The Iron Bowl Version 2010

This years Iron Bowl is the most anticipated Iron Bowl in quite a while as both teams have plenty to play for, even though Auburn is playing for the ultimate prize and Alabama is trying to keep an outside shot at a BCS bowl. Most of the "experts" predict that Alabama would end up in the Capital One Bowl and Auburn in the Sugar Bowl, but again those are just projections.

This years game presents some interesting match-ups within the game but four are the most crucial. One is the Alabama Defensive line vs Auburn's offensive line, Auburns secondary against Alabama receiving corps, Alabama linebackers vs Cam Newton, and Kirby Smart vs Gus Malzahn.

If Alabama wants to even think about putting pressure on Cam Newton it all starts with Marcel Dareus, Josh Chapman, and Luther Davis. Those three are the biggest key and have most of this year sorta have been a let down. Alabama's weakest point going into the season was suppose to be the secondary but it has turned out to be the D-Line. On the flip side Auburn's line has done a good job in keeping Cam Newton safe all year and out of trouble. Then when Cam got into trouble and had to role out atleast one of the lineman was there to block the first guy. If Alabama is able to keep Newton in the pocket and not let him outside the pocket then it should bode well for the Crimson...EDGE- Alabama Defensive Line

Auburn's defense all year has lacked one thing and that is a solid secondary, especially did not help when Savage went out for the season. After seeing what A.J. Green did to Auburn's defense it will be hard pressed to not to expect Julio Jones have the same type of day. Especially from top to bottom Alabama has a better group of receivers overall than Georgia did and that leads to many believe that Alabama should be able to throw over 300 yards against the Auburn secondary....EDGE- Alabama Receiving

Cam Newton is the Heisman front-runner and is most likely going to win the prestigious award. Every week he always has to go against the opposing teams linebackers as most teams usually puts a spy on him. There is only one problem with that from the previous match-ups, Alabama has the linebackers that have similar size to Cam Newton. Courtney Upshaw and Donta Hightower both have the size to be able to take Newton down with one hit but speed will be the issue. That is what seperates Cam apart from most as he runs like a deer down the field and no one can stop him...EDGE- Cam Newton

Now its time for the coordinators as two of the best coordinators face off against each other in Kirby Smart and Gus Malzahn. Kirby Smart is known for having great defenses and this year is no different as the Tide is only allowing around 13 points per game. Its no surprise as Coach Nick Saban is able to use different schemes to confuse opposing teams quarterbacks, and Kirby Smart is no stranger to dial up blitzes. Gus Malzahn offenses are just as confusing as Smarts defenses. Malzahn always throws in new wrinkles and trick plays that always lead to touchdowns when you add Cam Newton into the mix you can forget about the Wildcat formation since Newton is a type of wildcat quaterback....EDGE- Gus Malzahn.

Prediction- Alabama is riding a twenty game winning streak at home and Auburn has not played in a stadium as loud as they will be in this weekend, the game should be close the entire time...Alabama 34 Auburn 31

College Football Predictions 11/20

Well there is three weeks left in the season and the SEC Championship game is locked up between South Carolina and Auburn, the Big Ten still have three teams with only one conference lost and the ACC, well its the ACC only Virginia Tech is a lock for the Title game. This weeks football games are not as strong as they have been the past couple of weeks as the SEC seems like its taking a bye as there is really no headline games this weekend, while the ACC and Big Ten conference have some pretty good games but the biggest storylines might just be the two football games being played in Major League Baseball Stadiums (Wrigley and Yankee stadium). But here it goes another week of theCheek20's Predictions!!!

