Fat Tuesday

I am back to school this week and living today up large before the Lenten season is underway, enjoying all of the benefits that come with being the only male at an all girls university. To keep my sanity I oftentimes come to the library during my breaks to catch up on the sports world. read ESPN.com, SI.com, and a number of blogs about what is going on in the SEC, instead of reading over Anatomy or Neuroscience notes.  A couple of "notes" I've read today...

- In NFL news, other than that of the collective bargaining agreement (thought on this to come soon), former cornerback and current TV analyst Tiki Barber is coming back to the NFL next year. At least he pulled the trigger on his retirement once by actually retiring, Brett Farve. But really... How effective is a 35 year old, running back, a position reliant on speed and power, who has been out of the game for 4 years going to be? Will he even be picked up as a free agent? Maybe he can tag team with former New York Giants teammate WR Plaxico Buress who plans to return to football from his two year hiatus, which he spent in jail for shooting himself in the foot at a night club.

-The late Arkansas OL Brandon Bullsworth's name came out yesterday on the College Football Hall of Fame Ballot. Bullsworth, known for his distinct black glasses, was a walk-on for the Razorbacks that eventually earned himself a scholarship and a spot on the AP All-America second team by his senior season. He was killed in a car accident days after being selected in the first round by the Indianapolis Colts.

-There are a number of Newton ''Cam"eras following the Heisman winner at Auburn's pro day this afternoon. Is ESPN going too far in their coverage of college football? SEC fans would argue they aren't even coming close. Televised workouts, a signing day focusing on the hottest conference in all the land, four spring games televised, and a weekly show in ESPNU? Yeah.. it's a start. Keep the coverage coming.

-Turns out Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel knew and Buckeye officials knew about five of their players receiving benefits in exchange for autographed memorabilia eight months before the NCAA announced the suspension of the players from the first five games of next season.

-Ryan Mallet's response to not running the 40 yard dash at Arkansas's pro day earlier today, "I'm not Michael Vick. Everyone knows that." Sounds like the interview skills are improving.

Sorry for no basketball talk in the middle of March. I'll work on that.

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

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?

Some picks for Saturday

Fall may be my favorite time of the year. It's a relief to be able to walk outside and not start sweating immediately. It's always fun to celebrate another year of life, but even better than these things is college football. Week to week, trying to predict what will happen and then watching the drama unfold is easily one of my favorite things. I thought about doing all of the SEC games but then I would have limited my blog. So I will dabble in all leagues. Where I am from and how I have been raised will influence which teams I write about. I know I will tend to talk more about the SEC. Here is how I see some of the games this weekend unfolding.

Arkansas vs. Auburn- One of the biggest games of the year in our household. The old man always says Arkasnas can lose every game but the Auburn one and he will be happy. It is the SEC game of the week for a reason. The game is almost as big as the pair of 6'6 quarterbacks matiching up. Ryan Mallet and Cam Newton could be deciding the SEC Offensive MVP this weekend on the plains. I don't see Auburn's secondary stopping Mallet. Arkansas has proved that they have a much improved defense from last year. Arkansas MUST be able to run the ball, block Auburn DT Nick Fairley to give Mallet time, and score some points in the 4th in order to win. To take a line from my Dad, I see the Hogs rumbling down from the Ozarks and spoiling the home teams party.

Alabama vs. Mississippi- This one could get very, very ugly. Julio Jones will not have to worry too much about his hand because Saban may not even pass the ball after what happened last week, running for less than 50 yards in the 2nd half. (And they tried to compare that RB tandem to McFadden and Jones... please) He is looking to take out his anger on somebody and poor somebody is Ole Miss. I don't see him taking out the starters until Alabama is up by 50. The black bear will not be roaring this week.

Florida vs. Mississippi State- Yet another Mississippi school at the wrong spot in the schedule. Florida misses Dan Mullen and his offensive creativity. State, on the other hand, is loving their new commander and chief. But he still does not have the players he had as the UF offensive coordinator. No way Urban Meyer loses three in a row and may show off some of his speed to Mullen. Look what you used to have. State might can hold it close but the Gators stop the bleeding and win one.

South Carolina vs. Kentucky- Upset special… Randal Cobb is one of the most fun players to watch in college ball and gets a chance to show off his skills again. After the emotional victory last week there is no way planning for Kentucky was the main focus. USC matched up great against Alabama because they stop everything that happens in the middle but Kentucky tries to spread everything wide. Cobb goes wild and comes away with the win.

Ohio State vs. Wisconsin- We’ll see how OSU handles being back in the number one spot. They will take care of a “What in the world happened to Wisconsin Badger” team. So much promise at the beginning of the year but a frustrating loss to a much improved Michigan State team has those in Madison wondering how the season will unfold. OSU knows they control whether or not they play for the ‘ship and will play like with fire. Defense is too good to let Wisconsin RB John Clay, a player scouts are drooling over (or at least I would be if I was one), do too much damage.

Furman vs. Samford- Rivalry game in the Magic City this week. The Bulldogs looked good in a game versus Western Carolina last week and look continue the momentum. Playoffs for the Dogs? As a proud alumnus I certainly hope so. Look for Chris Evans to continue to add to what is already the most rushing yards in school history in a little bit of an upset against the No. 26 team in FCS. Samford Bulldogs improve to .500 in the conference.

Other Winners (in bold)-

Boston College vs. Florida State

Georgia vs. Vanderbilt

Illinois vs. Michigan State

Southern Cal vs. California

Maryland vs. Clemson

Iowa vs. Michigan

Texas vs. Nebraska

Miami (FL) vs. Duke
Who ever Boise State plays vs. Boise State