Written by: Leeman Bennett 11/12/2009 4:15 PM
Another busy schedule this week with nine more games on the slate. In reading through some of the posts and some of the media comments, it seems like some fans are feeling a little left out, so we’ll try and hit the other teams on our short list this week. Remember, we can’t talk about every team every week. I try to focus on the teams we are scouting that week that are on our short list for that same week. With that in mind, here are my thoughts from our Monday night meeting on a few more of the teams we’re considering. In the ACC: Boston College: We did spend some time talking about B.C. Monday night. We’ll be watching them this week against Virginia and it’s hard not to keep an eye on this team that has put itself in the race to win the Atlantic. I think the week three loss to Clemson might be tough to overcome, but this is a gritty team. Our committee really likes Montell Harris who has become a touchdown machine. He is a good high-profile, marketable player who could carry this team. He’ll have to carry the Eagles to three more wins and hope Clemson stumbles in order to make it to Tampa. Virginia Tech: Back in September right before Tech played Alabama in our Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, I remember thinking that losing tailback Darren Evans would really hurt this club. I think they missed him in that first game, but with the emergence of Ryan Williams and his six 100-yard games, it’s clear the Hokies are just fine. A VT team at 9-3 record can climb the polls and we would really give them a good look. To answer the questions I know will come, we absolutely would consider inviting this team back to Atlanta for a third time this year to close out the season. Has one team ever played three different opponents in three different games in the same city in the same year before? In the SEC: Auburn: The good news is that Auburn is sitting in a good spot at 7-3, 3-3 and we like what we’ve seen from this squad. The win against the Rebels really got them back on track. The bad news is that the Tigers have to finish with Georgia (on the road) and Alabama. That’s a tough couple of weeks for anybody. Talk around our table was that Auburn needs to win one of these two games. If they can ride Ben Tate’s legs and control the ball, they’ll have a chance. By the way, I can’t wait to see Tate go against Mark Ingram on Nov. 27. That’ll be a great one to watch. South Carolina: There’s no doubt the loss to Arkansas hurt the Gamecocks. I honestly thought Spurrier and his boys would find a way to get it done. But USC is still 6-4 and third in the really tough SEC East, so we’ll still keep them on the list this week. No way around it though, they’re going to have to find a way to get another win. I think they need to play well against the Gators and then beat their rivals from the Upstate for us to keep talking about them for this year’s Chick-fil-A Bowl. Playing at home will help them where they are 5-0 this season. Tennessee: In Monday night’s meeting, people kept asking me if I thought Tennessee had turned the corner. I told them ‘maybe, but there’s always another corner commin’.’ I expect the Vols to get a great effort out of Ole Miss, but UT is on a little run. They’re 3-1 in their last four and they’re scoring 35.5 per game over that stretch. If they keep that up, I think they win at Ole Miss. If not, they may need some help getting to Atlanta this year. At 8-4, Tennessee is a very attractive team for us. At 7-5, they may still be one of several teams that we’d consider. Ole Miss: This week’s discussion was pretty simple for Ole Miss. The game against Tennessee is a make or break-type game for the Rebels. This club has been up and down all season and we’ve been waiting for them to put together a little run. Maybe it started last week or maybe it will end this week against the Vols. Like South Carolina, Ole Miss has been great at home and they’ll need that advantage this week against a surging Tennessee team. If they win, the Rebs could get back to Atlanta for the first time since 1971. Here’s our scouting schedule for this week. • Clemson at N.C. State • Georgia Tech at Duke • Tennessee at Ole Miss • Kentucky at Vanderbilt • Boston College at Virginia • Florida at South Carolina • Miami at UNC • Alabama at Miss. State • Auburn at Georgia How’s our Tweeting? I think we’ve Tweeted from 4-5 games so far. Post your comments on how you like it (or if you don’t) and what else you’d like to see from us on Twitter. If you follow us on Twitter, you’ll get an inside look at our scouts’ trips on campus. It’s a great way to get a glimpse of what really goes on during a team selection scouting trip. Just go to www.twitter.com/chickfilabowl. Don’t forget the President’s Video Blog. After reading my blog, don’t forget to watch the President’s Selection Scenarios where Chick-fil-A Bowl President and CEO Gary Stokan gives his thoughts on selected teams we’re scouting each week. This feature is updated every Thursday and you can watch them on the front page of our site. There is still a long way to go, so keep checking back for news on your team and remember to post your comments. I read every one of them. Enjoy the games!
