Shortened, but ask me for explanation if need be. This is what I think the power rankings should be.
1. Auburn- Defense still is not there, but still dominant enough to beat any team in the country by 10 points or more. (Any given Saturday). Oh, hey Cam Newton
2. LSU- Did not get up for MSU coming into the Bayou but their toughest test lies @Auburn. Wanted: A quarterback
3. Alabama- Did not look supremely good against Ole Miss, but good enough to win by 13. I still like their chances to go 11-1, but their offense (McElroy) has to perk up
4. Mississippi State- Looked good enough to beat a Florida team that still has enough talent to go around. MSU is 1 win away from BOWL ELIGIBILITY (5-2)
5. South Carolina- Should not have lost to Kentucky. Dumb calls at the end of the game helped the Wildcats big time.
6. Arkansas- Bobby P's offense can still function without Mallett if he can't go next week, but that is a pretty tough loss. The defense was lit up by Newton, but still very solid as a defense.
7. Kentucky- Randall Cobb and Mike Hartline are playing above their heads right now. Cobb is a runner up for the SEC player of the year behind Newton at this point and that Kentucky defense is decent enough to get to a bowl.
8. Georgia- And just like that, Georgia is back in the SEC East division race. It didn't take much against Vanderbilt, though. 43-0 is pretty damn telling.
9. Florida- Offense = Bad. Defense is extremely good but Brantley is NOT the answer Gator fans thought he would be.
10. Mississippi- Looked O.K. against Alabama, but still a long way to go until they can fight for 8 wins again.
11. Tennessee- Tennessee had a bye, but they still looked pretty bad. Alabama will have no mercy. Good luck Vols
12. Vanderbilt- Shut out against Georgia. Lost to Connecticut. But, they did beat Eastern Michigan!
Showing posts with label SEC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SEC. Show all posts
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
SEC Power Rankings: Week 6
1. Auburn- Auburn continues to win week after week. They went into Lexington and beat a very rebellious Wildcat team. Their defense isn't quite there yet, but I like some of the pieces they have to beat Arkansas next week. LW: 2
2. LSU- LSU is another team that wins even when all the odds are against them. It took a bit of Miles magic against Florida, but they got it done. The athletes on LSU such as Terrance Toliver, Ruben Randle, Patrick Peterson, and even Jordan Jefferson for that matter give the Tigers a chance every Saturday in the SEC. Next stop, the Cowboys of Mcneese State in Tiger Stadium. Yeah LSU, you better be scared. LW: 3
3. South Carolina- Beating the #1 Team in the country is pretty damn awesome, awesome enough to be ranked third in the Power Rankings. South Carolina's offense was extremely balanced with a hint of boiled peanuts (just the way Coach Spurrier likes em'). The defense was solid as hell against the running back duo and Mr. I don't lose-a-lot too. Keep it up Gamers. LW: 5
4. Alabama- Eh, Alabama lost but still is one of the most quality teams in the SEC. I will take Alabama every saturday. Their offense was not as relient on the run as I would have expected against USC, but their defense seemed weak. They better get their ish together as they host Ole Miss at home next week. LW: 1
5. Arkansas- Beating Texas A&M is nice. What's even nicer is the fact that Arkansas has a solid defense to back up a great offensive unit. Holding down a sometimes boisterous Aggie offense is not all that easy. Arkansas @ Auburn will be a BATTLE baby. LW: 6
6. Mississippi State- The Bulldogs are riding a three game winning streak heading into the swamp. I love their offensive prowess this year with the two-quarterback system they have. Tyler Russell is somewhat inconsistent, but when Russell and Reif are on their game, they're able to win games. The defense isn't too shabby either, as I really like the young talent they have on the defensive line. 4 in a row? Don't count them out. LW: 7
7. Mississippi- The Rebels were able to win against the BYE week and prepare for the trip to Tuscaloosa. Spurrier and his Gamecocks gave teams a blueprint to beating Alabama: Don't make mistakes and make that game your best game. Ole Miss' defense isn't too strong this year but Masoli is finally settling down and becoming the leader Nutt wants him to be. LW: 8
8. Florida- When's the last time they lost two in a row, you ask? 2007 as a matter of fact. That team went 9-4 and I believe this team will as well. The young gators will continue to grow as the toughest part of their schedule is behind them. LW: 4
9. Kentucky- Operation: Lose, but lose playing tough, is working for Joker Phillips. The Wildcats have a pretty good offense as Mike Hartline is asserting himself well. Playmakers are scarce, though, and Kentucky will have to take care of business against other bowl potential teams in the SEC if they want to get to last years record. LW: 9
