New oc at Auburn. Doesn’t blow my socks off, but looks solid.  He was Florida’s quarterbacks’ coach in 2009 and in 2010. I know Florida’s offense did pretty well with Tebow in 2009 with 3,305 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, but they were pretty erratic that year also. The 2010 offense was anemic with John Brantley at quarterback in Urb’s last year. He was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks’ coach for Temple this season under head coach Steve Addazio. Addazio took the Temple job in 2011 after his stint as offensive coordinator at Florida in 2009 and 2010. Florida rolled on offense with Dan Mullen in charge, but when Addazio took over, they weren’t near as crisp. They still had Tebow in 2009, but 2010 was not a good year for their offense and Loeffler was the quarterbacks’ coach. Temple was an outstanding running team this year. Tailback Bernard Pierce ran for 1,500 yards. Their quarterback play wasn’t sensational, but they had a guy come in for eight games and throw for six touchdowns, after he split games with two other quarterbacks. Chiz might want to go more to the power running game moving forward. Could be what he’s thinking. The guy is 37, so he’s young. I would be cautiously optimistic about this hire. Young guy who has done some good things. To be determined. We’ll see how recruiting shakes out and then the spring.

Picks’ Record 104-51

AFC Championship game: Baltimore Ravens@New England

Patriots

 

Where: Foxboro, Massachusetts

Time: 2:00 PM CT

Network: CBS

Prediction: Patriots 24, Ravens 17

 

NFC Championship game: New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers

 

Where: Candlestick Park, San Francisco

When: 5:30 PM CT

Network: FOX

Prediction: Giants 28, 49ers 24

 

(Like Brady and Eli to get’er done tomorrow. Should be riveting.)

Auburn potential offensive coordinator from a report from SB Nation. Some website that covers college and pro ball. AU interviewed a candidate yesterday. This could have been that person.
Greg Knapp:

A couple of excellent matchups in the NFC and some heavier favorites in the AFC who will try and take care of business. Here are previews and predictions of this weekend’s games.
Record (101-50, 67%)

New Orleans Saints (14-3, 5-3 away) @San Francisco 49ers (13-3, 7-1 home)

Kickoff: 3:30 PM CT, Saturday

Network: FOX

Line: Saints by 4

Last time they met: Saints 24, 49ers 3, Preseason

Saints statistical leaders:

Passing: Drew Brees: 468-657 (71.2%), 5496 yards, 46 TDs, 14 Ints, 110.6 rating

Rushing: Darren Sproles: 87-603,  6.9 average, two TDs, 36 long; Pierre Thomas: 110-562, 5.1 average, 5 TDs, 33 long; Chris Ivory: 79-374, 4.7 average, two TDs, 35 long. Mark Ingram-out

Receiving: Jimmy Graham: 99-1,310, 13.2 average, 11 TDs, 59 long; Marques Colston: 80-1,143, 14.3 average, 8 TDs, 50 long; Darren Sproles: 86-710, 8.3 average, seven TDs, 39 long; Lance Moore: 52-627, 12.1 average, 8 TDs, 47 long.

Defensive leaders: Roman Harper: 95 tackles, 7.5 sacks; Jo-Lonn Dunbar: 79 tackles, two forced fumbles; Jonathan Vilma (the U): 54 tackles: Patrick Robinson: 4 ints.

49ers:

QB Alex Smith: 273-445 (61.3 %), 3,144 yards, 17 TDs, five Ints, 56 long, 90.7 rating.

RB: Frank Gore: 282-1,211, 4.3 average, 8 TDs, 55 long; Kendall Hunter: 112-473. 4.2 average, two TDs, 44 long.

WRs: Michael Crabtree: 72-874, 12.1 average, 4 TDs, 52 long; Vernon Davis: 67-792, 11.8 average, 6 TDs, 44 long.

Defensive leaders:

NaVorro Bowman: 143 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two sacks; Patrick Willis: 97 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four fumbles forced; Justin Smith 7.5 sacks; Ahmad Brooks:7 sacks; Aldon Smith: 14 sacks.

Analysis: The game is at Candlestick and that is a big advantage for the 49ers. Forty niners are extremely solid, play excellent defense and have an excellent running game with Frank Gore. Their quarterback, Alex Smith, looked like a bust for the last four years but has found a renewed  talent under Coach Jim Harbaugh, the best coach in the league besides Sean Payton of Saints. Saints are great indoors, but have struggled some on outdoor turf. But the weather should be OK, and I’m not going against Drew Brees. They’re my pick to win it all despite playing an outstanding team on the road tomorrow, I think the Saints will do enough offensively and hold the running game in check enough to make Alex Smith beat them. Don’t think he can do it. Like the Saints to pull it off.

