I'm inclined to look at many of this week's NFL games and ask, "Which team needs the win more?"
That may not be the most reliable way to predict the outcome of some of these games, but it can give you an idea who is more motivated.
Make no mistake about it. Some teams are at a critical point in their seasons. And that provides a lot of motivation.
Meanwhile, other teams have just about thrown in the towel. Nothing official, you understand. But we're at the midway point in the season, and many teams are beginning to show where they are mentally. Some are focusing on the idea of playing in January, while players for other teams are already planning where they'll be playing golf.
Seattle (2–4) at Dallas (4–2) — Two teams going in opposite directions. The Cowboys should take care of business against the Seahawks while hoping the Eagles can top the Giants.
St. Louis (0–7) at Detroit (1–5) — It is hard to imagine a bigger "who cares?" game than this one. I'll take St. Louis. No particular reason except that I think the Rams are slightly better than the Lions. Which isn't saying much.
Miami (2–4) at New York Jets (4–3) — The Jets are a 3½–point favorite at home. That isn't a resounding endorsement. I'll pick the Dolphins.
San Francisco (3–3) at Indianapolis (6–0) — I still think the 49ers are contenders, but they're no match for the Colts.
Cleveland (1–6) at Chicago (3–3) — I think the Browns are one of those teams that have checked out. And the Bears are still entertaining thoughts of playing in January. I think the Bears will win.
Denver (6–0) at Baltimore (3–3) — With Denver, I feel like I'm waiting for the second shoe to drop. I think the Ravens are straddling the fence, and this weekend can either give them some momentum for the stretch run or tip them over into the offseason mentality. I'll take the Ravens.
Houston (4–3) at Buffalo (3–4) — For a November Sunday in Buffalo, I don't think this Sunday will be too bad for a visiting team that is accustomed to Texas weather — partly sunny and 47°. I'll take Houston.
New York Giants (5–2) at Philadelphia (4–2) — The Eagles are catching the Giants at a time when Eli Manning's mobility is in doubt. I'll take the Eagles, which should set the stage for a memorable rematch in New York in December.
Jacksonville (3–3) at Tennessee (0–6) — It defies belief that Tennessee is a 3–point favorite in this game. I'll take the Jaguars.
Oakland (2–5) at San Diego (3–3) — When was the last time you saw a 17–point spread in the NFL? That long? The Chargers can probably cover it, too, but I'm not sure if that's because they're so good — or because the Raiders are so bad.
Minnesota (6–1) at Green Bay (4–2) — Brett Favre returns to Green Bay. If he wins, the Vikings will hold a 2½–game advantage over the Packers about midway through the schedule. But if Green Bay wins, the Packers are back in the race. The stakes are higher for the Packers. Will they respond? I think they will.
Carolina (2–4) at Arizona (4–2) — Arizona is favored by nine points. I think the Cardinals will win by more than that.
MONDAY
Atlanta (4–2) at New Orleans (6–0) — I think the Saints will remain unbeaten (now, there is a sentence I never thought I would write). I'm just not convinced they're 10 points better than the Falcons.
It's still a bit early for fans of the Philadelphia Phillies to be claiming that the Phils have avenged the Whiz Kids' loss to the New York Yankees in the 1950 World Series.
I'm sure it was sweet for the Phillies to celebrate their first world title in nearly 30 years last year. But they beat the Tampa Bay Rays, a team that didn't even exist the last time Philadelphia played in the World Series. Beating the storied Yankees would be a much bigger feather in their caps.
Knowing that they can clinch the championship at home now after the teams play Game 2 at Yankee Stadium tonight, Phillies fans ought to be feeling pretty good today. A Philly win tonight means the Phils can win the title by winning two of their three home games. Even if they lose tonight, a sweep in Philadelphia will accomplish the same goal.
Home field advantage belongs to Philly now. That's the kind of momentum a team gains from winning the World Series opener on the road. A win tonight would be icing on the cake — but it would be hard for the Yankees to ignore that it is also the kind of momentum that is tough to overcome in a seven–game series. Not impossible. Just damn hard.
Joe Posnanski marvels, in a column written for SI.com, at Lee's composure. Lee performed, he writes, "like he had already seen the game and knew how it turned out. He pitched like he was on Tivo."
I have to admit I feel a certain affinity for Lee. He was born in Arkansas, the state where I grew up. His hometown is Benton, where I worked for the local newspaper when Lee was a boy. He attended my alma mater, the University of Arkansas.
I don't really have a horse in this race. I'm a Dodger fan and, if I had had my way, the Dodgers would be playing the Yankees in the World Series, not the Phillies. But that isn't how it turned out.
Will the Phillies wind up winning the long–awaited rematch? Or will the Yankees rally and break Philadelphia's hearts again? I don't know. But, while I'm sure Phillies fans would prefer a four–game sweep — as payment in kind for the 1950 World Series — I'd rather see it go seven games, no matter which team wins.
That might be tougher for the diehard fans of both teams, but it would be more entertaining for the rest of us.
I guess the biggest surprise last week was Texas A&M's 52–30 victory over Texas Tech.
I have a friend who went to Texas A&M, and he has been somewhat despondent over the football program this season. But after last weekend, he was positively giddy.
Another surprise in the Top 25 was Clemson's 40–37 win over Miami (Florida). Was that an upset? Well, technically, I suppose it was, since Miami was ranked and Clemson was not. But Saturday was only the third time the schools have played since Miami joined the ACC — before that, their last meeting was in 1956.
Following its win on Saturday, Clemson holds a 2–1 edge in the series since both have been members of the ACC, and all three games have been decided by a single score. Close contests have been the norm when these two schools have played, regardless of whether either one was ranked.
The Aggies, meanwhile, snapped a four–game skid with their win over the Red Raiders, and it was their first win in Lubbock since 1993. So I have to think that was a more significant upset.
Second–ranked Alabama, #17 Pittsburgh and #24 Arizona are off this week.
Georgia at #1 Florida, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS — The Georgia–Florida series ebbs and flows. In the last two decades, the Gators have had the upper hand. Georgia held the upper hand in the two decades before that, and things were fairly even in the 1960s. So, when you look at the results, it looks like it's been close to a split since 1959, with the Gators leading the series in that time, 27–22–1. But the numbers that matter are the recent ones, and Florida has won three of the last four encounters. The Gators should make that four of the last five when the teams face off this weekend.
#3 Texas at #13 Oklahoma State, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC — The Longhorns have won the last 11 meetings with the Cowboys. Sometimes the score has been close, sometimes it hasn't. But the last OSU victory over UT (in 1997) came when the Longhorns were struggling. They aren't struggling this year. I'll take Texas.
#4 USC at #12 Oregon, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC — Oregon has been a thorn in USC's side in recent years. The last 10 meetings have been split right down the middle and the last time Oregon was the home team, the Ducks prevailed, 24–17, in 2007. Perhaps this is wishful thinking, but I pick Oregon to do it again in my upset special.
San Jose State at #5 Boise State — Boise State is 8–0 against San Jose State since joining the WAC in 2001. I see no reason why Boise State won't make it nine in a row.
UNLV at #6 TCU, 3 p.m. (Central) on Versus — TCU has won four straight against UNLV since becoming a member of the MWC in 2005. The Horned Frogs should make it five straight.
#7 Cincinnati at Syracuse, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN U — These schools don't have extensive histories against each other. Cincinnati is 6–0 against Syracuse in this decade. Syracuse won all three encounters in the 1990s. But, clearly, the Bearcats have the upper hand and should prevail this weekend.
Indiana at #8 Iowa, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN — The series has been split, 2–2, in the last four games. Indiana won the last game that was played in Iowa in 2007, but I expect the Hawkeyes to prevail this time.
Tulane at #9 LSU — This is a natural instate rivalry, but it hasn't been played every year, perhaps because LSU has won the last 16 games with Tulane. It's been nearly 30 years since Tulane beat LSU (in 1982), and I would be shocked if Tulane's losing streak comes to an end this weekend.
