Stop Me If You Have Heard This Before...Melvin Gordon Is A Beast, Malzahn's Year Three Is Huge...

If anyone has seen erven the least bit of Big 10/12 Football this season, you have noticed the tailback for Wisconsin and his prowess running the football. The Outback Bowl was no different- 34 carries for a bowl-record 251 yards and three scores...

Even if, on one of his touchdown runs, he absolutely decided to latch on to Jermaine Whitehead's face mask with his own hands and yank him into the endzone with him for the final ten yards of the run... all that on a 4th and 1 from midfield
((HT: ESPN))


It was one of many penalties not called on the day by the officiating crew- on both sides- but the bottom line was that Auburn still cannot stop anyone with great regularity defensively.

Here's the wrap from our friends at WISC-TV in Madison


But, Will Muschamp has already rubbed off on the guys who played in a 13th game this season. There were some signs that the fundamentals of tackling on defense- especially by the linebacking corps- have returned. There was some wrapping up of running backs on tackles at the ankles. The tackling-optional approach of the pursuit of the past was less than before.

The pass rush still is non-existent, save a handful of plays late in the game when Badgers QB Joel Stave had to sit in the pocket and look to his left for a prospective receiver when the whole building knew he wasn't doing anything else. And the speed that Wisconsin used on jet sweeps showed another weakness of the Tigers- getting off blocks, chasing running backs to the edge, and getting there first for a tackle as opposed to the idea of being a step behind and giving up 12 yards a look.

Which happened consistently New Year's Day- and all 2014 season long, really...

Wisconsin, under returning interim coach Barry Alvarez, was one dimensional under Gordon and Corey Clement. They ran the ball behind an offensive line that averages, tackle to tackle, 325.8 pounds. But, when the other team can't stop you- as Auburn found on several occasions on their own this year when they were winning games- there is no reason to deviate from the plays that give you a win. And if you get out of town healthy and in a hurry, why do anything different...???

54 carries for 400 net yards on the day for Wisconsin... 521 yards total

"We knew it was coming and it still worked," Auburn cornerback Trovon Reed told Al.com's Brandon Marcello. "I will say that is a selfish act on our end for not paying attention to detail, but if we could take it back, we'd fix it."

And they need to...

Defensively, if the 7 recruits listed as either signed from the JUCO ranks or "hard commits" all lock in, the spring should be interesting:

Darrell Williams (LB) from Hoover, Jordan Colbert (S) from Griffin (GA), Richard McBryde (LB) from Charles Henderson (Troy, AL), and LB's Elijah Sullivan (Tucker, GA) and Montavious Atkinson (Langston Hughes- Fairburn, GA) have been high school-dominant. So, it will be interesting to see how their talents translate to the next level.

And we all know that Will Muschamp will work on conditioning, tackling, and pass rush starting...

Right...

Now...

Year Three will be an important one to see how the new attitudes will translate in a Nintendo-scoring world...

Suspect In Jakell Mitchell Murder Could Get Probation Revoked

((HT: AL.com/WBRC-TV))

The suspect in the murder of Auburn football player Jakell Mitchell may have his probation revoked over a previous charge.

Markale Hart Hart was arrested on first-degree burglary and first-degree theft charges in September of 2010. He pled guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree burglary on May 3, 2012.

As part of the plea deal, Hart's six-year jail sentence was split, and he was allowed to only serve 6 months in jail followed by 3 years of probation.

With his arrest in the Mitchell case, a motion was filed the county of that crime to revoke his probation.

Hart is in jail waiting on a $500,000 bail and is waiting for a date on the hearing itself.

Here was the arrest of Hill over the weekend


Hart's family is asking for a lower bail figure because of financial hardship. The judge that read the charges declared him indigent during his appearance. Hart's family did not appear at the same hearing because they claim to have received death threats.

Video Of Gurley Signing Now Public

((HT: ESPN/McMurphy))

Brett McMurphy and Andy Staples caught up with the sports memorabilia collector that caused all the grief in and around Todd Gurley's ineligibility with the University of Georgia.