Saints 24, 49ers 21

 

Denver Broncos (9-8, 5-3 away) @ New England Patriots (13-3, 7-1 home)

Time: 7 PM CT, Saturday

Network: CBS

Last time teams met: Patriots won 41-23 @ Denver in week 15

Line: NE by 14

Denver leaders:

Passing: Tim Tebow: 126-271 (46.5%), 1,729 yards, 12 TDs, 6 Ints, 72.9 qb rating.

Rushing: Willis McGahee: 249-1,199, 4.8 avg, 4 TDs, 60 long, three fumbles, three fumbles lost; Tim Tebow: 122-660, 5.4 avg, 6 TDs, 32 long, six fumbles, 2 lost; Lance Ball: 96-402, 4.2 avg, 1 TD, 34 long.

Receiving: Eric Decker (out) 44-612, 8 TDs; Demaryius Thomas: 32-551, 17.2 avg, 4 TDs, 47 long.

Defensive leaders:Wesley Woodyard: 97 tackles, three fumbles forced; D.J. Williams: 90 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles; Von Miller: 64 tackles, 11.5 sacks.

Patriots:

Passing: Tom Brady: 401-611 (65.6%), 5,235 yards, 39 TDs, 12 Ints, 105.6 rating.

Rushing: Benjarvus Green-Ellis: 181-667, 3.7 avg, 11 TDs, 18 long; Steven Ridley: 87-441, 5.1 avg, 1 TD, 18 long.

Receiving: Wes Welker: 122-1,569, 12.9 avg., 9 TDs, 99 long; Rob Gronkowski: 90-1,327, 14.7 avg, 17 TDs, 52 long; Aaron Hernandez: 79-910, 11.5 avg, 7 TDs, 46 long.

Defense: Jerod Mayo: 95 tackles two ints; Kyle Arrington: 88 tackles, 7 Ints; Andre Carter: 10 sacks.

Analysis: I love Tim Tebow. He’s a great kid and a true man of the Lord. I’m different than a lot of sports writers. I wholeheartedly believe there has been Divine Intervention in Tim’s comebacks. He glorifies the Lord and the Lord repays him for his unabashed spirituality. Tim also has a lot of God given talent, as well. But this is a different situation here. Just don’t think he can get it done in Foxboro. Tom Brady has the most God given talent in football at quarterback. He’s one of the all time greats; certainly top five and could be the greatest if he can win two or three more rings. Don’t think Tim can pull this one off as much as I respect the young man for hanging in there through seething criticism. Just think this time Brady, Gronkowski, Welker and Hernandez are just too much to handle for the Broncos’ defense which has played pretty inspired ball since Tim has taken over. The Patriots defended Tim handily last time and I’m sure Bill Belichick will have some more wrinkles in his defense to trick up Tim. So, in the end, gotta go with the Pats.  If it was in Denver, the Broncos could make it a competitive game and have a chance at the upset because the Pats’ defense isn’t that great. But not in New England. Like Brady and Pats to win pretty easily in this one.

Patriots 31, Broncos 17

 

Houston Texans (11-6, 5-3 away) @Baltimore Ravens (12-4, 8-0 home)

Time: Noon, Sunday

Network: CBS

Last time teams met: Ravens won 29-14 @Baltimore in week 6

Line: Ravens by 9

Texans:

Passing: Matt Schaub: Out ; T.J. Yates: 82-134 (61%), 949 yards, 3 TDs, 3 Ints, 80.7 rating.

Rushing: Arian Foster: 278-1224, 4.4 avg, 10 TDs, 43 long.

Receiving: Owen Daniels: 54-677, 12.5 avg, 3 TDs, 34 long; Foster: 53-617, 11.6 avg, 2 TDs, 78 long; Andre Johnson: 33-492, 14.9 avg, 2 TDs, 50 long.

Defense: Brian Cushing: 114 tackles, four sacks; Glover Quin: 77 tackles; Connor Barwin: 11.5 sacks; Jason Allen and Johnathan Joseph 4 ints.

Ravens:

Passing: Joe Flacco: 312-542 (57.6%), 3,610 yards, 20 TDs, 12 ints, 80.9 rating.

Rushing: Ray Rice: 291-1,364, 4.7 avg, 12 TDs, 70 long, two fumbles, both lost.

Receiving: Anquan Bolden: 57-887, 15.6 average, 3 TDs, 56 long; Torrey Smith: 50-841, 16.8 avg, 7 TDs, 74 long; Rice: 76-704, 9.3 avg, 3 TDs, 52 long.

Defense:

Ray Lewis: 95 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles; Jameel McClain: 84 tackles, two fumbles recovered; Terrell Suggs: 70 tackles, 14 sacks, 7 forced fumbles. Lardarius Webb: five ints.

