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I recently received a question dealing with Arkansas's head football coach, Houston Nutt. The question dealt with whether or not LSU pursued Mr. Nutt once Coach Saban left for Miami. The simple answer is yes. Though it's much more detailed than that. Athletic Director Skip Bertman was interested in having Coach Nutt come to Baton Rouge. LSU had an interest. Not a strong desire. Also, Houston Nutt had recently turned down the Nebraska job. To pry him away from Fayetteville would have been quite difficult. It is that simple. Bertman was more interested in pursuing other coaches such as Les Miles before seriously considering Houston Nutt as the new LSU football coach. 'Nuff said.

Saints/Jets

It's about time the Saints won another game. I was starting to get sick of watching them lose every weekend. That six game losing streak needed to end. Not a better team to end it against than the New York Jets, who like the Saints are pretty much enduring a very forgettable season. Aaron Brooks was not himself Sunday night. He didn't throw any interceptions which is not like him at all. When the team needed a score, Mr. Brooks was able to succeed to the fullest. His third touchdown of the day that gave New Orleans the lead for good, was a 30 yard strike to Devery Henderson the former LSU Tiger. I could go on about the fact that the D looked better than usual or how the offense in general wasn't plagued with as many penalties. Though, let me be honest I would be happy if the Saints won 4-2. It's just nice to see the team get a much needed win during this disastrous season. I can only continue to hope that Haslett has the team playing it's hardest each and every week. Through all the turmoil he has been able to keep the team focused and competitive. Each week the Saints come out ready to win.

LSU/Arkansas Afterthoughts

After LSU held on for a 19-17 win against Arkansas I can say I am just pleased we were able to hold on. I am still baffled by the very fact that LSU put themselves in a situation of losing to a 4-6 ball club at Death Valley. Even though he has grown so much over this past season, JaMarcus Russell still displayed that inconsistency that causes every LSU Tiger fan to lose sleep. The way JaMarcus ran the offense in the late second half was just like that of the Tennessee game. The deep ball that was picked off sent shivers down my spine as I realized the great possibility of a Razorback victory. To blame the poor performance all on Mr. Russell is absolutely bogus. It did not help that numerous passes were dropped by the wide recievers or how Justin Vincent coughed up a fumble. As unimpressive as LSU looked, Arkansas has to be given credit for the great fight they put up. The more I watch Arkansas football, the more I realize that Houston Nutt is in fact a one of a kind coach. Coach Nutt brought a Razorback team to Baton Rouge ready to pull off the upset. Despite their losing record, Houston believed he could win. Being in a state such as Arkansas, it is quite evident Houston Nutt won't be getting the top athletes of the nation as opposed to schools like Texas and USC. None the less, Coach Nutt always seems to muster together teams that give the Bayou Bengals trouble. When down 19-3, Coach Nutt was able to pull the team together and give Les Miles a run for his money. Overall LSU did not look like the SEC West Champs at all this past Friday. Yet, do not forget that they still did win. I have watched many LSU/Arkansas games in the past where Houston Nutt ruined LSU's season. Two examples would be the 14-3 loss in 2000 and the 21-20 loss in 2002. That loss in 2002 kept LSU out of the SEC Championship Game. Looking back it was a rough game to watch. Just thinking how we blew a 16 point lead still causes my stomach to become uneasy. The Tigers will be ready come Saturday in Atlanta. Unlike Georgia this coming weekend, the team seemed a little bit too relaxed going into their season finale game against Arkansas. All the players realize they are quite forunate to have escaped Friday with a win. To prove it was nothing but a fluke, LSU will come out fired up to take on the Bulldogs of Athens. I don't know who will win this SEC Championship Showdown, but I do know the Tigers will be ready.

Thanksgiving Classics

I apologize for not having updated my web site recently. I've just gotten back to Ohio. Baton Rouge to Toledo, Ohio is not a walk down the street. Especially when you spend the night at the Atlanta airport. None the less, there are some GOOD matchups on Thanksgiving for once. Don't get me wrong if there are two 1-9 teams duking it out on Turkey Day, I'll still enjoy it. It's better though when you have a maturing Detroit Lions team taking on an up and down Atlanta Falcons team. Yet, the better matchup will be the Denver Broncos at the Dallas Cowboys. It will be the first time since 1979 two first place teams have played each other on Thanksgiving Day. Because I am so late with my predictions and with all the holiday hoopla going on I only had time to predict the games taking place on Thanksgiving Day....

Atlanta Falcons @ Detriot Lions

Storyline: Atlanta is on a 2 game losing streak, and the Lions are well....the Lions. Lions need to get some consistency from Mr. Harrington. Is that going to happen? Probably not. Vick seems to be fumbling quite a lot lately. On the contrary, Vick is throwing the ball nicely. First round pick Rod White is starting to come around.

Fantasy Star: Warrick Dunn. The Lions are not good against the run. Warrick is a shifty back who can run and catch the ball out of the backfield. Expect him to get loose a number of times against the Lions.

Prediction: Is ATL really going to lose 3 straight? I think Vick and Dunn will give Mooch a handful, but I still think Detroit will win this one. Why? It's Thanksgiving and Lions always play well on Turkey Day. Besides the Falcons are not looking great now. There motivation will be down with 2 tough losses. As for Detroit, they will be fired up once again to compete on Thanksgiving.

Lions 31 Falcons 29


Denver Broncos @ Dallas Cowboys

Storyline: This will a sort of playoff game for both teams. Cowboys have surprised everyone with their impressive record. Parcells really does know how to win. The Broncos are once again rolling through the season with a good record. But for once they actually seem like they are a team capable of doing some playoff damage. Lately, Shannan's teams have just fallen apart come playoff time. (Think Indy past two years.)

Fantasy Star: Mike Anderson. He was able to hold off Tatum Bell for the starting job. Anderson had an awesome 3 touchdowns last week, but the big question is this Thursday. Can Anderson be productive on a stingy defense that knows he is in fact the man who's in charge of carrying the offense? It'll be a tough job for Mike, but something tells me he is up for the challenge.

Prediction: I think who ever is the home team is the winner in a game like this. Cowboys are really starting to take command of the NFC. Parcells wants to continue to show America that these guys are for real. Shannan will catch Parcells off guard a few times, but not enough to beat Dallas.

Cowboys 28 Broncos 23

Oh Michael We All Love You!

Did anyone hear Michael Vick's postgame comments after the Buccaneer loss? Mr. Vick was complaining about the officiating. He was disgusted how the refs seemed to be favoring the Bucs. Favoring? Please don't tell me you said favoring. How about that Saints/Falcons game earlier in the year? Now Michael do you remember how Todd Peterson missed a chance at a game winning field goal? Was it not the refs who threw a silly flag that gave your team another chance? I thought so. Don't tell me about unfair refs because the following week the Saints got hosed again during the closing minutes at St. Louis. I could not have enjoyed the way the Falcons lost anymore. Vick had a key fumble that lead to the game winning points for Tampa. To ice it off, on a last ditch effort the Falcons missed a field goal. 'Nuff said.

