STUDY HALL, WEEK EIGHT (no really, this one is right)

Right now, it's all about the O.

We are at the fourth week of October, which means for the most part that we know what teams are going to be there at the beginning of December as national title hopefuls, and which ones are just going to be secondary stories. Oregon looked normal (read:great) last night dismantling a UCLA team with a offense that has turned anemic ever since they left Austin with a win. I have a feeling the Ducks would be at the very minimum a 10-12 point fave over anyone in America on a neutral field for a bowl game. Maybe Boise, Oklahoma, or TCU would be single digits, but you can't say that with Darron Thomas and LeMichael James in that offense that you can slow them down that much. The defense... eh, we'll reserve judgement till they play a game where the offense is stymied (and that doesn't count against Wazzu, the Cougars are awful). Now, onto the games for Saturday. Instead of featuring several games at can't miss matchups, I'm going to bullet point all the games, because in all honesty there are a lot of games that you shouldn't miss. We're going from early to late. Any starting times will be Eastern.

THE GAMES:

#7 Michigan State at Northwestern - Kirk Cousins should have a great day vs the Wildcats. They're getting closer in Evansville, but they still need to find a offense.

Purdue at #10 Ohio State- Worst game of the season last week for the Buckeye offense. Purdue shouldn't be a tough opponent to get healthy against... shouldn't is the key word. If Pryor stinks at all this game, I'd start to question how injured he actually is.

Iowa State at #19 Texas - The Cyclones can move the ball on offense. Unfortunately, the Defense moves too... backwards. If Garrett Gilbert doesnt' score more than 30-34 this game, major issues should come up. Then again, the press there will sugarcoat it just like everything else.

Notre Dame at Navy (in Baltimore) - People are telling the world how Notre Dame should blow Navy out of the water. I don't think that's going to happen here, for some reason this team likes to keep the game closer than it should be. Navy will wear this defense out, but the kicker has been how much Navy has passed for per attempt in the last few years vs. the Irish (number is staggering, like 18-20 yards per pass). Notre Dame, but not by much.

Mississippi at #23 Arkansas - Between the loss last week after Ryan Mallett went out, the failure of the D to keep Auburn under 60 (stellar SEC defenses, right?), and the scathing and truthful comments from Cincinatti Bengals' DC Mike Zimmer (who doesn't say anything mean about anyone), Bobby Petrino needs this game badly to stave off the vultures all of a sudden. A loss here, and you can warm up the bus for Shreveport for them. While for Ole Miss, the reverend Nutt has actually had a decent looking team lately since Jeremiah Masoli has started to blossom. I think that, if Mallett is healthy and ready to go, this game shouldnt' be close. However, if Arkansas loses or looks bad winning, expect the boobirds to rain down on this field.

#6 LSU at #4 Auburn - The GAME OF THE CENTURY OF THE WEEK in the SEC is a pretty damn good one, and one that will give the winner the upper hand on their way to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. This will be the best D that Cam Newton and the espresso-puppy offense that Malzhan will face. Auburn will get their points, and will be stopped at times. However, the game still falls on the maddening yet efficent when their backs against the wall offense that Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee are allowed to manage. If this game is close at the end, remember the horseshoe that Les Miles seems to have shoved up his ass. It's not like Auburn stopped Arkansas last week, they just happened to outscore them. I wanna say Auburn, but this is LSU.

#13 Wisconsin at #15 Iowa - This is a very interesting game in the B10 this week, with the way Wisconsin slapped then -#1 tOSU last week, and how Iowa has seemed to be the most consistant team in the conference this year. If you watch it, it will be a very boring game in that both offenses just control the ball and won't give you anything to take advantage of. I say Iowa only because I feel that Wisconsin will be coming down from the beating of the Buckeyes, and for some reason the Hawkeyes are a much different team in Kinnick.

#16 Nebraska at #14 Oklahoma State - No way did I expect that Taylor Martinez would struggle that much against the UT defense. Then again, there was four drops by Nebraska's receivers that would have changed the game. They go to Stillwater where the Cowboy offense has been unstoppable really. This is a large test for Dana Holgorson's passing offense, going against the top pass efficency team in America in the Blackshirts. Kendrell Hunter will be the X factor here, because he will be asked to carry the ball a lot against a running defense that is good but not as good as they were last year. The saving grace for Nebraska is that they will be able to score against this defense. After last weeks game, Bo will have his team's attention. Think Nebraska by about 10 points here.

#22 Kansas State at Baylor - This game is going to be an upset. Kansas State has had a lot of issues against mobile quarterbacks, and Robert Griffin III is as mobile as they come. There's a lot on the line for Baylor. At home, bowl eligibility with a win... no way do they come out slacking on emotions. Kansas State tends to come out flat in these games. Baylor by 2 touchdowns and they tear down the goalposts after the game.

#8 Alabama at Tennessee - The Tide got healthy last week against Mississippi, and go into Neyland to go against a team that is just struggling to find itself. Tennessee's D isn't very good, but their Offense actually seems to do well against teams that have great defenses. Alabama should run for 400 plus on this team. It won't be close.

