Fight predictions: Falcons win, Jackets fall, SEC cowers
What is going on with all of this violence lately? Coaches going after coaches. Coaches going after players who went after coaches. One player even punched another right in the soft part of his zone defense.
A man can’t even go hunting any more without the whole animal kingdom getting upset about it. True story: Some Alaskan moose hunter — and doesn’t every great story start that way? — went out the other day with his musket, hoping to blow off the head of one of nature’s, unarmed creatures, who were just sitting around playing gin-rummy.
Anyway, this guy gets attacked by a grizzly bear, because unbeknownst to the hunter, the Moose, the Grizzlies and the Deer (Wake Forest) have all formed some super alliance and soon plan to announce a conference championship game and a mega-TV deal with ESPN. (That part, I might’ve made up.).
Anyway, the hunter ends up escaping, and I think the grizzly’s head is now on somebody’s wall, and the moral of the story is that the guy with the musket usually wins and the SEC will never admonish him for being an idiot because it’s easier to look tough when you pick on the kid because he’s going to be off campus soon anyway. (See how I did that?)
So the SEC suspends Georgia and Vanderbilt players, but not even a reprimand for the coaches. The conference hasn’t been this whipped since it was taking orders from Urban Meyer.
Meanwhile, on to the less violent ACC. Georgia Tech plays Miami. The Hurricanes will be without defensive tackle Micanor Regis, who last week punched a North Carolina player, Dwight Jones, in the groin. Miami suspended him for “violation of team rules,” which should cover most felonies, post-Jimmy Johnson.
The Jackets have their own issues. The offense produced two touchdowns against Virginia. That’s like a punch to the groin for Paul Johnson. The defense has given up 520 yards rushing in the last two games. On second thought, maybe Johnson should punch Al Groh in the groin.
Tech suddenly has too many warning signs. Also, Miami hasn’t been a garden spot for them. Jackets lose. Canes cover 3.
Mr. Blutarsky: Zero. Point. Zero.
"Classy" Freddie Blassie has a plan for Florida.
Todd Grantham: Off this week. Studying the poetry of Freddie Blassie to prepare for the Florida game.
South Alabama at Georgia State: The Panthers have lost five straight. The problem isn’t Bill Curry’s coaching. The problem is, at the age of 69, he can tackle better than some of his players. No line: State wins.
Tennessee at Alabama: Nick Saban responded to questions about conference expansion and the Heisman race with something from Bartletts’ Quotations: “I could give a s— about all that, excuse my French.” Why do we blame the French every time we swear? And hey, if Saban thinks he has problems, Derek Dooley can look at Tennessee game film and give you an entire dissertation in French. Tide covers 29.
North Carolina at Clemson: Dwight Jones will sing the national anthem. Clemson covers 10½.
Auburn at LSU: Three LSU players have been suspended, reportedly for “synthetic” marijuana, which further magnifies the tragedy of today’s youth because they don’t know the first thing about planting seeds, putting a grow light in your closest, and … wait, where was I? LSU covers 22½.
Three LSU players go to class
Arkansas at Old Ms.: Houston Nutt is the first Mississippi coach to lose nine straight conference games. You know a guy has lost it when he can’t even cheat good. Piggies cover 16.
Army at Vanderbilt: The Commodores might want to watch the chop-blocking this week. The other team is armed. Vandy wins but take Army and 10½.
Pros and Ex-Cons
This week from Don King Productions: Mike Smith (red) vs. Jim Schwartz (blue).
Falcons at Lions: I keep having this vision: Brent Grimes staring at the navel of Calvin Johnson at the goal line. But the Lions can’t stop the run. And on the Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots coaching front, I like Mike Smith to take out Jim Schwartz inside of six rounds. Take the 4 but Falcons win this straight up.
Redskins at Panthers: I just saw a picture of Mark Rypien’s daughter, Angela, who plays quarterback in the Lingerie Football League. The Manning tree just slipped to second place. (Did you really want me to debate the merits of John Beck over Rex Grossman?) Carolina covers 2½.
