by CollegeSportsView.com

Our fair haired boy, Gil Lock, of Ryno Rife Sports Handicappers, made an executive decision on behalf of his team that will likely carry dire consequences on the homefront.  After two straight winless weeks, Gil has replaced his bride, the lovely Jill Lock, as one of his college football experts.

“It wasn’t that tough a decision”, said Gil.  “We can’t have someone going 0-6 over two weeks. On top of that, she put my butt on the bench last season when I couldn’t pick a winner to save my bolts. Turnabout is fair play.  Fair or not, though, she didn’t take it very well.  Looks like the action on the football field will be the only action I’ll be worried about for awhile.”

When asked who would be stepping in, Gil revealed an odd solution.  “I have a very loyal follower that I often run into around the neighborhood.  Usually he’s in the pork store or OTB and he always stops to talk about college football.  So, I decided to give him a shot.  We’ll keep an eye on Jill and put her back in the lineup when she gets back on track.  Until then, meet Johhny Dudaguanda.”

Locks of the Week (32-18-4)

 Gil Lock (11-6-1)

Kansas State -3 over Kansas- The Jayhawks have struggled under new coach Turner Gill.  My only hesitation is that the game is in Lawrence but State coach Bill Snyder doesn’t lose Big XII games that he’s supposed to win.

Army +7 over Rutgers- Things get tighter for RichRod as the Wolverines head into the teeth of their schedule.

Iowa – 3 1/2 over Michigan- The bulldogs have to pretty angry over last week’s debacle at Hawaii. New Mexico State is terrible.  Lay the wood.

 Johnny Dudaguanda (0-0-0)

Georgia -15 over Vanderbilt- I usually try to stay out of the South since my cousin bailed a friend and me out of some legal trouble a few years back, but I learned my lesson after Jill picked Vandy two weeks ago.  What a dead piece!  They got smoked by UConn; Georgia should kill ‘em.  Go Dawgs.
 

Boise State -39 1/2 over San Jose State- Our weekly Boise pick, as the Broncos must run up the score on every opponent.

Nevada-Hawaii Over 74-  Really?  74?  What is this, a freakin’ basketball game?

Pad Lock (10-5-3)

Southern Miss -14 1/2 over Memphis -  So. Miss has put up 40+ the past two weeks, and while they don’t have the ’85 Bears defense, I’m confident they’ll contain dreadful Memphis.  Maybe if the Tigers cheated like their basketball team

Alabama-Mississippi Under 55- Bama should still be livid that they let their title hopes slip away last week, and their defense should be wide awake because of it. Expect Saban’s crew to smother Mississippi. Bama’s run offense will also help the cause, eating clock once the lead’s safe.

UTEP +2 1/2 over UAB- Let me get this straight, a 5-1 UTEP team is getting  points from 1-4 UAB team with losses to Florida Atlantic and UCF on its schedule ?  

Utah -20 1/2 over Wyoming-  This is just laughable. Uncle Gil would have Utah at -4 TDs at least.  Jump all over this one.

By Eddie Mayrose

After years of controversy regarding the BCS exclusion of Mid-Major conferences from consideration for the BCS Championship game, Boise State, the poster child for successful, smaller programs with title aspirations, looks to have its fate in its own hands.  Ranked as high as #2 in major College Football polls as well as #1 by CollegeSportsView.com, the Broncos seem to be in a position to have a perfect season rewarded.

Led by legitimate Heisman hopeful Kellen Moore, Boise brings as much talent and depth to the table as any of the elite programs.  Head Coach Chris Petersen is as innovative as any coach in the country, they play an up-tempo style on both sides of the ball and their blue field, (Smurf Turf) is just plain cool.  Everything is in place for the Broncos to stake their claim to the College Football throne, if they can just get past Week One.

In the kind of matchup from which Boise never shies away, they’ll head to Virginia Tech to open the season against Frank Beamer’s highly rated Hokies; themselves featuring a Heisman front runner in Ryan Williams.  It’s always a little risky to have your top rated team play their opener against a top opponent, as they may be knocked off their perch before the uniforms have been washed.  However, we here at CollegeSportsView.com say, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.”  Boise is the pick to win it all.

CollegeSportsView.com Top 25

1 Boise State
2 Ohio State
3 Alabama
4 Oklahoma
5 TCU
6 Texas
7 Virginia Tech
8 Florida
9 Oregon
10 Arkansas
11 Nebraska
12 USC
13 13 Miami (Fl)
14 Iowa
15 Georgia Tech
16 Pittsburgh
17 Utah
18 North Carolina
19 Wisconsin
20 LSU
21 Florida State
22 Notre Dame
23 Georgia
24 Oregon State
25 Stanford

Five to Watch

Navy
South Carolina
BYU
Connecticut
Nichols

Does BCS Stand For “Boise Can’t Stay”?

