Halfway Through... Picking Week 7

Photo courtesy of deadspin.com

We're halfway through the season and I'm not doing so bad. I'm 21 - 8 on the season and thinking hard about running the table the rest of the way. If only I could will my teams to win right? Thus far we've seen a great beginning to the season and though I'm not the happiest with my team's performance, I've been thrilled to see a lot of great game thus far and I'm looking forward to a great second half as well. This season will be extra special to me considering it's my son's first of many! This week, I'm going to start with my heart and proclaim UGA victors over Vanderbilt. Go Dawgs!!!


UGA vs. Vanderbilt
The Dawgs needed a win and they exploded in a big way. It's unfortunate that Athens' own Derek Dooley was the roadblock last week. The Dawgs debut a new UGA this week and hopefully hold their own during homecoming. Obviously you know I'm picking UGA over Vandy, but that's a given. What else would I do?!?!

UGA 31 Vandy 10

Ohio State vs Wisconsin
The road to the BCS National Championship was apparently clear for Ohio State but ESPN must have forgotten that Ohio State still has to play Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan. I think they have a much tougher road than say Boise State. I'm going to pick Wisconsin in the upset here. I think the Badgers have the D to beat the Suckeyes. If Ohio State doesn't fall here, the Hawkeyes and "Shoelace" will still be calling.

Wisconsin 17 Ohio State 14

Auburn vs Arkansas
The two best QBs in college football are going to have a shoot out and neither QB is in the Pac-10 of the Big 12. Cameron Newton, the 6'6 250 lb former Florida QB has all the tangibles and intangibles. He's a giant of a man and makes Jamarcus Russell's college game look like he was a middle school kid. I don't think there is a more valuable player to their team than Cam Newton and I think he has what it takes to lead Auburn to the SEC and National Championship, but Auburn is still waiting on a team to play around Newton. Mallett and the Razorbacks look good. The receiving corps around the 6'6 240 lb former Michigan QB is as good as it gets. This one is going to come down to who has the ball last. I think we are witnessing two future Pro Bowl QBs in the first of many battles of their careers, but this time I have a suspicion that Auburn is going to come out on top. I don't know where to cheer for the Tigers, War Eagles, or the Plainstriders, but I think the other team from Alabama has what it takes to tough out a shoot out.

Auburn 34 Arkansas 31

Iowa vs Michigan
"Shoelace" may lose more than his shoes against this tough Hawkeye D. Before last week, I would think he was automatic for 300 yards this week, but we know he's not Superman and we know the Hawkeyes are fast and strong. I'm just glad to know that the Little 11 is past a conference where only Michigan and Ohio State are relevant. Yes PsU fans, I forgot about you on purpose. You suck too.

Iowa 21 Michigan 14

Notre Dame vs Western Michigan
Notre Dame is going to win, period. Brian Kelly is looking good, Armando Allen will be a game time decision, but let's face it, he doesn't need to play for the Irish to win this one big. Tailer Jones going to ND over UGA still stings, but at least he picked a good school. Irish win it big.

ND 27 WMU 7

INTRODUCING UGA VIII

Photo courtesy of University of Georgia Sports Communications

This Saturday before the homecoming game against Vandy in Sanford Stadium Georgia will introduce UGA VIII. His registered name is Big Bad Bruce and he is the great-great-great-great-great grandson of the original UGA. This is a dog or shall I say Dawg who doesn't have to lick his own balls. UGA Nation will do it for him.

For more info about UGA VIII check out AJC.com.

FSU VS MIAMI FAN BRAWL

Typical Criminoles vs Convicts fight. The difference is both of these teams suck yet their fans still think they are badass. FSU and Miami haven't had relevant football programs for almost a decade. Pathetic. And fuck Jacory Harris. Besides those two big games he had against FSU and Georgia Tech to start off 2009 he has been terrible as a starting college quarterback. And yes, I am still pissed I bet on Miami to cover at home against FSU. They could have at least shown up and fought. Instead they looked like a bunch of pansies with Randy Shannon leading the way. How he still has a job and got an extension last year is just amazing!

SPORTSCRACK.COM MIDSEASON ALL-AMERICAN TEAM

We have reached the halfway point of the college football season. It's time to acknowledge some of the outstanding performances we have seen so far by coming up with our MIDSEASON ALL-AMERICAN TEAM. Feel free to argue in the comments section if you disagree. Don't be a pussy and piss and moan about it with others without voicing your opinion here. I'm going by the performances of this year alone. I'm not falling for the preseason hype.

