Back...Again...For Real

Yeah, so I took about a month hiatus after only posting for a couple weeks anyway. However, I'm committed to this thing again. Really. I mean it this time. Like that old girlfriend who you broke up with ten times and made up with 9. And number 10 is only a couple of weeks away. It's like that. So where are we?

Oh yeah - for another two days at least - we are first place in the SEC West. Sure we got whooped up on by the Trojans again. That was turnovers more than flat out butt whipping like last year. Then the boys looked flat against Utah State. Followed by a squeaker of a win at Vandy. And when we last saw our Hogs they were the beneficiaries of Alabama's new "field goals and extra points aren't neccessary" policy. Plus, when you get Arkansas in overtime, odds are Arkansas is taking the game. The Hogs know OT.

Somewhere in the 4th quarter against USC, Arkansas went and made the change we all knew was coming at some point. Super freshman all-American savior of the program Jesus's son Mitch Mustain made his entry onto the field. And promptly led a touchdown drive. And promptly threw an obvious pick on the next possession. Didn't matter. The kid looked good. He has generally kept this up as well. A solid enough first start against Utah State, a 3 TD performance on the road at Vandy, and then three picks against Bama before throwing the game winner in OT to high school teammate Ben Cleveland. There is legitimate excitement on the Hill. The offense has the potential to be great if they manage to finally find consistency. Three all-conference backs in McFadden, Hillis, and Jones. A pair of quality WRs in Monk and Williams, as well as legitimate depth at WR for the first time in ages. A solid if not spectacular o-line. A hot shot 18 yr old QB. I like where this is going. This week's matchup with Auburn is going to say a lot about this team. An upset win would make the Hogs the only team in the West with control of their destiny. Suddenly, 10 wins looks very possible. A loss and the Hogs are still looking at 8 wins most likely. We all know there is a big difference in an 8 win team and a 10 win team. I can't wait for Saturday at noon. I'll have an in-depth preview up tomorrow if not later today.

As for my other team, the ol alma mater, I can't complain about the Chippewas thus far. They had a chance to tie in the 4th against both BC and Kentucky, and they played better than the scored indicated against an excellent Michigan team. The stat that matters is the 2-0 start in conference. Beating Akron the week after Akron upset NC State. A win over quasi-rival Eastern. A big match-up this week with Toledo. Fire up Chips.