Intriguing Showdowns on This Week's Schedule

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(Note: We had heavy storms in the area Thursday, causing widespread power outages. Consequently, the college football column I had planned to post prior to the Arizona–Oregon game that night could not be posted. Power has been restored, and I am publishing that column today, minus the Arizona–Oregon prediction and the prediction for the Utah State–Brigham Young game last night, which began while I was busy working with the Richland College newspaper staff.)

We're getting into the conference portion of the college football schedule.

Most of this week's games are between conference rivals. In the SEC, that frequently means games between ranked teams, and there are three of those this week — #3 Alabama against #11 Ole Miss, #15 LSU at #5 Auburn and #6 Texas A&M travels to #12 Mississippi State.

In all, there are half a dozen games between ranked teams this week, and all six have the potential to be exciting games.

Idle: #24 Missouri

Saturday

• Wake Forest at #1 Florida State, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC: The series is lopsided in Florida State's favor, but Wake Forest actually has enjoyed more success against the Seminoles in recent years than in the first 50 years of the series' existence.
  
  I don't think Wake Forest will win, but the Deacons do have a much higher ranked defense. That could be put to the test. Defending Heisman winner Jameis Winston is ranked 19th in passing in spite of having to sit out a game. No matter who the QB has been, Rashad Greene has been catching the passes. He is fourth in the nation in receiving yards.
  
  Unfortunately, Wake Forest has one of the worst offenses in the nation. Even Florida State's #77 defense should be able to stop Wake Forest. I pick Florida State.
• #3 Alabama at #11 Ole Miss, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS: This is a great old rivalry, but it is one Ole Miss seldom wins. Alabama has won 10 in a row. In fact, although this will be their 58th meeting, Ole Miss has won only seven times. It is the most lopsided series in the SEC.
  
  The Rebels have lost the last four played on Mississippi soil — but their last win over Alabama came on their home field in 2003. I guess it is possible that they can win this one; after all, their in–state rival, Mississippi State, beat LSU a couple of weeks ago.
  
  But I just don't see it happening. Should be an entertaining game to watch, but, in the end, I expect Alabama to prevail.
• #4 Oklahoma at #25 TCU, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on Fox: After an extended absence, TCU is back in the Top 25 (barely). The Frogs' reward? Facing Oklahoma.
  
  The series predates TCU's joining the Big 12, but no matter when they have played, the Frogs have never won a home game against the Sooners (OU is 5–0 in Fort Worth).
  
  TCU is ranked higher than OU in both offense and defense; in fact, the Frogs are #2 nationally in defense. But what does that really mean when you have only faced Samford, Minnesota and SMU? I pick Oklahoma.
• #15 LSU at #5 Auburn, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Any hope that LSU has of winning the SEC — and possibly playing for a national championship — will be on the line tonight at Auburn.
  
  If this game was being played in Baton Rouge, I'd probably pick LSU. In spite of the Tigers' loss there to Mississippi State a couple of weeks ago, it's still one of the toughest places for a visitor to play. And, historically, LSU beats Auburn in Baton Rouge nearly 79% of the time.
  
  But Auburn owns the advantage at home, although the margins of victory there for either team have been small.
  
  This might be the game of the week, and I pick Auburn to win it.
• #6 Texas A&M at #12 Mississippi State, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN: This is an interesting early SEC West clash. Mississippi State made believers of some with their win in Baton Rouge, and the schedule then gave the previously unranked Bulldogs the week off to savor that victory. But now, as a ranked team, they face the challenge of A&M this week and Auburn next week.
  
  This is when they can prove they belong at this level.
  
  The Aggies beat my alma mater, Arkansas, in overtime last week, a game even Aggies conceded they should have lost. I don't know what that means for this Aggie team. They played very well in the season opener against highly touted South Carolina. This is a chance for them to prove something, too.
  
  I pick Texas A&M.
• #7 Baylor at Texas, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC: When I was growing up, the idea that Baylor might beat Texas was laughable. It almost never happened, especially in Austin.
  
  But Baylor has won three of its last four meetings with Texas and is likely to do so again today. The Bears have the top–ranked offense (behind QB Bryce Petty and receiver K.D. Cannon) and the sixth–ranked defense. This isn't your father's Bears team. I take Baylor.
• Utah at #8 UCLA, 9:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Historically in this series, outcomes tend to be lopsided, but the last couple of meetings have been close. Perhaps this one will be, too.
  
  Some more historical trivia in this series. UCLA is 6–0 at home.
  
  The Bruins also have a better offense, which is what matters in the Pac–12. Utah has the better defense, which doesn't matter nearly as much in the Pac–12. I take UCLA.
• #14 Stanford at #9 Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on NBC: This series dates back to the Knute Rockne era, to Notre Dame's first bowl appearance (the Rose Bowl) on New Year's Day 1925.
  
  This will be the 29th time they have met, and the Irish tend to win about 65% of the time. They're even better at home; they beat Stanford nearly 79% of the time in South Bend. In fact, Notre Dame has won 80% of its last 10 home games against Stanford so that historical trend has been confirmed in recent times.
  
  The story of this game might just be defense. Notre Dame is #38 (facing the 68th–ranked offense), which is good, but Stanford's defense is ranked #1 and may have an easier time dealing with Notre Dame's 55th–ranked offense.
  
  This will be a legitimate test for a Notre Dame team that I think is overrated. I take Stanford.
• #19 Nebraska at #10 Michigan State, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC: I think this could be one of the best games of the season, let alone this weekend.
  
  Both have Top 20 offenses (Nebraska is #8, Michigan State is #18); on defense, Michigan State is #11 while Nebraska is #31. There are several offensive stars to watch. Nebraska is led by rusher Ameer Abdullah (#3 nationally in rushing yardage), QB Tommy Armstrong Jr. and receiver Kenny Bell. Michigan State has QB Connor Cook (#3 nationally in passing efficiency), receiver Tony Lippett and rusher Jeremy Langford.
  
  Michigan State lost its first seven meetings with Nebraska, then won last year's game in Lincoln. I expect Michigan State to win today — narrowly.
• Vanderbilt at #13 Georgia, 3 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network; Georgia is 8–2 in its last 10 home games against Vanderbilt.
  
  Georgia has been good but not great so far. This may be a chance for the Bulldogs to improve their numbers, especially against the woeful Vanderbilt offense (#121 in the country). I take Georgia at home.
• Arizona State at #16 Southern Cal, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on Fox: The Sun Devils have been a bit of a thorn in the Trojans' sides.
  
  They won their first meeting in 1978, handing Southern Cal its only loss of the year. They actually won six of the first 10 games between the schools.
  
  But, since 1991, USC has had the upper hand, winning 15 and losing five. Two of those losses, however, have come in the last three meetings, including last year's game in Tempe.
  
  The Trojans have won seven straight in Los Angeles against Arizona State, but I have to wonder if that streak could be coming to an end. The Pac–12 is known for offense, and ASU's offense is currently ranked ninth in the nation with QB Taylor Kelly, receiver Jaelan Strong and back D.J. Foster. I'm thinking they might be too much for the Trojans' defense. In what may be an upset, I'll take Arizona State.
• #17 Wisconsin at Northwestern, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2: Northwestern is much better than when I was growing up. The Wildcats have had some pretty good seasons in the last couple of decades.
  
