Computer issues seem to be following me around like a shadow as of late. I already have one laptop in the shop and it appears as though this one is on the way. I think I am about to give up on technology altogether. Anyway considering it just took 2 minutes for Microsoft Word to open, it appears as this column is going to be relatively brief as doing research and reading newspapers from around the country seems out of the question.
Unrelated Chatter:
-Will return next column.
Related Chatter:
-Nice game for Texas stud Kevin Durant as he scored 20 points in his Longhorns debut.
-The defending national champion Florida Gators kick things off tonight as Sanford comes to town.
-Very interesting matchup tonight as Rodney Stuckey and Eastern Washington make the trip to Gonzaga. Stuckey averaged over 24 points per game last year and made Big Sky history by becoming the first freshman to win league MVP. We could very well be looking at a superstar in the making.
-Look for Butch Davis to be named new head coach of the University of North Carolina sometime early next week.
-Joe Paterno will not be in attendance when Penn State takes on Temple. No doubt the opponent has something to do with the decision as if it was a bigger game he would be there in a heartbeat.
-Akron locked up coach JD Brookhart for another five years although I doubt he stays there for the duration of his contract. His name should pop up for any vacancies that open up in the Midwest, perhaps even the newly open Iowa State job.
-When Jeremy Ito’s kick sailed through the uprights last night to give Rutgers the victory, I was in shock. By no means am I a Rutgers fan but growing up in New York and having them as our local team, I can’t even begin to put it into words how far this program has come and how proud I am of them. College football has finally captured the hearts of New Yorkers and it’s about time!
-Speaking of Jeremy Ito, he’s only a junior? I’m pretty sure he’s been around longer than Morten Andersen.
Week 11 Picks (Spreads courtesy of wsex.com)
(Season Record vs. The Spread: 38-35-1, Last Week: 2-3)
South Carolina at #6 Florida (-12.5)
Emotions will be running high here as this will be my last game ever as a student at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Oh yeah and some guy named Steve Spurrier is making his return to Gainesville or whatever. Spurrier has been very smart about his return as he has already appeared at the Swamp on two separate occasions this season, taking at least a little of the thunder away from his return on Saturday. Florida will be without DT Marcus Thomas and possibly their best linebacker as well in Brandon Siler. Still South Carolina has been disappointing this year and while Spurrier no doubt does not want to get embarrassed in his return, it just might happen.
Florida 31 – South Carolina 17
Cincinnati (+17.5) at #10 West Virginia
I may be mistaken but I am pretty sure that this is the first game all season that I am picking for the school that I transferred from, the University of Cincinnati. Cincinnati has done a great job of keeping games close this season against superior opponents and I think that they will repeat that this week. West Virginia will no doubt be fired up coming off the loss so I’ll say that they win by 17, just barely missing the cover.
West Virginia 44 – Cincinnati 27
#21 Oregon at #7 USC (-8)
Oregon has gotten a lot of love from the national media this season and I mean this will all due respect, but I just don’t get it. I think that they are a good, not great, team and are ranked about where they should be. USC at home shouldn’t have a problem with the Ducks as they keep their faint national title hopes alive.
USC 38 – Oregon 27
#13 Tennessee at #11 Arkansas (-6)
Perhaps one of the bigger mysteries of the season has been Arkansas’ inability to move up in the polls. I guess I am as guilty as anyone for not fully believing in them but a win here should quiet all of the doubters. A switch at quarterback here for both teams as Jonathan Crompton will be starting for the Vols and Casey Dick will get the nod for the Razorbacks. A win here and Arkansas clinches a date with the University of Florida in the SEC title game. Start the celebrations in Arkansas.
Arkansas 24 – Tennessee 13
#14 Boise State at San Jose State (+14)
You would never know it from the column but I am a huge fan of mid-major football and basketball. I am picking this game solely for the bragging rights of picking San Jose State in the upset here. Dick Tomey has done wonders at San Jose State, a program that was essentially Rutgers West. Boise State’s Cinderella run ends here but it’s been a great ride.
San Jose State 38 – Boise State 35
Remaining Picks for the Week
#2 Michigan at Indian (+19)
#16 Wake Forest (+8.5) at Florida State
That’s all for now, enjoy the weekend. Happy Veterans Day to all of my American readers and a Happy Remembrance Day to all of my Canadian readers.
