2011 New Years Day Bowls

TicketCity Bowl
     Texas Tech vs. Northwestern- Really? The Ticketcity Bowl is a New Years Day bowl game? (I can only imagine trying to explain how the bowl system works to my kids someday.) Northwestern wins in this game coming off of a disappointing season. They have not been the same team since the injury to their starting QB Dan Persa.

Capital One Bowl
     Alabama vs. Michigan State- As I have said before, this is the best non-BCS bowl game, bar none. One of three Big 10 Champions and last year's national champions take the field to help decide the Big 10 vs. SEC debate. Alabama has to still be hurt after how they lost to Auburn and MSU has to be a little let down after not being invited to a BCS bowl game. MSU Head Coach Mike D'Antonio comes from the Nick Saban coaching tree adding some spice to this match up. I see Alabama coming out strong and pulling out a win for their program and the SEC.

Outback Bowl
     Florida vs. Penn State- Urban Meyer vs. Joe Paterno... The most exciting storyline of the whole game is between the coaches. One coached dinosaurs and the other has had tremendous success early in his career, which appears to be over. I see Penn State pulling out a win because their offense is much more versatile than they are given credit. That is a tough statement for this SEC homer to say.

Gator Bowl
     Mississippi State vs. Michigan- Many people are writing off Michigan because Head Coach Rich Rodriguez's uncertain future in Ann Arbor. I am not quite ready to do that yet. Chances are he will be back next year, and the kids playing for him love their coach. Also Michigan QB Denard Robinson will be at full health for the first time since the beginning of the season. As long as he is not injured by the big boys from the SEC he could have a big day. State needs to stop him and limit turnovers to have success. This game will be closer than the experts think. State does these things and wins though, making their fans the most excited in the nation for a nine win season.

Rose Bowl
     TCU vs. Wisconsin- This year's Rose Bowl does not have the same amount of swagger as last year's national championship.  Who ever thought the day would come we would see TCU in the Rose Bowl? I do not think the Horned Frogs will enjoy their stay too much. Much has been made about the size of Wisconsin's offensive and defensive linemen. The fact is line play determines so much of the success of a team and that will stand true tomorrow, too. The Badgers wear out a smaller TCU.

Fiesta Bowl
     Connecticut vs. Oklahoma-  How about the job UConn Head Coach Randy Edsell has done with his Huskies, taking them from a D-IAA school to a BCS bowl game. On the other hand is a team that has experienced recent struggles in their BCS games, including a shot at a national championship. Oklahoma has a chance to exorcise their recent BCS bowl game demons against an inferior opponent. Here we will see experience win, and win big. Oklahoma rolls much like Florida, a much more BCS experienced team, did in last year's Sugar Bowl, dominating the Big East Conference champion, Cincinnati.

The NCAA Has Done It Again

What happened to using precedent as means to decide the penalty of a case? I am utterly confused by the NCAA’s ruling on the fiasco going on in Columbus, Ohio today. I do not want to hear the Ohio State athletic director and coaches say the players did not know better. Come on… I know the lawyers said to say these lines for the appeal, but no one really believes you.

Five Ohio State football players (including their starting quarterback, leading rusher, second leading receiver, and starting left tackle) are being punished for selling their autographed Big 10 Championship memorabilia (rings and game worn jerseys) in exchange for services at a tattoo parlor. The estimated amount paid for the goods was around $1,200 per player. All of the players are suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season, but their eligibility for the upcoming Sugar Bowl versus Arkansas on January 4^th has not been affected.

There is no consistency in the way that the NCAA punishes. Georgia WR A.J. Green, widely to be considered the most talented receiver in the nation, was suspended for the first four games of the season because he sold his game worn jersey from the 2009 Independence Bowl for $1,000 to an agent this summer. That means that the first four games Greene would have been able to play in he was suspended from doing so.

The same is also true for Alabama DL Marcell Darreus who was suspended the first two games of this season because of his involvement with an agent this summer, too.

Not the kids from OSU. No, they will be playing in the Sugar Bowl. Let’s assume they all forego senior seasons, which is becoming the general consensus, none of the five will receive punishment for their wrongdoings. I have to agree with ESPN’s Mark May. I can hardly believe that would be the case if Arkansas QB Ryan Mallet had sold his jerseys. I am sure he would be sitting out the Sugar Bowl because of the NCAA’s unfair treatment towards the SEC in these situations.

As for the Cam Newton saga and the penalties, or lack thereof… don’t get me started.

The 10 Bowls to See

It is here. The wait is over. As we get ready for one of the most exciting times of the year we all forget the mess that is the BCS, but can we agree it did what it was meant to do? Did it not put the top two teams in the nation in a bowl game? Granted, there are aspects that need attention, but those in charge of the BCS are working on those and open to change. Good or bad, we are stuck with the bowl system for now and here are the ten that I am looking forward to the most.

1. Tostitos BCS National Championship Game
No. 2 Oregon vs. No. 1 Auburn

 This one should be obvious as to why it is number one. The two best teams, best offenses, and players in the nation are all on one field. I think both offenses start off slow because of the layoff, but then the winner is the defense that can make one more stop than the other.

2. Allstate Sugar Bowl
No. 6 Ohio State vs. No. 8 Arkansas

  Two explosive quarterbacks going at one another. The Sugar Bowl pits a typical NFL style quarterback in Ryan Mallet versus the more mobile Terrelle Pryor. It will be interesting to see how Mallet can handle the number two defense and how the improved Arkansas can handle another mobile quarterback. Can OSU’s get past their losing streak, excuse me, beating streak by SEC teams?

3.Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO
No. 5 Wisconsin vs. No. 3 TCU

    It will be fun to see if TCU is as good as they think they are and prove that to the rest of the country. They have yet to win in all of their BCS bowl tries. They will get their chance against a huge, smash-mouth Wisconsin team whose play is described by their coach as “real American football.” 

4. Discover Orange Bowl
No. 4 Stanford vs. No. 13 Virginia Tech

    Though this game looks like a promising one, will anyone be at the Orange Bowl who is known for its bad attendance numbers. Again, here we have a match-up of two different types of quarterbacks. On one hand what looks like will the number one overall pick in April’s NFL draft and the other is a more mobile and winningest quarterback in Hokie history, Tyrod Taylor.