Fans of the College Football Bowl season were spared a post-season stinker last Saturday when Oklahoma State was drubbed by Oklahoma 27-0 and saw its BCS aspirations dashed. Those in the know expected that State would receive a bid to the Fiesta Bowl; creating a matchup with one of the Big Ten’s overrated, weak sisters, Iowa or Penn State. Representatives of the Fiesta Bowl were prepared to snub an undefeated Boise State squad for the second consecutive year and completely ignore the Broncos’ heroics in their 2007 Fiesta victory over Oklahoma; possibly the best Bowl Game ever played.

It’s a ridiculous system employed by the NCAA when it comes to football. There are playoffs at every level except the highest, where multiple teams with unbeaten records are denied an opportunity to play for a title. That one of College Football’s most successful teams needed help to get an invite over a school with three losses is as ridiculous as it gets. We’ll count our blessings, however, that things broke the right way and saved Fiesta Bowl officials from their own stupidity.                                                                                                                        

Conference Championship Weekend

Five of the six BCS conferences will have their championships decided this weekend; three in conference title games and two by way of convenient scheduling. Only the Big Ten, wrapped up a few weeks ago by Ohio State, won’t crown a champ on Saturday. In addition, Army and Navy will battle for the Commander-in-Chief Trophy in Philadelphia while Johns Hopkins travels to Delaware for the Division III quarterfinals. Johns Hopkins? Read on.

SEC Football Championship: Florida vs. Alabama

This is the one we’ve waited for all year as the two schools have been ranked 1 and 2 for most of the season. The anticipation seems to have distracted fans from the fact that both have suffered lapses; especially the Crimson Tide. Florida football fans expect the world from QB Tim Tebow but will have the title delivered by the Gators’ dominating defense, especially if ‘Bama RB Mark Ingram can’t rebound from the bruised hip that limited him to just 39 yards vs. Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
Florida 23 – Alabama 13

ACC Football Championship Game: Clemson vs. Georgia Tech                                                 

Both teams come off disappointing losses in intra-state rivalry games; perhaps caught looking ahead to this rematch. Georgia Tech knocked off Clemson in Week 2 on a last second field goal that gave the Yellowjackets a 30-27 win. Clemson will look to RB C.J. Spiller to pull the upset but Tech’s Josh Nesbitt will lead his squad to the Orange Bowl.
Georgia Tech 34 – Clemson 27

Big 12 Football Championship Game: Texas vs. Nebraska

Heisman front runner Colt McCoy should have no trouble continuing the recent Texas football tradition of playing for a National Championship. While Nebraska has played well recently in capturing the Big 12 North title, they’ll be no match for the Longhorns.  Texas, currently enjoying its second week atop the CollegeSportsView.com Top 25, has barely been challenged in the Big 12 all season.  Saturday will be no different.
Texas 48 – Nebraska 20

Pac Ten Football Championship: Oregon vs. Oregon State

This year, the Civil War will determine who goes to the Rose Bowl. Ducks’ QB Jeremiah Masoli has emerged as the league’s most important offensive player after leading blowout wins over Cal and USC. A slip vs. Stanford served as a wakeup call, one that rang the alarm bell for Oregon’s run to Pasadena.  Their gutty, overtime win over a desperate Arizona squad on the road last week served notice as to the team’s resilience.  That they’ve managed to navigate such a tough conference without their best player, LeGarrette Blount, spells big trouble for Ohio State on New Year’s Day.   Besides, is there a college football fan anywhere that’s not waiting to see Oregon’s Rose Bowl uniforms?
Oregon 38 – Oregon State 34
 

Big East Football Championship: Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh            

While Pitt took one on the chin vs. West Virginia last week in the Backyard Brawl, the loss had no impact on its Conference Title chances. Cincinnati QB Tony Pike returned to the starting lineup and celebrated with a school record six TD passes.  However, Cincy has surrendered quite a few points over the last two weeks and can’t help but be distracted by Head Coach Brian Kelly’s flirtation with Notre Dame.  Dion Lewis runs wild as Pitt heads south for the Orange Bowl.
Pittsburgh 31 – Cincinnati 28

Army-Navy                                                                                                                                                  

It’s a good thing that the tradition is the big sell in this matchup as it’s been a long time since Army’s been able to compete in this one.  Navy’s ground attack, behind sophomore OT John Dowd, will be too much for the Cadets to handle as the Middies grab their eighth straight victory in the series.  No matter the outcome, don’t miss the singing of the Alma Maters after the game as it’s the best moment of the College Football season.  Always emotional, it’ll be the last game for the Army seniors while just a bowl game remains for the Annapolis grads before many find themselves in harm’s way.  Godspeed.                                                                                                                                                     John Dowd
Navy 37 – Army 10                                                                                                                                           

NCAA Division III Quarterfinals: Johns Hopkins vs.Wesley

It’s been a wild ride over the last two weeks as Johns Hopkins has knocked off two previously unbeaten teams on its way to the third round of the D-3 playoffs. Operating behind an offensive line led by junior guard Ryan Lino (right), the Blue Jays have gained more than 400 yards in each game with a balanced attack run by QB Hewitt Tomlin.  RB Andrew Kase has posted consecutive 100 yard games, as has WR Dan Crowley.  Their last minute heroics vs Kentucky’s St. Thomas More in Saturday’s 31-29 victory put K Alex Lachman in position for a game winning 42 yard FG as time expired.  They’ll have their hands full this week, however, taking on a Wesley team ranked third in the nation.  If Lino and Company can continue their dominance and give Tomlin enough time to throw, Crowley should turn in another big game and it’s on to the Final Four for the Hops. 
Johns Hopkins 26 – Wesley 24

