Ty's Ten: Final Week Picks

There won't be ten picks, but here is my take on a few championship games this week:

Auburn vs. South Carolina
Auburn managed the biggest comeback in school history Friday with a win in the Iron Bowl over Alabama. South Carolina has played its best football the past month, with the only exception being the meaningless game against Arkansas. I honestly and unbiasedly believe that South Carolina will win this football game. Something tells me that Auburn will finally succum to the law of defense, which has to be met in order to be champion in this league. Just ask Urban Meyer.
South Carolina 38 Auburn 35

Oklahoma vs. Nebraska
Oklahoma, as they have done for the past ten years, again received benefit of the doubt in the polls at the end of the season. This is the second three way tie that the polls have given them a victory in for the past 4 years. Nebraska is back in the Big 12 title game once again, though this will be their last, as they will be in the new Big 10 next year. Bo Pelini gets the win over Stoops and finishes out the Huskers' road in the Big 12 on top.
Nebraska 27 Oklahoma 23

Florida State vs. Virginia Tech
Jimbo Fisher, in his first season as head coach of the Seminoles, destroyed archrivals Florida and Miami by at least 3 touchdowns each. Nice start. Tech, after starting 0-2 against Boise St. and coughcough James Madison coughcough, has realed off 10 straight wins and has not been beaten by a BCS automatic qualifier this season. That changes this Saturday. FSU will return to prominence officially with a trip back to the Orange Bowl after a 5 year drought.
Florida State 21  Virginia Tech 20

My last prediction says that Alabama will end up playing in the Outback Bowl vs. Michigan State or Iowa.

Ty's TV Time

A youtube link to see myself and Rachel on CBS while McElroy is being escorted to the sideline following his concussion. We are wearing camouflage jackets. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT8h_2jG64c

A Game for the Ages

Though the luster for this game is not as bright as it could have been had Alabama beaten LSU, one cannot take away from the fact that this Alabama-Auburn game is HUGE. For the first time in my life time at least (22 years, 23 football seasons), both teams will be ranked in the top ten. # 10 Alabama (9-2,5-2)  will host #2 Auburn (11-0,7-0) at Bryant-Denny Stadium one week from today. As a matter of fact, in exactly one week, we will have the new Iron Bowl champion (though this is not the Iron Bowl any more). Each year, I try to dissect this game objectively, which is hard to do. But here goes.

Position Advantages
Coaching - Alabama, though Auburn is earning its stripes this year
Quarterback - Auburn, though Alabama's QB is undefeated at home and has a national title ring
Running backs - even. Talent wise, Alabama is better, but the scheme for Auburn makes theirs just as effective
Offensive Line - Auburn. Alabama is solid, but there may not be a better line in the country than the veteran group on the Plains
Wide Receivers - Even. same situation as running backs
Defensive Line- Alabama gets the slight edge against the run, but Auburn's pass rush is much, much better
Linebackers -  Alabama
Defensive Backs - Alabama, though both groups are the weakest link of their respective teams. Alabama's are better coached.
Punter - even
Kicker - Auburn. By far. Experience helps here.
Intangibles - This one is interesting. Cam Newton has alot going on right now, at least from a perception standpoint. Alabama is nearly unbeatable at home. Auburn is trying to go undefeated in a season that actually means something for them. It's senior day in Tuscaloosa. I'm not sure who this goes to, but my gut feeling is Alabama has the intangibles advantage.
This one is tough to put my finger on in terms of who wins. Alabama is still waiting to play a complete game this year. Auburn has yet to play a tough road game this year. It's a rivalry game; they say throw the records out the window for games like this, but don't- the records are very much what makes this game this year SPECIAL. The two teams that beat Alabama lost to Auburn by a touchdown in Auburn. This game is going to come down to the fourth quarter, and who's defense can get off the field on third down. If this was in Auburn, I would say this game is easily Auburn's. But its in Tuscaloosa, and Alabama's defense has played much better at home this year.
My prediction is this: If Alabama cold hold Cam to under 150 yards and cause two turnovers, and they don't turn it over more than once, they will win, 34-31. If they are unable to stop Cam on the ground, they will lose, and it won't be pretty, at least to watch. It will in the 24-38 range. Having said this, I think it will be somewhere in between. Look for this game to be in the high 20's to low 30's. I feel like Alabama, on senior day, will find its focus and pull out an epic win over a very good Auburn team.
ALABAMA 34 AUBURN 31