QB: DENARD ROBINSON (MICHIGAN)
Yes I know he didn't perform like fucking Superman last week against Sparty but he is still having the best overall season for a QB. He leads the nation in rushing and is 12th in passing efficiency. He's the most exciting player in college football.


RB: LAMICHAEL JAMES (OREGON) AND KENDALL HUNTER (OKLAHOMA STATE)
James leads the nation in rushing yards per game and has the Ducks flying high right now. Hunter has been a straight up pimp for the Cowboys who are also undefeated.


WR: ALSHON JEFFERY (SOUTH CAROLINA) AND JUSTIN BLACKMON (OKLAHOMA STATE)
Georgia WR AJ Green would have been on here if it wasn't for the stupid suspension. Jeffery was unbelievable last week in the huge upset over Bama. Blackmon leads the nation in receiving yards and TD catches.


TE: MICHAEL EGNEW (MISSOURI)
Egnew is having a breakthrough season and since Kyle Rudolph is done for the season he gets the nod.


OFFENSIVE LINE: NEBRASKA
It's almost impossible for me to pick out individuals who have excelled this season on the offensive line so instead the most impressive line I have seen play this year is Nebraska. They open up some big holes for Taylor Martinez to run through and are a big reason why Nebraska has a chance of going undefeated this season.


DE: RYAN KERRIGAN (PURDUE) AND DA'QUAN BOWERS (CLEMSON)
Kerrigan is a beast who has a motor that never stops who leads the nation in tackles for loss. Bowers is a future top 5 NFL pick who despite double teams has 6 sacks.

DT: DRAKE NEVIS (LSU) AND CAMERON HEYWARD (OHIO STATE)
Nevis is just another great LSU d-tackle who has 9 tackles for loss including 4 sacks. He was absolutely dominating last week against the Gators and is the main reason why LSU is still undefeated. Ironhead's kid has been double teamed and triple teamed all season but his presence on the line is a big reason why the Buckeyes defense is so dominant.

MLB: LUKE KUECHLY (BOSTON COLLEGE) AND LAVONTE DAVID (NEBRASKA)
Kuechly has been sensational ever since his freshman season last year. He leads the nation in tackles and has 5 tackles for loss. Not too bad for a 3 star player from Cincy who was never recruited by Notre Dame. David on the other hand was a highly recruited player who came to Nebraska via community college.

OLB: MARIO HARVEY (MARSHALL)
Harvey may be short in stature but holy shit he is a great football player. He is always around the ball and reminds me a lot of Jessie Tuggle. Harvey is my only outside backer because I can't think of any others who have played great this season.

CB: PATRICK PETERSON (LSU) AND STEPHON GILMORE (SOUTH CAROLINA)
Peterson is the best defensive player in the country. Gilmore had two huge sacks against Bama.


SS: AHMAD BLACK (FLORIDA)
The guy is a heat seeking bullet if you ask me.

FS: ROBERT LESTER (ALABAMA)
Continues to make big plays for the Bama defense.

KICKER: BLAIR WALSH (GEORGIA)
Walsh is about as automatic as you can get. Even from 50 plus yards.

PUNTER: ANTHONY SANTELLA (ILLINOIS)
Nobody boots it with as much trajectory, hang time, and distance as Santella.

COACH: CHRIS PETERSEN (BOISE STATE)
Haven't lost a regular season game since 2007 and he wins all of his BCS Bowl games.

NEBRASKA QB TAYLOR MARTINEZ HAS HIS OWN SONG CALLED "T-MAGIC"

I'm not going to lie. This shit is kind of catchy. Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez is only a redshirt freshman but has taken over the QB position unexpectedly and in the process has earned the nickname "T-Magic." In five games he has led Nebraska to a 5-0 record while rushing for 737 yards and 12 touchdowns (leads the nation). Last Thursday night he ripped off 241 yards rushing against Kansas State on a national televised game on ESPN. It set a record for most rushing yards in a game for a Nebraska QB. The kid is basically white lightning. He finds a hole, any hole, and he is going the distance. He's going for speed. He's Taylor Martinez. He's simply "T-Magic."