NFL: 11/20/05

New Orleans 2-7 @ New England 5-4

Synopsis: The Patriots got a much needed win, while the Saints got a much needed Bye week. Saints have lost every possible way this year. Changing that is going to be very tough when you are going to play in the backyard of the two time defending Super Bowl champs.

Spotlight Player: Aaron Brooks. Being Saints fan I am obviously going to have a Saints player as the guy to watch. Brooks has thrown 7 TDs and 12 INTs. I think you can pretty much say this has been a nightmare season for him. Despite this forgettable season, Brooks is still the leader on the team. A 'W' can only be a remote possibility if #2 plays well.

Prediction: I would like to think the Saints will run the tables and finish 9-7. But let's be honest, they are going against Tom Brady in Foxboro. That's like fighting a crocodile in the water. Disaster is bound to happen. And happen it will. Plus, the Saints D is too weak to stop a winner like Tom Brady.

Patriots 37 Saints 17



Detroit 4-5 @ Dallas 6-3

Synopsis: Dallas is coming in off of an amazing come from behind win against the Eagles. The Lions on the other hand are coming off one of the few games Harrington looked good. Problem is Harrington always looks good against Arizona.

Spotlight Player: Joey Harrington. Once again I am going to have to go with a QB as being the spotlight player. Harrington has lost the fans and now the coach. Mooch prefers Garcia more than Joey. Even though he's as inconsistent as Aaron Brooks, Harrington will get yet another chance to prove his critics wrong come Sunday.

Prediction: This one may seem easy, but don't think so fast. If the game where in Detroit things would be different. It's not so I am going to go with a Dallas team that is starting to look like a real sleeper in the Super Bowl race.

Cowboys 30 Lions 18



Miami 3-6 @ Cleveland 3-6

Synopsis: The Fins have lost the past two weeks because their offense couldn't punch the ball in the endzone when they had it inside their opponents 10 yard line. Miami could easily be a 5-4 ball club, but the thing of it is...they aren't. Cleveland, as suspected, is having a tough season under Coach Romeo. Though more success has occurred than anticipated. Biggest issue for the Browns is the QB situation...again.

Spotlight Player: Trent Dilfer. In Cleveland's 3 wins he's thrown 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. In 6 losses, this Fresno State graduate has thrown a horrid 3 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He's no Peyton Manning, but Trent is a heck of a leader. Browns need him to help out as much as he can both mentally and physically.

Prediction: Matching up, the Fins are a bit better than the Browns. Matching up. Though, I think all that goes out of the window when the game is in Cleveland. The Dawg Pound can be an intense play for a visiting team. Also, Dolphins will still be down after last week's loss. I don't know what he has in plan, but Romeo is going to have some trick plays to help his team jump out to an early lead.

Browns 22 Dolphins 17



Carolina 7-2 @ Chicago 6-3

Synopsis: Carolina has won 6 straight, Chicago has won 5 straight. Both teams are at the top of their divisions. Not much respect is being given to the Bears so Sunday's game against the Panthers is going to be a big measuring stick on how good this Chicago team really is.

Spotlight Player: Adrian Peterson. This is the other Mr. Peterson. Don't get him confused with the RB at Oklahoma. With Cedric Benson out, and Thomas Jones banged up, Peterson will again be getting many looks. A lot of people are thinking big things for the young man considering he busted out for a 100+ yards against the 49ers. Was it a fluke or just the tip of the iceberg?

Prediction: This is a major game for Chicago. Everyone knows the Panthers are good, but the Bears? Not so much. They have a good defense, a smart quarterback, and can run the ball. Sorry I don't see this team being able to put up enough points on a top notch Carolina defense. This loss will only add more coating to the fact that the NFC North is only average at best.

Panthers 28 Bears 16


Pittsburgh 7-2 @ Baltimore 2-7

Synopsis: When this game was scheduled this was suppose to be a late season grudge match. Though the trouble with that is Steelers have a solid offense (with Big Ben) and a furious D. The Ravens have no offense and a slipping D. Baltimore's season is only going to get worse.

Spotlight Player: Kyle Boller. I was going to put who ever was the Steelers' QB, but this is bigger. Last week was Boller's first time on the field since Week 1. He was 19/33 142 yards and 3 interceptions. Oh and the Ravens finished with an astounding 3 points.

Prediction: For a second I was thinking that maybe Boller might come out and prove his doubters wrong. Yet, when I thought about it I realized Boller has really never lived up to his expectations. Even without Big Ben the Steelers will still get more offense with their backup than the Ravens can get with their first round draft pick.

Steelers 30 Ravens 14


Tampa Bay 6-3 @ Atlanta 6-3

Synopsis: Well nothing is better than a nice second place showdown. Tampa is going off an awesome win against the Redskins. Going for two like that was so gutsy and thrilling to watch. The Falcons are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Pack. Vick had 3 fumbles and the team lost by the score of 33-25.

Spotlight Player: Chris Simms. Who is this guy? Is he that guy who's lost 2 games and has thrown 2 TDs and 4 INTs? Or maybe he's that guy who threw for 279 yards and 3 TDs? Come Sunday people are going to start to see whether this guy can really be a quarterback. One thing is for sure. If he plays like he did last week, Mr. Griese will be out of the job...again.

Prediction: The NFC South is very unpredictable. Right now the Bucs, Panthers, and Falcons are all about even. One week it looks like Carolina is the best, and the next week Atlana looks awesome. Though just when you think you understand this division BOOM! the Bucs come out and beat a good Redskins team. I like Chris Simms. When he plays you saw what he can do.

Buccaneers 34 Falcons 27


Oakland 3-6 @ Washington 5-4

Synopsis: The Oakland Raiders are on a 2 game losing streak. This team seems to keep sinking each week after that epic Kansas City loss. The Redskins are coming off a loss to the Bucs in which they lost on a late two point conversion made by Tampa.

Spotlight Player: Randy Moss. Randy Moss has not had over 100 yards receiving since Week 4. With all this Terrell Owens hoopla you don't think Moss wants to show the media who's the real WR in the league and put up some All-Pro numbers?

Prediction: Coach Gibbs has been in control of this team long enough to the point where they are starting to become an elite club. Of Washington's 4 losses, 3 of them have come by an average of just over 3 points. Oakland on the other hand is in disarray. Norv Turner's coaching career for the Raiders is starting to look like former coach Bill Callahan's last year under Al Davis.

Redskins 27 Raiders 17


Jacksonville 6-3 @ Tennessee 2-7

Synopsis: The Jaguars are coming off a win in which they scored 30 points. Until last week Jacksonville had not scored 30 points or more in over 50+ games. Jacksonville is going against a young Titans team that is still maturing. Despite this, you never know what to expect with a coach like Jeff Fisher.

Spotlight Player: Chris Brown. This powerful Tennessee running back has yet to run over 100 yards this season. Criticism seems to be on the fact that Brown seems to be injured a lot. If he does not start performing better, than Travis Henry may be the go-to guy in the future.

Prediction: Jaguars are notorious for losing those easy games. I want to think that they will slip up again, but I think Del Rio is getting this team to notice it's potiential. Titans will keep it close, but in the end the defense of Jacksonville will ultimately seal the W.

Jaguars 28 Titans 23


Arizona 2-7 @ St. Louis 4-5

Synopsis: Kurt Warner is going to face his old team. The team he achieved the award of 2 MVPs along with a Super Bowl trophy. Arizona has been a huge disappointment this year. The Rams have gone through quite a bit of struggles this season. Coach Martz is unable to aid the team, and injuries to Bulger and Hort have really hindered this once offensive juggernaut.

Spotlight Player: Arizona running backs. The Cardinal have one rushing touchdown this season. Period. The offense can not be effective if everyone knows that Warner is going to be throwing the ball 90% of the time. Marcel Shipp and J.J. Arrington have to do something against a weak Rams D or the city of Phoenix can start getting use to a 2-8 record.

Prediction: Dennis Green's dream season is more like a nightmare. The Rams offense will overwhelm the Cardinals all day. Fitzgerald will be terrific, but the score is all that will matter in the end.

Rams 38 Cardinals 20


Philadelphia 4-5 @ NY Giants 6-3

Synopsis: Wow! Where do I start? The troubles in Philly are only getting worse. McNabb is done for the year and an inexperienced Mike McMahon is the QB who is suppose to save the season. Giants played awful last week against the Vikings. Eli Manning is going to come out and make a statement that last week was an absolute fluke.

Spotlight Player: Mike McMahon. He is being thrown in one tough situation. McMahon is not a savior, but he is not expected to be one. All he needs to do is HIS part. In order to accomplish this mission he'll have to do it against a hungry, underrated Giants D.

Prediction: I think the Eagles will suprise a lot of people on their performance Sunday. McMahon will do better than expected. Giants are still going to beat them because I can assure you Coach Tom Coughlin is still aggravated after the team's poor performance against Minnesota.

Giants 33 Eagles 21


Seattle 7-2 @ San Francisco 2-7

Synopsis: The Seahawks are really starting to play like an elite team. Shaun Alexander is a touchdown machine. I can't explain it any other way. The guy lives in the endzone. He has at least 15 TDs in 5 consecutive seasons. Phenomenal. San Francisco is seems to be running out of QBs. Don't worry Ken Dorsey is here to play.

Spotlight Player: Shaun Alexander. I think this one is pretty obvious. If Shaun Alexander can be hindered from his typical days of stardom then, and only then, will the 49ers have a chance. Fat chance on that considering San Fran is last in total defense.

Prediction: Seattle is looking good right now. I mean goooood. Hasselback is doing his part and Alexander is once again tearing run defenses apart. Even though San Fran has had it's upsets this year, don't look for it Sunday. The D the 49ers have is horrendous. Some NBA teams I think give up less points than the 49ers.

Seahawks 38 49ers 17


Buffalo 4-5 @ San Diego 5-4

Synopsis: San Diego is coming off of a bye week. Maybe this team is finally going to start winning week after week. They are going against a Bills team that is great on defense, but inconsistent on offense.

Spotlight Player: J.P. Losman. Losman got his starting job back when Holcomb went down with an injury last week. He was able to get the Bills a win over the Chiefs and to be honest he looked like he had the offense in control. Earlier in the year J.P. was having lots of difficulty, but during all that time on the bench he seems to have grown a better understanding of the game.

Prediction: Buffalo has the better D, and San Diego has the better offense. In the end, the main difference will be the run defense of both teams. San Diego has the best run defense and Buffalo has the second to worst run defense. Good news for LT, bad news for MaGahee.

Chargers 35 Bills 10

NY Jets 2-7 @ Denver 7-2

Synopsis: Herman Edwards is doing his best with a team that is QB-less. The season seems to only be getting more and more chaotic. To make matters worse the Jets have to play the Broncos in Denver.

Spotlight Player: Jets Offense. The D in NY is awesome, but you need an offense to put up points. When Pennington went down so did the team's season. The RB situation is a nightmare. Curtis Martin can't seem to get anything going. He has only one game this year of over a 100 yards. The WR position isn't much better. Offseason acquisitions Laveranues Coles and Doug Jolley are struggling to get in a consistent rhythmn of being productive every week.

Prediction: I know I haven't picked many upsets if any, but come on! I mean the Jets are hopeless right now. The QB situation as I stated is pathetic. The Broncos are going to pound the ball all game. By the time the game ends, the Jets's D will be exhausted and the Broncos offense will be grinning.

Broncos 32 Jets 13


Indianapolis 9-0 @ Cincinnati 7-2

Synopsis: (Drum roll) THE GAME YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR. THE UNDEFEATED INDIANAPOLIS COLTS TRAVEL INTO CINCINNATI TO PLAY IN THE JUNGLE AGAINST THE RAGING BENGALS. IT WILL BE A GAME OF GUTS, GLORY, AND DETERMINATION.

Spotlight Player: Chad Johnson. He loves the attention of the media like T.O. He just can't help giving his 2 cents on every issue. Chad didn't predict a win, but he did predict he'd have a big day. The whole Colts D is going to be doing everything they can to stop #85. If Chad can still achieve a big day than that is what I call backing it up.

Prediction: Everyone is thinking the Bengals will be victorious. Sorry, it ain't happening. Dungy is going to have the Colts ready. It'll be close, but in the end the play of #18 will crown the Colts the winners.

Colts 30 Bengals 27


Kansas City 5-4 @ Houston 1-8

Synopsis: I am going to have to agree with the fact that this is in fact a playoff game for Kansas City. They have a gruesome remaining schedule and if they lose to the Texans than kiss your playoff hopes good bye.

Spotlight Player: David Carr. This is not what we expected. 4-12, 5-11, 7-9 to a current record of 1-8? Where they not getting better? What has happened to this organization that looked to be a potiental playoff contender this season? As the losing continues so does the scrutiny of #1 draft pick David Carr. If Carr wants to keep his starting job for next year he better play these final 7 games with absolutely everything he's got.

Prediction: Hmmm. Quite the intriguing matchup. I am pondering of what I think shall happen in this unique matchup. KC rolls over the already steamrolled Houston Texans, or Houston wins in a classic fashion and KC's season has self-destructed. I have concluded that the Chiefs know just how important this game is and improve drastically on that weak 3 point performance against Buffalo last Sunday.

Chiefs 27 Texans 19


Minnesota 4-5 @ Green Bay 2-7

Synopsis: The Vikings are on a 2 game winning streak and Brad Johnson is playing well for the injured Daunte Culpepper. The Pack are coming of a big upset in Atlanta. Favre is showing that he can still muster wins out of a team plagued with injuries.

Spotlight Player: Brett Favre. Yes, you could say Brad Johnson, or Gado is more important, but I disagree. Favre is having a really rough year. He leads the league in INTs with 15. And his team has so many injuries that the towel boy might be playing come Sunday. Favre needs to have another complete game like he had last week to prove once again he is Da Master.

Prediction: Don't start talking about the Vikings turning around a disappointing season. Tice's crew is going into Lambeau against a Packers team that is coming together. Favre is going to be glorious on the Monday Night stage once again.

Packers 30 Vikings 20

College Football: 11/19/05

Last week I thought I did pretty good. My record was 5-3.

Analysis of Last Week's Picks
48 Ohio State/7 Northwestern----Yep that NW team is suuure consistent.
41 Michigan/14 Indiana----Michigan beat Indiana! No way!
35 Clemson/14 Florida State----I can't believe this one. Bobby got whooped.
35 USC/10 California----This was suppose to be an upset? HA!
16 LSU/13 Alabama OT----I hit this on the nose. Offense would ultimately choose the victor.
30 South Carolina/22 Florida----Auburn is better than we all thought. Nice away win.
31Auburn/30 Georgia----Wow. I mean I never thought Spurrier would actually pull this off.
20 Iowa/10 Wisconsin---- I was right about this one. Barry loses home finale.

Here's my picks for this week of intense grudge matches...

9 Ohio State Buckeyes @ 17 Michigan Wolverines

Story: The Buckeyes offense has been rolling these last few weeks. Troy Smith is finally becoming that quarterback Buckeye fans have been dreaming about. Michigan seems to have turned there season around after falling to 3-3 earlier in the year.

Matchup to Watch For: Troy Smith vs. Michigan DL. Troy Smith leads the Big Ten with an astounding passer rating of 160.27. He has already tossed 13 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. As productive as he's been, he'll be going against a rejuvenated Wolverine DL. In order to stop Troy Smith the Michigan defensive line has to force him to pass, and not let him scramble to the outside for huge gains. If Troy Smith is forced to throw more, the offense of Columbus will be greatly weakened.

Prediction: When these 2 teams play it is always a classic. In my mind, the greatest rivalry in sports will be yet another epic tale. The Buckeyes offense is looking mighty fine, and the Wolverines are doing pretty well after that awful start to the season. None the less, the game rests on Troy Smith's shoulders. This is a tough one, but I think Wolverines win because of the inexperience Troy Smith has in playing in hostile environments.

UM 26 OSU 17


8 Alabama Crimson Tide @ 11 Auburn Tigers

Story: I don't think the Iron Bowl has been this close of a matchup in a while. The Tide are coming off an emotioinal loss in which there dreams of a National Championship were shattered. (Geaux Tigers!) Auburn on the other hand, is coming on an impressive win @ Georgia.

Matchup to Watch For: Brodie Croyle vs. Auburn D. How will Croyle respond after a devastating loss to LSU? His play will dictate the mood of the team. Croyle will be going against yet another top SEC defense. If Auburn is able to get the penetration on Croyle like the Tigers did than you can expect an Auburn win.

Prediction: Alabama is still bummed out about that LSU loss, but none the less the team will be ready to play in the Iron Bowl. Problem is, Alabama is going against a very underrated Auburn team. Auburn is coming off a big win, while Bama is coming off a tough loss. Do the math.

Auburn 29 Alabama 20


5 Penn State Nittany Lions @ Michigan State Spartans

Story: I'll admit I thought Joe Pa was done. I thought we should have retired 4 years ago. The coach still has it. He is one win aways from a BCS game. One game. He'll be going against a disappointing MSU team. Hopefully Paterno is aware that many refer to the Spartans as the Spoilers.

Matchup to Watch For: Michigan State D vs. Penn State offense. Yes, that is a vague matchup to watch for, but this Spartans D is horrendous. MSU is giving up about 30 points per game. Most wins for this club are offensive shootouts. The Spartans are going to have to stop a Penn State offense putting up 36 points a game! Oh dear, oh dear...

Prediction: We all know how the Spartans are the Spoilers, but not Saturday. Penn State a focused ball club with an explosive offense and a hard hitting defense. More importantly, is the fact that the Spartans don't have a defense.

PSU 41 MSU 21


Oregon State Beavers @ 10 Oregon Ducks

Story: The Ducks are the most popular one loss team that nobody knows about. After their loss to USC, Oregon has slowly been creeping back up the rankings. If they can win the Civil War game against arch rival Oregon State, then the possibility of an Oregon BCS bowl is very likely.

Matchup to Watch For: Dennis Dixon vs. the Beavers D. Dixon is taking over for Kellen Clemens who suffered a season ending injury. Dixon showed great potential when he drove the Ducks down for a winning score against Washington State last week. Dixon can really get going as he will be taking on a defense giving up an average of 30 points per game. Oregon State is already a big underdog, but if they can't disrupt Dixon's timing at all then it will be a long day for Coach Riley.

Prediction: I want to say the Beavers pull out the upset, but the game is in Eugene. Oregon is an even better football team at Autzen Stadium. Besides, Oregon State hasn't won at Autzen since 1993.

Oregon 44 Oregon State 28


Clemson Tigers @ 19 South Carolina Gamecocks

Story: Coach Spurrier is coming off a win against his former team. Gamecocks are looking good right now. Once again, Clemson is the team nobody understands, once again. Last week I had them losing to Florida State. I still am shocked on the convincing win Coach Bowden handed to his dad.

Matchup to Watch For: Charlie Whitehurt vs. the South Carolina D. My friend Jonny Mahoney tells me, "Charlie Whitehurt has the prettiest pass in college football." Mr. Whitehurst has fallen off the map since the disappointing season he had last year. Whitehurst is now back on the map with an impressive FSU win. His stats were 21/32 269 yards and 2 TDs. To make matters even worse for Spurrier's D, Whitehurst is 3-0 against the Gamecocks and has thrown for 740 yards, 4 TDs, and 2 INTs. All in all, look for Spurrier to once again throw some surprises at the Clemson offense.

Prediction: This is a big rivarly and the Gamecocks frankly haven't been winning in it much. Huge win last week for both universities. The Gamecocks are hot right now, and aren't inconsistent like Clemson.

South Carolina 31 Clemson 28


4 LSU Tigers @ Mississippi Rebels

Story: The Tigers are coming of an amazing win that shattered Alabama's hopes of a National Championship. LSU controls their own destiny to Atlanta. As for Ole Miss they haven't had nearly the type of season they anticipated. Perfect ingredients for an upset?

Matchup to Watch For: Ethan Flatt vs. LSU D. Ethan is the latest QB for the Rebels. He'll quickly be under the spotlight as his goes against a Bayou Bengal defense that is a force to be reckoned with.

Prediction: LSU just had an emotional victory against the Crimson Tide. The Rebels just might be able to pull off the upset of the season. This a big rivalry and destroying LSU's SEC Championship hopes would be a thrill for the people of Oxford. Though, Ole Miss has a new QB under center and they have only scored over 20 points this season once. (Vanderbilt)

LSU 31 Ole Miss 14


Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ 3 Miami (FL) Hurricanes

Story: The Hurricanes have slowly climbed up to #3 in the BCS. A USC or Texas loss and Miami Florida will get it's shot at the Rose Bowl. They are battling a GTech team that has been very unpredictable throughout the season.

Matchup to Watch For: Reggie Ball vs. Hurricane D. Reggie Ball has completed a mere 47% of his passes. He has taken a step back from his great success last year. Ball will be going against the best defense in the ACC. Reggie Ball + A Hungry Hurricane D= Trouble!

Prediction: Miami Florida looked like they were going to slip against the Demon Deacons last week. Coker's team which was down 17-14 turned the game around and won 47-17. They'll be focused come Saturday.

Miami Florida 45 Georgia Tech 19


16 Fresno State Bulldogs @ 1 USC Trojans

Story: It's going to happen, right? USC hasn't lost in 779 days, but they will be facing an underrated Fresno State football team. The Bulldogs only loss this season was to Oregon. In order to pull off the upset of a lifetime Pat Hill will have to find a way to stop the 3-headed monster known only as Matt LenDale Bush.

Matchup to Watch For: Paul Pinegar vs. USC D. He came in after David Carr and was said to be better. He currently has thrown 18 TDs and 5 INTs this season. He leads an offense averaging over 40 points a game. Despite his impressive college career, that will be nothing if he doesn't come to play against the Trojans. If this upset is going to happen Mr. Pinegar can't play a good game or a great game. He has to play an unforgettable game.

Prediction: Yes this looks like an upset in the making into you realize that USC is the team some think might lose. They won't. Why? Matt Leinert is such a tremendous leader and athlete who makes plays game in and game out. Oh and there is also that unstoppable RB who seems to average a TD every blink of an eye. Sorry Bulldog fans, but it ain't happening.

USC 48 Fresno State 23

+/- for the 5 Worst/5 Best Teams of the NFL

5 Best

1. Indianapolis Colts (9-0)

+ The defense is looking great and this squad can really run the tables at being undefeated.

- Want to go undefeated? They have to win at Cincy, Jacksonville, and Seattle. They will also have to win at home against the Steelers and Chargers.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2)

+ There record is impressive considering Big Ben has not played the whole season.

- The injury to Big Ben is more serious than originally thought.

3. Denver Broncos (7-2)

+ Jake the Snake is finally playing like the quarterback we all thought he'd be.

- Doesn't Denver always look impress during the regular season and then come postseason time they lose a wildcard game?

4. Carolina Panthers (7-2)

+ WR Steve Smith is truthfully something very special.

- Their RB situation is always a question mark.

5. Seattle Seahawks (7-2)

+ Shaun Alexander is one dominating, touchdown machine. He doesn't nearly get the exposure he deserves.

- Seahawks, much like the Broncos have a good regular season, but seem to always choke in the wild card games.


5 Worst

1. Houston Texans (1-8)

+ The team has sustained a lot of key injuries that have hindered their play on both sides of the ball.

- The once thought rising football club is 1-8. Most likely spring cleaning will be in effect come the offseason.

2. San Francisco 49ers (2-7)

+ This squad is young, inexperienced, and QB-less. Though through all that they still have managed 2 surprising wins.

- This QB situation is insane. Cody Pickett is starting...the 4th stringer! Are you kidding? Next in line is the waterboy.

3. Arizona Cardinals (2-7)

+ Their best offensive players are quite the youngsters: Boldin, Fitzgerald, and Arrington.

- Dennis Green is in his 3rd season and still no success. When will the losing stop?

4. Baltimore Ravens (2-7)

+ Kyle Boller, who has been injured since Week 1, is at full strength and ready to return to action.

- Boller doesn't seem to be developing. Even when he's healthy numbers are not being put up.

5. New Orleans Saints (2-7)

+ The team has lost every possible way imaginable, and let's not forget the tragedy Hurricane Katrina caused.

- Aaron Brooks isn't what we thought he was, the team might move, and the second half of the schedule is even harder.

#1 American Sport? HA! Football by a field length!

Once again the weekend flew by and once again I am back at work on trigonometry. Though as I sit here at my computer I must point out the obvious. The obvious fact that the one consistent, enjoyable, and efficient professional sport of America is the NFL. Year in and year out the NFL produces memorable seasons. Of course the MLB and the NBA have intense years, but those leagues seemed to have fallen from the ranks of being the best. In the MLB you have the whole debacle with steroids. And until two seasons ago NBA play was down tremendously. The games were just 9 guys standing around while one superstar dribbled the ball threw his leg ten times and shoot the ball from half court. Yes, the NFL did have it's troubles in the 1980's with a shortened season, and yes there has been talk about salary issues that could arise in the future causing distress in the league. As far as I'm concerned everything is going fine with the league. Being a Saints fan it is pretty clear that I will not be witnessing many winning seasons. None the less, I am still able to enjoy the league games to the fullest. With the equal payroll that exists in the NFL, teams are able to better themselves. Look at baseball, I mean the Yankees are at such an advantage in the free agency market with there $800 million payroll. (Yet, they still can't win another World Series title.) How are teams like the Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Devil Rays ever going to be able to get the talent to win consistently? The complete opposite can be said in the NFL. Because of the equal payroll, Bill Belichick was able to build the New England Patroits into a destiny. For me football is just flat out awesome. It is a game that will always require 100% teamwork, along with everyone's favorite....bonecrushing hits. On Saturday I get to watch LSU and then on Sunday I can sit down and enjoy some intriguing NFL matchups. You don't have to worry about a player's strike occurring anytime soon, or the teamwork on teams dropping. The league does have it's flaws, but overall it is doing pretty darn well. Commissioner Paul Tagliabue has enforced strict drug testing rules that will prevent the NFL from ever going into the steroid scandal taking place in Major League Baseball. All in all, the NBA and MLB both have there positives, but none as powerful as the one the NFL holds. More revenue is generated, more advertisements are made, and more people tune into the NFL than any other professional league in the United States of America. 'Nuff said.

What a Saturday!

