BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Yes.....I've skipped the bowl season.  Lets get serious, there are WAY too many bowl games that are played each year.  I understand that the bowls are a reward for a fine regular season but SIX (6) wins to become bowl eligible ?  That is a joke !  If you don't win at least 7 or 8 games, the only bowling you should be doing is at your local BOWLING ALLEY ! 

THE LINE:  Alabama.....5 1/2.....Texas
EXTRA POINTS:  After viewing each teams conference championship games, it would be easy to surmise a blowout victory for Alabama over the Longhorns.  Bama' took apart the defending national champion Florida Gators with a suffocating defense, ground and pound running game and short/intermediate passing game orchrestrated by first year signal caller Greg McElroy.   The fact that McElroy is 27-0 as a starter (both high school and college) says that he is a "winner" at the highest level of competition.   As impressive as Alabama looked in the SEC Championship, Texas looked unimpressive in squeaking by a three loss Nebraska team.  If it wasn't for an out of bounds kickoff by Nebraska, there was no way Colt McCoy was going to drive the Horns' 70 yards in a minute against the Cornhuskers defense.  Texas' inhability to run the ball with any consistency hurt them in that game.  Texas will have to keep the Bama' defense honest or McCoy will be running for his life !   Both coaches have won national championships and have big game experience.  Both teams offensive and defensive coordinators are experienced and ready.  Watch out for special teams as Texas' Jordan Shipley has the ability to run back punts and kickoffs the distance, or at least set up the Longhorn offense in good field position.  Javier Arenas of Alabama is capable of doing the same thing for Bama'.  All things being equal, I like Texas in a major UPSET !    Take the Horns' and those 5 1/2 points.
PREDICTION:  TEXAS 23-ALABAMA 16

Ingram Takes Home Heisman

The Alabama Crimson Tide have a storied college football history, but never in their illustrious program have they produced a Heisman Trophy winner.  That all changed this past Saturday night as Crimson Tide running back Mark Ingram became Alabama's first Heisman winner.  Ingram narrowly edged Stanford running back Toby Gerhart by 28 votes (the closest voting in Heisman Trophy history).  Ingram and Gerhart were followed by Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and Florida quarterback and former Heisman winner, Tim Tebow. 

The 212 pound Bama' sophomore rushed for a school record 1,542 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry while piling up 18 touchdowns.  Ingram sealed the deal with a supreme effort in the Tides' SEC Championship Game victory over Florida rushing for 113 yards and 3 TD's and also catching a critical screen pass and rambling 56 yards on the play.  Maybe its me, but he sure reminds me of Emmitt Smith (and not because they share the same number 22).  They have very similar running styles, not speed burner types, but excellent quickness to the hole and great balance.   If Ingram can duplicate the former Dallas Cowboys output, he's in for a stellar pro career.  

In other news, some coaching vacancies have been filled:

Turner Gill was named Head Coach of the Kansas Jayhawks taking over from embattled coach Mark Mangino.   This is an excellent hire as Gill had done a marvelous job resurecting the Buffalo program from a flatlining program to a MAC Championship in two seasons.  Gill was a candidate for the Auburn job last year before the Tigers went in the direction of Gene Chizik.  With plenty of Big-12 ties (Gill was an ALL-BIG 8 quarterback with the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the mid 80's) and excellent recruiting abilities, he should not only keep Kansas a contender in the weak Big 12 North division but battle Nebraska and Bo Pelini in the not so distant future.

CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR MY BOWL PREDICTIONS !!!!!!

Kelly Named Notre Dame Head Coach

As I orginally reported (before Weis got canned), Brian Kelly will be officially named Notre Dames 29th Head Coach this afternoon.

All of you who read this blog KNOW that I am hardly a Notre Dame fan but this hire makes me actually think, will I root for the Irish ?   I have met Brian Kelly a few times (but a long long time ago) as one of my closest friends (who reads this blog) played on the same team as Kelly at Assumption College (a small Catholic college located in Worcester, MA).  After graduating, he also coached "Fletch" as a defensive back for two seasons.  I also believe that this was the BEST choice Notre Dame could have ever made.  Randy Edsell is a solid coach who has done a great job building the Connecticut Huskies from Division 1-AA to a year in and year out bowl participant.  He just doesn't have the "personality" it takes to recruit on the national landscape. 

