Poinsettia Bowl Prediction

Poinsettia Bowl - #23 Utah Vs Cal

My Prediction Utah 31-20

NCAA Football 10 Simulation Cal 37-28

Maaco Bowl Las Vegas - #18 Oregon State Vs #14 BYU

My Prediction - BYU wins 41-37

NCAA Football 10 Simulation BYU Wins 36-29

New Orleans Bowl Prediction

New Orleans Bowl
Southern Miss Vs Middle Tennessee State

My Prediction
Southern Miss 31 MTSU 27

NCAA Football 10 Simulation
Southern Miss 56 MTSU 49 2OT

St. Petersburg Bowl Prediction

St. Petersburg Bowl
Rutgers Vs Central Florida

My Prediction
Rutgers 24-17

NCAA Footbal 10 Simulaiton
Central Florida 28-21

Bowl Mania

As I said I have a Bowl Mania entry. In 2007 I finished in the top 80 percentile. In 2008 I was somewhere in the top 70 percentile.

New Mexico Bowl Prediction

Fresno State (8-4) Vs Wyoming (6-6)

My prediction Fresno State 41-24

NCAA Football 10 Simulation Fresno State 41-20

Early 2010 Pre-Season Top 25

1.Alabama
2.Oregon
3.TCU
4.Georgia Tech
5.Virginia Tech
6.Boise State
7.Ohio State
8.Florida
9.Texas
10.Miami
11.USC
12.Iowa
13.LSU
14.Pittsburgh
15.Penn State
16.Arkansas
17.West Virginia
18.Oregon State
19.Wisconsin
20.Oklahoma
21.Cincinnati
22.Nebraska
23.Arizona
24.Auburn
25.Stanford

espn bowl mania

TheNelsonReport now has 2 entries in espn's bowl mania, 1 straight picks and 1 confidence.

Big 12 Game on Now

After 1 quarter:

Nebraska 6
Texas 0

Nebraska has won me over. I thought they could keep it close and low scoring, but now after thry have picked McCoy off twice already I think they WILL win the game.

2009 SEC Championship: Who Will Win?

Last year number 1 Alabama was defeated by number 2 Florida in the SEC Championship game. This year they will meet again, and again they are #1 and #2. This time both teams are unbeaten, but the teams look even more equal than before.

Last year Alabama was unbeaten, but Florida was the clear favorite. Alabama played hard for 3 quarters and led 20 to 17. In the fourth quarter Tim Tebow added to his legacy by leading a dramatic 31 to 20 victory in the game of the century. Now part two is abut to commence.

This season the Gators are not as explosive as before, but they have gotten better defensively. Alabama has seemed to improve, as finishing games late in the fourth quarter was a problem for them last season. The Tide struggled to put away opponents and slipped past some weak foes by the skins of their teeth. This year only a few teams have played Alabama close.

Both teams have fought past distractions. No matter what happens to them they continue to win football games, and may be the two best teams in the country. One thing is certain, only one of them can go to Pasadena to play for the glass trophy. It has been Florida's goal to become the first Gator team to go undefeated. They are 2 wins away from pulling it out. Alabama has been tortured inside for what happened late last year. I'm sure it still has Nick Saban pacing the floors of his home.

Both teams are equal in almost every statistical category. One thing is certain; it will be a war. I think Florida is depending too much on Tim Tebow. They did this in 2007 and went 9-4. This year they have had an easier schedule and a better defense allowing them to win this way. They will not win today.

Alabama 27 Florida 17

Bobby Bowden: Remember Him For What He Is...A Legend

Words cannot fully describe what Bobby Bowden did for the Florida State Football Program. He made a doormat into a powerhouse, and he didn't take the easy road either. Bobby may have became a national punchline in the last few years, but he has kept his passion for coaching college football.

Bobby grew up in Alabama. Like most boys there are,he was born with Crimson blood coursing through his veins. When Bobby was the coach at Samford he would attend Alabama practices, not just to learn from The Bear, but to recruit. Paul Bryant would give Bowden a list of players that couldn't play for Alabama.

"If you want them up there at your school, you let me know," Bryant told Bowden. "I'll call them in and suggest they go there.

Bowden had a strong few years at Samford before moving on to coach West Virginia. Bobby had some success at West Virginia, but his career changed forever when he has hired by Florida State in 1976. In only his second season FSU saw great success. They won 10 games and finished ranked 11th in the country. In 1987 Bowden started his streak of an unprecedented 15 straight top 5 finishes. That streak included 2 national championships and 12 conference championships.

All was great, until a few years ago. State began to struggle and every year seemed to be worse than the previous. Finally, the Noles struggled just to finish 6 and 6. It was finally the end for the great coach.

Bobby deserved to go out better than he has, but don't blame him for his desire to continue doing what he has done for over 40 years. Bobby should be remembered for his accomplishments and his tremendous character, not for a few bad seasons. His name deserves to be forever remembered with the other all time great coaches, like his idol Paul Bryant.

Bowl Predictions for this week

BCS Title Game
Alabama Vs Texas

Sugar Bowl
Florida Vs Pittsburgh

Orange Bowl
Georgia Tech Vs TCU

Fiesta Bowl
Iowa Vs Boise State

Rose Bowl
Ohio State Vs Oregon State

Capital One Bowl
LSU Vs Penn State

Cotton Bowl
Oklahoma State Vs Ole Miss

Outback Bowl
Wisconsin Vs Tennessee

GMAC Bowl
Central Michigan Vs Notre Dame

International Bowl
Rutgers Vs Temple

Liberty Bowl
Arkansas Vs Houston

Gator Bowl
Miami Vs Cincinnati

Chick-fil-A Bowl
Georgia Vs Virginia Tech

Insight Bowl
Missouri Vs Minnesota

Music City Bowl
North Carolina Vs South Carolina

Sun Bowl
Oregon Vs Cal

Armed Forces Bowl
Air Force Vs ECU

Holiday Bowl
Nebraska Vs USC

Texas Bowl
Texas A&M Vs Navy

Roady's Humanitarian Bowl
Idaho Vs Northern Illinois

Alamo Bowl
Texas Tech Vs Northwestern

Papa Johns Bowl
UCONN Vs Kentucky

Independence Bowl
Iowa State Vs Auburn

Emerald Bowl
Florida State Vs California

Champs Sports
Clemson Vs Michigan State

Meineke Car Care Bowl
Boston College Vs West Virginia

Little Ceasers Bowl
Middle Tennessee State vs Ohio

Hawaii Bowl
SMU Vs Nevada

Poinsettia Bowl
BYU Vs Stanford

New Orleans Bowl
Southern Miss Vs Troy

EagleBank Bowl
Marshall vs Bowling Green

Las Vegas Bowl
Utah Vs Arizona

St. Petersburg Bowl
UCF Vs USF

New Mexico Bowl
Wyoming vs. Fresno State

Classic Nelson #3

Another week, another poor performance by Tennessee: Fulmer on the hot seat

The Tennessee Vols struggled to beat Northern Illinois 13-9. A team that cbssportsline.com had ranked 99th out of the 120 fbs teams. Long time UT coach Phillip Fulmer is feeling the heat. This week a UT football talk show made said that if Jon Crompton started only around 20,000 fans would show up at the game. 20 minutes later, Fulmer named Nick Stephens his starting qb. Nick did have a long TD pass in the game, but a 13-9 win is unacceptable. I think this will be Phil's last year at UT. With that I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Former UT offensive coordinator David Cutcliff will be the next head man at UT. Cutcliff also held a spot at Ole Miss as head coach going 44-29. He lead them to a 10-3 seson in 2003 and 13th place in the final rankings. He is currently the head coach at Duke. This is his first year at Duke which he is 3-2.

game-katana.com 10-6-08

Classic Nelson #2

The Vols have named a new starting passer versus Northern Illinois and Auburn seems to support the lethargic spread and sputter.

