Christmas 2011: A New Beginning

"It is, after all, the most important moment in human history, the birth of Jesus Christ, son of Mary, son of God, in a shelter for animals, a cave in the hills outside of Bethlehem. This is the heart of it all, the point." -Brother Matthew Kelty, a monk from the Abbey of Gethsemani

First Baptist Rome on Christmas Day

Once again the Christmas and Advent seasons have come and gone, as well as the concerts and themed parties. The Christ candle has been lit. My old man sang "Ten Thousand Joys" at the Christmas Eve service. Our church congregation has raised their candles during an a capella verse of 'Silent Night.' A family picture was taken, and the Christ Child has been born.

We look forward to Christmas Day traditions every year: running into the den to see what Santa brought, opening the rest of our gifts, stuffing ourselves with food, a 9-hour drive to Arkansas (or a Christmas light tour through Rome) and playing with our new gadgets, assuming our parents already had batteries. Oh the misery of having to wait another 24 hours if they did not.

We put up the decorations, throw out the tree, take down the wreath outside on the chimney and start on a list of New Years resolutions. Some of us are not quite ready for the celebration to be over so we wait until the Wise Men have come from the East and Epiphany is over to start these processes. The wait for the next Christmas inevitably ensues. Back to normal, right? Not hardly.

Christmas is the celebration of a birth, the beginning of our Savior's life and a reminder of the sacrifice God gave to the world when He sent His begotten son. In itself Christmas is the remembrance of a start, something anew.

Now that the season of Christmas has passed and we return to the real world, let us try and do as Ebenezer Scrooge said he would in Charles Dickens' famed A Christmas Carol, "I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year long."

First Baptist Rome on Christmas Eve

Top Ten College Foot'Bowl' Games

Throw together Christmas, New Years, family and college foot'bowl' games and you have a potent combination for am enjoyable holiday season. So unless you are Oklahoma State, Kansas State or Boise State fans, let's get ready for an wild bowl season.

And to you who favor a playoff season, did the BCS system not to what it was created to do? We have the nation's best two teams playing for the national championship. (Oklahoma State fans... be serious... we have seen the spread offense versus SEC defensive speed more than once and know the outcome.) Sure there are teams that were snubbed of the chance to play in a bigger bowl game, but this is the system we have. So can we all get along while we wait Prince of Peace's arrival? (No doubt He would have a better system...)

In the meantime, here is a list of the ten bowl games I am looking forward to the most this college foot'bowl' season:

1. BCS National Championship Game- Alabama vs. LSU- If the first game was "The Game of the Century" what does that make this one? The most anticipated rematch of all time will decide the national champion, no matter the outcome. When the country's top two defenses were not playing one another they averaged almost 40 points a game. In good news for every other conference, at the end of the night the SEC will finally have a loss in the BCS Championship Game.

2.Fiesta Bowl- Oklahoma State vs. Stanford- Two of the country's top five offenses, and best quarterbacks in Andrew Luck and Dan Weeden, will take the field . The Pokes are a little disappointed they are not in the championship game, but they must be careful of not falling to the same fate the a Alabama squad did when the Tide were crushed by Utah in the 2008 Sugar Bowl.

3. Vizio Rose Bowl- Wisconsin vs. Oregon- Here are two teams, in the "Grandaddy of them all," who get it done offensively by different means. In one corner is Oregon, who uses speed and a spread offense to keep the scorekeepers busy. In the other corner are the Badgers, who line up in the I-formation and use power to wear down opponents. Watch two of the country's top running backs -- UO's LaMichael James and UW's Montee Ball-- go head-to-head.

4. AT&T Cotton Bowl- Arkansas vs. Kansas State- In what amounts to the sixth BCS game, Kansas State is a little disappointed they do not represent the Big 12 in an actual BCS game. Arkansas' two losses this season came at the hands of the two teams in the national championship. The Wildcats defense will be charged in slowing down a Razorback passing attack which averages 307 yards per game, while the Hogs defense has to stop KSU quarterback Collin Klein, who tallied 1,745 yards and 12 scores through the air and 1,099 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns.

5. Outback Bowl- Michigan State vs. Georgia- Both schools are coming off of conference championship losses and looking to end great seasons on a positive note. The Dawgs have won 10 of their last 11 games, while the Spartans won at least 10 games for the second year in a row. MSU needs to redeem itself after their last game against an SEC opponent, a 49-7 drubbing from Alabama last year in the Capital One Bowl. Spartan head coach Mark Dantonio is 0-4 in bowl games.

6. Orange Bowl- Clemson vs. West Virginia- The Orange Bowl is usually the weakest of all the BCS bowls, but the hosts got lucky when the Moutaineers were able to win the Big East so that America was not forced to watch Cincinatti or Louisville in this game. At least WVU has been down this road before and had success. Clemson has been one of the hottest and coldest teams at times this season but handled Virginia Tech for the second time this season and won the Tigers' first ACC Championship in 20 years.



7. Sugar Bowl- Virginia Tech vs. Michigan- Of the two controversial BCS matchups in The Big Easy this year, Alabama vs. LSU is the other, the Sugar Bowl one is the most puzzling. The teams were selected solely because their fans travel better than other, more deserving, teams. The game still has the possibility to be quite entertaining, even if it is the first Sugar Bowl without an AP Top 10 team since 1945. Michigan quarterback Denard "Shoelace" Robinson work is magic is worth your time.

8. Capital One Bowl- South Carolina vs. Nebraska- The Gamecocks have won 10 games in a season for the second time in school history, and the Huskers are coming of a nine-win season in its first year in the Big 10. USC head coach Steve Spurrier may run up the score if he gets the chance. For you history buffs, the Cornhuskers gave Spurrier his most embarrassing loss, a 62-24 affair in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl when "The Ole Ball Coach" was at Florida.

9. Alamo Bowl- Baylor vs. Washington- So you like offense and you want to see the Heisman Trophy winner all in the same game? Sounds like a fun way to spend your New Years Eve Eve Eve. Two of the more explosive quarterbacks in U Dubs' Kevin Polk and the Bears' Robert Griffin III will go head-to-head in this shootout.

10. Gator Bowl- Ohio State vs. Florida- Go ahead and put the over under at 35 on the number of times Urban Meyer's name is thrown around. The former Gator coach is headed to coach the Buckeyes next year after two championship runs in Florida. Meyer has already made his presence known on the recruiting trail. If current head coach, and OSU's next defensive coordinator, Lou Fickell can pull out a win over the SEC the Buckeye bandwagon should fill back up quickly.

*For you college foot'bowl' junkies like myself, here are a few more nuggets that should be fun to watch:

-Kraft  Fight Hunger Bowl- UCLA vs. Illinois- Here is one of those games that opponents of the bowl system have to cringe when they see this matchup. Both schools suffered poor endings (UCLA has a 6-7 record.)  and neither school will have their head coach, as both Rick Neuheisel and Ron Zook have been fired. Try to hold your enthusiasm when watching interim coaches going at it.

-Champs Sports Bowl- Florida State vs. Notre Dame- Both schools entered this season with BCS aspirations but had points during the season they lost games they should not have. The winner of this game will have a leg-up in the polls heading into the 2012 season. If the Seminoles pull out the 'W,' do not be surprised if they are preseason top five next year.