As I laid in my bed that Saturday night I could not stop smiling. Nothing was going wrong in my life. After all I just witnessed one of the most memorable wins in LSU football history. Going into the game I knew along with every other LSU fan this game was our season. Sure we had beaten Florida and Auburn, but the winner of this showdown would be the front runner for the SEC West title. It was not until the game kicked off that I really thought about the matchup that was going on. #3 vs. #5. Wow. The last time LSU played in a game were both teams were in the Top 5, Billy Cannon ran back the one of the greatest punt returns ever. As the game strolled on, it became evident that this was in fact a defensive slugfest. When the Tigers went down 10-0, I will admit I started to panic. Being only 18 years old, I still have witnessed my share of Alabama blowouts. Back when the Bengals had DiNardo I remember getting pumped up for Gene Stallins's Crimson Tide to come into Baton Rouge. The Tide won that game 26-0. And then when Saban was the coach we had yet another Alabama let down. For some odd reason the offense did not feel like scoring. The Tide rolled again winning 31-0. When it was halftime, I was feeling lucky LSU was down only 10-0. At times during the first half it looked like yet another shutout was underway. When the team came out in the second half, everything was different. The Bayou Bengals played the type of defense that reminded me of Saban. Croyle was getting sacked, cornerbacks were blitzing, and chaos was resulting on offense for the Tide. The momentum of the game changed the instant Justin Vincent scored on 4th and goal. You could hear every Alabama fan gulp to themselves. As the 4th quarter clock kept ticking I kept anxiously awaiting that score that would hopefully give LSU the lead for good. With the score tied 10-10, it seemed evident that LSU could pull this one out. Though, LSU was not able to capitalize on several drives due to a cue of mistakes on the kicking team time in and time out. Alabama was left off the hook with the score 10-10. Nothing scared me more than the last two plays of regulation. I can still see Brodie Croyle launching that football as far as he could. Prude was right with the wide reciever, but you kind of got the feeling the refree may throw a flag for pass interference. With Alabama fans booing you would have thought the refree would have given in and in fact given the Tide the ball inside the LSU 10 with under ten seconds left in the game. No flag was dropped and for that move by the refree I give him a lot of credit. All in all, 2 seconds still remained on the clock. The same amount of time left during the Bluegrass Miracle. Bama was already at the 50 yard line. They easily had a chance to make something happen. When Croyle threw that little pass I felt assured the Tigers would accomplish the tackle in no time. Yet, he kept running and before I knew it my heart was about to stop. Before I went into anymore shock a pack of Tigers wrapped up the runner and just like that regulation play was over. LSU had been in overtime twice this year. Those two games had the most opposite outcomes of each other. When the NCAA included the overtime several years back I was in love with it. No ties! That's all that mattered. Over the years I have come to realize how much better it could be. I'll admit it has it's positives. Though starting immediately at your opponents 25 yard line is a bit close for my liking. None the less, LSU vs. Alabama was now in overtime. The coin flipped in the air and when I heard we one the toss I was still nervous knowing it was after all, overtime. When Bama stepped out on the field it was gutwretching thinking of all the possibilities on what could happen. The D held, but all I was thinking about was blocking the kick. Unforunately it was right down the middle. 13-10. LSU's turn. Justin Vincent first run had me excited. We had Bama right where we wanted them. The fans were screaming, but one play and the place would be dead silent. (Except for of course the LSU fans.) I did not like the Xavier Carter reverse. That call is loved during regulation, but in overtime it was too risky. After all a huge loss of yards almost resulted. It was 3rd and 6. In the back of everyone's mind was the thought of Chris Jackson coming out to kick again. The same Chris Jackson would had missed 3 field goals already during the course of the game. When Russell called hike I was on the edge of my seat, but a moment later I was back to thinking about Mr. Jackson. The play was not there, Russell had nothing. He would have thrown it by now. Then just like that, with the flick of his wrist JaMarcus Russell wisped the ball. I didn't move as I saw Dwayne Bowe catch the ball. I didn't move as I saw the refree signal touchdown. I didn't know what to do. Did that just happen? Must be a flag! No way. Then it hit me. JaMarcus Russell did it again. He pulled the Tigers out with yet another win. #4 is a winner. Anyone who doubts him now must plain not like him. After all this is the same guy who lead those thrilling comebacks against Oregon State and Arizona State to name a few. As I jumped up and down in joy I thought to myself one memorable thought: I just watched the greatest LSU football game in my life. Alabama was having a dream season. They were going to be in the National Championship. That was until they met the Tigers. The LSU Tigers.

College Football: 11/12/05

The season is flying by once again. A lot of showdowns coming this Saturday. Here's my take on what's going to happen in the Top 25....(Due to my delayed start only a selected few will be included in my Top 25 Weekly Game Breakdown.)

No. 10 Ohio State (7-2) vs No. 25 Northwestern (6-3)

Story: The Buckeyes are really playing well now. And I don't mean just defensively. It seems Troy Smith has finally come around. The team has scored 35 points or more in the past 4 games. OSU will be in The Shoe when they collide with Northwestern. Northwestern is the most up and down team in the Big Ten. It seems to me that every week the Wildcats are moving around on the polls.

Matchup to Watch For: If there was such thing as College Fantasy Football, I would sure want to have Troy Smith on my team. Smith should have a huge day. The NW defense is near the bottom and that is not a good thing to have when going against a multi-dimensional quarterback like Troy Smith. The matchup between Smith and NW could very easily favor the Bucks, but then again you never know what to expect out of these Wildcats.

Prediction: Northwestern has had there moments this year. They will finish out the season with a bowl game like the Sun Bowl. Once again it was a mistake, Northwestern is not going to be a big factor in the race for the Big Ten title. The Buckeyes are too powerful and are really playing good ball now.

OSU 40 Northwestern 21


No. 17 Florida State (7-2) at Clemson (5-4)

Story: Once again Florida State is already out of the National Championship picture and once again Tommy Bowden is holding on for his job for dear life. FSU is going into this game off of a loss to N.C. State by the score of 15-10. The Seminoles really struggled having only put up a mere 10 points. They will be going against a Clemson team that is fighting just for a bid into the bowl season.

Matchup to Watch For: The starting quarterback for Florida State, Mr. Drew Weatherford was having a good season up until a few weeks ago. He has lost two games in about a month. Already the fans are yelling to put in Xavier Lee. Saturday's game against the Clemson D will really start to give FSU fans an idea on how this young quarterback is going to be in the future. If he struggles again, word will be out in Florida that Weatheford is not a big game player. If he guides his team to victory, that essential faith needed in a quarterback will once gain start to grow.

Prediction: When it comes to the Bowden Bowl, father knows best. In 6 meetings, Bobby has won 5 times. Look for him to roll off yet another one.

FSU 34 Clemson 19


No. 21 Michigan (6-3) vs Indiana (4-5)

Story: Once again it is the classic, lopsided contest between the Wolverines of Michigan and the Hoosiers of Indiana. Michigan seems to really be turning there season around after falling to 3-3. Michael Hart is back and Henne is playing well. Indiana seems to be heading in the right direction for the future. None the less, they are still going into the Big House.