Kelly is a bright, engaging personality and although his offenses have been explosive wherever he has coached (be it at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan or Cincinnati) he comes from a defensive background (linebacker at Assumption and Defensive Coordinator).  He understands that offenses sell tickets and defenses ultimately win championships.  He has done wonders with a Cincinnati Bearcats team that was an AFTERTHOUGHT in regards to the college football world prior to his arrival.  Back to back BCS games for Cincinnati ?   It had never happened before and it will never happen again.  I don't think I can ever truly become a Notre Dame fan, but I appreciate Brian Kelly far too much to be a Notre Dame hater (except when they play either my Washington Huskies or my adopted team, the L.S.U. Bengal Tigers).

For all of you who think he'll be lucky to win six games next season, think again !   Notre Dame has a very soft schedule and based on Kelly's coaching ability, those losses to U.S.C. and Navy will soon become a distant memory.  He will keep a lot of those recruits committed to the Irish and bring along some much  needed defensive talent.  It is crucial however that he takes with him Jeff Quinn (offensive coordinator at Cincinnati) as Quinn has been with Kelly for the past 23 years.  Quinn will coach the Bearcats in the Sugar Bowl against Florida, then probably bolt for South Bend unless the head job is offered to him.   Don't be shocked if Grand Valley States head coach Chuck Martin leaves for the D-Coordinators position with Notre Dame.  He is a Kelly guy and is an EXCELLENT defensive mind. 

I'm predicting here, that Notre Dame will win at least 8, possibly 9 games next year and bring the excitement back to South Bend that it has been so lacking. 

Good luck Coach Kelly, lets show the nation what a Boston boy can do !

Championship Week (November 5, 2009)

Here we go, better late than never !   To everyone, I apologize as I did not have a blog earlier.   I'm just now getting over my Baton Rouge hangover !   TO ANYONE that is a fan of college football OR football in general....you have to go to an L.S.U. Tigers game at "Death Valley".  The most amazing experience I've ever had at a football game !

ALL LINES SET BY: World Features Syndicate, Inc.

MY SELECTIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN BLUE

THE LINE:  Cincinnati.....2 1/2.....AT PITTSBURGH
EXTRA POINTS:  Okay....the Bearcats are ranked 5th in the country, undefeated, have the most prolific offense in the country, have not ONE but TWO proven quarterbacks that can beat you, a record breaking wide receiver who can return kicks and punts...all this AND they are underdogs ?  There has to be a reason.  Pitt has the "X" factor....Dion Lewis.  He could well be the BEST freshman running back (with apologies to LaMichael James).  The Bearcats defense has faltered in recent weeks, especially the run defense.  Pitt has the best pass rush in the Big East and they lead the nation with 43 sacks.  Look for end Greg Romulus to have a big game. Looks like SNOW and COLD which will only help the Pitt defense.  Besides, Brian Kelly will be coaching Notre Dame next week !
PREDICTION:  Pittsburgh 31-Cincinnati 28

BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

THE LINE:  TEXAS.....13......NEBRASKA

EXTRA POINTS:  The Longhorns will NOT lose this game BUT the Huskers defense will keep it close.  The one thing that could keep Nebraska in the game is special teams and that HUGE defensive tackle SUH !

Colt McCoy will need to use his legs in this one as I don't think he'll have all day to throw.  I like Texas to go to the BCS Championship game.

PREDICTION:  Texas 22-Nebraska 13

ACC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

THE LINE:  GEORGIA TECH.....1.....CLEMSON

EXTRA POINTS:  The weather down in Tampa is supposed to be stormy so the running games should be paramount in this contest.  Both teams coming off dissapointing "rivalry" games against SEC opponents last week.  They may have been looking ahead to this matchup.  C.J. Spiller is as dangerous a player as there is in the country...watch out for his return ability, especially on kick offs.  Josh Nesbitt has run the triple option attach to perfection (with the exception of last weeks game against Georgia).  With bad weather, I like the Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech to run on Clemson, but this one will be close.

PREDICTION:  Georgia Tech 29-Clemson 24

CONFERENCE USA CHAMPIONSHIP

"WHO FRIGIN' CARES" ??????????????????????

Look for Case Keenum to throw for lots of yards !