Game of the Week- This week we head to the state that touches seven other states as The University of Tennessee takes on Vanderbilt University in Nashville. The reason why this is the biggest game of the weekend is because Tennessee has struggled this year and Vanderbilt well has just been Vanderbilt. Tennessee over the past couple of weeks have been playing better with freshman QB Tyler Bray and i would look to continue that success. It seems that Bray and WR Justin Hunter have finally found chemistry which is going to be scary for the rest of the SEC for years to come as they hooked up three time for 114 yards and two touchdowns. But do not count out the Vanderbilt defense as John Stokes and Chris Marve is one of the best duo of linebackers in the NCAA and Casey Heyward is starting to be known as a shutdown corner.

Predicition- Expect Tennessee to come out sluggish since they just defeated Ole Miss for their first SEC win last week but they should end up winning it in the fourth quarter...Tennesee 24 Vanderbilt 20

Other Games

Arkansas vs Mississippi State- Arkansas trying to get to the Cotton Bowl and with a win they should have it locked up...Ark 24 Miss State 21

LSU vs Ole Miss- Ole Miss has upsetted LSU the past two years which makes this very interesting but i wouldnt expect it this year...LSU 35 Ole Miss 21

South Carolina vs Troy- This has upset written all over it with South Carolina still celebrating their big victory over Florida last week, but Troy is a little down this year...USC 35 Troy 21

Florida vs Appalachian State- Florida will most likely score in the 60's after losing last week...UF 63 App State 14

Game of the Week- We head to College Park, Maryland and find the Florida State Seminoles against the Maryland Terrapins. Wait? What! Maryland is actually in the race for something this year? Yep the winner of this game will most likely end up playing Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game. Florida State starts a senior in Christian Ponder who was out last week against Clemson. Maryland starts a freshman QB in Danny O'Brien and that match-up I would have to give Florida State the nod. Where the biggest edge is Florida State's defense against Marylands defense. Florida State defense is beginning to turn into the defenses' we are use to seeing in the 90's under Bobby Bowden, and that gives the Seminoles the biggest edge.

Predicition- With the Atlantic Division on the line Senior leadership is always key and Florida State has a Senior leader at the most key position...FSU 35 Maryland 21

Other Games

Miami vs Virginia Tech- Pre-season this looked like a key game in to see who was going to win the Coastal division now its just another game...Miami 14 VA Tech 17

Boston College vs Virginia- Virginia has already upsetted Miami, expect another one here..BC 14 Wahoos 17

NC State vs North Carolina- Russell Wilson is the best QB in the ACC. Period. NC State 24 UNC 17

Clemson vs Wake Forest- Another disappointing season with the up and down Clemson..Wake 21 Clemson 24

Duke vs Georgia Tech- Duke might be starting to playing its best ball but with senior day in Atlanta emotions will be running high...Duke 21 Ga Tech 42

Florida International vs Louisiana Lafayette- Florida International absolutely destroyed Troy last week en route to winning the de-facto Sun Belt Championship game, as long as the Golden Panthers win out then they will be partying in the Big Easy for the bowl season but you never know this is Sun Belt after all..FIU 35 LL28

Middle Tennessee vs Western Kentucky- After getting upset by the Mean Green last week expect the Blue Raiders to come out and take it to the lonely Hilltoppers..MTSU 42 WKU 21

North Texas vs Louisiana Monroe- North Texas is coming off a huge win by upsetting Middle Tennessee last week but dont expect a hang over as they look to continue their success...NT 35 La Monroe 31

Florida Atlantic vs Texas- Why cant the Owls go into Austin and win, Texas is down and out and most likely wont be playing hard so the Owls hang in there until the fourth...FAU 24 Texas 38

Troy vs South Carolina- See SEC section

Other Top National Games

Army vs Notre Dame- Notre Dame gets to face a military academy with the option as its major weapon. Also Yankee Stadium will be playing host to this game and might throw off both teams a little bit. Notre Dame is trying to get bowl eligible and needs this win..Army 21 ND 24

Illinois vs Northwestern- This is going to be the most bizarre game in the college football this year as both teams will be playing towards the west endzone...Illinois 24 Northwestern 23

Ohio State vs Iowa- Iowa's lost last week put them out of Big Ten contention for the title, now its Ohio States turn..Iowa 24 Ohio State 20

Texas A&M vs Nebraska- Nebraska is just too good for the Aggies to pull off the upset...Neb 31 A&M 21

Houston vs Southern Miss- Houston is looking to become bowl eligible still and going to the rock is no easy task but it can be done as UAB proved...Houston 31 Southern Miss 17

Should Alabama fans root for Auburn to win a National Championship this year?