  But they have also had seasons that suggested that they were still the same old two– or three–win Wildcats. I don't know which one they are this season or which one they will be today. But they have lost three in a row to Wisconsin at home, and I see no reason to think it won't be four in a row by sundown. Got to take Wisconsin.
• #20 Ohio State at Maryland, 11 a.m. (Central) on ABC: I'd almost like to find some rationale for picking Maryland in its first–ever meeting with Ohio State.
  
  But I just can't come up with one.
  
  The Buckeyes are ranked higher in both offense and defense — by pretty significant margins. As a result, I expect Ohio State to win by a pretty significant margin.
• Iowa State at #21 Oklahoma State, 11 a.m. (Central) on FS1: This series has been tighter than you probably think, although the upper hand has belonged to OSU in recent years. In fact, the Cowboys have beaten Iowa State the last three times the game has been played in Stillwater.
  
  Neither team has been impressive statistically so far, but Iowa State has been spectacularly unimpressive. The Cyclones aren't in the Top 100 in either offense or defense.
  
  I'll take Oklahoma State.
• SMU at #22 East Carolina, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPNU: This series is tied, 2–2. East Carolina won the first two, and SMU has won the most recent two.
  
  There really doesn't seem to be a home field advantage. Both teams are 1–1 in each other's stadium. SMU won the last meeting at East Carolina in 2010.
  
  I haven't seen much of SMU this season, but what I have seen isn't good. Plus there has been a lot of turmoil in the program. I think East Carolina will take advantage of the situation and win.
• Texas Tech at #23 Kansas State, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPNU: Things happen in complementary streaks in this series.
  
  Tech won the first three meetings, then K–State won three. Then Tech won five straight. Now K–State is on a two–game winning streak.
  
  I watched Tech play my alma mater, Arkansas, a few weeks ago. Frankly, I wasn't impressed. I saw K–State play Auburn. The Wildcats lost, but I was still impressed. I'll take Kansas State.

Last week: 16–2

Season: 83–11

On Any Given Saturday

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Last Saturday was a day filled with truly astonishing reminders of how quickly fortunes can change in college football — and how, as the old cliche goes, on any given Saturday ...

The most glaring reminders were eighth–ranked LSU's 34–29 loss to unranked Mississippi State (the Bulldogs' first win in Baton Rouge in more than 20 years) and #18 Missouri's 31–27 loss to Indiana, which was the Hoosiers' first win in Columbia in nearly 30 years.

Lots of folks were shocked that Indiana beat Missouri — but, if you look back at my predictions from last week, I picked Indiana to win in an upset. I did not, however, pick Mississippi State over LSU.

In fact, going into the fourth quarter, Mississippi State had a three–touchdown lead on the Tigers. If that margin had held up, it would have been the widest margin of victory for Mississippi State over LSU since 1980 (55–31).

But other outcomes affected this week's Top 25 as well — top–ranked Florida State barely survived #22 Clemson in overtime without defending Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston and #2 Oregon struggled to put away Washington State, 38–31.

Idle: #2 Oregon, #3 Alabama, #4 Oklahoma, #14 Mississippi State, #20 Brigham Young, #23 East Carolina

Thursday

• Texas Tech at #24 Oklahoma State, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: OSU has dominated Tech lately, winning eight of their last 11 confrontations.
  
  The Cowboys have also beaten the Red Raiders five straight times in Stillwater. I think Oklahoma State will make it six straight at home.
• #11 UCLA at #15 Arizona State, 9 p.m. (Central) on FS1: ASU back D.J. Foster is second in the country in all–purpose yardage and fifth nationally in rushing. QB Taylor Kelley is 14th in passing efficiency. Arizona State is 13th in the land in total offense. The Sun Devils are sure to test the #73 defense in the land.
  
  Arizona State has won three of the last five meetings with UCLA. I expect Arizona State to make it four of the last six.

Saturday

• #1 Florida State at North Carolina State, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC or ESPN2: Historically, the Seminoles beat the Wolfpack a little more than two–thirds of the time — and, usually, they haven't been defending national champs. But, when they have been the defending national champs, they've really clobbered North Carolina State.
  
  I don't know if the Seminoles will clobber 'em this time, but I do think Florida State will win.
• Louisiana Tech at #5 Auburn, 3 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: Auburn is 8–0 historically against Louisiana Tech, and I have no reason to think anything will change this time. I pick Auburn.
• Arkansas vs. #6 Texas A&M at Dallas, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS: This was a great series even before I was a student at Arkansas. It goes back more than a century, and some great games have been played between those schools. I was fortunate enough to attend one when I was a student and another a few years after I graduated; both were nail–biters. Great traditions at both schools.
  
  Even though last year was a down year for the Hogs, they kept it close, losing by 45–33. They are better than they were last year, but that might not be enough in the powerful SEC West. I'd love to see them win, but I believe Texas A&M, behind quarterback Kenny Hill, will prevail.
• #7 Baylor at Iowa State, 7 p.m. (Central) on Fox: This series is all tied up, 6–6, and each school has a 4–2 lead at home. The Cyclones have won the last two games they've played against the Bears at home, but they've been crushed in their last three trips to Waco.
  
  Statistically, that means Iowa State should win, right? Realistically, though, Iowa State doesn't have a prayer against the Bears. I believe Baylor will win.
• #8 Notre Dame at Syracuse, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC: Notre Dame has lost three of the last four meetings with Syracuse. In fact, you have to go back to 1914 and the days before America entered World War II to find Notre Dame's last win at Syracuse — although the Irish did win a contest with the Orangemen in the Bronx in 1963 that was considered a home game for Syracuse.
  
  Can Notre Dame end that 100–year drought? Yup.
• Wyoming at #9 Michigan State, 11 a.m. (Central) on ABC or ESPN2: It's been more than 35 years since these schools met. They played a couple of times in the 1970s but never again since — until this weekend.
  
  I have found no reason to think Wyoming can do any better than its first trip to East Lansing. I pick Michigan State.
• Memphis at #10 Ole Miss, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on FSN: Ole Miss beats Memphis 75% of the time. It is those occasional wins that keep fueling Memphis' fire; the last such win was 10 years ago.
  
  The Rebels have a good team, worthy of being in the Top 10, and, with Bo Wallace (#5 nationally in passing efficiency) at the controls, I expect Ole Miss to win without too much trouble.
• Tennessee at #12 Georgia, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN: This series is about as even as it comes. All time, the series is 20–20–2, which breaks down to 10–10–1 at each campus.
  
  In recent years, it has been ruled by Georgia. The Bulldogs have won the last four, and they have beaten the Volunteers three straight times in Athens. Only once before has Georgia beaten Tennessee five straight times — that streak ended in 1924. Tennessee might make it interesting, but, when the smoke clears, I think Georgia will win.
• Missouri at #13 South Carolina, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: I've been thinking all along that Missouri wasn't as good as advertised and that someone would bump off the Tigers. Frankly, I had no idea it would be Indiana — well, actually, I did predict it, made it my upset special as you can see if you read last week's post.
  
