Who Ya Got?

It's a sad day when Georgia-Tenn doesn't even make the list :-( Damn u Crompton

Bama vs Ole Miss

Waldini - I like Snead and Nutt. But I still think Ole Miss is overrated. I'm drinking the Crimson berry Tide Kool-Aid Realist. And you know that's a damn shame from a Vols fan. CRIMSON TIDE

Gangsta D - Something tells me that the Right Rev Nutt is gonna have his boys ready to play. Unfortunately, it won't matter. The Tide aren't sexy, just unbeatable at this point. Saban gets it done.

Da Realist - Hmm... I'm going with the Ole Miss upset in Oxford.

BC vs Va Tech

Waldini - The Eagles are shocking folks. But not even have Flutie Flakes in Blacksburg is gonna be enough. HOKIES

Gangsta D - Hokies, unfortunately. BC almost let a bad FSU squad come back and beat them.

Da Realist - Va Tech

Mich vs Iowa

Waldini - Did you know this is the Sat game of the night on ABC? Didn't we suffer enough with Penn St-Iowa :-). Hawkeyes D is legit. O is not. Still don't think Forcier's got enough to will them on the road. HAWKEYES

Gangsta D - uhhh...coin flip. Wolverines. For some reason I think the Hawkeyes get exposed.

Da Realist - Michigan

Auburn vs Ark

Waldini - TIGERS

Gangsta D - Final score should be 52-47. Ryan Mallet is a beast, yo. I know I've said it before, but dude is the real deal. Might be the #1 pick in '11. I got the Hogs, even though Petrino is still a Total Fucking Douchebag.

Da Realist - Auburn

LSU vs UF

Waldini - Uh oh. Death Valley. At night. On ESP er CBS. Didn't Florida squeak out one in the same situation a couple of years ago. Tell Verne, I'm rolling with a half healthy Tebow and his crying coach. GATORS

Gangsta D - Nope, Meyer is 0-2 at Death Valley. If Brantley starts, it might get ugly. The Tigers offense is suspect, but that defense and the screaming, deranged, crawfish boiling Tiger fans are going to make young Brantley's head implode. If Tebow starts, it'll just be a really big headache. Either way, I got the Tigers. 31 in a row at night is the definition of a trend.

Da Realist - Sadly, I think Florida's gonna come in a beat the Tigers. If Florida is gonna lose, it won't be in "the game of the week" type of setting. Florida

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!

Hall Of Fame Humbug

Da Realist:

Nice article.

Of all the great players who passed through the NBA and never fulfilled their promise, Webber was the only one without a legitimate excuse.

Gangsta D:

Yep, he hit it on the head. People do forget that Jalen was Michigan's top scorer both years. I remember I saw Webber at a party a couple years ago. I was like, "He's not that big." If I was thinking that, what were NBA players thinking? Lol Now the discussion turns to whether he's a HOF'er. I think the Michigan flap keeps him out. It's the BASKETBALL HOF, not the NBA. According to the NCAA, he never played college ball. That will hurt him.

Waldini:

Damn that's true. The scandal alone makes the voting committee think twice about voting him in. His averages say he should be in but when you start looking at how many games he played, then that keeps him out. I mean Bernard King isn't in there either and you're telling me Webber should go in over him.

Da Realist:

That's some bull. The nba needs to find a way to distinguish their hall of fame from the "basketball hall of fame". What the hell is that? The only people that can be grandfathered in are the negro players that didn't get a chance to play in the NBA (but were obviously good enough).

Other than that, it should be the NBA hall of fame. Damn, that's cheesy. You got people being judged by playing on different levels (college vs pro) and different leagues (NBA vs ABA vs CBA vs Euroleagues) and different rules.

I don't think Webber should get in but it shouldn't be because of whatever the hell happened in COLLEGE!. I know some dudes that were good in high school. That's basketball, ain't it? Them dudes should be in there. Maybe y'all can welcome Kwame Brown in since he was da man in high school.

