by tom weppel
Seminole fans have had total celebration all week long, not only because of their solid win over Alabama, but because the dreaded Gators lost to Auburn! Florida State is showing they have some talent to play with, as they put everything together. The ‘Noles host N.C. State this weekend, and should fare well.
Meanwhile, Gator fans are certainly guarded in their anticipation for this weekend, as their boys head to LSU. We have heard all week long about chinks in the armor of the Florida squad, wondering whether they can bounce back from last week’s loss and pull out a huge SEC victory against a pretty strong Tiger team.
Other contests include the WINLESS Fighting Irish heading out to face UCLA, while Georgia goes to Tennessee for a nice, dirty SEC scrap.
After a week off, the Jaguars make another road trip as they head to the Midwest to face a Kansas City team that showed they can play last week, beating the Chargers.
In the win over Denver, the Jags showed us their running game is coming around, as their blocking is effective, and the backs are producing. It also helps that David Garrard is using his mobility to make some nice runs. And of course the Defense is showing its strength, which they will have to do against a Chief group that surprised everyone by beating San Diego. It will be interesting to see how the Jags fare coming off the Bye week. With a win, they will make a statement, for sure.
Last season Marty Schottenheimer took the Chargers to a 14-2 record, then stumbled in the playoffs. He was subsequently fired, as Management brought in Norv Turner. And if you don’t think Marty has got one wild grin on his face these days, you’re nuts.
After four games, the Chargers have one more loss than last year, total. I’m guessing Norv Turner simply cannot go to the grocery store or gas station without being looked at in question, wondering how he could probably break a team that was set up and ready to play. Of course, Turner has not had great success as a Head Coach in Washington or Oakland, and so this falls in line with his past track record. He has done great as an Offensive Coordinator.
Meanwhile, Marty has done great, coaching at Kansas City and Cleveland. I’m sure some teams will be knocking on Schottenheimer’s door when the season is over, and he will be able to command a pretty lucrative salary if they indeed desire his services.
Three teams still have yet to pick up their first win of the season. All three have shown dreadful play. The Saints, Rams, and Dolphins are getting to where they will be grasping for straws pretty soon if they don’t beat an opponent. This weekend, the Saints will host a Panther squad that is not in the best of shape, the Rams host a competitive Cardinal team (with the return of former Ram QB Kurt Warner), while the ‘Fins head to Houston to play the Texans. These teams are already up against the wall, only four weeks in.
The Playoffs are on, baby! There are some nice match-ups which I’m sure will produce some great series. Even thought the Yankees swept the Indians this season, I think Cleveland will come out with their strong hitting and solid pitching to give New York a tough time. And the Angels and Boston will be very competitive in their series, as well.
In the NL, all four squads are fairly equal in their play. I’m sure tickets for the Cubs games are tough to grab a hold of. And so let’s see what happens, as things play out.
After a few weeks of controversy and wildness, the Boys head to Talladega to go at it on the Big Track. It’ll give us a chance to see how things shake out in the Chase, as things have been tight in points, without question. I still feel it’s gonna come down to Jimmie, Jeff, and Tony, but anything can happen.
Tom Weppel talks trash with Greg Larson, Lonnie Marts, Eugene Chung, Artis Gilmore, and Ron Duguay on SportsAvengers.com 24/7.
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