Ty's Ten: Week 11 Picks

Short and sweet this week. I have alot to do:


Georgia @ Auburn 2:30 pm on CBS
Auburn 42 Georgia 31


USC @ Arizona
USC 34  Arizona 37


Oregon @ California
Oregon 55 California 27


Mississippi State @ Alabama 6:15 pm on ESPN2
Alabama 20 MSU 17


South Carolina @ Florida ESPN
Florida 27 South Carolina 21


Ole Miss @ Tennessee 11:00 am on CBS
Tennessee 34 Ole Miss 27


Penn State @ Ohio State
Ohio State 27 Penn State 17


I may come back with 3 more games later.

Peru Trip is All But A Done Deal

    After much prayer and thought about this, Rachel and I have decided that we are going to go to Peru, South America, this summer. It will be a trip of a life time, but it will NOT be a vacation. We are going there for mission work, and there will be many things come our way while we are there that will test our faith, patience, and perseverance. Please pray for us as we begin the application process, that it goes well, and we are able to go. There is no better reward than the gratification received from serving the Lord, and I am ready to feel that at a new level.

PRAISE REPORT!!!

Melissa Duncan told me today that her grandmother got a good report today. Her cancer is still present, but it HAS NOT spread to her brain, which is what doctors feared was going to happen. Though there is still cancer, it appears that her grandmother has been, so far, spared of it spreading to an area where little to nothing can be done. So praise God, and continue praying for her.

Alabama vs. LSU: Just Another Big Game Between the Two

Let's look at the past 10 years of this rivalry, and what has transpired as a result.

2000 @ LSU: Saban beats Alabama in a thriller. The Tide loses for the 1st time in 25 years in Baton Rouge.
2001 @ ALA: Saban and the Tigers destroy Alabama's defense, setting a Bryant-Denny record for most  
                       offensive yards accumulated by an Alabama opponent.
2002 @ LSU: Alabama dominates from the start, destroys LSU 31-0.
2003 @ ALA: Saban returns the favor, beating the Tide 27-3 and going on to win the BCS title.
2004 @ LSU: The Tide get screwed on a pass interference no-call. The momentum gives LSU a 30-14 win
2005 @ ALA: Bama is 9-0, LSU is 8-1 under new coach Les Miles. Bama loses in overtime, 13-16
2006 @ LSU: This game never really got interesting, even though the score said otherwise. LSU won 28-14
2007 @ ALA: Saban is now coaching Alabama. Tigers get their revenge,winning 41-34 and a BCS title
2008 @ LSU: Saban returns to a furious Baton Rouge. Julio Jones in overtime. Nuff said. Bama won 27-21
2009 @ ALA: Bama wins because of Julio, again, 24-15. They go on to the BCS title and win.
2010 @ LSU: Both teams are 7-1, and both still have a shot at going to the SEC title game. 

In case one hasn't noticed, Nick Saban has been an icon in this rivalry for the past ten years. It will be no different this year, only I don't think the players really care about the whole "Daddy left us for another woman" mentality anymore. LSU's players are Miles' players. All but a few players on Alabama's team are Nick Sabans. The game will come down to this: Who will make the big play when the opportune time arrives, and who wins the turnover battle. I'm betting my right pinky toe that whoever wins the turnover battle wins the game. My pick: Alabama 31  LSU 17.