KYLE RUDOLPH OUT FOR SEASON

Image courtesy of AP

Notre Dame received some bad news yesterday when it was revealed starting tight end and All-American candidate Kyle Rudolph has a torn hamstring that will require surgery. Immediately.

Losing Rudolph hurts. He's the best tight end in the country and is one of QB Dayne Crist's favorite targets. You can't just replace a 6'7 target who rips off 95 yard TD catches like Rudolph. But the Fighting Irish will have to have players step up.

One of the candidates to replace Rudolph are Tyler Eifert who is a sophomore and has been slowed down by a shoulder sprain this season. Eifert is 6'6 and has good hands but doesn't have the blocking skills of Rudolph. Senior Mike Ragone was expected to be the next budding superstar tight end when he was recruited by Charlie Weis to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Fasano and John Carlson. Knee injuries, an off-field incident and Rudolph has hampered his ability to see the field much in his career at ND. Now is his chance to step up. Also waiting in the wings is sophomore Jake Golic.

My prediction is Ragone steps up and takes advantage of this huge opportunity. Ragone has the speed and the skill to be an excellent choice to replace Rudy at the tight end position. He just needs more reps. He should get them and forget about the drop pass he had last week against Pitt. He knows now that if he messes up he will still be given a chance to see the field which I think will do wonders on his confidence.

Losing Rudy for the season hurts the Irish today but it might help them next season. Rudolph is the nation's premier tight end prospect and was expected to weigh an early entree decision into the NFL draft after his junior season. Now with the expected recovery time of 4-6 months from the hamstring surgery it appears it would be in his best interest to come back for his senior season and rehab while getting his degree.

BRAVES NOT WASTING TIME: FREDI GONZALEZ WILL BE NEW MANAGER BY THURSDAY

Photo courtesy of AJC.com

Only a day after the Braves were eliminated from the playoffs in which we watched Bobby Cox wave his final goodbye to the Atlanta home crowd after 25 seasons as "The Skipper" news broke yesterday that Fredi Gonzalez would be named his replacement starting tomorrow.

Fredi Gonzalez has been hired as the Braves' new manager and will be introduced at a news conference Thursday, two people familiar with the negotiations confirmed.

This comes as no surprise. Ever since Bobby Cox announced he would be retiring at the end of the 2010 season Gonzalez has been the rumored frontrunner. Gonzalez's dismissal from the Marlins in June only fueled the flames of change. Fredi seems to be the perfect choice to replace Bobby. He was the third base coach under Bobby from 2003-2006 after managing the Braves AAA club in Richmond. He got to experience the Atlanta clubhouse and the way things are run in the organization and has a pretty firm understanding of the culture. He also has the experience of coaching a MLB team in the Florida Marlins for 3 seasons before being fired. He was named the Sporting News Manager of the Year in 2008 after leading the Marlins to a winning record despite having baseball's lowest payroll. Fredi also has the support of veterans in the Braves clubhouse such as Chipper Jones, Tim Hudson, and Brian McCann.

Personally I think Fredi is a great choice to replace Bobby. The most logical choice too. The Braves still have a lot of pieces in the clubhouse coming back next season that are ready to compete for a division title. Fredi knows how to run a team and doesn't take shit from his players (example: benching Hanley Ramirez for not hustling) but still has the respect from the team as a whole. The Braves will have Huddy, Derek Lowe, Tommy Hanson, and Jair Jurrjens all in the rotation and if they can add some pieces to the lineup (Carl Crawford would be perfect, so would Jayson Werth) and get back a healthy Chipper Jones and Martin Prado along with the development of budding stars Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman there is no reason why the Braves shouldn't compete for at least a Wild Card in 2011.

FAREWELL SKIPPER, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

In the sports world we can be a little cynical and sometimes over dramatize events at times when it comes to our coaches, players, and teams. Last night watching Bobby Cox manage his last game in a Braves uniform brought tears to my eyes. I'm 31 years old and am about to be a father for the first time and yet seeing Bobby tell the media during his farewell press conference how "proud" he was of his team fighting for him and to see him get choked up and not be able to hold back the tears was one of the most emotional moments I have witnessed in sports. Bobby is one of the great guys in baseball. He will be missed and besides Chuck Tanner he is the only manager I have ever seen coach the Atlanta Braves.

Carroll Rogers of the AJC.com had this poignant and emotional story about the players feelings toward Bobby after losing 3-2 to the San Francisco Giants last night to be eliminated from the playoffs...

