Lee Van Cleef Chronicles - Week 1

Waldini:

The GOOD - Utah beating Michigan in Ann Arbor. USC's offense. Mizzou's offense. Gamecock's Defense. Julio Jones. Western Illinois almost pulling off a shocker in Arkansas. Pat White.

The BAD - Clemson losing badly on national stage and in a neutral site. Tenn choking in the Rose Bowl. OSU's Wells and Mizzou's Macklin (2 VIP for their teams) getting hurt. Big East's non-conference record. Miss St's loss at Louisiana Tech.

The UGLY - The Hokies choking at East Carolina. Texas A&M losing at home to Div 1-AA Arkansas St. Pitt losing to Bowling Green at home.

Vol commentary - The defense looked good, the offense looked bad, and special teams was a joke. You get 4 INTs in the first half and only turn that into 7 pts. Foster's fumble in the first half on a probable scoring drive hurt. But nothing hurt worst than watching Lincoln butcher kick after kick including a chip shot in OT. Crompton doesn't look comfortable at all. If this team wins 9 or more games, it will be a successful season. But that's a reach. They play Florida, Auburn, and Georgia back to back to back. Where's my Advil :-)

Gangsta D:

You sure Clemson doesn't belong in the "Ugly" category? That was pathetic. That was beyond pathetic. Jamie Harper starts the game at running back when you have Spiller & Davis? Are you serious? Bowden should've been fired after Harper fumbled:)

Waldini:

I was close to putting them there but I left them off b/c 'Bama was at least ranked. But I agree, don't know WTF was up w/Bowden starting Harper ahead of two NFL draft picks. He made Saban look like a genius....

Gangsta D:

Now everyone is gonna be overestimating Alabama. "Could Bama challenge for the Nat'l title this year?!?!?" Slow down like Brand Nubian. Let's take this week by week. Read more!

Who You Got?!?

College Football is HERE!!! And with that, it's time to kickstart our annual Pick 'Em. Last year I won going away, and I expect the trend to continue this year.

Gangsta D 0-0
Waldini 0-0
Realist 0-0

Clemson vs Alabama


Waldini: Is this the year the Tigers FINALLY live up to expectations? Is this the year Saban's so called top recruiting classes come through? On one hand you got the ACC's top returning QB and one of the nation's top backfields. On the other hand, the game's in Tuscaloosa. [Ed. Note Bama-Clemson is in the Georgia dome] Hmmm, tough call but I'm sticking with Thunder and Lightning. TIGERS

Realist: Clemson

Gangsta D: THIS is the year. Tommy Bowden gets it DONE this year. Nah, I'm not feeling it either. Tried to talk myself into it. Clemson will be Clemson, which means a hot start. I think they get it started right against bama. Saban just doesn't have the athletes yet, although Julio Jones appears to be a beast. Clemson whups up on the Tide, and get everyone in South Cack primed for disappointment.


USC vs UVA


Waldini: I was getting ready to question you on putting this game in the pick 'em Gangsta. But with Sanchez having a bad wheel, it's not a slam dunk anymore. Still Al Groh has been a perennial loser at the pro and college level (Side trivia two former AFC East coaches battle it out). TROJANS

Realist: USC

Gangsta D: Yeah, it seems like a mismatch but Week 1 is slim pickens for quality matchups. The Wahoos are woefully undermanned against the Trojans. But 'SC does have to fly cross country and that's always tough. But not tough enough. 'SC by 25 at least.


Appalachian St vs LSU


Waldini: Again another one that prbly would have been a slam dunk if Perriloux (sp?) hadn't screwed himself (and LSU). This is a trap game as App St returns their star players. Is this game at night and on ESPN? You know LSU always rises to the occassion in that scenario. I'm picking LSU but I love it if App St pulled off two shockers this decade. TIGERS

Realist: LSU

Gangsta D: App St BITCH!!! Yeah I said it. I'm willing to fall a game behind, just to be bold. This pick is gangsta...just like me.


Mizzou vs Illinois


Waldini: Illinois is the South Carolina of the Midwest. That means every 6-8 years they have that magic season where they do damage. For the time in between they are mediocre. Yea I know Juice is back but Mendenhall is gone. And Zook is still there. Juice's got the name, Chase has got the game. TIGERS

Realist: Mizzou

Gangsta D: Chase Daniel appears to be the truth. That would make Juice Williams the false, or something like that. No Mendenhall, and Regus Benn can't be effective if Juice doesn't get him the ball. Plus Zook is coaching, so there's that. Tigers by a bunch.