10. Georgia- A win is a win. Georgia won a game that would seem like an afterthought in the preseason. As I said before, Aaron Murray is a star in the making and the defense is improving pretty well. Georgia SHOULD go 2-0 heading into their rivalry game in Jacksonville against Florida. LW: 12
11. Vanderbilt- Vandy already has an SEC win to their name this season and thats where they are likely to stay, unfortunately. Their defense is too weak and their offense is still going through some growing pains. LW: 10
12. Tennessee- Tennessee showed signs of life @LSU but were dead once again while playing Georgia. The defense has absolutely no depth and Matt Simms is NOT the answer to their problems. LW: 11
2. LSU- LSU is another team that wins even when all the odds are against them. It took a bit of Miles magic against Florida, but they got it done. The athletes on LSU such as Terrance Toliver, Ruben Randle, Patrick Peterson, and even Jordan Jefferson for that matter give the Tigers a chance every Saturday in the SEC. Next stop, the Cowboys of Mcneese State in Tiger Stadium. Yeah LSU, you better be scared. LW: 3
3. South Carolina- Beating the #1 Team in the country is pretty damn awesome, awesome enough to be ranked third in the Power Rankings. South Carolina's offense was extremely balanced with a hint of boiled peanuts (just the way Coach Spurrier likes em'). The defense was solid as hell against the running back duo and Mr. I don't lose-a-lot too. Keep it up Gamers. LW: 5
4. Alabama- Eh, Alabama lost but still is one of the most quality teams in the SEC. I will take Alabama every saturday. Their offense was not as relient on the run as I would have expected against USC, but their defense seemed weak. They better get their ish together as they host Ole Miss at home next week. LW: 1
5. Arkansas- Beating Texas A&M is nice. What's even nicer is the fact that Arkansas has a solid defense to back up a great offensive unit. Holding down a sometimes boisterous Aggie offense is not all that easy. Arkansas @ Auburn will be a BATTLE baby. LW: 6
6. Mississippi State- The Bulldogs are riding a three game winning streak heading into the swamp. I love their offensive prowess this year with the two-quarterback system they have. Tyler Russell is somewhat inconsistent, but when Russell and Reif are on their game, they're able to win games. The defense isn't too shabby either, as I really like the young talent they have on the defensive line. 4 in a row? Don't count them out. LW: 7
7. Mississippi- The Rebels were able to win against the BYE week and prepare for the trip to Tuscaloosa. Spurrier and his Gamecocks gave teams a blueprint to beating Alabama: Don't make mistakes and make that game your best game. Ole Miss' defense isn't too strong this year but Masoli is finally settling down and becoming the leader Nutt wants him to be. LW: 8
8. Florida- When's the last time they lost two in a row, you ask? 2007 as a matter of fact. That team went 9-4 and I believe this team will as well. The young gators will continue to grow as the toughest part of their schedule is behind them. LW: 4
9. Kentucky- Operation: Lose, but lose playing tough, is working for Joker Phillips. The Wildcats have a pretty good offense as Mike Hartline is asserting himself well. Playmakers are scarce, though, and Kentucky will have to take care of business against other bowl potential teams in the SEC if they want to get to last years record. LW: 9
10. Georgia- A win is a win. Georgia won a game that would seem like an afterthought in the preseason. As I said before, Aaron Murray is a star in the making and the defense is improving pretty well. Georgia SHOULD go 2-0 heading into their rivalry game in Jacksonville against Florida. LW: 12
11. Vanderbilt- Vandy already has an SEC win to their name this season and thats where they are likely to stay, unfortunately. Their defense is too weak and their offense is still going through some growing pains. LW: 10
12. Tennessee- Tennessee showed signs of life @LSU but were dead once again while playing Georgia. The defense has absolutely no depth and Matt Simms is NOT the answer to their problems. LW: 11
What I Saw in the SEC: Week 6
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| Still the Most Entertaining Conference... Sorry, Pac-10 |
South Carolina and Spurrier went out there and outplayed the #1 team in the country. I sure as hell didn't see it coming, but I give kudos to USC. Stephen Garcia played like the highly touted prospect he once was as he hit Alshon Jeffery for two touchdowns. McElroy did his best to keep that precious not losing since 8th grade thing up but it was all for naught. Kirkpatrick was manhandled on the edge against Jeffery. Alshon actually called the win earlier on in the week and backed up his talk with a hell of a performance against a vaunted Bama defense. 35 damn points, baby. Stephen Garcia for Heisman? no.