Just eight days earlier, the circle of lockers in the main section of the Braves clubhouse had been a champagne-soaked mess.

Braves players lathered in beer were dancing, jumping, screaming, even at one point toppling a table in celebration of clinching the National League wild card.

But when Braves players from the 2010 team think back to the moment they’ll remember most from the end of the season, the most poignant time spent in that locker room, chances are the room will look a lot different.

It’ll be brightly lit, clean, and completely quiet – the moment from Monday night, when each player was seated at his locker. The Braves had just lost 3-2 to the Giants to get knocked out of the playoffs in the division series, and Bobby Cox took the floor for the last time as their – or anyone’s – manager.

“I don’t think there was a guy in here who could swallow,” Braves outfielder Matt Diaz said. “We were holding [tears] back, and then he got choked up a little bit, and then it was over.”

Chipper Jones said Cox managed to get out maybe 10 words. He was simply telling his players he was proud of them. And that was as far as he could take it.

For the first time in the 20 years since Cox first drafted Jones No. 1 overall in 1990 as Braves general manager, Jones saw him cry.

“Bobby has always been pretty sure about what he’s going to say and he’s pretty matter of fact,” Jones said. “He couldn’t get it out.”

When Cox finally turned to go, to head down to the interview room for his postgame press conference, the Braves gave him a standing ovation.

“There wasn’t a dry eye in the place,” Jones said. “I don’t think I’ve cried in uniform since I was about 8. You spend as much time with Bobby as I have, it’s hard. He’s been a father figure to me; he’s been my only manager. It’s hard to swallow that this is going to be the last time.”

Jones has been a part of 12 playoff teams with the Braves. He thinks this one is special to Cox.

“I really think, out of all the teams, he’s got a soft spot in his heart for this club right here,” Jones said. “This club went above and beyond what was expected once the injury bug hit.”

Jones, Martin Prado, Kris Medlen, Jair Jurrjens, Eric O’Flaherty, Takashi Saito, and Billy Wagner all were lost to injury in the heat of the playoff run. Left standing, and maybe feeling the most emotion when it ended Monday, were players like Brooks Conrad.

A little more than 24 hours after his three errors at second base tarnished Game 4, Conrad’s emotions were still raw. Early Monday afternoon, Cox had sat down with Conrad and told him he was going to take him out of the lineup for Game 4, but that he supported him. On Monday afternoon Cox asked Braves fans, through the media, to do the same.

So when Conrad was asked about Cox late Monday night, it didn’t take long for the tears to come.

“I don’t think you see that a whole lot in this game,” Conrad said of Cox’s support. “It’s a cut-throat game. It can be brutal at times. And when you’ve got a guy backing you no matter what, it’s uh….”

Conrad paused. His eyes reddened. His bottom lip quivered.

“It’s pretty cool,” he continued. “He’s got every one of our backs no matter what. And…”

A full 10 seconds passed before Conrad could get out what he wanted to say next. It was what so many players had on their minds Monday night.

“I was proud to play for him,” he said.

I want to thank Bobby Cox aka "The Skipper" for all the fond memories he provided myself and my family and friends. Braves baseball is Bobby Cox. Without Bobby there would have never been the 14 straight division titles or the tomahawk chop. Before Bobby the Braves were a joke of a franchise. When I first moved to Atlanta I remember going to games when there was literally 2,000 die hards in the stands. Maybe. Bobby and General Manager John Schuerholz changed the losing culture. The Braves went from the outcast that nobody dared to acknowledge in Atlanta and blossomed them to the prom queen that everyone wants a piece of today. Bobby was there rooting on the team as was myself and my Dad when Sid Bream slid in safe at home. He made the decision to bat Francisco Cabrera and let Bream run the bases. Completely against what I thought was better judgement at the time as a 12 year old but you know what? It worked.

Bobby made the Braves work. His players loved playing for him and I have never heard one bad word about the guy from anybody who actually knows him. He's the most humble guy in baseball who cares more about the 25 guys in the clubhouse than getting a plaque or drawing attention to himself. He will be missed greatly. See you in Cooperstown Skipper!