#10 Penn State at Northwestern, 3:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN — Penn State is 9–3 against Northwestern since joining the Big Ten in 1995, and the Nittany Lions have won the last two meetings, but I'm sure that Joe Paterno and his coaches harbor memories from earlier this decade when Northwestern claimed two consecutive wins (in 2004 and 2005). I expect Penn State to win the game, but don't be surprised if Northwestern gives PSU a rough outing.
#11 Georgia Tech at Vanderbilt — This is a nonconference game so these two don't face each other every year. The last time the two schools met was in September 2003. Tech won. Tech also beat Vanderbilt the year before, and those are the only two games the schools have played since September 1967 (another Tech victory). In fact, a 10–10 tie to open the 1965 season is the closest Vanderbilt has come to beating Tech since 1941. I don't expect Vandy to end that skid this weekend.
North Carolina at #14 Virginia Tech, Thursday at 6:45 p.m. (Central) on ESPN — Virginia Tech has won all five games with North Carolina since joining the ACC. Make that six in a row.
New Mexico State at #15 Ohio State, 11 a.m. (Central) on Big Ten — I don't think these schools have ever played each other in football. It's hard for me to imagine NMSU going to Columbus and leaving with a win. Ohio State looks like a sure thing in this one.
Southern Mississippi at #16 Houston — Southern Miss is 7–2 against Houston since 1996. I don't think the schools played prior to that, but Houston won their last encounter in Houston (in 2005) and I expect the Cougars to prevail this time.
#18 Miami (Florida) at Wake Forest, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC — Miami is 3–0 against Wake Forest since joining the ACC. The Hurricanes won the first two meetings (in 2004 and 2005) rather handily, but they struggled last year. I expect Miami to win by a wider margin this year.
Wyoming at #19 Utah, 7 p.m. (Central) on MTN — Utah is 8–2 against Wyoming since 1999, which happens to be the last time Wyoming won a game at Utah. I think it will still be that way after this weekend.
#20 West Virginia at South Florida, Friday at 7 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2 — Since South Florida joined the Big East in 2005, the series between the two schools is 2–2. I can't say that I know much about either team, but I'll go with West Virginia, the team that is ranked.
#21 South Carolina at Tennessee, 6:45 p.m. (Central) on ESPN — Tennessee is 114–3 against South Carolina since the Gamecocks joined the SEC in 1992, but the Volunteers aren't what they used to be. South Carolina won last year's game at home, and its only win at Tennessee since joining the SEC came in 2005, but USC is likely to get its second road win against the Vols on Saturday.
#22 Ole Miss at Auburn, 11:21 a.m. (Central) on SEC — Ole Miss is 4–15 against Auburn since 1990, but the Rebels are 1–0 against the Tigers under Houston Nutt. I predict they will be 2–0 after this weekend.
Kansas State at #23 Oklahoma, 6 p.m. (Central) on FSN — Now that these schools are in different divisions in the Big 12, they don't play each other every year, but they have had an interesting history. KSU's last victory over OSU came in the Big 12 Championship game in 2003. Kansas State hasn't beaten Oklahoma during the regular season since 1997, which also happens to be the last time KSU won at Norman, Okla. The Sooners will win.
Washington State at #25 Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on NBC — The last time these two played each other was in 2003. That game also was in South Bend, and Notre Dame pulled off a 29–26 victory over a Washington State team that finished the season 10–3. I don't believe the schools played prior to that. Will the weather be a factor? Maybe, although the current forecast for South Bend isn't too bad for the last day in October — mostly cloudy with a high of 54°. Can't imagine that posing much of a problem for a team from Washington state. Whether it does or not, though, I'll take Notre Dame.
It was 40 years ago this month that the New York Mets — known to history as the "Amazin' Mets" — shocked the sports world by beating the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles in the World Series.
What made the Mets "amazin'," to use a word that was popular in the press at the time (it seems to me that Casey Stengel originally came up with the moniker), was the fact that they had only been in existence since 1962. And their first seven seasons were dismal.
But, with Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman anchoring the pitching (incidentally, the pitching staff also included a young Nolan Ryan) and Cleon Jones leading the batters with a .340 average, the Mets took control of the National League East in early September and never looked back, sweeping Hank Aaron's Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series and then topping the Orioles in five games.
I was in elementary school that fall. Like most boys my age, I collected baseball cards, and, also like most boys my age in central Arkansas, I tended to follow the St. Louis Cardinals. It was Cardinal games we could get on the radio in those days — cable TV and nightly broadcasts were still in the distant future — but the Cardinals didn't come close to making it to the postseason that year, finishing 13 games behind the Mets.
I remember that most of my friends were supporting the Orioles in that World Series — and, as I say, they were the heavy favorites. Baltimore won slightly more than two–thirds of its games in 1969, and its roster had three future Hall of Famers — Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Jim Palmer — as well as several other talented players. The Orioles won their division by 19 games and swept their opponents, the Minnesota Twins, in the American League Championship Series.
But I was backing the Mets. The only reason for that, I think, is the fact that I read an article in a Sunday newspaper supplement magazine about Seaver a month or so before the World Series. Maybe the fact that my father always liked supporting underdogs played a role as well.
My friends were stunned when the Orioles lost. Strangely, I was not. I guess I was too young at the time to appreciate how far they had come in so short a time.
Fifty–nine years is a long time to wait for revenge, but baseball fans in Philadelphia have had to wait that long for a chance to even the score with the New York Yankees.
They meet again in the Fall Classic starting Wednesday in New York.
The Phillies earned their nickname because of the youth of their squad. The average age of the Phillies was 26. They were the youngest team ever to win the National League pennant.
I don't know how the average age of this year's team compares to the 1950 team. But does it matter? The lesson of the Whiz Kids seems to be that age and experience are not bad things.
Not many of the Whiz Kids are still around, but I presume that the surviving members — pitchers Robin Roberts, Curt Simmons and Bob Miller, catcher Stan Lopata and outfielder Jackie Mayo — will be invited to at least one of the games in Philadelphia.
All are in their 80s, though, and health concerns may prevent some or all of them from being there.
But 59 years is a long time to wait for redemption — and those guys might not get another chance.
Only two games this week are divisional matchups. Divisional showdowns will become more commonplace the deeper we go into the schedule.
But this week, the emphasis is not on divisional races.
New England (4–2) vs Tampa Bay (0–6) in London — The Patriots are favored by 14½ points. I think they will win by more than that.
Green Bay(3–2) at Cleveland (1–5) — The Packers are favored by seven, but I think they should cruise to victory in this one.
San Francisco (3–2) at Houston (3–3) — Houston is favored by a field goal. I know Matt Schaub has been putting up some big numbers, but I think the 49ers will win the game.
Minnesota (6–0) at Pittsburgh (4–2) — This may be the game of the week. Weather should not be a factor. It will be cool in Pittsburgh today, but not cold and certainly not wet. But, after all those years in Green Bay, Brett Favre wouldn't be fazed by a chilly October afternoon in Pittsburgh, anyway. Joe Theismann thinks Favre, who is 6–0 for the first time in his career, will be 7–0, but I'm not convinced. Maybe I will be when the day is done, but right now I think Pittsburgh's defense is up to the challenge.
Indianapolis (5–0) at St. Louis (0–6) — If there is a sure thing this week, it has to be the Colts beating the Rams.
San Diego (2–3) at Kansas City (1–5) — The Chargers also appear to be sure to win today. I presume they would have been favored by more than 4½ points if they had beaten Denver last Monday night, but I think they will win by more than that.
Buffalo (2–4) at Carolina (2–3) — Carolina is favored by a single point. I honestly don't know which team to pick in this game, and, honestly, I'm not sure it matters who wins. I'll go with the home team.