#1 Oklahoma at #11 Missouri - College Gameday rolls into Columbia for the first time ever as this Saturday night tussle will pit undefeated teams. Missouri's offense is just as good as normal, however they can't run the ball. Missouri's defense, while ranked pretty highly and very good, hasn't been faced by anyone. Oklahoma has found a great offense all of a sudden, and plays pass defense pretty well. The determining factor, however, is all mental. Like Texas being in Nebraska's head, Oklahoma is in Gary Pinkel's head. Bad. OU will win a game that, while is close the whole night, won't be a real contest.

Washington at #18 Arizona - Remember about three weeks ago when everyone was telling you how Arizona was CLEARLY the Pac 10 frontrunners and should easily win the title? I guess that was before people realized how good Oregon was and how phony Arizona looks. Jake Locker and Sark come to town and have a pretty good vibe going after beating Oregon State. With no Nick Foles to throw, I think Washington wins this game and sends Arizona out of the top 25 for the year.


THE FOOD AND DRINK OPTIONS

Some of you are begging for comfort foods for your Saturday. I'm more than willing to oblige, as long as it goes Southern with just a little bit of butter, y'all.....

Barbeque Meatloaf
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Ingredients:
•1 1/2 pounds ground beef
•1 cup fresh bread crumbs
•1 onion, diced
•1 egg, lightly beaten
•1 1/2 teaspoons salt
•1/2 teaspoon pepper
•2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
•3 tablespoons vinegar
•3 tablespoons brown sugar
•2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
•2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
•1/2 cup water, to thin sauce if necessary
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix together the beef, bread crumbs, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce. Form this mixture into a loaf and place it in a shallow pan. Stir together the remaining tomato sauce, vinegar, sugar, mustard, Worcestershire and the water (if too thick). Pour this sauce over the meatloaf. Bake for 1 hour, basting every 15 minutes with the pan juices.

Cook's Note: Try serving as a sandwich with mayonnaise

Oh yes we will Paula.... we will... Beverage? Guiness stout. With meatloaf, you can't do no wrong.

Ball is in your court, Cam

THE HEISMAN FRONTRUNNERS:

Cam Newton - He can either go a long way or spin down quickly with this week vs. a good LSU D.

Kellen Moore - Still keeps winning and looking good. As stable as you can get.

LaMichael James - normal great game last night, although you wonder if Darron Thomas should get some cred.

Justin Blackmon - This could be his coming out party. He's going against two NFL caliber corners this week in Prince Amukumara and Alfonso Dennard. If he can get his numbers, expect him to skyrocket.

btw... I see that ESPN still has Andrew Luck listed as a candidate. How can the third best QB in the conference be the Heisman winner, WWL?


THE COACHES COOKING ON THEIR CHAIRS:

Tim Brewster - The axe finally fell on Brewster Sunday. To me, I guess that I didn't see the problem with letting him finish the season as the head coach. However, a bonus due at the end of the season made the problem bigger. The issue with Minnesota is that, remember, they fired Glen Mason for being a coach that won 60% of his games. With a new stadium and the extra exposure that the Big 10 will get next year, Minnesota must be thinking that they will get a big time coach. Won't happen. They hired Mark Mangino as a "consultant" before the Brewster firing, expect him to get the job.

Bobby Petrino - As listed above, Petrino has a laundry list of issues all of a sudden, along with the fact that there will be life after Ryan Mallett. Makes you start to wonder if Petrino will start listening to other schools (no NFL unless Jerry calls... maybe?) about job openings. Minnesota would seem good all of a sudden, you also have possibly Texas A&M if Sherman is asked to leave, Colorado if they can find the money for Hawkins.. a lot of possibilities all of a sudden. And, if he says he isn't leaving... well, take it for what it's worth.

Dan Hawkins - Bad loss against Baylor. Just a matter of time.

Greg Schiano - His time at Rutgers has run it's course. He's done everything to get that program going, and they have shot him down along the way. 90% of any other school in America, he'd be at Nick Saban status.

Paul Wulff - Cant see him doing anything to save his job, even with a Apple Cup win.

Not bright, at all.

RANT OF THE WEEK:

Larry Scott... why are you thinking? Why make it to where a team in a BCS conference hosts their own title game? Isn't a conference title game supposed to be a fair, neutral site game where it's a reward for said teams to go to? Do you really think that, for a Arizona/Cal team that wins their division, they could be rewarded by going to Pullman or Boulder in the first week of December? Did you even think of the fans when you decided this? Of course you didn't. Was Glendale, the Rose Bowl, Oakland Coliseum, or Qualicomm Stadiums booked with Billy Graham crusades or Amway conventions? Stop the madness. Make this last one year, period.


Enjoy your weekend people... and, just because... GO RANGERS.

STUDY HALL- WEEK 7

I bet business is BOOMING today over there....

Week eight is upon us, and while we're still wondering how South Florida kept it close with the Gators earlier this year while laying a stinkbomb, we just can't believe that Auburn actually got their head coaching decision right 2 years ago when they didn't take Turner Gill. I understood that Kansas was going to take steps back with both talent and losing Mark Mangino, however there is a level of suprise in the suck that KU has this year. Turner Gill had 2 weeks to prep for that Kansas State game, and..... dear god.  Anyhow, not a whole lot of marquee games to preview, but we will trudge on with what we have. All times Eastern of course...