The Tennessee Volunteers (whose fans have shed many tears this year) have announced that they will bench Jon Crompton. Nick Stephens will be UT's new field general. Nick does not have much experience. He was 1-2 for 45 yards vs UAB. He had 1 rush for 5 yards.
UT head coach Phillip Fulmer made this statement during a press conference.

"Nick has made progress and he deserves the chance to see how he does in a football game. That's for our team, We need an offensive lift at this point, and the team is first."


Meanwhile, down on the plains, Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville has stated that he loves Auburn's so called "offense". I can't believe such a crock of bull. Has Tubby even been watching Auburn? Oh and Tony Franklin the "spread guru" has basically cursed himself out in front of the media and insulted himself for the offenses failure.

So, I believe this week Tubby will mix in some classic Aubie powerball to try to win against Vandy. After all, Bama's powerball looks good.

game-katana.com 10-4-08

Classic Nelson from game-katana.com #1

Big game between Vandy and Auburn.

This will be a hard noised fight between two tough sec teams. Auburn has a great defense, but has struggled on offense. Vandy's strength is turnovers. They do not turnover the ball and force a lot of turnovers. I believe that one team will make a big mistake in the end to lose.

my prediction: Vandy 10-6

game-katana.com 10/3/08

The Nelson Report Ep 5 on 11/23 now on youtube.

Here is the url to watch on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L9Vw_xdyd0

here is the download url on megaupload.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TGVGX2HN

Week In Review: We Learned Squat This Week

Okay, there may have been a small lesson here or there, but what did we truly see that we didn't already know? Nothing. Everything seemed to stay the same. All we figured out is that the winner of the Oregon Bowl (or whatever the hell they call it up there) will go to the Rose Bowl. I spent my time soaking in some SEC action. This taught me that Ole Miss wasn't completely over-rated, they just didn't know how to use the talent they had earlier in the season. I also learned that Kentucky has great things in their future under Rich Brooks.

On a national level, nothing was decided outside some Pac-10 clarification. I guess you could say we learned that Ole' Charlie won't be back for season six at Notre Dame, but we already knew that. We also already knew that Les Miles was nothing short of a few things I cannot call him in this article. It has been clear the man doesn't know a thing about coaching, and the late debacle that lost the game for them proves it. He wasted 15 precious seconds before he used that timeout late in the game, then allowed his QB to try to spike it with 1 second left. What in the name of Mike the Tiger was he thinking? LSU deserves better.

So let's just get down to my top 15 and bowl picks for this week.

1.Alabama
2.Florida
3.Texas.
4.TCU
5.Cincinnati
6.Georgia Tech
7.Boise State
8.Pitt
9.Ohio State
10.Oregon
11.Iowa
12.Oklahoma State
13.Penn State
14.BYU
15.Virginia Tech

Select Bowl Predictions

BCS Title Game
Alabama Vs Texas

Sugar Bowl
Florida Vs Pitt

Orange Bowl
Georgia Tech Vs TCU

Fiesta Bowl
Iowa Vs Oklahoma State

Rose Bowl
Oregon State Vs Ohio State

Cotton Bowl
Arkansas Vs Nebraska

Capital One Bowl
Penn State Vs Ole Miss

Sun Bowl
Oregon Vs Missouri

Gator Bowl
Virginia Tech Vs Cincinnati

Rich Brooks: The Man Who Saved Two Football Programs

Some people are not aware of what Rich Brooks has done for the football programs at Oregon and Kentucky. Sure, he faced much criticism from fans of both schools, but there is no question that Rich built the foundation for Oregon's recent success. It's also apparent that he has restored pride into Kentucky football.

Let's start with Brooks's tenure at The University of Oregon. Rich Brooks became the head coach of Oregon going into the 1977 season. Before Rich got the job the Ducks had only been to 6 bowl games in their history. During his first 7 years at Oregon, Rich only won 24 games, but the Ducks dominated in state rival Oregon State and had back to back winning seasons in 1979 and 1980. This allowed Rich to keep his job. From 1984 to 1988 Oregon had 2 winning seasons and boasted a .500 winning percentage, the program was starting to turn around. Then, the success finally came. Brooks's patience in turning around the program paid off, and Oregon had back to back 8-4 seasons and played in the post season both years. The next three years were rough, as Oregon went 14-22, but Brooks finally did something no one else at Oregon had ever done. In 1994 he led Oregon to a 9-4 record, and their first ever outright conference title. The Ducks would lose the Rose Bowl to undefeated Penn State, but they finished the season ranked 11th in the AP poll. He received the Paul "Bear" Bryant coach of the year award because of this performance.

Rich Brooks: The Man Who Saved Two Football Programs
by Chris Nelson Contributor Your article does not currently have a poll. Add one now
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Some people are not aware of what Rich Brooks has done for the football programs at Oregon and Kentucky. Sure, he faced much criticism from fans of both schools, but there is no question that Rich built the foundation for Oregon's recent success. It's also apparent that he has restored pride into Kentucky football.

Let's start with Brooks's tenure at The University of Oregon. Rich Brooks became the head coach of Oregon going into the 1977 season. Before Rich got the job the Ducks had only been to 6 bowl games in their history. During his first 7 years at Oregon, Rich only won 24 games, but the Ducks dominated in state rival Oregon State and had back to back winning seasons in 1979 and 1980. This allowed Rich to keep his job. From 1984 to 1988 Oregon had 2 winning seasons and boasted a .500 winning percentage, the program was starting to turn around. Then, the success finally came. Brooks's patience in turning around the program paid off, and Oregon had back to back 8-4 seasons and played in the post season both years. The next three years were rough, as Oregon went 14-22, but Brooks finally did something no one else at Oregon had ever done. In 1994 he led Oregon to a 9-4 record, and their first ever outright conference title. The Ducks would lose the Rose Bowl to undefeated Penn State, but they finished the season ranked 11th in the AP poll. He received the Paul "Bear" Bryant coach of the year award because of this performance.