CollegeSportsView Top 25

1. Texas 12-0
2. Florida 12-0
3. TCU 12-0
4. Alabama 12-0
5. Boise State 11-0
6. Cincinnati 11-0
7. Oregon 9-2
8. Ohio State 10-2
9. Georgia Tech 10-2
10.Pittsburgh 9-2
11.Virginia Tech 9-3
12.BYU 10-2
13.Oregon State 9-3
14.Miami 9-3
15.Iowa 10-2
16.LSU 9-3
17.Penn State 10-2
18.West Virginia 8-3
19.Houston 10-2
20.USC 8-3
21.Nebraska 9-3
22.Central Michigan 10-2
23.California 8-3
24.Oklahoma State 9-3
25.Stanford 8-4

Five to Watch
Johns Hopkins 10-2
Navy 8-4
Mississippi 8-4
Northwestern 8-4
North Carolina 8-4

Came out this week that Giants’ owner John Mara is upset that his squad must make the two thousand mile trek to Denver for its Thanksgiving clash with the Broncos.  “I don’t mind playing on Thanksgiving,” Mara said. “My complaint is sending us all the way to Denver on a short week.”  In fact, he was so irked by the scheduling that he filed a complaint with the NFL; which made me wonder.  Is that complaint hotline for the exclusive use of petty, carpetbagging owners that were born on third and thought they hit a triple? Or can it be used by life long season ticket holders being screwed out of their seats by Mara’s Personal Seat Licensing extortion?  Sorry, Johnny, if you’re looking for sympathy, you came to the wrong place.

NFL Football Serves Its Biggest Turkeys On Thanksgiving

Football and Thanksgiving are synonymous in the minds of many sports fans.  Can’t see that continuing into the next generation with an annual NFL slate featuring terrible matchups.  This year, Bruce Goodell’s boys serve up two of their worst;  The Raiders and Lions. Thanks, guys. If you need me, I’ll be watching the Godfather marathon on AMC.

Nets Basketball Fans Don’t Grow In Brooklyn

So, now Nets’ owner Bruce Ratner wins his eminent domain battle to evict homeowners and build his Atlantic Yards empire in Brooklyn.  Got news for you, Brucie.  Brooklynites aren’t dummies and won’t soon be drawn to that mess you call a basketball team.  If you build it, they won’t come unless you can play.

New York Jets Get Defensive With QB Sanchez

If you’re scoring at home, now that Derek Anderson and JaMarcus Russell have been benched, Jets’ QB Mark Sanchez is, officially, the worst starter in the league.  And how does Gang Green plan to address this?  With Head Coach Rex Ryan, hired on the strength of his defensive expertise, taking a more active role in the rookie’s development.  Who knows, maybe Sanchez will be more receptive to a defensive guy seeing as how receptive defenders have been of his passes.  However it works out, it’s another example of the Jets not getting it right.  Last off season, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was a candidate for the head job that eventually went to Ryan.  Amazingly, they decided to retain Schottenheimer.   No team but the Jets would then force an offensive coordinator on a new coach; he’d hire his own guy.  That Sanchez has gotten worse as the season has progressed is an indictment of both the Jets and Schottenheimer but, at least, an indication that they got one right in not hiring him to lead the team.  Hey, when you’re a Jets fan, you have to take your victories where you can find them.

Notre Dame Football Coach On Way Out

After last week’s loss to Connecticut, it’s a foregone conclusion that Notre Dame will pull the plug on the Charlie Weis era.  As they start their search for a replacement, one criterion is more important than any other.  They must sign their first choice for the spot.  The Notre Dame job was once thought of as the greatest in sports.  So much so that Lou Holtz, who coached at a number of schools, always had a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave if the Irish came calling.  But, in recent years, that perception has been diminished; much to Notre Dame’s detriment.  Bob Davie got the job back in 1996 after Gary Barnett thumbed his nose and headed to Colorado.  Before Ty Willingham was brought in, George O’Leary was hired then dismissed due to inaccuracies on his resume.  Then, when Willingham flopped, Urban Meyer was thought to be on his way, only to take the job at Florida and leave Notre Dame with second prize once again.  Given the fact that Weis is due $18 million on his way out the door, I’m wondering if it isn’t a better idea to keep him on until that Dream Coach is available.  It’d certainly be a more productive solution than settling once again.

“Christopher is Well”

About nine years ago, I first met a young man named Chris; at the time, all of eleven years old.  He was a quiet, private kid and remains so to this day which is why I’m only using his first name.  His dad and I worked together on Wall Street and I convinced John to send Chris to the week-long basketball camp upstate where I was a coach.  Every day, during each meal and then again before lights out, I’d check on the kid to make sure things were going well.   Always got the same answer.  “Yeah, fine.”  Nothing more.   By the end of the week, one that saw him take home an All Star trophy, I told John that I wasn’t sure Chris had enjoyed the camp.  “Of course he did”, John said, “he’s just quiet.”