Analysis:

The Texans had an impressive 31-10 victory over Cincy last week, but the Ravens’ defense is on another level from the Bengals. Ray Rice should tote the rock a lot and get in the end zone for Ravens, and the dominant TSizzle (Terrell Suggs) will play big in this game. I don’t love Joe Flacco; not sure Ravens can win it all with him under center. But they have  Rice and the defense to rely on in this one. Arian Foster is a stellar rb and Andre Johnson is getting back to being Andre Johnson, but don’t think they can do enough in Baltimore. Like the Ravens to go to New England next week for AFC Championship.

Ravens 24, Texans 17

 

New York Giants (10-7, 5-3 away) @ Green BayPackers (15-1, 8-0 home)

Time: 3:30 CT,Sunday

Network: FOX

Last time teams met: Packers 38, Giants 35 at New York

Line: Packers by 9

Giants:

Passing: Eli Manning: 359-589 (61%), 4,933 yards, 29 TDs, 16 Ints, 92.9 rating.

Rushing: Ahmad Bradshaw: 171-659, 3.9 avg, 9 TDs, 37 long, 0 fumbles; Brandon Jacobs: 152-571, 3.8, 7 TDs, 28 long, 3 fumbles, none lost.

Receiving: Victor Cruz: 82-1,536, 18.7 avg, 9 TDs, 99 long; Hakeem Nicks: 76-1,192, 15.7 avg, 7 TDs, 68 long; Mario Manningham: 38-604, 13.4 avg, 47 long.

Defense: Antrel Rolle: 96 tackles, two ints; Michael Boley: 93 tackles; Jason Pierre-Paul: 86 tackles, 16.5 sacks; Corey Webster: 6 Ints.

Packers:

Passing: Aaron Rodgers: 343-502 (68.3%), 4,643 yards, 45 TDs, 93 long, 122.5 rating.

Rushing: James Starks: 133-578, 4.3 avg, 1 TD, 1 fumble lost; Ryan Grant: 134-559, 4.2 avg, 2 TDs, 1 fumble lost.

Receiving: Jordy Nelson: 68-1,263, 18.6 avg, 15 TDs, 93 long; Greg Jennings: 67-949, 14.2, 9 TDs, 79 long; Jermichael Finley: 55-767, 13.9 avg, 8 TDs; James Jones: 38-635, 16.7 avg., 7 TDs, 70 long; Donald Driver: 37-445, 12 avg, 6 TDs, 35 long.

Defense: Desmond Bishop: 115 tackles, 5 sacks, two forced fumbles; Morgan Burnett: 107 tackles two forced fumbles, two recovered; Charlie Peprah: 94 tackles, five Ints, one TD; Charles Woodson: 74 tackles, seven ints; Clay Matthews: 50 tackles, 6 sacks, three ints, one TD, three forced fumbles.

Analysis: The Giants are on fire. Eli is on smokin and Victor Cruz is elite.  Maybe better than anybody in the league. Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham are excellent wrs as well, and the running game is getting cranking. Ahmad Bradshaw is a stud and Brandon Jacobs is a powerful runner who can get in the end zone. It’s hard to pick against the Packers though. ARodge is most likely the MVP of the league, the receiving corps is exceptional. But they could be without Greg Jennings. Still very formidable in the passing game. Running game pretty good, too. Defense a little suspect. I like the Giants defense a lot. That front four with Pierre-Paul, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck is terrific. It’s hard to go against the Pack, but I’m going to. I like these Giants. They’ve got a shot to go all the way.

Giants 31, Packers 28

 

(Breesy and Brady will be doin work tomorrow night.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was just meant to be. This is a phenomenal team. Why I doubted S I have no idea. Give S, Kirby, McElwain and the Tide coaches six weeks to prepare for any team in college football and they’re going to beat them. Barrett said last week the Tide was going “to restore order” and they did. And they did it with style and domination.

I’ve never seen S so happy. What he and his players and his community have gone through in the last 10 months would humble Barack Obama. S has been calmer, more serene and maybe more focused than ever to give the Tuscaloosa community happiness. Don’t get me wrong he’s still the same intense, focused coach he’s always been, but even the players were saying he was joking around more in practice, he was more approachable, nicer. And it sure paid off. When S got the Gatorade bath two years ago at the end of the Tide’s 13th national championship, he was angry. Basically the guys hit him on the head with the cooler, so I didn’t blame him. This time he loved it. I’ve never seen him so happy. S is funny, engaging and just himself. That’s what I love about him. What you see is what you get. But he’s just more at peace  now. He’s still the focused, disciplined, intense coach he’s always been and his attention to detail is beyond superb. Kirby Smart and Jim McElwain are terrific. McElwain has been rewarded with a head coaching job at Colorado State. Kirby will get that call some time in the next year or two. Kirby loves it in Tuscaloosa and they’ve got a dynasty there that will continue with S in charge. S will hire a new offensive coordinator, so that will be important. There was a rumor that Boise State oc Brent Pease might be coming, but it looks like he’s going to Florida. It won’t matter. S will get somebody who gives his personnel the best chance to succeed. Give A.J. somebody with the type of offensive imagination that plays to his strengths which is throwing the ball downfield and he’ll flourish. McElwain played to A.J.’s strengths, built confidence in him and A.J. just took off last night. McElwain deserves a lot of credit. It was interesting when reporters asked S about the defense. He loved the way his defense played, but he was just as excited about how the offense performed.