Brooks left to go coach in the NFL, but he set the way for his offensive coordinator Mike Belloti to continue molding Oregon into the National power we know today. Brooks coached in the NFL as a head coach and a defensive coordinator for a few years. Then after a break from coaching he took his current position as the head coach at Kentucky. Brooks took over a program recovering from NCAA sanctions and only 5 winning seasons since 1980. Brooks's first three season brought a total record of 9-25. Members of the Kentucky fan base began to doubt if he was the right man for the job, nut Rich had slowly been bringing in the talent Kentucky needed to compete in the SEC. In 2006 the Cats started 3-4, and a 49-0 loss to LSU had Kentucky at their lowest point under Brooks. Rich felt if he didn't win his next game he might not coach the rest of the season. He won it, and followed it up with a 24 to 20 upset win over Georgia. Kentucky only lost 1 more game all season a 17 to 12 loss at Tennessee. The Wildcats finished 8-5 with a win over Clemson in the Music City Bowl.

Rich had proven he was the right man for the job. In 2007, Kentucky upset #9 Louisville in their 3rd game of the season, and ran their start up to 5-0. They were ranked 8th in the country, but suffered a 38-23 loss to #6 South Carolina in Columbia. It didn't phase Rich and his team one bit. They responded with a 43-37 upset of #1 LSU. The Wildcats would cool off towards the end of the season, but they once again went 8-5 and won the Music City Bowl.

Last year, Kentucky jumped out to a 4-0 start before falling 3 points short of #2 Alabama in Tuscaloosa. It was clear Kentucky wasn't going anywhere. The Wildcats finished the regular season 6-6. They ended strong, beating ECU in the Liberty Bowl, making Rich Brooks the only coach in Kentucky history to lead the Wildcats to 3 straight bowl victories, something even Paul "Bear" Bryant failed to accomplish while coaching in Lexington.

This season may be Rich's best season in Lexington. He has taken an injury hampered team to a 7-4 record with upset victories in both Auburn and Athens. With a 4th straight winning season already clinched there is no doubt Rich is one of the best turnaround coaches ever. I see bright things in this team's future. With a coach like Brooks I know this program is in great hands, and don't be surprised if you see the Wildcats end that pesky losing streak to Tennessee on Saturday.

Predictions for Today

#8 LSU 24
Ole Miss 27

#25 Cal 21
#17 Stanford 38

#11 Oregon 34
Arizona 24

Kansas 14
#3 Texas 38

Kentucky 31
Georgia 20

Auburn In Review 2009: Better Off With Chizik over Tubby?

Okay, let's start by saying that I thought Auburn made a huge mistake hiring Gene Chizik (Cheese Nut, Cheese-It, Cheese Nip, Chiznik, etc...). I knew Chizik had a great history as an assistant, but it was clear Ole' Cheese Ball's head coaching resume was in question. This year Auburn came in reasonably expecting 5 to 7 wins. They got exactly that.

Well, they didn't take the road we first presumed, but they made it. The 5-0 start had fans jumping for joy and ranked 17th in the country. The offense looked terrific under Gus Malzahn's Spread Scheme. This Spread actually worked, the exact opposite of Tony Franklin's Spread and Sputter. Quarterback Chris Todd was reborn, into the passing mastermind he was expected to be out of Junior College. The Tigers looked most impressive with their 41 to 30 Home whipping of West Virginia. In a near equally impressive win Auburn went to Knoxville and beat Tennessee 26-22.

No one could complain. It seemed Auburn was arriving ahead of schedule. Then, as the 17th ranked Tigers went on the road to face Arkansas the wheels fell off the bus and rolled into the Mississippi River. Arkansas thumped the Tigers 41 to 23 knocking Auburn out of every top 25 poll except the Harris. They didn't stay there long, the Tigers suffered a lackluster 21 to 14 loss at home to Kentucky of all people. The Tigers gave up two scores with less than 7 minutes left and it looked like the offense just quit instead of trying to tie the game late. Chris Todd was back to 2008 form murdering the air with a terrifying 80 yards. The Tigers were putting 45 on the board a game in their first 5 and they can only score 14 on Kentucky? Things didn't get easier, Auburn got blasted by LSU 31-10, with the touchdown coming in the final minute. The three straight losses made the Tigers look like the 2008 Tigers without the only asset they had: their defense.

So now we reach Halloween. #24 Ole Miss has just got its groove and is looking to wipe the field with Auburn, not so fast! Cheese Man got the boys back! Auburn put a good ole southern whipping on Ole Miss 33-20. It looked like the Tigers could be poised for a top 25 season if they could finish strong. After a win over Furman Auburn headed to Athens, to face a talented but Struggling Georgia team. The Dawgs finally got their season on track and beat Auburn 31 to 24, but hey! Auburn hit 7 wins and will go bowling again. Something they didn't do under Tubby last year. Auburn may have been better off with old Tubby, but Chizik isn't taking this team in a bad direction.

Well, Auburn does have one major game left in the regular season. Its the 20th anniversary of the 1989 Tigers crushing Alabama's title hopes in the first iron bowl at Jordon-Hare. Too bad lightning doesn't strike twice. A loss to Bama isn't bad at all. Auburn will be in good shape heading to next season 8-5 if they can pull off a bowl win.

Last years "miserable" team wasn't all bad, they were in every game til the end except one, and did play a tough schedule. At least they competed in their losses, unlike the 2009 Tigers have against Arkansas and LSU. Sure they hung tough against lowly Kentucky and erratic Georgia, but they should have won both games.

So, is Auburn better off with Chizik over Tubby?

Verdict- Go retry the case in another year because this jury is hung.

Week In Review: Plus USC, ND, and UM Should Face It: They Suck (Sort Of)

This day and age in college football once proud Powers are now living off old tradition, and cant win a game to save the lives of their beloved coaches. A few years ago, Alabama had some problems. Well, actually it was simple for them it was all due to the near death penalty sanction case and two morons named Mike. Now that guy named Nick since scared some sense back into the Bammers, some other major programs went straight for the toilet. Its sad to see such great universities with rich tradition toil away due to god knows what. They all have talent, why can't they use it?

Well, were gonna have a start with USC. The Trojans have gotten mugged in 2 of 3. A 55 to 21 loss to Stanford broke many USC records, and trust me, none of them are anything to be proud of. They still have talented players and a great coach, but they aren't gelling as a team. USC doesn't have the chemistery other top teams have like Alabama, Florida, and Texas.

Notre Dame and Michigan. The problem with these two teams are the donkeys running the show. Rich Rod the Mad Scientist with his potent spread ready to launch its fury on the Little 11, and Charlie Weiss, the gentle pudgy cartoon character running around the sidelines of his alma matter when all he wants to do is go home to his long lost love Bill Belichick and their crowning acheivement, Their son Tom Brady.

Its clear Notre Dame and Michigan need a change in scenary, but what about USC? How will the Trojans get their boys to gel together? Who Knows? Its not for me to answer. I guess they should band together and go back to singing Lean On Me.