  I really thought the Tigers would lose this week when they travel to South Carolina. I still think that. I take South Carolina.
• #16 Stanford at Washington, 3:15 p.m. (Central) on Fox: This has been a remarkably competitive series over the years. Based purely on the series history (which Washington leads, 41–38–4), I would expect it to be an entertaining game.
  
  In the offense–happy Pac–12, Stanford's Kevin Hogan is eighth nationally in passing efficiency, and Ty Montgomery is 13th in all–purpose yardage; Washington's John Ross is 14th in all–purpose yardage. Interestingly, though, neither team is in the Top 60 in total offense.
  
  To add another wrinkle, Stanford has the top–ranked defense in the nation, which may only be a reflection of the quality of the opposition so far in 2014. Stanford has beaten UC–Davis and Army but lost to conference rival Southern Cal in a low–scoring affair (13–10).
  
  Stanford has dominated the series in recent years, winning seven of the last nine meetings. But Washington won the last time they played in Seattle. I don't think the Huskies will duplicate the accomplishment. I pick Stanford.
• New Mexico State at #17 LSU, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: I'm sure LSU will be in a surly mood after losing to Mississippi State last week, and I'm quite sure New Mexico State won't be able to stop the Tigers. I pick LSU.
• Oregon State at #18 Southern Cal, 9:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Southern Cal has won nearly 85% of its meetings with Oregon State, but the Beavers have been pretty successful at home, winning three of the last four contests there.
  
  Unfortunately for Oregon State, this year's game is in Los Angeles, where Southern Cal has won the last 22 meetings. You have to go back to 1960 to find the Beavers' last win in L.A. I don't think they will break that skid. I take Southern Cal.
• South Florida at #19 Wisconsin, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN2 or ESPNU: This is the first–ever meeting between these schools.
  
  Wisconsin is a tough place for visitors, especially nonconference teams. In fact, the last nonconference visitor to beat Wisconsin was UNLV in 2003. I don't think South Florida (12–28 since 2011) can pull it off. I favor Wisconsin.
• Illinois at #21 Nebraska, 8 p.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: This looks like a possible trap game for Nebraska. The Cornhuskers are coming off an emotionally charged win over Miami (Fla.) and there might be something of a hangover.
  
  Illinois hasn't won at Nebraska since 1924, but the 3–1 Illini need only one more win to match their total for last year. Can they get it at Nebraska? Possibly, but probably not. I'll take Nebraska.
• Cincinnati at #22 Ohio State, 5 p.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: This will be the fifth time these schools have met, and Ohio State has won all of the previous four. Of course, three of them were played at Ohio State, as this one will be.
  
  Cincinnati has been successful in the 21st century, qualifying for bowls in most seasons (all but three) since 2000, but I don't think the Bearcats will win this one. I'll take Ohio State.
• Texas–El Paso at #25 Kansas State, 11 a.m. (Central) on FSN: They've played twice before, and the home team won both meetings.
  
  UTEP hasn't had a winning season since 2005. Kansas State played well last week in a losing effort against Auburn, picked by many to make the field of four in this year's inaugural NCAA Division I playoff.
  
  K–State seldom loses back–to–back home games. It is even rarer when one of those losses is to a nonconference foe. I pick Kansas State.

Last week: 13–1

Season: 67–9

Anything Still Can Happen

Nine teams in the Top 25 are idle this week, which makes this week perhaps the least interesting of the young season.

But not entirely.

Tonight's game between Auburn and Kansas State may be the game of the week. If Kansas State is going to be a contender for the national title, the Wildcats must defeat Auburn.

There are other games of varying levels of interest this Saturday — Clemson–Florida State, Florida–Alabama, Miami (Fla.)–Nebraska — and some games of regional interest.

The big showdowns are still weeks away, but this is the intriguing time of the season, when just about anything still can happen.

Idle: #7 Baylor, #9 Notre Dame, #10 Ole Miss, #12 UCLA, #15 Arizona State, #16 Stanford, #17 Southern Cal, #23 Ohio State, #25 Oklahoma State

Thursday

• #5 Auburn at #20 Kansas State, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Auburn's record against Kansas State is 3–0, but the teams have only played once since the Carter presidency.
  
  Nevertheless, this is probably the top matchup of the week in college football. Auburn's offense (led by running back Cameron Artis–Payne) is rated much higher than Kansas State's; K–State's defense is rated higher than Auburn's, but not by nearly as much. I've got to pick Auburn.

Saturday

• #22 Clemson at #1 Florida State, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC: Clemson seldom wins at Florida State — only once in the team's last 11 trips there.
  
  The Tigers have enjoyed more success against Florida State at home, but it is the Seminoles' turn to play hosts.
  
  They'll have to do so, at least in part, without Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston, who has been suspended for the first half for making sexually explicit comments on campus. Will that make a difference? It could — Clemson is ranked ahead of Florida State in both offense and defense — but I don't really think it will. It may make the final score closer than it ought to be. I take Florida State.
• #2 Oregon at Washington State, 9:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Believe it or not, there was a time when WSU dominated this series. Not lately. Oregon has won seven in a row and 21 of the last 28.
  
  Still, Washington State has a pretty good offense (currently #15 in the country) — but not quite as good as Oregon's. Defense is mostly irrelevant in the Pac–12, but, for what it's worth, Washington State's defense is ranked higher than Oregon's.
  
  Last year, in a 62–38 loss to Oregon, WSU QB Connor Halladay attempted 89 passes and threw for nearly 700 yards. He's back and presently ranked #32 in passing efficiency.
  
  Historically, Washington State has been more competitive against Oregon at home. Will that help this time? I don's really think so. Give me Oregon.
• Florida at #3 Alabama, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS: Alabama leads this series — as it does just about every series. The Gators have lost six of the last eight meetings, including the last three in a row — but they have enjoyed more success on the road than at home in this series.
  
  Not so long ago, this was the premiere matchup in the SEC. They met for the conference championship in 2008 and 2009, with each team winning once.
  
  You'd think, with their history, these teams would play a lot of close games against each other, but the fact is their last six games were all decided by at least 11 points — usually a lot more.
  
  Florida has a lot more to prove. I'll take Alabama.
• #4 Oklahoma at West Virginia, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on Fox: This is Oklahoma's second–ever trip to West Virginia. The Sooners won a wild one the last time they visited West Virginia two years ago, 50–49.
  
  Based on the early numbers, the marquee matchup in this game will come when West Virginia's 13th–ranked offense (led by QB Clint Trickett, who is 20th in passing efficiency, and receiver Kevin White, who is averaging 11 catches per game) faces OU's 19th–ranked defense. Oklahoma's offense is ranked a respectable (but hardly eye–popping) 39th while West Virginia's defense is 55th.
  
  I have to pick Oklahoma.
• #6 Texas A&M at SMU, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC or ESPN2: This is the second of three consecutive games against former Southwest Conference rivals for the Aggies. They faced Rice last week, they take on SMU this week, and they must tackle Arkansas next week.
  