Ok I know that its crazy but listen up! Alabama fans should be rooting for Auburn to win the National Championship if they make it, if in two weeks Auburn upends Alabama in the Iron Bowl. Do not throw stones at me yet, first read and think about it before you do any type of negative reactions.

First off, I know last year Auburn fans did not want Alabama to win the National Championship but Alabama fans here is where you can show you are different than Auburn fans. Just think about it for a minute if Auburn were to win, that would make it the first time in BCS history that two teams from the same state won the National Title in back to back years. How great would that be for the state and say about the football us in Alabama came to cheer for and love. It would most likely be for a good twenty to thirty years  that another state even comes close. If you look at other states like Florida, Texas, and California they only have one dominate team in the state and one of the states top team is on probation right now, ill let you figure out who that one is. The state of Alabama would be known as the best place to watch college football, something we all knew about already, now the nation can take a notice as well.

Secondly, College Football is what the state is know for nationally. Yeah we are known for it but most "experts" does not see Alabama as a top five state for college football. They see California, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Ohio as places to watch the best collegiate football and most of those states only have one team. The reason Ohio is considered more than Alabama is because they have a consistent football team in Ohio State that constantly year in and year out win or contend for a Big Ten championship. And if Alabama only has one team every five or six year contend for an SEC Championship than we cant be put up there in regards of top states for college football.

Thirdly, Just think about the players that both teams would put in the NFL draft which in return would give the colleges better players and would make the football games more exciting to watch. The schools that produce the most NFL talent are from the Florida's, Texas', and Oklahoma's. The reason they are usually in the National Championship hunt. How would you like to see a graphic on ESPN and see that the state of Alabama produced the most NFL talent for that year. I think that would be pretty cool.

There are just a couple of reasons on why I think it would be good for the state of Alabama if Auburn was able to win the National Championship this year and either Alabama or Auburn were able to continue this success in the coming years. So what do you think, please leave a comment in the comment box.

College Football Predictions 11/13

Alright with the season coming down to the wire things are beginning to shape up in the world of college football. That does not mean that there are not meaningful games this weekend but then again its college football so every week is a playoff type game, so here are my predictions for the week:

 GOTW- This week we head down to the Swamp for the clash between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Florida Gators. Going into the season everyone predicted this game would be the game that would send the winner to Atlanta, most people did not think that both teams would have three conference losses each heading into the game. Both of the quarterbacks have not played up to the standard set for them but have not played too bad overall. South Carolina's secondary has not been able to get it together all season and do not think that they will be able to get it all together against a tough Florida passing attack. Florida needs two players to play superb in order for them to win: Jeff Demps and Chris Rainy. South Carolina will need Stephen Garcia to lead the offense and be able to throw and throw well against the gators secondary in order for South Carolina to win.

Prediction- South Carolina has had enough chances to pull away from Florida in the division but has yet to do it and they always struggle on the road...Florida 24 South Car 21

Other Games:

Alabama vs Miss State- Nick Saban can not lose two in a row...right? Alabama 17 Miss State 7

Auburn vs Georgia- Deep Souths oldest rivarly should be a good offensive match-up so plan for plenty of touchdown parties in this one...Auburn 42 Georgia 35

Ole Miss vs Tennessee- Derek Dooley's squad keeps improving each week while Ole Miss is still a question mark...Ole Miss 24 Tennessee 31

Kentucky vs Vanderbilt- Kentucky is looking to go to a bowl under first year head man Joker Phillips and will probably head to Nashville for the bowl season...Kentucky 24 Vandy 10