What else have we learned this week? TCU should get more respect. This team shouldn't have to deal with the Non BCS crap, because they should be a member of the Big 12. Remember the old days when TCU was Texas's pesky little cousin. They could give the Horns a tough showdown, and still can. Just give them the chance. Would Texas win, probably. That doesn't mean TCU doesn't deserve their chance. The Frogs have had one of the best programs in the country the last fews years, and they always manage to fly under the radar. TCU's whipping of Utah was nothing more than a blowout of a great team over a good team. Don't look at it any other way.

What did we learn this week?
1.TCU deserves a shot to play in a 4 team playoff with Alabama, Florida, and Texas for the title.
2.Alabama would win that playoff, as they are gelling at the right time.
3.USC, ND, and Michigan need to face the music.
4.Stanford and good old Jim Harbaugh are going to be a competitor for years to come.

Here are my top 10 and Bowl Predictions for this week.

1.Alabama
2.Florida
3.Texas
4.TCU
5.Cincinnati
6.Georgia Tech
7.Boise State
8.Pitt
9.Ohio State
10.LSU
*My top 25 poll appears as official on the BCS Fan Poll.

Bowls

National Title

Alabama Vs Texas



Sugar Bowl

TCU Vs Florida



Orange Bowl

Georgia Tech Vs Boise State



Fiesta Bowl

Iowa Vs Cincinnati



Rose Bowl

Oregon Vs Pittsburgh



Capital One

Ole Miss Vs Penn State



Cotton Bowl

LSU Vs Oklahoma State

Predictions for Saturday

Alabama 27
Miss. St 7

TCU 24
Utah 13

Georgia 20
Auburn 24

Ole Miss 21
Tennessee 28

Pitt 35
Notre Dame 20

Florida 24
S. Carolina 16

Ga Tech 37
Duke 27

Stanford 38
USC 34

Arkansas 38
Troy 30

History of The SEC Championship: A National Semi-Final

So, the SEC Championship is on the way, and it looks to be an epic clash for the ages between #1 Florida and #2 Alabama. Not the first time we've seen this show, huh? These two teams are the inspiration for this article, and many national championship pictures have been effected by them.

Let's start with the 1992 game. It was the first of many classic battles in the short history of the SEC Title game. #2 Alabama clinched a spot in the Bowl Alliance National Title with a classic 28-21 defeat of #12 Florida coming down to a late Antonio Langham interception return for a touchdown.

The 1993 game would have carried some weight if undefeated Auburn had not been on probation, but instead the Florida Gators rolled Alabama 28-13 to get its first SEC Title.

1993 may not help the argument that the SEC Title game is a national Semi-Final, but 1994 does. Alabama came in ranked #3 and undefeated, while Florida was 11-1 and #6. Due to the Bowl Coalition not including the Big Ten and #2 Penn State, the Tide would play Nebraska for all the Marbles with a win. Alabama stormed back from a 17-10 halftime lead to go up 23-17, but Florida proved to be too much and denied Alabama a chance for a title with a 24-23 win.

Argument any good so far? Two of the first three title games decided who would play for the crystal ball. Well, 1995 was another year. #2 Florida beat Arkansas 34-3, but would lose to Nebraska in the title game.

In 1996 Florida would get a rematch with Florida State (the Noles beat UF in the regular season for UF's only loss) for the national title if they could defeat what would be Gene Stallings final Alabama team. The Gators dominated most of the game, and Stallings last bid for a second SEC Title failed. Once again the SEC Title cleared part of the national title picture. Florida won the rematch and the title against FSU.

In 1997 Peyton Manning and Tennessee slipped by Auburn 30-29. The win put #3 Tennessee in the Bowl Alliance National Title against Nebraska. If they won that game they could have claimed the bowl alliance title, once again making the SEC a force in the National Championship. However, it should be noted that even if the Vols did not get crushed 42-17 by the Huskers, the only way they would have gotten an AP or Coaches title would have been to win and have Michigan lose. But nevertheless, the SEC champ had a shot at a title

In 1998 Tennessee defeated Mississippi State 24-14 and clinched a title shot against Florida State. The Vols beat the Noles, and for the 5th time in 7 SEC Title games the National Championship picture was put into focus by the SEC Championship.

The next SEC Title game with National Implications was in 2001. The #2 Tennessee Vols needed a win over #21 LSU to put themselves into the Title game against Miami. Problem was that LSU and a certain 2nd year head coach had other plans, the Tiger dominated Tennessee 31-20, once again proving how important the SEC Championship is.

In 2002 there were some title hopes involved. If #1 Miami had lost to #19 Virginia Tech a Georgia win would have put the #3 Bulldogs in the title versus Ohio State. Miami won, ending the slim chances for Georgia. The Dawgs beat Arkansas anyway, 30-3.

In 2003, #3 LSU needed to beat #5 Georgia and have #1 Oklahoma lose to Kansas State in the Big 12 championship game. K State won 35-7 and LSU won 34-13, but LSU didn't get to play the opponent everyone expected. Despite the blowout loss Oklahoma got to play LSU in the title instead of USC. LSU beat Oklahoma, leading to a split Title.

In 2004 Auburn had a scenario identical to LSU. If the Tigers beat Tennessee and Oklahoma lost to Colorado they were in the title, Auburn won, but Oklahoma dominated and it didn't matter. Auburn's 13-0 season didn't even get a sniff at the national title.

In 2005 the same scenario appeared again. If #3 LSU beat Georgia and Texas lost to Colorado, the Tigers would go to the Rose Bowl to play USC. Texas won earlier that day, and with their titles hopes crushed LSU got ripped apart by Georgia.

In 2006 #4 Florida needed to beat #8 Arkansas and have #2 USC lose to unranked UCLA. The Bruins puled the miracle and Florida came through as well, whipping the Hogs 38-28. Florida would go on to destroy Unbeaten Ohio State 41-14 in the Championship.

In 2007 LSU was #7 and needed to beat Tennessee while virtually everyone else lost. The Tigers won 21-14. Then, in one of the most bizarre days of college football #1 Mizzou lost to Oklahoma and #2 West Virginia lost to unranked Pitt. That got LSU over two teams, since LSU beat Virginia Tech they jumped them. LSU jumped Georgia since LSU was the SEC Champ and not the Bulldogs, and Finally LSU jumped 11-1 Kansas. The miracle tigers went on to dominate Ohio State 38-24 in the BCS Championship.

Finally, the biggest argument for why the SEC Title Game is sort of a BCS Semi Final. Last Year #1 Alabama and #2 Florida met in a clash of opposite styles. The physical Tide wore down the Gators and took a 20-17 lead through 3 quarters, but Tim Tebow rallied Florida to two 4th quarter touchdowns to win one of the greatest games ever 31-20.

This year it seems we may have a repeat scenario of last season. Now, with 14 of the 17 SEC Championships relevant in some way to decide who would play in the national championship, is it really a spiritual Semi-Final?

1992-Put Alabama in Title Game.