5. Capital One Bowl
No. 16 Alabama vs. No. 9 Michigan State

    Easily the best non-BCS game Alabama and Michigan State will meet on New Years Day. Alabama, who is still bitter about a loss in which they blew a 24 point lead, will try and go back to what has made them so good, a solid running game. On the opposite side of the field is a team which is bitter that they are not playing in a BCS game after sharing part of the Big 10 title. It’s always fun when the SEC and Big 10 get together.

6. AT&T Cotton Bowl
No. 10 LSU vs. No. 17 Texas A&M

      A team that is on the rise and has played extremely well since a tough loss to Arkansas will play a team that is coming off a loss to Arkansas that would have locked up a Sugar Bowl bid. The Jerry Dome will be rocking as both schools are close and travel well, not to mention that Jerry Jones, Arkansas alumni and member of of their 1964 National Championship team, will not be outdone as far as the environment goes.

7. Chick-fil-A Bowl
No. 20 South Carolina vs. No. 23 Florida State

    South Carolina has to go back to the site at which they were embarrassed by the number one team in the country. They will be taking on a team that is just not quite ready to be compared to the FSU teams of old. Jimbo has this team on the right track. Steve Spurrier needs this win or this season, though making it to the SEC Championship will end in disappointment as many of his seasons have.

8. Gator Bowl
No. 21 Mississippi State vs. Michigan

  Here again we have up and coming in MSU against a team with a “Rich” heritage in bowl games. Speaking of... Rodriguez will be fighting for his job and beating an SEC team would help his resume tremendously. The Bulldogs, however, couldn’t be happier with their coach as he is the envy of all programs head coach hunting.

9. AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Georgia vs. No. 25 UCF

 Really the only reason this game is of any real interest is one of UCF’s  starting wide receivers is from Rome, Georgia and gets a chance to play his home state team in front of many family members and friends. But seriously the UCF team is nothing to look past for the Bulldogs. They are a very talented team, maybe the second best in Florida this year. There is still a lot of pressure on Mark Richt, and losing this game would not help his cause.

10. Hyundai Sun Bowl
Notre Dame vs. Miami

   Criminals vs. Catholics... No it doesn’t have the same ring to it as it used to, but this game shows the state of college football right now. Miami and Notre Dame of today are not your dad’s Miami and Notre Dame. Winning this game will be a huge stepping point to get things back on track for the winner.

Made It Through One

Sorry you have not seen an update on here in a while. I have been busy with finals, but I am proud to say I have finished one semester of Occupational Therapy school. To celebrate being done a bunch of us (my classmates) went out and hit the square of downtown. Needless to say, there was not much to hit and we were gone by supper time.

I headed west to Mississippi to kick off my Christmas break, playing the esteemed role of a townsperson in First Baptist Church Vicksburg's presentation of God's Christmas Gift. I am sure they saw the talent and will be asking me back to fill a larger role. On Sunday I had the pleasure of attending First Baptist Church Jackson's Carols by Candlelight, a Strong family tradition. While there I, at times, felt as close to God as I may ever have. The final two anthems the choir were an arangement of Amazing Grace and Handel's classic Hallelujah Chorus.  I am convinced the feelings I felt were as close to what heaven feels like as we have here. There are very few times that I can remember in my life feeling this way and I will hopefully remember it for the rest of my life. I know watching it on the computer is not the same, but here is the link. FBC Jackson- Amazing Grace

I have made it back to home sweet Rome and all that is missing is my sister. It is going to be great to have some extended time with the four of us all under the same roof.

To the fans of my sports analysis, be looking forward to my best bowls of the season and bowl picks to come.

Championship Weekend

They say there is no playoff system, but what is this championship weekend come down to? Two teams must win to get their shot at a national championship. Experts can complain about the bowl system but the system we have now sure does make for an exciting last weekend of football.

Auburn vs. South Carolina- Did you see the special on ESPN about the SEC championship titled Atlanta? It hit the importance of this game right on the head. Yes, for the Tigers it most likely means a chance at the national championship and a Sugar Bowl bid for the Gamecocks, but it also means they are the best team in the South, a very important title in these parts. South Carolina must stop Cam Newton but no one has figured it out yet. It ain’t happening this week either. Sure South Carolina might play well for a while but the Tigers are playing for something bigger and Newton officially locks up the Heisman.

Oregon vs. Oregon State- Another “playoff game” atmosphere in Corvallis, Oregon, as the Ducks go down the road 40 miles and try to win the Pac-10. Oregon State has been the home to many upsets recently and would like nothing more than to ruin their rival’s run to the championship. Here is there chance. They are going to slow the game down to have a chance but their D isn’t good enough to do it. Ducks win and have roses in their mouths at the end of the night.

Florida State vs. Virginia Tech- Maybe this ACC Championship will have more than 10,000 people in Charlotte at the stadium. As good as the SEC Championship game is shows how the ACC just doesn’t have it quite right. If there are people there watching or not Virginia Tech is winning the game, sorry Boise. The Hokies are hot, winning their last 10 games. It really is about when you win in college football. Florida State has made huge strides this year and is headed to the right direction, but the Hokies are experienced.

Oklahoma vs. Nebraska- In the best game that no one is talking about, Nebraska is playing their last game in the Big 12. If you going to leave, this is the way to go. Too bad they don’t win in their last Big 12 match up. Nebraska’s games have been close recently and just have not been the same team since QB Taylor Martinez hurt his ankle. His motor is what makes this offense go. Oklahoma, on the other hand, has had to play its way into this game and is motivated to win and they will.

Other Picks (in bold):

Connecticut at South Florida- UConn is going to the Orange Bowl without a single vote in the Coach’s Poll.

Utah State at Boise State- I bet Boise K Kyle Brotzman doesn’t miss a kick. Too bad it’s one week too late

Southern Methodist at UCF- My high school QB and favorite UCF player WR Brian Watters gets a ring and a trip to the Liberty Bowl.

Washington at Washington State

USC at UCLA

Rutgers at West Virginia

Nevada at Louisiana Tech

Is This Real Life?

I have decided every once in a while I will do a post about what is going on in the world of sports. There are things that happen during the year that, in the world of sports, just do not make sense. For example...