Chris went on to become a classmate of my son in high school.   They were very much alike in many ways and became friends and teammates.   They bonded while playing for a JV coach who worked them hard and challenged them every day and they both responded.   Each came out of his shell and emerged as a productive player; feeding off the confidence of their coach and their faith in all of their teammates.  It was one of those seasons where the record didn’t matter much as all of the young men improved as players and people.   They were each given a nickname as well, and one look at Christopher’s winter-white, freckled face instantly gave him away as the one they called, “Irish.”

About a year after Chris left high school as the captain of the varsity basketball team, we learned that doctors had found a mass in his chest.   Chris would undergo chemotherapy treatment with an uncertain prognosis.   His incredible physical condition, one that had actually masked some symptoms, would allow doctors to aggressively attack the tumor and they started almost immediately.   I remember being terrified for Chris, my friend John, their family and even of telling my own son what had happened.   I’ll always remember the night we went to visit.  Chris was wiped out from a treatment and was actually too weak to even speak.   When I entered the room shortly after my son, I was struck to see these two strong, young men, silently holding each other’s hand.  I won’t ever forget that image.

Six months later, Chris finished his last treatment and was told there were no longer any signs of the tumor.  He showed up at a basketball game at his old school and was mobbed by the many coaches and former classmates so happy that their good friend was doing better.  Given his quiet demeanor, it had to be one of the worst moments of his journey.   But he tolerated it very well.

It’s been a tough five years or so for a lot of us.  I’ve been struggling over the last few weeks to find the spirit of the season and avoid being dragged down emotionally by the difficult times in which I find myself while drawing very little consolation from the fact that I am but one of many going through the same thing.  Then I saw the envelope on the table.  It was big, like a wedding invitation and my first reaction was dread as an expensive gift is certainly not in the budget.   When I opened it, however, my heart was suddenly filled with the happiness of the holiday.  It was a  note from Chris and his family; updating his condition and thanking all for their support.  I had a hard time reading it, however, as my eyes instantly filled up after seeing the first three words:  ”Christopher is well.”   Happy Thanksgiving.

It wasn’t the best performance we’ve seen from the Locks but it still produced a winning weekend.  Jill turned in her first losing record, going 1-2, while nephew Pad and husband Gil logged 2-1 Saturdays.  Gil’s was especially sweet, as he had been coaxed out of semi-retirement by his nephew.  “I was happy to be back but I’m still not at the top of my game.  I picked Cincy-UConn under 52 and both teams almost went over by themselves.”

Well, there’s just no pleasing some people but, with a stellar record, the Locks have pleased more than not.  Let’s take a look at this week’s selections.

Locks of the Week

Jill (14-7)

Idaho-Boise State over 63-

I’m staying with Boise but only on the over as they let me down last week. I expect the Broncos to try and run it up on their in-state rival but Idaho can score, too, as eveidenced by the 45 points they scored vs. Nevada that sent Gil over the wall.

Utah + 17.5 over TCU- 

TCU is ranked fourth with an outside shot at the BCS Championship.  They’ve been killing teams lately but Utah’s lost just once in two years and they’ve already beaten Oklahoma.  I think the Utes lose here but not by double digits.

Oregon -17 over Arizona State-

Took a look at Arizona State’s record and, boy, do they give up a lot of points.  Oregon’s going to be real pissed after getting their Ducks knocked off last week and should win going away.

Pad (4-2)

Clemson – 6 over North Carolina  State-

Clemson is really starting to hit its stride and has its sights set on an Atlantic Division title.  NC State is really weak but, somehow, managed to beat Pitt.  That’ll remain their one upset as the Tigers keep rolling.

San Jose State-Utah State over 55.5-

Another case of “Arifemetic”.  Bothe teams can score, neither can defend.  Good bet that one of them will come close by themselves.

Western Michigan -10 over Eastern Michigan-

Eastern Michigan is 0-9 and will get no sympathy from its biggest rival.

Gil (9-11-1)

Cincinnati-9.5 over West Virginia (Friday)-

Playing a hunch here that Cincinnati will take advantage of its second straight week on National TV.  Would feel a lot better about it if they hadn’t given up 45 to UConn but I think that’ll be a wakeup call.

Missouri +2  1/2 over Kansas State-

The Big 12 North is a weak division but Missouri is one of its better teams.  They have more talent than K State so I’m picking the Tigers.

BYU -27 over New Mexico-

Went with Utah over New Mex last week and found out what a generous team they are.  BYU QB Max Hall should have a field day.

Season Record 27-20-1

In knocking off Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout, the Longhorns vanquished the toughest opponent on their schedule and will need to fall victim to an enormous upset if they’re to be kept out of the Big XII championship game. They’ll be heavily favored over the North division champ and a victory would guarantee an invite to the BCS title game.  Their current position at #3 in the rankings is of little consequence as both Florida and Alabama are guaranteed a loss as SEC foes.