This kid is good and may be the SEC's best National Title contender remaining

#12 ARKANSAS vs. #7 AUBURN   3:30-CBS

This game will be the first test for Auburn and the espresso filled spread offense that Guz Malzhan uses to the hilt with Cam Newton. While at Arkansas, they need this game to not only keep any national title hopes around, but to stay from the bottom of the LOADED SEC West division (not all the way at the bottom, there is the stellar state of Mississippi). The one thing that Arkansas should and will do is make Newton have to throw it to win. Auburn can run very well however no one has made Cam throw for a win. Mallett will have a better day than he did against Texas A&M, and the Arkansas D isn't too shabby. I can't see a Auburn team play like they did last week against Kentucky and win this game. Four Star game, and I do do think Arkansas wins on the road here.

"He has the ball, run over there! What, it was on tape? What's tape?"

#15 IOWA vs MICHIGAN   3:30- ABC Regional

The very last thing that Michigan needed was to lay an egg at home against a team that was more sound fundamentaly.. and that's exactly what happened last week. As I have said before, since the defense sucks so bad in Ann Arbor (GREG ROBINSON BLOWS), this team lives and dies on the performance of Denard Robinson. However, because Robinson had one bad week, there is NO REASON WHATSOEVER to pull him for Tate Forcier, and I would LOVE to hear the reasons that people have to do that. Iowa, on the other hand, come into town off a bye week, after pasting Penn State at home. Ricky Stanzi still runs a great offense, and Adam Clayborn is due for a homewrecker week. Three stars here, and I do think Iowa wins in Ann Arbor but not by a lot. It's not that I think Denard will have another bad week, however the Wolverine D just can't suck enough.

"Why yes, I think a bowl game in San Antonio or Shreveport is just great travel for our fans."

TEXAS vs. #5 NEBRASKA  3:30-ABC Regional

The day most Husker fans have waited for is here. Red Out Around the World day was first created by the Nebraska marketing staff in June with the motto of "Wear Red, Be Loud, Beat Texas". Since then, Bo Pelini has tapered it down to show some class. Nebraska respects Texas so much in this game, and that will be the difference in this game. Texas has already said they will just keep doing what they have been doing, and that probably makes Longhorn fan cry. O.C. Greg Davis promised earlier this season they would just run the ball down people's throats, and has done everything but. Garrett Gilbert has been asked to throw every game to win it for them, and if he is asked to do this on Saturday, the all-world corners of Alfonso Dennard and Prince Amukumara will own him alive. The best chance Texas has is to just run between the guards all day, and that is the ONE thing that they have refused to do. Texas' D isn't that bad at all, in fact the secondary is pretty stout. However, Taylor Martinez and his two buddies in Rex Burkhead and Roy Helu have run all day long. Nebraska will have to be patient but will get their yards and plays on offense. Four star game here, if anything for the atmosphere and such. Nebraska should just wear out Texas here, the only way UT wins I think is if they get a offensive showing that they haven't had all year. Against the Blackshirts, probably not.

Camp Randall will be rocking Saturday night

#1 OHIO STATE vs. #18 WISCONSIN      7:00- ABC National

Tressel-ball comes into Madison for a Saturday Night game with Wisconsin. The Badgers will be their usual self with boring yet very efficent offense with Scott Tolzien and John Clay carrying the load once again. Ohio State will come in with Terrell Pryor carrying the offense. What people don't get, however, is that Ohio State is 7th in D-1 in scoring defense, averaging a crisp 13.5 points allowed per game. Three star game here, because it will seem like a snoozefest with all the running and such. Ohio State should win this one, but don't put it past Wisconsin to look better here than they did against Michigan State. The lower scoring this game is, the better Wisconsin's chances get.

Other game to keep your eyes on:

Illinois at #13 Michigan State - Do you think that the Illini's performance against Penn State got Sparty's attention? It should have.

#21 Missouri at Texas A&M - I do not get how Mizzou is a dog in this game. It will be the first test of the Tiger Defense all year, in that Jerrod Johnson is much better in College Station. Lots of scoring here, I think, think Missouri wins.

#20 Oklahoma State at Texas Tech -  Again, the ranked road team is a dog here. Oklahoma State can score on anyone, however their D has been shaky at best. Taylor Potts is just good enough here to justify a upset. If OSU makes it, they have a matchup w/ Nebraska in Stillwater next week. Classic look ahead game here.

#10 South Carolina at Kentucky - Here could be your upset special for the week. Gamecocks coming off the huge Alabama win, while Kentucky gave Auburn all they wanted and then some last week. Think it may happen here.

Mississippi State at #20 Florida - Urban and the Gators can't lose 3 in a row... can they?

#3 Boise State at San Jose State - Pay attention to this game if you can. San Jose State went to Nevada last week and gave them all sorts of fits for three quarters. With Boise needing to look impressive the rest of the way, will be interesting to see how much trouble the Broncos have.

#24 Oregon State at Washington -  We told you here last week that the Beavers were going to take down a overrated Arizona team, and we also feel confident about this game with them too. Jake Locker isn't 100% and their D isn't great either.


FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPTIONS FOR THE WEEKEND.

This sounds like the weekend to fire up the smoker and get some brisket done, don't you agree?

