Has it really been 2 weeks since my last column? Yikes! My apologies to everyone as a virus wiped out my laptop and I was unable to get online. I’m rolling with a backup right now until mine gets fixed so I can’t foresee any long hiatuses again any time soon.
One thing that is going to have to get pushed back though is the college basketball preview. I had planned on it being up yesterday but it is going to have to be pushed back to next week some time.
Related Chatter:
-If I had to choose one word to describe last night’s game between West Virginia and Louisville then without hesitation I would go with the word “ugly.” The amount of turnovers and the lack of defense on both sides last night may have set Big East football back a few years. With the entire nation’s eyes on two programs looking to make a name for themselves, both teams just threw up a stinker. Sure ESPN will tell you the game was exciting and an offensive explosion but they’re just insulting your intelligence. Then again, when was the last time that they didn’t insult our intelligence? Just don’t get too worked up in the Louisville for national title discussions because they will be eliminated from the race next week when they travel to Rutgers.
-South Carolina is now no longer allowed to play their “rooster crow” in between downs. For those of you that are unaware, its an extremely loud (and annoying) rooster crow that they play over the PA system to get the crowd fired up. The reason why this is big news is because it further adds to the NFL-ication (is that a word?) of the SEC. It all started two years ago when they passed the rule that students are no longer allowed to rush the field after victories. And now on the heels of Auburn being warned for music and PA violations in October, the SEC has again taken a little bit of fun out of the game. The problem with the SEC eliminating these things is that they are ruining traditions in a tradition oriented league so that they can be more like the No Fun League. But be careful what you wish for SEC, you just might get it.
-Congrats are in order to Western Kentucky as their board of regents approved the move for them to move to Division 1-A in football. Western Kentucky won the 1-AA national title in 2002 and should be a great edition for the Sun Belt Conference.
-In the “it was just a matter of time department,” both North Carolina’s Jim Bunting and Michigan State’s John L. Smith were fired effective the end of the season. The Smith firing comes somewhat of a shock to me only because I had such high hopes for him when Michigan State hired him away from Louisville a few years ago. Let the Steve Mariucci to Michigan State rumors begin, even if I don’t think he’s the right guy for the job. The two big names being mentioned for the UNC job (Rich Rodriguez and Butch Davis) are using the job simply as leverage for their new contracts although I think Davis is a legit possibility.
Week 10 Picks (Spreads courtesy of wsex.com)
(Season Record vs. The Spread: 36-32-1, Last Week: No Picks)
#1 Ohio State (-23.5) at Illinois: Did you know that Ohio State was all over Illinois freshman QB Juice Williams in the recruiting process but Williams chose Illinois because he figured he could play a lot sooner? Well now you know. You have to like what Ron Zook has done with the Illini this season and it seems as though a bowl is only a year or two away. I think Illinois keeps it close early but then the real Ohio State will show up and pull away.
Ohio State 44 – Illinois 17
#13 LSU (-3.5) at #8 Tennessee: The line here is a little bit of a head-scratcher. Tennessee QB Erik Ainge does have a sprained ankle but is expected to play. Furthermore, the game is in Knoxville and LSU has yet to have a big win this season. All of which should add up to a Tennessee victory but I don’t think it will. LSU is the more talented team and I think here is where they make their statement. Usually when Vegas makes a line this fishy, you go the opposite way.
LSU 27 – Tennessee 21
#16 Boston College (-3.5) at #22 Wake Forest: In August if you had told me that this game would have ACC title implications, I would have asked for the name of your dealer. Nonetheless both coaches have done a great job and guided their teams to just one loss thus far. Boston College is the much more talented team but I think the fact that this game is in Winston-Salem will give BC all kinds of fits. If this game was at BC then they would be a no-brainer. The fact that it’s a road game worries me a bit but what the hell, I’ve already taken 2 road favorites.
Boston College 34 – Wake Forest 24
#18 Oklahoma at #21 Texas A&M (+2.5): Did you know that yours truly was supposed to be in attendance for this one? Back in March when my friend and I were at the NCAA tournament, we became quite close with two boosters from A&M. They invited us out for this game because Florida played at Vanderbilt which as they said was basically a bye week. The trip never happened so I am still yet to see a game from the great Kyle Field but I guess I’ll be there in spirit for a last second game winning field-goal.
Texas A&M 31 – Oklahoma 30
#12 Arkansas at South Carolina (+2.5): Arkansas has been a great story thus far but like all good books, it must come to an end. The Arkansas schedule is brutal from here on out and the tumble begins in Columbia. Not to mention the fact that there is no way in the world that Spurrier lets his team lose before next week’s showdown with the Gators in his return to the Swamp.
South Carolina 35 – Arkansas 27
That’s all for now but the plan is for at least 4 columns next week. Until then, enjoy the weekend!
