Hear Ye! Hear Ye!!! Cream Talk by Stallion - Week 11

Sep 8, 2004
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Good Sunday Six Pack!

In last week’s edition of Cream Talk, the Stallion made reference to the Cream Theory. Cream Talk typically focuses the Cream Theory on the SEC team that rises to the top much like cream would do in any delicacy. However, the theory can be applied to the players of the conference as well.

Last year, LSU had the Honey Badger. Bama had Trent Richardson. Auburn has had Cam Newton, and “This is Our Show” has..um…well moving on. The list can go on and on. Unanimously in 2012, SEC nation has seen the white Cam Newton emerge in the form of a 6 foot 1 inch, 205 –lb (and that is for Aggie program purposes only) one-man dream wrecking crew known as Little Johnny Freaking Football Manziel. In a week where words that had “B-A-M-A” spelled as part of the name created hostility and tension both in the sports world and the voting world, a young man from Kerrville, TX opened a can of whoop *** in the mouth of an elephant. This is the same star that just recently dressed up like a silly cartoon dog for Halloween. Are you kidding me? In T-Town! That’s Saban’s kingdom! No way was the SEC stepchild supposed to come in and do what they did to the team that two weeks ago had the experts saying that they were the greatest team ever - so good that they could beat the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Two weeks later the Cream of the SEC has turned out to be much like Ivan Drago. They’re bleeding! They’re human after all. If the Stallion turned up the volume loud enough, he believed the Tide faithful were beginning to chant JOHN-NY, JOHN-NY, JOHN-NY. So my SEC brethrens, it’s time to accept the Aggies into the SEC. They are no longer one of the two stepchildren from the Big 12 that we had to let in. They are for real!. If Johnny can change, and the Stallion can change, then all SEC fans can change. (Please contain your excitement! It’s easy to get caught up into the Rocky reference)
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Johnny for Heisman!!!! At least he will win the Cream Player of the Year.</SPAN>

The Cream rankings are as follows for Week 11.

#1) </SPAN>Alabama Crimson Tide</SPAN> – Saban was obviously distracted by McCarron’s mommy. Buttah!!!! Oh how the cream is starting to sag. Quite contrary to those outstanding bosoms of one Mrs. McCarron. Buttah!</SPAN>

#2) </SPAN>Georgia Bulldogs </SPAN>– It’s a shame that the cream theory can’t truly be tested among any of the top 3 from the West.

#3) </SPAN>LSU Tigers</SPAN>– Survived letdown Saturday unlike their Tuscaloosa brothers. Offense has officially gelled by capturing another routine win over the Mulldawgs. Ridiculing the Six Pack just isn’t fun anymore.</SPAN>

#4) </SPAN>Texas A&M</SPAN> – It’s very apparent that not much separates the top 4 of this league. I guess it’s time to pull out the cows and goats now.</SPAN>

#5) </SPAN>Florida Gators </SPAN>– Don’t ever underestimate the power of Bobby Bouche’. Have you ever seen any game ever end like that? I don’t even think movies could come up with that one. Muschamp has to be connected to an IV today.</SPAN>

#6) </SPAN>South Carolina Gamecocks </SPAN>– Playing against Arkansas’s defense is a good stepping stone to figure out life without Lattimore
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#7) Vanderbilt Commodores</SPAN> – Epic back to back seasons in Commodore land. Enjoy it while you can, because Coach Franklin will be a hot commodity come bowl season.

#8) </SPAN>Mississippi State Bulldogs </SPAN>– Stallion knew the Bulldogs were going to play with more energy after the last two weeks and it was a valiant effort. Less talent on a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium typically spells doom for any opposing team.
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#9) </SPAN>Ole Miss Rebels</SPAN>– Breaking the hearts and unrealistic expectations of Black Bear nation. Chalk it up to the discount double check.</SPAN>

#10) </SPAN>Arkansas Razorbacks</SPAN>– Just a complete waste of talent.
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#11) </SPAN>Missouri Tigers </SPAN>– Was there any doubt that Mizzou would win that game. Was Dooley Pinkeled?
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#12) </SPAN>Tennessee Vols</SPAN>– Maybe there should be a coaching reunion of Fulmer, Cutcliffe and Chavis. The Dooley era is over.
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#13) </SPAN>Kentucky Wildcats </SPAN>– Uh yes, Mr. Petrino. Before those ‘necks in the Plains call you, we have a tremendous package for you. Millions of dollars every year. A 2013 Harley Davidson. And an All-expense annual retreat vacation at Cabo with your mistress Miss Dorrell, I mean Mrs. Petrino. </SPAN>

#14) </SPAN>Auburn Tigers</SPAN> – Jackson State is pulling a bigger viewing audience than the Cheezesticks.

HOT BOUDIN – Texas A&M - A lot has been mentioned about Little Johnny, but the Stallion will be the first to admit that he didn’t think Sumlin’s offensive philosophy would translate well into the SEC. It does as long as you have an O-Line like the Aggies and WR’s like Swopes, and of course the Big Little Man on Campus. Can we get a Whoooooop!</SPAN>

COLD COOSH COOSH – Alabama – That just feels good writing it.</SPAN>

Love,
Stallion</SPAN>
 
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RocketDawg

All-Conference
Oct 21, 2011
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At this point, I think I'd put the late-blooming A&M team on top. I really believe they'd beat both Florida and LSU if they played right now.
 