New York Jets (3–3) at Oakland (2–4) — I know the Jets have been an up and down team, but I can't understand why they would be 6½–point underdogs to the Raiders. It probably has something to do with Oakland's upset victory over Philadelphia last week, but one game isn't persuasive for me. I think the Jets will win the game, mainly because the Raiders are generally so weak.
Atlanta (4–1) at Dallas (3–2) — The Cowboys are favored by four points. If I was making my picks against the spread, I'd say go with Atlanta. But, in reality, I think Dallas will prevail — barely.
Chicago (3–2) at Cincinnati (4–2) — This may be one of the more intriguing matches of the week. The Bengals, who are favored by 1½ points, are an enigma. After their opening day loss to Denver, the Bengals beat Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Baltimore, and their first five games were all decided by a touchdown or less. But then, Cincinnati lost to Houston by 11 points at home last week. Which Bengals team will show up today? I think it will be the one that reeled off four straight wins. Give me Cincinnati.
New Orleans (5–0) at Miami (2–3) — The way Drew Brees is playing, I find it hard to imagine Miami keeping up with the Saints for long. Give me New Orleans.
Arizona (3–2) at New York Giants (5–1) — The defending NFC champs continue to struggle. The Giants are favored by a touchdown. Once again, if my picks were being made against the spread, I would recommend taking the points. But I think the Giants will win. They're too good to lose two in a row — unless some key players get hurt. And, if Eli Manning gets knocked out of today's game, the Cardinals might win the game. But, right now, I expect the Giants to win — just not by seven points.
MONDAY
Philadelphia (3–2) at Washington (2–4) — Considering the talent level of the Redskins' first six opponents, I figured they would be at least 4–2 as they prepare for what is clearly their most challenging period. After the game with the Eagles, the Redskins have the week off, then they must face Atlanta, Denver, Dallas and Philadelphia in November. And December looks to offer more of the same. I'll take Philly.
Last year, Barack Obama made history as the first black man elected president.
That certainly was something that many Americans never thought they would see in their lifetimes. But, although it was a groundbreaking accomplishment, it probably couldn't have happened if many other black Americans hadn't broken the color barrier in other areas over the years.
As is often the case, changes in sports foreshadowed social and political changes. Jack Johnson became the first black heavyweight champion and John Taylor became the first black to win a gold medal in the Olympics 100 years before Obama's victory.
And, in 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first black to play major league baseball.
Shortly before the start of the 1947 season, the Dodgers called up Robinson, launching a 10–year major league career.
Robinson wasn't destined to be the career home run leader, but in the years since his breakthrough, two other black men have eclipsed Babe Ruth's career mark. He didn't leave the game as the career leader in hits or RBIs or batting average.
Robinson's legacy, aside from the courage and grace he showed in the face of verbal and physical abuse when he crossed the color line, is mostly images from his career. One of the most famous moments was captured in the film clip that is attached to this post.
In the 1955 World Series, Robinson stole home in the first game. It's unusual to see someone steal home, especially in the postseason, when the margin for error is so slim. But the 1955 World Series was unusual. It was the only world championship the Dodgers won in all the years they were in Brooklyn.
Anyway, Robinson retired a few years later. He was in his late 20s when he broke the color barrier, and he played 10 years in the major leagues before health problems began to catch up with him. He died of a heart attack on this day 37 years ago.
Ten years before he died, Robinson became the first black to be elected to baseball's Hall of Fame. As the one who broke the color barrier, I'm sure his name would be remembered even if the Hall of Fame hadn't formally inducted him.
But it was a reminder that he was about more than just being a racial pioneer.
Maybe it's because another legendary quarterback, Sammy Baugh, died last year, but I thought Y.A. Tittle also had passed away.
So it came as something of a surprise to me to learn that today is Tittle's 83rd birthday.
In his collegiate career at LSU, Tittle led the Tigers to a record of 23–11–3. I've heard it said his best college season was 1946, when only a loss to Georgia Tech and a 0–0 tie with Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl kept the Tigers from a perfect record.
Tittle was the first NFL quarterback to throw 30 or more touchdown passes in consecutive seasons. Only six other men have done that — and, unlike Tittle, all of them (Steve Bartkowski, Brett Favre, Dan Fouts, Dan Marino, Peyton Manning and Jeff Garcia) played since the NFL expanded its regular season to 16 games.
The most regular season games that were played during Tittle's career were 14.
He was named the most valuable player twice, and he was inducted into the NFL's Hall of Fame in 1971 (along with Jim Brown and Vince Lombardi).
The only accomplishment that eluded him, in a professional career that ran from 1948 to 1964, was an NFL championship.
Last week's top–ranked team, the Florida Gators, remained unbeaten, but they didn't play up to expectations and were replaced atop the Associated Press poll.
What's more, the officiating crew that handled last Saturday's Arkansas–Florida game has been suspended until Nov. 14. I believe that is a first for the SEC.
Neither Florida nor the team that displaced the Gators at the top of the poll, the Alabama Crimson Tide, should have a lot of trouble this weekend. Alabama probably has the tougher assignment, playing rival Tennessee. Florida faces Mississippi State. But neither opponent is likely to be a serious challenger.
Only two games match ranked teams this week. The TCU–BYU game has the most attractive rankings, but the Oklahoma–Kansas game may have more traditional appeal.
Fifteenth–ranked Virginia Tech is idle.
Tennessee at #1 Alabama, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS — Tennessee is no match for Alabama.
#2 Florida at Mississippi State, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN/ESPN2 — And Mississippi State is not capable of handling Florida, even though MSU has the advantage of playing at home.
#3 Texas at Missouri, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC — I think Missouri should be able to score against Texas. The Tigers might even keep it close since they're playing at home. But Texas is on track to meet either Alabama or Florida for the national title in January.
Oregon State at #4 USC, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC — Oregon State has beaten USC two of the last three times the teams have met, but both those games were played at Oregon State. USC has won seven of the last 10 meetings, and I don't think the Trojans have lost at home to the Beavers since the Eisenhower presidency. Give me USC.
Louisville at #5 Cincinnati, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPNU — Since Louisville joined Conference USA in 1996, the Cardinals are 9–4 against Cincinnati. The history of the series has been even more unpleasant for Cincinnati than that. Louisville's last loss in Cincinnati came in 1997, and the Cardinals have exceeded 40 points against the Bearcats four times. But Cincinnati snapped a five–game losing streak to Louisville last season. Unbeaten Cincinnati has a Heisman–worthy quarterback who may or may not play. Will it matter against 2–4 Louisville? I don't think so.
#6 Boise State at Hawaii — I see no way that Hawaii, which has lost its quarterback for the season, can win this game.
#7 Iowa at Michigan State — This has been a pretty competitive series in recent years. The trend lately has been for the home team to win. In fact, the last time the home team lost this game was in 1995, when Iowa traveled to Michigan State and won, 21–7. Some folks are picking Michigan State to keep that home team streak going. But I'm not. The score may be close, but I'll take Iowa to win.
Clemson at #8 Miami (Fla.), 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC — In the old days, teams played each of their conference rivals, but, in recent years when conferences have expanded to include a dozen members, conferences have broken into divisions and teams alternate which nondivisional foes they face. Such is the case with Clemson and Miami, both of whom belong to the Atlantic Coast Conference but play in different divisions. The teams haven't met since 2005, and they haven't faced each other in Miami since 2004, the year Miami joined the ACC. Clemson won the last time it played in Miami. I don't expect the Tigers to beat the Hurricanes today.
Auburn at #9 LSU, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN/ESPN2 — Twenty–one years ago, unranked LSU upset fourth–ranked Auburn in Baton Rouge. The game is remembered as "The Earthquake Game" because the noise from the home crowd was picked up by a seismograph at LSU's Geoscience Complex. The two teams meet in Tiger Stadium again today. This time, Auburn is unranked and LSU is in the Top 10. Auburn hasn't beaten LSU on the road since 1999. If either team scores 17 points today, that might be enough to win. Whatever the score is, though, I expect LSU to come out on top.