Should each of the aforementioned Southeast rivals get knocked off before then, so much the better for Cincinnati, who’ll leapfrog Boise as long as they continue to win.  The Bearcats still have BCS-ranked opponents in Pitt and West Virginia while the Broncos have no such matchup.  For Boise, the one slim hope to hold on to is that Oregon, a team Boise beat handily in its season opener, wins out in The PAC Ten.  Even if that happens, Boise’s chances are remote. Once Texas beat Oklahoma, the door slammed on the Broncs.

Game of the Week

TCU vs. BYU-  The Horned Frogs travel to Provo looking to enhance their BCS resume and, somehow, claw their way past Boise State and into a BCS Bowl invitation.  Currently ranked #8 in our poll, TCU knows that it can point to a decisive victory over the Cougars as a signature win as BYU has already hung a loss on Oklahoma.  It’s a tall order in BYU’s building, with QB Max Hall comes off his best game of the season. Hall however, struggled vs. the Horned Frogs last season in a two interception, seven sack performance.  Look for TCU All- American DE, Jerry Hughes, to wreak havoc on the Cougars.

CollegeSportsView Top 25

1) Florida 6-0
2) Texas 6-0
3) Alabama 7-0
4) Boise State 6-0
5) Cincinnati 6-0
6) USC 5-1
7) LSU 5-1
8 )TCU 6-0
9) Oregon 5-1
10)Iowa 7-0
11)Miami 5-1
12)Georgia Tech 6-1
13)South Florida 5-1
14)Virginia Tech 5-2
15)Oklahoma State 5-1
16)Houston 5-1
17)South Carolina 5-2
18)Penn State 6-1
19)BYU 6-1
20)Kansas 5-1
21)Ohio State 5-2
22)Notre Dame 4-2
23)Utah 5-1
24)Pitt 6-1
25)Texas Tech 5-2

Five to Watch

Oklahoma (3-3)
Nebraska (4-2)
Wisconsin (5-1)
Auburn (5-2)
Nichols (3-4)

Miami rebounded from a tough loss to Virginia Tech by staging a late comeback to beat Oklahoma 21-20. Virginia Tech did just enough to get by Duke while Georgia Tech impressed at Mississippi State.  Don’t know what’s become of Florida State who continued to flounder with a loss to BC.  The Eagles will identify themselves as contenders or pretenders this Saturday with a trip into Blacksburg to face the Hokies.

Big 12 Gets Down to Business

It seems to have taken awhile, but Big 12 action finally begins this weekend along with the first big matchup of the conference season which kicks off tonight as Nebraska travels to Missouri.  Look for the Huskers, who’ve faced a tougher schedule, to steal away with a win. Disappointing matchups dot the rest of the slate; which should feature blowout victories by Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma State, Kansas and Texas Tech.  Keep an eye on that Oklahoma-Baylor matchup, however, as defending Heisman winner Sam Bradford, may return to action.
 

Can Cincinnati play for the title?

Don’t know how many BCS geeks would like to see it happen but the Bearcats continue on their march to the top of the rankings. They’ll enjoy a weekend off before heading to South Florida for what may be their only obstacle to an undefeated season. The Big East continued its stellar, out-of-conference, performance as West Virginia dumped Colorado and Cincy topped Miami of Ohio.  In Western NY, Syracuse football fans are beginning to identify with the frustration felt by Duke basketball fans over the last four years.  Greg Paulus is as weak a QB as he was a PG.

SEC Elite Continues to Flex Muscles

Pity poor Georgia.  Absolutely the toughest 3-2 team in the nation, they blew a 4th quarter lead last week and a shot to knock off #4 LSU and vault itself into the league title picture. They’ll head to Tennessee this week to see if Lane Kiffin’s boys can back up their talk.  The biggest matchup of the week features Florida at LSU.  Gator QB Tim Tebow’s status for the game is still uncertain, (have to think he’ll play), as is his ability to rebound from a concussion. A loss here won’t be fatal to Florida’s hopes for an SEC Championship, (they’re in the East; LSU and Bama in the West), but may derail their chance to repeat as National Champs.
 

Cal Bears Can’t Bear Tough Schedule

Who was the idiot that had California ranked #2 as late as two weeks ago?  Oh yeah, me.  That the Bears lost two straight to Oregon and USC is not nearly as surprising as the fact that they managed just six points.  Two field goals.  Well, as the Bears go to sleep for the winter, we’ll turn our attention to Halloween night, when the Ducks and the Trojans lock up to determine which goes to the Rose Bowl. In other action, Steve Sarkisian’s Huskies are nobody’s patsy this year, as proven by their close call in South Bend.  There may be no moral victories in football but a 2-3 record coming off a winless season is pretty close.  Don’t be surprised to see Stanford hanging around the top of the standings for most of the season.  They’re a scrappy bunch heading to Corvallis for a tough matchup with Oregon state this weekend.
 