MINKA KELLY: SEXIEST WOMAN ALIVE

According to Esquire "Parenthood" actress and Derek Jeter's soon-to-be wife Minka Kelly is the sexiest woman alive. Kelly is just another unbelievable notch in the Jeter belt. The Yankees shortstop and soon to be baseball free agent has conquered Victoria Secret's model Adriana Lima, actress Jessica Alba and Jessica Biel (probably at the same time), singer Mariah Carey, Vida Guerra, Jordana Brewster, Tyra Banks, Vanessa Minnillo, and supposedly Scarlett Johansson before "settling" for Minka Kelly. I can't hate the playa in Jeter or the game. Instead of getting married in his 20's he did what all ball players should do: play the field and don't tie yourself down. The lesson is if you are rich and famous and on the road most of the year why tie yourself down to one girl? It doesn't make sense. Good for Jeter but he's still an a-hole.

OTHER OPTIONS FOR BRAVES SECOND BASEMAN

As you already know Braves rookie second baseman Brooks "Rawdog" Conrad has had a rather rough NLDS. His three errors yesterday helped along with Jason K-Ward and Bobby Cox's over-managing to hand pivotal game three over to the San Francisco Giants. So instead of berating Conrad and calling the J-K Kid a piece of excrement and questioning Cox taking out Kimbrel when nobody has hit the kid all fucking season I would rather present to you some options for second base tonight for the Atlanta Braves.

In picture form of course.

1)A Paperbag


2)Helen Keller


3)A blind squirrel


4)Chuck Knoblauch


5)Bill Buckner

Conrad needs to sit

Images courtesy of Curtis Compton and the AJC
I understand Bobby Cox is looking to instill confidence in his players. That hasn't changed from day one and I doubt it will change on his last day, but now isn't the time to take the stand by your man mentality. Cox has said repeatedly, he will pitch to situations, he proved last night to hit to situations when he announced Glaus as a pinch hitter, only to pinch hit Hinske for Glaus which led to the should have been game tying home run. Why is he not taking the same mentality to the field? To say that the Braves don't have a capable replacement is absurd. Diory Hernandez is sitting on the bench and has been touted as one of the best gloves in the minor leagues. He's not going to do much damage offensively, but he's a lead off type hitter and he will make the plays at 2nd, SS, or 3rd.

Don't get me wrong, if Bobby plays Conrad, I will be cheering him on, just like I will the entire team. Tonight is make or break. Bobby has been at the helm and has a lot more knowledge of the game than anyone writing for this blog, but you would think after 3 errors last night and 4 errors, one in each of the last regular season games. I'm with the team in saying the Braves simply wouldn't be in the game without Conrad to this point, but they wouldn't have been here without Glaus who has been benched in favor of Derrek Lee and rookie Freddie Freeman throughout the end of the season. Tonight, Glaus needs to play 3rd or Hernandez needs to play 2nd. Something has to give. If it doesn't, we may be witnessing the end of Bobby Cox's illustrious career and saying a premature goodbye to a true legend.

Images courtesy of Curtis Compton and the AJC

Regardless of who plays, let's all at least turn on TBS today to support our team. Go BRAVES!!!

COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 6 PREDICTIONS

I just felt like posting Jenn Sterger's store boughts because I'm still fascinated by the Brett Favre desperation pass at her.


South Carolina vs. Alabama(-7.5)
Alabama gets another tough SEC game this week. Two weeks ago they survived against Arkansas. Last week they absolutely beat the shit out of Florida. This week they will own South Carolina. The Cocks have their best team under the Ole Ball Coach but it won't matter. Saban has Bama playing lights out right now. Mark Ingram will have a huge game.

Prediction: Bama 24 Cocks 10


Florida(-6.5) vs. LSU
Les Miles has to be the luckiest mother fucker since George Bush was in office. Seriously how does this guy pull the complete ineptitude he displays every Saturday "coaching" the sidelines and still come out victorious? It's gotta be because LSU is fucking loaded with talent. But guess what? So is Florida. They have the talent and their coaching is remarkably better than the White Hat. Florida will bounce back in a big way today.

Prediction: Gaytors 28 LSU 14

Miami(-6) vs. FSU
The Convicts vs Semenholes. Classic battle that can make you fall asleep at times. I still don't think these programs are anywhere near the elite programs they were in the 80's and 90's. Jacory Harris should have a good enough game to beat a rather pedestrian FSU defense.

