A race driver hits the wall extremely hard. A bull–rider gets slammed and stomped. A batter takes a fastball on the chin. Inevitably, it usually takes some “down time” before these athletes are back to full speed, especially from a mental standpoint. Ditto for University of Florida football coach Urban Meyer. He just hasn’t been himself since he was run over by Nick Saban and his Crimson Elephants in the SEC championship game.

That fateful night in the Georgia Dome provided the nation with a unique opportunity to witness Urban Meyer’s demeanor when facing imminent defeat. Quite frankly, he was a mess in front of the cameras. Meyer left doubt in the minds of everybody by looking confused and frustrated all night long.

Immediately after the championship loss, Urban apparently had some medical issues that landed him in the hospital. Ultimately, he decided he was going to take a leave of absence from coaching. I don’t know if it’s a world record or not, but his break lasted exactly one day.

That was the first sign of trouble. Something happened to the normally strong leader who is always ready to make key split-second decisions; who always positively affects his football team and the thousands of loyal fans who follow Gator football.

Anyway, I can’t seem to put a finger on the reasoning behind Urban’s daily recruiting “soap opera” prior to this year’s national signing day. Meyer spent the last few days leading up to signing day locking up commitments by acting like he was coming back from somewhere far away to save the day.

The whole thing left me thinking that Meyer was after an academy award for best performance. Here was Uncle Urban – a guy who wanted out after Alabama crushed his Gators – back in the homes of young athletes promising to guide them on their mission in life. Isn’t this the guy who just quit his job and restarted it again within 24 hours?

Seriously, I don’t know what the rest of this paragraph says about the current state of society, but all the antics, all the shenanigans, and all the drama displayed by Urban during his dilemma reeled in the best recruiting class in the country.

In fact, Meyer almost had me going. Maybe the whole “I’m in – I’m out” thing was an elaborate scheme designed to throw off all the other coaches (and me) while he quietly signed the very best players in the nation.

Creative recruiting aside, Meyer seemed okay after he finally revealed that he was going to lead the team through spring practice. Everything was in cruise control, with the Gators out hitting the grass for drills.

Well, it didn’t take long for Meyer’s emotional issue (stress) to surface again. Just after one of his players made a controversial statement to the press that created a firestorm, Meyer decided to go “street” on the first reporter who published the comments.

I’m sure that Urban Meyer’s acting like a thug – threatening a reporter – while on camera isn’t exactly the picture that Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley wants broadcast to the college football world.

Or, maybe he does.

Update: The current Florida football players have been speaking out for their coach. They believe that Urban was just showing extreme love for the player. They say they are very proud of his behavior.

Wait a minute. That’s not what Meyer expects his players to do to media members who print something they don’t agree with, is it?

Do you get my original point yet? On the lighter side, I believe Urban Meyer has “Sabanitis”. One thing’s for sure, Meyer has to face his nemesis (Coach Saban) again on October 2nd, 2010 in Bryant-Denny stadium. I wonder if he’ll attack Nick’s new statue if Florida loses the game? About that last question, I’m just kidding Mr. Meyer, sir!
—Shane writes a weekly column for the Call News and the Capstone Report.

What do college basketball, pro golf, and NASCAR racing have in common? All three couldn’t pay the bills if they depended on SEC fans for income. In spite of media-generated perceptions designed to convince us otherwise, I believe these and many other sports mean very little to SEC football fans.

I have no doubt that one of the main reasons for the high level of dedication by SEC fans probably lies in the fact that the Southeastern Conference is regarded as the premier league in all of college football.

With four straight BCS national championships (Alabama, Florida, LSU, and Florida again) and two of the last three Heisman Trophy winners (Ingram and Tebow) it’s easy to understand why football dominates the landscape in the South.

Do you really think that Crimson Tide fans are overly concerned that new head coach Anthony Grant didn’t get his basketball team to the “big dance”? Or, are Tide fans already deep into the “process” with Nick Saban and the football team, focusing on spring training and the next championship run? If you ask me I’d bet the house on the latter.

Should Tennessee supporters be enjoying the ride with Coach Bruce Pearl and his basketball squad as they roll through the NCAA basketball tournament? Sure. However, that’s awfully hard to do when the main thing occupying their daily thoughts centers on whether new football coach Derek Dooley can get the program back to respectability.

Is the Auburn fan base hyped and excited about the possibilities associated with having a brand new basketball coach and arena to match? When they finish celebrating their top-five football recruiting class we can ask them. That party began on signing day when Gene Chizik and his staff signed a top-five recruiting class for the first time in years? In fact I don’t even think they know Jeff Lebo’s been fired.

Am I making sense yet? Of course I know that sports enthusiasts are supposed to be well rounded and strive to appreciate the value of every sport but, apparently, somebody forgot to emphasize that point when they issued the handbooks — especially around the SEC.

Has anybody noticed that Tiger Woods has gotten more publicity out of his marriage scandal than he ever did by being the best golfer in the world? Also, in my opinion the golf world is selling-out its moral and ethical clout for Woods because it can’t draw fans without him.

Nevertheless, I feel safe in saying that this spring – with football practice on the agenda – most SEC football fans won’t pay very much attention to Tiger’s trials and tribulations. Yet, they will be very concerned with the results of the battles for the starting quarterback position in their team’s intra-squad games. Avid fans will spend months breaking down what they’ve seen on the field.

As far as NASCAR goes, in the old days some SEC gridiron junkies would use this form of auto racing as a bridge to occupy a few hours on weekends during the off-season. However, that changed when college football became a year–round event.

Between the regular season, recruiting, spring training, and summer camp college football interest is in maximum overdrive 24/7 – 365!

Inevitably, some will claim that this article is loaded with bias, but I’m of the opinion that most southerners would say I hit the nail on the head. Actually, I really think the SEC’s passion for football can only be truly understood if you live it. Television just doesn’t do it justice.

If you ever get the opportunity to spend a Saturday night in Bryant-Denny or Jordan-Hare stadium watching Alabama’s finest play a top-tier SEC opponent, you’ll become addicted to the intoxicating current that surrounds the event. By the way, that same electricity is also responsible for transforming us from normal sports fans into SEC football fanatics.

—Shane writes a weekly column for the Call News and the Capstone Report.

Paul Finebaum is not your typical sports radio talk show host. The majority of those who get paid to sit behind the microphone avoid controversy like it’s the plague and the resulting broadcasts are usually a benign mix of stats and information they read from the newspaper. Not Finebaum. He thrives amid dissent and disparagement, especially when providing news and opinionated commentary on the hottest sports topics of the day. He also orchestrates an interesting and unique cast of characters on his mostly caller-driven show, blending aspects from both into an award-winning product known throughout the South.

