Week Two BlogPoll Roundtable and SEC Power Poll

It's BlogPoll roundtable time...

1. Which freshman impressed you more last weekend: the California dream Matt Barkley who quarterbacked USC over tOSU or white lightening Tate Forcier who slashed through Notre Dame? Which one would you like to have on your team? Feel free to write in another worthy candidate.

Well, I spent most of Saturday night drying out so I have to admit, I only caught the highlights.  While I'm impressed by Barkley winning his first big road game, his numbers weren't all that great and word is he is now currently injured.  Really, USC won because of McKnight, not Barkley.  Forcier, on the other hand, did impact the game.  He seemed to be that major x-factor in the game.  So, based on highlights and a cursory look at the box score, Forcier is my man.

2. Let's play a game of pretend the unthinkable happened. Commissioner __________ of your conference has been forced to resign after he was caught canoodling with some harlots. Great news, you've been chosen to succeed him. To make your mark you decide to make a big change. What is it going to be?

Screw the third Saturday in October.  That's right, screw it. I'm getting read of the "rivalry" game.  I'd make all six teams rotate through each team's inter-divisional schedule.  Play three teams in a home and home, then rotate the three other teams for a home and home.  That way, a four-year senior will actually play in every SEC stadium.  And LSU will get to play Vanderbilt more often and Florida less.  Sure, there would be much wailing and gnashing of teeth, but it would result in a more equitable schedule. 

Then I would have the SEC invade Mexico.

3. This week the quality of games is kicked up a gear. Other than your own, which game are you most looking forward to? 

LSU doesn't get a shot at Kiffin this year, so we miss out on the SEC's version of whack-a-mole.  Seriously, there's not a fanbase in the conference that guy hasn't rubbed wrong, so I am going to really enjoy the 40 point drubbing the Gators are going to lay on the Vols.  I swear, I'll watch every play and live vicariously through Florida for a day. 

From an actual football content standpoint, it's Nebraska-Virginia Tech.  With the apparent collapse of the ACC, this might be the Hokies last chance to impress anyone until bowl season.  I'm curious as to how much progress Pelini has made in Lincoln as well.  Should be a good game, and I'm all for cross-regional matchups like this.  The only way they will keep happening is if we watch them.

4. What mascot and/or tradition would you thieve from another school if it was socially acceptable.

No question, the War Eagle.  I would say it would make no sense for LSU to steal it being the tigers, but Auburn makes it work with the same mascot.  Seeing the eagle fly around the stadium before a game is honestly a really cool tradition.

This does not change my hatred of Auburn at all.  I hope you lose every game.

And my SEC Power Poll Ballot.  I really should download the logo.  I'm lazy.

1. Florida.  Yes, they have played a Charmin soft schedule.  But they are doing what they are supposed to do, crushing those teams. 

2. Alabama.  Yeah, FIU hung with the Tide of a bit, but a little hangover was to be expected.  And its not like they didn't turn it on in the second half.  We have a clear top two right now.

3. Ole Miss.  Kind of a placeholder vote.  I'm going for symmetry with my BlogPoll ballot, but no team has really done anything to knock OM down, even if OM hasn't really done anything to merit a high ranking.  It's a waiting game.

4. LSU.  No defense in the first game, no offense in the second.  However, I think people are reading last year's struggles on to this team.  Maybe that's true, but it's not like either of these games were nail biters.

5. Auburn.  Gus Malzahn is a genius.  I really believe that.  How he's working for Gene Chizik is a mystery to me, but Chizik's defensive prowess is apparent with this team, which allowed 24 points to State.

6. Georgia.  I have absolutely no read on this team.  None. 

7. South Carolina.  I really do like Garcia, but he chose a bad night to finally start playing well.  The defense just laid a tremendous turd when they needed their best unit to come through for them.  That's what the Gamecocks do.

8. Arkansas.  I don't know why I'm suddenly cold on the Hogs.  I was on the preseason bandwagon and now I've got cold feet.  Maybe it's the thought of relying on Bobby Petrino. 

9. Vanderbilt.  The defense still looks decent but that offense lacks playmakers.

10. Tennessee.  New coach, same Vols.  They seem to have move backwards.

11. Kentucky.  They beat Miami of Ohio.  I still think they stink. 

12. Mississippi State.  I don't think they stink, I know they stink.