#10 TCU at #16 BYU, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on Versus — This will be the ninth time the two teams have met since 1987, and BYU has won five of them. But the last four have been played when both were members of the Mountain West Conference, and both teams have come away winners twice. The games at BYU have been entertaining — BYU won in 2007, 27–22, and TCU won in 2005, 51–50. I think TCU will win, but it might be another close one.
#11 Georgia Tech at Virginia — History doesn't seem to favor Georgia Tech in this game. Virginia is 7–3 against Tech since 1999, 13–7 against Tech since 1989. The Cavaliers lost their first three games, then they bounced back to win their last three games. But I expect that streak to end today. Tech should cruise to victory, which would be its first win at Virginia since 1990.
#12 Oregon at Washington, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC — Oregon has won the last five against Washington, but the last time the Huskies won was when they hosted Oregon in 2003. And Oregon would be well advised to remember that Southern Cal's only setback (so far) came when the Trojans played in Seattle last month. I will take Oregon — narrowly.
#13 Penn State at Michigan, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC — When Penn State beat Michigan last year, it was the first time the Nittany Lions had beaten the Wolverines since 1996. It might be close, but I'm going to pick Penn State to make it two in a row.
#14 Oklahoma State at Baylor, 11:30 a.m. (Central) on Versus — OSU usually wins this game. A couple of times, the Cowboys have scored 60 points or more. OSU is 5–1 in games in Waco. Plus, Oklahoma State is simply better than Baylor. I have to take the Cowboys.
SMU at #17 Houston, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS CS — SMU has only beaten Houston once since the Mustangs resumed football 20 years ago. I'm confident the Cougars will prevail again.
Minnesota at #18 Ohio State, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN/ESPN2 — Ohio State has beaten Minnesota six straight times. I think the Buckeyes can make it seven in a row.
Air Force at #19 Utah, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on Versus — Air Force won the last time this game was played in Utah, but the Utes usually beat Air Force at home. I'll take Utah.
South Florida at #20 Pittsburgh — Each team has three wins in the last six meetings. I'll take Pittsburgh, but it might not be easy.
Texas A&M at #21 Texas Tech — I'm convinced that Tech is good and A&M is not. I'll go with Tech.
Connecticut at #22 West Virginia, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPNU — West Virginia usually beats Connecticut pretty handily. Since 2004, West Virginia is 5–0 against UConn, winning by an average of 42.8 to 15.4. I'll go with West Virginia.
Vanderbilt at #23 South Carolina, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPNU — I can't see Vandy winning this game.
#25 Oklahoma at #24 Kansas, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC — At 3–3, the Sooners could be in big trouble if they don–t win this game. Kansas hasn't beaten Oklahoma since 1997. I think it will still be that way when the day is done.
It was kind of a rough week for me last week. I got 11 out of 17, which isn't bad, but it isn't as good as it was last month. My big setback was picking Oklahoma over Texas. Close but no cigar. And Ohio State, Nebraska, Virginia Tech, Kansas and Missouri let me down as well.
It was disappointing for me — as it was for other Arkansas alumni — to watch the Razorbacks lose to top–ranked Florida on Saturday, 23–20.
Especially because the officials made bad calls that gave the Gators new life — and, ultimately, enabled them to win the game.
Make no mistake about it. It wasn't Tim Tebow's heroics that won the game for the Gators.
Now, it's not my way to blame the officials when a game doesn't go my way, but I have to say that I felt the pass interference call in the fourth quarter that helped Florida get the touchdown that tied the game at 20–20 was ridiculous. And I have to agree that, as someone I have never met observed in a comment that was posted online, the refs at that game should have been wearing blue and orange instead of black and white.
So I have to agree with what John Taylor wrote for NBC Sports: "Look, it's all well and good that the SEC is willing to admit that their officials are not infallible. But, when are they going to, you know, prevent it from happening before it really costs someone a game?"
I hate to be the one who has to point it out to Mr. Taylor — although, at this point, I doubt that I am the first to bring this to his attention — but those calls on Saturday did cost Arkansas the game. A pretty big one, too. It doesn't get any bigger than a game against the top–ranked team in the country.
Well, anyway, the Gators got the win and they remained unbeaten, but the Razorbacks exacted a measure of revenge. The Associated Press pollsters were not impressed with Florida and permitted Alabama to leapfrog into the top spot in their weekly poll.
Of course, it's October. It will be about 2½ months before the national championship game will be played. And, in that time, Florida could return to the top spot and be positioned to win yet another national crown. But their failure to convincingly defeat Arkansas worked against them — and I believe the Razorbacks continued to grow and improve.
No matter what the scoreboard said, it was a win for the Razorbacks and a loss for the Gators. And I think most people who watched the game would agree.
The big game this week features the New York Giants against the New Orleans Saints.
It ought to be an entertaining game — two undefeated teams and New Orleans native Eli Manning making his first professional appearance in his hometown.
And, if my predictions hold up, the winner will be the only undefeated team that is playing today that will still be unbeaten when the final whistle blows.
St. Louis (0–5) at Jacksonville (2–3) — Even the Jags should be able to beat the Rams.
Carolina (1–3) at Tampa Bay (0–5) — The cellar dwellers of the NFC South meet in Tampa today. The Bucs have been more productive, but their defense has given up more points than the Panthers. I'm going to predict that Tampa Bay will be in the win column before the day is over.
New York Giants (5–0) at New Orleans (4–0) — The offensive stars get all the reviews. Am I crazy to think the defenses might be the standouts in this game today? Maybe. But I'lll pick New Orleans.
Cleveland (1–4) at Pittsburgh (3–2) — The Steelers are still in the AFC North race, but they're running neck and neck with Baltimore and they trail the unlikely Cincinnati Bengals. There once was a time when Browns–Steelers games were highly anticipated events, but, these days, I don't think the Browns have what it takes to make this game competitive. Steelers should pull away in the second half.
Detroit (1–4) at Green Bay (2–2) — Just what the doctor ordered for a Packer team whose last game was a disappointing loss to Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings. Green Bay will win at home.
Baltimore (3–2) at Minnesota (5–0) — I'm sure this flies in the face of conventional wisdom, but I'm picking Baltimore to knock Minnesota from the ranks of the unbeaten.
Houston (2–3) at Cincinnati (4–1) — I remain unconvinced that Cincinnati is as good as its record suggests, but I don't feel Houston is capable of defeating the Bengals. Thus, I expect Cincy to be 5–1 when the day is done.
Kansas City (0–5) at Washington (2–3) — The Redskins haven't impressed me this season, but, after all, they're at home today and they're playing the pitiful Chiefs. I have to take Washington.
Arizona (2–2) at Seattle (2–3) — Well, I guess somebody has to win this game. I'll go with Seattle.
Philadelphia (3–1) at Oakland (1–4) — Philly is favored by two touchdowns and with good reason. I have to take the Eagles in this game.
Buffalo (1–4) at New York Jets (3–2) — Back at home now after losing on Monday night in Miami, I expect the Jets to handle the Bills.
Tennessee (0–5) at New England (3–2) — The Titans left Nashville, where it will be a cool but tolerable 57° with sunny skies and a light breeze today, to play New England in Foxboro, Mass., where it will be cold (around 45°), windy and rainy. Along with the facts that the Titans are winless and they're facing a pretty good Patriots team, I expect New England to prevail.
Chicago (3–1) at Atlanta (3–1) — The Falcons are favored by 3½ points, presumably because they are playing at home. Both teams appear to have emerging quarterbacks. I'll take the home team.
MONDAY
Denver (5–0) at San Diego (2–2) — I don't think the Broncos are as good as their record indicates. The oddsmakers apparently agree with me. They've made the Chargers four–point favorites. I'll take San Diego.
