No love for Florida and Other SEC Week 1 Thoughts
by Tony C
(Ocala, Fl)
I love the way journalism is structured to sway opinion one way or the other. Alabama plays a not-so-talented Kent State and wins 48-7, gets a respectable review and is touted a championship contender.
Next week they play away at Penn State who is coming off a 41-7 win over Indiana State. I can't say who will win, but predicting 24-14 with 'Bama on top is prematurely optimistic. In Tuscaloosa, sure, the score would be much higher. The Nittany Lions have Joe Paterno's back too much to lose this game.
Florida played a somewhat talented Florida Atlantic and wins in a similar fashion 41-3 and gets a single line. C'mon guys, at least say something more about Muschamps debut! Brantley looked better than in any game he's played at UF. He stood in the pocket and seemed at ease, completing 21 of 30 passes with 2 int's for a total of 271 yards. Jordon Reed, B/U QB from last year has been moved to tight end. Sturgis is back as kicker, making 2 of 2 FG's with a long of 51 yards. Hey, let's give the Gators some love here!
Let's not forget South Carolina who played an equally less than talented East Carolina. Sure, they scored 56 points, but they allowed 37 points against Nobody U! Try winning with those numbers against the D of LSU or 'Bama. At one point SC was down 17 points and had to allow Garcia to play even though he apparently was benched after a 5th suspension for off field problems. Spurrier apparently caved to the Powers that Be and let him play anyway. What good is a suspension if it is lifted just to win a ball game? An opening day loss due to his absence might have gotten his attention. Whatever....