Utah vs Meechigan


Waldini: Man, everyone is picking against Rodriguez. Count me in that bandwagon. UTES

Realist: Utah

Gangsta D: Apparently Utah is really good this year. Michigan is implementing a whole new offensive system, and they don't have a QB who can run it. Rich Rod will eventually get his kind of athletes, but that's not gonna help him this weekend. Utes.


UT vs UCLA


Waldini: Tenn isn't as bad as Illinois but they have had a bad trend of falling off after posting surprise seasons in this decade. Olson is out, I don't know who the backup is, and the coach is new. Crompton's not exactly experienced either. I think Tenn gets lucky that UCLA has QB issues. TENN

Realist: UT

Gangsta D: The Bruins don't have a QB. The Vols may not have a QB. The Vols have to travel across the country, which didn't really turn out all that well last year. But, the Vols are a better team so I'm riding with Smokey. Read more!

You Slimy, Rotten, Dirty Mother...

*****RUMOR ALERT****

OK, I’m not in the habit of posting recruiting message board rumors, but this one is too juicy. Take it with a grain of salt, or believe in it whole heartedly, which I think is more entertaining.

A little background. Clemson and the U had been vying for the services of Jamie Harper, a 4-stour RB out of Trinity Christian High School in Jacksonville. Jamie had previously said that he and teammate Daniel Andrews were a package deal, as they have been friends since childhood. Even though Andrews committed to Clemson early, Harper remained open to recruitment.

Enter Randy Shannon. The ‘Canes got slotted in as Harper’s final official visit. By all accounts, he had a great time. “Sources” said that the ‘Canes had as good a shot as Clemson in retaining his services.

Cut to: National Signing Day. According to “sources,” at 8:58 Harper called UM to tell them he was a Cane. At 11:45, he was still solid. However, at his press conference he announces that he is signing with Clemson. What the huh? What happened?

Well, this is the scuttlebutt. According to “sources,” Clemson called harper and told him that if he didn’t sign with Clemson, they were pulling Daniel Andrew’s scholarship. Harper told Miami, and they said they would take Andrews as well. But Andrews parents wouldn’t allow him to go to Miami, so both he and Harper signed with Clemson. Shannon was nonplussed.

Take it for what it’s worth.

If it’s not true, then I apologize for spreading vicious rumors. If it is true, then as a Hurricane fan I say: Fuck you Tommy Bowden. Fuck you with a diseased rhinocerous dick. I wish upon you a plague of genital warts the size of Mark Mangino after a Golden Corral bender. You are officially on my Eat-A-Dick List.

I think that’s an appropriately rational, measured response. Don’t you?

p.s. I don't really care either way. It's not that serious to me. If it's true, fine. If it's false, fine. I lost no sleep over the 'Canes not signing Harper. Also, I don't really want Tommy Bowden to be fucked with a diseased rhinocerous dick, even though that would be an instant youtube classic. Lighten up people.

Read more!

Who Ya Got?!?

Picks Update:

Leader 1 40-25
Smokey 32-33
Osceola 30-35

tOSU vs Mich

Gangsta D: Henne and Hart are banged up, and the Wolverines are coming off a tough loss. tOSU is coming off of a humiliating loss. Humiliating because the "#1 Defense" let the Illini run the last 8:00 off the clock. Who bounces back? If Henne and hart were full strength, I'd go with Meechigan. But they're gimpy and Tressel owns Lloyd. "Suckeyes" in a close one.

Waldini: Are Henne and Hart playing? Is this the last time Carr coaches against Ohio St? Does this game mean anything anymore besides a trip to the Rose Bowl? The Illini found the Buckeyes Krpytonite last week, which is a mobile QB and a proper time mgmt. I think Michigan rebounds from a subpar showing to Wisc. WOLVERINES

Da Realist: I don't believe Michigan is healthy enough to beat osu under most circumstances. But this is lloyd's last game against OSU (presumably) and this is the final chance for the seniors to beat "that team down south". I'm going with MEEECHIGAN because i believe in the upset. And i still believe in college football. MICHIGAN


Miami vs VTech

Gangsta D: This is my "I'm Keith Hernandez" pick. Last time we went up there, we shocked them. This time, we'll see. I'll be content as long as we keep fighting. As a whole, I think we have heart. Look at the FSU game. We could've quit then, but we fought. I think last week was an anomaly. Well, I hope.

