Not even 24 hours after the Vols' amazing comeback in Baton Rouge and ESPN is giving credit not to Tennessee but saying it was an LSU collapse. I was at the Y yesterday and they had on that idiot show
Around the Horn and the guys on there can't pile on the "oh LSU blew the whole thing, let's not give Tennessee an iota of credit because we're ESPN" thing. And here's the scary part--Lee Corso wasn't even involved!
Oh good grief, ESPN, can't we just enjoy a moment in the sun for ONE STINKIN' DAY before you idiots begin your usual "we hate all things Tennessee" campaign?!?
Meanwhile, Vanderbilt fans....Ok, I get that you guys are 4-0 and we're all really happy for you. But, let's examine the facts there--who have you beat? OK, you beat down Richmond, but you were supposed to do that. And you had some dramatic fourth-quarter heroics by Jay Cutler to win the first three games. But those were Wake Forest, Ole Miss and Arkansas. Not exactly what I'd call the cream of the crop of their respective conferences. And I get that you're confident about this week's game against MTSU.
But to steal a line from Lee Corso, "Not so fast my friends."
I can't tell you how many people I heard yesterday saying, "When Vandy goes into the LSU game 5-0 we should upset them. After all, they lost to Tennessee." OK, first of all-let's not overlook MTSU guys. I know you're 16 1/2 point favorites but let's face it--MTSU is in a corner. Their coach is on the hot seat and a win against you guys would at least quiet down some of his critics and might save his job. Also, last time I looked, MTSU beat y'all the last couple of times you played.
Second thing--assuming you win the MTSU game, being 5-0 does not mean you will beat LSU. Yeah, you've got Jay Cutler who is having a good season, but I am not sure you have the overall depth to compete for four quarters with LSU. Yes, it's at home for you guys but honestly, when you can't sell out a 40,000 seat stadium when you're going for 4-0 and the game ain't anywhere on local TV, you don't have home field advantage. And after seeing how raucous Tiger Stadium can be, I don't think LSU will be intimidated by any noise factor you bring to the table.
Now, I don't begrude you your pride in your start. Hell, if UT was 3-0 right now, I'd be unbearable to be around (OK, more so than usual...) But you're a long way from 5-0 and an even longer way from beating LSU. I'd love to see both happen as I think it makes for a good story and it only helps show the SEC is the BEST conference in all of college football, hands down. But let's not go putting the cart before the horse, OK?
posted by Michael Hickerson at 9/28/2005 08:09:00 AM |
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