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

THE LINE:  FLORIDA.....5 1/2.....ALABAMA

EXTRA POINTS:  Tim Tebow's final SEC game.....his third champioship game in four years.  A great college career.  All that being said, I believe Nick Saban will "outcoach" Urban Meyer (not an easy thing to do).  I love Javier Arenas and his ability to run back punts....this should be key for setting up good field position against a stingy Gators defense.  In the end, I don't think this will come down to the quarterback play (a decided edge for Tebow).   Tide quarterback McElroy grew up last week against Auburn driving Bama' 70 for the winning score.  I just like the secondary of Alabama to lock down the Florida receiving threats....Alabama HAS Julio Jones......Florida doesn't.    The Gators missing Carlos Dunlap will not help Florida's cause to disrupt the passing game of the Tide.   Either way, it's going to be a "barn burner".....but I have to go with the Alabama Crimson Tide to pull off the "mild" upset and extract revenge for a spot in the 2010 BCS Championship Game against Texas.

PRECITION:  Alabama 26-Florida 20

THE LINE:  California.....7......AT WASHINGTON

EXTRA POINTS:  Jahvid Best will not play due to concussion symptoms.  This could be Huskies quarterback Jake Lockers final game (I HOPE NOT !).  He will most likely be a first round selection, but would benefit from another year under a Steve Sarkisian coached offense.   Washington has played some very good football and some very bad football....classic inconsistency.  This week they pull off the upset and play emotional (if they can stop making stupid penalties).  Watch out for freshman running back Chris Polk....1,015 and 7 TD's so far this season.

PRECITION:  Washington 34-California 30

Weis Out At Notre Dame, Bowden Uncertain

It's official, Notre Dame has fired Head Coach Charlie Weis.   Twenty three losses in three years just didn't get it done in South Bend.   I had the Irish winning 9 or 10 games this year, especially with the soft schedule and seven home games.   Finishing 6-6 is just mediocre.  Notre Dame has had three consecutive recruiting classes ranked in the top 5.   He just couldn't get it done.  All of you who read my blog KNOW that I have no "like" for Notre Dame.  Still, it is a VERY good job....25 million dollar facilities, their own television network (NBC or the Notre Dame Broadcasting Company) and a national recruiting base.  Forget all these so called "academic requirements"....if they have all these academic issues recruiting players why have they finished in the RIVALS top 10 six years in a row ?  Lets not feel bad for Weis, he has an 18 million buy out deal and will land with and N.F.L. team next year (Kansas City Chiefs would be my bet).

Here are the top candidates that I think Notre Dame will consider:

1. Urban Meyer-     I think this would be the "dream" for Notre Dame but I don't see the Gators letting Meyer go that easily.  It could cost Notre Dame alot of money !  Meyer has previously stated that Notre Dame is his "dream job"...but based on his recent recruiting (top notch) this is a long shot.  But, Tim Tebow is leaving and why not leave on top with another possible BCS Championship (if they can beat Alabama in the SEC Championship Game). 
2. Bob Stoops-       A midwestern Catholic kid with excellent recruiting ties to football rich Texas and the midwest, this would be a very good hire.  Coming off a dissapointing 7-5 season (mostly due to player injuries), Stoops has been at Oklahoma for 10 years now and might think a change of scenery would re-energize him.
3. Brian Kelly-        The BEST and most LOGICAL choice.   He was won EVERYWHERE he has coached (Grand Valley St., Central Michigan) and look what he has done at Cincinnati.  He has the Bearcats on the verge on a second straight BCS game, Big East Championship and possible BCS Championship game (depending on outcomes from Florida, Alabama and Texas in their conference championship games).  He runs a dynamic offense, understands defense (a former linebacker at Assumption College and defensive coordinator with Grand Valley St.) and has that "charisma" factor that could stock Notre Dame with top notch recruits on BOTH sides of the ball and the alumni would love him. 

Other possible candidates would be Gary Patterson at T.C.U.   Patterson has done a marvelous job resurecting the T.C.U. program and is a very balanced coach (offense and defense). 

Jon Gruden always gets headlines but I don't like a former PRO coach running the ship for Notre Dame.  Jim Harbaugh would be a decent fit.  Another midwestern guy who can recruit at good academic institutions (Stanford).

All being said, "IF" Notre Dame settles for anyone else other than those on the above list, they will settle for less and be in the same qaundry five years from now and another Charlie Weis moment. 