Another busy schedule this week with nine more games on the slate. In reading through some of the posts and some of the media comments, it seems like some fans are feeling a little left out, so we’ll try and hit the other teams on our short list this week.
Remember, we can’t talk about every team every week. I try to focus on the teams we are scouting that week that are on our short list for that same week. With that in mind, here are my thoughts from our Monday night meeting on a few more of the teams we’re considering.
In the ACC:
Boston College:
We did spend some time talking about B.C. Monday night. We’ll be watching them this week against Virginia and it’s hard not to keep an eye on this team that has put itself in the race to win the Atlantic. I think the week three loss to Clemson might be tough to overcome, but this is a gritty team. Our committee really likes Montell Harris who has become a touchdown machine. He is a good high-profile, marketable player who could carry this team. He’ll have to carry the Eagles to three more wins and hope Clemson stumbles in order to make it to Tampa.
Virginia Tech:
Back in September right before Tech played Alabama in our Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, I remember thinking that losing tailback Darren Evans would really hurt this club. I think they missed him in that first game, but with the emergence of Ryan Williams and his six 100-yard games, it’s clear the Hokies are just fine. A VT team at 9-3 record can climb the polls and we would really give them a good look. To answer the questions I know will come, we absolutely would consider inviting this team back to Atlanta for a third time this year to close out the season. Has one team ever played three different opponents in three different games in the same city in the same year before?
In the SEC:
Auburn:
The good news is that Auburn is sitting in a good spot at 7-3, 3-3 and we like what we’ve seen from this squad. The win against the Rebels really got them back on track. The bad news is that the Tigers have to finish with Georgia (on the road) and Alabama. That’s a tough couple of weeks for anybody. Talk around our table was that Auburn needs to win one of these two games. If they can ride Ben Tate’s legs and control the ball, they’ll have a chance. By the way, I can’t wait to see Tate go against Mark Ingram on Nov. 27. That’ll be a great one to watch.
South Carolina:
There’s no doubt the loss to Arkansas hurt the Gamecocks. I honestly thought Spurrier and his boys would find a way to get it done. But USC is still 6-4 and third in the really tough SEC East, so we’ll still keep them on the list this week. No way around it though, they’re going to have to find a way to get another win. I think they need to play well against the Gators and then beat their rivals from the Upstate for us to keep talking about them for this year’s Chick-fil-A Bowl. Playing at home will help them where they are 5-0 this season.
Tennessee:
In Monday night’s meeting, people kept asking me if I thought Tennessee had turned the corner. I told them ‘maybe, but there’s always another corner commin’.’ I expect the Vols to get a great effort out of Ole Miss, but UT is on a little run. They’re 3-1 in their last four and they’re scoring 35.5 per game over that stretch. If they keep that up, I think they win at Ole Miss. If not, they may need some help getting to Atlanta this year. At 8-4, Tennessee is a very attractive team for us. At 7-5, they may still be one of several teams that we’d consider.
Ole Miss:
This week’s discussion was pretty simple for Ole Miss. The game against Tennessee is a make or break-type game for the Rebels. This club has been up and down all season and we’ve been waiting for them to put together a little run. Maybe it started last week or maybe it will end this week against the Vols. Like South Carolina, Ole Miss has been great at home and they’ll need that advantage this week against a surging Tennessee team. If they win, the Rebs could get back to Atlanta for the first time since 1971.
Here’s our scouting schedule for this week.
• Clemson at N.C. State
• Georgia Tech at Duke
• Tennessee at Ole Miss
• Kentucky at Vanderbilt
• Boston College at Virginia
• Florida at South Carolina
• Miami at UNC
• Alabama at Miss. State
• Auburn at Georgia
How’s our Tweeting?
I think we’ve Tweeted from 4-5 games so far. Post your comments on how you like it (or if you don’t) and what else you’d like to see from us on Twitter.
If you follow us on Twitter, you’ll get an inside look at our scouts’ trips on campus. It’s a great way to get a glimpse of what really goes on during a team selection scouting trip.
Just go to www.twitter.com/chickfilabowl.
Don’t forget the President’s Video Blog.
After reading my blog, don’t forget to watch the President’s Selection Scenarios where Chick-fil-A Bowl President and CEO Gary Stokan gives his thoughts on selected teams we’re scouting each week. This feature is updated every Thursday and you can watch them on the front page of our site.
There is still a long way to go, so keep checking back for news on your team and remember to post your comments. I read every one of them.
Enjoy the games!
16 comments so far...
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. WAR EAGLE! Beating UGA would really boost our bowl resume.