Waldini: Man that was horrible loss at the Orange Bowl. And some recruits are questioning the current players' hearts??! What is going on in the M-I-A. On the other side, Beamer quietly has his boys in the ACC title chase. Their offense is still a joke but I think that won't matter
this week. HOKIES

Da Realist: Miami doesn't have it this year. They will bounce back with much more effort after giving up last week at home, but VT will see this as their chance to step on the canes neck. And they'll do it. VIRGINIA TECH


UGA vs UK

Gangsta D: Moreno for President! Seriously, this dude is banging so many white chicks right now it's stupid. Give him the ball 25 times and get out of the way. If the dogs pressure Woodson like they did Tebow, they will walk away with this game. I don't think the Wildcat defense can hang with Georgia's playmakers. Add in the fact that Richt is turning into "Thug Life" and I think the dogs roll.

Waldini: From a personal standpoint, I need Kentucky to win and give my Vols a lil cushion. I still think Georgia is suspect but they keep finding ways to beat quality opponents (see Florida, Auburn). Stafford and Moreno are laying the foundation for some Georgia dominance in a few
years. I still think Woodson is a beast and I cant go against him at home. Even if I dont think they will win :-) WILDCATS

Da Realist: That Florida game marked a distinct difference in the Georgia team than the one that lost to SCarolina earlier this year. This is the best team in the East (Sorry, Tennessee). If only UT will lose one more game, I think Georgia can give LSU a run for the money. I'm going with GEORGIA


ARK vs Fighting Crooms

Gangsta D: Miss St. is bowl eligible, while the Hurricanes are not. What in God's name is the world coming to? I blame this on Bush. No way this happens under Clinton. The Bulldogs' offense is atrocious, but they're defense is actually pretty good. McFadden vs the Bulldog D will
be a good matchup. I think the Hawgs pull it out with Humanity Advanced leading the way.

Waldini: Wow, who would ever think this game would be on this list let alone carry some major implications behind it. No need to explain, I think Arkansas wins. RAZORBACKS

Da Realist: It's at Fayetteville and the hawgs will find a way to get their running game going again. ARKANSAS


BC vs Clemson

Gangsta D: Clemson has not yet gone down the shithole. I'm surprised. Maybe Tommy Bowden has figured out that the season is 12 games long and not 5. Matty Light has given me the bitter beer face the last couple weeks. I think the trend continues, and the Tigers do the Tiger Walk all over the Eagles.

Waldini: Two words. Clemson wins. Five words. Because BC has been exposed. It's funny b/c BC is doing the exact same tailspin Clemson did last year and Clemson is coming on strong like BC did last yr. TIGERS

Da Realist: CLEMSON


WVU vs Cinn

Gangsta D: Cinncinnatti is good this year and we are not. Once again, this never happened while Clinton was gettin' brain in the Oval Office. As long as nobody spits on Pat White, this thing won't get out of hand. In a close one, the Mountaineers pull it out.

Waldini: MOUNTAINEERS

Da Realist: MOUNTAINEERS Read more!

Who You Got?!?

Picks

Yours truly 17-14
Osceola 17-14
Smokey 15-16

Gangsta D:

Woodson is a punk!

Da Realist:

Not only do i agree with Gangsta's picks, I agree with his reasoning. No need to repeat what's already been said.


Ill vs Wisc

Gangsta D: Illinois is a 2.5 point favorite AT Wisconsin!! What hath Zook wrought? I'm not totally sold on Illinois yet. Aurellious Benn appears to be the truth. Juice Willimas is making plays. But I still haven't seen too much of them. The Badgers have a pretty potent offense, but their defense is HORRRRIBLE. They let the Citadel go off on them. Michigan ST could've won last week. But I don't think Illinois has the minerals to waltz into Camp Randall and pull it off. Of course, I would've said the same about Colorado last week. Nevertheless, I'm going with the home team.