  We'll talk about next week's game next week. This week, I take Texas A&M.
• Mississippi State at #8 LSU, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: These schools have been annual rivals every year but one since 1926. In all, they have faced each other 104 times in one of the nation's oldest rivalries. LSU has dominated the series, 67–34–3, and owns a 14–game winning streak against the Bulldogs.
  
  LSU rarely loses at home — especially against Mississippi State. MSU hasn't won in Baton Rouge in more than 20 years. I don't think it will happen this time. I'll take LSU.
• Eastern Michigan at #11 Michigan State, 11 a.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: Michigan State is 6–0 against Eastern Michigan. Each game has been played at Michigan State, presumably so Eastern Michigan can get a big payday for being the sacrificial lamb. Michigan State usually holds Eastern Michigan to single digits — and typically wins by four touchdowns. I'll take Michigan State.
• Troy at #13 Georgia, 11 a.m. (Central) on SEC Network: This is the first time these teams have met. Honestly, I can't think of a single reason to to pick the visitors. Georgia will win.
• #14 South Carolina at Vanderbilt, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: South Carolina has dominated this series, winning more than 80% of the time.
  
  It doesn't really matter where the teams play. South Carolina always wins — the last five in a row, 12 of the last 14, 19 of the 23 total games that have been played.
  
  So far, South Carolina has a much better offense, and Vanderbilt has a much better defense. But the opposition should be taken into consideration. South Carolina has faced currently sixth–ranked Texas A&M and currently 13th–ranked Georgia in the first three weeks; Vanderbilt has faced UMass and Temple (and, to be fair, currently 10th–ranked Ole Miss).
  
  I'd love to see Vandy win, but I just think South Carolina will win again.
• Indiana at #18 Missouri, 3 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: Missouri has a much better defense — but defense isn't really decisive in this game, given that the Tigers ranked 50th in the nation.
  
  That's better than the Tigers' national ranking on offense (#76). Unfortunately for Missouri, the Tiger defense must deal with Indiana's offense, which is ranked ninth in the nation after putting up 70 points in two games.
  
  Keep an eye on Tevin Coleman, who is rushing for more than 200 yards a game for the Hoosiers. In an upset, I'll take Indiana to win on the road.
• Bowling Green at #19 Wisconsin, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN2: Historically, Wisconsin has won all three previous meetings with Bowling Green by an average of nearly 20 points.
  
  Statistically, Bowling Green has a clear edge on offense; Wisconsin has a clear edge on defense. I have to take Wisconsin.
• Virginia at #21 Brigham Young, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN or ESPNU: Believe it or not, Virginia leads this series, 3–1, and the Cavaliers won the only time they traveled to BYU — back in 1999. I'm not really inclined to think that Virginia will duplicate the accomplishment.
  
  BYU used to be synonymous with offense — but the Cougars are much more accomplished on defense these days. The Coogs are actually rated ahead of Virginia in both categories, but the ratings aren't too impressive on offense. I expect Brigham Young to win.
• Miami (Fla.) at #24 Nebraska, 7 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2: The all–time series is tied, 5–5. The turning point in the series was the 1984 Orange Bowl, when Nebraska went for a two–point conversion late in the game — and about a decade before college football introduced overtime. Since (and including) that game, Miami has won four of the last five meetings.
  
  But the Hurricanes have never won at Nebraska, which is their assignment this weekend. Of course, they haven't been to Lincoln since 1976, either. Still, I pick Nebraska.

Last week: 14–4

Season: 54–8

Big Ten Effectively Out of National Title Conversation

I really have to figure that the Big Ten is out of the running for one of the Final Four spots in NCAA football in January.

Most preseason pundits figured Ohio State — maybe Michigan State — would make the cut, but last weekend almost certainly ended that particular fantasy.

Third–ranked Oregon hammered seventh–ranked Michigan State. Eighth–ranked Ohio State got bumped off by unranked Virginia Tech. Michigan, the unranked standby, was blanked by Notre Dame.

Watch and see teams rise and fall in the race for the championship this season.

Idle: #1 Florida State, #5 Auburn, #13 Michigan State, #18 Wisconsin, #19 Kansas State, #23 Clemson

Thursday

• Houston at #25 Brigham Young, 8 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: The guys who call this game will have to avoid using the team nickname Cougars — both teams are known as the Cougars.
  
  That hasn't really been a problem in the past. The teams have met only once before — last year, in fact, when Houston lost at home, 47–46.
  
  I don't think Houston will be able to keep it close this time. I pick Brigham Young to win.

Friday

• #8 Baylor at Buffalo, 7 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: This is Baylor's second visit to Buffalo. The teams have met three times, the last two in Waco, and Baylor has won all three.
  
  I saw Buffalo play Army, and I was impressed — with Army. Buffalo, not so much. I'm quite sure Baylor will win.

Saturday

• Wyoming at #2 Oregon, 1 p.m. (Central) on Pac–12 Network: These schools have never met before. When the game is over, I doubt that Wyoming will want to return once the game is over. I pick Oregon.
• Southern Miss at #3 Alabama, 5 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2: This will be the 30th meeting between these schools. Southern Miss seldom wins (only three wins all time, the last in 2000) and has never been the host team. If they haven't played in Tuscaloosa, as they will this year, they have played in Birmingham or Mobile.
  
  Alabama should win.
• Tennessee at #4 Oklahoma, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC: These teams have played twice in the Orange Bowl, and each team has won once. But they haven't squared off since New Year's Day 1968.
  
  That surprised me. I thought surely they had played each other more recently than that. But it's been nearly half a century.
  
  Tennessee is getting better, but the Volunteers aren't good enough to beat OU at OU. I pick Oklahoma.
• #6 Georgia at #24 South Carolina, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS: This series predates these schools' relationship as conference rivals. In fact, they were virtually annual rivals for more than 30 years before South Carolina joined the SEC.
  
  Historically, South Carolina hasn't won very often against Georgia, but the Gamecocks had won three straight against the Bulldogs before losing in Athens last year.
  
  Georgia wins about two–thirds of the time when the game is played in South Carolina. The Bulldogs have never lost three straight there; yet that is what they are risking this weekend. I expect Georgia to win.
• Rice at #7 Texas A&M, 8 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2: This was once an annual series — when both teams belonged to the Southwest Conference — but last year's meeting was their first since the conference disbanded.
  
  It was like old times, though. The Aggies won. It was their 16th straight win over the Owls. Texas A&M will win this time, too.
• #9 Southern Cal at Boston College, 7 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Southern Cal has won all four prior meetings with Boston College, including the only other time the game was played in Boston, in 1988. I have to figure the Trojans are on some kind of high after upsetting Stanford last week. Will it continue this week? I think it will. I pick Southern Cal.
• Louisiana–Monroe at #10 LSU, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPNU: This will be ULM's third trip to LSU. ULM scored a touchdown against LSU once, and that was it for scoring. So I guess the betting line should not be on whether LSU will win but whether ULM will score. By the way, LSU will win.
• Purdue at #11 Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on NBC: In college football, you always know that rivalry games will be played, but most of them come along in the conference portion of the schedule.
  