1. Boise State loses. Can you believe it? The one week that I have faith in the Broncos to pull out a victory they fail me. Maybe we aren't giving the WAC the credit its due. Just maybe Boise does play a tough schedule and should be considered for the National Championship game. Yeah right! Losing to Nevada is not a good loss. Nevada would be handled by the sixth best SEC team, Mississippi State, easily. Oh well, it was a good run this year and I am sure we will hear the same arguments for the little guy next year.

2. Auburn came back to win in Tuscaloosa. After falling behind 24-0 in the first half the Tigers found a way to win in Bryan-Denny Stadium for the first time ever. If everything had gone just as Alabama wanted it to, not being stopped in the red zone a few times, the score would have looked more like 42-0. Those stops hurt Alabama by taking the more than 100,000 people out of the game. I give credit to Auburn and its resiliency to come back under such tough conditions. No way they shouldn't play for the national title.

3. Arkansas may play a BCS bowl. Really? In the most difficult conference to play in, with 5 ranked teams in the West, Arkansas played their way to the top? I am so used to settling for the Cotton Bowl but not this year. The Razorbacks have actually lived up to expectations and, with an Auburn win in the SEC Championship should play in the Sugar Bowl for the first time in 30 years. Even more surprising is the old man will be pulling or the Tigers come Saturday. I never thought I would see the day.

4. Sticking with football and moving to the professional ranks, the Falcons could be the best team in the NFL. Again, really? A franchise that just last year had its first back to back winning seasons is considered by many to be the favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. The team is clicking with a calm quarterback, Matt Ryan. They have won three games within the last minute of the game and have not had a turnover in 4 games. The next three weeks will tell a lot as the Dirty Birds are on the road, not in the friendly confines of the Georgia Dome where they are 19-1 over the past three years. That is a serious home field advantage.

5. The Miami Heat continue to struggle. They are now 10-8 and the 5th best team in the Eastern Conference. Who saw this much of an adjustment period coming. So much for those predictions that the Heat would break the 1996 Bulls record of 72 wins. They would have to finish out the season at 62-2 to tie that record. Not happening. Miami has serious offensive woes and has yet to figure out how to play like a team.

6. Jeter maybe not a Yankee. Derek Jeter, along with his agent, is under negations to further his career as a Yankee. He is coming off of his worst year as a professional and seeking $20 million dollars a year. The Yankee organization is trying to run the franchise like any business and pay for what they are getting. The aging captain has meant a lot to the team and he, along with many New Yorkers feel as if he is due the money just because he means so much to the history of the Yanks. New York management is not budging much. Meanwhile Jeter has received offers from World Series Champion San Fransisco Giants and the arch rival, Boston Red Sox. Can you imagine Jeter getting his 3000th hit in a Red Sox jersey?

Be sure to check the blog to see my picks for Championship Weekend and after all of the BCS hoopla has settled, my 2010 Bowl Game Prediction Spectacular.

Best College Football Weekend

I am coming to you live from Vicksburg, Mississippi. Because I am on vacation I am trying to work when I can. I will be updating this as I can, but here is the work I have done so far.

Auburn vs. Alabama- I have had more trouble trying to justify a winner in this match-up more than any all season. Alabama is the favorite, according to Vegas, has home field advantage, and their Head Coach Nick Saban has had extra time to prepare for this game. Auburn, on the other hand, though lacking any as semblance of a defense all season, has not been stopped. But Auburn has yet to play a good team on the road and has struggled against the run, the Tide’s specialty. It is because of this I am going to take the Alabama Crimson Tide. Auburn fans will simply not be heard. Heck, the Auburn band has been moved to the upper deck! These people just don’t like each other. Alabama will rely heavily on the run but Alabama QB Greg McElroy will have to make a few important 3^rd down conversion passes to Julio Jones. The Tide win in a close one, and Tuscaloosa implodes from the celebrating.

LSU vs. Arkansas- A huge game that will shape the BCS bowl picture as much as any adds to what is already one of the best young rivalries. With a win both teams figure to lock up a bid to the Sugar Bowl. For Arkansas and LSU, success of the season rides on this game. Arkansas fans have felt all year that this year was crucial in the turnaround under Head Coach Bobby Petrino. Can the Hogs deliver results after such high expectations? The previous 5 games have been decided by less than 13 points so expect a tight one. The game will come down to whether or not a stout LSU defense can stop an Arkansas offense that has been rolling. In one of the most fun match ups all weekend two top 10 NFL prospects will go head to head as Arkansas QB will try to pass on LSU CB Patrick Peterson. The Rock will be doin just that this afternoon, rockin' as the Razorbacks figure out the LSU defenses and, depending on the unpredictable computers, lock up a bid to their first BCS Bowl.

Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss- For the first time in my life I will spend the day in Mississippi on the day of the Egg Bowl. Nationally, this game does not get the recognition that some rivalry games get, but don’t tell the folks from Mississippi that. Heck, the Bulldogs Head Coach Dan Mullen will not even say the words “Ole Miss,” in stead calling them “the team from up North.” I am watching the game with die hard State fans and one thing is certain, it is always good when Ole Miss loses, but so much better when State has the pleasure of giving them the loss. With that said, the only factor that makes this game close is the game is played in Oxford. Mississippi will have a hard time stopping the counter attack of State QB Chris Relf and RB Vick Ballard and really has no offensive threat of their own. Ole Miss QB Jeremiah Masoli was supposed to save the season for the Rebels but has failed miserably. The hurt continues today in an intense atmosphere, and State people have bragging rights for another year.

Arizona at Oregon- The game tonight in Autzen Stadium is the last true test the Ducks of Oregon will face before the national championship. Senior night versus a good Arizona Wildcats team that is coming of of two conference losses will be tough but doable for Oregon. Arizona beat Iowa earlier this year at home and has shown flashes of things to come from Head Coach Mike Stoops. The flashes will not be enough tonight as  Oregon running back LeMichael James leads this high scoring offense to another victory.

Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State- The Battle for Bedlam has extra meaning this year as the two teams involved are fighting for a spot in the Big 12 Championship. The rivalry has been dominated by big brother Oklahoma, winning 80 of the 104 games. Oklahoma State is seeking the teams first 10 win season in school history in what was supposed to be a "rebuilding year," but I think they will have to wait until their bowl game to get it. The Cowboys will not handle the pressure of the beating the Sooners, who have been there done that. It is a struggle, but Oklahoma QB Landry Jones, with the help of a big performance from RB Demarco Murray, will pull out the W.