Smoked BBQ Brisket
Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay

Ingredients:
•1/2 cup ancho chili powder
•2 tablespoons paprika
•1 tablespoon ground cumin
•1 tablespoon dry mustard
•1 tablespoon kosher salt
•2 teaspoons cayenne
•1 trimmed brisket with a layer of fat at least 1/4-inch thick, about 5 to 6 pounds
•Dark Beer Mop, recipe follows

Directions:
Mix together the spices in a small bowl. Rub the entire brisket with the spice mixture, place on a baking sheet, cover and let stand in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours.

Prepare the smoker according to manufacturer's directions. Place the brisket in the smoker, fat side up and smoke for 4 to 5 hours or until extremely tender. Baste with the mop every 30 minutes.


Dark Beer Mop:

•1 large red onion
•4 cloves garlic
•2 serrano chiles, chopped
•4 bottles of dark beer
•1/4 cup dark brown sugar
•2 bay leaves
•Salt and freshly ground pepper


Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan, season with salt and pepper and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.

I've made it before, it's a great thing. Keep the momentum going with your beverage this week

COACHES WHO ARE REALIZING THEY ARE DONE:

Tim Brewster - reports Friday morning said that if Minnesota loses to Purdue, then Brewster will be let go Monday. Let me get this right, if he wins and stays for a week to go against Penn State and loses, the interim HC will get welcomed to the party with a game against Ohio State? Makes no sense. Either let him go now, or announce he is gone at the end of the season.

Mark Richt - Vanderbilt comes to Athens, better win to have momentum for the Florida game.

Butch Davis -  Seems it has calmed a little in Chapel Hill, but losing to Virginia would get them fired up for all the wrong reasons again.

Paul Wulff - Washington State showed some heart against Oregon last week. With that effort, is is FEASABLE (using that lightly) that Wazzu gives Arizona everything they want in Pullman. IF and I say IF the Cougars pull off that upset, Wulff could be safe for the year.

Houston Nutt - Alabama just lost, Nick Saban is pretty pissed off, and you're the next game. God have mercy on your soul.

EYE CANDY FOR THE WEEK

Brooklyn Decker.. yep yep.

God Bless you, Andy Roddick.

FINAL BURN FOR THE WEEK:

I'm good this week folks. Nothing really frying me out.

On a special note, I will have something up either late Sunday or early Monday with the first BCS rankings and a breakdown of what I see that is good and bad.

Enjoy this weekend, everyone.

STUDY HALL- WEEK 6


The Study Hall is our weekly CFB preview BUT YOU KNOW THIS ALREADY WHY DO I BOTHER..

I'm just like Denard, but with a full team around me.

 We have finally arrived at week six of the season. Last night seemed to be a coming out party for Taylor Martinez and his rediculous straight line speed. However, we were more impressed with a Blackshirt run defense that, depending on who you read at what time, was going to be gashed by Kansas State running back Daniel Thomas. This was supposed to be the game Thomas put his name in for the Heisman and all that.... and for the second game in three weeks (Jake Locker), Nebraska's defense took that thought and scalded it with water from an electric kettle. Thomas was held to almost 100 yards under his season average, and the game was done by midway through the third quarter. Four games this week that deserve the Clipboard preview, and here we go (all listed times Eastern).

Click. Clack.

#1 ALABAMA vs. #19 SOUTH CAROLINA  3:30-CBS

This may be a much closer game than anyone wants to admit. Ballcoach Spurrier has been looking for a game that will finally get him over the hump at South Carolina, and he finally feels like he has a running game with super frosh Marcus Lattimore. While Lattimore has been tolerable through the schedule so far, he has not (and will not, sorry Florida) face a tougher run defense than he will against Alabama. If you have ever read the holy grail of defensive coaching, aka the LSU defensive playbook that Saban created, you know the very first item of goals is "We will stop the running game, and we will not allow ourselves to get beat at the line of scrimmage". To win the game, not only does Stephen Garcia need to keep on the near 70% completion percentage he has been on, the Carolina D will have to shut down the normal offensive threats of Alabama (Ingram, Richardson, Jones, McElvoy). This could be a letdown game for Alabama, but even then they should be too good over a 3 hour span to lose. Four star game here, because this should be a rematch in Atlanta in December.

Still stupid fast... still one play away from Michigan going winless the rest of the season.

#17 MICHIGAN STATE vs. #18 MICHIGAN 3:30-ABC Regional

By far, this is the toughest test that Michigan will face so far this year. Denard Robinson was absolutely stellar last week (read: NORMAL) against a decent Indiana team. The one thing I do believe however, about Michigan, is that with all the attention that Robinson is getting with his Playstation numbers, it is really hiding the fact that, for all intensive purposes, Michigan's defense under Greg Robinson is just as bad as it has been his whole existance. Ben Chappell of Indiana, who is pretty good, threw for 486 on this defense last week. How many times did Robinson have to save that defense? The Spartans have a pretty good quarterback too this year with Kirk Cousins, a serviceable running attack with Edwin Baker, and confidence after beating a pretty good Wisconsin team last week. This is also a Four Star game here, because for once, I think that Denard won't be able to do it all and save Michigan in the end. Mark Dantonio has been at practices and will be at the game in the press box for State. I do like Sparty in this game, but it will be pretty high scoring.

First coach in history with 11 wins in a season to be fired walking off the field?

#12 LSU vs. #14 FLORIDA 7:30-ESPN

Has there ever been a game that, for all intensive purposes, has a chance to go to triple overtime tied at 3-3? Both fan bases are fried at their offensive coordinators, albeit for different purposes. In Baton Rouge, fans are building up a hatred for Les Miles and Gary Crowton, with much reason. The way that LSU got divine intervention in their final minute Chinese fire drill that should have lost the game against Tennessee made most purple cajuns sick in their seats. While in Gainesville, offensive coordinator Steve Addazio has caught a lot of heat for his gameplan (or lack there of) against Alabama last week. To me, there are different reasons for both teams issues. With LSU, it seems like a total lack of trust in coaching ability and decision making. While at Florida, right now it's simply a talent issue. This game is a three and a halfer, because there will be, at some point, a period in the game (or a few) that you'll be able to put the Benny Hill music to what is going on the field. I do think that Florida should win this game, because LSU just can't score at all, it's tragic really. There have been reports that John Brantley has been hurt this week, going so far as to say that Brantley couldn't throw in practice. Jeffery Demps should take some pain away though.

Such a great thrower, and so inconsistant.

#23 FLORIDA STATE vs. #13 MIAMI FL 8:00-ABC National Mirror

Jacory Harris just drives me nuts. He really does. And I am nowhere near being a Canes fan. How can a player that is so good be so damn inconsistant blows my mind. The saving grace here is that Christian Ponder can be just as bad across the way for Florida State. Miami has actually done a very good job through what was originally thought as a tough start to the season. Florida State has also had a pretty good start also, save the debacle in Norman. The one thing that stands out to me about this game is that both teams have pretty good defenses, both averaging less than 16 points per game allowed. Something tells me that Florida State has a better chance than people think. One thing that Florida St. can do well that people don't realize is run the football (over 200 yards a game). Four star game here, very easily could be the ACC title game again in December. I think Jacory is due for a stinker, not saying he will but he's had a bad game every third-fourth game it seems in his career. Florida State by a touchdown.

OTHER GAMES OF NOTE FOR THE WEEKEND.

Indiana at #2 Ohio St.- This will be a decent test for the Buckeye D. Will also see if Tressell-ball comes out to slow the game down.

#11 Arkansas vs. Texas A&M (at Cowboys Stadium/Arlington) - Ryan Mallett could easily go for 550 against TAMU. Jerrod Johnson has to have a massive game to keep Mike Sherman off the cooker, and even then it may not matter.

Oregon State at #9 Arizona - Here's a upset special for you folks. Oregon State is way better than their woodchipper for a schedule has put out there, and I think that Arizona is your fraud in the top 10.

#10 Utah at Iowa State - Paul Rhodes gets his team up for games like this, Kyle Whittingham's team has to be focused. If they are, the game shouldn't be close. Shouldn't.

#8 Auburn at Kentucky - A lot of wannabe bookie superstars are calling for Auburn to get ambushed in Lexington. Not buying it, Cam Newton is too good.

Colorado at #24 Missouri - 20 years after the Fifth Down, these 2 teams will play. Colorado can shorten the game, but I keep thinking Mizzou should tire them out.

USC at #16 Stanford - Kiffykins, a pissed off Jim Harbaugh, at home in San Francisco... woodshed time kids.

Arizona State at Washington - If Jake Locker and Sark wanna be taken seriously, they should roll in this game. ASU is so talented yet always never finish a game for some reason.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES FOR THE WEEKEND.

Stay out of your kitchen this weekend and use your phone.

Tip me well or I will clean my car out in your driveway!!

HEISMAN HOPEFULS

Denard Robinson - Stay upright young man, you are the team

Taylor Martinez - Imagine what will happen when he can read secondaries and can throw when there are 9 in the box.

Greg McElroy - Think it's time to throw him in the mix, don't you think? Never loses and makes the correct decision 90-95% of the time. Why not?

Darron Thomas - Only is the QB of the nation's highest scoring offense.

Ryan Mallett -  Should be able to get his numbers very healthy vs. TAMU's "wrecked crew"

EYE CANDY OF THE WEEK

You could do much worse than Allison Stokke. MUCH worse.

FINAL RANT OF THE WEEKEND.

If my mouth is open, it means I'm talking out of my ass.

This is actually not College Football related...

You suck ass NHL. Not only do you not even let half of America know when your season starts (on a Thursday?), but you also have to have games in Third World European countries that MAYBE half the people in the stands that are there because you gave the tickets away know what are going on. Furthermore, you have to keep Versus with this bad cable contract. How in the hell has ESPN not gotten the NHL back yet? Furthermore, you have the most expensive game package on any cable/sattelite provider, more than MLS for god sakes! How do you make money? When I go to DirecTV (because DISH has still shart the bed with FSN), you better not gouge me for more $$ because you suck Gary Bettman. People in Canada, Kansas City, and other cities beg for your product while you convince us that the league does well in third to half filled arenas in Arizona, Nashville, Miami, and Atlanta. You have no clue to the fans voice, sir. You are the same DERP that thinks Olympic Hockey could be just as good without NHL players. Wrong again, jackass.

Have fun and keep it safe this weekend folks. Till next time.

MLB Playoff Preview

It's starting to get cooler outside. That means one thing, MLB Playoff time! In my last blog, I told you exactly why the San Fransisco Giants would win the NL West. It was seamingly the only division that didn't have someone who knew they were going to MLB's second season. Now that we have all 8 teams lined up. Lets take a good look and see who will do what.