Gangsta D:

OK, here's the thing about Kwame. We have great football players down here, but not great basketball players. I'm pushing 6'4", but I would've played center in high school. That gives you an idea of the talent level down here, so no Kwame wasn't really a beast. I can dominate players six inches shorter than me:)

As far as the HOF goes, I agree. There should probably be different HOF's, but we know that's never gonna change. Read more!

Old School Wednesday - Swagger Back

Brash. Thuggish. Cocky. Talented. Phenomenal.

All of the above adjectives were applied to the Fab Five during their heyday, some 15-16 years ago. I just thought they were the most exciting college basketball team I'd ever seen.

It was November '91. I hadn't heard of them until my cousin told me I should watch the UM-Duke game that saturday, cause the Wolverines had these incredible freshmen that I needed to see. After the near win, I was hooked like cooked crack. I loved the brashness. I loved how they didn't fear the big stage, but chose to embrace it. Most of all, I loved how they didn't give a fuck if the basketball establishment liked them or not. They never won a Big-10 or national title, but who cares? The hype is well deserved. The game hasn't been the same since.


ESPN Retrospective

Coach K kills me. Michigan taking on the character of the Fab Five is why they didn't win a national title? It sure didn't hurt them as they beat the #1, #2,and #4 seeds on the way to the title game in '92. They just got beat by a better team. What was Coach K's excuse for losing 4 out of 5 Final Fours, before winning it in '91? What a dick.




ESPN U Retrospective

I love Jimmy King's dunk and subsequent stare down on the dude from George Washington. When I saw that, I was like "Yeah!! Get him a body bag!" Good times.

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?!?

Moi 23-18

Osceola 20-21
Smokey 19-22

Da Realist: I'm surprised you didn't choose USC at Notre Date. In honor of that game, here's a funny ass clip right here . lmao...

Miami vs FSU

Gangsta D: Yeah, I don't really know what to make of this team. We can look very good, then we can look very bad. We're mediocre. There always seems to be a brightspot, that is quickly replaced by an eclipse. I have no idea which team will show up. We've been plagued by injuries. Our D-tackle depth is hurting as well as LB. Antone Smith may find some running room. But our DE's are stout, so we may be able to keep Xavier in the pocket. FSU has a tough run defense, so it may be up to Kyle. Ugh. Kyle, as usual, has been a mixed bag this year. I thought he had progressed but then came the 4 INTs at UNC and, that was that. I really have no idea how this game will go. Both teams have MPD, and have yet to play up to their full potential. Obviously I'm going with the Canes, but who knows what will happen.

Da Realist: I may be the only person outside of Florida that's gonna record the game. they both suck, but it's still Miami at Florida State. In the best of times or the worst, these two teams always seem to mirror each other. Unfortunately, this year that means inept offenses, strong defenses, mistakes, penalties and mediocrity. FSU cannot run the ball. Miami is quick enough to keep Xavier (who doesn't like to run anyway) from getting any significant yards with his legs and those jump balls he likes to throw may get intercepted more often this week. I want to pick FSU, but i have a very hard time seeing miami losing 3 games in a row for the season and also 3 games in a row in the series (when the talent level has been so even). The Canes make just enough first downs to wear down that nasty FSU defense and FSU probably coughs it up a couple of times. MIAMI

Waldini: I hope for the sake of college football, the state of Florida, and both of you that these two powerhouses figure out how to restore luster to this game. I think Xavier finds a way not to make mistakes and ultimately get his 'Noles the W. SEMINOLES


Auburn vs LSU

Gangsta D: Apparently Auburn has righted the ship, even though they really didn't look that good last week. LSU is coming off of two hard fought games in a row, but there is no rest for the weary in the SEC. I can't believe people still think the SEC is overrated. I think Auburn has a chance, due to the emotional toll the Tigers have weathered the last two weeks. But, LSU is far too talented to lose to this Auburn team at home. It's a close one though.

