The more thins look the same, the more they look different this year.....

First off read these articles if you have not already before reading on:

http://www.tigernet.com/blogs/plyler?entry=20071011

http://www.tigernet.com/view/story.do?id=6858

Things are very different this year from past years. First off talent is the big no go fact vs the get out of jail free card. In short we have it, no excuses there. Secondly, quite simple and not hard to even come up with. The Gamecocks, best team left on our schedule. Even if we pull out a miracle in the rest of our games, I still see us losing in Columbia. Not gonna be the old get out of jail card either, another no go. In other words instead of these being saving graces as in years past they are actually factors having an opposite effect. Ones that will be hard at best for Tommy to overcome.

Mickey has somewhat changed his point of view. He makes a good point in that most Tommy supporters have gone over to the other side. Even they are accepting the truth. I'd say his only supporters are guys that don't really care or understand college football now. His article was a little different at the end. Can we afford to get rid of him, and Can we afford not too?

As for the rumors, the Rich Rodriguez thing is silly. He is not leaving West Va. I believe its where he is from on top of the new contract. They love him, he could start losing and they would still love him for a very long time. Why in the shit would he wanna drag himself into the lion's den? Wouldn't even make sense. He gets favor in the polls and has the best oppurtunity with his schedule for a National Title.

I like the fact Paul Johnson was mentioned. Mentioned as the likely attainable and affordable candidate. Yes, he would draw in the crowds. Winning draws in crowds. He would do it. The big money comes from older fans. Older fans who still remember Danny Ford. Danny Ford ran the option. It would be like going back in time. They would flock to the games and open up their pockets to see it again. I guarantee it. I am quite sure TDP knows this too. I think he had had enough last year, but it just wasn't logical to make a change. For one, financially and secondly it would cause major controversy. Most would be saying whoever came won with Bowden's talent and he would have done the same. Its not gonna be the case now. Most of his supporters are simply tired of the same thing year in and year out. It seems even worse this year.

Having said all that, I can't see us not losing 2 out of the next 4. We couldn't get up for GT or even a home game with VT. I can't see us getting up for Central Michigan. Either we squeak by or lose that one. BC will beat us, Maryland or WF will too. Maybe both, were losing in columbia big this year. Save a miracle, hes gone boys...