National League

Cincinatti Reds Vs. Philladelphia Phillies

This years team that came from nowhere to win their division in the NL. Led by Joey Votto's surge to the top of the National League rankings in virtually every category. But other than Votto, I would be willing to bet that the average fan couldn't name 5 ballplayers that the Reds employ. Fortunately for you, I can. The Reds will begin the postseason with Edison Volquez, who has been slightly inconsistent this season. He missed some time with a drug suspension, and then some more time with an injury. For about the next 4 starts after his return he struggled. But after that he was very solid. He gets the nod in game 1 against the Phillies and Roy Halladay. In his career he is 2-0 with a 0.73 ERA against the Phillies. The two teams played 7 games against each other this season, with the Phillies winning 5 of the 7. Halladay did not face the Reds this season, but in his career he is 0-1. Game 2 will feature Bronson Arroyo against Roy Oswalt who the Phillies acquired from Houston just before the trade deadline. The Reds have several injuries. Orlando Cabrera and Jay Bruce both have sore muscles in their torso and are not 100% but will play. Arthur Rhodes has been bothered by a bad foot much of the year. Laynce Nix has a sprained ankle, and Jim Edmonds has an injured right achilles tendon. Halladay was 21-10 this season with 9 complete games. It was his 3rd 20+ win season. Many people will say that the Phillies should already be pencilled in to the World Series. However, lets not do that just yet, there are 3 other teams who might have something to say about that. This is the Phillies 4th straight trip to the postseason and they have the majors best record at 97-65, one game lower than the franchise best ever. Game 1 features two pitchers who have never seen the postseason before. Game 2 features two players who have World Series experience. The Reds are resilient but, the Phillies just have too much firepower. I look for Philly to take this in 4.

Atlanta Braves vs. San Fransisco Giants

Mark my words. This will be the best pitching matchup, game for game in any of the divisional series. There might not be 25 runs scored total. In my opinion, the giants have the best frontline pitching staff in the majors. I've said it before, and I'll say it now. The reason the Giants won the West was because they have the best pitching staff. The Giants don't score alot, but they defend that by starting the former two time Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum. He will face the guy with the best sinker in the game in Dereck Lowe. Lowe was 16-12 and had a less than stellar first half and came on strong as the Braves made a playoff push. Throughout the regular season the Giants threw 888 strikeouts to the braves 771. Game 2 will feature Matt Cain against Tommy Hanson. Cain was 13-11 with a 3.14 ERA and 177 strikeouts, while Hanson was 10-11 with a 3.33 ERA and 173K. Like i said in the outset. I expect this series to be very low scoring. Game 3 will be Johnathon Sanchez (13-9 3.07 205) against Atlanta ace Tim Hudson (17-9 2.83 139). The question in this series is, can the Braces survive without using their ace until game 3? The other big story about this series is it features the two players in the race for the NL Rookie of the Year. Who will come out victorious in this series? Your guess is as good as mine! To true baseball fans, this will be the best series of the DS.

American League

New York Yankees Vs. Minnesota Twins

The fact that the Yankees limped into the postseason, coupled with the fact that beside C.C. Sabathia their starting pitching is in awry really scares me for the saintity of Yankee fans. However, game 1 will be one for the ages. Fransisco Liriano (14-10 3.62 201)and winner of the 2010 AL comeback player of the year award, faces C.C. Sabathia (21-7 3.18 197) coming off of his first 20 win season and a run at the AL Cy Young award. But really after Sabathia, the Yanks are pretty scarce pitching wise. In his last start of the season, Andy Pettitte looked pretty bad.IN his last start against Boston on Saturday, Pettitte went 4 innings, gave up 9 hits, 2 walks and 3 runs. To top it off, they didn't really look like a team that wanted it. They don't at this present time have the killer instinct that they had last season. However in his last 14 ALDS games Ron Gardenhire is 2-12, and has faced the Yankees 3 times in the ALDS, lost everytime. However, this is the first time they've had home-field against them. The Yankees are a much older team than anyone else in the playoffs. As i've stated in a previous Blog post, The average age in the major leagues is 27, and the Yankees average age is 29. In the last few weeks future hall of famer Mariano Rivera has shown that he is aging as he hasn't had all of his good stuff. The 38 year old had the most blown saves (5) since 2003 when he had 6. In their last 26 games, the Yankees are 9-17. However, ESPN would have you believe that this series will be swept by the Yankees. But since you're reading this you already assumed that because you know that ESPN is the most East Coast biased company there is. The Twins were 46-42 before the all star break, and 48-26 afterwards. The Twins are on a tear. They were hoping they could get Justin Morneau back for the playoffs, but that's not going to happen. As it stands right now, I like the Twins in 4.