The Weekend That Will Be: Championship Saturday

Georgia vs. LSU- People here in Georgia are trying so hard to convince themselves that Georgia stands a chance. As much as I would love for my sister and her friends to be able to celebrate on Broad Street in Athens until the wee hours of the morning after a Bulldog win, it is just not happening. The only way UGA comes away with a win is if LSU is looking forward to their date with Alabama in the national championship. The Bayou Bengals are too good and wear down opponents.  With their larger-than-NFL-lines offensive line that Georgia will look like they have a chance until halftime, but the depth of the LSU running backs and strength of their defense will be too much for the Dawgs.

 Wisconsin vs. Michigan State- The inaugural Big Ten Championship will feature a rematch of a game that was decided by a controversial Hail Mary pass from the Spartans as time expired. This loss was the first of two losses of the Badgers have suffered by way of the last-drive variety. The second loss came on the road against Ohio State. If not for these two passes Wisconsin would be looking at a possible trip to the BCS National Championship. There is plenty of fire in the belly of the Badgers this week and they will take care of MSU easily at a neutral site and the Badgers rein as B1G Champions for the second straight year. How about that Rose Bowl coming on the First of January? Oregon vs. Wisconsin. Also of note, Badger running back Montee Ball is now 5 touchdowns short of former Oklahoma State running back Barry Sanders' record of 39 scores in a season. Ball has is playing in his 13th game. Sanders did it in 11.

Virginia Tech vs. Clemson- Here is another rematch in a conference championship game as the Tigers try to execute the same plan to perfection they did earlier this season in a 23-3 win over the Hokies in Blacksburg. The difference in this game and the previous matchup will be the play of Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas. In his last seven games he has thrown for 14 touchdowns and only two picks. Add his 10 rushing scores, and the Hokies have a new weapon to unleash against the Clemson defense. Also watch the VT defense, who held the electric Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins to 38 yards in their previous meeting. The Tiger offense has cooled down tremendously, scoring 17 points per game in their last four games of which Clemson has lost three. The Tigers are pulling a Clemson down the stretch and lose to a driven Hokie squad. No worries Tiger fans. Your team is young and has a bright future.

Other picks (winners in bold)
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State- The de facto Big 12 Championship game will the Cowboys take advantage of their one chance every eight to ten years to beat their big brother Sooners. Do not be surprised if they Pokes rack up as many points as they can against their hated rival.

Southern Mississippi at Houston- Coach Kevin Sumlin, quarterback Case Keenum and their Cougar team get the W and head to a BCS bowl game for the first time in school history. Hey coach Sumlin... it will never be this good again. Take your money (reportedly $3 million at possible new schools) and a new job where ever that may be.

Texas at Baylor- When was the last time the Bears were favorites over the Longhorns? Enjoy it while you can Baylor. P.s. How can you not love Robert Griffin III? Give him the Heisman and Go Bears!

Jailbirds take LSU To the Championships

Arkansas lost again to a group of players that might should have been suspended, in jail or kicked off the team for offenses committed during the offseason and this season, reminiscent of their game with Ohio State in the 2010 Sugar Bowl.

Pryor's tattoo sleeve

In the Razorback's game with the Buckeyes in January, quarterback Terrelle Pryor, receiver DeVier Posey and running back Daniel 'Boom' Herron scored touchdowns. Up by seven points, linebacker Soloman Thomas sealed the OSU victory with an interception on Arkansas' last drive of the game. These four players and one other, a starting offensive linemen, were allowed to play in the Sugar Bowl after the NCAA found the five guilty of selling championship rings, jerseys, awards and receiving improper benefits from a tattoo parlor. The NCAA did suspend the players for the first five games of this season but there was very little support behind its decision to let the five player play in the bowl game last season.

Jefferson's mugshot from his arrest on Aug. 28


  Similarly, without LSU's Jailbirds' points on Friday the Bayou Bengals would have tied the Razorbacks 17-17 -- that score includes the Tigers extra points scored after four Jailbird touchdowns-- and forced no turnovers if the the Jailbirds had not played.

The Jailbirds are led by the starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson (1 rushing TD, 1 passing TD), who was arrested during the offseason for his involvement in a bar fight, where he stomped a man's face into the ground. The other three members of the gang are defensive backs Tyrann Mathieu (1 punt return for touchdown and 2 forced turnovers), Tharold Simon (multiple pass breakups) and running back Spencer Ware (1 rushing TD), who all tested positive for marijuana earlier this season.

Do not see a bitter fan writting away in his living room as you read this. I am not complaining about the 41-17 thrashing the Tigers handed the Razorbacks.  LSU is the best team in the game and deserves to go to the BCS National Championship no matter the result of next week's SEC Championship against Georgia. It was a fair played beat down where LSU proved to be the far superior team. Instead, look at the game from a different perspective. Is college football actually developing young men as is its purpose?

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 13

Arkansas at LSU- Though The Battle for the Golden Boot is not getting the hype that LSU-Alabama received, it could have as much to do with who plays in the national title as "The Game of the Century" does. The Hogs have won three of the last four games and are one of the few offenses that can challenge the Blitzing Bengals. It is the blitzing that has cost the Tigers in the past and can again. Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson has actually been more efficient when faced with five or more pass rushers (17 of 18 and 2 touchdowns the last two weeks). The game will hinge on whether the Razorback offensive line can slow down LSU's rush. As underdogs, Arkansas should cover the 14 point line but LSU is on a mission and will eventually wear down the Razorbacks.

Penn State at Wisconsin- Amidst all of the turmoil in Happy Valley, the Nittany Lions have put together a solid season and will travel to Madison for the de facto Big Ten Legends Division Championship, with the winner heading to play Michigan State in the first ever Big Ten Conference Championship game. Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson is the Badgers' main attraction, but watch running back Monte Ball and his Big Ten record 30 touchdowns against the nation's third best scoring defense that has allowed only more than 20 points twice this season. Wisconsin has more skill on both sides of the ball and will win, setting up a rematch with MSU, the team that gave the Badgers their first loss.

Alabama at Auburn-  A chance to participate in the national title game is again on the line in the Iron Bowl. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of living in the state of Alabama during college football season or attending this rivalry game, it's something you should look into. There is no where else in the country where college football -- and the results of a rivalry game -- means as much as it does in the Heart of Dixie. Alabama running back Trent Richardson, his 1,380 yards and 20 touchdowns have just about wrapped up the state's third straight Heisman -- as was predicted earlier here. For Auburn to have a chance the defense has to take advantage of forced turnovers. Unfortunately for Auburn fans the visiting team will leave with the 'W,' as it has been for the last two seasons.

Other picks (winners in bold)

Georgia at Georgia Tech- UGA locked up a place in the SEC Championship, but would love to cap of the regular season with a win over their in-state rivals. After going 1-9 in their last 10 meetings, Tech is looking to slow down the Bulldogs winning ways. The Bulldogs are too strong for the Yellow Jackets and earn their tenth consecutive win.

Clemson at South Carolina-The Tigers finally pulled their classic Clemson, losing in blowout fashion to a then sub-.500 NC State team. USC has been discounted as a good team, but their only two losses are to Auburn and Arkansas. The Gamecock defense is one of the best around and handles the Clemson at home.

Ole Miss at Mississippi State- The Nuttcracker -- or Dan Mullen as he more formally known -- is a huge reason Houston will be out of a job after Saturday. The Rebels have lost two in games to Mullen's Bulldogs and looked embarrassingly bad in SEC play. Ole Miss gave up on this season a month ago making a State blowout win for the Egg Bowl even easier.