  They're rather rare in the first month of the season, but the Purdue–Notre Dame rivalry is now in its third century, the first meeting having occurred in 1896. The Irish win about 60% of the time, and they have won 11 of the last 14 encounters, including the last six in a row. The Irish have been even more dominant at home, where they win about three–fourths of the time. Purdue hasn't won in South Bend since 2004, and the Boilermakers have only won there twice in the last 40 years.
  
  Give me Notre Dame.
• #12 UCLA at Texas, 7 p.m. (Central) on Fox; The all–time series is knotted up at 3–3. Texas won the last encounter in 2011, but UCLA won the three before that.
  
  I don't think Texas will be able to handle the Bruins. I pick UCLA.
• Louisiana at #14 Ole Miss, 3 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: Historically, Ole Miss is 3–0 against Louisiana, but the games have been closer than you probably expect. The first time they met, Ole Miss pulled off a one–point win — and the Rebels went 8–3–1 that year.
  
  From what I have seen, the Rebels might be good enough to contend for the SEC title this year. I feel pretty confident in picking Ole Miss to win this game.
• Army at #15 Stanford, 4 p.m. (Central) on Pac–12 Network: I've seen both of these teams play this season, and I can say two things: Army is better than it has been for quite awhile, and Stanford is overrated.
  
  If Army wins, it will even the all–time series, 6–6. To do that, Army will have to do something it hasn't done since 1975 — win at Stanford. Has Army improved that much? Probably not. I'll go with Stanford.
• #16 Arizona State at Colorado, 9 p.m. (Central) on ESPNU: These teams have met five times, all in the last eight years, and Arizona State has won all five.
  
  I don't see that anything has changed. Give me Arizona State.
• East Carolina at #17 Virginia Tech, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN: Virginia Tech has won 10 of the last 11 games between these two schools, and now Tech has a swagger it hasn't had in awhile.
  
  I don't see any way East Carolina can win this game. Give me Virginia Tech.
• Central Florida at #20 Missouri, 11 a.m. (Central) on SEC Network: Everyone knows Missouri had a good season in 2013, but the Tigers came close to losing to UCF the year before in the only other time the schools have met on the gridiron.
  
  I've felt all along that — by comparison, at least — Missouri would have a down year this year. And maybe Central Florida will pull it off. I don't think so, though. I'll take Missouri.
• #21 Louisville at Virginia, 11:30 a.m. (Central) on ACC Network and ESPN3.com: These teams have played only twice before, and those games were played in the late 1980s.
  
  Nevertheless, the all–time series is tied, 1–1. The home team won the first two games. Can Virginia extend the streak? No. I'll take Louisville.
• Kent State at #22 Ohio State, 11 a.m. (Central) on ABC and ESPN2: This is the third meeting between these schools. Like the first two, it will be played in Columbus. And, like the first two, Ohio State will win.

Last week: 19–3

Season: 40–4

You Never Know

I knew I would miss at least one of my first–week picks. I always do.

But I was shocked that it turned out to be the South Carolina–Texas A&M game.

After all, the Aggies are playing without Johnny Football, who has jumped to the pros. They were starting a largely untested quarterback — and, as far as I could tell, they had the same defense as last year.

Plus they were playing in South Carolina. Everything pointed to a big South Carolina win.

Instead, Texas A&M won, 52–28. Astonishing.

We have some good games lined up today. Nearly everyone in the Top 25 is in action.

Idle: #6 Georgia

Today

• The Citadel at #1 Florida State, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on ACC Network and ESPN3.com: You know, I really can't think of any kind of scenario, short of one in which all of the Seminoles' starters are either suspended or killed, that would make a victory for The Citadel possible. I pick Florida State.
• Florida Atlantic at #2 Alabama, 11 a.m. (Central) on SEC Network: Did you read what I wrote about The Citadel–Florida State? Substitute Alabama for Florida State, and the same thing holds true. These two actually have met once before, in 2012, and Alabama won the national title that year. Will history repeat itself? I don't know, but I think it will in this game. I take Alabama.
• #7 Michigan State at #3 Oregon, 5:30 p.m. (Central) on Fox: This is the most intriguing game of the week — unless you're a Notre Dame or Michigan fan. These teams have met four times, twice at each school, and the home team has won every time.
  
  Of course, this is a series that hasn't been renewed since 1999. The first three meetings were lopsided. The one that was played in 1999 was within a single score. I expect this one to resemble that game, and I take Michigan State in an upset.
• #4 Oklahoma at Tulsa, 11 a.m. (Central) on NBC or ESPN2: I taught journalism at OU for four years, and I was always astonished that this wasn't a regular thing. I mean, Norman and Tulsa are only a couple of hours apart.
  
  To be fair, the schools have played each other 26 times since their first meeting in 1914, but it isn't an annual affair. On a few occasions they have played each other in back–to–back seasons, and about a third of the time they play in Tulsa, as they are doing today. The Golden Hurricane has lost its last seven meetings with the Sooners and hasn't beaten OU in Tulsa since 1942. Oklahoma will win.
• San Jose State at #5 Auburn, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2 or ESPNU: Auburn is tough to beat, especially at home. San Jose State won't accomplish it. I pick Auburn.
• Virginia Tech at #8 Ohio State, 7 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: I really thought these schools had faced each other in the past, but I was surprised to learn that this will be their first–ever encounter in football.
  
  Ohio State is so hard to beat at home. The Buckeyes haven't lost there to a conference foe since Penn State beat them in 2011, and a nonconference foe hasn't won in Columbus since Southern Cal did it in 2009.
  
  And Tech is not an automatic 10–win team anymore. Tech was a very above–average 8–4 during the regular season last year before losing to UCLA in the Sun Bowl. What's more, Tech very rarely plays a Big Ten team — only twice in the last half–century — and both were in bowl games.
  
  All in all, I expect Ohio State to win.
• Lamar at #9 Texas A&M, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: This should be a foregone conclusion. I pick Texas A&M.
• Northwestern State at #10 Baylor, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on Fox Sports Networks: Same as the Aggie game. It's a payday for Northwestern State. Baylor will win.
• Memphis at #11 UCLA, 9 p.m. (Central) on Pac–12 Network: There seems to be no way for Memphis to win this game. Got to take UCLA.
• Sam Houston State at #12 LSU, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: Does anyone think Sam Houston State can win this game? I don't. I feel comfortable picking LSU.
• #14 Southern Cal at #13 Stanford, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: This could be the best game of the day, and I have to take Stanford to win.
• #15 Ole Miss at Vanderbilt, 3:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Historically, Ole Miss wins nearly 80% of the time the Rebels host the Commodores. But when the game is played in Nashville, the Commodores hold a slight edge.
  
  But Vandy has lost two of the last three times the Commodores have hosted the Rebels. I have to take Ole Miss.
• Michigan at #16 Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on NBC: This series dates back to the late 19th century, but the schools haven't met every year. And Michigan leads the all–time series, 21–16–1, thanks largely to victories in six of the last eight meetings.
  