Player of the Game: Alshon Jeffery
7 receptions
127 yards
2 touchdowns
Auburn @ Kentucky
Randall Cobb is extremely good. He is also really good as the kick holder. This was my first chance to see the spooky blue eyed Cobb play live, and I loved what I saw. Kentucky was one solid defensive lineman away from winning that game against the undefeated Auburn Tigers. Cam Newton dominated through out and even had a few great passes to go along with a great rushing performance for the Dinosaur. Zac Etheridge, despite his penalties, made a few great plays as he continues to hold down that experienced secondary. Cam Newton had a Heisman-type drive to finish off the game as the Tigers improve to 6-0
Player of the Game: Cam Newton
198 yards Rushing, 210 passing
4 Touchdowns (rushing)
LSU @ Florida
God loves Les Miles. God loves the Cajun culture. God loves Les Miles. LSU was the better team out there but Meyer and his young team continously fought back and even took the lead with around a minute left. Then the fake field goal that bedazzled me. A football can only bounce a million different ways, but on this occasion, the ball bounced right to the place kicker who ran for a first down. A few plays later, Terrance Toliver caught the game winnning touchdown. A distrubing loss for Florida fans, but an exuberant win for Tiger fans. Les Miles stays off the chopping block once again this week. Jarrett Lee is a pretty damn good passer, but I still appriciate Jordan Jefferson and the plays he makes on the ground and in the air. Mostly on the ground though.
Player of the Game: Josh Jasper (Sr.)
Reason: Pure Domination in the special teams category.
Honorable mention goes to Terrance Toliver too who caught 6 balls (2 TD's) for 111 yards
Tennessee @ Georgia
Aaron Murray is a very good quarterback, but Matt Simms is not. The Vols actually scored as many points as they did last week against LSU, but did not hold Georgia to anywhere close that margin. Aaron Murray likes having A.J. Green back in the line up. Green caught the ball six times and proved he is still the best wide reciever in college football even AFTER his four week vacation. I see Georgia finally making a comeback in the SEC East even with that 1-3 conference record. Murray is growing up right in front of our eyes.
Player of the Game:
Aaron Murray
4 Touchdowns (2 passing, 2 rushing)
266 yards passing, 41 yards rushing
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
SEC Power Rankings
1. Alabama: There isn't a better team in the country right now and I believe Alabama only has three more tests this year until they reach yet another SEC championship. Bama's offense scares every team to death at this point, and their young, talented defense is turning heads as well. Nick Saban is proving his coaching worth to the entire world right now. This week Alabama will face their first of three tests to end the year as they travel to Columbia, South Carolina. After this Saturday, Alabama could be telling their friends, "DUDE THAT WAS SUCH AN EASY TEST." But a test is a test, and easy or hard, we will find out what Alabama has to offer once again.
2. Auburn: Cameron Newton is the best quarterback in the Conference. Without Newton, Auburn would lose either the Mississippi State game or the Clemson game. His poor first halfs are erased by his miraculous second halfs. This team is better with a very good rushing attack that includes Mario Fannin and Mike Dyer AND Onterio McCalebb. With the general turmoil that exists in Baton Rouge with their coaching/offensive situation, Auburn stands as the lone threat to Alabama right now. Nick Fairley is putting on a smokeshow for all to see right now. Can you imagine a 11-0 Auburn team heading into an 11-0 Tuscaloosa bunch? Damn..