Waldini: Badgers

Da Realist: Wisconsin


UGA vs UT

Gangsta D: Sorry Smokey, but the dogs have no fear of Neyland Stadium, as they haven't lost their since the last century. UT's defense is mad suspect, and the dogs have a potentially explosive running tandem with Thomas Brown and Knowshon Moreno. As long as the Kegmaster doesn't throw off his back foot into coverage, the dogs should come out on top. The defense may be suspect, but the Vols don't have anyone on offense that scares me.

Waldini: Vols

Da Realist: UGA (Is fulmer routinely being outcoached and outrecruited? It looks like UT may be about to go through the same kind of swoon as FSU is trying to get out of. It may be time to bring in a fresh face)


Va Tech vs Clemson

Gangsta D: Yep, we all picked Clemson to win last week knowing full well that a loss could signal their tradional mid-season swoon. Well, do the Tigers rebound or do they slip further into the morass? Tech doesn't impress me at all. I suppose they're defense is still legit, but Brandon Ore has been disappointing and they're starting a true Freshman at QB. The game is at Death Valley, and I just can't see a true freshman pulling that out. The Tigers win in spit of Tommy.

Waldini: Tigers

Da Realist: At tiger stadium. At night. CLEMSON


OU vs Texas

Gangsta D: Even though both were upset last week, OU is leaps and bounds ahead of Texas. The 'Horns have been overrated all season. Maybe the Sooners have been too, but they're still a much better team than texas. Couple that with Colt McCoy being gimpy, I gotta go with the Sooners.

Waldini: Sooners

Da Realist: OU is simply the better team plus they've lost the last two. OU


UF vs LSU

Gangsta D: Florida losing last week, worries me a little. I was predicting a double digit beatdown before the Auburn game, but now I'm not so sure it'll be that bad. Urban will have them ready to play. But, Aubrun gave the blueprint on how to contain Florida and LSU's defense is much better than Auburn. Tebow will not add to his heisman resume with this game. A night game at LSU is almost certified death for an opponent.

Waldini: Tigers

Da Realist: At tiger stadium. At night. LSU (closer than the experts think)


Notre Dame Suicide Watch

Gangsta D: The noose gets even tighter this week. UCLA is going to want revenge for last year's last minute collapse. Oh, and yeah, UCLA is also a much better team. Irish go to 0-6.

Waldini: Irish fall to 0-6

Da Realist: Y'all wrong for this. UCLA Read more!

Who You Got?

Picks:

Yours Truly 16-8
Osceola 16-8
Smokey 13-11

Waldini:

Dang, I continue to be the Baylor/Duke/Vandy/Arizona/Northwestern of the bunch huh :-)


Bama vs FSU

Gangsta D: Technically not a home game for FSU, but who are we kidding? The Garnet and Gold will be substantially represented in the stands. But will it matter? Bama has played two gut wrenching games in a row. Do they have anything left? Can the 'Noles get their offense going? Bama seems to be on the right track, but I don't know if they're ready emotionally. My brain says to go with Bama, but I think the "home" crowd pushes the 'Noles to victory.

Da Realist: No way does Alabama fall asleep at the wheel in this game so I can't say that FSU will have a motivational advantage. We know Bobby wants this game, but there is another subplot that is just as interesting -- teacher vs student. Jimbo has had 2 weeks off to wake up the offense and get the boys ready. I'm sure he's made quite a few changes (maybe, just maybe including the quarterback position), but Nick wants this game just as badly. I just don't think FSU will be able to bring enough.

They "can" do it, but I need to see them pull out a game like this before I have confidence in them. We still got yahoos getting tasered by the cops on the eve of the biggest game of the season! And we still got Ol' Bobby giving them the message that the game is more important than respect. We're a little banged up and frankly, I don't think we have the speed to keep up with their wideouts all game long. And I don't care about the criticism of John Parker Wilson -- he looks better than any FSU qb i've seen in years. ALABAMA

Waldini: 'Bama proved me wrong last week. I thought they had something special going and then they lose to Georgia at home. Rumblings are also happening inside FSU's camp about the lack of offense. Agree with you Gangsta, I don't know why they say neutral site :-). Gimme ALABAMA only b/c I'm not sold on Bobby's offense.