Now – with the recent announcement by the Paul Finebaum Radio Network that they’ve been picked up by Sirius/XM satellite radio – we’re about to find out how well the show plays to a national audience.

Will college football coverage that’s limited to the SEC draw the interest of a national fan base that has so many other choices? It should help that the SEC holds the perception of being the best college football league in the country.

Most of the people who become “regular” listeners to Finebaum say that it takes awhile for his style to grow on them. Will those who catch his show once return enough to get hooked?

Does anybody believe that normal people will find Charles from Reeltown to be an informative, entertaining caller? Surely, everybody will think he’s an act, because nobody’s going to believe that a person could really be that stupid. Nevertheless, most people love clowns – don’t they?

What about Tammy, Auburn’s version of Elly May Clampett? This woman holds the world record for decibel levels attained during a telephone call. Sports fans who turn on their satellite radio and hear Tammy will probably laugh really hard – after they recover from the culture shock.

One thing’s for certain, it won’t take long for the national audience to completely understand why Alabama fans call Auburn fans red–headed stepchildren. Joe the Whiner from Trussville will show up every day as a living example for all to hear. Warning: Joe has a voice that resembles the high–pitch whine of a dental drill.

With Paul about to present the Sons of Saban (SOS) club to this larger market, the SOS might just grow into an army? I predict that men and women will jump at the chance to apply for membership.

On a serious note, Montgomery, Alabama’s I-man brings his legendary A-game to the airwaves everyday. He is, by far, the most knowledgeable caller to ever grace the F-bomb’s airwaves and should be credited as such. If you don’t believe it just ask him.

One other regular who stands a chance to have the biggest impact of all is only known by one name – Legend. Legend is a true student of the game. His football knowledge rivals that of a coach and his insight is truly something to behold. After all, he is the reigning PFRN “Caller of the Year”.

The truth is that all these callers – and many others too – play Paul’s game. He carefully directs the action and magically combines caller commentary with the show theme. Actually, Finebaum’s ability and wit seem to peak during caller interaction.

Lastly, I know there is one area where Paul excels in which he has no peer. Finebomb’s interviewing skills always exceed expectations and his knack for getting the person being interviewed to open up to the audience and provide a unique insight is uncanny.

Will the Paul Finebaum Radio Network survive the long term on satellite radio and become as popular around the country as it has regionally? I personally believe the show will stick. The only thing that could possibly hold it back is too much Charles from Reeltown.
Shane writes a weekly column for the Call News and the Capstone Report.

Standing in the White House and being acknowledged by the President as the 2009 national champion leaves no doubt that the University of Alabama is once again an elite college football program – a powerhouse. At the rate they are progressing the Crimson Tide already owns the state and stands ready to dominate the entire SEC.

However, the Tide’s cross-state rival Auburn isn’t going down without a fight. They are not intimidated. With most of the SEC seemingly unable to compete with Alabama last year, Auburn took Alabama to the wire in the “Iron Bowl”. In fact, the Tiger’s performance during that contest gained enough respect from the BCS Bowl selection committee to earn them a New Year’s Day game.

Actually, somebody down on the Plains deserves major credit for realizing that Tommy Tuberville’s stale act wouldn’t stand a chance against a program on the verge of dominance like Alabama under Nick Saban.

In fact, Auburn’s made so many right moves lately that it’s almost as if the “master” Pat Dye is running the show again. He, or whoever’s calling the shots, knows Saban would’ve crushed the weak resistance that Tubby’s regime offered.

Nevertheless, the men running Auburn’s program also know that the Crimson Tide is stocked deep with awesome talent. They are also very aware that Saban is constantly adding layers of high-caliber athletes at every position.

On their side of the recruiting front Tiger leaders have been innovative. The best and boldest move made by Auburn officials so far has been the hire of Trooper Taylor and Curtis Luper – two controversial recruiting experts who are currently at the top of their game.

With Saban being one of the best recruiters – and most effective closers – in the history of college football, Auburn is wise enough to know they can’t win a straight fight.

They’ve mostly stayed outside the box when recruiting and have been very successful in doing so. Tiger coaches utilize the press well, stage organized events, and time them carefully to attract the most attention. Some folks call these methods “gimmicks”, but the kids – the ones that matter – seemed to like the show and respect the effort.

If the end result is a top-five ranked signing class, then it is a step in the right direction. This year’s strong finish shows that Auburn leaders realize they must maintain a relentless pace if they want to improve Auburn’s chances against the mighty Red Elephants in the future.

SEC insiders are even claiming that Gene Chizik may be waiting around for Nick Saban to evaluate and select athletes and then sending his guys in behind Nick. People might claim that type of activity is classless. I say it’s good business. Isn’t Nick Saban the best analyst and evaluator in the nation?

The Crimson Tide’s accomplishments since 2008 are certainly amazing. Yet, Gene Chizik and his Auburn football program seem unaffected by the huge spotlight focused on western Alabama.

Clearly, Chiz has his program and fan base fired up. His greatest achievement to date is unifying a group left tattered and fractured by its former commander.

His 8-5 record aside, Chiz hasn’t blinked since he arrived on campus. While others – some of the Auburn “Family” included – doubted him, Chizik has been consistent and solid on all fronts.

In my opinion Auburn is playing the game the way it should be played when facing such a dominant football program like Alabama. They are focused on the internal things that will improve the team — mainly getting better players.

Recently, (now) former Auburn running back Ben Tate proclaimed that he is better than Alabama’s Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. He isn’t, but he believes that he is. That’s a start.

To win, you’ve got to believe first. If Chizik can get his team to think like Tate thinks, then he’ll stand a hard fighting chance to reap the rewards of the pugnacious puissance he’s instilling in this Auburn program.
Shane writes a weekly column for the Call News and the Capstone Report.

Throughout the course of college football history fans have witnessed some truly amazing performances on the gridiron. They’ve seen dominant teams produce amazing results on the road to the national championship. In fact, several of those champions left permanent impressions on the country, each making a solid case to be considered among the best to ever take the field. In my opinion the accomplishments of the 2009 Alabama football program might overshadow them all.

Yes, I’m sure that opposing fans will spend days compiling data and making inane arguments against my last statement. They might even be able to muster a couple of equal comparisons, but after reading this column I think you’ll understand why it’s probably pointless to try.

The accomplishments of the 2009 Crimson Tide football team were simply astounding by any standards.