Da Realist: Who ARE the auburn tigers? If they are the team that lost to Mississippi State at home, then LSU will destroy them. If they are the team that beat Florida then they have a good shot at beating lsu. The last 3 games have been low-scoring, defensive battles that weren't decided until the final moments. This game will be the same way. Auburn won't be intimidated about walking into tiger stadium. They have the defense to frustrate LSU (they held Ark to 67 rushing yards last week), but they just can't score. Auburn will have to win by field position, field goals and hope LSU falters in the kicking game and coughs up a couple of turnovers. In a defensive slugfest between two physical teams, I like AUBURN

Waldini: It would be easy to say LSU but Auburn is the best Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde team. You never know which squad is going to show up. Their kicker has moxy and it was funny as hell to see him doing the Gator chomp when they won in Gainesville. But LSU is pretty po'ed about losing last week and they got a nice gift from Rutgers last night. You dont think they are motivated to open up a can of whup a$$? TIGERS (LSU)


UT vs Bama

Gangsta D: What to make of the volunteers? Get smoked by Cal and UF, but then look like world beaters against UGA. The bloom appears to be off the rose in Tuscaloosa. The Tide hasn't been knocking people's socks off lately. But, they are at home and I still don't trust the Volunteers. Too helter skelter for me. Bama by a smidge.

Da Realist: Bryant-Denny stadium will be rocking for this one. Tennessee proved something last week (at home), but they don't bring it every single week. The tide haven't played well lately but will want to use this game to springboard the rest of their season. They'll win by 3. ALABAMA

Waldini: Both these teams also doing a good job of not knowing which team you are going to get each week. Check Tenn's W-L record. When they win, it's by double digits. When they lose, it's by double digits. Alabama has been going through identity crisises trying to figure out if they want to be SEC contenders or pretenders. I got TENN on the road


Michigan vs Illinois

Gangsta D: Well, it really depends on how healthy Mike Hart is. If he can go, and I mean really go, then the Wolverines will win big. I think the Illini proved last week that they weren't ready for primetime. If Hart is gimpy, I still think Michigan wins, but it's by a FG or less. Illinois will be sick next year, but they're just not ready to be good this year.

Da Realist: This is screaming trap game. Michigan is feeling good about themselves after dismantling Purdue last week. Illinois lost to a bad Iowa team last week. Looking ahead? The game's in Champaigne, the expectations are with Michigan AND Hart is hurt. ILLINOIS

Waldini:
another hard one to call. Is Hart going to play? Will Juice rebound from a bad loss? Will Henne still quietly get it done? I think the wolverines are marching back up the Big 10 ladder - WOLVERINES


UF vs UK

Gangsta D: Florida loses its 3rd in a row. It will be a shootout. But Woodson, along with the home crowd, get it done. The gators have had two weeks to think about their losing streak. They come out fired up, but Woodson will have a GIGANTIC chip on his shoulder. 45-41 Wildcats.

Da Realist: Waldini, are you paying attention? D just gave us a gift. Only someone leading by 3 would throw us a bone like this. Florida has lost 2 in a row, they have had 2 weeks off, and Kentucky just came off an emotional TRIPLE overtime win over LSU last week. You don't pick against a good coach that has had 2 weeks to prepare and you don't pick against a good team that has had to stew over a losing streak for 2 weeks straight. FLORIDA

Waldini: GATORS for the same reasons Realist mentioned


K State vs OK State

Gangsta D: I'm riding with Mike Gundy until the wheels come off.

Da Realist: I'm rolling with Kansas State. can't get that beatdown of texas out of my head. KANSAS STATE

Waldini: WILDCATS

Read more!

Who You Got?!?

Picks:

Yours Truly 13-5
Osceola 12-6
Smokey 10-8


GA vs Bama

Gangsta D: Is the Tide really this good? Are they using smoke and mirrors? Like Realist told me last week, where did this speed come from? They looked great for the first 40 mins and last 5. In between, not so much. GA looked real good against OK St. Against the Cocks, not so much. GA can match Bama's speed. They don't have a McFadden, but Moreno and Thomas Brown are pretty good. If Stafford gets protection, and the WRs catch the ball it will be a long day for the Tide. I'm going with the Dawgs.