1994-Kept Alabama out of the title game.

1995-Florida's blowout win over Arkansas put them in the title game.

1996-Put Florida in the Title game.

1997-Put Tennessee in the Bowl Coalition National Championship Game.

1998-Put Tennessee in the title game.

2001-Kept Tennessee out of the title game.

2002-Georgia had hopes needing Miami to lose to Va Tech and to beat Arkansas, but the Canes won a thriller.

2003-LSU pulled off a scenario similar to Georgia's in 2002 to get to the title game.

2004-Auburn pulled a Georgia from 2002. They needed an Oklahoma loss and didn't get it.

2005- LSU failed at another I need help scenario.

2006-Florida beat Arkansas and got a USC loss to get to the national championship.

2007- LSU got a miracle to get into the title after beating Tennessee.

2008-Florida beat Alabama at a direct play in game to the BCS Title Game.

*Note all SEC teams won the National Title Game they played in except for Florida in 1995 and Tennessee in 1997.

I think this shows that the winner of the SEC Title (National Semi Final) Game is always in great shape.

TNR Megaupload now with on demand downloads for the show.

Here are the urls.

TNR Episode 1 9/03/09
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K82IUN1U

TNR Episode 2 10/25/09
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QI7B3IZM

TNR Episode 3 10/31/09
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=J19WEQ2B

TNR Episode 4 11/09/09
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=43Z2M6H0

Nelson on Finebaum 11/06/08
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ZKJ2NJ02

heres the latest show

here it is 11 9 09

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-Nelson-Report/2009/11/10/The-Nelson-Report-110909

Live on BTR at 10pm central

We will be live at 10pm central (40 minutes)

Crazy Weekend leads to top 10 mix ups and new BCS Predictins

With Oregon getting shocked by Stanford and Iowa's dream season coming to an end against Northwestern we now have soe new picks for the BCS games. Other stories include Alabama's domination of LSU, and my opinion on that appears in my latest article.

Here is my new top 10
1.Alabama
2.Florida
3.Texas
4.Cincinnati
5.TCU
6.Georgia Tech
7.Boise State
8.Pitt
9.Iowa
10.USC

Bowl Predictions

National Title
Alabama Vs Texas

Sugar Bowl
Florida Vs Pitt

Orange Bowl
Georgia Tech Vs TCU

Fiesta Bowl
USC Vs Boise State

Rose Bowl
Oregon Vs Iowa

Capital One Bowl
Ohio State Vs LSU

Cotton Bowl
Oklahoma State Vs Tennessee

Outback Bowl
Penn State Vs Auburn

Gator Bowl
Virginia Tech Vs Notre Dame

Chick Fil a Bowl
Miami Vs Ole Miss

Sun Bowl
Stanford Vs Oklahoma

Holiday Bowl
Arizona Vs Nebraska

Alabama Shows Moxy, Punches Ticket To Atlanta

Alright, I'll be the first to admit that Alabama did not play like a national championship team in the first half of the game against LSU, but the Tide dominated the second half. The Tigers were no match for Alabama. Early on Alabama's Greg McElroy was up and down. The Junior passer made quite a few mistakes early in the game, including missing a wide open Julio Jone in the end zone. This forced Alabama to settle for a field goal. Then, just before the half, He threw an interception deep in LSU territory, as he forced a pass in the direction of Colin Peek. This allowed LSU to take a 7 to 3 lead to the half.

Alabama went in at the half and regrouped. They stormed out onto the field and drove 81 yards for a touchdown, with McElroy hitting Darius Hanks for a score. Alabama started to work Mark Ingram into the game in the 2nd half, leading to a more balanced attack. In the first half Ingram rarely ran the ball, as Alabama focused on the passing game. LSU eventually regained the lead at 15 to 10, but McElroy and Ingram brought Bama right back. With 10 minutes left Bama trailed 15 to 13. Then, in a flash of brilliance, McElroy hit Julio Jones on a screen pass that went for 73 yards and the go ahead touchdown. It gave Alabama a lead they would not relinquish. The Tide got all in and came up with over 450 yards of offense last night against a top 10 defense. McElroy got his groove back, and Ingram is all but striking the Heisman pose. The defense is giving up roughly 12 points per game. Alabama crushed LSU's season with pure toughness and determination

The 24 to 15 win over LSU proved one thing, no team in America is more poised than Alabama. When the chips are in they will do whatever it takes to win the game. We saw it late against Virginia Tech when Alabama stormed from a 17 to 16 4th quarter disadvantage to romp the Hokies 34 to 24. Then, we saw it again when Terrence "Mount" Cody came through with a last second field goal block to hold off Tennessee, and we see it again this week. Few teams in the country have had the success that this Alabama group has had, winning 22 of its last 24. games, but that will all mean nothing if they quit now. If Alabama can pull of 5 more victories, they will go down in history. This team clearly has the moxy to do it.

Now before we go to far with this I will say Alabama has looked sloppy at times, but thats a moot point. When they need it most they play better than anyone in the country. If all goes as expected and the December 5th SEC Title Game features two top 3 teams playing for a trip to Pasadena, you better be sure the Tide won't go down without one of the greatest fights in college football history.

Alabama and LSU: Previewing The SEC Western Division Championship Game

For the fourth time in five years Alabama and LSU are going to meet in what shall be deemed as the SEC Western Division Championship game. The two teams feature many similarities. Both have suffocating defenses and struggling offenses.

First, we'll take a little trip down memory lane. 2005 was the first year this game return to national prominence. #5 LSU came into Tuscaloosa to face #3 Alabama. The Tide was riding high at 9-0. The Tigers only loss was an overtime defeat to Tennessee in a game that LSU had won until a halftime collapse. The first half was all Alabama as they dominated 10-0 behind one of the best defenses in modern SEC history. The second half Alabama failed to gather any offense behind an offensive line that ranks among one of the worst I have ever seen. LSU sent the game into overtime and won 16-13.

In 2007, the 3rd ranked Tigers came into T-Town, where Bama was fresh off a week of rest and a 41-17 pounding of Tennessee. The 17th ranked Tide got down 17-3, but came back with 24 unanswered points. LSU stormed back to tie it at 27. Then, Javier Arenas took a Punt to the House with 8 minutes left to put Bama up 34-27, only for LSU to crush Alabama's SEC title hopes with 2 late touchdowns, one propelled by a John Parker Wilson fumble deep in Alabama territory.

Last year, Alabama came into the showdown on the Bayou as the #1 team in the country, but the Tide faced loads of media criticism. They went into Tiger Stadium and beat the 16th ranked Tigers 27-21 in another thrilling game.

I fell this years game is going to be just like the previous few. Both teams are among the most talented in the country. Since the Alabama rezone offense and LSU's total offense are is struggling, this should be an ugly game. Its going to come down to the defenses, and in the end, Alabama's takes the cake. The Crimson Tide have only allowed 1 offensive touchdown in their last 3 games. My prediction is another great game between these two heated rivals. The coaching and defensive advantages for Alabama are going to be too much in the end. I think the Mark Ingram will do just enough for Bama's offense.

