. Everything negative I stated in my earlier post now has become a mute point. The Titans will be taking on a different animal if Moss does report. I have a feeling this has something to do with the injury to Kenny Britt's hamstring as well. Britt's injury may be season ending and under the best circumstances he will be out for an extended amount of time. Hopefully Kenny can get back on the field and we can see what the offense would look like with both of the talented receivers.

The biggest beneficiary of this? That right, Chris Johnson. He will now be able to have more open lanes to run because defenses have to respect Moss's deep threat ability. Put eight in the box at your own discretion. He will add another dimension to the offense if he comes to town and I will be excited to see it if he does make his way to Nashville.

The question now becomes will he report and if he does which Randy Moss will Tennessee get? The me first sulking one of Oakland or the team oriented one from New England? Can he keep his mouth in check and put up big plays for the offense? Can he co-exist with Jeff Fisher? There will be plenty of questions but make no doubt about it, this is a bold statement by the Titans. I guess I underestimated "Bottom line Bud" and the front office. It is a low risk, high reward move. I may not have bought into the idea, but looks like the Titans did. Good for them.

Randy Moss to the Titans? I'm not buying it

I have a friend who every time a big name becomes available the first thing he says is " He is coming to the Titans" and every time I tell him sorry man it's just not happening. So of course with Randy Moss becoming available as of today thanks to being cut by the Vikings, it poses an intriguing question. Would the Titans go after the talented but mercurial wide receiver?

It's not as far fetched as it sounds. The reason I usually shoot my friends notion's down is because I seem to think I know how Bud Adams and the Titans operate. Nashville is not the big city with the big lights. We are more of the small country city variety. The Titans have not been known for making big splashes via free agency, trades or anything else of that nature. Although their have been a few instances "Bottom line Bud" and the front office have went after a receiver. Lets take a look at the memorable wide receiver signings in Titans history:

In 2000 Tennessee signed veteran Carl Pickens. He would go on to play in just 9 games in a Tennessee uniform and produce 10 receptions for 242 yards and 0 touchdowns. Yancey Thigpen signed with the Titans in 1998 for what was at the time the biggest contract the organization had given to a wide out. He had a few good years with the Titans. His career numbers with Tennessee: 91 receptions, 1430 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns. Not bad numbers for Thigpen but he eventually got injured and spent the last part of his career as an ineffective veteran. The last most memorable free agent wide receiver that comes to mind for the Titans was David Givens. Givens was fresh off a great playoff run with the New England Patriots. Beginning in the 2003 AFC championship game, Givens would have at least one touchdown catch in the Pats next seven playoff games. In 2005, Givens caught a career-high 59 passes and was the Patriots' number two receiver for the second year in a row. Givens would be rewarded by receiving a 5-year deal for $24 million with Tennessee in 2006. That is where the good part ends for Givens. He would tear his ACL in week 10 of his first season with the Titans and never play another meaningful game for them. He was cut in 2008.

Now as you can see, it has been a mixed bag of results for the Titans. A Randy Moss signing would be be way bigger than any of those guys listed above. Moss's career stats: 946 receptions, 14,778 receiving yards, and 153 touchdowns. Those are Hall of Fame numbers folks. Moss is a once is lifetime talent but his mouth is also once in a lifetime itself. Could you imagine him lining up on one side and Kenny Britt on the other? That just sent shivers up my spine! He would be able to free up running lanes for Chris Johnson just by being on the field. Moss would also be able to teach young Britt some of his veteran savvy moves as well. He would elevate the offense to a level never seen before here in Tennessee. But there is a reason two teams told Moss his services would no longer be needed (not to mention two respected football men giving up on him in Bill Belicheck and Brad Childress). He says some of the dumbest things ever in  press conferences I have ever heard (As I write this the "Straight cash homie" remark pops in my head) and has a history of dogging it if he doesn't feel like playing.

The main reason I don't think he would fit with the Titans is just the culture of the team. Tennessee has never had a superstar of his magnitude. It would definitely be different for coach Jeff Fisher, who has always had supreme control over his team. Could you imagine Moss criticizing Fisher for his conservative play calling? I know I could. Could Vince Young or Kerry Collins be able to get the ball to him the way he likes it? Doubt it.The Titans would be wise to look into signing Moss. He would come relatively cheap as he just owed six million for the rest of the year. But don't get your hopes up to high Nashville, the Titans have been down this road before and they tend to go the other way for players like this.