Big Ten Football, Whether You Want It or Not

Did every producer at ESPN go to a Big Ten school?  Last Saturday, (every Saturday actually), four conference games were broadcast almost simultaneously by ESPN and its family of networks. Can’t tell you how exciting it was to watch Iowa, regarded as the league’s second best, hold off  perennial power Arkansas State 24-21. Really, guys.  Arkansas State?   Both Penn State and Illinois looked as disinterested as I was until someone whispered into JoePa’s hearing aid that Illinois is really bad and the Lions ran away in the 4th QTR while viewers who sat through Michigan-Michigan State still can’t decide which team played worse.  Looks like a cakewalk for the only legitimate power in the conference, Ohio State.

Boise’s Road to BCS Title Game Gets Shorter

Assuming Boise State can run the table and finish its season undefeated, there is a distinct and viable possibility that the Broncos will find themselves playing for a National Championship.  Currently ranked at #5 in the Coaches’ poll, they’ll see two of the four ahead of them drop out.  Alabama, Florida and LSU must all play each other, which will eliminate at least two.  Boise’s chances then come down to two matchups: Oklahoma-Texas and USC-Oregon.  If Oklahoma can beat Texas next Saturday, they’ll likely knock the Longhorns out of the Big 12 picture; just as Texas Tech did last season.  Then, if Oregon can hold off USC on Halloween, Boise can point to its own victory over the Ducks as reason for consideration.  A longshot, yes, but one we’re pulling for.  Houston ended its BCS dream in getting crushed by UTEP while Notre Dame continued to struggle with less than elite teams.  Honestly, when was the last time any ND team was 4-1 and unranked?  Their defense is non-existent.

CollegeSportsView.com’s  Top 25

1) Florida (4-0)
2) Texas (4-0)
3) Alabama (5-0)
4) LSU (5-0)
5) Boise State (5-0)
6) Cincinnati(5-0)
7) TCU (4-0)
USC (4-1)
9) Virginia Tech (4-1)
10)Ohio State (4-1)
11)Kansas (4-0)
12)South Florida
13)Oregon (4-1)
14)Mississippi (3-1)
15)Iowa (5-0)
16)Oklahoma State (3-1)
17)Miami (3-1)
18)Oklahoma (2-2)
19)Auburn (5-0)
20)Georgia (3-2)
21)Wisconsin (5-0)
22)Penn State (4-1)
23)BYU (4-1)
24)Missouri (4-0)
25)Nebraska (3-1)

Five Teams to Watch
Utah (3-1)
Georgia Tech (4-1)
South Carolina (4-1)
Boston College (4-1)
Nichols (2-3)

Pac Ten Football Turned Upside Down

Despite a 65-5 record over their last 70 games, the USC Trojans have all but taken
themselves out of the BCS National Championship picture in each of the last four seasons with an early, in-conference stumble.  Over the last three seasons, California, UCLA and Oregon State have each proven too high a hurdle for the Men of Troy but, even with their track record, no one could have expected the Trojans to be upset by a Washington team that went 0-12 last year.  However, in what proved to be a perfect storm for the Huskies, injuries forced USC to go with a third string, freshman QB against their former Offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian, Washington’s new head man.  His familiarity with his former charges proved fatal for USC as Sarkisian grabbed his first big win, 16-13… While USC garnered much of the pre-season hype in the PAC Ten, it was California that caught our attention.  Saturday, RB Jahvid Best ran for five touchdowns as the high scoring Golden Bears beat Minnesota 35-21 and held on to their #2 ranking.

South Florida Dealt Bad Break in Big East

Tough blow for South Florida, #24 in last week’s CSV rankings and our pick to win the Big East, as QB Matt Grothe went down for the year with a knee injury… Cincinnati, the most likely candidate to step into that void, went into Corvallis and dominated Oregon State to move up to #16… Pittsburgh is off to a 3-0 start and looks like a serious contender for the Big East title.

Charlie Weis Still Has Notre Dame Football Fans On Edge

Even when he wins, there’s no rest for Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis.  A narrow 33-30 victory against a less than impressive Michigan State squad; especially since it came gift wrapped by Spartans’ QB Kirk Cousins.  Despite engineering a late drive that put his team into position for at least a game tying FG, Cousins missed a wide open Nick Holt in the end zone before launching a dying quail that was picked off on the 5 yard line.   The Irish, led by QB Jimmy Claussen, have an offensive unit that can compete with anyone in the nation but their defense leaves a lot to be desired.

Big Weekend for Miami Football Faithful

Don’t look now, but “The U” appears to be back.  Miami dominated Georgia Tech, the CSV’s #15 team, on Thursday.  After an impressive win over Florida State, the ‘Canes appear headed back to the top of the league.. Speaking of the Seminoles, who saw that beating of #7 BYU coming?  Combine that victory with Virginia Tech knocking off #23 Nebraska and its easy to see why ACC Football fans are thinking big. It’s not all good news, however as it looks like a very long year ahead for the Maryland Terrapins, who lost at home to Middle Tennessee.