This is Angela Rypien of the Lingerie Football League's Seattle Mist. Sorry, I can't identify No. 13 in green. Like it matters.
Broncos at Dolphins: Tim Tebow lays hands on the 1-4 Broncos. Fortunately, he only faces 0-5 Miami, so this is sort of like asking a faith-healer: Can you mow my lawn? Take Denver straight up and 1½.
Packers at Vikings: The Packers might be the most powerful force since the Romans, although I’m quite sure if Augustus was in Green Bay he’d look around and say, “Wow, I thought Milwaukee was bad.” Packers cover 9.
Chiefs at Raiders: Oakland traded potentially two first-round picks for Carson Palmer, who last year threw 20 interceptions and won four games. He makes his first start in over nine months. If this is craps, the Raiders are trying to the roll the hard eight. But it’s the Chiefs. Raiders cover 4.
•
Toteboard
“Nine gamblers could not feed a single rooster.” — Yugoslav proverb
Last week (slightly cloudy): 8-3 straight up, 6-5 against the line.
Overall (Real. and spectacular): 59-24 straight up; 53-29-1 against the line.
“Sack Schultz” contest: Last week’s local and national winner (cheater) was Dan Lott of Roswell. He went 15-0. I didn’t. Don’t want to talk about it.
By Jeff Schultz
Follow me on Twitter (@JeffSchultzAJC). Friend me on Facebook (Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC).
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
320 comments Add your comment
Delbert D.
October 20th, 2011
7:32 pm
Glad the Thrashers are no longer occupying space in Philips Arena. The LFL needs to put a team in there. Lot better than indoor beach soccer that was on ESPN3.
Delbert D.
October 20th, 2011
7:41 pm
I’m in Stan’s Sandwich Shop across the street from Tech one night back in ‘66 picking up a BLT and a custard pie, and Freddie Blassie and some other huge goon walk in through the back door, both dressed in long black coats. They go directly into the office to pick up the protection money, and I dash out the front door, real fast. I never went back to Stan’s after that.
Captain Falcons
October 20th, 2011
7:41 pm
Here’s my deal.
Rise up.
Seriously? Rise up?
We’re a team that went 13 – 3 last year!!! What kind of marketing is RISE UP? It makes us sound like we are pulling ourselves out of the grave instead of being at the top of the heap.
BE WHO YOU THINK YOU ARE!!!!! BE POWERFUL!!!! BE UNSTOPPABLE!!!! BE DOMINANT!!!!
FAL-CON YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgWA_n6M-DQ
Delbert D.
October 20th, 2011
7:42 pm
I’m thinking it would be kind of nice to have Freddie and his pals to be frequenting the neighborhood around Tech these days.
gtne80
October 20th, 2011
7:51 pm
“Game could go either way” and “I’d never bet it” – It’s one of the easiest bets on the schedule. The line is 3 1/2 to 4 depending on the source. Miami will win by at least 10. Tech’s defense will line up to stop the run and Harris will have another first half like he had against UNC. On the offensive side, Miami will not be able to get the penetration up the middle that UVa got, but their speed will negate anything on the outside. Washington hasn’t shown the ability to pass consistently, so the safeties will cheat up and stop the inside run and QB keeper. A couple of cheap scores when the game gets out of hand late. UM 35 GT 21.
Paul in NH
October 20th, 2011
7:55 pm
Great column Jeff – but you didn’t make a prediction on the biggest game of the weekend.
Bet the house, bet the car, bet the kids’ college fund on New Zealand over France in the final of the Rugby World Cup. New Zealand at home in their national sport for a champioship they haven’t won in 20 years – it’s going to be a beat down.
Not Disappointed
October 20th, 2011
7:59 pm
I pray that you are wrong about my Jackets Jeff. Good weekend to your friend.
Ramblin Wreck for life.
G8torOne
October 20th, 2011
8:05 pm
Next week: Florida 31, Georgia 24
You heard it here first!