It was 20 years ago today that an earthquake struck during the pregame show for the third game of the 1989 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A's.
I remember it well. It was shortly after 7 p.m. in North Texas. I was in my apartment, about to eat my evening meal while watching the World Series. And then there was an interruption. Watch the attached clip. You'll see exactly what I saw.
It was hours — even days — before the scope of the tragedy was known. The earthquake struck on a Tuesday. I didn't manage to speak to a couple I knew who had moved out there the year before until that weekend. Fortunately, they were all right, and they told me quite a tale.
They were living in a house that had survived the legendary turn–of–the–century earthquake as well. My friend, Mike, was in the house when the earthquake struck. It shook the pictures on the wall and broke some glasses that were on the kitchen counter, but, otherwise, everything came through fine. Mike was a little shaken but unhurt.
Jane was the one who had the close call. Their house was in San Francisco, but Jane's job was across the bay in Oakland so she had to commute across the Bay Bridge twice a day.
It was a little past 5 in the afternoon local time when the earthquake happened. Under ordinary circumstances, Jane told me, she would have been in the middle of the bridge. But traffic was lighter than usual because a lot of people had gone to the game or to sports bars to watch it, and she had been off the bridge for about five minutes.
The Loma Prieta earthquake registered 6.9 on the Richter scale, killed 63 and left as many as 12,000 homeless.
The World Series resumed 10 days later, and Oakland went on to sweep it in four games.
I don't know if anyone in the media has given this week's slate of college football games a special nickname, but it seems to me that "Showdown Saturday" would be appropriate.
Of 17 games involving at least one Top 25 team, six are matchups between two ranked teams. Some are traditional battles, like the games between Oklahoma and Texas in Dallas and USC and Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., but some of the games feature relative newcomers to the rankings, like #22 South Carolina, which may have a somewhat short stay in the rankings after its trip to Alabama.
Every game involving a Top 25 team is being televised somewhere. Consequently, some of the teams that are being televised have seldom been televised — like UCF and San Diego State.
Tenth–ranked LSU and #16 Oregon are idle.
Arkansas at #1 Florida, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS — As an Arkansas graduate, I would love to see the Razorbacks win this game. The Hogs are coming off a 21–point win over Auburn, but I don't think they're quite at this level yet. On the other hand, if Tim Tebow gets knocked out of the game, who knows?
#2 Texas vs. #18 Oklahoma, 11 a.m. (Central) on ABC — Yes, OU has lost a couple of games, and its Heisman Trophy–winning quarterback has been struggling with injury. But this is a rivalry, and team records really are irrelevant. I'm going to pick Oklahoma.
#22 South Carolina at #3 Alabama, 6:45 p.m. (Central) on ESPN — I think Alabama will handle the surprising Gamecocks — even though rival Tennessee is next on the schedule.
#4 Virginia Tech at #20 Georgia Tech, 5 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2 — Virginia Tech has won its last two games against Georgia Tech. I'll take the Hokies, but I think it could be a close one.
#5 USC at #25 Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on NBC — When both of the teams in a tradition–rich rivalry like this one are in the Top 25, it adds a lot to the game's aura, but I am not sure it makes it any more intense for the participants. USC has won seven straight over Notre Dame, which I am sure is a source of motivation but I don't think it will produce a different result. I'll take USC.
#6 Boise State at Tulsa, tonight at 7 p.m. (Central) on ESPN — I think Boise State is too much for Tulsa.
#7 Ohio State at Purdue, 11 a.m. (Central) on Big Ten — The Buckeyes usually win against Purdue. They've won eight of the last 10. Sometimes Ohio State has won by wide margins. Sometimes OSU's defense has held Purdue to a single score. And sometimes it's been unexpectedly difficult for the Buckeyes. But I think they will win again, and this one is likely to be by a comfortable margin. That is the way Ohio State's games seem to be going this year.
Colorado State at #8 TCU, 3 p.m. (Central) on Versus — I think TCU has too much for Colorado State.
#9 Cincinnati at #21 South Florida, Thursday at 6:45 p.m. (Central) on ESPN — Of all the Top 25 showdowns I could have imagined before the season began, this one was way down the list. I'll take Cincinnati on the basis of what I've heard about its quarterback.
#11 Miami (Florida) at UCF, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS CS — I don't see any way that this game can be competitive. I'll take Miami.
#12 Iowa at Wisconsin, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN — This is a tough one. The teams have split their last 10 games, but Wisconsin has lost two of its last three at home to Iowa. I'll give the edge to Iowa.
Minnesota at #13 Penn State, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC — Minnesota last beat Penn State in 2004. But that game was at home. Minnesota's last win at Penn State was the year before that, but the Nittany Lions struggled in 2003. They're a different team now. And I'll pick Penn State to win.
#24 Missouri at #14 Oklahoma State, 8:15 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2 — Missouri hasn't lost at Oklahoma State since 1992. The two teams don't play every year, but, when they do, it's usually entertaining. I'll pick Missouri.
#15 Kansas at Colorado, 6 p.m. (Central) on FSN — USA Today says Colorado's Folsom Field is one of the 10 great places to watch a college football game. It didn't help Colorado against Texas last week. Will it help against Kansas? I'm going to say no. Give me Kansas.
Texas Tech at #17 Nebraska, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC — Tech isn't the team it was last year, and neither is Nebraska. The Cornhuskers are on their way up, and they're playing at home. I'll take Nebraska.
#19 BYU at San Diego State, 5 p.m. (Central) on MTN — BYU should have no trouble.
#23 Houston at Tulane, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS — I pick Houston to prevail.
Part of the college experience for most people is Saturday afternoon football games.
This Saturday will be the anniversary of one of the most memorable games of my college days — and I hope it turns out to be every bit as memorable for those who are students now on the campus of my alma mater.
It isn't the kind of thing that can be duplicated for succeeding generations. But my college experience would have been completely different without it.
I graduated from the University of Arkansas. And it was on October 17 in 1981 that the Razorbacks defeated their arch rivals, the Texas Longhorns, who were ranked #1 in the nation, by the lopsided score of 42–11. I went to many Razorback games when I was in college, and I don't think I ever heard the home fans cheer as loudly as they did on that day.
Maybe that's because the whole thing was such an astonishingly unexpected event.
Arkansas wasn't ranked. Two weeks earlier, the Razorbacks lost to perennial Southwest Conference doormat TCU for the first time in my lifetime. To lifelong Razorback fans, it was embarrassing. Things are different now, but back then, it was a disgrace for a team that was usually a contender for the conference title, as Arkansas was, to lose to a team in the lower tier of the SWC. And TCU definitely occupied the lower tier.
The Hogs bounced back with a 26–14 victory over Texas Tech the next week, but the unbeaten — and seemingly unbeatable — Texas Longhorns were next on the schedule.
I was living off campus in those days, and the girl who was going to the game with me was living in one of the dorms. I remember calling her and telling her that I didn't think I would go to the game that day. Like most Arkansas fans, I thought the Hogs were going to lose to the powerful Longhorns.
But she told me to come on over to the dorm and we would see how we felt when the 2:30 kickoff drew near. So I agreed to come over, although I still didn't think I would go to the game. But we talked about it and, in the end, we decided to go.
If it turned into a blowout, we agreed, we would leave. Her dorm, after all, wasn't too far from the stadium. And I admit that I was far from certain that we would stay past halftime. It turned out our seats were just across the aisle from where the huge University of Texas marching band was seated. I made a mental resolution: If the score was as out of hand as I expected and I wasn't deaf from hearing repeated playings of "The Eyes of Texas" in the first half, I should leave and count my blessings.
Well, we didn't leave the stadium at halftime. The score was out of hand, but not in Texas' favor. The Razorbacks had taken a commanding lead, and the fans were raucous. The band had been mostly quiet in the first half, and my hearing was still intact.