LSU vs La Monroe- Whats a great receipe after a tough physical game? An inferior in state opponent...LSU 49 La Monroe 21

Arkansas vs UTEP- Not even a contest....Arkansas 56 UTEP 12

GOTW- Just like in the SEC we head to Florida for this weeks GOTW and get to watch Clemson Tigers vs Florida State Seminoles. Expect Doak Campbell to be rocking. Christian Ponder has been the determining factor each game for the Seminoles and with tough Clemson defenses led by DaQuan Bowers do not expect Ponder to have a big game. That puts more pressure on the Florida State defense to do well and Clemson's offense might not have C.J. Spiller or Jacoby Ford but do not ever count out Kyle Parker and the Tiger offense. This game should be a great game that goes back and forth and if Florida State wins they seperate themselves from another team in the Atlantic division. 

Predicition- Florida States defense forces turnovers and sets the offense up in sort field situations...Florida State 17 Clemson 10

Other games

Boston College vs Duke- Boston College's defense will be the difference...BC 24 Duke 17

Maryland vs Virginia- Mike London beat Miami already this season expect another upset...VA 28 MD 14

NC State vs Wake Forest- Russel Wilson is poised to have a career type game...NC State 49 Wake 21

GA Tech vs Miami (Fl)- that option attack is just too hard to stop...GA Tech 28 Miami 14

VA Tech vs North Carolina- North Carolina is looking to give VA Tech its first loss in the ACC and they will...North Carolina 24 VA Tech 23

Troy vs FIU- Troy comes in a 4-1 in the conference and Florida International comes in at 3-1 in conference play so the winner of this game could easily be the Sunbelt champion. Troy has never lost to FIU and dont expect that to change...Troy 24 FIU 21

Western Kentucky vs Arkansas State- Ryan Applin is the best quarterback in the Sun Belt...Ark state 35 Western Kentucky 7

La Lafayette vs Florida Atlantic- Lester Jean has a career day for the Owls...Lafayette 14 FAU 31

North Texas vs Middle Tennessee- If Lance Dunbar can get it going against the blue raiders and the Mean Green defense is able to contain Dwight Dasher then expect the upset here...NT 28 MTSU 24

LSU vs La Monroe- Atleast they got a nice paycheck...LSU 49 La Monroe 21

Other top National Games:

Ohio State vs Penn State- This game is usually close but Penn State is struggling this season and Pryor to hard to contain..Ohio State 35 Penn State 21

Utah at Notre Dame- Utah just got crushed by rival TCU expect them to come out and play well against an underachieving Notre Dame squad....Utah 44 Notre Dame 34

Missouri vs Kansas State- Which Blaine Gabbert will show up? Bill Snyder just seems to always win the big ones even though K-State has not won against Missouri since 2005...Missouri 24 K-State 28

Oregon vs Cal- Oregon is looking to stay in the title hunt as they travel to Cal which is always tough at home...Oregon 35 Cal 14

Army vs Kent State- Army is looking to become bowl eligable since 1996 and should win...Army 24 Kent State 21

College Football Predictions 11/5

What a weekend it was last week as Missouri and Michigan State got blown out. Which helped shaped out the BCS even more. This week there are plenty of games with BCS implications on the line as Alabama takes on LSU, Arizona plays Stanford, and TCU travels to Utah. So there is still plenty of action to watch this weekend.

This week we head to Cajun country as LSU welcomes Alabama to Tiger Stadium. LSU and Alabama both are coming in with one conference lost a piece and the winner of this game could go on and play in a BCS bowl game/still have a chance to make it to Atlanta. The key match up in this game is LSU's defensive line against Alabama's offensive line. LSU defensive line's heaviest player checks in at 285 while Alabama's offensive line least heaviest player is 289. Its easy to see Alabama has the beef on the line but LSU's defensive line is a quick group and that is what they will be hoping gets them past Alabama's line. Another question is will Alabama's stand out freshman D.J. Fluker be able to play. If he is that gives Alabama a huge advantage. Another key for LSU is can Jordan Jefferson be able to throw the ball against the secondary of Alabama. Alabama's secondary is scary considering most of these guys are freshman and sophomores. Look for Jefferson go to Wide-out Randle on key downs. If Alabama can run the football like they were able to do the first month of the season then they should win the game.