The following list of facts should serve as solid proof and leave little doubt that this 2009 Crimson Tide unit should be considered one of the nation’s all time best:

In beating LSU and then Florida and Texas back-to-back, Alabama beat the three previous BCS championship schools (Texas 2005, Florida 2006, LSU 2007 and Florida 2008).

After becoming the first Alabama team to beat Texas (who was also undefeated), the Crimson Tide became only the second BCS champion to have a 14-0 final record.

In the BCS title game against Texas they beat college football’s winningest quarterback in Colt McCoy; and just two weeks before that the Tide harassed Florida’s Tim Tebow – perhaps the best college football player ever – into submission. Shutting those two down consecutively was an awesome achievement by the Alabama defense.

On their way to that rare 14-0 season, the Crimson Tide beat: The Big 12 champion, the BCS Sugar Bowl winner, the Cotton Bowl winner, the Outback Bowl winner, the Chick-Fil-A winner, and the Liberty Bowl victor.

If that’s not convincing enough, four of their opponents had coaches who’ve won national titles.

Alabama also beat elite teams from the SEC, ACC, and the Big 12 this year, while also going undefeated in 24 regular season outings during the last two.

During those undefeated regular seasons the Tide ran-off 16 straight regular season conference wins (8 on the road) in a league billed as the nation’s toughest.

Other indicators point to Alabama’s greatness as well:

This 2009 Bama squad had the most All-Americans (6) ever assembled in one year on a team.

Alabama pulled off the ultra-rare feat of producing a Heisman trophy winner the same year they took the national crown.

And finally, you can’t overlook the fact that Alabama’s head coach, Nick Saban is the only coach in the AP era to win the national championship at two schools.

Throw all that in with the way Alabama absolutely dominated most opponents this past Fall – many without breaking a sweat (kudos to Auburn for Bama’s toughest game), and it’s pretty clear that the 2009 Crimson Tide football team should be considered one of the greatest of all time.
Shane writes a weekly column for the Call News and the Capstone Report.

I have information coming from a usually reliable source telling me that the Auburn football program is well on its way back to national prominence. That same source also tells me that head coach Gene Chizik believes that his team is loaded with enough talent (right now) to compete with the best. The Tiger fan base has been on cloud nine since their first top-five recruiting class signed on. And, thanks to Trooper Taylor, Auburn appears ready to improve this class over the last one by leaps and bounds.

My correspondent over on the western front tells me that all is well with the Crimson Tide. All facets of the program are running in high order. Nick Saban has his young team focused. His patented “process” for the 2010 campaign is well under way. The Tide fan base is riding high and carries the confidence that winning a championship brings. Don’t forget, Coach Saban reeled in another top-ranked class as well.

Auburn’s Chizik made a couple of brilliant hires from a recruiting standpoint. Team Trooper and Luper are (by far) Auburn’s best weapons. As long as they stay, Auburn will continue to bring in its share of the best talent America has to offer.

Meanwhile, it has to help Bama’s assistants immensely to know that Nick Saban – probably the best closer in the business – is going to come in when things get down to the wire and seal the deal. The truly amazing part about Saban is his consistent ability to stack his teams with layers of superior players.

Auburn fans in general are the same as they ever were. They spend the off-season defending their Tigers’ honor on the Internet and airwaves. Even after being jerked around by the institution’s power–brokers for years and a running–through a carousel of different coaches – they remain some of the most loyal and faithful football fans on the face of the earth.

Did anybody bedsides me notice that Alabama fans have almost taken the national crown “for granted” right alongside Nick Saban and his team? Most Crimson Tide fans completely understand what it means to be a champion. They also understand all the nuances involved with being a fan of the best program in the country.

Auburn is a team searching for its true identity on the national front. It is rapidly rebuilding under Coach Chizik’s watchful eye. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn’s offensive schemes took the nation by storm, giving Auburn the reputation of being a scoring machine — but the defense (traditionally stout) lacked in basic fundamentals – like tackling. Chizik must define his team’s personality in year-two if he wants long-term success.

It may sound like an agonizing reappraisal to Crimson Tide opponents, but everything Alabama has done goes back to the original mission statement Saban laid out when he arrived at the Capstone. Alabama has become that team nobody wants to play. They are relentless, very physical, and use both assets to enforce a team attitude that dominates the competition for sixty minutes.

Questions to ponder:

Does the War Eagle clan have the patience to allow Chizik time (minimum 3yrs.) to rebuild the program? Tuberville left the system in shambles. How will Auburn fans handle losing a third game in a row to Alabama? Can Auburn coaches and players stay focused on improving their program without measuring themselves against their cross-state rival that is currently enjoying one of the greatest periods in its storied history?

Will Nick Saban lead Alabama to a third (record–setting) undefeated regular season in a row? Can the Crimson Tide maintain the edge that’s taken them to 26 wins in the last 28 games? Can Alabama impose the same will on opponents that enabled them to win the SEC title and the national crown in 2009?

One thing is as certain as the sunrise: September’s coming and all the answers will start rolling in by then.

Shane writes a weekly column for the Call News and the Capstone Report.

Finally, college football’s recruiting circus is over. The real work is about to begin. Off-season conditioning programs, spring training, and eventually fall camp will replace the over-hyped drama of the events surrounding national signing day.

Attention can now be directed towards the 2010 season. SEC squads across the South will be working hard – using the tried and true methods I mentioned above – to prepare for a chance to be called a champion.

The SEC will field several competitive teams in 2010. There should also be a couple that will fare better than expected. And, two programs that have been on top lately will probably remain that way.

Anyway, for entertainment purposes only, I’ve decided to get a jump on the national pundits and post a pre-season ranking of the SEC from top to bottom, with a few comments thrown in for good measure:

#1 – Alabama The Crimson Tide just went 14-0 and won the national title with a senior class that Rivals had ranked 18th. Rivals also ranked the junior class 11th. Alabama actually won because Nick Saban is a master of player development, and he’ll have even better players to work with this year. This is a well-stocked, very talented, dangerously dominant team that nobody really wants to play – anywhere, anytime.

#2 – Florida In spite of the melt down by Urban Meyer, the Gators continue to load the shelves with top-flight talent. Who knows what effect Meyer’s personal problems will have on the team’s win/loss column. Last year they lost the offensive coordinator – this year the defensive signal-caller jumped ship. However, I think the overall physical superiority of the Florida athletes will take them to Atlanta where they will face-off with Alabama for the third time in three years.