So we stayed. And I am glad we did. It was an experience I wouldn't trade for anything.
I found the attached clip of game highlights, and it brought back some memories of that afternoon. It's interesting, though, that whoever compiled that YouTube clip chose Michael Jackson's "Beat It" as the background music. Fact is, that song wasn't recorded until the following year so, even though it may be an energetic theme, it really isn't an appropriate one. The jubilant Razorback fans in Fayetteville that day couldn't possibly have listened to it at their victory parties that night since it didn't exist yet.
Perhaps a better tune would have been Christopher Cross' "Arthur's Theme," which was the top–selling song on Billboard's charts at the time. It might be a more subdued melody, but it is more representative of what people were listening to.
A few memories stand out from that day:
Through most of the time I was growing up, Southwest Conference schools ran the ball. Throwing the ball was something you did if you were way behind. And some coaches apparently had too much pride to throw the ball even if they were far behind. Frank Broyles, for example, was coach of the Razorbacks until I was in high school, and I have few memories of the Razorbacks throwing the ball — even when they trailed by huge margins.
I vividly recall listening to radio coverage of Arkansas' season opener when Lou Holtz took over for Broyles. On the first offensive play, Holtz called a deep pass. The sharp intake of breath from the capacity crowd was clearly audible.
On that afternoon in 1981, Holtz was able to run a more conservative offense, but, because of the score, Texas was forced to abandon its running game, eventually setting a school record for pass attempts in a game. Many of those passes were incomplete, which stopped the clock and prolonged the game.
It was starting to get dark by the time the game ended. Visibility was restricted for everyone, including the TV audience. In those days, Razorback Stadium had lights that were adequate only for practice sessions, not for illuminating a field for TV cameras.
Here in the 21st century, it may be hard to imagine a stadium that isn't equipped with lights that make it possible to play there at night. But they were still around in 1981, and Razorback Stadium was one of them.
I don't think I have ever been to a game that had as many shifts in the weather conditions. If you watch the clips, you'll see that, at some points, the field was bathed in sunlight. At other times, when clouds — and even some rain — went through, it got a little dark.
There were even times when the area was under a tornado watch.
It was never announced over the P.A. system, and the fans who didn't have radios with them didn't know that at the time. But the ones with radios weren't exactly making their way to the exits.
This was Razorback football. The opponent was the hated Texas Longhorns, who were the top–ranked team in the nation that day. TV cameras were broadcasting the game to the outside world.
And the Hogs were winning.
For Razorback fans, no better conditions could be imagined for one's last moments. I can only assume that those who did know we were under a tornado watch decided it was worth the risk.
When I was growing up, Texas was the source of a lot of frustration for Razorback fans. Nearly every year, the Longhorns beat the Razorbacks, often decisively — and that win over Arkansas usually gave Texas the conference title.
In the years leading up to that memorable afternoon in 1981, Texas had run off a streak of seven straight wins over Arkansas. The Razorbacks ended that skid with a three–point win over Texas in Little Rock two years earlier, but then they seemed to resume their old ways when the series returned to Austin in 1980, giving Texas eight wins over Arkansas in the 10 years prior to that memorable afternoon in Razorback Stadium.
So, on that afternoon, Arkansas fans were ready to celebrate. They tried to tear down one of the goal posts, but they couldn't quite manage it. The goal post apparently was made of metal, and the fans only managed to distort it into a bizarre dangling wishbone shape that I could see for several days as I walked past the dorms that stood at the top of the hill looking down on the stadium.
This Saturday, there will be a few clear differences between the game Arkansas will play against #1 Florida and the game the Razorbacks played against Texas in 1981.
For one, the Florida game is a road game for Arkansas. The Texas game was played at home.
For another, the top ranking in the nation hasn't been the revolving door in 2009 that it was in 1981. By mid–October of that year, Texas was the fourth team to be ranked #1. Unless I have missed something, the Gators have been ranked #1 all along.
Yet another difference is that, while Arkansas lost to a lightly regarded foe two weeks before the Razorbacks played Texas in 1981, Arkansas' two losses this year have been against teams that were ranked — Georgia and Alabama.
One more noteworthy difference: In 1981 — and this could be the most important factor for Razorback fans — Texas brought a healthy squad to Fayetteville. The Gators are led by a quarterback who has won a Heisman Trophy and two national titles in his collegiate career — but he suffered a concussion against Kentucky weekend before last and played in spite of it against LSU this past weekend.
That flew in the face of what modern authorities on sports injuries tend to recommend for concussion victims. They usually recommend that football players who have had concussions sit out the next game.
Will that affect Tim Tebow's performance against the Razorbacks? That remains to be seen. Arkansas' defense hasn't been particularly impressive this season, but I don't think it has been panned as much as it was after the TCU loss in 1981.
And, if Arkansas' explosive offense isn't held in check by Florida's defense, that may put more pressure on Florida to be productive.
Florida certainly has shown that its offense can put points on the board. And, if Tebow is 100%, beating Florida may prove to be too great a challenge for the Razorbacks.
But a lifetime of watching the Razorbacks has taught me never to count them out — even if the foe is the top–ranked team in the nation.
Common sense says Florida probably will win. But I'll be watching, anyway.
New England isn't going to repeat 2007 and go undefeated this year. But I think the Patriots will see to it this afternoon that the Denver Broncos don't go undefeated, either.
I made the Broncos my upset special last week, and they came through for me. But now, at 4–0, I think their streak will come to an end. They may go on to win the AFC's wimpy West, but they won't have a perfect record.
There are a few exceptions, but mostly, this is something of a lackluster week in the NFL.
Cincinnati (3–1) at Baltimore (3–1) — Are the Bengals for real? We may get something of an answer to that question this week when they travel to Baltimore. I believe Baltimore will win this battle of the 3–1 teams.
Oakland (1–3) at New York Giants (4–0) — Is there even a chance that the Raiders can beat the Giants? Umm, nope.
Dallas (2–2) at Kansas City (0–4) — I correctly predicted the Cowboys would lose to the Broncos last week. But I really can't see Dallas losing this week. The Chiefs are pathetic.
Washington (2–2) at Carolina (0–3) — Will the Panthers win their first game this week? Even though they haven't won a game yet, they're 3½–point picks over the Redskins, who lost to Detroit a couple of weeks ago. I'll go with Carolina.
Minnesota (4–0) at St. Louis (0–4) — This should be a sure thing. I see no way that the Rams can beat the Vikings.
Tampa Bay (0–4) at Philadelphia (2–1) — This one should also be a sure thing. The Eagles should be rested and ready for the Bucs.
Pittsburgh (2–2) at Detroit (1–3) — I really can't see the Lions, who only recently won a game for the first time since 2007, beating the defending world champions ... even if the game is in Detroit. I'll go with the Steelers.
Cleveland (0–4) at Buffalo (1–3) — Cleveland ought to cover the 6–point spread ... but not by enough to win the game. I'll take Buffalo.
Atlanta (2–1) at San Francisco (3–1) — A couple of years ago, this would have been an unappealing game. But both teams are better now, and it should be fairly entertaining. I'll take the 49ers, but if I was betting on the spread, I'd be tempted to take the 2½–point underdog Falcons.
Houston (2–2) at Arizona (1–2) — I'll take Arizona, but only because the Cardinals are at home.
New England (3–1) at Denver (4–0) — Some people are already getting worked up about the Broncos. They beat a Cowboys team that isn't as good as a lot of people thought, and now they're playing a Patriots team that is probably better than a lot of people are thinking. Keep in mind, folks, it's October. And I'll take the Patriots, who are favored by 3 points.
Jacksonville (2–2) at Seattle (1–3) — I think the Jaguars are capable of winning this game.
Indianapolis (4–0) at Tennessee (0–4) — This was a more appealing matchup before the season began. I think the Titans are better than their record indicates, but they continue to live down to expectations.