Other Picks (in bold):

Boise State at Nevada

Michigan State at Penn State

Florida at Florida State

Kentucky at Tennessee

South Carolina at Clemson

Oregon State at Stanford

Notre Dame at USC

Michigan at Ohio State

Eye Opener

For those of you who don't know I am attending Occupational Therapy school right now and for the next three years. I wrote this as a reflection on my hospital experience a couple of weeks ago and felt as if I should share it...

My hospital experience was one of the most important parts of my first semester in OT school, and maybe when I look back at it, my career. I feel as if pieces of information that I have been trying to put together in school have start to come together through my experience at the hospital.

I was in acute care and followed a very professional OT. One part of the day I experienced, the all-intimidating bathing, was really not as bad as it is made out to be. I had heard stories from other students about having to give people baths and was quite nervous that I was going to be one of the ones to help with bathing. Turned out I got to do bathing and toileting, and believe these are experiences every student going through the program should have their eyes open to. There is no way to know if you will or will not be exposed to it in your own career. Look at our professors. None of them stayed in one practice area for too long, and I bet none of them thought in their first year they would teach. We always say that the versatility is one of the best parts about being an OT.

The experience helped me learn some important things that I will carry throughout my time as a student at OT. Get over it. At some point you have to do things that aren't always comfortable and push you to the limits. Whether this is going to look at a cadaver, watching a patient being given a bath, or teaching patient, new toileting techniques, sometimes “you gotta do what you gotta do”. I realized that these are all things we as OTs are exposed to and need to be comfortable with them. The patient trusts you. Imagine if you were that woman who has just suffered a stroke, first day on a new floor, with a new OT, and there is a male graduate student, a stranger and complete surprise, watching you in some of your most personal moments. Patients trust that we as OTs know what we are doing and that we will carry out these responsibilities in the most professional manner. These are people. Hearing the patient’s history in team meetings not only let me see that OTs are just part of the recovery process but also that patients are people, with families and amazing stories just like us.

It really hit me at the hospital that as an OT we are so much more that just a therapist that comes and helps, but we are giving life and independence back to someone. Yeah, we do some things that are pretty uncomfortable to most people, but that is yet another reason why not everyone can or will do what we do. Coming from mostly an outpatient shadowing background, I learned quite a bit.  I may never work at a hospital but it is great to know that is always something I can do if I want to.

Side note-- There was something else that I dealt with at the hospital and learned from, but it didn't fit to share it in this reflection. Occupational therapy is a field dominated mostly by women. I would liken the ratio to education maybe a few more females on the female to male ratio. I was asked by on of the OTs working in an abrasive tone, "You're a guy, why would you want to be an OT?" I stepped back and wanted to say, "You're a girl, why do you want to be an OT?" But remembering that I am in an inferior position, I just simply thought about it. I told her, "For the same reasons that you want to. I love seeing the progress of patients and using occupations they love to do to teach them how to do them again." She had no rebuttal but, "yeah, me too." I honestly believe God has lead me to become an OT because I will be able to show his love, kindness, how awesome our bodies are that He made, and ultimately a whole lot of patience to those that may not know it and by doing so I can help one person, great.

For those of you reading, family and friends, if you never knew why I want to be an OT, I hope I cleared up some confusion.

How I See It...

It being the college football weekend. The one that is already underway if you include Alabama's absolute drubbing of Georgia State, not that it wasn't expected. Really though the Tide could have scored 100 if they wanted. So with that game, the Washington win over UCLA already happening, and that I am not going to mention the Boise State game tonight I will predict the football games on Saturday.

Arkansas vs. Mississippi State- This game is becoming more and more important. Yes, it is essential for the Hogs to win and keep their BCS bowl game hopes alive but there is more behind this game. In my family, everyone, except me, went to Arkansas and most of the family still lives in the state, and we are all huge Razorback fans. In Lexie's house, everyone, except her, went to Mississippi State and still lives in Mississippi. They are all "State people." (which are GREAT people) Though I am banned from talking to Lexie's mother during the game, I know she will have her cowbell out and ringing it loud enough to scare the Sambo, their dog, under the bed. I know my family will be decked out in their red and calling the hogs proudly.  I am so glad that Lexie and I can agree on our team, the Bulldogs... from Samford University , of course. As far as the game goes I do see it being a good game but the offensive fire power will be too much in the end.  The score will be a little more lopsided than the game will be but the Razorbacks improve to 4-1 on the road and one win away from a 10 win season.

LSU vs. Ole Miss- Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt does not want to admit it but he has had LSU's number in the past few years. Starting with his days at Arkansas, his teams have consistently played well against the Bayou Bengals. Seeing that Nutt has not had his typical one big upset a year yet many "experts" are seeing this as an easy upset pick. Not this expert. Expect to see Lucky Les win again this weekend. The Tigers run well and run often against a weak Mississippi run defense. Watch Jerimiah Masoli try and make sense of why he is in Mississippi after all.

Ohio State vs. Iowa- Even with Iowa losing last weekend to Northwestern this game still will help determine the Big 10 champ and bowl pecking order. I know that Iowa is a tough place to play especially after a loss but Ohio State is playing for too much for that to get in the way. I do believe that Terelle Pryor will have to be able to move and throw the ball because Iowa DE Adrian Claiborne will be getting after him and show why NFL scouts are excited. Ohio State wins a close one.

Virginia Tech vs. Miami- In a game that Virginia Tech can clinch it's half of the ACC and lock its place in the ACC Championship Game, I expect them to do just that. Granted, Miami has been dealt tough cards to play with this season, but they have just not been able to be consistent against the adversary. Virginia Tech on the other hand has been able to bounce back after losing their first two games, one of which was James Madison. This Hokie team is playing like everyone thought they would at the beginning of the year and they continue to do so this Saturday.

Other picks (in bold):

Army vs. Notre Dame- Coolest setting this year, Yankee Stadium. ND vs. Army circa 1918.

Illinois at Northwestern- 2^nd coolest setting this year, Wrigley Field. Too bad the base ball field is not big enough.