Ohio State at Michigan
Notre Dame at Stanford
UCLA at USC
Florida State at Florida

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 12

Southern California at Oregon- Because of NCAA sanctions, the Trojans will not be allowed to go to a bowl game at the end of the season.There is nothing more they would like than to defeat Oregon and ruin the Ducks' national championship aspirations. USC seems like the most likely candidate of the teams left on Oregon's schedule. For USC to have a chance they have to at least slow down a Ducks offense that scores 47 points and tallies just under 500 yards a game. Oregon tailback LaMichael James is quietly leading the country in rushing for the second season in a row with more than 150 yards per game. The Ducks are well aware of USC and its capabilities and are well prepared to handle the visitors. Ducks win easy.

Oklahoma at Baylor- With Oklahoma State going losing to Iowa State this game in Waco, TX just got a little bigger, as the Sooners see a shot at the national championship opening up. Baylor is coming off an overtime victory over Kansas in which Bear quarterback Robert Griffin III looked like the player we got used to seeing in the beginning of the season. If he is able to keep his special combination of speed and accuracy the Baylor could easily upset the Sooners. Looking forward to next weekend's huge rivalry game, the Sooners squeak by the Bears.

Mississippi State at Arkansas- When this is the 'SEC on CBS' game, you may have yourself a weak Saturday of football. The Razorbacks are looking to keeping the scoring machine (93 points in the last two games) going and not get caught looking at a date with LSU on the day after Thanksgiving. The Bulldogs have nothing to lose and can gain bowl eligibility with a win in Little Rock. War Memorial Stadium, where the game will be played, is not the regular stadium for the Hogs, but they always perform well there. It is located in the center of the state, where most of the student-athletes are from, and by all accounts the bowl setting is often louder than Donald W. Reynolds Stadium in Fayetteville. The Hogs are welcomed to the state's capital and continue put up points. Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson goes over 3,000 yards on the season, too.

Other picks (winners in bold)

Samford at Auburn- As a Bulldog fan, I have been looking forward to this game for quite some time and wish I could be there for the monumental upset. Thanks to grad school and its homework, I'm sad to say I will not be in attendance as the Red and Blue beat the defending national champions.

LSU at Ole Miss- Remember last time a Houston Nutt team played a top-ranked LSU and was fired? A couple of things are different this time around. The Rebs do not have Darren McFadden (or any real offensive threat), any motivation (Ole Miss lost to La Tech last week) or any chance to win (Ole Miss has lost 12 straight SEC games).

Nebraska at Michigan- Last week, the Cornhuskers played in the second-largest stadium in college football. This week they visit the only one larger, The Big House in Ann Arbor. Wolverine quarterback Denard Robinson has never beaten a ranked team, and this trend will continue as he throws multiple picks.

Penn State at Ohio State- As soon as I start to believe in Braxton Miller, the freshman signal-caller for the Buckeyes, I know he will let me down so I go with PSU. Getting out of Happy Valley will do the Nittany Lions some good. With a win they will set up a clash with Wisconsin for a trip to the first-ever Big 10 title game.

Kentucky at Georgia
Virginia at Florida State
Wisconsin at Illinois
Boston College at Notre Dame

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 11

Nebraska at Penn State- The lack of response to what happened in 1999, and tragically before 1999, will have an impact on this weekend’s game. For the first time since Harry Truman was serving as the U.S. president, Penn State will take the field without Joe Paterno. Trying to strictly concentrate at the football game in Happy Valley is next to impossible. The student body will have a “Blue-Out,” (as opposed to the normal “White-Out”) to help raise awareness and money for sexually abused children. It is hard to know how the Nittany Lions on the field will respond. Hopefully, they will respond positively on Senior Night amidst the controversy. This top-rated defense stops the Nebraska rushing attack and the senior class wins their last home game.

Oregon at Stanford- The last Cardinal loss came 14 games ago to the Ducks in Eugene, Ore. Like last year, the winner of this game is the PAC-12’s front-runner for a spot in the BCS National Championship. Similar to last week’s biggest game (LSU-Alabama) defense will be the difference. Can the Oregon defense, which has been rolling in the second-half of games since their loss to No. 1 LSU in the opening week of this season, stop Luck, the Heisman favorite? Don’t count on it. Luck and Co.’s powerful rushing attack will wear down the Ducks and prove too much in Palo Alto.

Auburn at Georgia- Someone took me up on my offer two weeks ago, and I will gladly attend the game in Athens this on Saturday for my first of two consecutive weeks of watching the Tigers. The Deep South's oldest rivalry has a lot of bad blood a flowing after last year's battle in Auburn UGA fans are convinced Tiger defensive tackle Nick Fairly played dirty, driving Bulldog quarterback Aaron Murray into the ground. This time around UGA boasts the better defense, but other than the first two games of the season the Dawgs have hardly been tested. The SEC teams they have wins over have a combined 5 SEC victories. This matchup has had plenty of memorable finishes and do not be surprised if the Plainsmen can muster up a little something extra. Sorry Auburn fans, but you will suffer your first of two losses to Bulldogs in two weeks (next week Auburn hosts Samford).

Other picks (winners in bold)

Alabama at Mississippi State- With the Tide coming off a loss at home and with their nearly impenetrable run defense, this one could get ugly.

Tennessee at Arkansas- The Hogs played well last week at home after two tough starts in Oxford and Nashville. The Vols have struggled tremendously on offense since their quarterback Tyler Bray suffered a season-ending injury against Florida. These trends continue.

Michigan at Illinois- With quarterback Denard Robinson back for Michigan the offense will run more smoothly in this unusually high-scoring Big 12 game.

Florida at South Carolina- Struggling offense versus struggling offense. Which one wins? The better defense, USC.

Miami at Florida State

TCU at Boise State

Oklahoma State at Texas Tech

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 10

LSU at Alabama- There is not a stat that I can write that you have not heard at this point in the week for the most hyped regular season game ever. These two teams are far and above the two best teams in the nation and most of the hype is well deserved (ESPN's coverage has been overbearing). One day it will be fun to look back at these talented defenses when they are dotting  NFL defenses and remember when they were on one field for a night. Pick your poison on defense. It comes down to whether you like the Blitzing Bengals or do you like the "sit back and dare you to come at me" style of the Tide. The offenses will be the real question. Two not so talented quarterbacks will be forced to make plays. Luckily for LSU, they have the better receivers, but Alabama has the better running backs. The evenness of these two teams is ridiculous. In 2009 (Bama's last national title run), I had the opportunity to see Alabama play Mississippi State in a home night game. If you have ever been to a night game in Tuscaloosa, you will understand why I am taking the Crimson Tide 23-17.

South Carolina at Arkansas- Oh yeah... there is that other game between two teams ranked in the BCS top 10. The Gamecock offense is missing  running back Marcus Lattimore, which is to be expected. Arkansas has had no running game to speak of for the entire season. Though they do boast of the number 12 passing offense in the nation, the Hogs will be facing one of the most athletic defenses in the country in USC. South Carolina has a top notch defensive line and cornerbacks. The Hogs have gotten off to slow starts in their past two games against Ole Miss and Vandy, which were both on the road and at noon. A night game in Fayetteville is just what the doctor ordered. Razorbacks win.