Prayer List

There are many people in my life that need everyone's prayers, including myself. Here is a list of people that I hope everyone visiting my blog will make time to pray for this week:

Melissa Duncan - my coworker and friend; her Grandmother has cancer and the outlook is not good right now

Meghan Lawlor- my coworker and friend; her friend died of cancer this morning

Betty Myrle Gibbs - my Great Aunt; several health issues

Emily Couch - Rachel's roommate; has been diagnosed with several health issues, including pre-diabetic 

Mission Trip to Peru - Rachel and I are pondering a mission trip to Peru this summer, and have pretty much decided its what we want and need to do. It will be a two month excursion. 

Ty's Ten: Week 10 Picks

I think it is fair to say that my predictions were, for the most part, close. I went a pathetic 6-4 last week, but the ones I did predict correctly were very close. The Georgia game, had they won, would have been that way as well. Without further complaint, I am going to give out my predictions for this week.


Chattanooga @ 2 Auburn
Uhhh...no analysis.
Auburn 65  Chattanooga 3


5 Alabama @ 10 LSU  CBS 2:30 pm
Alabama is poised to get into the BCS National Championship if they can win out. They have as good a defense as the Tigers, and a much better offense. They will take care of business on the Bayou.
Alabama 31  LSU 17


3 TCU @ 5 Utah   ESPN College Gameday 8:00 am
The Utes are good. The Horned Frogs are better.
TCU 34 Utah 23


15 Arizona @ 13 Stanford  ABC 7:00 pm
Cardinal toughness is key in this game. They will win easily.
Stanford 31  Arizona 20


18 Arkansas @ 19 South Carolina ESPN 6:00 pm
This one is tough. It's really a coin flip. Will Carolina look past Arkansas, knowing that the game in Gainesville next week is gonna determine the East champion anyway? Mallet will have a tough time on the road against this Gamecock defense. I will give Spurrier's crew the nod, but not confidently.
South Carolina 28 Arkansas 27


Oklahoma @ Texas A & M  6:00 pm
Kyle Field has not been kind to the Sooners over the years, at least when you consider that OU wins pretty much every where else. The Aggies will pull an upset, though this team is much better than the record shows.
Texas A & M 37   Oklahoma 31


21 Baylor @ 17 Oklahoma State
This one is very interesting. Baylor, yeah, the bears, controls its destiny in the Big 12 South. That's over Oklahoma, Texas, and everyone else. A win over Okie State would go a long way toward the title game, but I don't see it happening. Still, this Baylor team is pretty good. (and Texas is that bad)
Oklahoma State 35  Baylor 27


Hawaii @ 4 Boise State  ESPNU  2:30 pm
Hawaii has the best passing offense in the country, and they will give the Smurf Turf blisters running up and down the field. Unfortunately, their defense will likely stay at home in Hawaii. Kellen Moore will be unstoppable.
Boise State 63 Hawaii 37


Illinois @ Michigan  ESPN 11:00 am
RichRod vs. Ron. Ron has fewer letters, so Ron gets the nod. Michigan just can't beat anybody that actually plays sound football; not that Illinois does. But at least Illinois has some momentum.
Illinois 42  Michigan 31


Georgia Tech @ Virginia Tech  Thursday, 6:30 pm ESPN
This game would have meant alot more, had Georgia Tech lived up to expectations and Va Tech not lost their first two games to non-BCS schools. However, Tech has rebounded in dramatic fashion, having won six straight. Make it seven.
Virginia Tech 38  Georgia Tech 17

Just to Say Hello

Hey Everyone,
    I sometimes feel alone up here in Tuscaloosa, so I just wanted to spend today's blog telling everyone how much I miss them and how ready I am to be home. It gets old smelling Nucor Steel Mill everyday, and it gets old having to do homework. I am ready for hunting season. I will be home, eating good food, walking through the woods, away from advanced civilization. That's all for today. I love my family. Hope to you guys soon.