Prediction: Miami 24 FSU 17

USC(+10) vs. Stanford
I never thought I would see the day when the Trojans are 10 point dogs against the Trees. It amazes me how fast and hard the Trojans have burst since the sanctions have come down. Even with USC down I think they play a spirited game with the Fighting Harbaughs. Andrew Luck will absolutely own the Trojans secondary.

Prediction: Stanford 45 USC 42

Michigan vs. Michigan State(+4.5)
Shoelace will have another spectacular day running around the Spartans defense but it won't be enough. Both teams come in undefeated but the Spartans have the better defense in my opinion. They won't contain Robinson but they will stop the rest of the team and the Michigan defense is horrible. Spartans will put a lot of points on the board.

Prediction: Sparty 42 Shoelace 35


UGA vs. Tennessee(+11.5)
How in the holy fuck is UGA nearly 2 TD's favorite against anybody right now? They can't even beat Miss State or Colorado. I know it's in Athens and the Vols are shit too but this game will be close. Take the Vols and the points.

Prediction: UGA 27 Vols 24


Notre Dame(-6.5) vs. Pitt
Pitt brings in their Pop Warner offense into South Bend in what should be a rout. This Pitt team is terrible. In the same way Boston College is fielding their worst team in decades and the Irish cruised despite not playing too well I see an early rout. The Fighting Irish will get the spread attack working a little more smoothly this week.

Prediction: ND 35 Pitt 17

Dawgs Facing (ANOTHER) Must Win and Other Week 6 Picks

Photo Courtesy of UGA Sports Communications

I can tell you if Richt has to give another press conference like the one pictured above after this week, it may be his last one in Athens. Let's be honest, the Dawgs coach is now coaching for his job. While I'm keeping my fingers crossed because I still believe in Richt, I'm not doubting that the BullDawg Nation has had enough of the lack of discipline and the less than glorious perception of the UGA program. Hopefully this week changes some things and a fire is lit under the BullDawgs behinds. If it's not, I think I may have a year of eligibility left and I can guarantee I'm passionate enough to put someone on their backside. On to the picks...

I'm 16 - 6 and I'm okay with that, especially seeing as how 4 of those losses were me picking UGA to win, which of course I'm going to do that again this week. This week will be a test and we will see how Fairchild and I stack up soon. Seems like a huge weekend in college football so this week will be a proving grounds for a lot of teams. There are still a lot of undefeated teams, but will not be after this week. Saturday will be a good day!


South Carolina vs. Alabama
There are several games that are very enticing, but I'm anxious to watch how Alabama plays after beating Florida and how Ellis Johnson plans to game plan around Ingram and Richardson. I think Spurrier and Lattimore may have a thing or two to prove against a stout Bama D. This will be Spurrier's biggest game as the South Carolina Head Ball Coach and he better be ready for a hell of a Cock fight. Bama is scary good. I've said it before and I stand by it. The Tide are going to roll through this season and it's going to be ugly. They will repeat as National Champions and may have a legitimate shot at winning again next year. Saban has done a hell of a job at restoring what was and making Alabama relevant again. While Spurrier and Ellis Johnson may coach a hell of a game, they will still lose.

Tide 28 - Cocks 13

Florida vs. LSU
Sorry GAYtor fans, you may have an advantage in the Swamp, but Les Miles is coaching for his job (although he may not realize that quite yet). LSU is undefeated, UF has lost one game, but the difference will be Les Miles' luck. Meyer hasn't figured out life after Tebow offensively and the GAYtor's mighty D is good, but is too young to keep up with the athletes LSU is going to put on the field. Alabama exposed Florida last week and LSU is coming off of a week where they should learn from their mistakes. This game may be the game of the week. LSU is going to pull out a close one.

Tigers 17 - GAYtors 10

Miami vs. FSU
I can't remember the last time this game was relevant, but this year, it may be a determining factor in the ACC race. GA Tech looks bad, VA Tech looks worse, and Clemson ... who's Clemson, this year at least. The truth is the ACC is awful this year. The ACC is awful every year, but this year is worse than most. This may be the marquee game of the ACC this year. I have faith in FSU and I'm not sure Miami can keep players out of jail long enough to win this game. Christian Ponder is very good and FSU has the talent and coaching around him to win the ACC this year. FSU wins a close one in Miami.

Seminoles 13 - Canes 10

USC vs. Stanford
We are witnessing the fall of Troy and I couldn't be happier, well at least until Ohio State and Penn State simply shuts up. Lame Kiffin is in the process of ruining another program and hopefully he will stay at USC for a few more years so that the Trojan fans come back to Earth and realize they've always been a good team in a bad conference. It's similar to the Buckeyes not losing to another team within the state of Ohio. Stanford has a hell of a QB who should be a top five pick. Watch Stanford continue a hell of a season.

Stanford 23 - Spoiled Children (USC) 14

Michigan vs. Michigan State
Denard Robinson is too much for the Spartans. Let’s face it, he’s the most dynamic athlete on the field in every game he’s played thus far and that’s not going to change against Michigan State no matter how undefeated they are. Robinson is almost guaranteed for 400 yards of offense by himself every game he plays and I don’t see that changing this week. Big Blue is too much for the Spartans to handle and Dantonio has already had one heart attack. Look for this week to be a complete blow out so not much of a stress on the head coach’s emotions.

Michigan 42 - Michigan State 10

UGA vs. Tennessee
This game will be A.J. Green and Aaron Murray vs. the entire Tennessee team. I’m not going to sit here and give any sort of explanation outside of the fact that I can’t pick against my alumni. The dogs win this simply because they have absolutely no other option. If Richt wants his job, the Dawgs better start winning and start winning now.

Tennessee 17 – UGA 27

Notre Dame vs. Pitt

The Irish should beat a not so good Panthers team. I’m hoping the Fighting Irish have found their stride and Brian Kelly’s system starts working this week. Irish win in South Bend.

Notre Dame 24 – Pitt 13

Brett Favre the new Tiger Woods??

Photo Courtesy of deadspin.com

If you've been living in a cave the past few days I'd like to inform you that Brett Favre is back in the media spotlight. Can you believe it? This time I don't think he's too happy to have the publicity. I've provided the link above (just click on the title) if you want the full story of the "mini Favre" fiasco. Apparently Favre spent a great deal of time during his Jets tenure trying to get into the pants of buxom, Jenn Sterger. Sterger is that bombshell with the great big old titties from Florida State. She was known as the Florida State Cowgirl. She's hot as hell, and I'd probably send her cock shots of my dong, even though I'm married, but I would never send them if my cock was the size of old number 4. It seems that his number on his jersey matches his member in inches.

Anyway, what I want to know is, is this going to turn into a Tiger Woods type of scandal, where all sorts of ladies across the country claim they slept with Old Man Favre? I think so. I tell you what, if I was married and was a big time athlete, musician, whatever, I think I would get a divorce the first time I chose to be with another woman. Shit, maybe I'd just get a divorce before I played my first game or went on my first big tour. Get it out of the way. If you want to go bang every hot piece of ass you see, do it, just don't get married, or in Brett's case, don't stay married. You know that shit is going to get out to the media, especially if you are portrayed as a Mr. Nice guy who marries his High School sweetie, and sticks with her after all these years. In this digital age nothing is sacred, even gross cock shots sent via cell phone.

This could all be a hoax, but I HIGHLY doubt it. I would like your opinions on the matter. Also, cock jokes are welcome. No cock joke is too small. Ba dum dum.

NLDS PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS: BRAVES VS GIANTS

This will be the Braves first ever postseason appearance as the Wild Card team. The reason why they got the Wild Card and not the East division title was because they literally stumbled in going 14-16 in both September and October. In fact they didn't clinch the Wild Card till the last day of the season. The Giants on the other hand come in hot. They went 19-10 over the last month and their pitching was incredible. A staff ERA of 1.78 for the month of September. Both of these teams won't score a lot because their lineups are shit in terms of the rest of the playoff teams.

The Braves took the season series 4-3. The only problem is those wins came when the Braves had Martin Prado, Chipper Jones and at the time a torching hot Troy Glaus in the lineup. Now the Braves have none of these guys. They expect and need big contributions from Brian McCann, Derek Lee, and Jason Heyward. If those three bats don't produce in this series then the Braves could easily get swept.

Here is what I think will happen. Derek Lowe gets the start tonight against The Freak Tim Lincecum. The pressure is all on the Giants to win this first game with their ace and two time reigning Cy Young winner on the hill. The Braves can hit Lincecum. I've seen it live and up close at the Ted. Lowe has been incredible for the past 6 weeks and even won NL Pitcher of the Month honors in September. If Lowe wasn't on top of his game the Braves wouldn't have made the playoffs. He makes the big bucks and tonight is a great time for him to step up and continue his incredible streak. The Braves win tonight. I'm going to say 4-3.