Delbert D.
October 20th, 2011
8:16 pm
Paul- But that’s Rugby Union. I could hardly watch that when I lived in the UK. Scrums, and more scrums, and what’s with hoisting people up by the legs to take those inbounds throws? I got hooked on Rugby League while I was over there in the early ’80s.
Burma Shave
October 20th, 2011
8:24 pm
Mark Richt curses
His players bite and hit
Really the whole team
Ain’t worth a… bit
BURMA SHAVE
Peter
October 20th, 2011
8:29 pm
Jeff sure likes them liberal actors. Even the braindead ones who could play a zombie in walking dead
Old Tech fan in NC
October 20th, 2011
8:31 pm
Sgt Schultz, last week you perked me up by picking Tech to win in VA…I was still remembering the terrible Tech record there. This week I was thinking Washington would have a fine passing game but now you have me depressed. Beginning to feel bipolar.
Golden Tornado
October 20th, 2011
8:31 pm
Golden Mild Gentle Breeze prevails over Sugarcanes
brian jones
October 20th, 2011
8:37 pm
I love fair weather fans tech is about 2 years away vad lee so. year but they will win sat 42-35 mark it down.this will be tevin washingtons only year as starter
Calhoundawg
October 20th, 2011
8:39 pm
Where’s your school?
http://www.ibj.com/the-score/2011/10/12/college-football-financial-listing-reveals-winners-losers/PARAMS/post/30084
The hell with Schultz. Go Dawgs !!
5150 UOAD
October 20th, 2011
8:52 pm
CalHOUNDog………….boy most of the top 20 Colleges are the brain trust of American Education. Our students are stupid but we can make a lot of money off these morons.
Jordan
October 20th, 2011
9:01 pm
http://isportsweb.com/2011/10/20/les-miles-to-the-nfl-will-happen/
Delbert D.
October 20th, 2011
9:02 pm
I’d buy some Oklahoma shares. Very affordable and set to move up.
Delbert D.
October 20th, 2011
9:04 pm
Les might spend 2 years in the NFL and then come back to the SEC…to which school?
Dawg fan on leave
October 20th, 2011
9:06 pm
I can’t believe someone pays you for your biased nonsence. Terrance Moore was biaseed but at least did know football. You just hate Georgia and somehow get paid to show it . Enjoy it while it lasts you loser.
5150 UOAD
October 20th, 2011
9:07 pm
Less will not work to well with RICH Men having to follow him. Less wins now because he has so much talent they over come his mistakes. It will not be the same in the NFL.
sports
October 20th, 2011
9:08 pm
What’s the latest at the Dung Academy…Georgia Tech?
5150 UOAD
October 20th, 2011
9:11 pm
@Dawg fan on leave should you be out having some fun or family time if you are On Leave? Posting that at 9 pm? Go get drunk and laid or something fun.
PDawg
October 20th, 2011
9:12 pm
Schultzie — you were not fishing for a punishment for Grantham?
I sent an email to SEC associate commissioner Charles Bloom asking why there was no publish discipline of any kind for Grantham and Franklin. This was his emailed response: “Matter handled internally between league office and schools.”
the title of your article was also implying that you wanted the coach punished
the real answer to your question is that Slive would have to do something to your hero in the Vandy ordeal — FRANKLIN
and in turn he would have to deal with the 3 to 5 minute cursing of officials by your favorite coach for next week – “BOOM” MUSCHAMP
Schultz you are a disgrace as a GEORGIA Sportswriter
Paul in NH
October 20th, 2011
9:13 pm
Delbert
I am glad that you developed an appreciation for Rugby League when you were in the UK. I loved it as well – I went to Wembley to see my team (Widnes) in the Challenge Cup Final in 1979. It was much safer being an opposing fan at a rugbey game than a football game. Heck – I rode to the semi-final from Bradford on a bus with a bunch Bradford Northern fans and took the rode the train from London back to Leeds with a bunch of (losing) Wakefield fans. It was much safer than being an Everton fan at Leeds United.