Da Realist: Damnit D, this was supposed to be my upset special. The tide definitely has the tools to be a pretty good team, but I don't think they can put it together for a whole game yet. Everyone's talking about saban, but don't forget about Richt. he's a pretty good coach too. And the dawgs are road warriors. No one expects them to win this game. I'm banking on this being the one game the dawgs come out and play above their level. They'll need a score from their defense to help them out, but i'm going with GEORGIA

Waldini: John Parker Wilson is starting to look legit. Yea his team almost blew a 21 pt lead last week but he kept his boys steady. Gangsta's right about the Georgia comments. Alabama gets another ranked team at home and I think they beat out GAWGA this week. CRIMSON TIDE


Penn St vs Mich

Gangsta D: Michigan is back on track! Well, maybe not. Notre Dame sucks a fat one, so we really didn't learn much. Mike Hart is the truth but it's going to depend on the QB. If Ryan Mallet starts, it's probably going to be a long day. Dude's got a gun and I like his moxie but he's still a true freshman. Penn St hasn't really played anybody, and they were in a tussle with Buffalo last week. Morelli has yet to prove he can win a big game on the road. I think the Nittany Lions have the better team. They have playmakers on the outside to give Michigan problems. I'm torn about this one, cause I feel I'm going to give up my lead this week. I'm going with Penn St in a squeaker that goes down to the last second.

Da Realist: I'm torn on this one. on one hand, the lions are just playing better and i think michigan will have problems defending the wideouts. BUT. This is a proud program and they've been beaten up more than any other team this year. I saw a fire in them last week that, if they bring it this week, may just match any other advantage penn state has. Remember, Michigan has beaten penn state 9 straight times, yet Penn State is favored. Why? Because they beat Notre Dame like a drum? Well, so did Michigan. And let's not forget that Michigan is playing at home. Do you really believe they'll lose 3 games at the big house this early? It's a question of motivation. Michigan cannot lose this game. With a loss, they have nothing to play for. The Wolverines ride mike hart and they find a way to beat Penn State. MICHIGAN

Waldini: Did either of you see Holtz's motivation speech for Penn St to beat Michigan? At least it wasnt the Irish. Ok back to the matchups. Morelli vs Mallet, the Penn St LB vs Mike Hart, Joey P vs Lloyd C. I'm going with Penn St only cuz Henne isnt playing and Michigan isnt facing an inept offense like last week. And can someone tell me why Michigan hasnt gone on the road yet in 4 games?!?! PENN ST


UK vs ARK

Gangsta D: Andre Woodson is America's best kept secret. Darren McFadden is the best player in the country, even though it didn't look that way in the first half. I don't think the 'Cats defense is all that great. They made some stops last week, but Louisville was moving the ball on the pretty well. McFadden knows this team won't win unless he runs for 150+
yards, so he's gonna be motivated. I think Woodson puts up numbers, but the Kentucky defense lets McFadden put up his own. Plus the Hogs have something to prove after letting the Tide come back on them. I gotta go with the 'Backs.

Da Realist: I had my doubts, but Arkansas showed a lot of heart last week in Yuscaloosa. They were down 3 touchdowns before you could make it to the refrigerator for a second helping of banana pudding. But then they rose up and almost came up with a huge victory. I saw bits of kentucky and was impressed but i'm not sure how good Louisville is. Arkansas' secondary will have problems all game long but kentucky will have bigger problems against that hog rush. ARKANSAS

Waldini: Woodson vs McFadden. The latter singlehandley brought his team back into the game against Alabama. And Kentucky's D is worse than Bama's. I think the game will be closer than most believe but I expect the RAZORBACKS to exact revenge for losing last week. ARKANSAS


Cocks vs LSU

Gangsta D: South Carolina appears to have a good defense. LSU has a lethal defense. Blake Mitchell won't complete a pass longer than 15 yards. Not a blowout, but not real close either. LSU 27-10

Da Realist: No doubt LSU is good, but can they consistently do it every single week? Every year under les miles they seem to have a hiccup game that ends up costing them a shot at the title. I think they'll be ready against the big boys (florida, alabama) but it's games like this that would make me nervous if i was a tiger fan. The Gamecocks have a pretty good defense. If the Tigers cough up the ball a couple of times this game could get real interesting. And you know Steve has a few wrinkles he'd love to unveil on the Tigers. Steve said before the season that he felt this team could compete for the sec title. They could go a long way toward backing him up with a victory here. But i don't have the nuts to call this upset. LSU has too much firepower on offense and is even more talented on defense. LSU

