It's On

Like Donkey Kong. Huge game for both teams - huge. As most of you can imagine I've wrestled with this over and over again in my head, heart and gut and it's a damn tough call. Although this Texas team doesn't resemble any of the train wrecks of past OU games, the scars still run deep. I heard a great comment by Chip Brown on the radio this afternoon - in past years Stoops seemed to focus on the message of this is a huge game on the biggest stage - go enjoy it and relish it. Whereas Mack seemed to give the message of this is a huge game, don't make mistakes. I think that is very insightful and frankly spot on.

Gotta get this off my chest, but one other thing that continues to bother me - how many times have you horns fans uttered these words leading up to this game over the last 8 years: "I can see Texas winning a close game, but I can't see them blowing OU out." It's sad, but it's true. And unfortunately I still think it applies today - I just can't see Texas overwhelming this OU team and blowing the doors open. But I can't say I'd be shocked if OU jumped out to an early lead and kept it. But I don't think that will happen.

I do think, however that this should be one hell of a game - both teams are pretty evenly matched and at this point, you can forget about what teams they've beaten and by how much. Both of these teams are very, very good. Both of these teams are pretty evenly matched:

Offensive Line - Both teams have solid, veteran offensive lines. One reason Bradford is throwing up some wicked numbers is because he's got all day long when he's back in the pocket. Texas is coming off a game where the O-line had a relatively off night - not a terrible night, but not one of their best. Nonetheless, I would put this match up at pretty even, though OU would get a slight edge - they simply have some gigantic dudes (although I think the speed of Texas' front 7 may present some match up problems in this game).

Defensive Line - Rumor is OU will be be at full strength being short handed with injuries, but we'll see. Conversely, this could very well be the best front 7 we've seen at Texas in a long, long time. A healthy Orakpo is a thing of beauty - he's got 5.5 sacks this year already and barring injury is a shoe-in for first team All American. With so much attention to likely be on containing the passing game and as such, getting penetration towards the QB, there will be opportunities for draws and delayed running plays - and OU has had a couple of games where they've given up a good amount of yards on the ground. Additionally, look for the middle of the field to be wide open quite a bit of the time - more on this below. Edge definitely goes to Texas here - not by a mile, but they definitely have the edge, primarily because I include linebackers in this category. As I mentioned above, the OU O-line has a bunch of girth, but they can't contain the speed of Orakop and Kindle - not all day long.

Secondary - This is one of the areas where both teams find themselves with a bit of inexperience. Like Texas, they've had some games where they've given up a good amount of passing yards, but have kept teams out of the end zone. Ironically, both teams are coming off of their best games in the secondary department which should make things interesting - OU held Baylor's high-flying passing game to 87 yards - I know it's Baylor, but these guys have been flinging all over the field. Sounds like a broken record, but this one is even in my book.

Running Backs - I imagine the Texas defensive coaches will be watching a lot of the TCU/OU game where the Horned Frogs held OU to 25 yards rushing for the game. That, my friends, was an anomaly - the season has been a healthy dose of DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown, their own little mini-committee of running backs. Although Texas has a larger committee of backs, it doesn't seem to matter as these guys are about dead even in rushing yards and yards per carry so there you have it. What else can you say: Dead even.

Receivers - I alluded to this above - watch the middle of the field being open and thus a huge day for the tight ends. Or should I say, the opportunity for the tight ends to have a big day...Brandon Collins. Look for one of these guys to have a 100+ yard game - linebacker play will be huge here, but look for some big 2nd or 3rd and long plays to the tight end. When you look at the wide receivers this is really where OU's bread and butter is. