All crunked up on UT

This video proves there is very little difference between being a Virginia Tech fan and a Tennessee fan. You love NASCAR, struggle with the finer points of grammar and you invented the fourth meal before Taco Bell.

Bowl Preview: Chick fil-A Bowl

Chick fil-A Bowl
GeorgiaDome, Atlanta
Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee
Date: Dec. 31
Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Virginia Tech -5

About Virginia Tech (9-3): Typical Va. Tech. Run the ball, defense, special teams. Don't pass well and have a self-inflated team ego because they hammer crap teams in the ACC. And hell, they couldn't even win that league this year.

Intangibles:
Blacksburg: -1
Bruce Smith: +2
Corey Moore: -1
Michael Vick: -2
Marcus Vick: -4

About Tennessee (7-5): Our boy, Lane Kiffin, did a decent job with a Vols team that was questionable at some key positions. Tennessee managed to win seven games essentially without a passing game. Now, if Lane could just keep his big mouth shut. And not violate an NCAA rule every five minutes. That would be good.

Intangibles:
Daddy working for you: -1
Stupid NCAA with their "rules": -4
All Orange Unis: -4
Vol Ladies: +3

Impact Player: Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton. Seriously, dude, complete some passes and your team has a good chance to win. Play the way you normally due and, well...

Bowl slogan: "Winner, winner, chicken dinner."

Little Known Fact: Phil Fulmer really loves Chick Fil-A.

Watchability (1-5): 4

The pick: Tennessee 21, Virginia Tech 18

Podcast: Episode 54

We're in the thick of the bowl season and we couldn't be any more pleased. Listen to today's show to hear which conferences we think have the most to gain and lose in bowl games, and which conference we think will be the biggest surprise.

We also propose a possible change for the NCAA to consider on coaching changes (OK, Phil doesn't like the idea), and give you are best picks for the next week of bowl games. Phil spends a little time evaluating the USC program, while Tom looks at Virginia Tech's chances of ending its drought against the SEC in the Chick-fil-a Bowl. Both of us also talk about the most memorable college football moment of the past decade. Enjoy.

Picks of the Week: No. 4

Guess I'm wimping out this week. I like Bowling Green to cover against Boise State, and Iowa to cover at Penn State. Heck, I even like TCU to cover at Clemson, but I'm not taking any of those games. Forgive me, but I need to improve on my record.

Here's my shot at a better record.

Miami (-2.0) over Virginia Tech
Miami is not back yet. The Hurricanes are much better than most expected, but championship UM teams are better than this squad. However, Randy Shannon's team is oozing confidence and they are more talented than the Hokies. Force Tyrod Taylor to throw and it's an easy win for Miami.
Pick: Miami 33, Virginia Tech 22

Florida Sate (-14.0) over South Florida
A week ago I would have taken the Bulls and the points. Matt Grothe and his ACL tear changes things a bit. Now Christian Ponder will be the best quarterback in this game. Hell, E.J. Manuel may be the second-best QB in Tallahassee. The Noles are rolling into this game following last week's win at BYU. The Bulls are just reeling.
Pick: FSU 34, South Florida 14

Ohio State (-14.0) over Illinois
Been reading all week how Illinois upset OSU two years ago in The Shoe. It's not going to happen, and the Illini won't even cover. The Buckeyes are still the best team in the Big Ten and they'll prove that again this week with a stout defensive performance.
Pick: Ohio State 28, Illinois 13

Alabama (-17.5) over Arkansas
Did you see all of those points the Razorbacks scored against Georgia? Sure, but Arkansas lost. Now Bobby Petrino must get his offense ready to play a much more aggressive and speedy defense. Bama will roll easily.
Pick: Alabama 48, Arkansas 21

Upset of the Week Texas Tech (+1.0) over Houston
The Red Raiders surprised me in a close loss to Texas last week in Austin. Houston had its moment at Oklahoma State. QB Taylor Potts fits well into Mike Leach's system and he'll pick apart the Cougars defense.
Pick: Texas Tech 42, Houston 30