  But the Irish look to have the better team this year. Much better. I have to take Notre Dame.
• #17 Arizona State at New Mexico, 6 p.m. (Central) on CBS Sports Network: These schools have faced each other 28 times, but the last meeting was in 1977 so, for all intents and purposes, it is a brand&new rivalry. In its first incarnation, Arizona State won 80% of the time — but four of New Mexico's five victories came at home. The last win, though, came on Nov. 28, 1942. Arizona State won the next 17 — and seems sure to win today.
• Western Illinois at #18 Wisconsin, 11 a.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: I can't imagine the Badgers losing at home to Western Illinois. I have to take Wisconsin.
• McNeese State at #19 Nebraska, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPNU: Likewise, there seems to be no way McNeese State can win this game. Go with Nebraska at home.
• #20 Kansas State at Iowa State, 11 a.m. (Central) on Fox Sports 1: Believe it or not, Iowa State actually holds the all–time edge in this series — and will hold the edge after today's game, win or lose.
  
  But K–State has won seven of the last eight meetings, and I really don't see any reason to expect that to change. I take Kansas State.
• San Diego State at #21 North Carolina, 7 p.m. (Central) on ESPN News: These schools have met only once — in the 1998 Las Vegas Bowl — which was won by San Diego State. North Carolina evens the series today.
• East Carolina at #21 South Carolina, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2 or ESPNU: The Gamecocks are sure to be smarting after that whipping against the Aggies last week. And I'd hate to be East Carolina today. The Gamecocks rarely lose back–to–back road games. The last time was in 2012 when they lost to LSU and Florida. And they haven't lost back–to–back home games since 2006. I take South Carolina.
• South Carolina State at #23 Clemson, 11:30 a.m. (Central) on ACC Network and ESPN3.com: I simply see no way South Carolina State can win this game. I take Clemson.
• #24 Missouri at Toledo, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN: Missouri beat Toledo at home last year, 38–23. Toledo might be able to pull off the upset as the host team — and I do think Missouri will prove to be not quite as good as the hype suggests — but today I will go with Missouri.
• Murray State at #25 Louisville, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPN3.com: Murray State won't win this game. 'Nuff said. Take Louisville.

Last week: 21–1

Season: 21–1

Football Is Back!

College football returns tonight, and I am so ready.

I like the NFL, too, but I've always preferred the college game. Maybe I owe it to my father. He's that way, too. Or maybe it's because of where I grew up. In Arkansas, there is no professional team. The University of Arkansas' Razorbacks fill that role.

Well, whatever the reason may be, football is back. Let the games begin. Oh, and for you new readers. I don't pick against the spread, which means I tend to have great weeks in the nonconference portion of the season, not so much when conference play begins. Anyway, it's all in fun. I don't encourage anyone to gamble — and certainly not on the basis of anything I have to say.

Thursday

• #9 South Carolina at #21 Texas A&M, 5 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: This will be the first–ever meeting between these two schools, but it won't be the last. Under the new arrangement, they will face each other every year as regular non–divisional foes.
  
  The Aggies have a lot of questions at the QB position. Since the now–departed Johnny Manziel was responsible for most of A&M's wins in the last couple of years, that's a pretty serious question mark. I don't think the Aggies will answer them tonight. I pick South Carolina.
• Boise State vs. #18 Ole Miss in Atlanta, 7 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Another first. In the old days, it would be regarded as a mismatch. It may still turn out that way. But I pick Ole Miss to win what could be a close game.
• Weber State at #19 Arizona State, 9:30 p.m. (Central) on Pac–12 Network: This one, on the other hand, really should be a mismatch. Arizona State should have no trouble.

Friday

• Jacksonville State at #8 Michigan State, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: Likewise, Michigan State should have little to no difficulty subduing Jacksonville State.

Saturday

• Oklahoma State vs. #1 Florida State in Arlington, Texas, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC: It's been nearly 30 years since the last time these teams met (in the 1985 Gator Bowl), and it's been 55 years since the Cowboys beat the Seminoles (in the 1958 Bluegrass Bowl).
  
  The Cowboys were good last year, good enough to hand previously unbeaten Baylor its first loss of the season, but defending Heisman winner Jameis Winston should be too much for OSU. I'll take Florida State at home.
• West Virginia vs. #2 Alabama in Atlanta, 2:30 (Central) on ABC: First–ever meeting. Logic says Alabama should win — and so do I. West Virginia isn't all that far removed from 10–plus win seasons — but it has been a couple of years now, years in which Alabama was in the thick of the national championship fight.
  
  In fact, Alabama has won 10 or more (usually more) in six straight seasons. It reminds me of the days when Bear Bryant prowled the sidelines.
• South Dakota at #3 Oregon, 9:30 p.m. (Central) on Pac–12 Network: Lots of folks are saying the Ducks will play for the national title. Maybe they will. If they are that good, they won't have any trouble with South Dakota. I pick Oregon.
• Louisiana Tech at #4 Oklahoma: First–ever meeting. I wouldn't be surprised if Louisiana Tech doesn't want to make another trip to Norman when this one is over.
  
  Tech is coming off a 4–8 season, the Bulldogs' fifth losing season in the last eight years. Oklahoma, on the other hand, has been in the BCS conversation the last four seasons. The Sooners' most recent game was their Sugar Bowl triumph over Alabama. I have to pick Oklahoma.
• #5 Ohio State vs. Navy in Baltimore, 11 a.m. (Central) on CBS Sports Network: Ohio State has never played at Navy, but the teams have met before — four times, in fact, and the Buckeyes won them all.
  
  Ohio State did play Navy at Baltimore once, but that was the closest they've come, and nothing changes this time. Still not going to Annapolis. Same outcome, though. Ohio State will win.
• Arkansas at #6 Auburn, 3 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: This will be the 24th time these schools have faced each other. Their first meeting was back in the 1984 Liberty Bowl; all the other meetings have been as SEC rivals.
  
  Auburn holds a narrow advantage (11–10–1) in those conference clashes. As a graduate of Arkansas, I would love to see the Razorbacks even the conference score with Auburn, but I know they won't. Auburn played for the national title last year; Arkansas didn't even win a conference game (losing to Auburn, 35–17, in the process).
  
  Historically, Arkansas has enjoyed some success at Auburn, winning in four of the Hogs' last six visits, but I can't imagine that they will make it five of their last seven. Auburn will win.
• #7 UCLA at Virginia, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN: First–ever meeting. Virginia has had winning seasons only twice in the last eight years. It hasn't been so long since UCLA struggled, too, but the Bruins have developed a taste for winning the last couple of seasons. I pick UCLA to win a contest that may be closer than many people think.
• UC–Davis at #11 Stanford, 3 p.m. (Central) on Pac–12 Network: I've got to wonder if UC–Davis' football team has ever been on TV before. I doubt that UC–Davis will be anxious to repeat the experience after Saturday's game. Got to go with Stanford.
• #16 Clemson at #12 Georgia, 4:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: For such a rivalry, the series tilts heavily in one direction. Georgia has beaten Clemson more than twice as many times as the Bulldogs have lost to the Tigers.
  
  But Clemson upset the Bulldogs last season, snapping a five–game losing streak. I'd like to think lightning can strike twice, but it's been more than a quarter of a century since Clemson beat Georgia in back–to–back seasons. Before that, you'd have to go back to the days of Teddy Roosevelt — and Barack Obama is no T.R. I pick Georgia.
• #14 Wisconsin vs. #13 LSU in Houston, 8 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: This one really has the potential to be a good game. These teams met twice in the early '70s, and LSU won both.
  