Kansas State at Oklahoma State- Remember when the Big 12 Conference played defense? I don't either.
The Cowboys are averaging 50 points, 400 yards passing and 181 yards rushing... per game! The Wildcats will try to slow down the most explosive offense in the country, the operative word being "try." KSU was embarrassed last week against Oklahoma 58-17 in their first loss of the season. This week's game will look similar against a different team for the Wildcats. The Pokes are looking forward to an end-of-year match-up with the Sooners to decide their BCS Championship fate and again put a ton of points on the board.

Other picks (winners in bold)

Texas A&M at Oklahoma- The worst pass defense (Aggies) and the best passing attack (Sooners) in the Big 12. This could have been one of those games that Sooner quarterback Landry Jones could have helped his Heisman chances, but he will put up big numbers nonetheless. Oklahoma wins easily.

Ole Miss at Kentucky- The two worst teams in the SEC will get together. Can Rebel coach Houston Nutt avoid a 12th straight SEC loss? Wildcat fans are just hoping it does not last long so they can get to the Breeders Cup.

UT-Chatanooga at Samford- With home win, the Bulldogs can lock up their first winning season since 2008 with a win against the Mocs.

Vandy at Florida
Notre Dame at Wake Forest
Texas Tech at Texas

Bobby Dodd Stadium

Last weekend I had the opportunity to go to my first Atlantic Coast Conference game and second game at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium. I had been to watch the Yellow Jackets play once before on their home turf in an early season match-up against my Samford Bulldogs. Needless to say the atmosphere for a non-conference game with a FCS school has a little different feel than when Tech hosts the No. 5-ranked team in the nation, the Clemson Tigers.

The student section 10 minutes to kickoff

I went to the game thinking I would come away with a idea to write about the differences between an ACC and SEC contest. However, the game that would ensue was quite entertaining. Now I am not going as far as to say that the ACC is equal to the SEC atmosphere, not really a contest with about 40,000 less people, but to say I did not enjoy the evening would be lying. If you have never tailgated in an urban environment it's worth looking into.

The crowd with 10 minutes before kickoff was disappointing. Tech is more known for being an academic institution and the students say they have enough time to leave the library, but a half empty student section is inexcusable when you are competing in maybe the biggest game that will happen while you are at school. Nor can a fourth of your stadium be filled with opposing colors. And speaking of the those in attendance, because your team goes down 3-0 in the first quarter to one of the nation's top offenses does not mean you have the right to leave the game, which unfortunately for those who left happened. 



Sammy Watkins about to do work

But after the Yellow Jackets scored on their ensuing drive and the next 17 points, not a soul left (until Clemson fans started pouring out when the game was out of hand). The place was 'buzzing' with excitement and no one sat down, except for halftime and TV timeouts. There was an uneasiness in the stadium with a 24-3 lead because the Tigers can score so quickly (I am now a believer in Clemson WR Sammy Watkins); but with the triple-option offense Georgia Tech 'run's the tension was soon relieved as they pounded the ball on the ground.


Here they come...

When the clock struck 0:00 the students rushed the field, which I had never seen in person. It was a planned reaction, which means it was not the same as if they had won on a last minute field goal but it was impressive nonetheless. Everything that needed to happen in an upset happened for the then unranked Yellow Jackets: turnovers, home night game and an offense that can control clock. Tech fans have become used to this, with coach Paul Johnson undefeated against ranked opponents at home.




It was a great night in Atlanta for Georgia Tech and myself. The next college game on my schedule (unless you invite me to one sooner) is a trip down to a familiar venue in Jordan-Hare Stadium, as the Auburn Tigers host the Samford Bulldogs.

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 9

Georgia vs. Florida- The Gators have tried to make the World's Largest Cocktail Party (let's just call it what it is) interesting by announcing that quarterback John Brantley will be back under center as the starter. They will also bring running back Jeff Demps to Jacksonville. Georgia said they will be without Malcolm Mitchell, who is blossoming into a true go-to target for Aaron Murray. The Dawgs boast a top ten defense and the Florida has hardly been competent on offense, but will having the senior leader back in the huddle make the difference? No. Georgia wins its fourth win in 22 tries against UF.

Michigan State at Nebraska- This game could be over in two hours as much as these teams like to run the football. The Spartans are coming off winning the best game of the season, where a Kirk Cousins Hail Mary pass barely crossed the goal line for a MSU win. State is also traveling to an intimidating Memorial Stadium, which has sold out since the mid-60s, for the first time. Husker quarterback Taylor Martinez will be forced to throw against a tough Michigan State defense in order to win their third Big 10 game. Until Martinez proves that he can throw the football consistently, Nebraska is tough to trust in big games. Sparty wins another.

Oklahoma at Kansas State- All season long the figure heads on the tube have gone against the Wildcats and they have proven them wrong time and time again. But this week the should go with their gut feeling because the Sooners will get the best of them. Under the control of coach Bob Stoops, Oklahoma does not lose again after losing the week before. The Sooner defense was embarrassed last week by Texas Tech and will not let that happen again on national television. Manhattan is one of those quirky places to play a football game on the road, but all quirkiness aside, Oklahoma wins big. Big props to KSU coach Bill Snyder who continues to make something out of little.

Other picks (winners in bold)
Arkansas at Vanderbilt- A slow start last week almost cost the Hogs their hopes of a BCS bowl bid. They will look to jump out early against a talented Commodore secondary.

Baylor at Oklahoma State- If you like points, don't miss this one. The Cowboys have a bigger goal on their mind, beating the Sooners four weeks away.

Ole Miss at Auburn- Will Houston Nutt lose his 11th straight SEC game as the Ole Miss coach? Yep. The Rebels showed hope last week and the future looks brighter.

Stanford at USC- This will be the best two quarterbacks on one field this season. Luck is clearly the better of the two, but the Trojans have the best chance at an upset this week.

Clemson at Georgia Tech- I'll be coming to you live from this game via Twitter. This will be my first time to see Clemson and ACC game in person. A shootout helps Clemson.

South Carolina at Tennessee
Purdue at Michigan
Arizona at Washington
Wisconsin at Ohio State

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 8

Wisconsin at Michigan State- A classic battle of offense versus defense. Wisconsin will be challenged unlike they have been all season by a top-ranked Spartan defense. The weak schedule the Badgers have played thus far was shown as they were ranked a little lower than expected in the first BCS rankings. MSU has won three of the last three home games against Wisconsin, but that streak stops here. Wisconsin will be a huge Spartan fan after Saturday because the Badgers need some help from the BCS computers, which put an added emphasis on strength of schedule and none on margin of victory. On Wisconsin!

Washington at Stanford- As a person who lives in the Eastern time zone, opportunities to see quality PAC-12 football before midnight are a rarity. I am looking forward to seeing two of the county's best quarterbacks going back and forth. On one side of the ball is the Mr. All-Everything, Andrew Luck, of whom you have heard plenty about. The visiting sideline will host Washington's (No it's not Jake Locker) Keith Price, who has saddled the tough job of replacing Jake Locker and done quite well. Some experts say when it is all said and done in Seattle the current QB may be better than the former. The Cardinal should win easily, but if like passing game... enjoy this prime time PAC-12 game.

Auburn at LSU- The only reason this game made the cut is that I like to at least preview all of the ranked teams versus other ranked teams. This game ought not be too much trouble even without two star LSU players. Auburn has started to show their losses on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball were tremendous. LSU is counting down the days until their trip to Tuscaloosa, The Tigers from Baton Rouge are too deep and will take care of business easily at home.