Sep 8, 2004
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Obviously,

At this point, I think I'd put the late-blooming A&M team on top. I really believe they'd beat both Florida and LSU if they played right now.

Obviously, I feel differently about LSU b/c I think LSU has found their groove on offense finally. Much more balanced and I think LSU's defense is the best in the SEC (yes better than Bama's.) I have not been on Florida's bandwagon all year and I have been consistent with that.

I was tempted to put UGA at 4, but they are playing well right now against the lesser teams. If I had to bet on the game, I'm taking Aggies and Tigers over the Bulldogs most likely. But I gave Richt's boys the edge for now.
 

patdog

Heisman
May 28, 2007
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I don't think you can put a 2-loss team on top when there are 3 1-loss teams and A&M lost to 2 of them. His rankings look pretty good except he needs to flip MSU and Vandy. I think A&M probably would beat Florida in a rematch, and they might beat LSU too. But they wouldn't beat Bama in a rematch. Once Bama adjusted to their offense, they outscored them 24-9 and also had a turnover in the end zone.

Edit: 1 of their losses was to 2-loss LSU. I do agree that I'd A&M at #3 ahead of LSU. But he's an LSU homer and you know he's not going to do that.
 
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Sep 8, 2004
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Two comments:

1) I agree about Bama. They adjusted. Every team has adjusted to the Aggies that have a good defense - Florida, LSU and Bama. Bama just fell too far behind. Having said that I love the way they play and Johnny Football is fun to watch.

2) Just look the board overestimated Tennessee and Florida (despite the Stallion's comments), I think the board is understimating Vandy. Vandy should have beaten South Carolina if it wasn't for a horrendous Pass Interference call. They played Florida tight and the Gators put up a token TD at the end. They manhandled Kentucky. They have one more win than the Dawgs in the SEC. And I think Franklin is a better coach than Mullen. It's not clear cut.
 

was21

Senior
May 29, 2007
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LSU beat State because they have stronger and faster players. LSU lost to Florida and Alabama but they probably have stronger and faster players. Why did LSU lose to Florida and Alabama?
 

maroonmania

Senior
Feb 23, 2008
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Still amazed at how little quality wins affect the Cream Theory versus apparently going by the eye test. Let's look at how the Top 6 teams in the conference have fared against each other because I think whether you put Vandy or MSU (I still think we're 7th) at the 7 spot we can likely all agree that the Top 6 have definitely separated themselves from the rest of the pack.

Bama- only beaten LSU
Georgia - only beaten FL
LSU - only beaten TA&M
TA&M - only beaten Bama
FL - has beaten LSU, TA&M and SC
SC - only beaten GA

results say you have FL too low. Results on the field should mean something.
 
Sep 8, 2004
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It's easy to like A&M based on yesterday's performance

I really like your read here but not putting TAMU #1 makes it all bogus!


However, their defense is still very suspect and can be manhandled. Louisana Tech scored 57 and almost beat them. Texas State (not Texas) almost took Louisiana Tech down last night. A&M is exciting and can obvoiusly beat any of the teams ahead of them. However, they have a lot of holes that don't make them Cream. That's why I couldn't put them higher. However, I love watching them play.
 
Sep 8, 2004
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Great Question

1) Florida loss - Offensively, LSU was completely inept that day. Defense did all it could do but played the whole game. LSU only converted one 3rd down and kept the defense on the field. In the 3rd quarter, LSU's players were dropping like flies on defense with two key LBs falling out on the first Florida TD drive. LSU also lost two more OL that day too. It was not a good day. I have not been a believer in Florida all year but have taken a beaten for it on the board. LSU's offense has finally gelled mainly because the OL is now cohesive and playing well. This translates into Mettenberger showing off his rifle. Also LSU's WRs are not sure-handed and they dropped a ton of passes against Florida and also lost a key fumble (Odell Beckham). It wasn't an overwhelming Florida victory but playing at the Swamp and their defense just dominating a sucking LSU offense at the time was the difference. Also Jeremy Hill was not receiving playing time and looking back on it, I would have loved to see him in that game.

2) Alabama loss - Calls that didn't work (some I was okay with and two I was not) - The costly ones were the 54 yd FG attempt before half, the 4th and 1 play call in the 4th qtr, and the prevent defense on the last drive. a) LSU had no business kicking that 54 yd fg. The longest made in Alleman's career is 44. He barely made it to the S in the endzone. Bama got good field position with a minute left to go and scored a TD. If LSU punts, it's 7 to 3 going in the locker room due to Saban's conservative nature when back is against the endzone before half.
b) The 4th and 1 Spencer Ware sneak was rushed and left Alabama defense know what was coming. There are no options in that formation. I agreed with Miles' decision to go for it but why not run Hill with Mettenberger under center. It keeps Bama's defense honest to a point. Bama stops it and that was huge.
c) Chavis has a reputation dating back to Tennessee of playing prevent. Tennessee fans called it 1st and Chavis. Bend but don't break mentality usually costs huge yardage. LSU's defense up until that point stymied McCarron and offense. Why change?