Paul in NH
October 20th, 2011
9:17 pm
Delbert
I forgot to make one comment on Rugby Union – it has changed a great deal since the early 80’s. As well as being an openly preofessional sport now, they have incorporated many of the tactics from Rugby League. You don’t get complete sets of forwards going into a ruck or maul now – several go in, but the rest will spread out like league players and drive forward with short passes. Scrums are the same and lineouts got much worse – when I played you couldn’t lift a player.
Paul in NH
October 20th, 2011
9:22 pm
Any valuation that places South Carolina football as more valuable than Ohio State has some serious problems.
Dr. Phil
October 20th, 2011
9:26 pm
Freddie Blassie, indeed, had more class that “Mad Dog Grantham.” Adams is trying to make Georgia an “Ivy League” school. He must be getting tired of Richt and Grantham’s ungentleman-like behavior.
5150 UOAD
October 20th, 2011
9:28 pm
I would like to see those colleges rankings in Research Endowments too.
gtfanfrom1951
October 20th, 2011
9:51 pm
wow what a QB
Delbert D.
October 20th, 2011
9:58 pm
Paul – About those enemy fans, that’s when you stand up and say, “Hey y’all…I’m an American.” I went to my one-and-only soccer match in Leicester, who were playing Rotherham. A Jordie friend who worked in our terrapin (kind of Brit WWII quonset hut) took a Westinghouse guy (big loud Italian descent fellow) and me to the match. We were in a closed end grandstand behind one goal, not very crowded. Our loud friend Dan used to bellow and laugh a lot. A Leicester fan sitting behind us tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Excuse me..are you from Rotherham? I answered by pointing at Dan and rolling my eyes, saying, “Pittsburgh. America.” That seemed to satisfy him.
Gary Lineker, a young local product led the Foxes to be promoted to the First Division after the season, joining Liverpool, Aston Villa and the rest of the big teams. He made a *lot* of money later.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 20th, 2011
10:03 pm
Dawgwild
October 20th, 2011
2:57 pm
Haha enjoyed. Tell Bradley he blows for me!
___________________________________________
HA HA HA
I 2nd that motion
Delbert D.
October 20th, 2011
10:06 pm
Paul- One Saturday Dan and I joined a busload of Brits going to the HyperMart in Calais, via the channel hovercraft out of Dover. All worked out okay until the lot of us made our way back to the bus that evening, where we noticed local Calais men throwing rocks at the bus. We piled into the bus, and I slid my window open and yelled, “Je suis American!”, trying to distinguish myself from our Brit tourists. They then focused their aim specifically on my window.
macrotech
October 20th, 2011
10:07 pm
Tech’s season will be determined by how they react to the loss….hopefully, the taste was sour enough that they NEVER want experience it again! GO TECH!!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 20th, 2011
10:11 pm
CHOKE is 27 and going on 30.
Still ZERO Playoff wins
Delbert D.
October 20th, 2011
10:19 pm
Meanwhile, VapoRub has his team at the bottom of the heap in the East. VapoRub really covers the stench of an autopsy, and Philadelphia stores might sell out soon.
Gtkenz
October 20th, 2011
10:28 pm
Not new news but news to me tonight. UM’s best defensive tackle is out on suspension. They have several injuries to linebackers and defensive lineman with extensive play experience. They have DE’s moving down to DT and freshman DT’s playing now. They are not particularly good in the secondary as it is. GT will run wild and Tevin will get his MoJo back in the passing game. Look for Orwin to have a huge game on the edge and Hill catches 5 balls for 200+.
The Tech defense is back at full strength. That doesn’t say much against the run, but it should be enough to get some stops as UM is a pass happy offense and Tech plays very well in the secondary.