How about A.J.? 23-of-34 for 234 yards. Stellar. Kevin Norwood emerged as a go to receiver. Bodes well for the future as the Tide may be finding it’s big play guy with Norwood. DeAndrew White and Doron Carter will also help that cause. If Marquis Maze comes back, and I think he could, the Tide will be explosive in the passing game. They have a four star from Florida coming in, Amari Cooper, who could be an immediate impact receiver and also play a Julio role. It should be Julio by committee next year, and it’s going to be a very good committee. Trent didn’t go off, but he had some good runs and he had the exclamation point with his 34 yard TD scamper for the final 21-0 margin. Trent ran for 96. I was kind of surprised he got that many yards. It didn’t seem like he had that many. His TD run was vintage Trent. The hole was clogged up, he busted it to the outside and outran everybody. LSU was stacking the line to stop him, but they couldn’t contain him for the whole game. That wasn’t going to happen. Eddie played a terrific game.

The offensive line was dominant. They kept A.J. upright for the majority of the game. Barrett, William V, Chance Warmack, Anthony Steen and D.J. Fluker were sensational. Alabama won the line of scrimmage in dominating fashion. I saw Steen just bury an LSU guy on one play. That happened throughout the game. Talk about talent on that line. Wow. Four of them will return. It’s pretty impressive that D.J. is coming back for his senior year. He wants a degree and he wants to improve his draft stock. I applaud him for that. Barrett, of course, will too. And Steen and Warmack should be back as well. Tide loses Vlachos, and he’s been stellar for this team. They’ll miss him. He was a great one. But there is a lot of talent coming back. With Cyrus and Arie back next year from injuries, this should be another dominant line.

What else can you say about the defense? LSU got 92 yards of total offense. I’ll say it. This was one of the greatest defenses in Alabama history and college football history. They’re in my top 10 of all time in college football. In Alabama lore,  right up there with 2009, 1992 and teams in the ’70’s. Maybe the best. It’s hard to say. Two years ago, the team had the dominating Rolando McClain and NFL players Javy Arenas, Kareem Jackson, Mount Cody and Marcell Dareus. But this team has more NFL players. I don’t see a single player who can’t play in the NFL. Nick Gentry is a little bit smaller than your typical dtackle, but he’ll find a place. The guy has the heart of a lion, the toughness of a grizzly. He will be on an NFL roster next year. Courtney and Dont’a will be top 10 or 12 picks. I would be surprised if  they don’t go in the top 10. One of them in the top five. They’re special. Damion Square is going to play in the league. Dequan Menzie, and, of course, Mark Barron, will go though Barron was a little quiet last night. Mark’s been hurt and I think that’s cut down on his production. But he’ll be playing on Sundays next year. That’s a rhetorical statement. Of course he’ll be playing on Sunday. That’s a guarantee. Not sure what Dre and Lester will do. Dre looked really good last night. He could go. Would like to see both come back. Dre got a little payback on the Honey Badger when he put a good lick on him on a HB punt return. That was a little poetic justice after Mathieu put a dirty shot on Dre in the first game. Think Lester could definitely use another year.

Can they do it again next year? They can. I thought two years ago after the ’09 national title that they would do it again in ’10. But Tide lost some key players on defense from the ’09 team and that hurt them. Still had a good team in ’10. It was just a building year for this one. The team will lose key players off this defense. It also depends on if guys like Maze, Dre, and Lester come back. Even Nico Johnson. He’s a heckuva player. But they have some stellar talent coming back. Almost forgot Jerell Harris. Complete stud. He’ll be on TV on  Sundays next year. What will Nico do? I’d like to see him come back. Trey Depriest will be back which will be big. C.J. Mosley will be back. Hated to see him get hurt last night. Close to a real cheap shot by Jefferson on him. Jefferson is a thug. But C.J. should be OK next year. Looked like an ankle injury. He’s struggled with injuries this year but he’s another fantastic football player. Tana Patrick will be back at linebacker and I think S and Kirby like him a lot. There’s so much talent in the arsenal that it’s scary. There will be plenty of competition next year. LSU will be good again, but I don’t think Miles can beat S any more. S has had enough of that. So there’s a I’d say 55 % chance at back to back; three out of four and 15 national championships for the most storied program in college football. You can say all you want about Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas and Oklahoma, but this program is the standard bearer  for college football and will be in the future for as long as S stays. I hope it’s 10 more years.