Waldini: The Gamecocks dont exactly echo Spurriers ole fun n gun Florida teams but shockingly they are at least winning games I didnt think they could win. But the buck stop here. Matt Flynn, those WRs, the 3 rbs, and that ferocious defense take it back to Rock via WWE style and layeth the smacketh down. LSU


UW vs UCLA

Gangsta D: Oh to be a black coach. UCLA looked to be a sleeper in the PAC-10 this year. Then they ran into the buzzsaw of previously winless Utah. Ouch. UW looked to be the other sleeper in the PAC-10. Then the Buckeyes slapped them around a bit. UCLA's Ben Olson may not play, but Pat Cowan is a capable backup. UCLA's defense is still pretty good. Last week was probably an anomaly. Jake Locker coming to Pasadena, is a big step in his evolution. But, he's probably not ready. UCLA rebounds with a big win. At least Ty will still have more wins than Weis:)

Da Realist: Unfortunately for UW, the Bruins lost last week. Badly. The huskies will have the Bruins full undivided attention this week. The Huskies are too green to go to LA and beat the Bruins in the Rose Bowl. Ben Olsen is inconsistent but if the bruins run the ball as Ohio State did, they'll win the game. UCLA

Waldini: I didnt know the Heritage Bowl had been restarted :-). Will the real UCLA please stand up? I thought Olson was supposed to be the truth but he got served up badly by the lowly Utah Utes last week. Ty didnt do me any favors by losing a game I thought they were gonna win last week too. Comes down to can a freshman QB win a conference game on the road. I dont see it. UCLA in the PAC's 10 version of the Heritage bowl


Maryland vs Wake

Gangsta D: As the coin flips....Maryland. Ray Lewis' brother plays for the 'Terps so I gotta go with them.

Da Realist: I'm going to go with Maryland on this one. I don't know much about the teams but Maryland held things together with West Virginia for a half and they seem to have a pretty good defense. Wake...just hasn't looked at good. That Nebraska game was there for the taking and they decided against it. I'm basically flipping a coin too. MARYLAND

Waldini: So that explains why Ray Lewis was on the sideline last week. I dont know anyone on either team. I'll take WF since I have to catch D b4 he runs away.... Read more!

Who Ya Got?!?

Gangsta D:

Picks update:

Yours truly 9-3
Smokey 8-4
Osceola 7-5

Da Realist:

I'm only 2 back??? LOL...


USC vs NEB

Gangsta D: USC has been ordained the best team in football once again, but they were kind of pedestrian against Toledo. Nebraska didn't exactly look like the World's Greatest against Wake Forest either. I wonder if the bye week hurt 'Sc or will help them. It's always tough playing Nebraska. But, the Trojans just have too many athletes. Nebraska would have to play over their heads to pull this one out. I think it's closer than the experts predict, but 'SC pulls it out nevertheless.

Waldini: I'm not impressed by Carroll, Booty and co PLUS it's weird they have 9 tailbacks on their roster. But I agree, Nebraska didn't lay the smack down on the Demon Deacons like they should have. Originally I had Nebraska but I'm switching to the dark side er I mean USC.

Da Realist: I didn't see usc play, but I saw Nebraska stumbling against Wake Forest. USC has more athletes, even if they are raw and not 100%. I can't remember the last big win Bill Callahan has had in college or pro. USC is used to being everyone else's "game of the year". USC


Ohio St vs UW

Gangsta D: I'm officially on the Ty Willingham bandwagon. Ok I've never really been off, but it looks like Ty has his team ready to play. Jake Locker is trying to cement his status as the White Pat White. Ohio St didn't look that impressive to me against Akron at home. They were up 3-2 in the second quarter. Plus the Buckeyes have to travel cross country to play in a stadium that will be rocking. Can the new QB handle the pressure? Ken Dorsey couldn't in 2000, so there is definitely precedence. I think U-Dub wins and it's by double digits.

