Published September 12, 2011 - 1:46pm
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You tell ‘em Dennis Green.
Ahh, that clip never gets old. I put it up there with Jim Mora’s “Playoffs?!?!” presser and A.I.’s “Practice?” clip. Timeless.
As we finish up a mere two weeks of college football, fans around the nation are ready to crown various teams and/or players. I’m here to tell you we’ve got to take a step back for a moment. Let’s look at two examples…
#1 – Tyler Bray Is The Best QB In The SEC Right Now & He’s Also Better Than Peyton Manning
Tyler Bray is a great young gunslinger, but we need to put these statements in check a bit. While Bray’s big numbers extend back into 2010, the two defenses he has faced thus far in 2011 are Cincinnati and Montana.
Going back to 2010, Bray had ok performances in the middle of the season against SEC teams Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. Over those three games, Bray was 22 of 41 with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
The next four games saw Bray and the Vols go up against Memphis, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and Kentucky. Of course his numbers shined here which is to be expected.While his yardage and touchdowns racked up, it’s worth noting that Bray threw two picks against both Vanderbilt and Kentucky.
The Vols finished up against UNC in the Music City Bowl where Bray went 27 of 45 for 312 yards. He threw for 4 touchdowns but also 3 interceptions. Big yardage and looked impressive at times, but the Vols lost the game.
Bray was only a freshman last year, and of course he looks great at times. The reality however shows we shouldn’t be ready to crown him as the SEC’s best quarterback until he shines against legitimate defenses. Nice performances against the defenses of Memphis, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Vandy, Montana and Cincinnati don’t prove anything yet.
Clay Travis says Bray is the best and it is not even close: “He’s on pace for 4188 yards and 42 touchdowns this season. He’s the real deal.” The only problem is of course that he’s not on pace for 4188 yards and 42 touchdowns unless they are playing Montana and Cincinnati all year.
Good news is that Bray has an opportunity to prove legitimacy this coming Saturday in the Swamp. He should do well, but he should also get pressured by Florida’s athletic defensive front.
But, by all means, if you’re ready to crown him, then crown his ass!
#2 – Mississippi State Is Ready To Win The West
Well, I think this crown has already been removed. Mullen & Co. enjoyed a week of hype after dominating Memphis – note that Arkansas State beat Memphis 47-3 on Saturday.
Mississippi State showed they have talent, but they lost a huge game for the program on Saturday at Auburn. They really needed this win.
The Bulldogs had a great 2010 but they were unable to knock off any SEC West team not named Ole Miss. So far, this continues, and with the LSU game this Thursday, I expect Mississippi State to start 1-2 and more importantly, 0-2 against the SEC West.
The SEC West is the toughest division in college football, and just wait until we see the very good Mississippi State running game go against the two best defenses maybe in the country in LSU and Alabama.
I like what Mullen is doing in Starkville, but this weekend provided a tough reality check for State fans. That reality is that you are still a long way away from winning the West.
….and we let ‘em off the hook!
Amen on both counts! we’ll know more about Tenn and Miss St…after this weekend…both will be thoroughly tested….
If Denny Green didn’t make that amazing video clip, nobody would remember him. Unbelievable press conference there.
BRAY IS GOOD BUT NOT THE BEST IN THE CONFERENCE. LET’S LET HIM PLAY SOME ACTUAL TEAMS BEFORE WE CROWN HIS ASS.
There is something unsettling about that three-headed monster on Tennessee’s offense. I will be watching their game with a keen eye this weekend.