Bryan Allen says he didn't mean it and hates all the grief the incident caused:

"I can't change any of that stuff -- any of those emails, me talking to the school, how it was handled -- I can't change any of that," Bryan Allen said in his first interview since Gurley was suspended for four games after admitting he accepted money for autographs. "If I could, I would.

"Because I never wanted to screw over Gurley. I never wanted to screw over their fans or anything like that. That was never my intention. I wish I had never even gone down there. It's not worth it."

Here's the video of the signing


It's a whole bunch of inches where Allen apologizes for everything short of kidnapping the Lindbergh baby...

Good read and a lot mf mea culpas...

Fournette=Herschel, But Only Once...

((HT: Michael TBL's Vine))

All Leonard Fournette did was remind some of us at OSG HQ of Bill Bates with this move tonight against Texas A&M


Our previous evidence


NO, WE ARE NOT COMPARING THE TWO!!!

NEVERNEVERNEVER!!!

Just with the feracity of the move...nothing more...

FBI Investigating Threat To The Grove

((HT: University of Mississippi))

Here's the note from the school in its entirety:

A handwritten note threatening damage to trees and shrubs in the Grove at the University of Mississippi and signed "Hail State/Go to Hell TSUN" was turned over to the Jackson office of the FBI today (Nov. 26) by UM Police Chief Calvin Sellers.

The note, which arrived on campus late Tuesday (Nov. 25), said:

"What's going to happen to ya'll on the field Saturday Aint nothing compared to what's going to happen on your beautiful campus. You won't be one of the most pretty campus's Next year. A lot of shrubs and trees are going to die; especially in the grove. Can't stop us" (signed) "Hail State Go to Hell TSUN."

Law enforcement authorities are taking the threat seriously and are encouraging fans to report suspicious behavior, Sellers said. In addition, he said, law enforcement resources have been added to address fan safety inside and outside the stadium.

"This longtime football rivalry has separated families and friends for generations, but while it's spirited, our attention has been focused mostly on the football field," Sellers said. "We encourage everyone to remember that this is a game, after all, not a time for hate. We are hopeful that passions have not escalated to the point that someone is prepared to do damage to a landmark for which all Mississippians take great pride."

Just what the Ess-E-Cee needs on another rivalry weekend...

Another round of this...
((HT: Paul Finebaum Radio Network))


It's under investigation...

DEVELOPING: Coach Boom Gets Lowered At Florida

The only thought was: WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG, JEREMY FOLEY???!!!

What the entire world thought was going to happen after the Missouri fiasco finally happened after the South Carolina fiasco...

Here's the sheer, shocking end to the game that gifted the Gamecocks the win...
((HT: SDS/SEC Network))


Which led to this...
((HT: GoGamecocks))


And this postgame commentary...


Now, the next questions are twofold:

Does Jeremy Foley even survive this...???
And, as put forth by TBH: Would Muschamp like to be Auburn's defensive coordinator...???

Will Muschamp had proven himself to be a solid Number Two, but a Shaky Number One...

What happens with his resume next will be an interesting subplot to the shenanigans in Gainesville...

And the irony that the Ess-E-Cee Network is showing the Sakerlina-Florida game right now has not escaped the HQ...

Hey, Florida, we know someone who can fill the opening for a few weeks...

"The Fixer" for Florida's Problems...???

Coach Boom Started His Presser This Way Yesterday

((HT: CoachingSearch.com))

Yep, he actually did this...
((HT: Tampa Bay Times))


And, in a lot of ways, he's probably right...

If he wins out, he can be a pain in the Ess-E-Cee East and his (and Jeremy Foley's) job are safe for another week...

While Florida fans are actually going to deal with the confusion of success and, simultaneously, being stuck...

Enjoy...

Ever See A Walk-Of Presser...???

((HT: ABC Columbia))

The OBC had a 14-point lead at home against Tennessee last night...