Matchup to Watch For: James Hardy vs. Michigan cornerbacks. Hardy is having a stellar season for the Hoosiers as he currently leads the Big Ten in receiving yards. In order to step up in the class of top performers, Hardy has to be able to make things happen against big time teams such as Michigan. Catching one ball for 7 yards like he did last week against Minnesota in a 42-21 loss, is not going to help. Hardy will be going against a rejuvenated and motivated Michigan secondary that will thrive on all Hoosier mistakes.

Prediction: Why should there be any thought this series will go the other way? Once again Michigan will win, and once again they will win big.

Michigan 45 Indiana 18


No. 12 Florida (7-2) at South Carolina (6-3)

Story: It sounds like the setup for a movie. The Old Ball Coach goes against his Old Team in the movie of the year. I can assure you both teams have been waiting eagerly for this game. Even though it has been talked about numerous times, just seeing Spurrier on the opposite sideline of Florida will be very eerie. It will be something you have to see.

Matchup to Watch For: Florida O vs. Soutch Carolina D. It sounds vague, but it really is so much more. Urban Meyer has yet to get the Gators offense rolling on all four cylinders. Analysts are beginning to become skeptical on the play of Chris Leak. Besides the 40+ points scored against Kentucky and Vandy, Florida really has been having difficulty putting up points on SEC teams. Against Tennessee, Alabama, LSU, and Georgia, Florida scored a total of 50 points. That's an average of about 13 points per SEC showdown. Nothing would make Steve Spurrier happier than to continue that streak of inept offensive play.

Prediction: Everyone is talking about Spurrier beating the Gators. I'm sorry that sounds too much like a Disney movie. Gators are a better team. The Gamecocks have been playing good, but they will be going against a Florida team that seemed for the first time last week to have their offense at full capacity. Come Sunday Gamecocks will be back down to Earth.

Florida 29 South Carolina 17


No. 1 USC (9-0) at California (6-3)

Story: USC will be taking on the team that last beat them. For those of you who don't remember that 2003 California overtime win, it was quite the football game. I can assure you California players vividly remember that day. This matchup is this Saturday's most overrated. California has slipped a lot and already has 3 losses. None the less, everyone is still talking about the Bears possibly winning. USC is better than I thought they were. They will be ready for the Bears.

Matchup to Watch For: Joseph Ayoob vs. USC D. Joe Ayoob is the young fellow who took over for Aaron Rodgers. The Juco transfer has had some impress games...and some nasty ones as well. In the Bears's 3 losses Ayoob has thrown 3 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. His team is a HUGE underdog in my mind come Saturday. The only way California can stay with the Trojan Men is by putting up points. The offense is fully capable of doing that, but again that all lays in Ayoob's hands.

Prediction: I do think Ayoob is a good quarterback. Being a first year starter is tough, especially when you lose some games you should have been victorious in. This California team will get better in the future. The future. USC is just dominating right now. I don't see any reason to think otherwise.

USC 55 California 24


No. 19 Wisconsin (8-2) vs Iowa (5-4)

Story: Barry Alvarez will be coaching in his final home game as a the head coach of Wisconsin. His team has had a successful year. Though they have lost 2 really tough games to swallow, the Badgers are still making noise in the Big Ten. In my opinion the Badgers are one of the most underrated teams in the nation. Alvarez will be going against an Iowa team that has not been having the year they anticipated. Despite all the trouble for the Hawkeyes, it would still mean a lot to know that you beat Barry Alvarez at his last home game.

Matchup to Watch For: Brian Calhoun vs. Iowa D. Calhoun has had a terrific year. His power and speed have made Wisconsin one of the best running teams in the nation. Calhoun is coming off his worst performance of the year. His 20 carries for 38 yards are something he wants analysts to quickly forget. Calhoun's task won't be easy. He'll be going against a shaken up Iowa defense. Iowa's defense has had some hard breaks. They will be pumped up up for the chance to go against a superb athlete such as Brian Calhoun.

Prediction: This is a tough one. Though, if I have learned anything over the last few years it's that Wisconsin is prone to losing those late season Big Ten grudge matches. I just can't help, but picture Alvarez walking off with a frown on his face.

Iowa 26 Wisconsin 21


No. 4 Alabama (9-0) vs No. 5 LSU (7-1)

Story: This Gameday matchup will be one for the books. The Crimson Tide are undefeated and the journey to Atlanta has two more big stops. Once against LSU this weekend, and another against Auburn at the end of the year. The Bayou Bengals have bounced back nicely after that 4th quarter meltdown against Tennessee.

Matchup to Watch For: JaMarcus Russell vs. Alabama D/ Brodie Croyle vs. LSU D. Both quarterbacks have had their moments of glory...as well as their times of grief. JaMarcus has been a terrific leader this year, but none the less his difficulties with the offense still exist. All Tiger fans will be watching #4 and how he deals with a hostile crowd and a tenacious D. Brodie Croyle, much like JaMarcus has had his ups and downs. Though unlike JaMarcus, Mr. Croyle's squad is undefeated. The Fans of the Tide will be breathing down Croyle's neck for some points. In their last 3 games the Tide has scored 1 offensive touchdown. If that is to change, Brodie is going to have to execute his playbook against a stiff Bengal defense.

Prediction: Saturday's showdown between LSU and Alabama is the perfect atmosphere. The Tide have been waiting awhile for another National Championship. In order to continue there run they have to get by a determined LSU team. The offense unit in Tuscaloosa did not score any offensive points against a fragile Mississippi State team. In the end, I believe it will be the more efficient offense of LSU that will ultimately decide the outcome of this contest. (Yep, I jinxed them.)

LSU 19 Alabama 17


No. 9 Georgia (7-1) vs No. 15 Auburn (7-2)

Story: The showdown between Georgia and Auburn always ends up being a classic. The main story surrounding this battle is the return of Georgia's senior leader DJ Shockley. The Bulldogs will be facing off against an Auburn team flying under the radar. Tuberville's Bunch still has a chance at a SEC Championship berth with a few strings pulled. The loser can pretty much kiss their SEC Championship dreams goodbye.

Matchup to Watch For: Brandon Cox vs. Georgia D. It may seem that the match to watch would involve Mr. Shockley. Though, Shockley has had his big victories as opposed to Cox. Brandon Cox came into the season with the difficult task of taking over for Jason Campbell. Despite his strides of impressive play, he is none the less in the spotlight again. Cox struggled against Georgia Tech and LSU, the teams only two losses. His play will be a mirror image of whether or not Auburn goes home victorious. For the second time in less than a month, Cox will have to prove himself against the most underrated defense in the SEC. The Bulldogs will be hungry, and the only thing stopping them from harvesting is the leadership of Brandon Cox.