  But that was 40 years ago. And, while I have more friends who went to LSU than to Wisconsin, I'm going to pick Wisconsin in an upset.
• Fresno State at #15 Southern Cal, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on Fox: This will be the fourth meeting between these schools, and Fresno State did actually win once — in the 1992 Freedom Bowl. USC won the last two, including last year's Las Vegas Bowl.
  
  Fresno should make it competitive for awhile, but I have to pick Southern Cal to win.
• Rice at #17 Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on NBC: The bad news for Rice is that this is the fifth time the Owls have played Notre Dame, and they have lost each of those games. However, the good news is that these schools haven't played each other in more than a quarter of a century.
  
  That probably won't matter. I'll take Notre Dame. Heck, if Rice scores 12 points, it will be something of a moral victory for the Owls. Eleven points is their high–water mark in this series.
• Stephen F. Austin at #20 Kansas State: I have to take Kansas State in this one. How can I not?
• Florida Atlantic at #22 Nebraska, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: These teams met once before, in the first week of September 2009. Nebraska rolled to victory. I don't know if the Cornhuskers will roll this time, but I will pick Nebraska to win.
• Liberty at #23 North Carolina: I don't know how good North Carolina is this year, but the Tar Heels must be good enough to beat Liberty. I'll take North Carolina.
• South Dakota State at #24 Missouri, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPNU: I think Missouri is going be coming back to earth this season after playing for last year's SEC crown, but this game should belong to Missouri. The comeuppance will come another day.
• #25 Washington at Hawaii, 9:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS Sports Network: I'm not really sure how I feel about the Huskies. I suppose we will learn a lot from watching how they respond to traveling through a couple of time zones to open the season.
  
  The all–time series is tied at 2–2, but it took Washington's win in their last meeting — in 2011 — to accomplish it. Now the Huskies seek something they haven't had since 1973 — the series advantage.
  
  Hawaii has won only nine times since that game with Washington — and five of those victories came in that 2011 season. Hawaii has not been very good in the last couple of seasons. It is hard to imagine the kind of improvement that would be necessary to win this game. I take Washington.

Sunday

• SMU at #10 Baylor, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on Fox Sports: Back in their Southwest Conference days, this was a pretty competitive series. It should be a better game than most of the meetings between those schools were when they were conference rivals, and Baylor will be showing off a brand–new stadium. I have to take Baylor.

The Consensus Grows: Pete Rose Deserves His Shot at Cooperstown

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When he was playing baseball, Pete Rose knew only one speed. He went all out, every day. He wanted to win.

I guess that tenacious drive to win — which was so admired by baseball fans — was what got him in trouble 25 years ago. On this day in 1989, Commissioner Bart Giamatti accepted what was called Rose's "voluntary ineligibility" from baseball for violating its prohibition on gambling.

What that meant, in simple language, was a lifetime ban from major–league baseball.

And a lifetime ban from baseball is exactly what it sounds like, too. It's for someone's lifetime — and then some. Nearly all the time, he has been prohibited from even being in a major–league ballpark. In one of the rare exceptions that comes to my mind was in the summer of 1999, he was part of the All–Century squad that was honored prior to the All–Star game at Fenway Park.

Rose was given a standing ovation from the fans that evening, by the way.

Why is gambling such a serious matter? Well, it has to do with the integrity of the game, the sport's assurance to its fans that the games are on the level. And the penalty isn't as severe if the player or coach bets on a game involving two other teams, but if a bet involves the team for whom the player plays or the coach coaches, it is much worse because such individuals are in a position to influence the outcome.

Rose was alleged to have made bets on games involving his own team, a charge he denied for 15 years — but finally admitted in 2004.

There's been considerable debate over the years over whether Shoeless Joe Jackson participated in the conspiracy to throw the 1919 World Series; if he did, his performance in the Series didn't show it (at the plate, he had 12 base hits and the only home run for either team; in the field, he committed no errors). Yet his ban remains in effect, nearly 100 years later — and more than 60 years after his death.

Shoeless Joe went to his grave insisting that he wasn't involved in the conspiracy — but you won't see his bust at Cooperstown.

Rose, now 73, knows there is virtually no chance that he will be reinstated, that even though he is still the all–time hits leader (and likely to remain so — his closest active competition is 40–year–old Derek Jeter, who is retiring at the end of this season and should still be at least 750 hits behind Rose when he does), he will never be enshrined in baseball's Hall of Fame.

And he appears to be at peace with that.

"I'm the one that screwed up," he told Keith Olbermann during last year's World Series. "I'm not mad at anybody. I'm not mad at [present Commissioner] Bud [Selig] or Bart [Giamatti]. I haven't given up on Bud giving me a second chance. I know he's retiring after [the current season], but I'll continue to be a great ambassador for the game of baseball and try to keep selling the game of baseball because I love the game."

Giamatti died a week to the day after Rose's ban went into effect.

ESPN recently reported that Rose still hasn't given up on being reinstated. At least, he says he hasn't.

My thoughts on Pete Rose have changed over the years. When the ban was put into effect, I was fully in favor of it. I remember saying to a friend, "When Shoeless Joe Jackson is allowed into the Hall of Fame, we can talk about Pete Rose."

I guess I still feel that way — to a certain extent. I don't think it would be right for Rose to be eligible to be enshrined at Cooperstown and Shoeless Joe not to be. I wanted Rose to admit what he had done, and I was angry that he did not when all the evidence pointed to his guilt. But he has since admitted betting on his team, and I'm willing to accept the last decade as his penalty for that.

I was primarily opposed to enshrining Rose, not continuing to ban Jackson, and my position today is that both should be enshrined — or, at least, they should be eligible for it. Whether they are or not should depend upon their body of work as baseball players; on that, I think we can all agree that they not only meet but exceed requirements. Their contributions to the game should be recognized, not denied because of a mistake that one made and unsupported allegations against the other.

Enough is enough.

I don't know how everyone in the sports media feels about Shoeless Joe, but I can report that there is a growing consensus that Rose should be eligible for a spot in Cooperstown.

Briana Altergott of the Atlanta Journal–Constitution takes no sides but summarizes what has been written recently in the sports press. The headline on Altergott's piece asked the question many in sports media are asking: "Does Pete Rose deserve a second chance?"

"If Selig wanted Rose's banishment to serve as a deterrent for those inside the game who were thinking about betting on it," writes John Erardi of USA Today, "Selig got it — a quarter of a century's worth."

Kevin Sherrington of the Dallas Morning News writes, "Rose has admitted mistakes and served his time. Twenty–five years. Time to make him eligible for the Hall of Fame. Leave it up to the process to determine if he's worthy.

"Frankly, I think he's deserving, just as I did 35 years ago and 25 years ago and last week. For better or worse, there's never been another player like him."