It didn't last as Joshua Dobbs hooked up with Jason Croom and Tennessee had a monstrous fourth quarter to send the game to overtime.

In the fifth quarter, the Vols kicked a field goal, the Gamecocks went backwards and lost 45-42.

All that caused what is, probably, the shortest Steve Spurrier press conference ever...


Makes you wonder if this week of prep will be one the players at Sakerlina will not like at all...

There's a Difference Between "Coach Boom!" And "Coach, Boom!"

((HT: Saturday Down South))

Missouri is making some kind of a point tonight in Gainesville in their blowout of the Gators on Homecoming!

The HQ doesn't quite know what it is- whether they REALLY need help with their offense as they go forward or Florida is just GAWD AWFUL!

It came to this, however, when a defensive touchdown sent people flooding out into the streets...


According to some of OSG's sources, Muschamp is going to be fired on Monday morning. Some folks might like to see Athletics Director Jeremy Foley to go after Muschamp as well.

But the other issue is Mizzou's offense...

Florida picked up 200 yards of offense in the third and fourth quarter when the game was out of hand, but the Tigers only had 119 yards of TOTAL offense- relying on a pick 6, a kickoff return, a punt return, a fumble recovery, a rushing score and 2 field goals...

So there's that...

BREAKING: Mike Slive To Retire As SEC Commissioner

Mike Slive

Mike Slive's tenure as SEC commissioner will be coming to an end.

In a statement released by the Southeastern Conference Slive announced he will step down as commissioner on July 15th, 2015.

“I have been blessed in more ways than I can count and I will have as much passion for this job on my last day as I did on my first,” Slive said in a statement released by the SEC.

Health concerns are the reason why Slive has decided to retire.  He will be beginning treatment for a recurrence of prostate cancer.

“I consider my health situation a temporary detour in a remarkable road that has allowed me to meet amazing people, experience incredible events and celebrate historic victories." Slive said.  "I will relish my final year in this position and look forward to being the biggest fan of the SEC for many years to come.”

The recurrence of cancer was discovered
in August subsequent to a surgical procedure on his back.

Slive's prognosis is good.

Slive's 13 years as SEC commissioner has seen unprecedented growth and revenues.  With the billion dollar plus TV contract with ESPN and CBS and the launching of the SEC Network the crowning jewel of the Slive era will be the seven consecutive BCS National Championships in football.

Ess-E-Cee Recap: Congrats To UK And What Was Bielema Thinking...???

((HT: WLEX-TV/KBTX-TV))

Mark Stoops was able to do something that his successors have not been able to do- actually beat an SEC opponent for the first time in almost 1,100 days...

The Wildcats knocked off Vanderbilt (who are looking to be a really bad football team, by the way) in Lexington- even as a favored program heading into Saturday.

Strangely, fans would like to see the stands at Commonwealth Stadium more-filled than they currently are...
Just ask them...
On the flip side, the HQ would like to know what Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema was thinking in overtime running to the right on a 4th and 2 when he needed a first down to keep the period moving- and your running game was non-existent. You had your chance, Arkansas, and you flat blew it. "A lot of things that caused us to lose this game today came from within our locker room," Razorbacks coach Bret Bielema said postgame. "Our third edge we talk about is playing clean, and that means playing penalty-free. ... The good news is we can correct those things. Our guys did several things throughout the course of the game to get excited about. But obviously, not enough to close it." Here's your local look...

Clanga's Dillon Day Is Out Of Control

((HT: ESPN/Saturdays Down South))

MSU's Dillon Day seems to enjoy the role of the heel...

If he keeps it up, he will have done more than earn the title and a profound lack of unprofessionalism to go with it...

Last year, he got a half-game suspension for stomping on an Auburn player.

Last night against LSU, Day cleated Tiger players twice- first, he stomped on Davon Godchaux’s stomach, and then he found Rashard Robinson’s groin.

Evidence below...


Stay classy, Dillon... there's always the Raiders...