Florida Lets Tennessee Off With A Slap On The Wrist In the SEC

Could’ve been a lot worse for Lane Kiffin and his Tennessee Vols on their visit to The Swamp.  Despite Kiffin’s off-season promise to sing Rocky Top all night after beating Florida and his unfounded accusations toward head coach Urban Meyer regarding recruiting violations, the Gators surprised many by not running up the score in their 23-13 victory… Great start for the SEC as it heads into its conference schedule with four teams, (Florida, Alabama, LSU and Mississippi),  in the CSV top seven and two others, (Auburn and Kentucky), undefeated.

Big 12 Football Losing Luster

First Oklahoma loses to BYU, then Houston dominates Oklahoma State on its own field and, finally, Baylor takes a beating at home from an unimpressive UConn Huskies squad. Its starting to look more and more like  Texas Football fans will be making the trip to Kansas City for the conference title game.

Boise State Continues To Rise In BCS

Last week we mentioned the potential mess in the BCS Standings should more than one Non-BCS member be ranked in the Top Ten.  Well, BYU and Utah solved that problem by losing, leaving just Boise State and TCU as possible candidates. The Broncos won a shootout at Fresno State while TCU heads to Clemson this week.  A win in Death Valley and another over BYU would lead to a Mountain West Conference title and an almost certain BCS berth.  That is, as long as Boise isn’t ranked higher.

CollegeSportsView Top 25

1)  Florida
2)  California
3)  Texas
4)  Alabama
5)  LSU
6)  Boise State
7)  Mississippi
8)  Penn State
9)  USC
10)Ohio State
11)Virginia Tech
12)TCU
13)Oklahoma
14)Miami
15)Kansas
16)Cincinnati
17)BYU
18)Houston
19)Oklahoma State
20)Georgia
21)North Carolina
22)Michigan
23)Missouri
24)Florida State
25)South Florida

Five Teams to Watch

Pittsburgh
Auburn
UCLA
Nebraska
Iowa

Jeter Chases Gehrig

Anytime a Major League player is mentioned in the same sentence as Lou Gehrig, he’s accomplished something significant. In Derek Jeter’s case, passing Gehrig as the all-time hits leader of the New York Yankees is an achievement that should be listed somewhere near the top of his Cooperstown resume.   For this record, or any like it, to stand for seventy years and survive the many, great players that have been part of Yankee history makes it that much more special when it finally falls.  To have it eclipsed by the team’s most popular player is simply an added gift for the fans as they get to share the moment with their hero; something apparently lost on Yankee broadcasters convinced that the attraction is not Jeter’s assault on the record but their description of it, instead.

The pre-game soliloquies, (Whatever happened to, “Hi, this is Frank Messer and welcome to Yankee baseball.”?), the silly stats and the wink-wink, “I spoke to Derek”, nonsense that seems to have become a competition among the broadcast crew, has grown more and more tiresome as the shortstop has struggled to get the last few hits he needs.  And can you imagine the over-the-top silliness that Sterling has already come up with for the record breaker?   How about just letting the fans enjoy Jeter without getting in the way?

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Missing Mangini

Read this week that Eric Mangini still hadn’t announced his starting QB for the Browns’ opener on Sunday and started to respect Rex Ryan a whole lot more.

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Dedicated Superstars

Next time you hear someone start whining about how today’s athletes just don’t care, that money is everything and team loyalty is a thing of the past, mention Carlos Beltran.  Out three months with a bone bruise that hasn’t completely healed, Beltran came back to a Mets’ squad so devastated by injuries that many advised the center fielder to shut it down for the year.

Or Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford; reigning Heisman Trophy winner.  He spurned the millions that awaited him in the NFL in order to return to school and join his teammates in their quest to win the National Championship that they just missed last season.  Pundits were criticizing Bradford’s decision this week after he sustained a shoulder injury in Oklahoma’s opener.  As if a guy who thinks team first isn’t already above their criticism.

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Denver Broncos: Tough Love?

Strange coincidence in Denver where WR Brandon Marshall, suspended indefinitely for insubordination, redeemed himself in his coach’s eyes just in time for the season opener.

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September Yawn

It’s a sorry September in Major League Baseball as only one of the six divisions has even a sniff of a pennant race.  Despite Bud Selig trying to sell me on the Wild Card, I’m not exactly flipping to Sportscenter to find out how the Red Sox and Rangers did.

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September 11, 2009

Eight years ago, just prior to the kickoff of a freshman football game between Xaverian High School and Xavier High School, the captains from each team proceeded to midfield.   The pregame ritual seemed as mundane as every other coin toss; eight kids who’d never met greeting officials and opponents they probably wouldn’t recognize an hour later.   Until one of the Xaverian captains, the smallest actually, reached across to the Xavier side.  “We’re really sorry about your coach”, he said.  “Thanks, man” came the reply, “thanks a lot.”

Almost two months earlier, on September 10th, a whole new world opened up for those kids as they started their high school careers.  The next day brought a whole new world for all of us.  While football became a refuge for the Xaverian freshmen; their safe haven from the sadness and fear, it was a daily reminder of both for the Xavier kids who’d lost their coach in the World Trade Center attacks.  And now, just before a game that was as much a neighborhood rivalry as any they would ever play, these young boys took a second away from the sport to address their grief.