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/ncf/news/story?id=5824661

Stanford at California- This rivalry is not even close. Forget the comparisons to the

Oregon game. This game gets ugly.

Tennessee at Vanderbilt- It’s truly amazing that the Vols can still go to a bowl game.

Wisconsin vs. Michigan- Belima has another hard time keeping the score reasonable as the Badgers put up big numbers again this week against a weak Michigan defense.

Nebraska at Texas A&M
Connecticut at Syracuse

Oklahoma at Baylor

USC at Oregon State

Florida State at Maryland

Duke at Georgia Tech
Pittsburgh at South Florida

Turner Field in November?

Yes. It is true. I had the pleasure to attend Lexie's senior formal this past weekend which was in no other place than THE Turner Field, home of your Atlanta Braves, and so many of my own sports memories. I do not want to brag too much, but it was pretty much our doing to have formal at the sight of our first date, more than two and a half years ago. The idea came from Ellen, who had her formal there a year ago. Seeing that I am past the days of Sigma Chi parties the next option was Lexie. She, of course, loved the idea and put the idea in the social chair's ear.

There is not a better backdrop to have at a party, one side with Turner Field and the other with the Atlanta skyline. I could not have been happier there, after eating all the salmon I could and dancing the night away. That move would come back later to haunt me in the form of a stomachache. Worth it? Yep.

When we got tired of dancing we looked over Turner Field with Hand Aaron smiling behind us. It was such a surreal sight to see a stadium I have grown accustomed to seeing full, with no one in the seats. Even waiting in line was fun. I dragged Lexie away from the line to let it die down and just chatted it up with the security guards who knew many of the players on my favorite professional sports team. I really was like a kid in a candy shop, prettiest and most fun date, all I could eat delicious food, with a view one of my favorite stadiums and cities.

College Football Week 11

I would like to start of and thank those that have and are serving our country, especially to those in my family. To me my grandfathers, Gramps and Granddaddy, thank you for what you did,  the lessons you have taught me, stories you have told me, and your service to our country. To all of you reading, if you are reading on Veteran's Day or not, tell someone thank you for putting their life on the line so that you can live the life you do today.

Last week was a down week in the SEC for "big" games but a good week for me in picking winners. Without further delay here is how it is going to pan out this weekend...

South Carolina vs. Florida- The game in Gainesville, Florida is the SEC Eastern Division Championship. The Head Ball Coach returns again to the place where he won his Heisman, National and SEC Championships and you know the fans will be ready for his return with so much at stake. Who better to beat for Steve Spurrier to beat than the Gators to try an clinch the Gamecocks first ever visit to Atlanta? I just don't see it happening. Unless Stephen Garcia, Alshon Jeffery, and Marcus Lattimore can play flawlessly like the Alabama game I think Florida and the home crowd will be too much. South Carolina has never won in The Swamp and the trend will continue for at least two more years.

Georgia vs. Auburn- Like the game above this game could decide the other half of the SEC Championship game. With a win Auburn will make it to Atlanta amidst all the Cam Newton "allegations." The Dawgs have the offense to beat a poor defending Tigers, pass defense is only better than Vanderbilt in the SEC. The question is whether or not they will be able to keep up with Cam Newton. No defense has been able to this year and I don't see that trend changing this weekend. There will not be quite as many points in this one as Auburn's barn burner with Arkansas but get ready for an offensive show.
                    
  - I am expecting a field report from Auburn. My sister will be on site decked out in her finest red and black.

Mississippi State vs. Alabama- State makes their second trip in two weeks down I-20 as they head to  Tuscaloosa. Last week the team attended the funeral of teammate Nick Bell, who died at the age of twenty after a brief bout with cancer, in Birmingham. Both teams will play with heavy hearts. There are several Crimson Tide football players who played high school ball with Bell. State has won their last six games, but Saban lost his last game at LSU. Which is more likely? The Bulldogs win number seven in a row, on the road, at night in Tuscaloosa, as Saban comes off of a loss? Or.. The Tide rolls, at home, at night, after a loss? I will always take the latter.

Utah vs. Notre Dame- Nothing is really appealing about this game so you may ask, Graham, why are you writing about it? It is giving me the chance to talk about Notre Dame football. This is the lowest the storied program has ever been. A recruit at the beginning of the season died. A student helping with practice has died. Next years recruiting class is losing commitments left and right. The Irish have list to Navy 3 out of the last four years. They lost to Tulsa. Bowl eligibility is questionable. What is going on? When it rains it pours and the Irish are going through a hurricane. Brian Kelley's offense can work but in the meantime the Irish need something good to happen, like the upset of No. 14 Utah. No, probably not. The rain just keeps coming with another beat down this weekend.

Penn State vs. Ohio State- Penn State has looked good as of late but the Nittany Lions have also been facing some overall weak defenses. Ohio State has quietly been climbing back up the rankings and with a strong conference and pretty strong out of conference schedule is not completely out a BCS bowl. Terelle Pryor show off some of his dual threat skills and the Buckeyes win easily at home against Penn State.

Other Winners (in bold):

Kansas State vs. Missouri
Oklahoma State vs. Texas
Virginia Tech at North Carolina
Ole Miss at Tennessee
Kentucky at Vanderbilt
Kansas State at Missouri
UTEP at Arkansas
Texas A&M at Baylor
Oregon at California
Stanford at Arizona State
Clemson at Florida State

The Weekend that Was

After a trip to Rome for the weekend, I am back to the real world where there are always places to be and things to get done. At least the drive over and the extra hour was nice. Really though, I don’t think many have a better drive home from school than I do, through the north Georgia mountains and over Lake Lanier. With the leaves changing and crispness in the air, it was nearly perfect.

 One of my reasons for going home? I love sitting on the couch and watching football with the old man, especially when the Hogs play. Both of us sit there with our laptops looking up information about different teams and scores. Not many things can be more relaxing to me. (Mama, I enjoyed the walk, too.)

It is nice when the Razorbacks do not add any more stress to your life. They looked great against the No. 18 ranked team in the nation. We couldn’t get ever how much more fun it is to watch a game when your team can get the lead and control the rest of the game. Mallet looked great with another 300 yard game. Besides a few of the terrible calls by the refereeing crew and Tyler Wilson fumble at the end of the fourth quarter there was no negative yelling at the TV screen. The win insured that the SEC East winner will have at least 3 losses for the first time ever.