Last Week: 3-2
Season Record: 8-7

Podcast: Episode 41

We have a special guest this week on An 'Eye and an 'Eer: College Football Podcast. We welcome Mike Eisenberg from Eisentower30.com and big-time Miami Hurricanes' fan. Eisenberg, a former minor-league baseball player, is now a film student in Chicago. He provides us a little insight into UM's big road test in Blacksburg against Virginia Tech. The 'Eye and the 'Eer take a look at last week's interesting outcomes, as well as look into our crystal balls as we consider some of the possibilities this weekend. We also discuss Pete Carroll, Bobby Petrino, the lackluster Florida Gators, Matt Grothe and Penn State.

Game Day - Afternoon of chaos

- of COURSE USC lost. A week too late. Criminy.

Crazy loud home crowd? Check.
Great defensive effort? Check.
Solid QB play and gameplan. oh....

anyway, down go the Trojans in their typical PAC 10 style.

- Kirk Cousins, Michigan State quarterback, COME ON. In case you missed it, Cousins drove MSU down inside the Notre Dame 15 where a field goal would send the game into OT. Instead Cousins makes a horrendous decision to scramble then panic as he was thrown to the ground, just flinging the ball right to an Irish defender. MSU's ownership of Notre Dame Stadium came to an end.

- Virginia Tech - lucky as hell.

- Utah. Welcome to the world of the BCS has-beens.

- BYU will be joining you shortly.

Rutgers to win Big East ... huh?

Every year the 'Eye claims Virginia Tech is the most overrated team in the preseason rankings. Most of the time he's right.

So when he spends his entire summer driving his friends nuts by espousing too often on a media darling who he feels is not as good as the hype ... people should listen. This summer it was Rutgers. He questioned and picked apart "the experts" who kept telling us Rutgers would win the Big East. The Scarlet Knights proved him right as Cincinnati looked every bit the defending champ and favorite to win it again this year.

Besides, any WVU fan will tell you there is no way Rutgers will win the Big East.

The Bearcats were dominant and have become the team to beat in the Big East (which should have been the case all preseason). Why? That's simple Tony Pike. The senior signal caller hit on 27-of-34 passes for 362 yards and three touchdowns in just three quarters.

Greg Schiano has done an amazing job with RU, but outside of a program-making victory over an undefeated Louisville in 2006, his teams have been mediocre. The only positive in Monday's loss was the debut of freshman QB Tom Savage. He added some stability to the Knights offense and he'll probably be the starter for a long time now.

Picks of the Week: No. 1

I'm back for a second year to offer my best prognostication skills against the talented odds makers of Las Vegas. OK, last year I went a mediocre, but above .500, 32-27. If you follow the 'Eer you'll know he follows his gut (which seems to be getting bigger) more than he should. But he thinks 2009 is his year.

We'll see.

Alabama (-6.5) over Virginia Tech
I say it every year, Virginia Tech is the most over-rated team. The Hokies enter this marquee showdown in Atlanta with an 0-20 record on the road against teams in the Top 5. Nick Saban is a better game-day coach than Frank Beamer (seriously, only people in Blacksburg actually believe Beamer Ball is relevant). Bama proved last year in this game that the preseason top-rated team in the ACC is no match for a Top-5 SEC squad.
Pick: Alabama 30, Virginia Tech 17

Nebraska (-22.5) over Florida Atlantic
Remember last year when Howard Schnellenberger said Texas was soft? Exactly, a 52-10 drubbing by the Longhorns. The Cornhuskers aren't Texas, but Bo Pelini will put it on the Owls in Lincoln.
Pick: Nebraska 48, FAU 9