Prediciton- Alabama home away from home is LSU's Tiger Stadium. Alabama is 16-3-1 since 1970 against LSU in Tiger Stadium so they will not be scared. Alabama is able to get the running game back on track...Alabama 21 LSU 18

Other Games:

South Carolina vs Arkansas- A must win for the Gamecocks if they want to win the East, Arkansas doesnt have Greg Childs, thats the difference...South Carolina 35 Arkansas 28

Florida vs Vanderbilt- Is Florida looking ahead to South Carolina? Doesnt matter...Florida 42 Vanderbilt 21

Auburn vs Chattanooga- If Auburn started their 5th string they would still win by 21....Auburn 56 Mocs 0

Tennessee vs Memphis- Memphis is just awful, Tennessee should get second win of season...Tenn 35 Memphis 14

Ole Miss vs Louisiana Lafayette- Its close at the end of the first half then the Rajun Cajuns get tired...Ole Miss 35 LA Lafayette 14

Georgia vs Idaho St- Georgia 43 Idaho St 12

Kentucky vs Charleston Southern- Anther blow out brought to you by a Div 1-A team playing a Div 1-AA opponent...Kentucky 50 CSU 0

This week we go to the Tar Heels and Seminoles game. Florida State lost last Thursday to NC State and looks to get back on track but North Carolina is only one win away from playing in a bowl game. Christian Ponder needs to go back to his old self if the Seminoles want a good chance to win. North Carolina needs to score points and T.J. Yates needs to have a flawless game against the tough Seminole defense for that to happen.

Prediction- Florida State has way too much offensive power against a depleted North Carolina defense...Florida State 42 North Carolina 21

Other Games

NC State vs Clemson- NC State is coming off an emotional win against Florida State, Russell Wilson is the difference...NC State 21 Clemson 20

Boston College vs Wake Forest- Wakes offense is struggling but i have a feeling they will be able to score on Boston College atleast enough to win...Wake Forest 24 Boston College 21

Miami vs Maryland- Miami offense should come alive...Miami 42 Terps 20

Duke vs Virginia- This would make a heck of a LaCrosse match-up...Duke 14 UVA 24

Troy vs North Texas- North Texas dominated the conference when it first came together but Troy as slowly taken over...Troy 24 NT 21

La Monroe vs FIU- Warhawks are on a roll after upsetting Troy last week but FIU's defense is stingy as any in the country...La Monroe 21 FIU 24

Florida Atlantic vs Western Kentucky- The two worst teams in the Sunbelt as both enter a game with a 1-3 conference record...FAU 7 WKU 3

South Alabama vs Henderson State- South is finished with the hardest part of their schedule and not welcomes an opponent they should handle pretty easily...South 56 Henderson State 7

Other Top National Games

Arizona vs Stanford- Quarterback plays a major role in this one as both teams have great quarterbacks but Luck is on Stanford's side...Stanford 35 Arizona 31

TCU vs Utah- A BCS buster elimination game. Both teams are looking to get to the National Championship as an non automatic qualifier but Andy Dalton has played in bigger games more often than Utah's Jordan Wynn...TCU 23 Utah 20

Oklahoma State vs Baylor- Robert Griffin has made Baylor a legitimate team and should be up for Heisman for getting Baylor ranked in the polls and BCS for the first time ever in the same season...Baylor 38 OK State 28

Michigan vs Illinois- Michigan needs one more win to become bowl eligible, they get it this week...Michigan 35 Illinois 31