One word about Maze. I love the kid. He made a beautiful punt return that got the momentum started. I can’t remember if ‘Bama kicked a field goal or not on that possession because there were so many great plays, but that got the team going without a doubt. Unfortunately, Marquis pulled a hamstring. He was in tears on the sidelines. I felt terrible for him. He’s such a dedicated kid with so much passion for the game AND his team. You want to see him succeed. This game meant so much to him you could tell. Hopefully he’ll be back for one more run.

I’ll be the first to admit, I was flat wrong on A.J. He was terrific.  His throws were right on target and beautiful. And he showed tremendous leadership in the huddle and on the sideline. This kid is going to take off and be a history maker at Alabama if he stays focused, dedicated and humble. The tools are there for an amazing career. He’s had a good year this year; great including last night. If A.J. plays like this next year, with the talent around him, the national championship is in the cards.

Eddie will take over for Trent who will go pro. Trent has two little girls and he needs to support’em. He deserves a big contract. He’s been a stellar person and tremendous leader for this football team. He’s one heckuva football player, too. He’s a top five pick. And he should excel in the pros. Eddie, the heralded five star Dee Hart, who was out with a knee injury this year, Jalston Fowler, Brent Calloway, Blake Sims, and two heralded commitments will man rb position. Eddie may not start. But he’ll play a lot. Seems like a great team player. Running back is in good hands. Dee Hart is supposed to be special.

So Tide fans enjoy this. It’s hard to win a national championship. S makes it look easier than most coaches, but it’s a hard thing to do. It’s amazing what Bear Bryant did, but the competition may be even stiffer today. If S wants to stay at Alabama eight to 10 more years, who knows how many he can get. Auburn, LSU, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina have their work cut out for them. S is is next to impossible to beat some years. And it looks like it just keeps getting better. The recruiting class is ranked number one in the country after another five star safety, Landon Collins, committed to the Tide and another four star player did as well last week. I’m thinking Jameis Winston might come the Tide’s way now. Wow, that would be something else.

Southern Cal is supposed to be very good next year. Texas has had some stellar recruiting classes the last couple of years so they should be good. Mack Brown needs to be good or he could be in trouble. Florida State will be a competitor for sure. Jimbo Fisher has loaded up on talent. But I think the Tide can get back there. They’ll have to shore up the defense with some younger players, but the young talent is coming out of the roof. Hassan Clinton Dix is a five star safety and he played some this year. He’ll be the next Barron. Maybe better. Vinnie Sunseri is a heckuva football player at safety and on the kickoff team. This Christian Jones, the freshman who returned punts when Maze got hurt, looks like the next Maze. Some of it will depend on what guys like Dre and Lester do. But the talent keeps coming. LSU, Arkansas and Auburn better get to work and bring about 1000 lunch pales over the next seven months.

Just a word on Les Miles and Jordan Jefferson. Why Miles didn’t put Jarrett Lee in after halftime was incredibly stupid. Why he stuck with Jefferson, who had no chance to throw the ball downfield, is beyond reason. He really did Lee wrong this year. Miles was clearly outcoached and outcoached by a big margin. S is the best in the country on any level. Miles is an average coach; nothing special. He can recruit and he’s got superb talent base to recruit in in Louisiana and Texas. Louisiana has about eight to 10 Hoovers and he can get players out of Texas. I’ve always thought he was lucky and not that good. Jefferson kicked a guy in the head several times this summer in a bar fight and helped put three guys in the hospital. What goes around comes around. Miles let too much go. He let Honey Badger and another key player back on the team after they smoked pot REALLY putting the hammer down and suspending  them for a week. That’s a joke. It came back to haunt him. Character matters. Jefferson’s and Miles’ lack of it factored in their poor performances last night. Winning ultimately is about character, too. S and Alabama have it. Miles and LSU don’t.

Enjoy the victory Tide fans. With S in charge, there should be more coming. Top recruiting class in the country coming in. Let the good times Roll.

(S and A.J.: How Sweet it it.)