Minnesota (-7.0) over Syracuse
Tim Brewster and the Gophers love these early games. Last year Minnesota opened 7-1 and finished 7-6. As much as I'd love to pick the Orange in an upset and give new coach Doug Marrone a nice start, Minnesota's offense is too diverse and talented for Syracuse. Plus, I can't pick former Duke point guard Greg Paulus to win.
Pick: Minnesota 27, Syracuse 14

California (-21.0) over Maryland
Maybe I'm hating on the ACC a bit this week. But I remember watching the Terps upset the Bears in College Park last year (and who could forget Jahvid Best puking up his breakfast after a big hit). Cal has the better talent, and more experience. I don't think revenge is a huge factor, but Maryland shouldn't expect Cal to sleep in for the first three quarters this year.
Pick: California 38, Maryland 14

Upset of the Week
Nevada (-14.5) over Notre Dame
Go ahead Irish fans. Laugh. But you wont' be laughing after athletic junior quarterback Colin Kaepernick shreds the Irish defense in the first meeting between the two schools. Kaepernick is the preseason WAC Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for nearly 3,000 yards last season. If ND can't protect Jimmy Clausen any better than it has the past two seasons it could be real ugly. Plus it will be fun to watch the Charlie Weis haters get fired up early.
Pick: Nevada 27, Notre Dame 24

Sorry. I wanted to pick Miami over Florida State on Monday, but I don't have the stones to do it.

Season Record: 0-0

Big East shut out again

No Big East team is good enough to crack the AP Top 25 or the USA Today Coaches preseason polls. This once again proves how insignificant these polls are and how we should wait until the first week of October before a poll is released.

But now GQ is dissing the conference. In the magazine's America's 25 Douchiest Colleges not a single Big East team made the cut. Seriously GQ, have none of your editors or writers met anyone from UConn? And Matt Grothe alone should warrent South Florida consideration.

OK, Ohio State's inclusion is pretty funny, but how does the ACC's Virginia Tech and North Carolina not make the list?

So this is what a Hokie looks like

Thanks for the great photos Virginia Tech. Now you see why no one outside of Blacksburg takes the Hokies seriously. Oh yeah, good luck against Alabama in that little season opener on Sept. 5 in Atlanta.

(Hat Tip: The Smoking Musket)

2009's best non-conference matchups

With all of the talk about teams trying to make their non-conference schedules as easy as possible I decided it was time to look at the 2009 schedule and give you the 10 best non-conference match ups.

Here are my picks.

1. USC at Ohio State (8 p.m. EST, Sept. 12, ESPN): Buckeyes hope to end their big-game struggles at the Horseshoe against the Trojans. USC crushed OSU last year 35-3, but the Buckeyes are 23-1 under Jim Tressel in non-conference home games.

2. Alabama vs. Virginia Tech (8 p.m. EST, Sept. 5, ABC): Alabama is back in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. Last year the Tide shocked Clemson en route to a perfect regular season. The Hokies hope to represent the ACC in a much better light than Clemson. This game features two of the nation's best defenses and the crowd will be electric.

3. Oregon at Boise State (10:15 p.m. EST, Sept. 3, ESPN): I almost picked this as the top game because the Ducks are traveling to a non-BCS school putting their whole season on the line. The Ducks will also have a new coach and uniforms that will undoubtedly clash with the blue turf. Great game, though, with two Top 15 teams getting the season started on a Thursday night. This is a must watch. If the Broncos win they're probably 12-0 in 2009.

4. Georgia at Oklahoma State (3:30 p.m. EST, Sept. 5, ABC): Georgia didn't play well in big games last season, and Mark Richt could use a win in this game in a serious way. However, when the Bulldogs agreed to this road game Oklahoma State was a middle of the pack Big 12 program. Things are different now and I won't be suprised a bit to see the Cowboys win this game easily.

5. West Virginia at Auburn (7:45 p.m. EST, Sept. 19, ESPN): This was a great game last year in Morgantown. But this year WVU is without Pat White, doesn't have the homefield edge and the Tigers will want to exact a bit of revenge. Think Morgantown is crazy on a Thursday night? Wait until the Mountaineers see Jordan-Hare Stadium. Crazy.

