College Picks

Happy almost Thanksgiving. Not a huge fan of this holiday as we should be thankful year round, right? Still, it's an opportunity to enjoy the topping of the sweet potato souffle (hold the marshmallows and extra crunch). Remember last week when there was a contingency of peeps elated at the fact the SEC National Championship had been snapped a la Lifetime? What a difference a week makes! I didn't watch any games Saturday night and had a stream of texts (in between texts with pictures of various desserts) giving me play by play of K-State vs Baylor and Stanford vs Oregon. Oh Brent Musburger....I know peeps who can replace you and call the players by the correct names. Anyway, the Ducks promptly laid an egg (1st duck joke) while K-State wet the bed or should I say field? Nice job sealing the deal when it was all there for the taking, guys.

Did you hear? Maryland will still protect the house but it will be in the Big 10 and joining them are the Scarlett Knights of Rutgers. They too, will be stomped by Ohio State. And where does that leave FSU and Clemson? It's one of those things that make you go hmmmmmm. On with the show...

UGA vs GT-My neighbors generally put their GT flag up this time of year, but no flag sighting as of yet. If you haven't heard, GT backed into that ACC Championship game with a phat 6-5 record and a loss at home to Middle TN State. Wouldn't they love to spoil UGA's party? This is such a big if, and I have probably jinxed the entire situation, but if UGA beats the fuzzy bees, and Bama, they could go play Rudy and Company in the BCS championship game. More on Rudy later....I could see UGA being a little flat  and a close game, but I see a Dawg victory in this rivalry. (I hope. My fingers, legs, and toes are crossed and I just tossed some salt over my shoulder as I typed this)

Florida vs FSU-Jimbo Fisher is upset because FSU isn't getting any love in the polls. You can't lose to NC State, Jimbo. It's only acceptable in hoops. The Gators have looked a bit dicey the last few weeks against lesser opponents. Maybe they are playing down to the competition? Not sure, but I will take the Gators in a photo finish (watch them lose by 45).

Ohio State vs Michigan-I said earlier this year the Buckeyes were going undefeated and they will. It's tough to do that 2 years in a row, but look for Ohio State to dominate the Big 10 (or maybe it's 14 now) until.....well until someone else steps up  and that could be quite a while. Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nebraska are on the second tier and then there is that sad, pathetic 3rd tier. It's tough to vote against Urban, so Buckeyes get a big W and sit home in January watching "The Amazing Race" (never seen the show but I've heard many like it).

Alabama vs Auburn-Oh Auburn.....If you are Gene Chizik, how do you like people openly discussing who is going to replace you at the weekly staff meetings? I bet they didn't put his name in the Secret Santa exchange. Have they even scored 100 points total all season? This will get fugly-fast. Tide roll...

USC vs ND-Remember when Matt Barkley came back to win a National Championship and the Heisman? Right. The only thing these USC QBs are truly good for is hooking up with celebutantes. All is right in the world as ND is number 1. At half time during this game, I expect angels to drop down and sing  while leprechauns dance. As a friend of mine pointed out, it's interesting that Barkley is injured for this game. This same friend thinks the Vatican is on this (what??????). I want to be the first to say that if ND wins the National Title, ESPN will move their HQ from Bristol to South Bend. Lou Holtz will be unintelligible (oh wait-that's already happening). We will have live streams of what is happening on the campus and what player is currently using the urinal. Pinterest will shut down from the ND faithful.  I'm not kidding. USC can score but the D is sketchy. Sigh. ND solidifies their number 1 ranking and the earth will tremble.

Tennessee vs Kentucky-I guess Derek Dooley won't be wearing orange at the Thanksgiving table this year. Kentucky is absolutely terrible and canned their coach, Joker Phillips, mid way through the season and that's no joke. Who will be the next guy singing "Rocky Top"? Not sure but big orange gets the victory.

Oklahoma State at Oklahoma-It's big game Bobby vs Mike "I'm a man" Gundy. Not sure what to think of this game as Oklahoma lost to K State and to ND. Remember, Lou Holtz and Bob Stoops are good friends and Bob probably puts Lou on mute when he calls to salivate (literally) over ND. If they use Face time, Bob wears goggles and a protective mask. Haven't seen the Cowboys play, but I generally like the Sooners at home. Boomer sooner (yes, they will lose by 30).

Stanford at UCLA- Both teams coming off a big win, so who can keep the momentum? I'll take the team behind door number 3. Cardinals.

South Carolina at Clemson-Darth's squad has looked shaky since blowing the doors off UGA. They struggled against Wofford last week until the 4th quarter. Another year and another Clemson team. Typically, I would take the Gamecocks, but their offense is anemic. They haven't looked the same since losing Marcus Lattimore. Clemson in a close one. Wait, did I just pick an ACC team? Have I lost touch with reality? Steve Spurrier can email me a personal thanks for picking Clemson.

Oregon at Oregon State-Oregon and their allegedly unstoppable offense waddle (2nd duck joke) into Corvallis to take on the Beavers. Rumor has it (thanks Adele!) that Chip Kelly is going to be the top candidate for the Philadelphia Eagles. From ducks to eagles? What the cluck?  I know. I know. The ducks had top billing (ha) media was hoping a PAC 10 team would play for the National title for the sex-ay factor, but it's not to be. Oregon State has a good record but I can never tell much about the PAC 10 teams except that it is possible to score 35 points in under a minute. Mmmmmm. This one is difficult. I'm going with the upset and pick the Beavers to gnaw their way to a victory over the quack pack attack.


****Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Game of the Week*****

LSU vs Arkansas-Did you see Les Miles' post game conference last week? It's a good thing the FCC wasn't asking questions because he got all feisty on the media. Les is an odd duck, but he is a good coach. John L Smith has been quiet since saying the state of Alabama was behind him. Alabama, Arkansas....they both start with an "A." LSU gets the win.

Pro picks tomorrow. Go Dawgs!