Other picks (winners in bold)
Arkansas at Ole Miss- The annual Houston Nutt Bowl is always one of my father's, and most Razorback fans, favorite games to watch all year. Bobby will show off all of his toys to the former Arkansas coach.

North Carolina at Clemson- Some are calling this a "slip-up" game, but that will come a few weeks later for the Tigers. But watch Taj Boyd struggle a little more against a talented UNC defense.

Tennessee at Alabama- Just like LSU, the Tide wants to look forward the Nov. 5 match-up, but they have a coach that will have none of that. Saban will again prove why he is the greatest coach in the nation.

Penn State at Northwestern- Upset special. The Nittany Lions have gone unnoticed after their loss to Alabama, going undefeated since. But they also almost lost to Temple. It has to catch up at some point.

Georgia Tech at Miami
Oregon at Colorado
Maryland at Florida State

Author's note: I'm sorry for any spelling and/or grammatical mistakes, but I covered high school football until 1 a.m. tonight and have to be at FBC Gainesville to help cook for the youth's BBQ Rib Sale at 7 a.m. I did give it one thorough read, but time is of the essence.

Les Miles Eats Grass. His Players Smoke It.



The Honey Badger



In a sport where even getting to the championship game, much less winning it,  is the toughest in all of sports, LSU's cornerback Tyrann Mathieu and running back Spencer Ware have shown an enormous amount of selfishness.



The two sophomores, along with Mathieu's backup Tharold Simon, have been suspended for the Bayou Bengals SEC West showdown with defending BCS Champion, the Auburn Tigers because all three tested positive for synthetic marijuana, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.



Synthetic? Now I am no connoisseur of the ganja, but synthetic is never as good as the real thing right? If I was a recruit committed to or considering LSU this would be a red flag. The Baton Rouge Tigers are obviously not paying their players enough.



I digress... but in a conference where any one can win on any given Saturday it was a self-centered move to put the team at any sort of disadvantage. Granted, LSU is still a 21-point favorite over Auburn even without the trio, but why even risk it when your team is on a collision course to a Nov. 5 match-up with No. 2 Alabama, the most anticipated SEC game since I have been alive.



Ware is leading rusher with 512 yards and six touchdowns for the top-ranked team. Mathieu, or as Verne Lundquist loves to call him the Honey Badger has been arguably the most exciting player in the nation, but he can now kiss his Heisman hopes goodbye with this "incident."

Now LSU coach Les Miles has not told any details about the situation, but did call the allegations "left of center. I know as well as you do if the "allegations" just come about involving illegal substances and two star players the only reason you would not come out and right these accusations is because they have truth to them.

On a positive note, backup quarterback Jordan Jefferson is the happiest person in Louisiana now that the attention has been turned away from his arrest for assault this summer.

Spurrier helps State, Remeber Richardson's Run, How 'bout them Dogs?

South Carolina was leading by four points with less than ten seconds left in the game against Mississippi State on Saturday. Instead of pulling a New York Giant-sized mistake, Steve Spurrier told quarterback Connor Shaw to run out the clock and take the safety to ensure victory. Confident Gamecock fans, more specifically USC bettors, may have been a little more upset with the Ol' Ball Coach's decision. Why you ask? With the two extra points given to the Bulldogs, Mississippi State covered the +3-point line. An estimated $30 million dollars was lost because Spurrier's decision. So betting Mississippi State fans kind of won, right?

USC's Marcus Lattimore

The bigger loss for South Carolina fans was that sophomore running back Marcus Lattimore went down with a season-ending knee injury. He had been the engine for a struggling Gamecock offense, and had over 800 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns through seven games

Now there is no question Alabama's Trent Richardson is the best running back in the league and possibly player in the country. Don't believe it? Watch this juke and try to tell me differently. Ole Miss' Senquez Golson's ankles are officially broken. This will be Richardson's equivalent to Cam Newton's run versus LSU when T-Rich collects his Heisman.

Speaking of Newton... A team I pull for finally has defeated this tremendous athlete, as the Atlanta Falcons finally scored some second-half points and put the Carolina Panthers away 31-17 on Sunday. That guy was unreal in college and is not far off from it in the pros.

Newton's former team, the Auburn Tigers, have a date with my alma mater, the Samford Bulldogs on Nov. 19. Watch out Plainsmen. My beloved Dogs are on a roll. They collected their third consecutive win on Saturday as they beat Elon for the first time in school history 43-31 on Saturday. It moves the Red and Blue to 4-2 on the season and to 2-2 in the Southern Conference. Embarrassingly, it was Samford's first back-to-back wins as a member of the SoCon. However, it is good to see coach Pat Sullivan has the program headed in the right direction.

Let it be noted I correctly picked all but one game in my weekly "The Weekend That Will Be." It only took me a year, but I am finally getting the hang of this whole picking winners thing.

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 7

Michigan at Michigan State- We will begin to see what the Wolverines and the Spartans (wearing these uni's) are made of this week in their first games against a ranked opponent of the season. This game starts a gauntlet of three games against ranked teams for MSU. The game within a game to watch in East Lansing will be Michigan quarterback against the nation's number one defense. The saying goes, "offense wins games and defense wins championships." I'm not crowning Sparty champion, but I will say they get their fourth consecutive win against Michigan for the first time in 49 years.

Baylor at Texas A&M- They only appeal for me to watch this game is to see how many yards Baylor quarterback and Heisman candidate Robert Griffin III can pile up on the fifth worst passing defense in the Bowl Subdivision. A&M's farewell tour from the Big 12 is not going how the Aggies thought it might. This team was thought to have an outside shot at the national championship and now they are struggling in their own division. Another high-scoring game here, but I am going against my gut (and my grandmother's Bears) and going with the home Aggies.

Arizona State at Oregon- You know it is a weak slate of games for a Saturday when ESPN's College Gameday crew is at a game with an 18-point favorite... Because of their struggles against LSU, people have forgotten about an explosive Oregon offense and sometimes LaMichael James, though  averaging nine yards a carry, overshadows the quarterback Darren Thomas, who has over 1,000 yards and a 15 to 1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Autzen Stadium is another one of those places I will go to someday and watch a ballgame. The Ducks give the Sun Devils their first ever PAC-12 loss.

Florida at Auburn-  A night game at Jordan-Hare, though it pains my father to hear this, is one of the best atmospheres to see a football game, especially if they win. The stadium and crowd will be full of orange and blue. To the game, these two offenses are anything but good. Hopefully, these two offenses will just run the ball. If not, we could see two freshman quarterbacks that are not ready for the big time quite yet. Also, both teams boast stud athletes at running back; Florida with a big-play Chris Rainey and Olympic fast Jeff Demps, and Auburn with thier scat-back Onterio McCaleb and bruiser Michael Dyer. This has been one of the toughest games to pick of the season. Auburn wins at home in a close game. Sounds familiar, huh?

Other picks (winners in bold)
- I am picking the top four teams to win (LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma, Wisconsin), and I am going with the over of 120 points for the combined wins. Alabama covers 25 points at halftime.

South Carolina at Mississippi State- MSU's Chris Relf can not throw the football, and USC's Conner Shaw is from around my neck of the woods. I am admittedly pulling for him.

LSU at Tennessee- LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis is having a homecoming of sorts to his former school. The only question is how many negative rushing yards with the Tigers hold the Vols to?