6. Oklahoma at Miami (TBA, Oct. 3, TBA): This matchup brings back memories of Brian Bosworth and Barry Switzer vs. Vinny Testaverde and Jimmy Johnson. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes they aren't quite talented enough to hang with the Sooners. Sam Bradford and the Sooners should have a better outcome this time in Miami.

7. Florida State at Florida (TBA, Nov. 28, TBA): Great rivalry that has been dominated by the Gators of late. The Seminoles are getting better, but Tim Tebow and UF will get another win in 2009.

8. Nebraska at Virginia Tech (3:30 p.m., Sept. 19, ABC): Big 12 vs. ACC. This is another opportunity for the ACC to gain a bit of respect nationally. The Cornhuskers could do the same with a win in front of a hostile crowd at Lane Stadium. Winner of this one gains a lot of traction.

9. Notre Dame at Pittsburgh (TBA, Nov. 14, TBA): Do you remember last year's overtime thriller? I do. I was sitting in a bar in Columbus waiting for a Blue Jackets game to get underway. This game always seems to have a number of twists and turns to keep it exciting. I expect more of the same this year as Pitt believes it can win the Big East and the Irish try to remain relevant. Now if we could just get Penn State to play Pitt or WVU again.

10. Illinois at Cincinnati (TBA, Nov. 27, TBA): The timing isn't the best for Cincinnati as this game is sandwiched between West Virginia and at Pitt. The Bearcats are good enough to repeat as Big East champs, and Illinois is experienced. The winner here could position itself for a solid bowl game.

Preseason: ACC rankings

Continuing our way-too-early preseason conference predictions, it is time to look at ACC.

Atlantic Division
1. Florida State
Key players: QB Christian Ponder, DE Kevin McNeil, FB Marcus Sims, LB Kendall Smith.
Predicted record: 9-3
Maybe I'm reaching by having FSU reach the top of the division. There have been plenty of distractions for the Seminoles, starting with the NCAA trying to take away 14 victories from Coach Bowden. It doesn't help that the Noles had to suspend receiver Rod Owens and the NCAA didn't grant Corey Surrency another year of eligibility. FSU may also start three or four freshmen.

2. North Carolina State
Key players: TB Toney Baker, QB Russell Wilson, S Clem Johnson, LB Ray Michael.
Predicted record: 9-3
The Wolfpack are ready to make a move in year three under Tom O'Brien. N.C. State played an almost perfect game against rival North Carolina last year, so expect more of that this season. The Pack are deep at QB with Russell Wilson and Mike Glennon, who could be starting at a few other ACC programs.

3. Wake Forest
Key players: QB Riley Skinner, DT Boo Robinson, WR Jordan Williams, CB Brandon Ghee.
Predicted record: 7-5
This sounds odd to say, but the Demon Deacons were decimated by the NFL Draft, especially on defense (see Aaron Curry). Word out of Winston Salem is the defense isn't in as bad of shape as many may think. Expect a lot more for Riley Skinner this fall, and never underestimate the genius of Jim Grobe.

4. Maryland
Key players: QB Chris Turner, TB Da'Rel Scott, WR Torrey Smith, DB Terrell Skinner.
Predicted record: 7-5
Ralph Friedgen has dropped almost 100 pounds. That's not good news for the Denny's and Waffle House's around College Park. There is positive news about the Terps defense, which is is important in the ACC. Offensively Friedgen usually works miracles, but can he do it with quarterback Chris Turner?

5. Clemson
Key players: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Willy Korn, WR Jacoby Ford, LB Kavell Conner, DE Ricky Sapp.
Predicted record: 6-6
Dabo Swinney is the coach. I could probably stop here. But the first-year coach has a quarterback controversy as both Willy Korn and Kyle Parker are listed as starters for the upcoming season. Besides, this is Clemson. The Tigers will find a way to be mediocre again.