There’s not too much to add to what has already been written in the newspapers and analyzed on ESPN. I’ll give the matchups and whom I think has the edge.
Quarterback: LSU. Jefferson can do more than McCarron. Not convinced McCarron can do much of anything against LSU secondary. Could check down to Trent in screen game which would be effective. Also, tight end Brad Smelley could be a weapon for Tide. But as far as throwing downfield, don’t think A.J. can have much success doing that. He’s risking Mathieu, Claiborne and others picking him off. Jefferson gives LSU another weapon running the ball and he can throw it enough to keep the Tide from stacking the line every play.

Running back: I’ll give Trent and Eddie a slight advantage over LSU’s four. Trent could be the difference maker for the Tide. If he can run for 150 yards and score once or twice I like the Tide’s chances. Eddie could help, too. Spencer Ware, Michael Ford, Alfred Blue and Kenny Hilliard are excellent backs, too, but Tide gets slight edge.

Wide receivers: I give LSU the slight edge in this category because Rueben Randle is a deep threat and can make big plays. So can Russell Shepard and Shepard can break it on the reverses. Marquis Maze is a weapon in the return game and is a good receiver who can go get it. But he’s short and the LSU secondary can keep up with him speed wise. Dareus Hanks can be a factor, too. But, overall, like the explosiveness of LSU better.

Offensive line: Alabama more heralded group and I guess I give them a slight edge, but this LSU line is very underrated and can really run block. Think both dlines will not be huge factors tonight if the olines play the way they’re capable of playing. I’ll give ‘Bama a slight edge.

Defensive lines: This is really a wash. Nick Gentry has done an excellent job at tackle for Tide and Damion Square and Jesse Williams are good players, also. LSU’s guys are underrated. Barkevious Mingo, their defensive end, is a very good player. Don’t see either side with an edge there.

Linebackers: Alabama. Best linebackers in the country. Dont’a and Courtney are first round picks; probably top 15. LSU’s ‘backers pretty good, just not dominant like ‘Bama’s.

Secondary: LSU. Like the lbs for Alabama, Claiborne will be a top 10 pick in April and Mathieu will be a top five in 2013. Reid is a great player as well. ‘Bama’s dbs are good, but not as good as Bengal Tigers in the secondary. ‘Bama’s secondary is banged up, too.

Kicking game: LSU. Brad Wing, the punter, and Drew Alleman, the kicker, are difference makers. Cody Mandell is a good punter, but don’t trust Cade Foster to make the longer field goals when they count.

Return game: LSU. Mathieu is the best in the country. Maze is terrific, but not sure about hid ankle. Claiborne is good at returning kickoffs. So is Trent, though, when he does it.

Final Analysis: I think it comes down to the LSU secondary making plays in the Alabama passing game. They are the best secondary in recent memory in college football. So if the Bayou Bengals stack the line to stop Richardson and McCarron has to throw, the LSU dbs will pick off one or two passes and that could be the difference. I think Jefferson does more than McCarron and McCarron makes a mistake or two. An Alleman field goal helps the LSU cause as well.

LSU 17, Alabama 14 

(A.J. McCarron will be tested severely by the Honey Badger and his secondary mates.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday

Cincinnati Bengals (9-7, 5-3 away) vs. Houston Texans (10-6, 5-3 home)

Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

When: 4:30 ET/ 3:30 PM CT

Network: NBC

Line: Houston by 3

Cincy:

Coach: Marvin Lewis (9 years,69-74, 48%)

Offensive leaders:

QB Andy Dalton: 300-of-516 (58.1%), 3398 yards, 20 TDs, 13 ints, 80.4 passer rating.

RB Cedric Benson: 273-1,067 3.9 average. 71.1 per game, 42 long, 6 TDs. Five fumbles, two lost.

WR: A.J. Green: 65-1,057, 16.3 average, 7 TDs, 58 long. 19 catches of +20 yards. WR Jerome Simpson: 50-725,14.5 average, 4 TDs. 84 long.10 catches 20+yards. WR Jermaine Gresham: 56-596, 10.6 average, 6 TDs, 31 long. 10 catches of +20 yards

Defensive leaders: Thomas Howard 99 tackles; Rey Maualaga 88 tackles; Reggie Nelson 85 tackles, four interceptions.

Houston:

Coach: Gary Kubiak (6 years, 47-49, 49%)

Offensive Leaders: QB T.J. Yates: 82-134 (61.2%), 949 yards 3 TDs, 3 Ints, 80.7 rating.

RB Arian Foster: 278-1224, 4.4 average, 94.2 per game, 43 long, 10 TDs, four fumbles, two lost.

WR Owen Daniels: 54-677, 12.5 average, 3 TDs, 34 long, 8 catches 20+ yards. Arian Foster: 53-617, 11.6 average, 2 TDs, 78 long, 9 catches of 20+ yards. WR Andre Johnson: 33-492, 14.9 average, 2 TDs. 80 long, 9 catches of 20+ yards.