Ohio State at Illinois
Oklahoma State at Texas
Kansas State at Texas Tech
Georgia at Vanderbilt

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 6

Oklahoma vs. Texas- One of the best atmospheres in college football is at the Cotton Bowl during the Texas State Fair, disgusting combinations of fried foods and Big Tex can be found at the Red River Rivalry. In the last two years the Longhorns have held a potent Sooner offense to 311 and 361 yards. This year's OU team is better than a year ago, but it is no doubt that Texas coach Mack Brown know how to play the Sooners. The more experienced Oklahoma team is able to come back home with an easy win.

Florida at LSU- One guy you should feel sorry for this week? Florida freshman starting quarterback Jeff Driskell.Really you should feel sorry for anyone on the offensive staff for the Gators, too. Last week it was the punishing Alabama defense and Saturday they have the Blitzin' Bengals. Simply put, it is cruel and unusual punishment. Do not doubt Florida too quickly. They did beat an eventual national champion LSU with a freshman quarterback in 2003. Granted, Chris Leak had three starts under his belt. Watching Tiger defensive back Tyrann Mathieu create turnovers is reason enough to watch this game when LSU starts to run away with it in the second half.

Auburn at Arkansas- The one game I have been to in Fayetteville was a 9-7 snoozefest filled with field goals in 2007. How times have changed... Defense? Where? Not here. Last year the score was in favor of Auburn 62-45 and this year could be close to that because both teams have struggling defenses. Both teams are also coming off games in which they were not favored to win, but Donald W. Reynolds will be rocking on Saturday night and having DE Jake Bequette back on the field will be the difference for the Hogs.

Georgia at Tennessee- With South Carolina having serious issues on the offensive side of the ball, this game has become one of those games we will look back to at the end of the year as a difference maker for the Vols or Dawgs. Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray is the most efficient passer in the SEC but he will be going against a Todd Granthum 3-4 defense that continues improve every week. Georgia also boasts the NCAA leader in interceptions in safety Barari Rambo. The Vols need to get a running game going if they want to win; UGA needs Aaron Murray to step up if they want to have a shot. Based on recent history, Tennessee will blow out Georgia in Neyland. To take a line from Lee Corso, "Not so fast, my friend!" Dawgs win.

Other picks (winners in bold)

Georgia Tech at Maryland
Boston College at Clemson
Illinois at Indiana
Air Force at Notre Dame
Michigan at Northwestern
Texas A&M at Texas Tech
Ohio State at Nebraska

The Weekend That Wil Be: Week 5

Nebraska at Wisconsin- If I could could attend one game in the first half of the season, this is the one I would choose (I know... not an SEC game.). One day I'll get up to Camp Randall and jump around between the third and fourth quarters. I have only heard good things, where the people are kind and force you to try their cheese and slabs of meat. Throw in my Big 10 darling and it sounds like a dream weekend trip. The game is supposed to be good, but not in my eyes. Nebraska is the most overrated Top 10 team, and the environment is too much for the Huskers. "On Wisconsin" to victory.

Alabama at Florida- Two years is this was the most heated rivalry in college football, and it seems as if it is on its way back to claiming that spot with coach Will Muschamp at the helm for the Gators. If you have not done your homework, you may not know Florida has the top offense in the SEC. Bama has arguably the best defense with eight projected first and second round prospects for the NFL Draft. The Swamp will be rocking and holds close for a while before the Tide rolls away. Teacher (Nick Saban) beats (Muschamp) relatively easily in a battle of intensity.

Clemson at Virginia Tech- The real question here is if the Tigers can stay focused for the third week in a row, as they travel for their first road contest of the season. Clemson has had its program's biggest two wins in the Swinney era. The host Hokies have not played a big-time game yet this season. Blacksburg is no easy place to travel to and the under-the-radar Virginia Tech team handles a young Tiger squad.

Arkansas vs. Texas A&M- Both schools are coming off losses, have explosive offenses, are old South West Conference members, have played the role of little brother to Texas and next season both teams will play in the SEC. All these reasons are reasons to watch the Southwest Classic from the Jerry Dome in Arlington, Texas. The Aggies will and slow down the Hogs by attacking the Arkansas offensive line with an A&M defense that leads the nation in sacks. The pressure on the quarterback comes at a cost. A&M had 60 pass attempts thrown its way last week and came up with no INTs. Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino likes to throw the rock around a little bit. A&M has not beat an SEC team since 1995 either. Take the Hogs in a mild upset.

Other picks (winners in bold)
Mississippi State vs. Georgia- Battle of the Dawgs will get intense. A loss puts Georgia at two SEC losses and a hard hole to dig out of for any chance at the East title. A loss for MSU will start these Dawgs out at 0-3 and huge disappointment for the season will ensue.

Kentucky at LSU- The last time Kentucky played a No. 1 LSU team? Answer I do not think the Tigers will cover the 31.5-point spread, but finally they relax a little after their tough September.

Auburn at South Carolina- If Auburn can come with any sort of defense they might could win. They do not and Gamecock quarterback Stephen Garcia has a big game.

New Mexico State at New Mexico- Maybe the worst two offenses and defenses in the game on one field, what a rivalry! Perennially bad teams go at it in this heated match-up.

Notre Dame at Purdue- The Irish show off an explosive offense and have only three turnovers.

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 4

Arkansas at Alabama- The SEC's top offense will travel to Tuscaloosa for a showdown with the SEC's top defense.The lack of a running game stopped the Hogs from defeating the No. 1-ranked Crimson Tide last year and once again, the game may come down to how well each team can run the ball and effectively control the clock. If Alabama running back Trent Richardson can keep his pace going the Razorbacks' explosive offense can not get on the field. Also watch to see how a young offensive line from Fayetteville reacts to playing in one of the toughest stadiums (and most picturesque) in the game. Alabama moves to 4-0 and their coach Nick Saban remains undefeated against Arkansas.

Oklahoma State at Texas A&M- In what may be the last game between these two teams for quite some time as the Aggies move to the SEC, plenty of points will be scored. Watch for the running game to be key in who wins the game on Saturday. Texas A&M running back Cyrus Gray will go for his ninth consecutive 100 yard rushing game. The winner of this shootout may very well be the team who has the last possession. If you like defense stay away from the Aggies and Cowboys. Texas A&M wins at home.

Florida State at Clemson- One team is coming off their coach's biggest career win and the other off of a disappointing loss. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney kept his job for a couple of more seasons last week with a win over the defending national champions. Was rushing the field necessary? No and proof Clemson is not quite ready for the SEC. Swinney had an outburst that was reminiscent of Houston Nutt's "We Got that Wood" speech. Luckily for Swinney, he probably keeps his job. Seminole quarterback E.J. Manuel has been officially ruled "questionable" for the game on Saturday at Death Valley. Without Manuel it will be harder for FSU to pull off my upset special, but they still come out on top.

LSU at West Virginia- One can only hope the rumors of LSU students running into West Virginia classes in Morgantown and yelling "Geux Tigers!" is true. It is hard to believe it is not true, knowing rabid LSU fans. The Mountaineer offense is averaging 42 points per game and LSU's defense is giving up about 4.2 points per game. West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith will feel pressure. Pressure to perform and more pressure from the Tigers' defensive line. The Tigers, who have played the NCAA's toughest September schedule, will continue their dominance, winning easily.