The Power of Prayer

We need not forget what prayer does. Prayer is the most powerful tool that we have. God is willing to help us, but He is much more likely to if we will simply ask Him to in a genuine, heart-felt way. There is much going on around my parts right now; people I know and/or my family knows are getting sick, some of them worse than others, and people are experiencing hardships. Yes, this is life in nutshell. But prayer can make that nutshell much easier to crack. Life is short; it is but a vapor (as the Bible points out). We need to start caring about one another more, giving to others more, and stop worrying about our own problems and give them to God. Pray for everyone elses' problems and you will begin to realize your own problems are not as problematic as they first seemed. Have a great day, and God bless. Thanks to all who keep me in their prayers. I am praying for you as well.

Ty's Ten: Week 9 Predictions

This will be the start of my weekly blog called Ty's Ten, which will feature my favorite ten games and my predictions for those games for each week of the season. I will call the score, and likely call a few other interesting aspects of the game as well.

1 Auburn @ Ole Miss    ESPN2 5:00 pm CST
This is a game that could be somewhat dangerous for the Tigers. However, Chizik has this group focused, and I don't think that they will lose their focus in Oxford. The Newton Express won't derail in North Mississippi. Expect some points to be scored, especially in the second half.
Auburn 45  Ole Miss 27

2 Oregon @ Southern Cal  ABC 7:00 pm CST with College Gameday at 8:00am CST
Three straight weeks number one has went on the road. Three straight weeks number one has lost, and by double digits. Make it four. Lane Kiffin may be a scum bag, but he can call plays as well as anyone in America. Monte will find a way to slow down Oregon enough so that USC can outscore them. Expect a shootout at the Coleseum, and expect the Ducks to go down.
Oregon 37  USC 40

Florida vs. Georgia in Jacksonville, Florida  CBS 2:30 pm CST
This game was irrelavent 2 weeks ago. Now Georgia has climbed back into the hunt for the SEC East, and Florida is the most talented 4-3 team in the country...why can't Urban Meyer make his offense compatible to John Brantley? Who knows. Here's what I do know. If Richt is ever going to beat Meyer again, this is the year to do it. This win would go a long way toward Richt keeping his job, and it would make Florida's already tough season laughable- even if they do somehow make it to Atlanta in December. Georgia is playing better on offense right now, so they get the improbable nod.
Florida 28 Georgia 34

5 Michigan State @ 18 Iowa  ABC 2:30 pm CST
Iowa lost a tough one at home to the Badgers last week. State is riding the wave of its best season since the Civil Rights movement. This type of game is what Kirk Ferenz is all about. Iowa at home is just tough. Michigan State will go down this week, but it takes nothing away from how good the Spartans really are. It's just too much to ask of a team that is not a perennial power.
Michigan State 24 Iowa 30

6 Missouri @ 14 Nebraska  ABC 2:30 pm CST
The Tigers had an impressive win over OU, where they simple dominated in every aspect of the game. Nebraska also had an impressive win for OU's little brother, OSU, in Stillwater. Missouri has never closed out their seasons on strong notes, and that doesn't change this season. Bo Pelini wants the North, and he wants it bad. He must beat the Tigers to have a chance to win it. He will do so in a game that will likely be the best one to watch, at least before primetime.
Missouri 27  Nebraska 34

Kentucky @ Mississippi State  ESPNU 6:00 pm CST
This game is about bowl hierarchy. I believe Kentucky will find a way to six wins. State is already there. However, tough games remain for both teams, and it will be difficult for either to get more than two more wins this year. For some reason, my gut says Kentucky wins this one. State has looked better thus far, but the fact is that Kentucky is more explosive on offense. This one is tough, but in the form of a minor upset, I think Locke and the Cats will come out of Starville with a win.
Kentucky 30 Mississippi State 28

25 Baylor @ Texas  6:00 pm CST
Just when you think Texas has rebounded and will make something of their season, they lose to Iowa State at home. I am betting that 0 % of the players on the Cyclones' team were offered scholarships to Texas. If things continue the way they are, Muschamp will be head coach next year. Mac Brown is losing his edge, something characteristic of coaches defeated by Nick Saban over recent years. Hey, I'm just calling it the way I see it. The Longhorns sneak out a win over a Baylor team that is much, much improved, but should not beat Texas at home...errr not that this has happened this year.
Baylor 23  Texas 34