#3 – Georgia Mark Richt is a proven winner who seems to have his back against the wall. He’s in a jam, at least from a perception standpoint. Still, I believe that the quality talent he’s pooled the last few years will begin to surface this season. Barring injuries, this is a team that will play Florida for the right to represent the East in the championship game. Richt’s Bulldogs may be good enough to win.

#4 – Ole Miss With the departure of Jevan Snead (Mr. Turnover), the Rebels have enough good players to challenge the best and beat the rest of the conference. They also have Houston Nutt, one of the best game–day coaches in the business. Will finish runner-up to the Crimson Tide in the West.

#5 – LSU Look, we all know that Les Miles isn’t the smartest coach to ever roam the sidelines, but he does have some fine assistants helping him win football games. With the depth of the state’s talent pool to draw from, Miles should be able to deliver nine wins every year. By the way, LSU is set to have a good year.

#6 – Auburn Gene Chizik lost his starting quarterback, his top running back, and has no returning depth on defense. His second year (actually his career) is dependent on young players and a group of highly–rated freshman. Truthfully, Chizik needs time and more players to compete on a consistent basis with the best. Patience with the new coach will probably pay off in the end.

#7 – Arkansas Bob Petrino is a great football coach. However, he is a lot like Chizik, in that both are stuck building depth because the former coaches left their teams short on players. Actually, Arkansas, LSU, and Auburn are hard to place because they are so much alike. These teams are better than the lower half of the SEC, but not as good as the top-tier teams.

#8 – South Carolina Steve Spurrier is running out of time and he knows it. He is a fierce competitor and it must pain him to know that even he can’t attract the better players to the school. The Gamecocks don’t ever seem to have enough speed or power to match up with the upper echelon. After watching Lou Holtz and Steve Spurrier flounder there, I’ve decided to label South Carolina “Coach–killer U”.

#9 – Mississippi State Dan Mullen is an aggressive young coach, trained by Urban Meyer. He has an excellent staff that excels in all areas. Mullen has created excitement around the program, something former coaches could never accomplish. Given time, Mullen stands to raise the Bulldog nation’s status around the league.

#10 – Tennessee The Vol nation was torn apart and their hearts were stolen by the “California Kid”. Lane Kiffin swept in to their lives, then bolted out like a thief in the night. Derek Dooley – Tennessee’s new top guy – has his work cut out. He has to deal with teaching some players who’ve been in three systems in three years. Logic says that Tennessee will struggle through another transitional phase this fall.

#11 – Vanderbilt Bobby Johnson is a very good football coach who works for a pathetic football school. Yes, Johnson has a smart team, but Bobby can’t get the type of players that he needs. He teaches well and the Commodores play solid enough, but it is what it is. Vanderbilt remains an SEC “whipping boy”.

#12 – Kentucky Rich Brooks was a fine coach, but I don’t know much about the new guy except that his name is Joker. How dangerous can he be? Seriously, Kentucky has a great basketball program. On the other hand, the football team is an SEC “patsy”.

So, there it is. “That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!”
Shane writes a weekly column for the Call News and the Capstone Report.

New head coach Gene Chizik came to Auburn amid controversy and doubt. The infamous “heckler” incident along with the Tiger fan base’s general lack of confidence in the young football coach’s abilities (mainly due to his 5-19 career record) were indicative of the uphill battle he’s faced from the minute he arrived.

In spite of that and other negative perceptions created during the off-season, Auburn came out of the blocks with a fast start. Coach Chizik’s team looked extremely sharp and left a positive initial impression on the college football world by racking up five straight wins.

Those victories created a buzz and the talking heads started giving Chizik some attention. Auburn was getting national coverage during the “run” and the Tigers head coach apparently used that boost to enhance recruiting.

The bottom half of the season was not as successful to say the least. Auburn went 2-5 with Ole Miss being its lone Southeastern Conference victory.

Objectively speaking, Chizik and his staff left something to be desired with the late season collapse. However, the difficulties on the field didn’t seem to affect Auburn’s image with young high school athletes and their parents.

Apparently, from a recruiting standpoint Chizik was somehow able to overcome the usual disinterest a program tends to suffer from when the football team isn’t successful.

Almost magically, he and his crack staff were able to maintain the loyalty of some of the nation’s finest athletes.

The most amazing thing about that is they were able to keep almost all of those players on board without the recruiting coordinator, Trooper Taylor, who was limited from personal contact for most of the season.

Early on, critics and opponents alike made fun of the assistant coach’s “Limo Tour” and shook their heads when Auburn staged “Big Cat Weekend”. To most people the combination of Trooper Taylor and Curtis Luper was humorous at best.

Nobody’s laughing now. Especially after Auburn signed one of the school’s all-time best classes last week. It is more than evident to me that the system Auburn utilizes is very effective.

One of the best things Chizik was able to do to take the sting out of an average first season was to bring in a signing class that shows so much promise that the Tigers fans are ready to move along to next year. The entire Auburn “family” has been re-energized.

That brings another thought about the Auburn fan base. They’ve completely bought in to Chizik’s idea that Trooper and Luper should serve as the face of Auburn’s recruiting program.

It would be difficult to make a case against the Tiger’s dynamic duo after they rounded up a consensus top-five recruiting class this year.

Actually, most head coaches want the spotlight focused their way, but Chizik must feel that Taylor needs to have free reign to do his job. And, even if Trooper gets caught cheating a few times, his “bang” is worth the “buck”. I find it hard to disagree.

The reality is that Auburn made a significant step toward being competitive with the better SEC teams in the future by signing this tremendous class.

Truthfully, Gene Chizik knows he will have to duplicate this top-five group at least two more years running if he hopes to have a shot at an SEC crown. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that Alabama and Florida are loaded from top to bottom.

Give the man credit. He appears ready to “push the envelope” when recruiting and he has the guts to hire professional recruiters to push it for him.

One thing the Auburn coach has shown me. He knows he has to utilize unconventional methods and employ questionable tactics to improve his odds and have a fighting chance when facing the likes of Urban Meyer and Nick Saban.

At least Chizik is ready to fight for Auburn, unlike like their last coach who just rolled over and quit.
Shane writes a weekly column for the Call News and the Capstone Report.

I’ve often said that the Auburn football program would probably never be able to compete with the University of Alabama unless it cheated. Apparently, as evidenced by the multiple punishments and resulting probations over the years, several of the head coaches who’ve lead the Tigers in the past agreed. So much so that Auburn is one of the most penalized institutions in the history of college football.

In fact, I feel truthful in stating that almost every single issue Auburn has ever had with the NCAA directly involves its attempts to compete with Alabama.