That's why LSU lost those two games.

They beat A&M and State b/c they wore down defensive lines and created turnovers. That's what LSU does best. Against State, Mettenberger and OL were playing much better as well. Against A&M, defense adjusted to Manziel running threat and bottled him up for rest of the game after they went up 12-0. That was a key adjustment and most every good defense has done that to Manziel including Bama.
 
Oct 8, 2012
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Since you bring it up, yeah, Bammer just got manhandled and their Q is very suspect at best. More of a cry baby than a stud. I think j football is a true freshman. Bammer should have 2 losses, they lucky. TAMU defense is good enough to allow that offense to win. They should be #1 after what they achieved yesterday until they get knocked off, otherwise why have rankings? I agree that most pollsters will probably do what you do as change is hard to accept.
 
Sep 8, 2004
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Your arguement is only supported by minor facts.

First off LSU also beat South Carolina as well and had Bama on the ropes and really dominated that game.

Bama is still Bama and would beat the snot out of Florida if they met.

Florida had to have a blocked punt to beat the Waterboy's team out of Lafayette. They also struggled to beat Bowling Green but it was the first game of the season for a new QB. So I will give the Gators the benefit of the doubt. Florida also has looked mediocre offensively at best all year long (including in their destruction of South Carolina).

LSU's offense has finally found itself.

Florida caught A&M in the Aggies' first game of the year which was a blessing for Florida since they had already had a game under their belt

Playing Florida on a neutral site against Alabama, A&M, and LSU, I think the consensus would be that the 6 Pack would bet on Alabama, LSU and A&M over Florida in head to head today based on the body of work.

Results say I have Florida properly ranked.
 
Sep 8, 2004
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You give too much cred to the Aggies Defense for a No. 1 ranking. LSU wore that defense down and they were one dimensional at that time. Also keep in mind that Alabama did come off an emotional game against LSU. That was an obvious factor and had to be a consideration going into the game. A let down was going to happen. (not to take anything away from the Aggie performance yesterday.)
 

RocketDawg

All-Conference
Oct 21, 2011
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I think A&M is the best right now ... they weren't at the start of the year. But Manziel has matured greatly, and is probably even better than Cam Newton was. And they didn't lose the Florida and LSU games by much ... probably should have won. The "problem" games would be the huge score of La Tech and almost losing to the Bears.
 

UIUCDog

Redshirt
Aug 22, 2012
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I'd take both LSU and A&M over Georgia right now. I think UGA is 4th. LSU versus A&M is a toss-up...right now, I'd probably take A&M to beat LSU. But it's hard to rank A&M over LSU since each team has 2 losses and LSU has already beaten A&M head-to-head. I agree that Bama still deserves the #1 spot, despite the loss.

I am with you on Florida, just not buying them. They've been having way too many underwhelming performances against inferior competition the last month or so. I'd take all of those top 4 over Florida right now, in spite of the fact that Florida beat LSU earlier in the year.

I also agree with Vandy over MSU right now. I mean, what has MSU done this year that says they're better than Vandy? Nothing. The only reason to put us ahead of them is just the vague sense that "jeez, they're Vandy".

So I think your rankings are spot on, except UGA is too high.
 
Sep 8, 2004
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Great post!

I'm with you on Georgia! I'm reserving the right to keep them at 2 because they haven't had the true litmus test yet! The SEC championship will be a humbling experience I think. I guess I've been called a homer too much this season to do it just yet.

If you ask me Bama is on the verge of losing its swagger too while LSU and A&M seem to be peaking.
 

RocketDawg

All-Conference
Oct 21, 2011
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I was amazed at how they handled Alabama early on. I don't think Alabama had a first down in the first quarter ... and A&M had 20 points. It was similar to how they ran roughshod over us in the first, then didn't score at all in the second quarter.
 
Sep 8, 2004
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They were on fire and I felt like you did. Difference is that I have a ton of Aggie friends that reminded me of how every team with a quality defense has figured out how to slow down the Aggies offense this year. Bama was no exception but the lead was too much to overcome. Even then Bama had opportunities to win that game
 

MaxwellSmart

Senior
May 28, 2007
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I'd agree with just about all of them. While I'm not sold on Georgia, they are best in the east right now and I would definitely swap State and Vandy. Just because they are Vandy and Mullen hasn't lost to a team he was supposed to beat yet.
 

missouridawg

Junior
Oct 6, 2009
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Their defense has hit stride at the same time you claim LSU's offense has hit stride. Their defense played really good games against us and Bama.

People are sleeping on their defense and they've played some pretty good ball lately.
 

karlchilders.sixpack

All-Conference
Jun 5, 2008
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This is a close to right as you have been all year.

Hind sight is generally 20 20.
I do think the Dogs would beat the nerds.
Time will prove it out.
 
Nov 10, 2012
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How many TOs and missed scoring ops did aTm have against LSU? Remember the odd chock block in the scondary. If played tmorrow in BR -aTm 35 lsu 31