Texas Rangers Vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Yes, you know. I'm a Rangers homer. Always have been, always will be. That being said. The Rangers are 0-12 in the respective parks that the other AL playoff teams call home. The Rangers are 19-25 in daytime games this season and with the exception of a couple of players, they have relatively no playoff experience. But, they went out and acquired Cliff Lee for this very reason. last season he was 4-0 in 5 playoff games with 2 wins in the World Series. Much has been said about how easy it has been to run on the Rangers this season, and the Rays really like to run. That's what scares me about this series. However, since August 31 Tampa Bay starting pitchers not named David Price are 4-11 with a 5.25 ERA and game 2 starter James Shields was 0-4 with a 7.59 ERA. David Price is very good. If he wasn't he wouldn't be in the Cy Young award discussion. But after him they haven't been that great of late. Josh Hamilton was drafted by the Rays in 1999 and was poised to be in the outfield with Carl Crawford and Rocco Baldelli. Everyone knows of the problems that Hamilton had and how he found himself in Texas. I don't feel like i need to go into anymore detail about it here now. The key to Texas winning this series is Michael Young getting on base. his OBS this season was .330, if he gets on base and lets the 3 guys behind him drive him in, Texas will score a lot of runs. The Rangers decided this week that they will use 4 pitchers instead of 3. These 2 bullpens are the top 2 in the entire major leagues. It all starts in about 13 hours and I for one can not wait! I told you at the start that I am a Rangers homer, and my sunglasses might be red and blue. But, I say the Rangers win this one in 5.

STUDY HALL - WEEK FIVE

Study Hall is our weekly College Football preview.

Most boring interview in college football HE IS A MAN, HE IS 40!

Sorry for the late posting this week, however there are five great games this weekend. Watched the Oklahoma State/Texas A&M game last night, wasn't terribly impressed with either team at times last night. OSU took a long time offensively to get going, while defensively seemed bound to fail with playing a seemingly soft Cover 2 all evening. TAMU on the other hand completely forgot that running the ball was a option given to them, as Jerrod Johnson (who wasn't on my top 10 list of CFB qb's) kept doing a Chad Pennington impersonation by throwing slow pitch softballs up the field last night. Elite quarterbacks do not turn the ball over 4 times in a game. On to the weekend! (all listed times Eastern)

Great place to be this Saturday.

#21 TEXAS vs. #8 OKLAHOMA  3:30pm ABC National

The 2010 Red River Shootout lost a whole lot of luster last week when Texas took it in the teeth thanks to UCLA. However, this game as always will go a long way to deciding who will be the Big 12 South representative in the title game in December across town. Both teams come in portrayed as underacheivers, with Texas' defense giving up a lot of rushing yards, while Garrett Gilbert hasn't been very impressive to go with a running attack that was billed as great yet hasn't done anything. Oklahoma on the other hand has looked unmotivated in 3 of their 4 victories, save a fantastic effort against Florida State. Landry Jones hasn't lived up to a lot of preseason hype either, depending on a whole lot of Demarco Murray. Four star game here, just for the atmosphere and how both teams have a great crowd behind them. I can't see Texas giving up a lot of yards to Murray and winning the game. Oklahoma's defense has been alright, not great but good enough to keep people out of the end zone. If Texas can hold Murray to 120-130 yards rushing, they will have a chance because then Jones still has to prove he can make plays. Think Oklahoma wins a low scoring, mistake filled game.

This man has ONIONS.

 #11 WISCONSIN vs. #24 MICHIGAN STATE  3:30pm, ABC Regional

This game is much better than people think. Michigan State has ended up being decent enough being in the top 30 in both total offense and scoring defense in the nation. Wisconsin also has been impressive in their early season schedule, and brings a top 10 rushing attack into the game at Spartan Stadium. If you're a Big 10 guy, this is easily a four and a half star game. This game just keeps screaming John Clay to me. He already has over 500 yards rushing, and seems to be a great pick to control the tempo. Scott Tolzien is your basic vanilla Wisconsin QB that manages the game and wins it, just what Bret Bielema asks him to do. Kirk Cousins will be asked to do a lot to win this game for Sparty. With coach Mark D'Antonio in the coaches boxes after coming back from a heart attack, and being at home, Michigan State has a very good chance. The key will be making Wisconsin getting out of their comfort zone and throwing a lot, especially on first down. Just do not think Wisconsin is going to be blown away and will squeak by.

Two guys who get it done.

#7 FLORIDA vs. #1 ALABAMA  8:00pm CBS

I know these two teams have won the last few BCS titles. I know these two teams have shared the SEC title the last 3 years. This game, however, shouldn't be that close. Florida, even though they have won, has not looked very good in their games. The offense with John Brantley hasn't been great, and flat out atrocious the first 2 games. Getting the snap back in the shotgun has been a trip even. Furthermore, the one bright spot in Jeffery Demps was in a walking boot earlier this week. Alabama is at home, on a Saturday night, with a offense that gets it done with Greg McElroy, Julio Jones, Mark Ingram, and that FEROCIOUS defense. Ryan Mallett did gash them a little bit last week, but then the D tightened down hardcore and gave the offense a chance to win the game. I am just trying to figure out how Florida will win this game, and everything comes to Alabama not playing well. That isn't happening. Five star game here, and Bama should win by 2 touchdowns at home.

Loud. Very very loud.