3. LSU: Ok, the offense can't score with relative ease and the head coach is a bit off his rocker.. LSU is still 5-0 ladies and gentlemen and their on field talent keep them there. Russell Shepard and Patrick Peterson are two of the best athletes in the S-E-C Conference right now. The LSU defense has been and will always be stout as well. Innocent until proven guilty.. #3 until they are beaten by the Swamp Gators..
4. Florida: The Gators were beaten soundly (I'm being nice) by a better Alabama team. 6 points won't cut it against the reigning National Champion, but anyway, that game is behind us. Florida is still the favorite to win in a very weak East division, but their offense needs to prove they can actually reach the endzone (I know you were in, Trey, but I'm just supersaying here). I still have FLA in the SECCG and you should too... because trusting Mark Richt or Steve Spurrier to trip up Meyer is not too great of an idea.
5. South Carolina: Alabama will face their best defense since Penn State when they travel to play the Gamecocks. South Carolina, though, has problems that span past their defense. Stephen Garcia is not, and probably will never be the answer for such an antsy coach like Coach Spurrier. By the same token, playing Connor Shaw, a true freshman against the undisputed #1 team in the country is not a good idea. (Robert B. spit it out) USC is still 3-1 and deserve to be considered a darkhorse in the SEC East.. nothing more though.
6. Arkansas: Well, Ryan Mallett ruined his chances at a Heisman trophy while putting his Razorbacks in a huge hole in the SEC West. 2 negatives equal a positive? Mallett still has the ability. Class is permanent. I really like the Arkansas defense this year, too. A team who couldn't stop Joe Cox from putting 52 up last year (Shocking, I know) to holding a special Alabama offense to 24 points and 2 turnovers? I really like Arkansas, but that win against Alabama would have them MUCH higher right now.
7. Mississippi State: MSU was outplayed by LSU, but was one play away from beating Auburn back on the 9th. Dan Mullen and his 2-QB system still have a lot to work on but I like the direction they're going in right now. Coming off a monumental (sort of ) win against Alcorn State, MSU has to travel to Houston. The Bulldog defense has had a bulldog like approach this year and is only allowing 16 ppg. Keep on fighting MSU, luck will come back to you soon enough.
8. Mississippi: Things couldn't have started out any more rough for the Rebels this year when they lost to Jacksonville State. To Nutty's credit though, besides a DOH loss to a lesser Vanderbilt team, Mississippi has rebounded very well. Masoli and the offense have been fine, but the defense has been as inconsistent as ever. Defense gets better, and Mississippi could be home to two bowl driven teams.
9. Kentucky
After a 3-0 start to the Joker Phillips (albeit against Larry, Moe, and Curly) hope was held out for the football Wildcats. A trip into Gainesville was hopeful until game time. Then everything started falling apart. After losing in a barn burner to Ole Miss, Kentucky is looking very weak at this point. The defense has not been good.. at all, and Auburn is coming to Lexington.
10. Vanderbilt- Vanderbilt seems to have a one man defense and a decent offense but they lost to a pedestrian Connecticut team last week by 19. Vandy has a long way to go right now.
11. Tennessee- What a horrible way to lose in Baton Rouge. After winning the game, the Vols lost. Even though they looked good against LSU, Tennessee just does not have the depth to play well against that tough SEC schedule.
12. Georgia - Losing to the Zen Master is a weird way to end the 5th week for Mark Richt and Georgia. 4 losses IN A ROW. That's real, real tough and as for a possible SEC East contender? At this point? Fahgettabout it
2. Auburn: Cameron Newton is the best quarterback in the Conference. Without Newton, Auburn would lose either the Mississippi State game or the Clemson game. His poor first halfs are erased by his miraculous second halfs. This team is better with a very good rushing attack that includes Mario Fannin and Mike Dyer AND Onterio McCalebb. With the general turmoil that exists in Baton Rouge with their coaching/offensive situation, Auburn stands as the lone threat to Alabama right now. Nick Fairley is putting on a smokeshow for all to see right now. Can you imagine a 11-0 Auburn team heading into an 11-0 Tuscaloosa bunch? Damn..