Week 12 Picks & Predictions (November 26, 27, 28)

Last Week 7-7
Lock of the Week- 6-4

I may have gone 7-7 last week but I NAILED the Mississippi-L.S.U. game to the exact score !   25-23 and took L.S.U. as the dawg.

More traditional rivalries this week....lets go !

All Lines Set By: World Features Syndicate Inc.

My picks are bolded in BLUE

THE LINE:  Texas.....21......AT TEXAS A&M
EXTRA POINTS:  116th game of this traditional Thanksgiving rivalry.  Texas is assured of a berth in the Big 12 Championship game, BUT a loss here "could" derail their BCS Championship hopes.  I like Texas to win it but 21 points is an awful lot in a rivalry game !
PREDICTION:  Texas 34-Texas A&M 20

THE LINE:  Alabama.....10.....AT AUBURN
EXTRA POINTS:  Bama' will be playing Florida in the SEC Championship game.  The question is, will they overlook this game as even if they lose this against Auburn and win in the SEC Championship game, they will be assured of a spot in the BCS title game.   The answer....NO !   Saban will not let it happen !
PREDICTION:  Alabama 37-Auburn 17

UPSET OF THE WEEK

THE LINE:  AT BOISE ST.....13 1/2......Nevada
EXTRA POINTS:  Nevada comes in winning 8 straight !  They have three 1,000 yard rushers in the backfield !  Last time they played on the blue turf, they took Boise St. to 4 overtimes.  Boise St. has stayed unbeaten but played in some too close for comfort ballgames.   I like the Wolfpack of Nevada to SHOCK the state of Idaho !  
PREDICTION:  Nevada 30-Boise St. 27




THE LINE:  Pittsburgh.....E.....AT WEST VIRGINIA
EXTRA POINTS:  As much as it would mean for the Big East to have a one loss Pitt team playing and undefeated Cincinnati team next week for the Big East Title, I like the Mountaneers to win this years "Backyard Brawl".  This game this year means everything to West Virginia.  Pitt still has a shot at the Orange Bowl next week.
PREDICTION:  West Virginia 29-Pittsburgh 23

THE LINE:  AT CINCINNATI.....21.....Illinois
EXTRA POINTS:  Another HUGE upset pick as I believe the Bearcats are feeling the pressure of being a top 5 team.  That, coupled with all the rumors of Brian Kelly going to Notre Dame will be too much against a very underachieving Illini team.  This week, Illinois plays like an 8 win team they should be and Cincinnati struggles in Tony Pikes return.
EXTRA POINTS:  Illinois 38-Cincinnati 34

THE LINE:  AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN.....13.....Northern Illinois
EXTRA POINTS:  If those of you like Tim Tebow, check out Dan Lefevour....I know you won't believe this but I contend that he is BETTER than Tebow !  11,656  passing yards (4th all time) 92 TD's, 2,802 rushing yards and another 45 TD's on the ground !   His last home game should be somthing to watch !
PREDICTION:  Central Michigan 45-Northern Illinois 30

THE LINE:  AT BOSTON COLLEGE.....6.....Maryland
EXTRA POINTS:  Maryland gave a spirited effort in losing to Florida St. last week.  B.C. fell flat on their faces at home against North Carolina.   This week, the Eagles soar !
PREDICTION:  Boston College 23-Maryland 12

THE LINE:  AT USC.....13.....UCLA
EXTRA POINTS:  I think the person setting this line has been drinking too much egg nogg and it's not even Christmas !  The Bruins are trending upward and the Trojans have been deplorable !   Barkley has hit the freshman wall and the defense is vastly overated (especially safety Taylor Mays).
PREDICTION:  UCLA 26-USC 23

THE LINE:  AT WASHINGTON.....14.....Washington St.
EXTRA POINTS:  The Huskies should run and pass all over the Cougars in the annual "Apple Cup" game.  Look for Jake Locker to have a HUGE game through the air and running as the Huskies win their 4th game of the year.
PREDICTION:  Washington 40-Washington St. 17