As far as the rest of the nation…

1. Called it a mile away. I knew that TCU was legit and now they have proved it to the rest of you. Their defense has allowed only 20 points in six games. No matter the league or division that is an impressive stat.

2. LSU won a huge game and in effect helped Auburn. Yes to beat Alabama at any time is impressive but the Tide looked as if they were giving a lack luster effort. And come on Saban, is that the best final play you could have run at the end of the fourth quarter.

3. Let’s take out the C in TCU because right now they are the best team in Texas. With the Longhorns blowout loss to Kansas State you have to wonder what is happening in Ausitn, from national championship to hoping for a bowl game. Come to think of it TCU is the only positive thing going in terms of Texas football as the Cowboys just fired Head Coach Wade Phillips.

4. Yes it is pretty much settled that Oregon is the best team in the PAC-10. I got up to go to get some sweet heat chips and they put up 40 points. I just wish ABC would let the east coast see one of their games every once in a while.

5. Sticking with the PAC-10 Stanford won another big game. I just wonder what would happen if Stanford had the chance to play Oregon in a title game. The Cardinal sure are looking good right now and Andrew Luck is solidifying his number one overall pick for the NFL Draft in April.

6. In light of the recent hoopla about non automatic qualifying teams playing for the national championship is the Big East really getting a bid for a BCS game? Right now the best they can offer is Pittsburgh, a 5-3 unranked team. Come on…

The Weekend that Will Be

First and foremost let me wish a happy birthday to the most sports knowledgeable grandmother I know. Grannie, I hope you have a great one!

Secondly, I am sorry that I was not able to provide a breakdown of the action from last week. I have been working on a huge paper for one of my classes and every time I sat down at the computer writing did not sound like much fun. Nonetheless, I am in Rome this weekend, sitting in front of a fire, and enjoying a warm cup of coffee from an Arkansas Razorback mug. Life is good. Here are the picks for the weekend.

TCU vs. Utah- It feels like everything is against the team from Fort Worth in this one as they have never won a game in Salt Lake. The Horned Frogs from Texas Christian have the best defense in the country so far this season allowing less than nine points a game and only thirteen in their last five games. As the saying goes defense wins championships and it will to day too as TCU wins this game on their way to another Mountain West Conference title.

Alabama vs. LSU- The game to day will be Alabama’s hardest in the stretch before the Iron Bowl. This game could very easily become a slugfest with the defenses that will be playing today. It’s the kind of game that gives the SEC the stigma it has around the country, tough, hard hitting defense with an offense that just needs to score a time or two. The advantage to goes to Alabama because of its running back tandem of Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson and the Tide roll today.

Arkansas vs. South Carolina- Here is the upset special of the week. I know it is a little hard to believe I have the Hogs winning, again but I can’t help it and you couldn’t either if you grew up in my house. I do have data to back up my prediction. Ryan Mallet is coming off of record breaking performance last weekend, albeit Vandy. South Carolina has the 105^th rated pass defense in the nation. Granted the Razorbacks lost their best receiver last week in Greg Childs, Mallet has no problem spreading the ball around as he proved last week with completions to eight different receivers. Watch a high scoring game tonight on ESPN as they call the Hogs loud and proud in Columbia tonight.

Arizona vs. Stanford- Another big game for Coach Jim Harbaugh and the Cardinal as they try to separate themselves from the pack, more specifically the Arizona Wildcats, in their quest for the last PAC-10 title ever. I was a little off last week when I said they will be played closely by the Huskies of Washington, winning 41-0. Now I am a believer. They win this game easily with the second best quarterback in the country and Heisman darkhorse leading the way in Andrew Luck.

Other Winners (In Bold)-

Baylor at Oklahoma State- Baylor is still on a high from beating the hated Texas and does not bounce back quickly enough.

Nebraska at Iowa State- No repeat of last year but it is worth it just to see Iowa State Head Coach Paul Rhoads give an emotional post game speech.

Northwestern vs. Penn State- JoePa gets win number 400… Wow.

North Carolina at Florida State

Missouri at Texas Tech

Hawaii at Boise State- Maybe not but you have to believe.

Florida at Vanderbilt

Maryland at Miami (FL)

Wisconsin at Purdue

Washington at Oregon

The Weekend that Will Be

Back again for picks this weekend. I do not have as an exciting weekend planned as I did last weekend, but I am not going to say it won't be a good one. It is too early to tell. But really how good is the feeling of a Friday afternoon and full two days to do whatever you want. I can tell you this, fans in the Rome area go and watch the Wolves play. And for those in the Vicksburg area, go and watch your Vikings play the Gators from the city school, hands down the biggest rivalry in Warren County.

Back to the college game...

Georgia vs. Florida- I have had a hard time putting my finger on both of these teams all year long and consequently making this game one of the hardest to predict. For the first time in 31 years neither team is ranked. Flordia has owned this series, winning 17 of the last 20 meetings and coming off of a bye week head coach Urban Meyer is unbeatable. On the other hand, UGA is playing their best ball of the year and looks like they are playing as well as they can. History doesn't win games. The Dawgs from Athens win.

Missouri vs. Nebraska- Here is one of the big upsets from what will be a crazy Halloween weekend. I know that Missouri has the top ranked defense in college football but I don't see Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez being stopped by another defense like he was against Texas. Nebraska is a tough place to play and Mizzou coming off of the program's biggest win will have a hard time being on the road. Nebraska wins easily.

Michigan State vs. Iowa- Keeping up with the undefeated team losing on the road, Iowa puts away the Spartans. Iowa is a very good team and lost a heart breaker last week at home against my Big 10 crush, Wisconsin. Iowa is one of the most consistent teams in football and just does not lose two games in a row at home. Also the Spartans have not looked good against teams they should have, not have they won a big game. The undefeated magic ends here.

Oregon vs. USC- If you like offense and you like to see the scoreboard rolling this is the game to watch on Saturday. Oregon scores more points than any other team in the nation, 55.1, and the USC defense is giving up over 500 yards a game. The scorekeeper will be tired at the end of this one. USC is a good team with plenty of talent and one of the most hated coaches in college ball. Many reporters are calling this USC's Rose Bowl (USC was banned from postseason play earlier in the season), but I see Oregon ruining the Trojan's party.