I'll go along with that. I saw him play in person once when I was a kid. He was electrifying to watch, whether you were pulling for him or against him. He wants to be part of baseball again. I believe he has learned from his years in the wilderness. "The last thing in the world I'd do now is bet on baseball," he told ESPN. "I would be the cleanest guy in the world when it comes to that because of the scrutiny I would go through. You may think I'm crazy, but I think baseball is in a better place if I'm in it."

I agree.

Pete Rose has paid his debt to baseball for gambling. Baseball has a chance to be generous and forgiving now.

The Cheshire Cat Strikes Olympic Gold

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The 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles were noteworthy before they began. Most of the world's communist–bloc nations declined to participate because the United States had led a boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.

So the Games were noteworthy for who was not there.

But it was also noteworthy for who was there.

President Ronald Reagan, who served as governor of California for eight years, was there to open the Games. Track and field star Carl Lewis was there, and he won four gold medals, matching the 1936 performance of Jesse Owens. Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing and Chris Mullin were there, and they participated on the U.S. basketball team that won the gold medal.

And Mary Lou Retton was there. Thirty years ago today, she became the first gymnast outside Eastern Europe to win the all–around competition.

Even with all those big names at the Games, Retton often seemed to be the only attraction. She had one of those smiles that was so big it seemed to exist all by itself — kind of like Lewis Carroll's Cheshire Cat.

Jordan, Ewing and Mullin had not yet begun their professional careers; Jordan, in particular, was not as famous as he would become. Eight years later, all three would be members of the so–called "Dream Team."

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Mary Lou was America's sweetheart that summer. I don't think I have seen another U.S. female Olympian who was as adored as Mary Lou — with the possible exception of Dorothy Hamill.

In fact, it was during the '76 Summer Games — a few months after Hamill won her gold medal in figure skating — that Nadia Comaneci became the first gymnast to score a perfect 10.0 in Olympic competition. It was an achievement that most Americans probably dreamed — but dared not believe — one of their countrymen would match someday.

But Retton outdid Comaneci in 1984, scoring two perfect 10s, on the floor exercise and vault. The latter was particularly dramatic, given that Retton had knee surgery five weeks before the Games began.

Reagan, who was seeking a second term as president in 1984, enjoyed an approval rating of 52–54% during the Olympics — he accepted the Republican nomination in Dallas later that month — but my guess would be that Retton's approval far exceeded the president's that summer.

I don't know of any polls that were conducted at that time, but I'm reasonably sure Retton was the most popular person in America that year — at least in July and August.

Reagan went on to win 49 states in November, but, that summer, Retton might have been the only person in America who could have beaten him.

And she was only 16 years old.

Retton, now living in Houston with her husband and four daughters, recently attended a reunion of Team USA '84. A wistful time appears to have been had by all. Retton recalled that one of the highlights of her Olympic experience was riding on the bus to the Opening Ceremony with members of the U.S. basketball team.

Those '84 Olympic Games were, in the words of the Murfreesboro (Tenn.) Post, "one for the ages" — although I'm not sure where writer David Hunter heard that the Olympics in 1984 saved the Games.

(I know the Americans boycotted the 1980 Games in Moscow, and the Russians boycotted the '84 Games, but the Post's reasoning was too simplistic. Technically, Mr. Hunter was correct when he said that was "because of the Cold War," but that is really too general. The Americans and dozens of other countries boycotted because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.)

A Memorable Victory

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I'm not a soccer fan. Really. I've been writing this blog for about six years now, and I believe this is only my second entry about soccer. Here is my first — written four years ago. Not too complimentary, is it?

One of my complaints then (as now) was the randomness — and infrequency — of scoring in soccer. If you watched the Germans score seven goals on Brazil in their historic World Cup semifinal, that might be hard to comprehend — although you really don't have to look any farther than the other semifinal, in which Argentina and the Netherlands fought through a scoreless match that was finally won by Argentina in the penalty shootout.

That is the kind of match that comes to my mind when I think of soccer, and it just doesn't appeal to me.

But today is the 15th anniversary of a soccer milestone that I just feel compelled to observe — even though it, too, was quite light on scoring. On this day in 1999, the U.S. women's soccer team won the World Cup. They won the World Cup in 1991, too, but they finished third in 1995. Norway won it that year.

Sixteen teams competed for the 1999 Women's World Cup. When the United States and China met for the championship in the Rose Bowl, more than 90,000 people were there to watch.

It was the highest attendance ever for a women's sports event.

The match went all the way through regulation and two overtimes with neither team scoring a goal so it went to a penalty shootout. On the fifth kick, 30–year–old Brandi Chastain scored to give the United States the victory.

Chastain spontaneously pulled off her jersey — as victorious male soccer players have been known to do — and, clad in a sports bra, waved her jersey in her clenched right fist.

"Momentary insanity, nothing more, nothing less," Chastain explained later. "I wasn't thinking about anything. I thought, 'This is the greatest moment of my life on the soccer field.'"

The image, which landed on the covers of several magazines, is regarded by many as one of the best–known images of a woman celebrating a sports victory.

Early on, 33–year–old Michelle Akers kept the United States in the game by blocking nearly every shot that came her way, but she and the U.S. goalkeeper collided late in regulation, and she had to leave the match.

After two scoreless overtimes, it came down to the penalty shootout, which the U.S. won on Chastain's goal.

As I mentioned four years ago, I'm just not a fan of soccer — and I didn't see the U.S.–China match. July 10 was a Saturday in 1999 so I suppose I could have. I just didn't. I don't remember why.

But I do remember seeing highlights of the match, and Chastain ripping off her jersey in exultation.

The United States has not won the World Cup since.

The Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth

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"Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break I got. Yet today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for 17 years, and I have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans. Look at these grand men. Which of you wouldn't consider it the highlight of his career just to associate with them for even one day?"

Lou Gehrig
July 4, 1939

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Seventy–five years ago today, Lou Gehrig delivered what may be the most famous farewell address in history.

For sure, it's the most famous farewell address in sports history.

Diagnosed less than a month earlier with the incurable disease that took his life and now informally bears his name, Gehrig was the subject of a July 4 tribute at Yankee Stadium. New York played a doubleheader with the Washington Senators that day, losing the first game and winning the second.

Between games, Gehrig was honored with "perhaps as colorful and dramatic a pageant as ever was enacted on a baseball field," reported the New York Times. He was reunited with the legendary '27 Yankees, also known as "Murderer's Row," including Babe Ruth.

It was an emotional occasion for everyone.

Yankees manager Joe McCarthy said Gehrig was "the finest example of a ballplayer, sportsman and citizen that baseball has ever known." Openly emotional, McCarthy turned to Gehrig and said, "Lou, what else can I say except that it was a sad day in the life of everybody who knew you when you came into my hotel room that day in Detroit and told me you were quitting as a ballplayer because you felt yourself a hindrance to the team. My God, man, you were never that."

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And, in return, Gehrig gave baseball a moment to savor. Appropriately, the Yankees' publicist recently told USA Today it is "baseball's Gettysburg Address."

"I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth," he said, and he meant it. He knew he had been given a "bad break," but he practically bubbled over with gratitude for his career and the people in his life.

"I've got an awful lot to live for," he said. And he meant that, too.

It's hard not to admire a guy like that.