Defensive leaders: Brian Cushing 114 tackles, Glover Quin 77 tackles.. Connor Barwin 11.5 sacks, Jason Allen and Johnathan Joseph 4 ints.

Analysis: This is a tough one. Two pretty good teams that are probably not going to the Super Bowl and are not that hot right now. Houston lost their last three regular season games and have been beset by injuries throughout the year. They lost quarterback Matt Schaub for the season earlier in the year, but T.J. Yates, the rookie from North Carolina, has done a pretty decent job in relief. Andre Johnson, their outstanding wide receiver, has been hurt a lot, but he’s back and he’s an all pro. They lost defensive end Mario Williams for the season, also, and running back Arian Foster has been banged up. Cincy goes with their own rookie qb in Andy Dalton. Cedric Benson has done a good job running the ball and A.J. Green is special at wide receiver. Defenses are both pretty decent. Houston earned their last victory over Cincy on Dec 11 at Paul Brown Stadium in dramatic fashion with a touchdown at the end of the game to win it. With teams that are as evenly matched as these two, I’m going with the home team despite the nicks and bruises on the Texans. Think Texans will be a little bit better than Bengals. Foster and Johnson will be the difference for the Texans with Yates being good enough. He and Dalton are a wash.

Texans 24, Bengals 20

Saturday

Detroit Lions (10-6, 5-3 away) vs. New Orleans Saints (13-3, 8-0 home)

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

When: 8 PM ET/ 7 PM CT

Network: NBC

Line: Saints by 11

Lions:

Coach: Jim Schwartz (3 years, 18-30, 37.5%)

Offensive leaders:

QB Matthew Stafford: 421-663 (63.5%), 5,038 yards, 41 TDs, 16 Ints, 97.2 rating.

RB Jahvid Best: 84-390, 4.6 ypc, 65 per game, 88 long, 2 TDs,o fumbles

WR Calvin “Megatron” Johnson: 96-1681, 17.5 average, 16 TDs, 73 long, 32 catches 20+ yards

Defensive leaders:

Stephen Tulloch 111 tackles; DeAndre Levy 109; Cliff Avril 11 sacks; Ndamukong Suh four sacks; Chris Houston 5 ints

Saints:

Coach: Sean Payton (Six years, 62-34, 64.6%)

Offensive leaders: QB Drew Brees: 468-657 (71.2%), 5476 yards, 46 TDs, 14 Ints, 110.6 Rating

RB Darren Sproles: 87-603, 6.9 ypc, 37.7 per game, 36 long, 2 TDs, o fumbles

RB Pierre Thomas: 110-562, 5.1, 35.1 per game, 33 long, five TDs, 1 fumble lost

RB Chris Ivory: 79-374, 4.7, 62.3 per game, 35 long,1 TD, 0 fumbles

Tight End Jimmy Graham: 99-1310, 13.2 average, 11 TDs,

59 long, 18 catches 20+ yards

Wide receiver Marques Colston: 80-1143, 14.3 average, 8 TDs, 50 long, 15, 20+yard catches

Darren Sproles: 86-710, 7 TDs; Lance Moore 52-627, 8 TDs; Robert Meachem: 40-620, 6 TDs.

Defensive leaders:

Roman Harper 96 tackles, 7.5 sacks; Jo-Lonn Dunbar 79 tackles; Patrick Robinson 4 ints; Jonathan Vilma 53 tackles.

Analysis:

I don’t see this game being very close. Drew Brees and his arsenal of offensive mates are on fire. Mark Ingram is out throughout the postseason, but Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas and Brandon Ivory can all tote it well. The receivers are outstanding. Detroit can’t stop’em particularly after giving up 450 yards of passing and six TDs to Green Bay backup Matt Flynn last week. Flynn is an excellent player, but Drew Brees, when he’s done, if he stays healthy, will be one of the greatest of all time. New Orleans is my pick to win the Super Bowl over the Patriots. I like Saints to get it started Saturday Night.

Saints 45, Detroit 28

Sunday

Atlanta Falcons (10-6, 4-4 away) vs. New York Giants (9-7, 4-4 home)

Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

When: 1 PM ET/Noon CT

Network: Fox

Line: Giants by 3

Falcons:

Coach: Mike Smith (4 years, 43-21, 67%)

Offensive leaders:

QB Matt Ryan: 347-566 (61.3%) 4,177 yards, 29 TDs, 12 Ints, 92.2 rating

RB Michael Turner: 301-1,340 4.5 ypc, 83.8 per game, 80 long, 11 TDs, three fumbles, two lost.