MARQUEE MATCHUP OF THE WEEK

THE LINE:  AT L.S.U....3.....Arkansas
EXTRA POINTS:   Why is this the Marquee Matchup of the Week ?  Because yours truly will be reporting LIVE from Baton Rouge !   I leave for New Orleans tomorrow and make the 58 mile drive to Tiger Country on Saturday morning.  Five hours of tailgaiting, I'm wondering if I'll be in any condition to watch the game ?  Ryan Mallett is playing like the BEST quarterback in the SEC (sorry Tim Tebow).  Unfortunately, the Tigers will pressure him into some mistakes and hopefully the Tiger offense gets going in the right direction after last weeks clock mismanagement meltdown !
PREDICTION:  L.S.U. 37-Arkansas 31

THE LINE:  Miami.....5 1/2....AT SOUTH FLORIDA
EXTRA POINTS:  The Bulls shocked Florida St. earlier, can they do the same to Miami ?  I don't think so...I like the Hurricanes to win it by a touchdown and Jacory Harris to finally find the golden touch that has been missing the past few weeks.
PREDICTION:  Miami 31-South Florida 24

LOCK OF THE WEEK

THE LINE:  AT OKLAHOMA 9 1/2.....Oklahoma St.
EXTRA POINTS:  The Sooners by 9 1/2 ?   C'mon, the is the "Bedlam Game" and there is NOWAY Coach Stoops is going to have his Sooners firing on all cylindars !   Not sure if Cowboy QB Zac Robinson will play, but his backup Brandon Weeden played well in leading the Pokes to a comeback win over Colorado last week.
PREDICTION:  Oklahoma 36-Oklahoma St. 30



THE LINE:  AT GEORGIA TECH.....7.....Georgia
EXTRA POINTS:  Remember last year ?   The Yellowjackets run up 410 yards rushing...they might have more this year !  Georgia has been in a word, DISSAPOINTING !   Tech also gears up for the ACC Title game against Clemson next week.
PREDICTION:  Georgia Tech 40-Georgia 27

THE LINE:  Clemson.....3.....AT SOUTH CAROLINA
EXTRA POINTS:  Clemson is already assured a spot in next weeks ACC Title Game.  Another huge rivalry game and I like the South Carolina defense to win this. 
PREDICTION:  South Carolina 28-Clemson 23

THE LINE:  AT STANFORD.....10.....Notre Dame
EXTRA POINTS:  If Notre Dame does bring back Charlie, they are not as smart as they think they are.  Then again, they did give Weis a 10 year contract extension after his second year ?   Touchdown Jesus has now been replaced by Field Goal Jesus.   Stanford coming off a dissapointing loss to California last week.  The Irish are floundering.  Hey, I heard Jimmy Clausen got into a late night fight (at 2:30 a.m.) in a restaurant off campus ?  What establishmen is open that late ?  Oh yeah....Clausen feared no better than Miguel Cotto (see Manny Pacquio).
PREDICTION:  Stanford 38-Notre Dame 36

Week 11 Picks & Predictions (November 21, 2009)

Last Week: 8-6
Lock of The Week: 6-3

Down the stretch they come !   We're almost at the finish line for another season of college football.  Incredible how quickly the season has progressed.  Some traditional rivalries on the horizon as well as conference championships. 

Time for Week 11.............
ALL LINES SET BY:  World Features Syndicate, Inc.
My Picks are bolded in BLUE

THE LINE:  AT BOSTON COLLEGE.....3 1/2.....North Carolina
EXTRA POINTS:  This is a serious head scratcher.  It's that famous horror flick, Doctor Jekyll & Mister Hyde, which team will be which this week ?  I guess I'll take the home team to win it in overtime.
PREDICTION:  Boston College 26-North Carolina 20

THE LINE:  Oregon.....6.....AT ARIZONA
EXTRA POINTS:  If the Ducks can win out they will be in the Rose Bowl.  If Arizona wins out they "might" have a shot.  A very competitive game but I just like the Ducks offense a little better than Mike Stoops defense.
PREDICTION:  Oregon 33-Arizona 24

THE LINE:  AT MISSISSIPPI.....4.....L.S.U.
EXTRA POINTS:  How is L.S.U. a 4 point underdog ?  Aren't they ranked 9th in the country ?  Isn't Ole' Miss struggling and QB Jevan Snead inconsistent ?  All being said, I like L.S.U. to play a VERY close game and try to control exciting all everything Dexter McCluster.  I like Ole' Miss but closer than 4.
PREDICTION:  Mississippi 25-L.S.U. 23