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list.
WAR EAGLE! Beating UGA would really boost our bowl resume.
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. If Auburn wins against Georgia Saturday night, the TIGERS will be in the Cotton Bowl, Jan.2, 2010. So, for you finding that 8th win SEC team, GOOD LUCK!!!!
If Auburn wins against Georgia Saturday night, the TIGERS will be in the Cotton Bowl, Jan.2, 2010. So, for you finding that 8th win SEC team, GOOD LUCK!!!!
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. UGA vs. Clemson would be a huge matchup with every seat filled. I know the bowl sells out every year, but there still seems to be some empty seats. With both teams coming from less than 2 hours away, i don't think that would be the case
UGA vs. Clemson would be a huge matchup with every seat filled. I know the bowl sells out every year, but there still seems to be some empty seats. With both teams coming from less than 2 hours away, i don't think that would be the case
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. Why are scouts at Miss State & Alabama? Neither team will go to the Chick-fil-a bowl.Auburn is the best team from the SEC for you to pick no doubt. Ole Miss would be 2nd best team.War Eagle!!!!
Why are scouts at Miss State & Alabama? Neither team will go to the Chick-fil-a bowl.Auburn is the best team from the SEC for you to pick no doubt. Ole Miss would be 2nd best team.War Eagle!!!!
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. What are the chances of North Carolina making the Chick-fil-a Bowl? Would love to see a Tennessee vs. UNC matchup!!!
What are the chances of North Carolina making the Chick-fil-a Bowl? Would love to see a Tennessee vs. UNC matchup!!!
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. If Ky beats GA or TN (better yet, both)....you want Ky. Think "Catlanta"!
If Ky beats GA or TN (better yet, both)....you want Ky. Think "Catlanta"!
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. I would absolutely love to see VT vs. TN in this bowl. Only a few short miles and the town of Bristol separates these die hard fans. One side of Bristol is VA and the other is TN. I still remember Bristol Motor Speedway rumoring to stage a VT, TN game at the raceway. 160,000 fans from NW TN and SW VA. Would be awesome so bring it to ATL.
I would absolutely love to see VT vs. TN in this bowl. Only a few short miles and the town of Bristol separates these die hard fans. One side of Bristol is VA and the other is TN. I still remember Bristol Motor Speedway rumoring to stage a VT, TN game at the raceway. 160,000 fans from NW TN and SW VA. Would be awesome so bring it to ATL.
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. I hope Mr. Bennet & Stokan really give the Hokies consideration! If they beat NC State and Virginia to close the season, I would expect them to be creeping close to the Top 10 again. I would love to see a Va. Tech-Tennessee Match up!! And even though it's the 3rd time this season in Atlanta- Hokie fans would buy all the allotted tickets.
I hope Mr. Bennet & Stokan really give the Hokies consideration! If they beat NC State and Virginia to close the season, I would expect them to be creeping close to the Top 10 again. I would love to see a Va. Tech-Tennessee Match up!! And even though it's the 3rd time this season in Atlanta- Hokie fans would buy all the allotted tickets.
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. We beat Clemson at home...after almost shocking the world and losing the game late agains Florida in what was an epic battle during a day honoring those in our military. Anyone watching that game can see that this is New Carolina! We beat our in-state rival and finish 7-5....get an invite to the Chick-Fil-a bowl and watch Gamecock Nation Swell the Georgia Dome and come out in force. Haven't been there since 1969.....I wasn't even born then! I didn't come along until 1972.....37 Years on the planet with a solid 30 of them being a Gamecock Fan! Would love to see the Gamecocks get back to the Peach (Chick-fil-a) bowl soon......not a long trip .... and Gamecock Nation would come out in full force!!
We beat Clemson at home...after almost shocking the world and losing the game late agains Florida in what was an epic battle during a day honoring those in our military. Anyone watching that game can see that this is New Carolina! We beat our in-state rival and finish 7-5....get an invite to the Chick-Fil-a bowl and watch Gamecock Nation Swell the Georgia Dome and come out in force. Haven't been there since 1969.....I wasn't even born then! I didn't come along until 1972.....37 Years on the planet with a solid 30 of them being a Gamecock Fan! Would love to see the Gamecocks get back to the Peach (Chick-fil-a) bowl soon......not a long trip .... and Gamecock Nation would come out in full force!!
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. Bring the Hokies back to Atlanta....even with the upset by UNC Tech is finding their stride again and should finish 9-3 and with what I have seen against the #1 ranked toughest schedule in the country. Something has to be said for that!