6. Boston College
Key players: DE Austin Giles, LB Mark Herzlich, QB Dominique Davis, RB Josh Haden.
Predicted record: 4-8
Let's not even get into the whole coaching fiasco this winter. Boston College has been one of the ACC's best teams the past two years. But there are too many question marks and the devastating news that ACC Defensive Player of the Year Mark Herzlich has cancer could mean a long season in Chestnut Hill.

Coastal Division
1. Virginia Tech
Key players: QB Tyrod Taylor, TB Darren Evans, S Dorian Porch, LB Cody Grimm.
Predicted record: 10-2
Tyrod Taylor is a unique talent, and if he stays healthy could lead the Hokies to a memorable season. Defensively, Virginia Tech could be the best in the ACC when all is said and done. Special teams remain a strength, but the Hokies may be weaker than normal at kicker.

2. Georgia Tech
Key players: QB Josh Nesbitt, TB Jonathan Dwyer, C Sean Bedford, LB Sedric Griffin, DE Robert Hall.
Predicted record: 9-3
The rest of the ACC will be a little more comfortable defending against Paul Johnson's triple-option. The Jackets are also more comfortable with the system, so GT could be the team to knock off Virginia Tech.

3. North Carolina
Key players: QB T.J. Yates, DE E.J. Wilson, TB Shaun Draughn, LB Bruce Carter.
Predicted record: 8-4
The Tar Heels are all about defense, which is a normal trait under Butch Davis. The offense should be solid, but finding experience at receiver is still a priority (especially trying to replace do-everything receiver Hakeem Nicks.

4. Miami (FL)
Key players: QB Jacory Harris, TB Graig Cooper, C A.J. Trump, DT Joe Joseph, CB Ryan Hill.
Predicted record: 6-6
I like that the U won't have any doubts at quarterback with Robert Marve off to Purdue and Jacory Harris taking all of the snaps now. However, Miami is still very young, has a tough schedule and must adjust to two new coordinators. The defense is extremely athletic.

5. Duke
Key players: QB Thaddeus Lewis, LB Vincent Rey, RB Re'quan Boyette.
Predicted record: 4-8
I want to believe the Blue Devils will make bigger strides under David Cutcliffe in his second year, but this is Duke. Thaddeus Lewis may have to carry this team on his shoulders for Duke to reach .500.

6. Virginia
Key players: WR Mikell Simpson, OG B.J. Cabbell, LB Steve Greer, QB Jameel Sewell, FB Rashawn Jackson.
Predicted record: 3-9
Al Groh is desperate this season. He fired his son last year and has turned the offense over to Gregg Brandon. Jameel Sewell returns at quarterback after missing last season with an injury. It's going to be a long season in Charlottesville.

Can Randy Shannon survive 2009?

With two consecutive outstanding recruiting classes in the books it would appear the Miami Hurricanes could be a national player again real soon.

But Miami is still relatively young (while experienced) and Coach Randy Shannon is turning over the offense to a tested Jacory Harris, who is a true sophomore. Defensively Miami should be solid with great team speed and unlimited potential. However, the Canes knack for playing undisciplined could be costly. Another concern is the the turnover on the coaching staff.

With all of that said, the biggest obstacle for UM in 2009 is a tougher-than-usual schedule. Eight of Miami's 12 opponents played in bowl games in 2008. Those teams are Florida State (Champs Sports Bowl), Georgia Tech (Chick-Fil-A Bowl), Virginia Tech (Orange Bowl), Oklahoma (BCS title game), Clemson (Gator Bowl), Wake Forest (Eagle Bank Bowl), North Carolina (Meineke Car Care Bowl) and South Florida (St. Petersburg Bowl).

The Canes also open the season in Tallahassee against an improved, but reeling Florida State following NCAA sanctions.