MONDAY
New York Jets (3–1) at Miami (1–3) — This was a more interesting matchup last year. I'll take the Jets.
Fifty–three years ago today, Don Larsen of the New York Yankees pitched the only perfect game in World Series history — so far.
It came against the Brooklyn Dodgers in the fifth game.
The 1956 series itself went seven games so Larsen's perfect game did not clinch the title. And it was the last World Series in which the Dodgers represented Brooklyn. When they returned to the World Series in 1959, they had relocated to the West Coast.
But the dominant image from that postseason classic is of catcher Yogi Berra leaping into Larsen's arms.
Both men, now in their 80s, are still living, by the way. And Larsen, who had a dismal two–inning outing in the second game of the series, was named MVP in recognition of his perfect game.
The baseball playoffs began yesterday so we're still a few weeks away from learning who will be in this year's World Series.
But I've been quite pleased with my predictions to this point.
In the American League, I correctly predicted which four teams would be in the playoffs. I predicted the Minnesota Twins would win the Central (although I did not anticipate that they would need a one–game playoff to clinch their division). And, technically, I was correct when I predicted the Yankees and Red Sox would be in the playoffs, but I had them reversed. I picked Boston to win the division and New York to be the wild card.
In the National League, I got all three division winners correct — Los Angeles, St. Louis and Philadelphia — but I was off the mark on the wild card. I predicted the New York Mets would be the wild card team. It turned out to be Colorado.
Still, seven out of eight ain't bad.
Briefly revisiting my predictions for the postseason, I said Boston and St. Louis would meet in the World Series. That could still happen. Boston hasn't begun its ALDS series with the Los Angeles Angels yet (it starts today), but St. Louis got off to a rocky start last night with a 5–3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
We seem to be mostly into conference play now, although there are a few nonconference games.
I'm predicting that seven ranked teams will lose this weekend. Some are to be expected, with ranked teams squaring off in four games. But I'm also predicting that three unranked teams will beat ranked teams in results that will probably be considered upsets.
Whether they are or not will be a matter of opinion — if they come to pass.
Four teams in the Top 25 are idle this week — Boise State, USC, Cincinnati and South Florida.
#1 Florida at #4 LSU, 7 p.m. (Central) on CBS — In a week that features four head–to–head matchups between teams in the Top 25, this is the cherry on the parfait, although, if LSU wins, that may well set the stage for 1 vs. 2 or 2 vs. 3 when the Tigers travel to Alabama on Nov. 7. The big question is whether Tim Tebow should play after suffering a concussion. Common sense says no. And, acting on the assumption that Tebow won't play, I will pick LSU.
Colorado at #2 Texas, 6:15 p.m. (Central) on ESPN or ESPN2 — Texas will just be warming up for next week's grudge match with Oklahoma.
#3 Alabama at #16 Ole Miss, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS — I think Ole Miss is a good team, but the Rebels aren't good enough to beat Alabama.
Boston College at #5 Virginia Tech — The Hokies are home, and they should prevail.
#25 Wisconsin at #8 Ohio State, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC — The Buckeyes seem to have rebounded from their loss to USC. I'll take Ohio State.
#9 TCU at Air Force, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS CS — I think Air Force is capable of the upset, but I think TCU will escape with a win.
Florida A&M at #11 Miami (Florida) — This should be an easy win for Miami. But the Hurricanes are certainly due for one.
Eastern Illinois at #12 Penn State, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN Classic — Joe Paterno is just going to keep adding to his victory total as long as the Nittany Lions get fed a steady diet of non–conference creampuffs.
#13 Oklahoma State at Texas A&M — I've been wondering if there is a chance that the Aggies might pull off the upset. They've got the real deal at quarterback. But I don't think their defense can close the deal.
Michigan at #14 Iowa, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC/ESPN — I think this one might be close, but I'm going to take Michigan as my upset special.
Iowa State at #15 Kansas, 11:30 a.m. (Central) on Versus — I just don't see Iowa State beating Kansas on the road.
#17 Oregon at UCLA, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC — This should be an entertaining game for West Coast viewers. I'll take Oregon, barely.
#22 Nebraska at #18 Missouri, tonight at 8 p.m. (Central) on ESPN — This game will answer a lot of questions about both teams. Some observers will call this an upset, but I pick Nebraska to win on the road.
#19 Auburn at Arkansas — Is this a new Auburn, or is this the same Auburn as last year? I'm not convinced that Auburn is that much better. Still, you have to respect a 5–0 record. But things will get tougher for Auburn, with LSU, Georgia, Ole Miss and Alabama yet to come. I think Arkansas needs this one more than Auburn does. I pick Arkansas.
#20 BYU at UNLV, 9 p.m. (Central) on MTN — BYU should have a wide margin of victory.
Baylor at #21 Oklahoma, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC — I have friends who went to Baylor. I always hope, for their sakes, that Baylor wins. But I don't expect Baylor to upset Oklahoma on the road.
#23 Georgia Tech at Florida State, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 — I guess I just can't see Florida State losing three in a row. Give me the Seminoles.
I often hear football fans complain that a game they went to was a "blowout."
But I can only imagine how the fans in Lebanon, Tenn., must have felt on this date in 1916 — when Cumberland College traveled to Atlanta and was handed the worst beating in football history.
The final score that day was 222–0.
Aside from the lopsided nature of the score, there were a few noteworthy points:
The name of Tech's coach lives on in college football today. He was John Heisman, for whom the most prestigious trophy given to an individual player in college football is named.
Cumberland already had discontinued football, but it couldn't cancel its game with Tech for financial reasons. The schools had a scheduling agreement, and Cumberland would have had to pay $3,000 to Tech if it didn't play. In those days, $3,000 was the equivalent of nearly $60,000 in today's money so Cumberland apparently assembled a team just for the occasion.
I have heard that Heisman was motivated to run up the score because Cumberland's baseball team whipped Tech earlier in the year.
In the 93 years that have passed since that day, a few teams have scored 100 points in a game, but none have come close to matching Tech's output.
Twenty years ago, it was believed by many that the University of Houston, with its "run and shoot" offense under the guidance of coach Jack Pardee, might exceed the century mark — and the Cougars came close with their 95–21 triumph over SMU (which was coming off the NCAA–imposed "death penalty").
But it was actually Pardee's predecessor, Bill Yeoman, who presided over the last triple–digit scoring performance in major college football. In 1968, Yeoman's Cougars beat Tulsa, 100–6.
A few teams have a bye week, about half a dozen game are being played between division rivals, but the game that everyone wants to see is Minnesota vs. Green Bay on Monday night.
The game will be played in Minnesota so Brett Favre will have to wait awhile before his homecoming at Lambeau Field. But it will be interesting to see what happens. If the Vikings win, they will be 4–0 and in charge of the NFC North. But if the Packers win, Green Bay will have the tiebreaker over the Vikings, as well as the Bears, who are likely to beat Detroit today.
With a few exceptions, today's games are warmup acts for tomorrow night's game:
Detroit (1–2) at Chicago (2–1) — I really can't imagine the Bears losing this game.
Cincinnati (2–1) at Cleveland (0–3) — In spite of the Bengals' start, I'm not convinced yet that they are headed for the playoffs. But I feel pretty confident that the Browns won't be in the playoffs. I take Cincinnati.
Oakland (1–2) at Houston (1–2) — The Texans are favored by nearly 10 points. I don't have any confidence in the Raiders, either. Houston should prevail.
Seattle (1–2) at Indianapolis (3–0) — I think the Colts should win fairly easily in this game.
Tennessee (0–3) at Jacksonville (1–2) — The Jags are favored by three at home, but I think the Titans are better. I pick Tennessee.
New York Giants (3–0) at Kansas City (0–3) — Unbeaten Giants vs. winless Chiefs? I think this is a no–brainer. Giants by a wide margin.