3. LSU: Ok, the offense can't score with relative ease and the head coach is a bit off his rocker.. LSU is still 5-0 ladies and gentlemen and their on field talent keep them there. Russell Shepard and Patrick Peterson are two of the best athletes in the S-E-C Conference right now. The LSU defense has been and will always be stout as well. Innocent until proven guilty.. #3 until they are beaten by the Swamp Gators..
4. Florida: The Gators were beaten soundly (I'm being nice) by a better Alabama team. 6 points won't cut it against the reigning National Champion, but anyway, that game is behind us. Florida is still the favorite to win in a very weak East division, but their offense needs to prove they can actually reach the endzone (I know you were in, Trey, but I'm just supersaying here). I still have FLA in the SECCG and you should too... because trusting Mark Richt or Steve Spurrier to trip up Meyer is not too great of an idea.
5. South Carolina: Alabama will face their best defense since Penn State when they travel to play the Gamecocks. South Carolina, though, has problems that span past their defense. Stephen Garcia is not, and probably will never be the answer for such an antsy coach like Coach Spurrier. By the same token, playing Connor Shaw, a true freshman against the undisputed #1 team in the country is not a good idea. (Robert B. spit it out) USC is still 3-1 and deserve to be considered a darkhorse in the SEC East.. nothing more though.
6. Arkansas: Well, Ryan Mallett ruined his chances at a Heisman trophy while putting his Razorbacks in a huge hole in the SEC West. 2 negatives equal a positive? Mallett still has the ability. Class is permanent. I really like the Arkansas defense this year, too. A team who couldn't stop Joe Cox from putting 52 up last year (Shocking, I know) to holding a special Alabama offense to 24 points and 2 turnovers? I really like Arkansas, but that win against Alabama would have them MUCH higher right now.
7. Mississippi State: MSU was outplayed by LSU, but was one play away from beating Auburn back on the 9th. Dan Mullen and his 2-QB system still have a lot to work on but I like the direction they're going in right now. Coming off a monumental (sort of ) win against Alcorn State, MSU has to travel to Houston. The Bulldog defense has had a bulldog like approach this year and is only allowing 16 ppg. Keep on fighting MSU, luck will come back to you soon enough.
8. Mississippi: Things couldn't have started out any more rough for the Rebels this year when they lost to Jacksonville State. To Nutty's credit though, besides a DOH loss to a lesser Vanderbilt team, Mississippi has rebounded very well. Masoli and the offense have been fine, but the defense has been as inconsistent as ever. Defense gets better, and Mississippi could be home to two bowl driven teams.
9. Kentucky
After a 3-0 start to the Joker Phillips (albeit against Larry, Moe, and Curly) hope was held out for the football Wildcats. A trip into Gainesville was hopeful until game time. Then everything started falling apart. After losing in a barn burner to Ole Miss, Kentucky is looking very weak at this point. The defense has not been good.. at all, and Auburn is coming to Lexington.
10. Vanderbilt- Vanderbilt seems to have a one man defense and a decent offense but they lost to a pedestrian Connecticut team last week by 19. Vandy has a long way to go right now.
11. Tennessee- What a horrible way to lose in Baton Rouge. After winning the game, the Vols lost. Even though they looked good against LSU, Tennessee just does not have the depth to play well against that tough SEC schedule.
12. Georgia - Losing to the Zen Master is a weird way to end the 5th week for Mark Richt and Georgia. 4 losses IN A ROW. That's real, real tough and as for a possible SEC East contender? At this point? Fahgettabout it
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Monday, October 4, 2010
Best Games from Each Conference
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| Courtesy of lonelytailgater.com and Les Miles |
Big Ten: Michigan State @ Michigan--- This should be an amazing game. I am a big MSU fan and love the way they get things done each and every week. Who can't love Nardy too. Michigan will face the first ranked team since Notre Dame this year. The biggest problem I have with Michigan is their defense. They gave up 37 to UMASS and 35 to a good Indiana offense, but MSU has a very balanced attack that can score at any point in time. I predict that if Michigan can hold Sparty under 28 points they will be able to win the game. MSU still has some defensive troubles themselves against real teams. The game is in the Big House. I'm likin' Michigan U at the moment.