8 Utah @ Air Force 6:30 pm CST
Air Force has been tough for opponents this year. They gave Oklahoma a scare (then again who hasn't other than Florida State?) and they have played well to this point. Road games are tough no matter where they are. I am not predicting an upset here, but don't be shocked if it happens. Utah is solid, as they have been for several years. But the Falcons are lurking.
Utah 27 Air Force 24

Texas Tech @ Texas A & M 2:30 CST
Tubby has always been known for his defense. Unfortunately, Texas Tech has not, and he has not been able to get them to play sound on that side of the ball. A & M is much improved and explosive on offense. They have lost some tough ones, but Oklahoma State and Arkansas are good teams that will go high in the bowl pecking order this year. Texas A & M needs to get to a better bowl this year, and it starts this week. They will shred Texas Tech at home, winning the "Irrelavant Texas Programs" bowl.
Texas Tech 31 Texas A & M 45

California @ Oregon State 2:30 CST
California is easily the most bipolar team in the country. At home, they are blowing opponents out. On the road, they are getting blown out. This team has been crazy to watch. However, Oregon State has played a tough schedule and lost to some tough opponents. Cal's road woes will continue, as the Rogers boys will run all over the Golden Bears.
California 20 Oregon State 38

Ok. There's my ten games of the week. I'll keep score and see how good/bad I do the rest of the season. Roll Tide, and God bless.

Alabama has the Perfect Storm brewing

I have talked about how great I thought I Auburn was. Please, does anyone really take this seriously? Actually, unfortunately for Auburn fans, here is the harsh reality:


- Auburn's defense is OK. Until someone passes.
- The only way Alabama can make it into the top two in the BCS standings is to beat an undefeated Auburn team at the end of the year. Hence, I am the world's hugest Auburn fan right now.
- Cam Newton is an amazing football player; He is the best player in the country. Auburn is not even a top 25 team without him. They are definitely not the best team in the country. I will give them this: they find a way to win. But they will need more than what they are doing now to beat Alabama in Bryant-Denny.
- Auburn has not been under this kind of pressure in years. Will they respond? I think so. I just think that if Alabama plays to their ability, they are a better team than Auburn. Can Auburn beat us? Absolutely. But its going to take a heroic effort from Newton and a showing-of-the-year from the Auburn D to do it.
- if I were an Auburn fan, I would not be too excited right now. I say this being an Alabama fan and knowing what its like to have a team at #1 and not playing like the best team in the country. I would be concerned about the defense...alot. It is extremely difficult (though not impossible) to win this league without stout defensive play.
- Auburn has yet to play a team with a good offense and defense (South Carolina does not qualify; they beat us, but that was because Garcia had the game of his life and we messed around the entire game with no focus. An excuse? No. That's what happened.)
- Having said all of this, it helps AU in recruiting and other aspects of the program.
- Perhaps the biggest problem for Auburn against us is this: Saban built his team to stop Florida, a.k.a. Tim Tebow Tech. They will scheme against Newton just like they did Tebow, and have success. Newton will be forced to throw the ball. If he can throw for the game of his life, like Tebow did against us in 2008, Auburn will win. If not, it will look more like Tebow in 2009. 


Just a few things to take into consideration, before the joy and jubilation starts ringing through Tumor's Corner. Be excited, but be forewarned- Auburn is not #1 in the country. They may not even be #1 in the state.

The 1st Post

Hey everyone,
     Welcome to my blog! I am going to be using this blog for several things, including information about events I will be involved in, important dates, etc. The main purpose of this blog, however, will be to provide those who care with my opinion(s) on current events, the Bible, sports, and other interesting topics. Please visit as often as you want. That is what I have created this for!


           God bless,


                        Ty