Random Thoughts (November 17, 2008)

It's a shame that the Tennessee Titans are basically being overlooked by the national media, in spite of their 10-0 start. The Titans are not an exciting team when the have the ball, unlike other recent teams (Patriots, Colts) that have been unbeaten this late in the season. They are coached by one of the most underestimated head guys of this era, Jeff Fisher, they play great defense and their offense doesn't make many mistakes. Imagine a Super Bowl between an unbeaten Titans team and the Giants... Now that Greg Robinson has been officially fired, it's time for the decision makers at Syracuse to get on the phone with Oregon offensive coordinator Chip Kelley... ESPN will broadcast the Memphis-UMass game tonight. Both teams run the revolutionary "Dribble Drive Motion" offense which has basketball coaches all over the country at every level drooling, myself included. Memphis coach (and former UMass coach) John Calipari went to the source of the "DDM" a few years ago, Vance Walberg. Walberg, a successful high school and junior college coach in California, provided Coach Cal with a spread offense that is based on dribble penetration and spacing. Calipari's former UMass point guard and Memphis assistant, Derek Kellogg, is now the head man at his alma mater and has hired Walberg, who had a failed run as head coach at Pepperdine, to install the "DDM." For lovers of offense, it should be a good game to watch. It will also mark the national debut at UMass for former Newton North star Anthony Gurley, who sat out last year after transferring out of Wake Forest. For Memphis, keep an eye on freshman guard Tyreke Evans... Even with president-elect Obama talking about college football needing a playoff, the guys on the field should be able to decide the representatives for the BCS National Championship game on their own. This Saturday, Texas Tech will travel to Oklahoma, with the winner getting a bid to the Big 12 Championship game. If Texas Tech wins out, they will be 13-0 and a perfect fit for the championship game. A 12-1 Oklahoma team would be a great fit as well. In two weeks, Alabama and Florida will meet for the SEC Championship. If Alabama wins out, they too will be 13-0 and a perfect fit for the championship game. Florida, if they win out, would finish 12-1 and would also be a great fit. This is not a perfect system -- ask any USC, Texas, or Penn State fan what they think about the lack of a playoff -- but it's the best we have for now. At least the top teams have a chance to (sort of) control their own destiny... Enjoy Brady Quinn tonight...