And, in spite of its desire to be treated with the same national respect as the legendary, tradition–rich Crimson Tide, Auburn remains the “Rodney Dangerfield” of the sport. In their minds they’ve never received the admiration they feel they deserve.

One of the more revealing pictures indicating that Auburn may feel the need to “bend the rules” – to lure high–caliber talent to Lee County – lies in the demise of former Tiger coaches Tommy Tuberville and Terry Bowden. Both had no history with the NCAA and had solid winning records at Auburn, yet they were fired anyway. What did Auburn want from them that they refused to give?

Anybody smell a fish? I’m not insinuating anything here, but every other Tiger coach since 1957 has been in front of the infraction committee’s gun barrel.

Just look at Auburn’s latest attempt to catch the Tide. It included committing minor NCAA violations (Big Cat Weekend) in order to generate attention. In my opinion the tactics used by team Trooper/Luper displayed a blatant disregard for the recruiting rules that govern the conduct of an NCAA member institution.

Keeping Auburn’s well-documented, long-time relationship with the NCAA in mind, and noting the self-reported actions of the current staff, no reasonable person could say it’s outrageous to suspect that the Tigers could be pulling shenanigans again.

Currently rumors abound surrounding Auburn’s resurgence on the recruiting front. Several issues have surfaced recently, but the sudden conversion of high-profile athlete Cam Newton – from a solid Mississippi State commit to an Auburn Tiger – caused an Internet meltdown.

I hear that State head coach Dan Mullen – who previously coached Newton at Florida – is furious about how Newton was influenced to change his mind. Some say he could possibly file a complaint with the SEC or the NCAA.

Actually, I think Auburn’s desire to make a supposedly great athlete with a questionable history its poster boy – in spite of the risk – smacks of desperation. Who knows, the Tigers may be trying to project the image that they are “Second Chance U”.

Maybe Trooper and Luper have convinced Chizik that there is a gold mine full of former lawbreakers out there who can guide his team to the Promised Land.

Anyway, as I look at what I call “Project Cam”, I’m having trouble understanding if Auburn converted the younger Newton or his father, Cecil.

According to Cecil himself, “He (Cam) had a relationship with Dan Mullen and there was a comfort level there”.

Yet, it appears the Auburn staff somehow convinced Cecil (daddy) otherwise. In the very next sentence he says of Mississippi State, “I don’t think that was the right place for Cam”. He then states that Auburn came on strong at the end.

How strong, Mr. Newton? Don’t get upset that I ask, because the school that stole your son from Starkville is as notorious as its history indicates.

By the way, I hope you aren’t buying the “Gus Malzahn thing”. Everybody, even Chizik, knows Malzahn will take the first legitimate head-coaching job that comes his way.

Evidently Auburn is promoting a player who’s been deeply involved with thuggery as the centerpiece of its recruiting class. Cam’s dad Cecil seemed to approve as he described the impact of Cam’s commitment. He said, “You can see the momentum snowballing. Auburn is making a big move”.

That could be dangerous. We all know what’s happened in the past when Auburn’s tried “coming on strong” or using “big moves” to enhance recruiting efforts in reaching for the “stars”. The NCAA record book tells the story well.
Shane writes a weekly column for the Call News and the Capstone Report.

After watching the Alabama Crimson Tide football team physically whip the Texas Longhorns – the second most talented squad in America – an old, yet familiar air of confidence began to envelope me. You know, that winning attitude every Alabama fan carried like a badge during the seventies, a 10-year era when the “Bear” guided the Tide to 100+ victories and several national championships. Alabama’s final two games this year were truly Bryant-like performances. Like Bryant, Nick Saban has the capability to create a dynasty. In other words, if Saban stays 10 years, the Crimson Empire should enjoy another magical run.

Some might say that Saban and Paul Bryant are total opposites. My opinion is far from that. From a football perspective, I believe they approach the game from the exact same mindset.

Back then Bryant had – and Saban now has – a team nobody wants to play.

The Alabama players in the seventies were bigger, faster, and stronger than everybody they played. Bear had an abundance of quality depth at all positions, with fierce competition for playing time serving as their motivation for achieving excellence. Coach Saban has duplicated every characteristic mentioned above. He’s used high-caliber standards to form a unit that matches every aspect of those Bryant–coached teams.

From the day he arrived on campus, Coach Bryant was successful in creating a winning environment. Nick Saban has done the same.

In fact, Nick has lead Bama to an SEC championship and a national title, while delivering an NCAA record-tying 26 wins in the past two seasons. Thinking Bryant yet?

Additionally, Coach Saban has basically out-coached the entire league for two years. He currently “owns” the two teams that Bryant believed were most important. Tennessee is three games under Saban’s thumb, with Auburn now two games back.

His legacy leaves no doubt that Bear Bryant was one of the best recruiters in college football’s storied history. I have no doubt that Nick Saban will stand beside him on the podium when all is said and done.

By the end of next year reality will inevitably sink in for the rest of the SEC. The Tide has risen back to the “elite” status they enjoyed during the reign of the greatest coach of all time.

Teams like Tennessee, Auburn and LSU are about to return to the back of the bus, where they were accustomed to sitting during the Crimson Tide’s glory years.

Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Arkansas will suffer even more than in the past.

Good teams like Florida will have their championship hopes crushed when they move across divisional lines and face the Tide.

Non-conference competition will dwindle as coaches try to avoid a potential loss that could drop their team in the polls.

Truthfully, SEC programs were neurotic during Bryant’s tenure. In those days many coaches entered the SEC with high hopes and ended up with a moving van in their driveway.

Amazingly, Coach Nick Saban has already forced complete overhauls at Tennessee, Auburn, and Mississippi State. He even made the great Urban Meyer quit! Who’s next? Stay tuned! There will be more to come.

In the midst of his dominant reign, Bear consistently kept conference opponents off–balance by keeping their programs in turmoil. Coach Saban seems to have that same effect.

Actually, Alabama’s legendary championship tradition was created before Paul William Bryant took the job, but he took winning to unprecedented heights in his 25–year career.

Saban, by winning the national crown in his third year, has only scratched the surface of his potential at Alabama. He has the ingredients in place to dominate his competition for the next 4-5 years and I see no change on the horizon.

Sure, Bryant and Saban are two totally different personalities from football eras that are literally worlds apart. Yet, they have one trait that forever links them together as one – winning.
Shane writes a weekly column for the Call News and the Capstone Report.