Other picks (winners in bold)
North Carolina at Georgia Tech- Just do what you did last week Tech, over 600 yards on the ground and more than 12 yards a carry.

Georgia at Ole Miss- The Hot Seat Bowl ends with even more pressure on Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt. The Bullodgs are too talented.

Vanderbilt at South Carolina- Did I call that the Gamecocks would struggle last week? Vandy wakes up from their dream and plays more like the Vandy we have come to know.

Southern California at Arizona State- USC is young, six total freshamn starters. A tough night road test will prove to be too much.

Notre Dame at Pittsburgh
Florida at Kentucky
Oregon at Arizona

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 3

48 yards? After two consecutive weeks of rushing for more than 300 yards to open the season, the Mississippi State offense was able to amass only 48 yards of rushing against the LSU Tigers on Thursday night. LSU made a home in the Bulldogs' backfield with 16 tackles for loss, five sacks and forcing two picks. Of State's 59 non-kicking plays, they did not gain positive yards on 40 percent of them. Chirs Relf looked like a little boy trying to throw an NFL-sized ball. To the MSU's president Mark Keenum, was that worth cancelling a day of classes? I didn't think so either.

Oklahoma at Florida State- Rarely nowadays with a perfect record meaning so much do we get two top-5 regular season match-ups (LSU-Oregon) in one season. The question is whether or not Florida State is 30 points better than last year's team. Both OU and FSU have said they are better than a year ago. The Sooners have not won a true road game on the road versus a top-5 team in 35 years. The winner will have the better of the two quarterbacks. Florida State's E.J. Manuel is not as polished and will not handle the pressure as well as the Landry Jones, the OU quarterback. Sooners will win easily again.

Auburn at Clemson- I am an admitted SEC homer in the worst way and have not picked against a SEC team in a non-conference team yet this season. Clemson gave up 27 points to Wofford, while only pulling out an eight point victory. Also, right now it is hard to pick against the Tigers in orange and blue no matter who they play. The boys from the plains have won 17 straight and have started drinking some of the same water Lucky Les Miles does. The game might be different if it was at night at Death Valley, but it's not. Auburn pulls out a win.

Tennessee at Florida- For the last ten years the Vols and Gators have opened SEC play against each other. Remember when this game had national championship implications? Now these two teams are fighting for an SEC East crown, which is unlikely. Watch Tennsessee quarterback Tyler Bray continue to shine throwing the pigskin around. He is the leading passer in the SEC, but will have a tough test agianst a stingy Muschamp defense. The best part about this game is the SEC on CBS is back for another year and college football gets for real now. As for the play on the field? The Swamp is too much for a young Vol squad.

Michigan State at Notre Dame- I promise I will not save your eyes and time next week if the Fighting Irish start 0-3 and will not write about them next week. I have always been intrigued by ND. They were once a powerhouse but have not been any resemblenance of that in years. The golden domers have an offense that can move the ball but turns the ball over too much and a defense that has looked soft. No BCS bowl this year for Notre Dame. Nor will they get a win agaisnst Sparty in 2011. See you again in Week 5 Irish.

Ohio State at Miami- "The Inelegi-bowl," where more players will be suspended than points scored between the two. Maybe not really, but before the Nevin Shapiro information came out in Miami and Tattoo-gate got the head coach in Columbus fired, this would have been intruiging game for all the right reasons. Luckily for the Buckeyes they had farther to fall and are still ranked in the top 25. The 'Canes would not have been the best team in their division of the ACC either way. Miami gets Jacory Harris its starting quarterback off of suspension, but he has been a turnover machine. OSU wins because of late interceptions.

Other picks (winners in bold):
West Virginia at Maryland- Maryland's new uniforms will not be enough this time to pull out a "W"

Navy at South Carolina- Could be an upset special if the Gamecocks, who have started slow in games, did not do their homework for Navy's offense.

Stanford at Arizona- Closer than the experts think. The Cardinal have yet to be overly impressive

Oklahoma State at Tulsa- There may be 200 points scored here.

Louisville at Kentucky- My first pick against the SEC. The Wildcats have struggled with Western Kentucky and Central Michigan.

Ole Miss at Vanderbilt
Pittsburgh at Iowa
Washington at Nebraska
Troy at Arkansas

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 2

Alabama at Penn State- The roles have been reversed this season as the Tide goes into a stadium which has more than 100,000 fans and instability at quarterback. However, Alabama is a better team than the Nittany Lion team that came to Tuscaloosa a year ago. The Crimson Tide defense is as good, if not better, than the one that won a championship in 2009. Remember the last time Alabama went into a "(insert team color here)-OUT"? Georgia 2008 ring a bell? Expect much of the same as they head to Happy Valley's white-out.

South Carolina at Georgia- Sources tell me Mark Richt would shave his famed butt-cut hair style to get a "W" in Athens this weekend. The problem is the Bulldogs linemen were man-handled by Bosie State. If the Broncos were able to do that imagine what USC's big uglies will do. Gamecock running back Marcus Lattimore should have big day as he did last season, playing keep-away from Georgia's offense. If he can not get going, a confident Stephen Garcia should gash the exposed Bulldog secondary. Gamecocks take the lead in the SEC East.

Mississippi State at Auburn- At the end of the game which is higher, number of Cam Newton mentions or number of total points for Auburn. I am taking the former. Last week the Tigers came away with a win agianst Utah State becuase of a recovered on-side kick. This week Auburn was the first team since the 1965 Alabama squad to fall out of the AP Top 25 two weeks into the season following a national championship. SEC Offensive Player of the Week, and Bulldog running back, Vic Ballard ran wild last Thursday night and will do it again over a inexperienced Auburn defensive front.

Notre Dame at Michigan- After stadium renovations in the summer, the first night game ever will be held in Ann Arbor. The teams will adorn commemorative uniforms (I'm a sucker for stuff like this.). Notre Dame will also have a new quarterback, as Tommy Rees will take control of the offense. The Fighting Irish had five turnovers last week against South Florida. Michigan's quarterback Denard Robinson will show different looks in the I-formation, making play-action more effective. The Michigan fans will leave in the dark disappointed as Notre Dame turns its losing ways around.

Other picks (winners in bold):
Stillman at Samford- My alma mater suffered a loss at the hands of Georgia Southern, who some believe will win the FCS Championship. The Dogs rebound quickly and get back on the right track.

Virginia Tech at East Carolina- ECU played well against South Carolina last week and the Hokies have lost games they should have won. Hokies keep national championship hopes alive.

Cincinnati at Tennessee- Be careful of looking forward to next week's date with the Florida Gators, Tennessee. Both teams can put up points and little defense will be played.

Brigham Young at Texas- The Longhorns welcome the now independent Cougars, who could join the Big 12 as quickly as next season. Texas stays on track of picking up the pieces after a tough season a year ago.

Oregon State at Wisconsin- My Big 10 darling Badgers pound the ball down the Beavers' throat. Watch OSU running back Malcom Agnew. He put up 223 yards and scored three times in their loss last week.

New Mexico at Arkansas- Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson spreads the ball around a little more this week and stays in the game a little longer this week against an atrocious New Mexico team that won only once last season.

Laborless Day

They threw out free chicken sandwiches
 and cows all day long

When the goal is to not do anything, why is it called Labor Day? I fully observed our government's celebration of economic and social contributions of American workers and did nothing on Monday.