With that being said I think this series goes 5 games. They split the first two in San Fran and also split at The Ted. It comes down to the 5th game and whoever has the better pitcher. Will the Giants rush Lincecum to pitch in game 4 or will they save him for game 5? Depends on the situation. The Braves will most certainly pitch Tommy Hanson which both excites me and scares me. Hanson is either really on or really off this season. Plus the Braves never score runs for him. I'm going to say the Giants send Lincecum for game 4 and then bring back Matt Cain in game 5 in San Fran. I hate to go against my home team but the Braves have been shit all year on the road. I hope they can win it for Bobby Cox because my heart wants to believe these guys are playing for him but then my head says the Giants have a better team right now.

Prediction: Giants in 5

DOCTOBER FIRES NO-HITTER

Now that is how you want to pitch in your first postseason game ever. Not only do you go out and prove you are the best pitcher in the game today but you go out and throw a Phuckin' no-hitter. Straight domination all game. Hitting corners and mixing up speeds like Maddux back in his prime. Only the second no-hitter in postseason history and the first since Don Larsen threw a perfecto way back in the 50's. No worries since Roy Halladay already threw a perfect game earlier this season.

Right now I don't see anybody beating the Phillies. Phuck!

ALDS PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS: YANKEES VS TWINS

The Yankees are back in the playoffs because they have $200 million dollars. The Twins are in the playoffs again because they run a great organization that is reliant on good scouting and developing their talent. The Yankees just buy their way in every year and this year is no different.

Tonight we see a battle of lefties in Yankees ace C.C. Sabathia against comeback kid Francisco Liriano. Whoever wins tonight will win the series. The Yankees are 9-2 against the Twins in the ALDS having won all 3 series against them. This year could be different because the Yankees starting pitching is very suspect after big C.C. A.J. Burnett won't even pitch and Phil Hughes and Andy Pettitte have both struggled since the All-Star break. Unfortunately for the Twins they got Carl Pavano going in game 2 (Yanks fans remember him fondly) and then Brian Duensing going in game 3. So in other words the pitching matchups cancel each other out.

Both teams come in the series struggling of late. The Yankees have more power in their lineup with Mark Teixeira at 1B while the Twins will be without Justin Morneau. This I believe will be the big difference in the series. In a battle of wills the Yankees will get more pop out of their lineup with Alex Rodriguez producing at key times and Robinson Cano delivering as he did all season.

Prediction: Yankees in 5 (fuck em!)

CARLO CALABRESE DOES HIS LATTIMER IMPERSONATION

Notre Dame MLB Carlo Calabrese is a beast. Along with fellow MLB Manti Te'o who currently leads the nation in tackles the Notre Dame defense has two guys who could become the best inside backer group to ever wear the blue and gold.

And oh yeah, the spotting of the ball on this play was complete bullshit. Carlo completely stopped the Stanford fullback in this tracks. There was no forward progress. The stop brought back memories of Steve Lattimer in "The Program" when he rips off the helmet.

GREAT COMMERCIAL

HT: Mike

NLDS PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS: RED VS PHILLIES

Roy Halladay has a Hall of Fame type resume after 13 seasons but he is still missing one important accomplishment: a postseason appearance. Today El Perfecto Roy will be making his first postseason start in what surely will be his biggest of his career. The Phillies are the two-time reigning National League Champs and are the odd's on favorite in Vegas to win the National League pennant. The Reds on the other hand are making first postseason appearance since 1995. It's been way too long for the storied franchise.

The Reds will start Edinson Volquez today. He went 4-3 with a 4.31 ERA in 12 starts this season after missing all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Going against Halladay in Philly in the series opener will be a daunting task. The Reds did win 91 games this season but they really struggled the last month of the season. They have a superstar slugger in Joey Votto and an upcoming star in Jay Bruce who will both be looking to make some noise in their playoff debuts. They will not only have to face Halladay in game 1 but then they get proven playoff pitchers Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels.

The Phillies come in playing outstanding baseball since the All-Star break. They have the best starting trio of pitchers and their hitting has come alive with Chase Utley and Placido Palonco returning from injuries. They won the season series 5-2 over the Reds during the regular season and I expect the same in this series.

Prediction: Phillies in 4