I thought about that game when I saw that the two schools would open their Varsity seasons against each other tomorrow night, September 11th, at Aviator Field in Brooklyn.  I remembered how I felt back then; that there would never be a time that I’d enjoy anything on that day.  I thought about those high school freshmen; college grads now, and how they managed to find their way through those terrible times.  Finally, I thought of how often since that horrible Tuesday morning I’d been told that the loved ones we lost would want us to enjoy our lives.  That, to do so, would honor the rescuers whose sacrifice was made to preserve that freedom.  Maybe, after eight years, it’s time to let that advice sink in.

So, I’ll be there tomorrow night because, after all this time, it’s where I think I should be.  It’ll be my tribute to those we lost, those we didn’t and those overseas fighting to prevent such an atrocity from ever happening again.  And I’ll carry those eight young football players in my heart; grateful for the example they set on that autumn afternoon.  Thoreau once wrote “All men are children”.  But, on that day, children were men.

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Happy 19^th Birthday to one of LaSalle University’s finest, Ryan Mayrose.

Luckily for me, ( I think), I ran into three veteran horse players more than willing to share their extensive knowledge with me but not as forthcoming when asked for their names, choosing instead to identify themselves only as Johnny Gaga, Oakie and Philly Wrinkles.  Undeterred, I explained to them that most of the gambling I had done on the horses had been limited to five dollar pools at work or family parties and that I needed a little advice if I was to place an intelligent wager on this year’s race.

The first thing I learned was that you’d better have a little time on your hands when you ask guys like this for their opinions.  They’re a little passionate about the subject.  They began by recalling numerous wins and losses caused by a variety of criteria involving jockeys, horses, trainers and track surfaces. They indoctrinated me as to the meaning of some slang terms such as Juice (Lasix), Five Pound Bug (A weight adjustment based on the size of the jockey), Weeds (Grass surface), Blinks (Blinders), Changing leads (Something about the horse’s front foot; I thought he had two) and the downside of being “Caught on the wood behind a dead piece”  ( Being trapped inside the field near the rail behind a slow moving horse.)

Finally, after detailing at least one reason to like just about every horse in the race, they got down to their picks.  Wrinkles liked the filly, Eight Belles; a choice I quickly discounted as he seemed to be the type of guy that liked anything to do with females and I questioned his objectivity.  Gaga and Oakie were the logical two of the three and therefore more persuasive with their pick, Colonel John.  So, after all of this research, who am I putting my money on?  Court Vision.  I like his name the best.

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Last year, the Patriots and their affable, fun loving coach, Bill Bellichick, were caught red handed taping the defensive signals of the New York Jets during the season opener for both teams. After a lengthy investigation, Commissioner Roger Goodell levied sizable fines against the organization and Bellichick, himself.  It was further decided that they would forfeit their first round pick in this year’s draft; the 31st overall.  While the Pats also owned the 49′ers pick, which turned out to be the seventh overall, Goodell decreed that he was only allowed to strip New England of its own pick, not the better one. So, since the Patriots traded the seventh pick to New Orleans for the tenth pick as well an additional selection in the third round, could someone explain to me how they were actually penalized?

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The key number for the Jets in this year’s draft may very well turn out to be 37.  That is the total number of times that first round pick and new multi millionaire, Vernon Ghoulston, was able to bench press 225 pounds during the NFL scouting combine; sending the Jets into a “we have to have him” frenzy.  It is also the total number of tackles that Ghoulston made during thirteen games in his senior season at Ohio State.  A starting defensive end with 14 sacks who managed just 23 more tackles in an entire season. Hard to believe, but Gang Green has been seduced by workout demons in the past, most recently trading two first round picks in 2003 to move up and select defensive tackle  Dewayne Robertson in the fourth overall slot.  Despite the fact that Robertson was only voted 2nd team all-Conference in the SEC, the Jets decided he was the fourth best player in the nation and paid dearly for that evaluation.  Last week, after five highly forgettable seasons, Robertson was traded to the Broncos for an undisclosed draft pick. Smart money says it won’t be the fourth pick overall.

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Much has been written over the last decade about the practice of professional sports teams abandoning their standard colors for black alternate uniforms.  By now we all know that this is done strictly for purposes of merchandising and with no regard for their ridiculous appearance.  It is silly that the Kansas City Royals would wear any color other than royal blue and the black and gray clad Blue Jays actually have their color in their name.  One team, however, wears its black hat in violation of more than just good taste or common sense.  The Mets, who now sport an alternate helmet that features not even a hint of their standard orange anywhere in the logo, have thumbed their noses at their own tradition and heritage.  While multiple changes of  official colors by teams like the Rays, Padres, Astros and Diamondbacks are a simple matter of preference by ownership, the Mets’ original colors actually have a deeper meaning, one that is a tribute to the baseball history of New York City.  The uniform of the original Mets was designed to pay tribute to the three teams that came before them.  It incorporated the blue of the Dodgers, the orange logo of the baseball Giants and the pinstripes of the Yankees.  A fact lost on many of today’s younger fans; depriving them of a chance to baseball’s past in the Big Apple.