SEC Commissioner Mike Slive should send a special thank-you note to Urban Meyer and Houston Nutt. He could add Mark Richt to the list as well. Those three head coaches helped salvage the nation’s perception that the SEC is America’s toughest football conference. He could also acknowledge Gene Chizik and Bob Petrino, who were at least able to deliver a “W”, even if their teams struggled to defeat a couple of bottom-feeders. But Lane Kiffin, Steve Spurrier, Les Miles, and Rich Brooks all let him down, while leaving a negative impression that displayed more pretender than contender.

Give the Florida Gators credit. They didn’t tank after losing the SEC title game like Alabama did last year. Super Timmy and his “Fighting Tebows” blasted Cincinnati like they had them at home and were paying them money. Actually, Tebow’s precision performance was the best of his career and left America with no doubt that he is the best college player to ever step on the gridiron.

The Ole Miss defense dominated one of the Big 12’s most productive offenses, holding Oklahoma State to just seven points. Little Dexter McCluster out–ran the entire Cowboy defense all day. He is concrete proof that “speed kills”. Jevan Sneed is a “turnover waiting to happen”. He proved that an SEC team could dominate a Big 12 opponent even with a mistake-prone quarterback.

Georgia finished the regular season strong by beating the ACC champ, Georgia Tech. Then they gave a strong bowl performance by whipping yet another Big 12 team, the Texas A&M Aggies. Georgia stood tall for the SEC.

Auburn’s contest with Northwestern was one of the strangest football games I’ve ever seen. Auburn eventually won the game, but did they display the characteristics of a tough SEC squad? No! The game looked like a West Coast special, with two PAC 10 teams playing. It just seemed like Auburn won using smoke, mirrors, and trickery instead of SEC might. And, in the end, Northwestern missed three straight field goals to hand the victory to Auburn.

The same goes for the Arkansas Razorbacks. What in the world were they doing locked in a shoot-out with a conference USA team? Is this the same team that took Florida to the wire? I guess Bob Petrino forgot to add defensive game–planning to his bowl–practice schedule.

Nonetheless, the last two teams did join the other three in the victory column – where it counts.

The other four SEC bowl participants embarrassed the entire conference by getting whipped worse physically than on the scoreboard.

Tennessee allowed the ACC’s third-best team to slap them around. Virginia Tech had its way with the Vols, thoroughly dominating Lane Kiffin’s boys in every phase of the game. Kiffin took his team and the SEC’s image a few steps backwards by appearing so weak.

LSU was outmatched in the mud. It was apparent from the beginning that Penn State wanted to win more than the Tigers did. LSU did not fight like an SEC team should. As usual, Les Miles appeared clueless. Truthfully, the conference should expect more from LSU. I hope the Tiger fans do.

South Carolina is perhaps the most disappointing loser of all. Watching Steve Spurrier get shellacked by a Big East basketball school was painful, to say the least. The saddest part about the game was the fact that the Gamecocks weren’t even competitive.

As far as Kentucky is concerned, why do we really care? Do they really care? The football program already plays second fiddle to the basketball team at Kentucky, so what does a little bowl loss mean? Kentucky should join the Big East where they belong.

Kentucky’s coach Rich Brooks is holding a news conference today to perhaps announce his retirement. Perhaps Steve Spurrier should do likewise.

In summary, when the nation’s bowl committees give the SEC enough respect to place their teams in ten bowls, the league’s teams should be very good. So far, only three fit the description. Two others did hold on to survive, and saved face by winning their games.

Nevertheless, the other four losses cancel four of the wins, leaving the SEC one game above .500.

Alabama’s national championship victory will only raise the record to 6-wins and 4-losses. Simply put, sixty-percent does not meet SEC standards, nor does it help their status in next year’s pre-season polls.
Shane writes a weekly column for the Call News and the Capstone Report.

Wow! Lately, the Gator nation must feel like they’ve somehow gotten the wrong part in a bad movie. First, disaster struck when Florida fans were forced to witness the dismantling of their football empire by the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC championship game. Now, the man who built the empire and provided the “swagger” is hanging up his cleats. I’m not buying the old “I will more than likely stay” story. He’s just trying to save the recruiting class. This cat has tapped out.

The Gator hero – the man who made them forget Spurrier – says he’s decided that his health and family mean more than winning football games.

Personally, I commend him for having his priorities in order, but I’ll bet that won’t be the case for most of those who occupy Gatorland.

Hey, I’m amazed that Meyer has stayed as long as he has. He probably deserves a badge for dealing with the radical fan base he’s faced for the last five years. Remember, this is the same psychotic group in power at Florida that established long before Urban took the job that they could screw up a good thing. Just ask Steve Spurrier.

As time passes, I’m sure the conspiracy theories will run rampant on Florida message boards, talk radio, and other outlets. Gator fans will be angry and blame Meyer for leaving because they know that without him they will undoubtedly return to mediocrity.

Ultimately, those same fickle Florida fans will hate Urban Meyer – especially if he ends up coaching the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and Tim Tebow gets drafted as his franchise player. Hold the rope, Gators! I’m just kidding! However, the fires of Rome will burn if that does actually happen, won’t they?

Whether it’s a leave of absence, a resignation, or a sabbatical, Meyer apparently succumbed to the relentless pressure and high stress created directly by the dominant nature of what Saban and the Tide did to his Gators in that championship game.

Admittedly, Urban Meyer changed the culture at Florida. But, he also created his own monster. Two national titles in four years can do strange things to the mentality of a fan base. It can do even stranger tricks to the ego of the architect who designed the project.

Who knows, maybe losing Tebow is going to be much more costly than anybody could’ve ever imagined, and Meyer simply can’t get over thinking about the future without Tim running his offense?

Maybe that particular issue (or the Bama loss) is affecting Urban’s confidence in his abilities as a head coach?

Or, Meyer might be using a carefully crafted exit strategy – taking a couple of years off – while waiting for Brian Kelly to “bomb” at Notre Dame, so that he can eventually return and lead the Irish to their rightful place among the nation’s elite.

I’m not really sure exactly what’s going down with Coach Meyer and Florida right now, but I do know that Urban isn’t through coaching.

As I stated earlier, he may actually go to the NFL. But, if I were a “betting man”, I’d put the house on Notre Dame. By the way, he could end up at Michigan or Ohio State as well.

One thing is evident – he wants out of Florida.

In fact, I’m not so sure that coaching in Gainesville is the greatest coaching job in college football any longer. In spite of the ideal recruiting territory, Urban Meyer still had to deal with America’s quirkiest athletic director and that wacky fan base.