So if you give Miami wins against Florida A&M (Oct. 10), at Central Florida (Oct. 17), Virginia (Nov. 7) and Duke (Nov. 21)--and let's be realistic UM has struggled with the Cavaliers and Blue Devils--what kind of record could we expect from Miami?

At this point it would be hard to see the Canes defeating FSU, Georgia Tech (Sept. 17), at Virginia Tech (Sept. 26) or Oklahoma (Oct. 3). So we're at 4-4. I'll give them Clemson (Oct. 24) because of the Dabo Swinney effect (similar to Bill Stewart last year) and at South Florida (Nov. 28) since the Bulls seem to dive at the end of the season. Record now is 6-4.

What's left? Two tough ACC road games with Wake Forest (Oct. 31) and North Carolina (Nov. 14). Please, someone tell me how Miami is going to win either of these games? So at 6-6 does Randy Shannon survive another season?

I don't think so.

Bowl Preview: Orange Bowl

Orange Bowl
Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami, Fla.
Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati
Date: Jan. 1
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: FOX
Line: Cincinnati -2.5

About Virginia Tech: I have no idea how this team made it to a BCS game. They’ve got a crappy offense and their defense is average. Hell, the special teams aren’t even that good this year. And somehow they get a favorable matchup in a BCS bowl. Man.

Intangibles:
Redshirting Tyrod Taylor: -4
Playing Tyrod Taylor: +2
Beamer neck thing: -2
Nicknamed “Hokies”: +3

About Cincinnati: Brian Kelly is one of the best coaches in college football. Just ask him. Kelly is a wee-bit sure of himself. I guess that’s a perfect fit for the Bearcats who are about the 10th most important football team in Cincinnati – right after Cincinnati Woodward, High School. The ‘Cats have a varied offense and a decent defense.

Intangibles:
Clifton: -4
Skyline Chili: +5
Montgomery Inn BBQ: +6
Bengals and Reds: -5

Impact Player: Cincinnati WR Dominick Goodman . Nice WR, but really might have been the best high school option QB I’ve ever seen. Would have loved to see him play for Paul Johnson at Georgia Tech.

Bowl slogan: “Come to Miami! Please, come. Somebody come. We’ll give you the tickets, Please.”

Little known fact: The Orange Bowl used to be an awesome game. Always had great matchups. Not so much, anymore.

Watchability (1-5): 2

The Pick: Virginia Tech 24, Cincinnati 23

Is it the economy?

Seems the easy explanation for poor ticket sales to bowl games is "It's the economy stupid!" Sounds plausible. The economy does suck and trekking across the country to watch a football game isn't the best way to be fiscally responsible.

I'm just not buying it.

The Columbus Dispatch talked to Buckeye fans who have decided to stay home instead of going to the Fiesta Bowl for a potentially great match up with Texas. The reasons vary (including the economy), but clearly Ohio State's scarlet and gray clad faithful are tired of spending the holidays in the Phoenix area. The Fiesta Bowl execs should have really considered steering away from OSU and going with Utah. Buckeye fans may have enjoyed a Sugar Bowl trip (OK, last year's trip to New Orleans didn't go so well) to face Alabama.

In a somewhat embarrassing and sad pitch to coax fans into traveling to Miami for the Orange Bowl, Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer is making an online appeal on the Hokies official website. No one went to the ACC Championship game, why would VT fans travel to watch them play Cincinnati? Let's stop the charade. Virginia Tech is not a big-time program.

Now look at two bowls with good ticket sales.

The Meineke Bowl, with regional opponents North Carolina and West Virginia, have surpassed 50,000 ticket sales. According to the Charleston (W.Va.) Gazette, bowl officials got the matchup they wanted. Fans of both schools aren't letting them down either with brisk sales.

According to The Oregonian, the Oregon Ducks second trip to San Diego in four years for the Holiday Bowl has not hurt the interest in tickets. The Ducks have sold 8,000 of their alloted 11,000 for the Dec. 30 game against Oklahoma State.