MTS, UNC, and NCST all had significant injuries on defense against Tech and I would argue that Tech torched all three. Knowing this, Tech gets the early MO and Harris has to throw the ball all game to stay close. If Coach AG brings some pressure off the edge, and that’s a big if, because he rarely does, Tech wins comfortably. CPJ is too good to lose 3 straight and whether he would admit it not; a loss to Miami makes Clemson too tough to rebound from for a young team. I suspect CPJ and AG coach the game of their lives and the players, after a light week of practice rebound from UVA.
Tech – 45
UM – 27
bitter red panties
October 20th, 2011
10:46 pm
jeff try the red-panties
GT66
October 20th, 2011
10:47 pm
Geez Guys – I can’t believe you still want to talk about football when we have not figured out who #13 is in the picture above – I’ve just about got it narrowed down – was either the girl I dreamed about when I was 12 – or was it 13 … and do they play any games in Atlanta ??
Delbert D.
October 20th, 2011
10:50 pm
let’s pool together our money and buy a franchise.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 20th, 2011
10:51 pm
2004 & counting suckas
GT66
October 20th, 2011
10:59 pm
Delbert – I don’t want to buy a team – I just want to be the Team Trainer – If PJ could recruit like that, we would win every game – opponents would be so distracted, we would not need to learn how to pass – just get in our 3-point stance !! Go Jackets !!
South DeKalb Hurricane Alumni
October 20th, 2011
11:58 pm
I love all this anti Hurricane talk we’re taking players from Tech right down I 20 East and West and we’re going to take this game from Tech by beating the breaks and CV Joints off the bumble Bees. Oh we’re so scared the triple option, lets see what three teams have shut it down time and time again? Miami, Georgia and Virginia, LOL Virginia!!!
Larry
October 21st, 2011
1:09 am
Jeff,
Nice work!
I think the Falcons are about to put together a nice little run, perhpad winning all or four of their next five games.
Larry
October 21st, 2011
1:16 am
…continued
The Falcons played well in the first half against Seattle and Green Bay, and then put up 17 unanswered points in the 4th quarter against the Panthers last week and their dancing QB. They’re are getting better week by week the past three games and I too expect to see a good team show up absent Detroit on Sunday.
And as for this attention seeking, childish character, “Matt Choke Ryan,” haven’t you been able to find a blog repellent for this type of annoying insect. Never mind…just use a fly swatter and nip him in the bud! We’d all be grateful!
Larry
October 21st, 2011
1:18 am
…continued (somehow struck the “submit” button prematurely)
The Falcons played well in the first half against Seattle and Green Bay, and then put up 17 unanswered points in the 4th quarter against the Panthers last week and their dancing QB. They’re are getting better week by week the past three games and I too expect to see a good team show up absent Detroit on Sunday.
And as for this attention seeking, childish character, “Matt Choke Ryan,” haven’t you been able to find a blog repellent for this type of annoying insect. Never mind…just use a fly swatter and nip him in the bud! We’d all be grateful!
Paul in NH
October 21st, 2011
1:26 am
Delbert
Love the Calais story. As a lifelong Everton fan, I have to correct you about Gary Lineker – he didn’t go to play for Liverpool – he went to play for Everton (the “other” team in Liverpool). My dad never forgave the Blues for transferring him to Barcelona. Lineker was a great player – he was the winner of the Golden Boot (top goal scorer) in the 1990 WC.
BTW – confusing Everton with Liverpool is a sports crime comparable to confusing Georgia Tech with Georgia.
Boobie Bowden
October 21st, 2011
5:46 am
No coach Richt, your players can’t serve their suspensions against IDLE, even if IDLE is favored by 14 points on the same network that picked the dawgs once again as the pre-season National Champions..
Captain Falcons
October 21st, 2011
7:17 am
Calvin gone git dose of FAL-CON-YEAH. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgWA_n6M-DQ
Put him in his panties.
Tornado
October 21st, 2011
7:57 am
South DeKalb Hurricane Alumni
October 20th, 2011
11:58 pm
“I love all this anti Hurricane talk”
There are medications available to remedy hearing those voices in your head.