I do think Meyer saw the future clearly unfold on the turf of the Georgia Dome on that fateful Saturday night. Also, Meyer probably understands that facing the specter of Alabama on the road next year (without Tebow) carries the danger of derailing Florida’s season early.

Besides, he couldn’t have picked a better time to get out. He had a magical run with the Gators. His five-year record of 56 wins with only 10 losses is awesome, and his 2-SEC and 2-national crowns speak for themselves.

By parting ways now Meyer stands alone as the greatest coach in Florida football history. Honestly, it’s hard to blame a guy for wanting to go out on top. The sad part of the story is that somehow the Florida fans will find a way to make him the scapegoat when the program falls.
Shane writes a weekly column for the Call News and the Capstone Report.

2010 BCS National Championship

By Shane from Centerpoint
Warning! You are about to be bombarded from all sides with an enormous amount of (mostly useless) information. Soon every talking–head that can get his mouth in front of a microphone, hand on a pen, or face in front of a TV camera will spew his opinion on the upcoming national championship game between Alabama and Texas.

Caution! The major sports media outlets will attempt to build this game into a dramatic made–for–TV moment by creating the perception that the Longhorns are an “underdog”. Professional pundits will attempt to leave you with the impression that the Crimson Tide is too powerful, all business and a much better team.

However, the experts will also portrait Texas as a giant–killer. Their story will feature All-American quarterback Colt McCoy as the chosen-one. By kick-off they’ll have you pulling for him, too.

Wait a minute! Forget the mainstream media’s take on college football’s final conflict. Their only motivation in promoting both teams is the need to sell the “close–game” theory to attract viewers, listeners, and readers. Remember, commercial/ad sales have seen some hard times lately.

Actually, I’m not here to crash the party or break the code, but I am honest enough to state that I don’t think the results on the gridiron will match the script written in the build–up. The supposed drama of a closely fought contest will be non-existent because I honestly believe Alabama will dominate this game.

No! I wouldn’t make that comment without backing it up. I’ve got some very good reasons for thinking that Alabama will win big. Here are eleven of them:

#1 I hate to re-hash “Football 101”, but games are truly won and lost along the lines of scrimmage. Put it this way, if Texas thought Nebraska’s Suh was hard to keep off of Colt McCoy, wait until three of the same caliber athletes come after him play after play. Realistically, Alabama has about ten defensive linemen that are faster than anything the Texas offensive linemen have seen all year.

#2 Texas has a great run–defense. So did the Florida Gators prior to getting shredded by the Alabama offensive line. Longhorn DC Will Muschamp will be forced to play eight-in-the-box in order to slow down Ingram and Richardson. Still, those Tide pulling-guards are deadly! Florida couldn’t handle them and I don’t think the Longhorns will either.

#3 Rolando McClain is a dominating force. He can disrupt a great offense with his ability to orchestrate shifts and alignments. Ro is also impossible to block. He can literally take over a game.

#4 Greg McElroy is ready for prime time. Unlike McCoy, who almost choked away his shot at glory, G-Mac has proven that he is the leader of this team. Saban can now depend on Greg to deliver and when Nick has a solid quarterback he rarely loses.

#5 Julio Jones may not have huge receiving numbers this year, but his value to the offense’s success has been tremendous. He makes big catches when needed and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Yet, his greatest contribution comes in downfield blocks, as he is one of the best I’ve ever watched perform the art.

#6 Tight–end Colin Peek is a lethal weapon inside the stripes. He is a prototype NFL player that can draw coverage away from other receivers, while always getting open. Texas doesn’t have a linebacker on the roster that can cover Peek one-on-one. His run–blocking will impact the game as well. He’ll use his 6’6” 255-pound frame to destroy linebackers so the running-backs can blow through the lanes.

#7 Everybody knows that the Crimson Tide defensive backfield is coached by Alabama’s head coach, Nick Saban. Those who’ve watched them operate understand that Saban has two lock-down corners on the field. That frees up his big safeties to protect the area between the hashes – against run and pass. The DB’s seem to improve with every game.

#8 Last year when Oklahoma faced Florida the difference in overall team–speed was overwhelming. The Sooners couldn’t run with the Gators. Simply put, Big 12 team–speed is no match for SEC team–speed. Alabama also has very large players that are really fast. Texas must adjust to this quickly or disaster could strike early.

#9 Quality depth always plays an important role in a team’s success during a championship run. The Crimson Tide is loaded and healthy at every position. Many of the second–unit players can make up with talent what they lack in experience. The bad news for the Longhorns is that most of them could start for any Big 12 team.

#10 Alabama has faced much tougher opponents than Texas has throughout the season. They’ve been battle–tested time and time again. The Longhorns had an easy schedule, with only a couple of real tests. One thing for certain – the Crimson Tide is going to smack Texas in the mouth over and over again. That’s what they do. Can Mack Brown’s guys stand in and fight for four quarters? I doubt it.

#11 Finally, Coach Saban and his staff have had too much time to prepare for one game in this case. I know Brown will work hard to be ready for the contest but he won’t outwork Nick Saban. Nobody does! Saban will have the Alabama players ready mentality and physically to be relentless. He’ll have his team playing at a level where it doesn’t matter who the opponent may be.

When it’s all said and done, things aren’t looking so good for the Texas Longhorns.
—Shane writes a weekly column for the Call News and the Capstone Report.

NCAA College Football Alabama runningback Mark Ingram speaks to the media after winning the Heisman Trophy at the Marriott Marquis in New York City on December 12, 2009. UPI/John Angelillo Photo via Newscom

By Shane from Centerpoint
University of Alabama running-back Mark Ingram is the best player to ever wear the crimson jersey. After thinking about the depth of that statement and remembering the heroics of great players like Namath, Stabler, Musso, and Palmer – I’ve become keenly aware that we all watched something very special take place this season.

I interviewed this young 20-year-old (sophomore) tailback after a mid-season contest. As I waited to ask Mark a question, a large crowd of reporters surrounding him began closing in from every direction.

Ingram calmly handled them like he does defenders. He took his time, gave each question contemplative thought, and quietly responded to the onslaught. I was amazed at how laid-back and soft-spoken the guy remained as the inquiries came fast and furious.

Finally, the pack dispersed. I walked up to Mark and asked him one question. He looked me squarely in the eye, thought for a moment and spoke with a low-key voice about how the team’s success was the thing that mattered most.

I already knew what Mr. Ingram could do on the field. After meeting him I was just as impressed with his attitude and demeanor.

