Fearless Prognostications

Fearless Prognostications: "Well folks, it's hard to believe it's that time of year again. You know what I'm talkin about too - lots of grilled and fried food, not to mention a few pints of the good stuff to wash it down with. Last year this fearless prognosticator was takin a little tour of the B&Bs up the Appalachian trail, but we're back with a vengeance. Or something. On to this week's picks..." Check out Fearless Prognostications - a site run by a good Southron friend of mine. If you like your football southern fried and funny check this out. Don't count on accuracy, though, there is a distinct bias for Alabama. :) Here is how he describes the three games I care about: Georgia Tech at Notre Dame: The Bumble Bees travel to Catholic Country for a little excitement in the midwest. The Catholics have "disguised" the season opening quarterback to throw off the opponent. Yeah that works. Sounds like Weis doesn't know who to start. Fortunately for them, the Bees are still the Bees. Expect a valiant effort, and a strong bourbon. Catholics 22 Bees 16 Tennessee at California: It's a little bit country meets a little bit of rock and roll. Or more likely, it's Hillbillies and Techies meet in Berkeley. Talk about a gatherin. It's a bit like a wedding between ugly people. You're happy for them, but jeez, please don't have kids. The Golden Bears - and we're not talking about a six-pack of Jack Nicklaus - were spanked by the Davy Crockets last year in Knoxville. Don't expect a repeat. The nerds have been workin on this plan all summer. The Fulminator could slide right into the hot seat. Bears 20 Crockets 19 Idaho at Southern Cal: The Trojans are very good. The Potatoes are not. Pass the pepper, a glass of vino, and don't forget to get to your seat quickly before the reserves come in. Trojans 95 Spuds 10 Go ahead - check him out! Heck, add him to your side bar and rss feed. This guy is funny.

Happy New Year

It has been some time since I posted. I hope you all had a wonderful New Year. We traveled to Sacramento to see good friends. BTW, what other state can say that their capital is named for the blessed sacrament - I tell you, it sure is nice to be in California. Kudos to the Trojans for showing Michigan that they really didn't deserve a second shot at the title. I think both of those teams (Michigan and USC) are going to be tops next year. Will there be a rematch in a bowl? It would be nice. It was hard to watch the Notre Dame contest with LSU. I thought Notre Dame was better than that. They seemed to be flat after their time off. Hopefully Charlie Weis will get these guys in shape. We are good here. Look for more posts soon.

The Mighty USC Trojans Have Fallen

Oh the horror of it all. So much for playing for yet another National Championship. Oh well - 10 and 2 with a trip to the Rose Bowl is what I call an oustanding door number 2. What a rebuilding year. If all rebuilding years can be as fruitful. Fight on! It is kinda funny to see all the UCLA fans pulling their shirts and jackets out of storage. They haven't had a big day in some time. Good for them. Tags: Football

USC vs. Notre Dame - from a So Cal Catholic

Yesterday Notre Dame and USC played once again, in what has for me been the most important game every year for every sport. This one tops them all. Why? I am Irish Catholic, so of course I was raised a Notre Dame fan. I remember saying that I wanted to go to ND when I was in third grade. But a funny thing happened to me along the way to the golden dome. I ended up not going there. I did spend some time at USC as a student, and going to the games as a student really gives you passion for a team. Now when I told my folks that I was going to USC, my folks nearly disowned me, but they have gotten used to it. They had better, they have a son in law who graduated from there - twice. So needless to say, I am conflicted now like I wasn't before my personal connection. Last night I rooted for USC, but felt bad for ND. Now only to show that I am the most neurotic football fan - I also taught at UCLA. So I kind of feel some loyalty there too. Though they are clearly third of three. Anyways, yesterday's game was fabulous and I am hopeful that USC beats UCLA and plays Ohio State for the title. Of course a Big 10/Pac 10 Champion match-up for the title should be played in the Rose Bowl - but let's leave gripes about the BCS for another day. Tags: Football, USC, Notre Dame

Football

As most of my friends know, I love college football. Now you may think I am crazy, but I root for both Notre Dame and USC. Being a good Irish Catholic, I was raised to love the Blue & Gold. But I am in So Cal, and have actually attended USC (no degree from there- but I still owe on the student loans). And after living in Georgia, I understand the importance of college football. Saturday, I was flipping back and forth between the Florida/Auburn and USC/Arizona State games (I was pleased at the outcome of both). During the halftime shows, there was a clip from a brawl between Miami and Florida International. The first question is how can Miami get away with playing such a school and have it count. A second question is how the coaches at both school could let a brawl like this get so far out of hand. Regardless of the answers to the above questions, they did play them and they did get into a brawl. During the brawl, I saw students using helmets as weapons (like clubs), and worse – stomping on players with their cleats. At the time, I was certain that these students would be dealt with severely. So, the punishments are out – 13 players from Miami and 18 from FIU are suspended for one game. What the heck. Did they not see what I saw? How about expulsion from the school or at the least from the team? How about criminal charges? They were STOMPING ON PEOPLE! Something certainly stinks in the State of Florida. What happened to sportsmanship? What happened to self-respect? Respect for your opponent? I guess I must be missing something. A one game suspension. Wow!