Missouri vs Texas Tech- This is a big game for Missouri after getting beat by Nebraska last week and i think the wind went out of the Tigers sails and not to mention the game just happens to be in Lubbok this week which is not an easy place to win...Missouri 28 Texas Tech 31

Guest Picks

Josh Reed:

LSU over Bama

South over Henderson State

TCU over Utah

South Carolina over Arkansas

Ok State over Baylor

Stanford over Arizona

Austin Powell:

Bama over LSU

South over Henderson State

TCU over Utah

South Carolina over Arkansas

Baylor over Ok State

Arizona over Stanford

Bradley Wilkes:

Bama over LSU

South over Henderson State

TCU over Utah

Arkansas over South Carolina

Baylor over Ok State

Stanford over Arizona

College Football Predictions 10/30

Last week we the nation saw Cam Newtons Heisman touchdown run but can he beat an Ole Miss team that is starting to hit there stride and avoid for the fourth straight week the number 1 team in the nation losing on the road? Can the Trojans of USC switch roles and play spoiler to Oregon and knock the ducks out of the championship picture? The race for the SEC East crown is on as Florida plays Georgia and South Carolina takes on a struggling Volunteer team. Also in Big 12 action Missouri hits the road after an emotional win over Oklahoma to take on Nebraska.

Game of the Week: Florida vs Georgia in Jacksonville, Florida. This has not been much of a rivalry of late as Florida has won 17 of the last 20 against Georgia. The Gators and the Bulldogs both seasons have turned upside down the past three weeks as Florida has lost to Missississppi State, LSU, and Alabama while Georgia has crushed its competition Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and Kentucky. If both win out they could win the east but Georgia will need South Carolina to lose two more conference games while if Florida wins out they will win the east. The key match-up in a game like this will be quarterback play. John Brantley for Florida has not had the season he has hoped for in replacing Tim Tebow thus far. The offense has looked lack luster to say the least especially after only scoring 10 points against Mississippi State. He will need to utilize his trackstars Chris Rainy and Jeff Demps on swing passes and the deep balls to have a good day. While at Georgia, their quarterback Aaron Murry needs to play stellar in order for the Bulldogs to win. If he stays composed and does not let the big stage get into his head then he should be fine and o yeah he might want to get the ball to A.J. Green a couple of times.

Prediction: Florida had a bye week, tweaked the offense, has more rested players than Georgia...Gators 31 Georgia 21

Other games:

Kentucky vs Missississippi State- The Bulldogs are in the top 25 for the first in a while, dont look now but i think Dan Mullen might be on the verge of building something...MSU 21 Kentucky 20

South Carolina vs Tennessee- South Carolina should have no trouble passing the ball or running...USC 41 Tennessee 14

Auburn vs Ole Miss- Heisman hopeful, most talked about team, every expert is picking Ole Miss to upset Auburn, Gene fires up the troops....Auburn 35 Ole Miss 20

Arkansas vs Vanderbilt- Ryan Mallet is going to have a monster day against the weak Commodore secondary...Ark 42 Van 14

Game of the Week: Wake Forest against Maryland. Now you may wonder why this could possibly be the GOTW but after Thursday Nights game between the Florida State and North Carolina State this was the last one left that seemed intriguing. If Maryland is able to win this game it would put them at 3-1 in the conference and them looking for a bowl bid as they would have six wins. But they still have their toughest part of the schedule coming up as they play Florida State and Miami (FL). Wake Forest has seen their winning ways diminsh over the past couple of years slowly. This year they are bringing in a 2-5 recod with a 1-3 league record. If they could win this game they have a great chance for a bowl bid.