Prediction: The second best matchup in the SEC this weekend is one that is marked with a question mark. Both teams have a solid defense, along with consistent running games. Though the one key difference rests at quarterback. Georgia has a proven quarterback and Auburn doesn't.

Georgia 27 Auburn 17

The Most Important Email To The LSU Fan...

The college football season is already more than halfway done. The Tigers has surprised me this year in turning around there season after that 4th quarter collapse against Tennessee. Though the latest piece of news in every LSU fan's head is the BCS. Believe me I am as confused as anyone as to why LSU is so far back. Yes, I realize the last two weeks for the team have been cake walks. I am not going to get into the discussion on why the Tigers should be higher up. In fact I am only going to tell you why it is really pointless to even care about it at this point in the season. In the past I would be hollering at the television on my great disgust for the low ranking LSU has in the BCS. I would be constantly running my mouth on my daily thoughts. Even if I were right that's not the point. The point is LSU's season comes down to this weekend. The pollsters have not noticed the Tigers much this year, but you can be sure that will change if the Tigers roll this Saturday. If there is anything to take from this short little (hopefully not pointless) article it's to BE PATIENT. If the Bengals keep winning they will get the recognition they deserve. Les's crew controls their own destiny. After all the last time the whole 'BCS-unfair' talk took place, the Tigers were having one of their most memorable seasons. It just happened to be the season they won their first national championship in 45 years.

Saints/Bears

Saints looked a lot better than last week which really is not saying anything at all. Half as many people attended this game compared to the previous week's grudge match against the Dolphins. The crowd was really getting into it during the closing moments of the game. None the less, Sainst could not get an easy first down and had to punt. Chicago came down and scored a field goal to go up 20-17 with 6 seconds left in the 4th quarter. No replay of the Jacksonville/New Orleans game was going to happen. Saints have lost 5 in a row and to be honest I think they have lost every possible way. I could go on, but I really am tired of talking about this lousy team. Don't worry. I know this 2-7 record looks bad, but just wait until this team makes a run and wins out with a 9-7 record. 'Nuff said.

LSU/App. St.

I had the joy of sitting right behind the players bench in this showdown. LSU did not originally schedule to play App. State I can't remember who backed out Houston or Oklahoma. Anyway the quarterback for App. State was said by Coach Miles to be the toughest man under center the Tigers defense will have faced all year. He reminds me a bit of Steve McNair. Like McNair, Williamson can scramble and throw the long ball. Also both athletes went to small off the map schools. (McNair attended Alcorn State.) Enough with App. State, the Tigers still committed some silly penalties, but that defense looked superb once again. I would rather have won 24-0, then say something like 42-7. That zero looks so good. The offense had trouble getting points up on the board once again. Look for the offense to really be in the flow of things come this Saturday. Overall, lets hope these past two games will have tuned up the LSU Tigers football squad enough to the point where they can go into Alabama and beat the undefeated Tide.

His World...

For quite some time we have all heard his scolding and complaining towards those around him. The individual Terrell Owens is such an energetic player on and off the field. Though as he comes into the spotlight time in and time out one thought stays with me. Terrell Owens is a Me guy. I don't care what all these analysts say, much less even Terrell himself. His constant criticism of McNabb along with the Eagles organization has made it crystal clear to me that number 81 just simply cares about just about himself. I adore the comments on how Owens agrees the Eagles would be undefeated if Brett Favre were playing for Philly. It seems everytime a big issue comes up with him, he sinks even lower. I love this act he puts on about the relationship he has with McNabb. Then in two weeks he lashes out about how McNabb is not playing his hardest or something to that degree. All in all, I think Terrell Owens in a selfish football player who loves the attention the media gives him. I think he is full of it when he tells reporters he does not care about his stats, just about winning. He has done an impressive job if I may say on manipulating the media and world into thinking he is this innocent man who just wants to play football. Honestly who in this league has comments to the extreme as Owens about their current team and organization? Nobody. Sure you could say Moss, but Moss let out his anger when he was done being a Viking. Men like him make the NFL look like a group of aristocratic athletes who think they are gods on earth. Terrell does us all a favor, shut up and play football. Hmm, now that I think of it. What current athlete plays with that thinking? That's right, Marvin Harrison. Maybe Owens could learn a thing or two from Peyton's right arm. 'Nuff said.

Saints vs. Dolphins

I went to the Saints/Dolphins game Sunday. The organization for picking up your tickets was very poorly done, none the less the atmosphere was good. I got into stadium with 5 minutes left in the first quarter due to the inefficiency of the Ticket Pick Up window. I had nosebleed seats and tried to get closer, but that never worked. The fans were there, the noise was there, even the beer, but not the team. The defense had little luck making the big stops on long 3rd downs. Though I came to one conclusion after the game. Aaron Brooks is not the winner we thought he was. I have been with him since that magical 2000 season and I will continue to support him till the end of this year, but he does not have it. The guy has the arm, he has the strength, but he does not have the brains. The safety in the game was so silly. Don't get be wrong the offensive line was the equivalent to folding chairs. I am sure Brooks tries his hardest each and every game, but it just looks like he gets use to losing. I mean I do not have a picture in my mind of Brooks going on the field and not giving a damn. He does, but I just think afterward the loss gets to him. Though as the week rolls on he gets use to it. That's just my take. I feel bad for the guy. I really do. His confidence is nonexistence now. The team needs to do what is best come the end of the season. They need to clear out the coaching staff and get a new quarterback. Things just are not working out. 'Nuff said.

LSU/UNT

Sorry I am quite late with the latest LSU game analysis. Coming into the game there wasn't much hype considering UNT is 2-4 and from the Sun Belt conference. None the less the game was important for various reasons. A lot of games this year the Bayou Bengals have left the field forunate with a win. Despite there many wins, they have still made mental errors numerous times throughout the year. Even though LSU steamrolled UNT 56-3, I was still unsure about one aspect of the team. The LSU football squad is still getting silly penalties. I am becoming more and more surprised on how many offsides penalties they have gotten this year. As a critical as I seem, I was pleased with the Tigers performance Saturday. LSU won like they should have. JaMarcus was rolling out great balls to Bowe, Doucet, and Jones. And for once we got to see Bowe run on the field. Unlike the last few weeks Bowe was not catching the ball in the endzone or while falling down. Even though it was against a weak UNT team, Carey and Vincent showed they can still play. I have a feeling that one of them is going to be a very critical person in the Alabama game. The most impressive stat of the game did not take place until the fourth quarter. Backup quarterback Matt Flynn was 7 for 7, 139 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Flynn's first pass was a touchdown due to the excellent athleticism of Xavier Carter. His next two were to Early Doucet. After seeing how well Flynn can play, I think he should get even more plays come each game. JaMarcus is the starter, but Flynn should still get his share of turns. I just do not think he has gotten that far chance he deserves. Overall Tigers are playing good this year. They seem to be coming closer as a team each and every game.