How Does This Happen? Indiana Beats Mizzou in Mizzou

No, really, this happened today. We aren't making it up to make the Little 10 and Jim Delany happy.

Somehow,  the lowly Indiana Hoosiers pulled off the first Big 10 upset...or victory of significance this season.

The Hoosiers disposed of a stunned group of Missouri Tigers 31-27 Saturday afternoon.

Tevin Coleman ran for 132 yards and a touchdown, but aside from that, nobody did anythings significant in this game to turn it one way or the other.

There was only 1 turnover and Missouri had the ball for over 33 minutes, yet the 18th-ranked Tigers still lost.

The Hoosiers were coming off a disheartening loss to Bowling Green, yet they had enough to beat the defending SEC East Champs. Setting off tons of head shaking amongst the SEC acolytes who cannot conceive of a Big 10 team beating them.

Yet it happened...

--shrugging shoulders-- Maybe this will be the game that turns the corner for the Little 10, Michigan was again getting beat, search parties are still looking for Ohio State. Only Michigan State left one of the so-called "Power 5" conference teams with any hope of getting to the College Football playoff.

Here's the game-winning TD by D'Angelo Roberts with :22 left in the game.

Razorbacks QB's Truck Possibly Torched

((HT: KFSM-TV))

The Chevy Avalanche pick-up Razorback back-up QB Brandon Allen drives was burned very early Monday morning. The incident is being investigated as an arson...

The car alarm was going off outside Allen's apartment and he apparently went outside to see it burning, drifting backwards, and roling into a ditch.

Head football coach Bret Bielema, at his weekly press conference, said Allen is fine, and that the school is letting local police handle the case. Bielema also said that Allen will not be speaking publicly about the case.

Strangely, Allen's truck was not the only car fire in Fayetteville early Monday morning...

Here's the story of a burned group of cars...

The Power 5 Are Off And Running

((HT: ESPN))

The top five college athletics conferences are one step closer to having their own autonomous behavior when it comes to what it would take to run their athletic programs.

By a near-unanimous vote, the Board of Directors has approved the idea to allow themselves to decide on how much money they want to give above and beyond their scholarship dollars as "cost-of-attendance stipends," as well as increased insurance benefits for players, staff sizes for sports on campus, loosening recruiting rules and determining just how much hours can be spent on individual sports- considered practice time- which they're looking to expand and monitor internally.

Here's Joe Schad discussing with David Lloyd


The "no" vote would have to carry more than 75 schools, but the schools in the Power 5 could vote to secede from the NCAA on their own if a vote like that was to pass.

So, the haves will have more control over themselves and the have nots will be left to fight for themselves.

Again...

Reports: Phil Mickelson Part of Insider Trading Investigation--UPDATED

((ht: dealbook.nytimes.com))

Hmmmm....

Masters champ and PGA Tour golfer Phil Mickelson is one of several interesting names being bandied about during a federal insider trading investigation.

F.B.I and Security and Exchange Commission Investigators are looking into some trades made by Mickelson, a Sports gambler by the name of William T. Waters and possibly investor Carl Icahn.

No charges have been filed, but the investigation began after reports began to surface that Icahn may have shared some insider information with Waters, who passed on the information to Mickelson.

For their part, investigators have not connected Icahn and Mickelson, but the golfer does have some connection to Waters. And Waters is a known and successful Sports gambler who owns a Las Vegas area golf course.

Hmmmm....

Read more from the NY Times RIGHT HERE

This is interesting. We don't profess to know how investigators will tie all these allegations together but they raise plenty of questions.

For people who don't run in the circles of multi-millionaires like these guys, it wouldn't be a shock that information like this is shared.

But it would be a shock to find out their hero Phil Mickelson could be involved in doing it. There have been whispers for years that Mickelson is or was a heavy gambler, which could easily explain the relationship with Mr. Waters.

It will be very interesting to see if or how this all plays out....

**UPDATE**---Mickelson released a statement Saturday afternoon stating that he has been cooperating with investigators and due to the nature of the investigation, can't talk further about it.