Bring the Hokies back to Atlanta....even with the upset by UNC Tech is finding their stride again and should finish 9-3 and with what I have seen against the #1 ranked toughest schedule in the country. Something has to be said for that!
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. It will be very hard not to consider the Tarheels this year after beating both Virginia Tech and Miami. If Carolina finishes off Boston College and NC State, both on the road, they will be #2 behind GA Tech in the standings. Not to mention a huge win streak heading into the bowl season. UNC fans have not been to the Chick-fil-A Bowl since beating Auburn in 2001... bring Butch Davis and the Tarheels to the ATL for another SEC showdown!!!
It will be very hard not to consider the Tarheels this year after beating both Virginia Tech and Miami. If Carolina finishes off Boston College and NC State, both on the road, they will be #2 behind GA Tech in the standings. Not to mention a huge win streak heading into the bowl season. UNC fans have not been to the Chick-fil-A Bowl since beating Auburn in 2001... bring Butch Davis and the Tarheels to the ATL for another SEC showdown!!!
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. ole miss and auburn
ole miss and auburn
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. The Hogs became bowl eligible this week. With games left agaiinst Miss State and LSU they should be considered for Atlanta if they win out don't you think?
The Hogs became bowl eligible this week. With games left agaiinst Miss State and LSU they should be considered for Atlanta if they win out don't you think?
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. You have now had scouts present at three straight Tar Heel victories, with two of them coming over ranked teams, and all three coming over teams on your "short list." Where is the love for the Tar Heels????I can almost guarantee you a full house if the Tar Heels are selected. Carolina fans travel exceptionally well, and that's not even accounting for how many Carolina fans live all over the place, including Atlanta and the surrounding areas.This is a program that is really building steam. The Heels have knocked off FIVE STRAIGHT ranked opponents, which just proves how much they thrive in big games. The defense, especially, has a whole slew of players that will definitely play on Sundays, some as soon as next year. Carolina has one of the elite defenses in the country and it would be great to see them dominate at the Georgia Dome.It would be a mistake not to seriously consider this Tar Heel team for the Chick-fil-A Bowl. If not for a whole slew of injuries earlier in the season, this team would probably still be in contention for the Coastal Division title. Now that they're healthier, I think that they deserve a shot at being selected for a bowl game as great as this one.
You have now had scouts present at three straight Tar Heel victories, with two of them coming over ranked teams, and all three coming over teams on your "short list." Where is the love for the Tar Heels????I can almost guarantee you a full house if the Tar Heels are selected. Carolina fans travel exceptionally well, and that's not even accounting for how many Carolina fans live all over the place, including Atlanta and the surrounding areas.This is a program that is really building steam. The Heels have knocked off FIVE STRAIGHT ranked opponents, which just proves how much they thrive in big games. The defense, especially, has a whole slew of players that will definitely play on Sundays, some as soon as next year. Carolina has one of the elite defenses in the country and it would be great to see them dominate at the Georgia Dome.It would be a mistake not to seriously consider this Tar Heel team for the Chick-fil-A Bowl. If not for a whole slew of injuries earlier in the season, this team would probably still be in contention for the Coastal Division title. Now that they're healthier, I think that they deserve a shot at being selected for a bowl game as great as this one.
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. TV Ratings People!!! Match-up "The U" with whoever you like (TENN, UGA, AU, USC, etc.) on New Year's Eve and watch the masses tune in! It's Miami baby! Once you win five come talk to us!
TV Ratings People!!! Match-up "The U" with whoever you like (TENN, UGA, AU, USC, etc.) on New Year's Eve and watch the masses tune in! It's Miami baby! Once you win five come talk to us!
Re: Week of November 9, 2009 - Week three: The other half of our short list. In your above comments Waylon is mistaken. The only way North Carolina finishes 2nd in the Coastal Division is if Virginia Tech losses one of it's last 2 games, which is unlikely. Virginia Tech finishes 2nd in the Coastal and with one of the toughest schedules in the country!The Hokies deserve to come back to Atlanta and get another shot at an SEC Team preferably Tennessee, South Carolina or Auburn
In your above comments Waylon is mistaken. The only way North Carolina finishes 2nd in the Coastal Division is if Virginia Tech losses one of it's last 2 games, which is unlikely. Virginia Tech finishes 2nd in the Coastal and with one of the toughest schedules in the country!The Hokies deserve to come back to Atlanta and get another shot at an SEC Team preferably Tennessee, South Carolina or Auburn