WR Roddy White: 100-1,296, 13.0 per catch, 8 TDs, 43 long, 18 catches +20 yards; WR Julio Jones: 54-959, 17.8 per catch, 8 TDs, 80 long, 16 catches +20 yards; Tony Gonzalez: 80-875, 10.9 per catch, 7 TDs, 30 long, 8 catches +20 yards.

Defensive leaders:

Curtis Lofton: 147 tackles; Sean Witherspoon 115 tackles, four sacks; Thomas DeCoud 86 tackles, four ints.

Giants:

Coach: Tom Coughlin (8 years Giants, 74-54, 59%)

Offensive leaders:

QB Eli Manning: 359-589 (61%), 4,933 yards, 29 TDs, 16 Ints, 92.9 rating.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw: 171-659, 3.9, 54.9 per game, 37 long, 9 TDs, 0 fumbles; RB Brandon Jacobs: 152-571, 3.8, 40.8 per game, 28 long, 7 TDs, three fumbles, none lost.

WR Victor Cruz: 82-1,536, 18.7 average, 9 TDs, 99 long, 25 catches +20 yards; WR Hakeem Nicks 76-1,192, 15.7, 7 TDs, 68 long, 17 catches 20+ yards.

Defensive leaders:

Antrel Rolle: 96 tackles, two ints; Michael Boley: 93 tackles, three recovered fumbles; Jason Pierre-Paul: 86 tackles, 16.5 sacks; Kenny Phillips: 82 tackles, four ints.

Analysis:

I think this is going to be a good game. The Falcons can score some points now. The Giants’ defense, particularly their dline, is playing at Super Bowl level, but if the Falcons’ Oline can hold them off, Ryan should be able to connect with his playmakers White, Jones and Gonzalez. Giants also have to stop Michael Turner on the ground. Do like the way G-Men are playing now on both sides of the ball though. Eli and Victor Cruz are playing phenomenal. A lot of people are saying this team is very similar to the 2007 Super Bowl Championship team, and it is in many ways. But I’m not there totally yet. Not sure their running game is as good because Bradshaw has been hurt and so has Jacobs a little bit. But it looks like they’re getting it together. This team has a shot to win it all. They’re good enough Think they will win Sunday, but don’t think they can go all the way with the competition they have to face down the road. This should be a fun, entertaining game, but I like the Giants to advance.

G-Men 31, Falcons 27

 

Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4, 5-3 road) vs. Denver Broncos (8-8, 3-5 home)

Where: Sports Authority Field, Mile High Stadium, Denver

When: 4:30 ET/3:30 PM CT

Network: CBS

Line: Steelers by 5.5

Steelers:

Coach: Mike Tomlin (55-25, 69%)

Offensive leaders: QB Ben Roethlisberger: 324-513, 4,077 yards, 21 TDs, 14 Ints, 90.1 rating

RB Isaac Redman: 110-479, 4.4, 27, 27 long, 3 TDs, two fumbles/both lost

WR Mike Wallace: 72-1193, 16.6, 8 TDs, 95 long, 18 catches +20 yards; Antonio Brown: 69-1108, 16.1, 2 TDs, 79 long, 18 catches +20 yards; Heath Miller: 51-631, 12.4, 2 TDs, 39 long, 8 catches +20 yards.

Defensive leaders: Lawrence Timmons 93 tackles Troy Polamalu 93 tackles, James Harrison 59 tackles, 9 sacks.

Broncos:

Coach: John Fox ( first year, 8-8. Carolina previously for nine years, 81-79, 51%)

Offensive leaders:

QB Tim Tebow: 126-271, 1,729 yards, 12 TDs, 6 Ints, 72.9 rating.

RB Willis McGahee: 249-1,199, 4.8, 79.9, 60 long, 4 TDs, three fumbles lost; Tebow: 122-660, 5.4, 47.1, 32 long, 6 TDs, six fumbles, two lost.

WR Eric Decker: 44-612, 13.9, 8 TDs, 56 long, 9 catches +20 yards; Demaryius Thomas: 32-551, 17.2, 4 TDs, 44 long, 9 catches +20 yards.

Analysis: I don’t see this one being very close even with Pittsburgh not having Rashard Mendanhall and Ryan Clark, who are both out; Mendenhall for the rest of the year with a torn ACL in his knee and Clark unable to play at the Denver altitude. But Big Ben will do some damage with Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Heath Miller. They’ll run it a little bit. I’m afraid Tim Tebow is going to have another long day. He’s become very limited in what he can do. These NFL defenses are so fast and so well coached, that it looks like, as of right now, they’ve figured out Tebow and he can’t do anything. He’s going to have a lot of trouble with James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley and Troy Polamalu. They’re just too good and Tebow is not very good right now. Like the Steelers to handle the Broncos pretty soundly.

Steelers 24, Broncos 7

(Drew and Eli both going for Super Bowl Number Two.)