Prediciton: Maryland is too strong for Wake this year and should win big...Mary 31 Wake 10

Other Games:

Navy vs Duke: Navy keeps momentum going and executes the option to perfection...Duke 14 Navy 31

Clemson vs Boston College- Clemson defense is too strong for the Eagle offense...Clemson 38 Boston College 20

Miami vs Virginia...Be patient Virginia fans your time is coming...Miami 41 Virginia 21

North Carolina vs William and Mary...Close until kickoff...UNC 42 W&M 10

Game of the Week: Keeping this one close to home. South Alabama host their toughest home competition Georgia State. South Alabama got an impressive win over a very talented UC Davis squad in California. South Alabama is playing their third big game in a row and emotions should really be high in this one. Georgia State's defense has had trouble stopping the run this year and South loves to run the football. With South again without Brandon Ross look for Kendall Houston to have a monstrous day and Santuan McGee having a solid back-up day. It ticked off Jaguars fans, players, and coaches when Georgia State got their football program on the front of ESPN magazine. I would look for South to come out and dominate.

Predicition- South's Play Action passing game will prove to be the difference and South remains undefeated for the season and for all-time...South 35 GA State 7

Other games

FIU vs FAU- The golden panthers defense will be the difference...FIU 28 FAU 14

Western Kentucky vs North Texas...Lance Dunbar has a field day....NT 31 WKU 7

Louisiana Lafayette vs Ohio- Should be a close one...Louisiana Lafayette 14 Ohio 17

Troy vs Louisiana Monroe- Troy is the best team in the Sunbelt. Period. Troy 32
Louisiana Monroe 12

Other big games:

Oregon vs USC- The Trojans are not use to playing the spoiler. Oregon offense is just too explosive...Oregon 35 USC 28

Nebraska vs Missouri- Missouri is still celebrating when they beat Oklahoma and is looking past Nebraska to make it to the championship game...Nebraska 28 Missouri 21

Baylor vs Texas- Imagine a world in which Baylor is ranked in the top 25 and Texas is not...now come back to reality...and nothing has changed...Baylor 25 Texas 22

Iowa vs Michigan Sate- Iowa is coming off tough lost gainst Wisconsin and face an unbeaten Spartan team...Iowa 21 MSU 20

The Saints struggles

Can Drew Brees and the Saints turn it around?

New Orleans Saints was at an all-time fan high coming off the Super Bowl win over Indianapolis Colts. There was Saints flags from New Orleans to Mobile to Beaumont all finally proud of being known as a Saints fan. Flash forward to now and the Saints seem to be back to being the Saints of old.  The Saints can still throw the ball as they are 5th in the NFL in passing but they are 27th in rushing. They can not win unless they can rush the football. They are coming off a lost this past weekend to the Cleveland Browns where Drew Brees threw three picks to a Browns defense that is not near the top of the league or known as being a scary defense. Right now they find themselves in third place of the NFC South, a division that is not strong at all. If you look at the Saints schedule and see all who they have beaten you can not be impressed at all. They beat a 2-4 Minnesota team, a 1-6 49ers squad, 1-5 Carolina, and a 4-2 Tampa Bay team. They beat the Vikings, 49ers, and Carolina by a combine ten points. They have beat three of the leagues worst team by a total of ten points. How is that even encouraging? The only team with a winning record they beat was 4-2, and granted they beat them 31-6 but this past weekend they let a rookie quarterback come into the dome and dominate them. Saints defense was a weak point last year but came up with big plays when needed but now it is just a hindrance. Granted running-back Pierre Thomas has been hurt but i did not know their offense was Pierre Thomas. He is an important part of it but not near all of it. You have receivers in Lance Moore, Robert Meachem, and Pro Bowler Marques Colston, the cub-bard is not dry from anything and o yeah on top of that they have Chris Ivory still in the back field. So its not like Drew Brees is throwing some shrubs off the middle school team. Luckily for the Saints there last nine games only two of them are against teams with great defenses (Pittsburgh and Baltimore). So they have seven very winnable games and should make the playoffs but i would not count on them to really go deep into the playoffs. O yeah and i don't think Atlanta is going to give up the division that easily. T