Cal vs Oregon

Gangsta D: Autzen Stadium is gonna be rocking. Dennis Dixon appears to be the truth. Cal is explosive, but so is Oregon's crowd. This is gonna be one of those classic Pac-10, sling the ball around, nobody play defense, trick play bonanzas. Final score should be in the 45-38 range. These teams look to be even, so I'm going with the home team. It's just hard to beat a good Oregon team at home.

Da Realist: Gotta go with the home team. Dixon will dominate. I think they win comfortably. OREGON

Waldini: This just in, the Ducks lose their top receiver for a year. But they still have Dixon and he's a beast. This should be the game of the week as you have two high octane offenses and neither's defense strikes fear in anyone. I hope Oregon doesnt make the same mistake as my Vols and decide to punt to Jackson. That would be highly uncivilized. OREGON


Clemson vs Gtech

Gangsta D: OK, it's safe to say that Tech is vastly overrated. Stomping ND is no longer a good litmus test. Clemson appears to be on one of their tradional early season rolls. But can they maintain it? Tenuta's defense specializes in tormentin QBs, which is great for Clemson cause they can't throw it. James Davis and CJ Spiller will get heavy work and wear down the yellow jackets. I'm crossing my fingers, and hoping that Tommy isn't screwing with us once again. Clemson by double digits.

Da Realist: The Yellowjackets shouldn't even be in this game by the fourth quarter. Clemson should not lose in the regular season. of course they probably will, but not this game. CLEMSON

Waldini: Will Clemson start it's annual midseason meltdown with a loss to G Tech. Me thinks that won't happen at this game. Too much Davis and Spiller will trump Tech's D. Plus they got exposed by BC a few weeks ago and that officially had me hop off their sleeper bandwagon. Dont screw this up Tommy. CLEMSON


W Va vs S FL

Gangsta D: This is gonna be a good one. The mountaineers have a lethal run game. S. Fl is on the comeup. I was tempted to take the Bulls, until this:

"I thought we were already in the (state's) Big Three," Bulls receiver Taurus Johnson said. "I (didn't) know Miami was still there."

Noel Devine comes home to Florida and runs for 135 yds on six carries. And the Bulls get a much needed dose of reality, and hopefully some humility.

Da Realist: The Bulls are not ready to win this game. I would feel better about their chances if it was in Morgantown. The Bulls have won 2 straight games and I'm always leery about picking a team to win 3 straight. The Mountaineers pull this out on the road. WEST VIRGINIA

Waldini: Great offense (WVa) vs a Great defense (USF). Can that defense stop White, Slaton, and now Devine. Maryland did for a quarter and a half, then BAM it was lights out. USF was one of the teams that beat WVa last year so I know Rodriguez has got revenge on his mind. "Mercy is for the weak" WEST VIRGINIA


Miss St vs S Car

Gangsta D: Three wins for Sylvester. Just two more and he's guaranteed a job for next year. The Bulldog defense is actually pretty good, and OBC is trotting out a freshman for his first start. Neither offense can really put up points so it's going to be a defensive struggle. Couple that with the home crowd and the 'cocks pull this one out. However, if the
Bulldogs win I won't be disappointed.

Da Realist: Let's not get carried away here. The Bulldogs are still a work in progress. The Gamecocks were dominated last week, but they DID beat the dawgs between the hedges earlier this year. And besides, they won't lose 2 weeks in a row. SOUTH CAROLINA

Waldini: We see you creeping up in the W column Sylvester. I'm real happy for him b/c the Bulldog alumni have been smoking crack when it comes to their football team and expectations. But I cant see them pulling another miracle like they did in Auburn 2 wks ago. And now that Spurrier pulled another Danny Wuerffel-Terry Dean with his current set of QBs, I think those boys come out and doing their thing. SOUTH CAROLINA and then they go to Bojangles afterwards for bo-berry biscuits and sweet tea.


Auburn vs UF

Gangsta D: Who's got the balls to pick Auburn in an upset? Well if Jason Campbell, Ronny Brown, and the Cadillac were playing, I'd definitely take the Tigers. Unfortunately, they're not walking through that door. Anyway, you know how I feel about Florida. They can be beaten. Maybe Auburn plays with some emotion and pride. Maybe Brandon Cox pulls his head from his hindquarters. Maybe. But I don't think they have the athletes to do it. It will be close, but Florida wins another squeaker. And we have to hear about the greatness of Tebow for another week. I can't wait for them to go to Baton Rouge.