For no real reason, we chose this video of Mickelson...because we don't have a TV News story on this investigation...

David Langner Passes From Cancer

((HT: AL.com/Marcello))

Okay, the HQ will yield that you probably don't know Langner by name if you're outside the Ess-E-Cee...

But, if you mention "Punt, Bama, Punt"- you'll probably know what that is all about...
((HT: Auburn University Athletics))


In 1972, Auburn was down 16-3. But Langner was credited with returning two blocked punts for scores at Auburn won 17-16 in one of the most storied games in the Iron Bowl Series...

"David Langner was one of Auburn's greats who will be remembered by generations to come," Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs said in a statement. "He was a fierce competitor who fought cancer as hard as he fought any opponent he faced. I know the entire Auburn family joins me in offering our sympathy and prayers to his family."

Bill Newton blocked both punts with less than six minutes left in regulation and this capped off a year where the group known as the "Amazins" went 10-1...

"I'm saddened by the passing of David Langner, who was not only an Auburn legend but a great man," Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said in another statement released by the university. "On behalf of the entire Auburn football program, our thoughts and prayers are with David's family and friends."

As is the HQ's...

Gators And Seminoles Brawl, Jameis Winston Gets Involved

It's a fact of life in Florida, Gators and Seminoles don't get along.

Tuesday night in Jacksonville the top ranked Florida State Seminoles faced Florida in a college baseball game and the fireworks went off in the eighth inning.

FSU's D.J. Stewart collided with UF left-handed pitcher Danny Young hustling down the line.  Gator first baseman Zack Powers took exception shoving Stewart.

Then it was on.




What makes this more interesting is that Heisman Trophy winner and FSU closer Jameis Winston was involved in the brawl.

Florida ended up winning the game 4-1.

Florida State head coach Mike Martin who is known to deliver some great quotes had some good ones summing up this game for the Florida Times-Union.

There's no doubt that the testosterone and the adrenaline kicked in." Martin said. "Those men are very strong and very active.  The hands got a little quicker. The motivation rose. Just very proud of our baseball team, and the way that we fought. We certainly didn't back down from anything, and that makes every Seminole proud, because that's what we're about." 

Gamecocks Give Frank Martin One Game Suspension

((HT: WLTX-TV))

South Carolina head men's basketball coach Frank Martin has been known to be a little intense on the sidelines...

It has gotten him into trouble and it has gotten him a reputation as a hothead- and a lot worse terms...

He did this Tuesday night in his team's 26-point loss to Florida


Athletics Director Ray Tanner, in a statement, said:

"The one-game suspension is a result of inappropriate verbal communication as it relates to the well-being of our student-athletes."

The HQ would like to know how many times Tanner used inappropriate verbal communications when he coached the baseball team in Columbia, but we'll digress...

Here's Martin's comments on what went down...

Martin will not accompany the team to Starkville for the season finale against Miss State. Associate head coach Matt Figger will serve as the acting coach as South Carolina is 11-19, 4-13 in the SEC.

BUZZER BEATER: Releford Buries Ole Miss Snapping Alabama's 4-Game Losing Streak

((HT: SEC on ESPN))

This was a bad loss for Ole Miss and Andy Kennedy...

Too many times in the last ten seconds that the ball was in the hands of Bama's Trevor Releford...
And he closed the deal...


"We were running, and when I caught it back I saw Marshall (Henderson) try to slip the screen so I just crossed back over and took the shot. I took what he gave me.” Releford said.

He [Releford] really carried them down the stretch which is what a senior all-league player does, and he made a big shot.” Ole Miss head coach Andy Kennedy said.

Releford finished the game with a team high 26 points.

Most importantly Releford's game winner snapped Alabama's four game losing streak.

"It was a lot of relief (for) the players," Releford said. "We've been coming out and practicing hard, and we just needed a win. We deserved it.

"I'm happy for everybody on the team and glad we got the win."