Other Winners (in bold):

Auburn vs. Mississippi- Houston Nutt teams get up for games they should get killed in. Could be an upset, but I don’s think the Rebels can pull it off

Vanderbilt vs. Arkansas- Joe Adams and DeQuinta Robinson are out, but look who the Hogs are playing. No worries here. Hogs win big for the alumni back for homecoming.

Baylor vs. Texas- The Bears finally get a chance to beat the vaunted Longhorns

Stanford vs. Washington- Closer than the experts think

Miami vs. Virginia

Michigan vs. Penn State

Kentucky vs. Mississippi State

Clemson vs. Boston College

Tennessee vs. South Carolina 

Good Picks and Paint Covered

I want to apologize to those who have been waiting so anxiously to see my view on the past weekend, even if you are few and far between. I must also apologize to those looking for the most serious college football breakdown from the past weekend, most likely no one but Pops. I spent the weekend out of town and did not catch most of the football action but instead was restricted to getting scores via Pops and my phone.

For most of the day I was running around Birmingham trying to find all white clothing for a paint party I went to with Lexie. It was good to be back. I kept saying how nice it was to be able to drive around and know where things were. From the dinner-walk around The Summit- movie date through a lazy Sunday afternoon after church it was a great weekend in which I got to see some long missed familiar faces. My goal for the party was to make Lexie look like a smurf but we decided it would be best that we be on the same team and try to cover everyone else in paint. We may have lost...

The only scary part were the men coming up to us at the BP station needing a ride. They came up thinking they could just bum a ride easily, but left soon after they, like most, became intimidated of the NASCAR eagle on the front of my shirt. Best $6 shirt ever.

Back to the college game...

I had a great weekend picking winners. How could I not improve after last week's performance? The only one big one I missed was the number one team in the nation going down for the third straight week which I don't think that most experts saw that coming. Now comes the fun part of waiting to see if Auburn becomes the fourth after they jumped over Boise State and Oregon to take the number one spot. Speaking of Auburn, Cam Newton continues to impress and is literally running away with the Heisman votes as he now holds the SEC single season rushing record for QB's with 5 games to go! I have not looked forward to an Iron Bowl more and am hoping the two teams can remain undefeated heading into Tuscaloosa on the last week of the season.

Boise State plays tonight, yes I said on a Tuesday night. I think it should be in the BCS clauses that the national champion can not have played on a Tuesday night game. The country should be more excited and TV producers should want to pick up your games more on the weekend. Of course that is the one pick I have that is outstanding. Maybe my dreams can come true.

Quick Hits:

-Notre Dame is having a rough time this year but I do think Brian Kelley is the right man for the job. He just needs time to turn everything upside down in that program.

-Nebraska got back on track in a big way knocking off formerly undefeated Oklahoma State on Saturday. Taylor Martinez your big performance was one week too late and may have cost you a shot at the Heisman.

-Word on the street is that Mississippi State will have the cowbells taken away. Did SEC commissioner actually believe rowdy college kids would follow the rules and not ring the bells while the other team had the ball?

-There are still 7 undefeated teams in college football and we are just over halfway through the season, way too many. Here come the upsets

-Finally, it almost saddens me to watch the Dallas Cowboys play. I know Grannie you may not have quite given up yet but I have thrown in the towel. It is almost like even Jerry Jones and the Cowboys are sad Grandaddy is not able to sit in his recliner and watch them play, but let's be serious. He has much better things to do where he is.

 

*Energy to type this blog was provided by the BBQ chicken prepared in the newest kitchen appliance at the apartment (the crock pot). Thanks to you Ahnie and Gramps

How See the College Football Weekend

Back again and trying to improve on last week's terrible start. Oh well that is why they play the game, for me to talk about it. Sarcasm. Either way I like to think so. Studying for my Anatomy Lab exam might be what I should be concentrating my efforts towards. No worries parents and grandparents, I studied earlier today so I would have time for to write to my faithful followers.

LSU vs. Auburn- Seriously can any one stop Auburn quarterback Cam Newton? If LSU does they win the game easily. Besides Newton please tell me how Auburn would have scored any points this season. Nope, you can't do it. Like I said last week I know have complete respect for him but am not ready to crown the War Eagles (I know Auburn fans. It's so the two teams are not confused.) the SEC West champion, much less the winner of the whole league and I know that the Bayou Bengals will have to say something about it too. All this said, or written, for my more literal readers, I don't see the Mad Hatter being able to rub the rabbit's foot and pull out a win here.

Alabama vs. Tennessee- Remember when the 3rd Saturday of October meant something? It is OK if you don't. It's been a few years. Since Nick Saban has arrived to Tuscaloosa he has handled the Volunteers all three years. Last year's epic game in which Terrance Cody blocked a potential game-winning kick to win the game was just that, epic. I don't see this one being nearly as close as the Crimson Tide continues to get their roll on and handles this road game easily.

Mississippi vs. Arkansas- This game has started to mean something since the head coach of the Rebels is the former Razorback coach. Yet again, Houston Nutt will get a hearty welcome from his former home crowd. By hearty I mean the loathing will come straight from the heart. Petrino, who was berated earlier this week by a former co-worker during his stint with the Atlanta Falcons, the Cincinatti Bengals Defensive Coordinator, will be looking to show his home crowd that he couldn't be happier in Fayetteville. Arkansas' Ryan Mallet is back from his concussion and has a big week against a subpar pass defense from Ole Miss.

Oklahoma vs. Missouri- The matchup in Columbia is the home to College Gameday, which always bring a little extra excitement to the air. Add in two undefeated teams, one of which is the new BCS number one, and you have as big of a weeknd as you can have in Missouri (outside of Branson of course, Grannie). I am not a believer in the Tigers yet but this would boost nationwide credibility. I can't say that I see it happening though. Heisman candidate, DeMarco Murray runs wild and Oklahoma gets a big win to boost their already top BCS score.


Wisconsin vs. Iowa- Here is Wisconsin's or Iowa's chance to make some serious headway in their quest for the Big 10 title. This will be one of the hardest hitting games of the weekend with both clubs having serious size on the line. I was again impressed by John Clay and the Badger running game that I think they can pull out a tough road game against the most consistent team in America. Wisconsin goes on the road for a mini-upset and separates themselves as the team to beat in the Big 10.

