The CheckerBoard

I would wager that the ratio of Bama fans in the stands will be very high this week. I will not watch.

Fella's, I was at the game last night, and your guys played hard. Here is a Bulldog's observations:

1. You have an outstanding young offensive line. It is huge and didn't allow a sack. They gave Tyler Bray plenty of time to throw.

2. Cordelle Patterson and Justin Hunter are both high draft picks. They are just amazing athletes. Patterson needs more touches. However, our two 2 star corners locked them down. They had 2 catches each all night. Give Johnthan Banks and Darius Slay some credit. They are two of the SEC's best cover corners.

3. I think our defense gave you the run and played against the pass. You ran the ball better against us than anyone this year.

4. People will gradually find out about Tyler Russell. He has the most accurate arm in the SEC. Yes, he missed on a few throws, but not many.

5. Dan Mullen isn't going anywhere. His wife, Megan, loves it in Starkville. Her favorite golf course in America is Old Waverly just 20 miles from campus, where the Ladies PGA was hosted when she was the Golf Channel's Ladies Golf Anchor. Dan also loves it, and he has unfinished business here. He is a spread offense coach and an outstanding QB coach, but he believes in a power running. If Rajion Neal had honored his commitment to Mississippi State, and not signed with UT, he would be starting, not Ladarious Perkins.

6. Dooley is a smart coach, but Lane Kiffin left him a mess. Dooley is righting the ship, give him time. Your team will win some tough games this year.

7. Your fans were very nice. Our tailgate neighbor was Gary Larkins and his wife from Dickson, TN. They were terrific people. Tennessee is a credit to the SEC.

Good luck in the rest of your games.