Baltimore (3–0) at New England (2–1) — This should be a pretty good game. And, while I know a lot of people think the Patriots are still the team that nearly went 19–0, these are not the 2007 Patriots. And the Ravens are pretty good. I think Baltimore will win.
Tampa Bay (0–3) at Washington (1–2) — The Redkins are favored by a touchdown. In spite of the fact that they lost to the woeful Lions last week, I think they might have enough firepower to win this game by more than the spread.
Buffalo (1–2) at Miami (0–3) — I don't know what to think of this one. I will take Buffalo. Can't say I have much of a reason for it, though.
New York Jets (3–0) at New Orleans (3–0) — All eyes are on the Packers and Vikings, but this one is a matchup of two undefeated teams. I think the Saints are better — but not so much better that they can cover the seven–point spread.
Dallas (2–1) at Denver (3–0) — Still, records can be deceiving. The Cowboys have won two games against weak teams. Undefeated Denver hasn't really impressed me, either. Dallas is favored by three. I'm taking Denver as an upset special.
St. Louis (0–3) at San Francisco (2–1) — The Rams are huge underdogs to the 49ers. Deservedly so. I'll take San Francisco.
San Diego (2–1) at Pittsburgh (1–2) — I think the Steelers will win, but not by enough to cover a 6½–point spread.
MONDAY
Green Bay (2–1) at Minnesota (3–0) — And that brings us to Monday night's marquee matchup. All eyes are on Favre, but the focal point of the game will be Minnesota's running game and Adrian Peterson. Can the Packers stop him? If they can, they will win. If they can't, they won't. The numbers suggest they won't. So I'll take Minnesota.
I was 12–4 last week, making my season record 38–10.
If you're a baseball fan, surely you have heard a recording of the radio broadcast of Bobby Thomson's game–winning home run in the National League playoff game between Thomson's New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers.
It happened 58 years ago today. Thomson's home run gave the Giants a 2–to–1 triumph in the playoff series nearly 20 years before the National and American Leagues began divisional play. The Dodgers appeared to be on their way to the National League title most of the season, but the Giants caught and tied them in September, forcing the playoff.
I'm a Dodgers fan. I was still many years away from being born when that happened, but the story is still painful for me.
But it is also a source of amusement for me. Whenever I hear the audio in which the announcer repeatedly exclaims, "The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant!" I am reminded of one of my favorite episodes from the M*A*S*H series.
A couple of years before the show's landmark final episode, "A War for All Seasons" followed the staff through the year 1951. A number of stories were woven together, but the unifying story, I guess, was how Klinger, in his never–ending quest for an easy dollar, persuaded the well–to–do Charles to finance some bets on the streaking Dodgers.
But even Klinger was hesitant for Charles to give in to his greed to the extent Charles appeared prepared to do. "Major, we stand to win a lot of loot," Klinger cautioned. "Let us not be piggish."
"This is not piggish, Klinger, this is bullish," Charles replied. "How do you think we Winchesters amassed our huge family fortune?"
But the Giants' late–season rally took its toll on the unlikely partnership. When the Dodgers' collapse was complete and announcer Russ Hodges was celebrating the Giants' triumph in his jubilant broadcast, the camera showed Charles unconscious on the ground, apparently overwhelmed by his losses.
From what I have been told, Charles wasn't the only one who was shocked.
It's kind of a quiet weekend in the Top 25. Florida, Texas, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska all are idle, and five games featuring ranked teams are not scheduled to be televised.
But the Oklahoma–Miami game should be interesting. Based on the rankings, USC–Cal should be as well. As should LSU–Georgia.
But I can't help wondering what could possibly entice anyone in El Paso to go to the Sun Bowl to watch UTEP, which was hammered by Texas last week, play the Houston Cougars. I anticipate another massacre. Thank God the game isn't being televised.
#3 Alabama at Kentucky, 11:21 a.m. (Central) on SEC — Kentucky lost pretty handily to Florida last week. Even though the Wildcats are playing at home again, I don't expect them to be able to put up much of a fight against the Crimson Tide.
#4 LSU at #14 Georgia, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS — I guess this qualifies as an upset, but I'll take Georgia at home.
UC–Davis at #5 Boise State — This is another game that should be a foregone conclusion. Boise State by a wide margin.
#6 Virginia Tech at Duke — The rankings suggest Tech should roll over Duke. In spite of the weak opponent, I think this week will say a lot about the Hokies. I'll take Tech, but I don't think the margin will be as wide as many do.
#7 USC at #19 California, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC — This is a big Pac–10 showdown. I think it may be close, and I'll take USC. Even though the Trojans lost to Washington, I still think they are the top team in the Pac–10.
#8 Oklahoma at #21 Miami (Fla.), 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC — OU coach Bob Stoops says Heisman Trophy–winning quarterback Sam Bradford won't start. Instead, a freshman will play. I will take Miami.
#9 Ohio State at Indiana, 6 p.m. (Central) on Big Ten — Ohio State should win. But the Hoosiers may be dangerous. They narrowly lost to Michigan in their last game.
SMU at #10 TCU, 7 p.m. (Central) on The MTN — SMU has never recovered from the "death penalty" in the late 1980s. I don't think the Mustangs will win this game.
#11 Cincinnati at Miami (Ohio) — Cincinnati ought to cruise against Miami (Ohio).
#13 Penn State at Illinois — I expect Penn State to win, but it might be close.
#15 Houston at UTEP — Will UTEP do better against Houston than it did against Texas? You'd think the Miners would almost have to do better than they did against the Longhorns. And UTEP is at home. When the Miners went to Houston last year, they only lost by five points. But that was a different Cougar team. This year, I expect Houston to win by a wider margin.
Arkansas State at #17 Iowa, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN2 — Both teams will get what they want. Arkansas State will get the financial windfall from playing in a 70,000–seat stadium on TV, and Iowa will get an easy win.
#18 Ole Miss at Vanderbilt, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPNU — Ole Miss has had more than a week to lick its wounds after losing to South Carolina. Vanderbilt shouldn't be a threat to the Rebels, unless they've become absorbed in self–pity. I pick Ole Miss.
#20 Michigan at Michigan State, 11 a.m. (Central) on Big Ten — It's a rivalry. And it's a road game. But I think Michigan should be too much for Michigan State.
Utah State at #21 BYU, tonight at 8 p.m. (Central) on The MTN — I think BYU should win with no trouble.
Washington State at #25 Oregon, 9:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPNU — Oregon was dealt a setback in its opener against Boise State, but the Ducks have won three in a row, including two wins over ranked opponents. I'll take Oregon in this one.
Last week, I was 16–7. There were quite a few surprises last week &mdash South Carolina's win over Ole Miss, unbeaten USF's triumph over Florida State, Georgia Tech's victory over North Carolina, Virginia Tech's rout of Miami, Oregon's win over Cal and Iowa's triumph over Penn State. I'm not sure if #17 Houston's victory over unranked Texas Tech qualifies as an upset, but it certainly surprised me.
A "tomato can" is a fighter who is believed to be past his prime and an "easy" or "guaranteed" win for an up-and-coming fighter who wants to pad his record.
Sometimes, though, the "tomato can" doesn't cooperate. For example, in 1990, undefeated heavyweight champion Mike Tyson lost the title to a 42-to-1 underdog named Buster Douglas.
Another heavyweight champion, Muhammad Ali, almost lost his title to lightly regarded Chuck Wepner in 1975. Wepner nearly went the distance against Ali and inspired the original "Rocky" movie.
I got my bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas, and I got my master's degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Most of my adult life has been dedicated to writing and editing in one form or another. Most recently I have taught writing (news and developmental) as an adjunct journalism professor at Richland College, where I advise the student newspaper staff. Go, Thunderducks!
That may not be the most reliable way to predict the outcome of some of these games, but it can give you an idea who is more motivated.