Other Winners (in bold)

North Carolina vs. Miami
South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt
Georgia vs. Kentucky
Notre Dame vs. Navy
Georgia Tech vs. Clemson
Michigan State vs. Northwestern
Syracuse vs. West Virginia
UAB vs. Mississippi State
Whoever Boise State plays vs. Boise State


I have mostly visitors winning which makes me a little nervous but I am ready for Saturday. Who's with me?

NFL Hard Hits

It is one of the biggest reasons we watch the game. The casual fan will tune in just in the hopes of seeing one. The NFL sells videos and pictures from all teams of collections of these. It is what makes Moms everywhere cringe when their son wants to play football (another reason my Mama loves me more, I was in the band).

If you search YouTube and type in NFL the first thing that comes up is "hardest hits." There are 1000s of videos online of the classic bell-ringers. I have to admit I have watched some Arkansas hits more than 50 times a piece (USC game on kick off return, JPW of Alabama trying but not trying hard enough to get out of bounds and it destroyed by a Razorback LB). Without a doubt it is the most entertaining part of the game.

I bet former New England Patriot Safety Rodney Harrison had no idea the beast he would unleash when he and Coach Tony Dungy discussed an unusually rough weekend during NBC's coverage of the Colts vs. Redskins game Sunday night. He said that the League should start suspending players because the $15K- $20K fines do not mean anything to a person making a couple million a year. Harrison himself was known around the league for his rough and sometimes dirty play. In fact he had a designated fund set aside at the begining of the year to pay for the fines and was ultimately fined more than $250,000 throughout his career.

The NFL took his words and has in the last few days issued larger fines for the tough hits this past weekend, totaling more than $175,000. There has been an uproar from the fines and penalties for these helmet to helmet hits. Super Bowl MVP James Harrison has threatened to retire all together because he "is not playing football anymore." Sports media has exploded with debates about whether this is the right thing for the league to do. Monday Night Football host Stuart Scott felt so passionately against the new concentration he was all but standing up on set in an argument with Steve Young, a quarterback that suffered more than six concussions during his career.

Knowing what I have learned over the years about concussions I know that it is not the first one that is damaging to the brain but second impact syndrome, the repeated harm done to the brain. The syndrome can lead to seizures, migraines and recent research show a connection to Hodgkin's, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, and Parkinson's. I am OK with leading the tackle with the shoulder it is the head-to-head hits that are so devastating.  I also agree with most of the football pros in saying that it is a choice to play football and playing with that risk is just part of the game. I also know post retirement  on football players is one of the hardest in all pro sports because the damage done to the body starts to catch up.

Maybe a change is necessary but with the change rules on the defensive side of the ball need to be looked at too or defenses do not have a chance. The passing game is already glorified in the NFL and hard hits are some of the only ways defensive players have a chance because of the strict pass interference penalties and how well the quarterback is protected. I am ready to see the Week 7, watching how the linebackers and safeties handle the new attention to be paid to the blows they deliver.

On a side note, Grannie, "How 'bout them/your Cowboys?" They have to get it together. I can see her now on the couch as frustrated as anyone in America with the way her 'Boys are playing.

Oh and how about a Thursday night game with the No. 1 team in the nation? ESPN lucked out there.

On the other hand, the Yankees are not lucking out and my childhood favorite Texas Rangers look like they are headed to the World Series. Hope those back at home are enjoying the one piece of Ranger memorbillia we still have, a glass cup.

Breaking Down the Weekend

1. It is clear that I am not a professional. I know my grandmother said she wrote my picks down and was going to see how I did. I would not be offended if you lost that piece of paper. I mean really Graham. Could you have been more wrong? Yes I could have I nailed the Kentucky upset and the Alabama win. Steve Spurrier… Was imitating Les Miles and risking the game worth losing the game? Other than that it was a rough first week. I clearly need more practice. Kudos to those teams that I did not pick, especially a Mississippi State team that will have something to say about who wins the SEC West.

2. Watching the games this weekend was not as much fun as last week. Missed the family surrounding me as we cheered on one of the most boring Arkansas wins. Which leads me to my next point. Can Arkansas win an important game on the road. This Cam Newton character is legit. He does what he wants when he wants. I was very impressed and am now a believer in his abilities. Does Arkansas win the game if Mallet stays in? Not sure. Tyler Wilson looked as good as most any quarterback in the country in a back-up role, except his counterpart on the other team.

3. It is clear that Gary Daneilson and Vern Lundquist are still not over Tim Tebow. Their obsession is sickening and I had to mute them in the fourth quarter to stop hearing the comparisons of Cam Newton to Tebow. The only thing worse during that broadcast was the officiating from SEC officials. It's bad guys. Some of the calls that were made, on both sides of the ball mind you, were just poorly made. Both of the fumble calls against Arkansas and the pass interference call against Auburn were poor excuses for officiating.

4. I am pretty sure I could write another page about what happened in that game (cheap blocking, the Bobby Petrino-Gene Chizik relationship, or the lack of defense), but I digress... We now know that Nebraska is just not quite ready for the big stage and that showed in the shellacking they got from Texas. It was clear that Texas is used to the big game atmosphere and Nebraska simply has not been there enough. Maybe next year in the Big Ten when you can still recruit Texas speed and play the Ohio power.

5. Speaking of the Big Ten, there was a classic in Madison, Wisconsin. That looks like a fun place to watch a game and outside of the SEC and the classics (Michigan, Notre Dame, Rose Bowl, etc.) I am adding it to my "Stadiums To Go To" list that Pops and I will conquer when he doesn't have to work on Sundays and I am old and rich. Sounds like a dream...

6. Does anyone want to win the ACC? You still get a BCS payout to win the conference and your best team probably wouldn’t go .500 in the SEC West, where 5 of 6 teams are ranked in the AP top 25. Maybe the ACC and the Big East can get an all-star team together and play State.

7. It was worth being tired in church this morning to watch the overtime game between Washington and Oregon State. Gutsy, but understandable, call to go for two and the win.

8. Every game I watched there was mention made of the beautiful weather. Come to think of it every where in the country had perfect football weather.