Waldini: I picked against you last week Ty, I wont make the same mistake again. I thought Wells was supposed to be the 2nd coming of Eddie George at OSU. That offense struggled against a not on the same level as Appalachian St team called Akron. That's all I need to know. HUSKERS

Da Realist: I hope the Huskies can find a way to win this game and officially throw dirt on the corpse of the Big Ten this year. and oh boy would he stick a big "f you" in the faces of all Notre Dame fans. I just don't see it happening. OSU.


ND vs Mich

Gangsta D: The most hyped game between two winless teams in the history of hyped games. Ryan Mallet versus Jimmy Clausen. Let's just say that the running game is gonna be very important on Saturday. Edge goes to Mich and Mike hart, who is the only Wolverine who seems to be playing to potential. Lord Weis loses his FIFTH in a row, hopefully by 20+ points.

Waldini: The hate in me wants me to go w/Mich but losing Henne is huge. I saw Mallet in mop up duty last week. He's got a cannon but he doesnt have that accuracy down yet. Mike Hart can only do so much see App St game. But Clausen didnt exactly drum up memories of Montana or Theisman either. And that offense is atrocious. Gimme Mich in the Donut Bowl

Da Realist: Michigan has some athletes, but they are slow. Notre Dame doesn't have athletes. Michigan has trouble with speed and mobile quarterbacks, neither of which Notre Dame has. UM


BC vs G-Tech

Gangsta D: I'm sold on Matt Ryan. Dude just puts up numbers. We know he's good. But we don't know if Tech is any good. Throttling ND and Samford doesn't really tell me a whole lot. Their running game is good, as Tashard Choice is a proven commodity. But Taylor Bennet didn't impress me at ND. Plus, we don't know if Tech's secondary is any good because the Irish passing game is pretty nonexistent. Normally I would go with the home team, but I'm getting darkhorse Heisman vibes from matt Ryan. Well see if he turns into Carson Palmer or Kyle Orton. BC in a squeaker.

Waldini: You have the ACC Preseason Player of the year (Matt Ryan) vs the 2006 ACC Rushing Leader (Tashard Choice). Choice has a huge chip on his shoulder (he didnt like being on 2nd team last year) and they're playing in Atlanta. I'm going w/G. Tech, I just think they are going to do some things in the ACC this year.

Da Realist: I like that Georgia Tech defense. I'm not sure how good Boston College really is but I know they are historically big but slow. i think Matt Ryan will find his ass on the ground more and more often as the game wears on. GT.


ARK vs Bama

Gangsta D: All I know about Bama is that Gil's cousin plays for them, and he's pretty fast. All I know about Arkansas is that McFadden and Jones are REALLY fast. The Hogs have zero passing game, but with those two, do you really need one? The Tide hasn't faced a running combo like McFadden-Jones so I have no idea if they're up for the challenge. Even though Saban may have something up his sleeve, the Hogs pull it out.

Waldini: Saban's a genius, a revolutionary, an offensive wunderkind, a relentless recruiter, and a quitter :-). You said it Gangsta Fadden and Jones is a lethal 1-2 punch (only WVA's Slaton and Devine, and Clemson's Spiller and Davis come close to matching that power & speed). And it's in Fayetteville. Arkansas goes ape shit on Sat.

Da Realist: As great as Arkansas's running game is, you can't bring a one-dimensional offense on the road and expect to win. The Hogs are relying on Casey Dick to make some big plays on the road in Nick Saban's home opener (because you know the tide will stack the line). i hope i'm wrong, but... ALABAMA


UT vs UF

Gangsta D: It's hard for me to keep the bile from overtaking my mouth. There's a pain in my stomach that's gotta be worst than contractions. I'm actually going to pick the Floriduh Gaytors. Blechh! I'm gonna go wash my mouth out now.

Waldini: Do I even need to explain why Tenn is my pick?

Da Realist: Another prediction of which i hope i'm wrong, but Tennessee doesn't look that good. I fell asleep watching last week. Where is the explosiveness? Where is the athletic offensive line phil is known for? Love em or HATE em, Florida has athletes. Lots of them. I hope UT can somehow knock UF on its butt at the swamp, but i can't pick em. UF

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