THE LINE:  Rutgers.....8.....AT SYRACUSE
EXTRA POINTS:  This one should be the easiest pick of them all !  Sorry Renee, your Orange might be in a neck and neck race with Washington St. for worst team of the year.   Look out for Rugters freshman QB Tom Savage..he is going to be a really good one !
PREDICTION:  Rutgers 34-Syracuse 20

LOCK OF THE WEEK

THE LINE:  AT NOTRE DAME.....6.....Connecticut
EXTRA POINTS:  Charlie is in trouble.  I have picked the Irish and they have won for me (losing their games but covering !).  This week the wide receiver duo of Golden Tate and Michael Floyd light up the Huskies secondary.  "IF" by chance Notre Dame loses this game, Weis will be on life support...please see below !!!!
PREDICTION:  37-Connecticut 17

THE LINE:  AT SOUTH FLORIDA.....11 1/2.....Louisville
EXTRA POINTS:  If this were the Rick Pittino led Cardinals...I'd have Louisville in a rout...unfortunately, it's football.  South Florida has slipped badly after reaching Top 15 status.  They take out their frustrations on the Cards.
PREDICTION:  South Florida 36-Louisville 17

THE LINE:  AT NEBRASKA.....16 1/2.....Kansas St.
EXTRA POINTS:  If the Huskers win this one, they clinch the Big 12 North.  If Kansas St. wins this one they become bowl eligible.  16 1/2 is a lot of points !   I like Nebraska to win it outright but closer than the spread.
PREDICTION:  Nebraska 34-Kansas St. 23

THE LINE:  T.C.U.....31 1/2.....at Wyoming
EXTRA POINTS:  Now I'm not saying that the Cowboys are going to shock the college football world BUT they will keep it close for a half.  Remember, this is the same Wyoming team that trailed the Texas Longhorns 13-10 at halftime !   The Horned Frogs will pull away in the second half, but 31 1/2 points ????
PREDICTION:  T.C.U. 40-Wyoming 14

THE LINE:  AT IOWA.....10....Minnesota
EXTRA POINTS:  The Hawkeyes did show some guts last week playing Ohio St. into overtime before coming up short.  James Vandenberg will be a better QB than Ricky Stanzi....he should be able to get Iowa over the hump against slumping Minnesota.
PREDICTION:  Iowa 29-Minnesota 13

THE LINE:  Ohio St.....12.....AT MICHIGAN
EXTRA POINTS:  This is touted as being the biggest rivalry game in the country.   Not much  of one lately as Jim Tressel has beaten the Wolverines 7 out of 8 times !   With the way the teams are trending, I just don't see it being that close.  But, it wouldn't shock me to see the Wolverines in it !
PREDICTION:  Ohio St. 35-Michigan 20

THE LINE:  AT FLORIDA ST.....19.....Maryland
EXTRA POINTS:  What am I drinking ?   I'm actually thinking of picking Florida St. ?   That only means ONE thing...Maryland is terrible !  The Terps and playing like Twerps !   Check out E.J. Manuel....the freshman QB of the Noles'...he has a gun and can run !
PREDICTON:  Florida St. 43-Maryland 17

THE LINE:  AT GEORGIA.....9.....Kentucky
EXTRA POINTS:  The Bulldogs have played their way to a 6-4 record..which only means they have played sub par football.  When Mark Richt can find a quarterback, the Dawgs will be back.  Unfortunately that won't be till next year.   That being said, the overall talent for Georgia HAS to finally take effect !
PREDICTION:  Georgia 27-Kentucky 17

THE LINE:  AT B.Y.U.....10....Air Force
EXTRA POINTS:  The Cougars have been dissapointing considering their opening week upset win over Oklahoma.  They got blown out by T.C.U. and the Falcons will give them problems, especially on the ground.  Max Hall to pass on Air Force and win it by 2 touchdowns.
PREDICTION:  B.Y.U. 38-Air Force 24


MARQUEE MATCHUP OF THE WEEK and UPSET SPECIAL

THE LINE:  AT STANFORD.....7.....California
EXTRA POINTS:  "The Game"..another classic rivalry.  Anyone remember the "band" play ?  It's only been replayed 1,000 times !  Okay, Stanford coming off a HUGE win over USC.  Letdown city....I like the Bears to upset Stanford and give Oregon a clear path to the Rose Bowl (if the Ducks can take care of business).
PREDICTION:  California  37-Stanford 34