Da Realist: This is the SEC and anyone can win any game on any given saturday, but Auburn has been awful. Give me FLORIDA.

Waldini: Uggh, I hate to keep picking Florida but this game's in the swamp and the Tigers offense is in disarray. FLORIDA wins but if they happen to lose, I wont mind taking an L on this pick. Another week of Tebow's the greatest QB ever. Read more!

The Official Top 5

Gangsta D:

1. USC - Sorry I had a temporary lapse last week. 'SC is the best team.

2. LSU - Matt Flynn still worries me, but the defense is ridiculoso.

3. UF - LSU will beat Florida by 2 Tds. That's not hate, that's just real.

4. OK - Had a tight game with Tulsa then blew them out the water. They're schedule is still suspect though.

5. W. Va - HUGE game with S. FL this weekend. We'll see if they are truly an elite team.

Da Realist:

I agree with this top 5. watch out for clemson. I know, I know... But they have looked good. And i'll buy you a beer if you can look at their schedule and guarantee a loss somewhere. They may be the sleeper undefeated team by the time they get to the ACC championship.

Gangsta D:

I may not be able to guarantee it, but Boston college is gonna be a beast. They both might be undefeated when they play in November. Maybe the Tigers can soften them up, cause we play in Chestnut Hill the next week:)

Da Realist:

The only question is...will they step on their own foot somewhere along the way? They're a good team, but they aren't used to being the top dog.

Waldini:

I agree with top 5 as well. I still want to see what happens when they play Oregon and Cal. As for Clemson, I dont know if they can reach the heights of Danny Ford yet but we'll see. When they beat G Tech last season, they were 7-1, ranked in the top 10, and I thought no one could hang with them. then they lose 4 of their next 5 and barely get into bowl. The question is if they can keep up the momentum the whole season, not just for the first 2 months. Read more!

King Of These Streets!

Gangsta D:

Congratulations gents, we're all Kings. Even though Smokey JUST barely squeezed in:)

Kings

Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee*, Texas and USC.

* Tennessee is the lone school in the group that caused any hesitation. The Vols would have been a no-brainer 10 years ago, but they have fallen off the map a bit lately. In the end, I figured those 100 fans in Montana still know "Rocky Top," the checkered end zones and that Peyton Manning went there.

Da Realist:

yep. the kings bring the fans to the yard, although i'm not sure that UT isn't on the same level as geogia and lsu. i would push them down to baron. i would move clemson, colorado and texas a&m down from baron to knight. and i would think about moving georgia tech up from knight to baron. everybody knows about the rambling wreck, right?

Gangsta D:

I'd be inclined to agree with you about UT. Sorry Smokey. Clemson can probably stay as a baron. Colorado and Texas AM definitely should move down. I think Tech is fine where they are. They just got a 3 year boost due to Calvin Johnson. Other than that, no one really cares. People still forget that they split nat'l titles with Colorado in '90:)

Da Realist:

what has clemson done since 81?

Gangsta D:

Nothing, but it's the whole Bowden Bowl angle. Clemson is associated with FSU, like a little brother is associated with a big brother. Remember, it's national perception as much success on the field.

Da Realist:

You've got to be kidding. clemson has a hell of a local fan base, but most people couldn't tell you where clemson was if you handed them a map of south carolina. :-D

Gangsta D:

I think Bowden Bowl has more cache than you think.

Da Realist:

yeah, it's got cache cause of BOBBY bowden. tommy is just his son, not a well-recognized coach. you could replace tommy with terry and get the same thing. the only reason clemson would have a chance to stay in my book is because sometime right after we were all born, they won a title. and they were supposedly good before tv's had color. but then again, so was arkansas! what about those battles with texas for the championships in the swc?

Gangsta D:

Yeah, he's swinging from the coattails. I won't argue with that. But perception is reality.

Actually, due to the insanity of their offseason maybe Arkansas needs to move up to Baron:) I bet a whole bunch of folks, who normally wouldn't give a squirt of piss, are gonna be paying attention them this year:) Read more!