Good matchups and good fans will go to a bowl no matter what.

ACC Report

Special Report

Retired Coach Rick
ACC Correspondent

The ACC Championship Game was a flop in all areas.

Excitement, fans and interest was just like D.B. Cooper, "missing." No excuses it was a lousy game.

The ACC has 10 teams in bowl games. As of now it looks like the profile game for the ACC will be the Orange Bowl—pitting Virginia Tech (9-4) against Big East champ Cincinnati (11-2). The bottom end will be the EagleBank Bowl—Wake Forest (7-5) vs. Navy (8-4). I am picking the ACC to go 5-5 in their appearances.

The regular season was exciting. It was very hard finding teams that were consistent all year. I am sticking to my predictions for next year. Florida State, North Carolina, Georgia Tech and Miami will be the best in the conference. North Carolina State will play the spoiler.

Beamer gets jacked

As a lifelong WVU fan, I've always thought Frank Beamer was a bit over-rated and deserved a good beat down. Seems one of his own players took care of it during the ACC Championship Saturday. Good thing for that player the Hokies defeated Boston College in Tampa.

Give Frank credit. He didn't go down (completely) and he even gets a chuckle out of it.

Observations from Saturday's Games (Dec. 6)

With West Virginia leading 10-7 at half of the Mountaineers' White Out against South Florida, there is no time to relax. But obligations are just that. So here go some observations from Saturday's games (and one from Friday).

1. Nice lids. It's too bad Army isn't more competitive in the Army-Navy game, but the Cadets were sporting some interesting uniforms and helmets Saturday. Army, instead of the traditional gold helmet, was donning camouflage helmets and matching pants. Nike made new blankets for the Army mules to match the new uniforms.

2. ACC Chumps. So, did anyone watch Virginia Tech rip Boston College in the ACC Championship? It doesn't look like it based on the empty seats at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. I'd say the stadium was no more than 40 percent full. The "new" ACC has been a joke since its inception.

3. Rilvary renewed. UCLA was totally outmanned by USC, but the Bruins showed great spunk in a 28-7 loss. They created turnovers and took an early lead. While 'Eye agree with me, Rick Neuheisel will have UCLA competing on a more level standing with the Trojans within two years.

4. Go with Gill. Would someone stand up and pay attention to the job Turner Gill has done at Buffalo? Well, it seems Auburn has gotten permission to speak with him for its opening. Could be an interesting fit since Gill has no SEC experience, but when you go 8-5 with the Buffalo Bulls and win the Mid-American Conference championship ... you can win and win big at Auburn.

5. Aloha Bearcats. It means hello and good-bye. With Big East champ Cincinnati playing at Hawaii tonight, will anyone see it, hear it or care about it?

6. Not so Pitt-iful. As tough as this is to say, Pitt has grown this year under Dave Wannstache. With its win over UConn and a win over Oklahoma State in the Sun Bowl the Panthers would have 10 wins this season. (Hey Lesean, you're ready for the NFL).

7. Mizzou mess. Missouri may have been the most overrated team this fall. The Tigers can't even score against a porous Oklahoma defense. The Big 12 needs to consider realignment so the best two teams actually get into the championship game.

8. Good pay. According to the Seattle Times, Steve Sarkisian will sign a five-year contract with Washington paying him $1.85 million a year. Good luck Steve. Mark your calendar. USC travels to Seattle on Sept. 19.

9. Looking good. East Carolina looked like the Pirates that opened the season with upset victories over Virginia Tech and West Virginia. ECU, behind a last-second field goal, defeated Tulsa 27-24 in the Conference USA championship. How long to Skip Holtz leaves? Seems Syracuse is hot and heavy after Lou's son.

10. Best game. I'm still trying to figure out what would be the best national championship game. I have a few options: Oklahoma-Florida, Oklahoma-Texas or Utah-Florida, Utah-Texas or Oklahoma-Utah. Any suggestions?