Alabama 10 LSU 9

The Nelson Report: SEC Review and Preview Through Week 9

Okay, some teams in the conference seem hard to read this season like Auburn, Tennessee, and LSU. Other like Alabama and Florida are proven contenders. This season some argue that the conference does not have the depth it has had in the past, but a strong argument can be made that It's deeper than ever.

Let's start in the Western Division, where Alabama and LSU are about to play in its De Facto championship game. The Tide have rolled to an undefeated 8-0 start, something familiar to this team. Last year they started 12-0, only to lose to Florida in the SEC Title game (BCS Semi-Final Game), crushing their season. Clearly, the Tide are the head of the west, but if they don't show up on Saturday LSU will steal their crown.

The Tigers have a smothering defense, but like Alabama, have had some offensive troubles. Can this team play with anyone in the country? You bet. They proved that in a 13-3 loss to the #1 Florida Gators. They took Florida to the end, smothering Tim Tebow and his weapons. Giving up only one score to that offense is impressive. Had they had any scoring offense in that game, they would be number one right now. If this team can fix the offense, they have a shot to win it all.

Ole Miss thought this could be their dream season in the West, but an early loss to South Carolina and sound beatings from Auburn and Alabama have proven one thing; Ole Miss was a fraud. This team clearly has the talent to roll with anyone, but they haven't been able to utilize it. With a coach like Houston Nutt, offensive players like Jevan Snead and Dexter McCluster, and a suffocating defense Ole Miss was everyones new darling, but a 5-3 start was not what the doctor ordered. If they do not win another SEC game they cannot become bowl eligable, and with games against Tennessee, Mississippi State, and LSU they may see the post season.

Mississippi State, Auburn, and Arkansas have been much improved this year. Auburn has already won more games than last year, and a win over Furman will guarantee a winning season. They had a few tough weeks due to their lack of depth, but a 33-20 win over Ole Miss seems to have gotten them back on track.

Mississippi State has been competitive all season long, seeming to hang around with anyone in the country. Sure, they are 4-5, but are much better than they were under Sly Croom. This team may not get to a bowl game, but they have great things coming to them. They were less than 1 yard from upsetting LSU, and have been in every game this season except 1 (Auburn).

Finally, we move to Arkansas. The Razorbacks have clearly improved over last years team. Quarterback Ryan Mallet may be the best passer in the SEC. Sure, it hasn't shown in wins and losses, but this team has improved. Last year they got bombed by the tough opponents they played. Now they have taken Florida to the edge. If they can beat Troy and Mississippi State, they will be back in the post season.

In the east, Florida is undefeated and has already won the division. The Gators have had some trouble, but they are still the #1 team in America. The only reasonable challenge they have left on their schedule is at South Carolina.

Speaking of the Gamecocks, they have had a season of highs and lows. They suffered a gut wrenching 41-37 loss at home to Georgia, but followed it with an upset of then #4 Ole Miss 16-10. They then got to 5-1 on the year, and were ranked #22 in the country. A close 20-6 loss to #2 Alabama in T-Town came off as a disappointment, but the Gamecocks should be proud of the way they played. after beating Vanderbilt, the Gamecocks were shocked by Tennessee 31-13, leaving some questions for USC to answer.

The Tennessee Vols have also been on a roller coaster. They had some tough home losses to UCLA and Auburn in games they expected to win, but the main components for Tennessee's 4-4 start are two games against #1 teams Florida and Alabama. The Vols went on the road in both games and lost close one 23-13 and 12-10. Alabama had to block 2 4th quarter field goals to escape. These games proved they can roll with anyone in the country. Tennessee should be most proud of their 45-19 whipping of rival Georgia and a 31-13 spanking of South Carolina. Tennessee's defense led by 1st year coordinator Monte Kiffan is outstanding. The only thing for Tennessee to worry about is the mouth on new head coach Lane Kiffan.

2009 Kentucky football has been what it has been since 2006, consistent. The Cats have been to three straight bowls, and Rich Brooks has the fans caring about UK football. This team has given itself a chance to continue that postseason streak, as they are 4-4 and still get to play Eastern Kentucky and Vanderbilt.

Georgia has not looked like any Mark Richt team I have ever seen. They had some good wins over South Carolina and Arkansas, but blowout losses to rivals Tennessee and Florida were not what they needed. They had close losses to LSU and Oklahoma State, the former game being influenced by bad officiating. It doesn't get easier for UGA. They need 2 more wins if they are to become bowl eligible, and 2 of their games being against Auburn and Georgia Tech doesn't help their cause.

Finally, we will mention Vandy, the last few season for Vandy dating back to 2005 have been good, but this one looks like classic Commodore form. This is not even a shell of last year 7-6 team that beat South Carolina, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Boston College. Now they can't even beat Army. At 2-7 it doesn't get any lower, and it's very likely this team will go 0-8 in conference.

So, what does all this mean for the future? Its likely that Florida will cruise to 12-0 before they play the Western Division winner in Atlanta. They have 4 winnable games, and the best player in the country. Sure, Superman may not be in 2008 form, but don't think for a second he's lost his powers. As for the west, we have the showdown in T-Town. #9 LSU coming to face #3 Alabama. These teams are focused on this game, and they know what's at stake. The winner gets a ticket to the BCS Semi-Final in Atlanta against the Gators, and possibly the season of a lifetime.

Texas, Oregon Prove they are the real deal.

I think Texas has basically clinched a spot in the BCS Title Game, but will they play Bama or Florida. Texas looked great in their 41-14 blowout of OK State. Oregon looked even better in their 47-20 win over USC, the ducks may be the best 1 loss team in the country, right over Georgia Tech.

So here is my Newest top 10 after the new ground breaking events.

1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. Iowa
5. Cincinnati
6. TCU
7. Oregon
8. Georgia Tech
9. Boise State
10.LSU

Here are my new BCS predictions

Title
Alabama vs Texas

Sugar
Florida Vs Pitt

Rose
Oregon vs Iowa

Orange
Georgia Tech vs TCU

Fiesta
Penn State vs Boise State


Prediction of the week

#3 Alabama 10 #9 LSU 9

TNR ep.3 10/31/09

here it is http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-Nelson-Report/2009/10/31/The-Nelson-Report-1031

copy and paste the url.

join us on btr now

We are live from btr now link to show will be up after its over, come listen live now search the nelson report

Alabama Fans Explode on Finebaum, Need to Calm Down

I find it funny that the Alabama fanbase is flipping out over Greg Mcelroy and the redzone struggles. Alabama fans on the show, one of the most respected sports talk show in the country, are calling for Jim Mc to lose his play calling duties and for Star Jackson to replace McElroy. Shut the hell up! Alabama is undefeated, and Im sure Alabama will fix the play calling. Sure its ridiculous not to hand 22 the ball in the redzone, and I think J Mc is learning that. It doesnt matter in my mind though, this defense is special, and Im not sure they need more than 12 points a game to win out, except for that showdown in Atlanta. The 1992 tide had a great defense and a terrible pass offense. Sounds like this team.