#9 STANFORD vs. #4 OREGON  8:00pm  ABC National

Autzen Stadium will be rockin with ESPN College Gameday there in the EARLY morning, and then will be borderline crazy when the game kicks off. Andrew Luck has been touted as a Heisman candidate, and to be honest with you, I have really not seen anything that gives me the reason he should be. Dayne Crist threw for more yards last week in the Stanford/ND game, and Luck has beefed up his numbers against teams like Wake Forest and Sacramento State. Oregon, on the other hand has the highest scoring offense in D-1, averaging almost a point a minute. There will be offense in this game, however Autzen is one of the places that you have to account for playing Oregon. It seems that most teams, when down more than one score, start getting frantic and go downhill very fast. This will be a test of Jim Harbaugh and his staff to get a team that is supposed to be a Top 10 team to have some poise and get through it. Another five star game here, potentially the Pac 10 title game here. Thinking that Oregon just has too much firepower to lose here. Not that Stanford's D is that bad, but Oregon's offense is just that damn good.

I AM A REAL AMERICAN, FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS OF EVERY MAN!

#22 PENN STATE vs. #17 IOWA   8:00 ESPN

Two teams that need to get off to a great start in Big 10 play. Ricky Stanzi and Iowa try to get it back going after the loss against Arizona, while Penn State and Frosh QB Robert Bolden get it going after being embarassed by Alabama. One thing about this game: Iowa is fifth in the nation in points allowed, while Penn State is eighth. I do wish that Iowa brought back the throwbacks for this game instead of last week against Ball State, but that's just me. Penn State must play better than they did against Temple last week, and they are going to Kinnick where they lost 2 years ago on a field goal at the wire. Robert Bolden, meet Adam Clayborn. Iowa wins a low scoring affair.

This man wants a raise.

GEORGIA vs. COLORADO (may not be televised anyhow, read my rant, thank you god) FSN

This is your first one star to zero star game this year. Mark Richt needs it more than Dan Hawkins does, but don't watch unless your family is involved. Go clean the tub and toilet with your tongue, it will give you a better taste in your mouth than this will.


GAMES TO PAY ATTENTION TO:

Ohio State at Illinois: Terrell Pryor is smokin hot right now, and Zooker is in T R O U B L E.

Tennessee at LSU: Tennessee's D is good enough to make this game close. Wouldn't be shocked at the upset here, but this is LSU we're talking about.

Michigan at Indiana: Hoosiers are undefeated and at home. Be interesting to see how healthy Denard Robinson is.

Virginia Tech at North Carolina State: Hokies need this game or else the season could go south quickly.

Washington at USC: Sark and Locker have had 2 weeks for this game, while Kiffykins hates extra points.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES FOR THE WEEKEND:

My wife keeps telling me Hoagies sound good for dinner this weekend. I agree with her, quick and easy:

Steak and Cheese Hoagies
Recipe courtesy Sandra Lee

Ingredients
1 1/2 pound top round steak
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
1 teaspoon chopped rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 hoagie rolls, sliced down the middle
1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon hot sauce

Directions

Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Preheat the broiler.
Season the steak with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill the meat until it is medium-rare, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.


In a large bowl, whisk together the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, mustard, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.


Remove the steak from the grill to a cutting board, cover it with foil, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Slice the steak thinly and toss the slices in the Worcestershire sauce mixture.


Spread the rolls open and arrange on a baking sheet. Sprinkle each roll with a 1/4 cup of the cheese and put them under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 1 to 2 minutes.


In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and hot sauce. Spread the mayonnaise onto the bottom of each roll. Put a quarter of the beef into each of the rolls. (Reserve 4 pieces of beef for the Round 2 Recipe Couscous Stuffed Tomatoes). Cover with the roll tops, cut in half and serve.

Beverage for the weekend? Keep it sober folks, drink a Pepsi.

COACHES WHO BUMS ARE TOASTY:

Tim Brewster: three losses in a row in a new stadium isn't a way to keep your job, boss.

Ron Zook: enjoy Terrell Pryor running around you. Better hope it's Pryor's stinker for the year.

Mark Richt: has a way to get a feel good win against Colorado, better get it.

Dan Hawkins: lose to a underacheving Georgia team, hey they can't afford to fire you anyhow!

Mike Locksley: dude, why bother?


THE FINAL RANT:

Not popular right now, not at all.

If you have Dish Network and the extra sports tier, you woke up this morning to seeing 18 FOX channels not on the air. This is the current result of Dish and News Corp. in a pricing war. Dish Network claims that FOX took their channels off their air, however there are several FSN's still on the air, for example FSN Rocky Mountain, FSN Northwest, and FSN Pittsburgh. To Dish's credit, they are looking out for me as a subscriber as News Corp. wants to bump up their fees by over 50%, which me, the subscriber, would have to end up paying in some way in the future. However, no matter who is looking out for who, the people who lose are the subscribers who, in some instances, give up other things to have sattelite television. Personally, I'm in the last 2 months of my Dish contract, and currently pay $80/month to have what I have with no premium movie channels on my lineup (unless you consider Encore a premium channel, I sure don't). The hurtful thing is that, unless something changes very soon, the last weekend of baseball season, this whole week of College Fooball, and preseason NHL/NBA games are lost for the weekend at least to fans and people who thought they were getting them. I have no reason to go to DirecTV (and never will go back to Time Warner), but if this can't be fixed, I can't say personally I have a reason to stay. And, seeing on Twitter how many people are upset with this on the Dish Network feed (twitter.com/DishNetwork), I can't see this lasting and the company keeping subscribers. If you agree with me, please contact the President of both Fox and Dish (Dish's address is CEO@DishNetwork.com)
 
Have a great weekend, next week will be even better.