After looking deeper into Mark Ingram’s file I’ve come to the realization that he personifies all that the Heisman is meant to be.

First and foremost, Ingram’s academic accomplishments match his performance on the field. He is dedicated in the classroom, taking summer classes since his arrival, and is on track to graduate in only three years. Mark is also a “Dean’s list” student.

He is pursuing a degree in communications, with hopes of one day becoming an ESPN football analyst. Winning the Heisman will definitely help his entry into broadcasting, especially after he stars in the NFL for 7-10 years.

One of the most impressive aspects about Mark Ingram’s winning college football’s highest individual honor is that he accomplished the feat with no P.R. campaign. Ingram earned the award where it should be won – on the gridiron.

In fact, like all of the great Heisman winners before him, Mark displayed relentless consistency all year.

His amazing skills are evident. Ingram has only fumbled once in over 400 touches over two years. He rarely misses a blitz in pass protection, taking on linebackers with ease. He is a precision pass-route runner, who has great hands. He is also a lethal weapon when taking direct snaps in the “wild elephant”.

But the trait that makes Mark Ingram extra-special is how he responds during the “big” games. Playing in the SEC against the nation’s best defenses (nothing like the soft PAC 10 or Big 12), the guy was dynamic. He rolled in successive games against the following: Kentucky (140yds/2-tds), Ole Miss (172yds/1-td), South Carolina (246yds/1-td), Tennessee (99yds), and LSU (144yds).

Mark’s last appearance in the SEC championship game – against the Florida Gators (the nation’s #1 defense) – was billed as perhaps the most important game since the early seventies. The pressure was on. In the end it was one of Ingram’s best performances of the season. With everything on the line he proved his worth and confirmed that he should be the front-runner in the voting for the best college football player in America.

When he was announced as the winner of the 2009 Heisman trophy, the 5’10”, 215 lb., rolling-ball of thunder from Flint, Michigan handled himself with absolute dignity and class. Mark didn’t use his blazing speed or bone-crunching power to overwhelm the crowd. He relied on his greatest asset – his mind – to convey his eloquent acceptance of college football’s greatest individual honor.

Alabama fans can look forward to at least one more year of Mark making explosive plays and taking the “rock to the house”. Then they can thank him for his help bringing home championships as he races toward a top-five pick in the NFL draft.

The fact that Ingram won the Crimson Tide’s first Heisman trophy forever insures that he will enjoy a “legendary” status throughout the Crimson Empire.
—Shane writes a weekly column for the Call News and the Capstone Report.

With seven minutes left in the 2009 SEC championship game, the television announcers were attempting to keep people tuned in because it was evident by that point that the game was over. CBS’s Verne Lundquist finished by pointing out that Urban Meyer and his Florida Gators’ 22–game winning streak was over and Alabama was now turning its thoughts to Pasadena and the national championship.

That night there would be no appearance by “Superman” in the fourth quarter. He had already been neutralized by Alabama’s “Crimsonite” defense. Tim Tebow’s last shot at college football glory melted away as he kneeled on the sideline and cried while the Crimson Tide used its brutal running game to extinguish the remaining time left on the clock.

Truthfully, the overall dominance displayed by the Tide Saturday was phenomenal and its fundamental execution was textbook in nature.

From holding the Gator’s offense to 88-yards rushing, to ripping the nation’s number-one defense against the run for 253 yards, Alabama took the Florida Gator linemen behind the woodshed, whipping them all night on both sides of the ball.

Bama quarterback Greg McElroy stole the show from Florida’s “golden boy” Tim Tebow. While Tebow looked intense as he sprinted in the pre-game warm-ups, McElroy brought his killer-instinct to the field for the battle. He threw with deadly precision (66%), made some beautiful key runs, and even threw big blocks for his runners. Tebow only ran for his life.

Alabama’s first Heisman trophy winner-to-be, Mark Ingram, earned the right to claim the prize Saturday in Atlanta by serving as the Tide’s main weapon in the nation’s most dangerous pro-style arsenal. He is the most important player on the number-one team in the nation. His 29 touches produced 189 yards and three touchdowns – all against the best defense in the country.

The receivers were stellar as well, providing McElroy with crisp routes. And, Julio Jones – who had modest numbers catching the rock – was like an extra tight end in the running game, leading every long gain by knocking defensive backs on the ground. He is a leader by example, playing his role to perfection.

Alabama did all the little things well against Florida. They were 73% on third-down conversions, had only one penalty, and did not turn the ball over.

The Crimson Tide defense cancelled the Gator’s main weapon – the triple option, and pressured Tebow relentlessly every time he dropped back to pass. It nullified Florida’s speed by holding Demps, Rainey, and James to a combined rushing-total of 25 yards.

Actually, Nick Saban coached a perfect game and made Urban Meyer look (Les Miles) clueless at times during the contest. Bama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain also made the Gator defense look like its defensive signal-caller Charley Strong had already left for Louisville.

The Florida offense was mostly bewildered from the start. However, Tim Tebow made some great throws in the first two stanzas. Florida even held on – showing some fight – by trailing only 19-13 at the half.

But, after Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and his top G.A., Nick Saban, made adjustments the party was over. Defensive quarterback Rolando McClain took their plan to field and shut the “fighting-Tebows” out in the second half.

As the end neared, the Tide’s new field general, Greg McElroy, proceeded to execute the most beloved play in the Crimson Tide’s playbook – the “victory-kneel”, a true display of class.

Meanwhile, across the field, Tim Tebow wept as he felt the agony of defeat — his teammate holding his head. He had the look of a man who was realizing that a new sheriff is in charge. A devastating loss in his last SEC game sent him the message loud and clear.

This victory and SEC championship are very big. Alabama’s done it 22 times now. Admittedly, Tide fans should be proud, considering a program of Florida’s quality has only eight titles. But, at Alabama, SEC championships are expected.

Understanding that, Nick Saban will give his guys a few days to enjoy being the conference champion, then he’ll begin to prepare them for the grand prize – the national crown.

By the way, I don’t think Saban will miss the one big stat that should motivate this team – the Texas Longhorns are one of the few teams the Crimson Tide has faced and never beaten (0-7-1).

Do I think that – or anything else – will factor into the championship game’s results? Not really. Saban is far too lethal when he has a month to custom-design a defense for an opponent.

In the championship game, Longhorns’ superstar-quarterback Colt McCoy will probably suffer the same fate that broke Tim Tebow last Saturday. Simply put, if Alabama shuts McCoy down, Texas is toast!
—Shane writes a weekly column for the Call News and the Capstone Report.