Randy Smith: Living In A Bizarro World

Back in the day, when I was a youngster, I read Superman Comics a lot. There were several issues introducing "Bizzarro Superman." He was everything that Superman was not. In fact, he came from the "Bizzarro" world, where everything is almost completely opposite than it is in the real world. That's kinda how I feel after the first seven weeks of the college football season. For instance, I'll start with Vanderbilt. The Commodores are now nationally ranked in some polls after their second straight SEC win, the first of which came at home against then top-ranked Alabama. Kentucky was the next victim and Vandy is now 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the SEC. That's a big surprising turn around.

I also have to mention Texas A&M. The Aggies are a perfect 3-0 in the league with five straight wins overall after losing their opener to Notre Dame. Alabama is 2-1 in the league and after losing at Vandy, The Crimson Tide was pushed to the limit by South Carolina before they pulled out a 27-25 win. Georgia with a bruising defense in their opening win over Clemson has surrendered a total of 72 points in the loss to 'Bama and a win over Mississippi State. They have dropped from number one in the polls to number five.

What does all this mean you ask? Well, nothing it's just really strange. Tennessee for instance has dropped to 11th in the polls after climbing as high as fourth. An upset loss at Arkansas and a lackluster win at home over Florida will do that to you. After blasting their first three opponents the Vols have struggled so badly on offense....it's to the point that fans are wondering what's wrong. Nico Iamaleava was touted as a Heisman Trophy candidate after his first three games, but after the last three games he's no longer mentioned. The last three defenses, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Florida are all very good. It appears to me the Tennessee receivers are being "smothered" and when Nico finds one of them deep, he misses them. Nico is also holding the ball too long before he either throws the ball or runs with it. In addition, the offensive line is not blocking well and they're guilty of too many drive killing penalties.

Thank goodness for the defense. If it weren't for those guys there is no way the Vols would have beaten Florida and possibly they would have lost to Oklahoma. A really good defense can pull wins out for you for a while but eventually unless you can move the ball and score points...you can't win. Alabama comes to Neyland Stadium as a two-point favorite. But I have to wonder...is that in the real world or the "Bizzarro" world. We shall see.