Big 12: Nebraska @ Kansas State--- If Nebraska plays the way they did against South Dakota State, they will lose. Obvious statement but it needed to be said. T-Magic can bring his bag of goodies to Bill Snyder and the Wildcats. The cats are still undefeated and have beaten quality teams like UCLA and Iowa State (fight me) while Nebraska is coming off a bye week. Thursday night game where Manhattan will be POPPIN'. Very tough game to call, but I can't go against the Pelini bros. Cornhuskers roll.
ACC: Miami @ Florida State--- Jacory Harris still has DOH moments but still has the touch to keep you moderately impressed. Christian Ponder has his heisman campaign in ICU, but things are looking somewhat stable. Beating arguably the best team in the conference in the Corals would be a great way to stay undefeated in the ACC. Greg Reid is another boss and deserves praise. I still don't like how Miami is winning while a young FSU team is learning how to win week by week. Sidenote: your white out does not work when half the stadium isn't filled. I like FSU in a tough road victory.
Edit: If Kyle Parker didn't play like a fish out of water, Miami would have lost.
Pac-10: USC @ Stanford--- Which team can rebound from a heartbreaking defeat faster? USC is out of the Top 25 while Stanford was beaten by the fastest ducks in the pond. USC's defense is still looking very shaky while the offense is being put together very well. Stanford is still a quality team but they need to prove their quality against a team like USC. The physicality of Stanford will follow suit and beat USC.
Big East: Connecticut @ Rutgers--- uhhh.. neither team is quality. Connecticut looked very good against a weak Vandy team. UCONN wins. BIG EAST RULES!!!
Mountain West: San Diego State @ BYU--- Guys, check this game out because I think BYU is on their way to losing.. again. Damn, 1-5 and the injury bug crawling around would be tough to swallow for a BYU team whose starts just did not want to align this year. Hey, this is College Football. A 11-2 team can go 1-5 too quickly.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Week 5: What I saw in the SEC
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| Courtesy of gatorsportsnation.com. And the SEC conference BABY |
Florida @ Alabama: It was difficult to watch Florida be destroyed by another team, but Alabama is just that much better than Florida this year. The first half destroyed any hopes for the Gators as Saban seemed to know exactly what buttons to press, and when to press them. I saw Greg McElroy return from an off game against Arkansas and lead his team against a very talented defense. A young Bama defense made the hype around Trey Burton seem like a myth, and Brantley could not get anything moving offensively.. even with that beautiful arm we've been hearing about.
Verdict: Alabama is the gold standard.. nothing less.
ULM @ Auburn:
Nick Fairley's really good. Cam Newton is really good. And the Auburn receivers are EXTREMELY GOOD.
Verdict: By all accounts, Auburn should head into a Week 7 matchup against Arkansas to try and take control of second place in the SEC west. They must get through the Kentucky Wildcats first though. Dang..
Tennessee @ LSU:
Tennessee may just be cursed. Last year they lose to the #1 team in the country after 2 blocked field goals.. but don't worry, the Vols had a great win against LSU... that was taken back because Tennessee had too many Volunteers on defense (23 to be exact). Les Miles holds onto his job one more week by the skin of his teeth as LSU is arguably the weirdest team to be 5-0 since the Regan Administration. Defense is fine for LSU.. they proved that yesterday. Lee and Jefferson are an odd couple. Without Jefferson, Tennessee wins that game. But with Jefferson, LSU nearly lost the game. Confused? Hey its just another day in the SEC.
Verdict: LSU has to head into the swamp next week where, unless Les Miles gets more help from above, LSU will suffer its first loss of the season. Fun fact.. the last time Urban Meyer lost two in a row at Florida... he lost to #1 LSU in 2007.
Georgia @ Colorado:
It's College Football... anything can happen.
South Carolina @ Bye:
Steve Spurrier changed his quarterback 18 times in a game against the notorious "Bye" but luckily for the Gamecocks, still came out with the No decision. Good luck against Alabama USC.. you might need it.
Kentucky @ Mississippi:
Huh? What? Cmon? SEC? Nah...
Mississippi and Masoli win against a roudy Kentucky team led by Randall Cobb. Who is unable to do it all himself.
Vanderbilt @ UCONN
I admit, I watched some of this game. I wanted to see whether or not UCONN could build on that huge win against Buffalo. They did.. against a defense of only one man.. Chris Marve.
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