Picks of the Week

Three consecutive winning weeks has lifted me back over .500 (barely). There are some great games this week, so now let's see if I can make it four winners in a row.

Oklahoma (-16.5) over Missouri
I don't know how many times I've watched this game and it had national title implications. It almost always seems like the team that needs to win doesn't. So why pick Oklahoma? The Sooners offense has just been scary good the past five weeks, and Missouri is the third most disappointing team this fall (behind Georgia and WVU). Plus, even an injured Sam Bradford is better than most.
Pick: Oklahoma 44, Missouri 21

USC (-33) over UCLA
I don't see any way that the Bruins can actually win this game, but this one still scares me. I could see UCLA keeping it closer than expected because Pete Carroll may want to take it easy on the cross-town rival. Don't embarrass them too much this season and build up too much ill will. Also, it appears Mark Sanchez is having more trouble with his knee than anyone is letting on. However, I can't pick against the Trojans.
Pick: USC 48, UCLA 14

Boston College (even) over Virginia Tech
I've felt all season that Virginia Tech was too young and inexperienced to be in this game. Thanks to the parity in the ACC the Hokies will meet BC for the second consecutive year. The Eagles have also played better than expected and they'd like to avenge last year's loss that cost them a BCS bowl. This is by far the worst conference championship game of the weekend.
Pick: Boston College 18, Virginia Tech 17

Cincinnati (-7) over Hawaii
Like the three games before this one, something just isn't right about picking this game. The Bearcats should be an easy favorite. But Brian Kelly's team doesn't have much to play for. With the Big East title and BCS bowl game in the bag, this is a long trip for Cincinnati and it will be its 13th game of the season. Hawaii is always tough at home.
Pick: Cincinnati 37, Hawaii 27

Upset of the Week
Pittsburgh (+2.5) over Connecticut
As much as I would personally like to see UConn get the win in Storrs, Pitt will give the Huskies a hefty dose of Lesean McCoy and pull out a close game on the road. The win will also secure the No. 2 spot in the Big East and probably a spot in the Sun Bowl against Oklahoma State.
Pick: Pittsburgh 28, Connecticut 20

Bonus Pick Navy (-11) over Army
If you listened to the podcast this week you know how much I look forwad to this game each year. This game is just dripping in tradition, and as Phil mentioned, there's a whole lot of running and very little passing in this one. Navy has won the past six contests and eight of the last nine. Army's lone win during that stretch was 26-17 in 2002. There's a good chance Navy will make it nine out 10 (and cover the 11 points).
Pick: Navy 30, Army 9

Last Week: 4-1
Season: 28-27

ACC Report

Special Report

Retired Coach Rick
ACC Correspondent

The ACC will be watched in 10 bowl games if the bowl sponsors get it right. Ten out of 12 teams qualified. Virginia and Duke are the two who are definitely staying home.

Maybe the ACC figured out the bowl system way before everybody else did. They believe in sharing. The recruiting season is going to improve for every school as a result of this exposure.

Boston College and Virginia Tech in the championship game again is a blessing for these two teams. BC will win the Championship.

Everyone talks about the young talent of VT. The Hokies are not the team with the best young talent in the ACC. Miami, Florida State and North Carolina have the best young players.

The defenses will catch up to Georgia Tech's offense over the offseason. They will have the time to get it done. North Carolina State surprised me the most. Will Virginia start a new trend with short quarterbacks who can run. It makes sense. The best running backs are short and can hide behind their offensive line. Why can't a quarterback?

The ACC should be very proud of their teams and their accomplishments. This was a coming out year (party) for ACC and their members. We are ready for the bowl season. I am going to make a prediction at this time and say the bowl teams from the ACC will win 80 percent of the bowl games they play. The ACC is two years away from playing in the BCS Championship.

I'll make bowl predictions after they are announced