Fearless Bama predictions

Alabama 10 LSU 9
Alabama 27 Miss. St 6
Alabama 49 UT Chatt 0
Alabama 20 Auburn 0
Alabama 15 Florida 14

This Tide can roll with Ingram and defense, not flashy passing.

Here are the latest polls

The Nelson Report 9/25 Audio

Here is a link to listen to the new episode.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-Nelson-Report/2009/10/25/The-Nelson-Report-925

We are back

Sorry for our disappearance, but we are making it up to you with a show on in 13 minutes, i will post a link to it later you our welcome to listen live at blog talk radio. to call in the # is 347-850-1895.

week 7 predictions

8 Cincinnati 35
21 South Florida 14

20 Oklahoma 31
3 Texas 24

Arkansas 21
1 Florida 31

Purdue 21
7 Ohio State 35

11 Iowa 24
Wisconsin 13

4 Virginia Tech 24
19 Georgia Tech 12

6 USC 28
25 Notre Dame 31

Missouri 31
14 Oklahoma State 27

15 Nebraska 34
Texas Tech 17

22 South Carolina 13
2 Alabama 28

week 6 predictions

21 Nebraska 24

24 Missouri 20

17 Auburn 34

Arkansas 20

3 Alabama 28

20 Ole Miss 20

Georgia 24

Tennessee 13

13 Oregon 35

UCLA 14

Colorado 10

2 Texas 41

1 Florida 31

4 LSU 21

Michigan 21

12 Iowa 27

22 Georgia Tech 38

Florida State 17

]

Another Week in the Books

This week we learned that Oklahoma's title hopes are shot after their second loss of the season. Miami esponded well to getting thump by Virginia Tech by taking down the Sooners.

We also learned Houston doesnt have what it takes to be a true BCS Buster as they were bewildered by UTEP 51-38, who came into the game 1-3. Right now for BCS Buster of the year I will have to put my money on TCU with Boise State not far behind.

I have my new poll out, here is my top 25.

1.Florida

2.Alabama

3.Texas

4.Virginia Tech

5.Cincinnati

6.TCU

7.Boise State

8.Oregon

9.USC

10.LSU

11.Ohio State

12.Kansas

13.Miami

14.Auburn

15.Iowa

16.South Carolina

17.Oklahoma State

18.Ole Miss

19.South Florida

20.Penn State

21.Oklahoma

22.Nebraska

23.Georgia Tech

24.Stanford

25.Notre Dame

Here are my BCS predictions

National Championship

Alabama Vs Texas

Sugar Bowl

Florida Vs Cincinnati

Rose Bowl

Iowa Vs Oregon

Fiesta Bowl

USC Vs Miami

Orange Bowl

Virginia Tech Vs TCU

Week 5 Predictions

1st ever Nelson Report NCAA 10 Simulation

4 LSU 31

18 Georgia 24 OT

My Picks

4 Lsu 17

18 Georgia 41

Kentucky 7

3 Alabama 42

17 Miami 35

8 Oklahoma 31

24 Cal 28

7 USC 24

Auburn 31

Tennessee 13

21 Ole Miss 34

Vandy 10

Washington 27

Notre Dame 34

25 Ga. Tech 27

Miss. State 30

Stanford 30

UCLA 23

Another Crazy Week

#s 4,5,6,9,18,22, and 24 all lost this week. It proves to me that few teams are for real. Right now, that list includes Florida, Alabama, Texas, Cinncinati, and Virginia Tech. Its looking like a crazy season.

Next week I feel the most over-rated team in the country is going to get crushed. Im going out on a limb to say that Georgia will crush LSU 41-17 in Athens. The Kittens slipped by Miss. State 30-26. The kittens are running out of lives.

Houston may be the best Non-BCS team in the country. They beat Texas Tech 29-28. This is their 2nd win over tough opposition. I think we may see them 12-0 and in the BCS by the end of the year.

Here is my current top 10.

1.Florida

2.Alabama

3.Texas

4.TCU

5.Virginia Tech

6.Boise State

7.Oklahoma

8.USC

9.Ohio State

10.Cincinnati

Here are my week 4 predictions

(7) LSU 31

Miss. State 34

Indiana 21

#23 Michigan 31

Fresno 20

(14)Cinncinatti 35

(22) UNC 28

Ga Tech 24

S. Miss 35

(20) Kansas 31

South Florida 24

(18) FSU 34

Arkansas 23

#3 Alabama 31

#9 Miami 31

#11 Va Tech 17

#6 Cal 38

Oregon 20

#15 TCU 28

Clemson 17

Illinois 14

#13 Ohio State 34

Texas Tech 35

#17 Houston 52

Week 4 preview

Going on now #4 Ole Miss and South Carolina are battling on ESPN the score is 3-3 in the 2nd quarter. I am going to say Ole Miss wins 17-13. This is Ole Miss's Quiz before their 1st real test against Alabama. I will select the other games tomarrow night.

My current top 10 at the BCS Fan Poll is

1.Florida

2.Texas

3.Alabama

4.Penn State

5.Ole Miss

6.California

7.Oklahoma

8.Boise State

9.Miami (FL)

10.USC

Miami is back!

So first off I want to say that Da U is back in business. They dismantled Ga. Tech 33-17 and J. Harris has established himself as a dark horse heisman candidate. Miami has taken a big jump ahead of everyone else in the ACC, and I wont be surprised if we see a 12-0 by the Canes at the end of the season. Why? They play in the ACC. They have established themselves as a premiere player in the nation, making them an easy pick to dominate the conference.

Week 3 Predictions

We will make this short and sweet.

(14) Ga. Tech 28

(20) Miami 20

(19) Nebraska 24

(13) Va. Tech 27

Tennessee 9

(1) Florida 45

(17) Cincinnati 24

Oregon St. 10

(18) Utah 17

Oregon 31

Fla. State 10

(7) BYU 35

(23) Georgia 21

Arkansas 27

Texas Tech 14

(2) Texas 42

Auburn 31

West VA 17

Thats my story. On a side note I thought Vandy could upset LSU last week, if not for a bogus defensive holding on a pick, I think it may have happend.

Wacky Saturdays Continue, Cowboys Shocked

The biggest story from Saturday was Houston's 45-35 stunner in Stillwater. Houston's offense marched up and down the field on the Cowboys, with Case Keenum passing for over 350 yards. The Cougars got up 24-7 at the half, but the Boys came back. Houston didn't bck down though, and got a big victory. This should cement Houston as the #1 team in C-USA.

#3 USC scored in the last minute to defeat #8 Ohio State 18-15. The game got me to thinking about how over-rated both teams are. OSU, coming off a near loss to Navy almost beat the mighty Trojans? I think USC should wipe the floor with their easy schedule, until they play CAL. I think there may be some embarresment in that game. As I see it there a few teams in the nation at one level and everyone else is far behind.