However, on Saturday I did go Atlanta for the Chick-fil-a Kickoff Game between Boise State and the University of Georgia. Ok... I did not go to the game, but I did enjoy the pregame festivities around the Georgia Dome. There was little to no postgame celebration as the Bulldogs lost, which has many demanding for a Mark Richt fire. Slow down Georgia fans.

It is always fun to go to a big game atmostphere and enjoy the hype surrounding the game. I got to see a couple of friends from Samford, but the best part was getting the chance to tailgate and go to Mid-town to watch the game at a restaurant with my sister.

Great day with even better people.

The Weekend That Will Be: Week 1

Finally, God's greatest four month long gift is here again. Amidst all the controversy of its offseason, the game will be back to normal, and the pageantry and tradition of Saturdays in the fall will cover up the black eye of college football.

Everything that makes college football will be back in full swing, and I am here to tell you what will happen each week in the biggest games.

There are only a few games being played tomorrow that will not be (at least should not be) blowouts.

No. 3 Oregon vs. No. 4 LSU:  Say what you will about coach Les Miles, the Bayou Bengals always play big in big games, 5-1 in their last six bowl games and Oregon has trouble with size on the line (BCS Championship game versus Auburn last season). The Ducks are faster than everyone in the Pac-12 and can win. However, when they play the SEC everyone on the field is fast and LSU is bigger. The Tigers will have a back-up quarterback starting, but Jarrett Lee has waited his time, proven he can win big games and has plenty of play makers around him.

No. 5 Boise State vs. No. 19 Georgia: Another instance of a team from the greatest conference in the game, SEC, playing a quick team from the West. The size on the line of the Bulldogs versus the Broncos will again prove to be the difference. Great example: Boise State center- 5-11, 290 vs. Georgia defensive tackle- 6-6, 360. Bronco senior quarterback Kellen Moore is good, but I'm not sure he will have time to get the ball off in basically a home game for the Bulldogs.

A few games kicked off the season last night and let it be known I was a big proponent of the Wisconsin Badgers last season. Now they have transfer QB Russell Wilson and I have already fallen back for the big boys from Madison. Watch out for this team to make noise in the chase for the BCS National Championship.

Another team with a solid first game was the Bulldogs from Starkville, granted it was against Memphis. Turns out RB Vic Ballard's production last season was no fluke. He has played 17 games for Mississippi State and had three touchdowns in five of those games.

SEC West Power Rankings

The SEC West is without a doubt the toughest division in college football this season and ranks way up there on the list of All-Time Toughest Divisions.

6. Ole Miss- In Oxford they should substitute one of the "i"s in the school's name for an "e," The football program is more of a "Mess"issippi. The only thing for Rebel fans to look forward to is the unveiling of their new Black Bear mascot. One day, Mississippi will get away from the "get a transfer quarterback and use him for a year" plan (Jeremiah Masoli experiment). The Rebels will most likely go with transfer Barry Brunetti over junior college transfers Randall Mackey or Zack Strount. On the defensive side of the ball the Rebels have lost their leader, LB D.T. Shackelford to a torn ACL at a position where they already lacked depth.

Head coach Houston Nutt gave Mississippi two straight Cotton Bowls and started out to high. He will have one more year after 2011 to prove he is capable of coaching in the SEC.  I am scared for Rebel fans he will have some success and hold on to his job and earn an extension.

5. Auburn- The fall in expectations of the defending national champions is of epic proportion. With five returning starters (offense and defense) from last season, inexperience will plague the Tigers this season. The offense will be in the hands of QB Barrett Trotter, a huge step down in capabilities from the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton. Auburn will still move the ball thanks to retaining offensive coordinator Gus Malzhan with a huge contract.  They also have plenty of talent at running back with Michael Dyer and Onterio McCaleb. The defense lost the most dominant lineman in college football, DT Nick Fairley, to the NFL Draft and defensive coordinator Ted Roof will work hard to earn his money as well.

Auburn has a talented enough team to make to a second tier bowl game. The Tigers will be overlooked by some teams and create a few upsets.

4. Mississippi State- The boys in Starkville have their program going the opposite way from their rivals, "The School Up North." Bulldog fans could not be more thrilled with their head coach and the direction of the program, with 12 of the top 20 crowds at Davis Wade Stadium since coach Dan Mullen has arrived. RB Vic Ballard is an underrated back in the SEC. QB Chris Relf can lead Mullen's offense, and WR Chad Bumphis, when healthy can make big plays with his speed. The defense is losing its three starting linebackers from last season, but will have a talented secondary.
Enormous strides in a coach's second year are becoming the norm. The Bulldogs need to avoid a third year setback, which could be tough in the SEC West. State will make it will make it to a New Years Day bowl once again if they can win games they should win and sprinkle in an upset or two.

3. LSU- Before the QB Jordan Jefferson was arrested the Bayou Bengals were barely hanging on to the number two position in the power rankings, but trusting the offense to Jarett Lee makes LSU even more of a gamble. Athletic playmakers are abundant on both sides of the ball as the Tigers consistently recruit at the top of the game. Two former five star recruits at receiver should help Lee's transition into the starting role. On defense, there is no reason to see a drop-off from one of the deepest clubs in the league. Two huge sophomore DTs, a potential All-American at LB in Ryan Baker, and the best cornerback tandem in the NCAA will be a force.

The schedule is not nice to the Tigers as they go to Dallas to take on Oregon, travel to West Virginia and go through the SEC West gauntlet. No National Championship for this crew, but they will contend for the SEC title.

2. Arkansas- The loss of RB Knile Davis to a broken ankle is less of a blow to the Razorbacks than LSU losing Jefferson. With Davis gone, there are definite questions, but Arkansas has RBs Ronnie Wingo and Dennis Johnson which have had glimpses of hope. QB Tyler Wilson will try and replace Ryan Mallet and if he does the Hogs will continue to run one of the strongest offenses in the league. Questions arise on the offensive line. Luckily for Wilson, he has the nation's best receiving corps to throw to. On the opposite side of the ball, coach Bobby Petrino has his deepest and most talented lineup since he has been in Fayettville. Petrino's defensive line finally looks more like one that belongs in the SEC with a threat to quaterbacks in DE Jake Bequette. Three-time team leading tackler LB Jerry Frankin returns along with FS Tramain Thomas to a more experienced backfield.

A week four stop in Tuscaloosa could make or break the Razorbacks' chances at a date in Atlanta with an SEC East team.

1. Alabama- The best defense in the SEC returns eight starters and should be the best in the nation this season with a chance at four All-Americans. LB's Dont'a Hightower and Courtnet Upshaw are the best linebacking duo in the nation. On the line, Marcell Dareus is gone and will be missed, but what has become Saban's move the coach will just plug in another player and he will thrive. Look out for DT Josh Chapman. Athletes are everywhere as the secondary returns all four starter including the best safeties tandem in the nation, SS Mark Barron and FS Robert Lester. The starting quarterback battle between A.J. McCarron and Phillip Sims has not settled. The offense will lean heavily on RB Trent Richardson, who will finally get his time to be the star for the Crimson Tide after Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram graduated. Alabama will miss WR Julio Jones and his deep threat ability more than most fans may realize.
The Tide should have a shot at the SEC Championship, but Crimson Tide fans are not happy with just a league title. Watch out for Alabama to be in the mix to win the BCS National Championship and extend the SEC's streak to six straight championships.