Level 1 (ranked in order)

Florida

Texas

Alabama

Penn State

Ole Miss

Cal

Level 2

USC

BYU

Oklahoma

North Carolina

Ga Tech

Va. Tech

Level 3

Everyone Else

As we continue through the season I think my assumptions shall be proven, but for now here is my currnet top 10 as an offcial pollster for the Unnoficial BCS Fan Poll.

1. Florida

2.Texas

3.Alabama

4.USC

5.Penn State

6.Ole Miss

7.Cal

8.BYU

9.Oklahoma

10.Boise State

The Rest of my poll can be seen here.

The Nelson Report twitter is up

The Nelson Report now has a twitter, you can follow me at https://twitter.com/TheNelsonReport.

Week 1: Proves 2009 Will be a Wacky Year

The biggest stroyline is #20 BYU knocking off #3 Oklahoma 14-13; Sam Bradford went down for around 2-4 weeks with an injury that occured late in the 2nd Quarter. This cements BYU as a LEGITAMENT title contender. Unlike previous Non-BCS contenders BYU defeated a top 5 team. If they go undefeated they will defeat 2 more raned foes in TCU and Utah, clearing make them an easy selection for the National Title Game if they are the only undefeated or 1 of 2 undefeateds.

Alabama come out dominated Virginia Tech, but the score wouldn't tell you that. The #5 Tide won 34-24, but dominated on both sides of the ball, only keeping #7 VT in the game because of mental lapses and poor special teams. If Alabama can work these errors out of their game they are a clear favorite to sweep through their schedule and go 12-0. This team may give the Gators of Florida a run for their money in Atlanta.

I say Bama is the clear favorite in the SEC West because LSU looked lathargic in a 31-23 win over Washington (0-12 last season). The Tigers gave up almost 500 yards to the Huskies. UW drove it up and down on LSU, they just couldn't put points up. LSU doesn't look like they have a top 10 D like you can find in T-Town. This isn't my only reason to like UA in the West. Ole Miss "STAR" passer Jevon Snead look like a scared little kid against Memphis. He seemed jittery and never really setlled down until late. Evetually Snead threw 2 scores, but he also threw 2 picks to Memphis. Ole Miss and LSU can have the benefit of the doubt for now, but if things don't tun around Alabama will roll right into Atlanta at 12-0.

With the injury to Sam Bradford expect OU to struggle to get things going, they have asimple schedule for the weeks Sammy is expected to miss, but if he isn;t back before October 3rd don't be surprised to see Da U end OU's title hopes. Even if Sammy does comeback, I think Texas will blow OU out of the water. The Big 12 game of the year will really be on October 31st when Texas will play Oklahoma State in Stillwater. I was impressed with the Cowboys 24-10 win over Georgia and I think they may be the only team who can stop Texas.

In a other news, congrats to Boise State, another BCS who hit it big this week. The #14 Broncos dominated the 16th rankeed Oregon ducks 19-8. I do not think Boise will have a chance to play for a Title if they run the table however, as they have a much easier schedule here on in than Brigham Young.

Finally, this weekend will feature USC and Ohio State battling it out in what I have dubbed the "Over-Rated Bowl". Ohio State nearly lost to Navy, and I am still unsure about the USC true freshmen QB. I think that Ohio State is much more over-rated, and pick USC to dismantle the Buckeyes.

Episode 1 of The Nelson Report now available

You can listen to and episode 1 of The Nelson Report here from Blog Talk Radio.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-Nelson-Report/2009/09/04/The-Nelson-Report-Episode-1-90309

or download this file to luanch it in your default media player.

http://rapidshare.com/files/275390659/Nelson_Report_ep1_9-3-09.m3u.html

Live tonight on BTR at 11:00 PM central

The Nelson Report will be live at 11:00 Central PM for 15 minutes, you are welcome to listen and call in at blog talk radio, call in number is on the BTR page.

If you cannot listen, a download link/ listen on demand link will be posted after the show.

Breaking News: Jones and Ingram to play VS Va Tech

They have been reinstated, and here is the full statement from the NCAA.

The NCAA student-athlete reinstatement staff has reinstated the eligibility of University of Alabama football student-athletes Julio Jones and Mark Ingram based on a condition of repayment.

According to the facts of the case submitted by Alabama, the student-athletes received impermissible food, lodging, transportation and entertainment from an individual with whom one of the student-athletes had become acquainted prior to enrolling in college.

Consistent with NCAA membership requirements, the institution reported the violation and declared the student-athletes ineligible. As part of the reinstatement request, the institution required the student-athletes to make repayment of the value of the impermissible benefits to charity.

During the reinstatement process, the NCAA staff considers a number of factors including guidelines established by the NCAA Division I Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement, relevant case precedent, the student-athlete's responsibility for the violation, as well as any mitigating factors presented by the institution.

Bama Preps for Va Tech, Fishing Gate Looms around Ingram and Jones

The fishing trip taken by Alabama Players Mark Ingram and Julio Jones is still looming around the football team. Nick Saban stated that the players status for the upcoming game against Virginia Tech rests in the hands of the NCAA. Jones and Ingram accepted a free fishing trip from a Gulf Shores boat renter, Curtis Anderson. Rumors are that they accepted it as an illegal benefit from playing at Alabama. I think this is purely rediculous. The cost of the trip was much less than $100 per player, and Curtis Anderson seems to have no ties to The University of Alabama. If the players are not allowed to participate in the season opener against Virginia Tech it will damage Alabamas offense serverily. Ingram averaged 5 yards per carry last year as a freshman and the second half of a brutal 1-2 punch at running back. Jones led Alabama in recieving as a true freshman, losing Jones and Ingram would hurt Alabama chances, as they already have to bring in 3 new O-Linemen and a new Quarterback. But all is not lost. Virginia Tech star running back Darren Evans ,who had a huge year last season, is out with a torn ACL. It seems like player after player is going to miss Saturday's big match-up.

In other big news Nick Saban has signed a contract extension to run through 2017. If Saban remains at Alabama for the entire run of the contract, he would have the third longest term as an Alabama head coach ever. Now I know Nick doesnt like to stick around long at programs, but what more could he possibly want?

There are two games tonight that jump at me, South Carolina @ NC State, and 16 Oregon @ 14 Boise State. I think this opener will tell us alot about South Carolina, I think Spurrier needs to get something going this year, he he may need to ponder giving it up. I do think they can have a solid year though and get The Old Ball Coach back on track.

S.Car 31 NCST 10

For Boise and Oregon, I just got this gut feeling that Oregon is going to win the game, I dont know why, but I do. I think that they can put up the offensive numbers to outshine Boise.

Ore. 42 BSU 31

Welcome to The Nelson Report

This is Chris Nelson with the Nelson Report. I am here to bring you fair and balanced coverage of college fotball, going deep into all the major stories. The Nelson Report audio show will also be available.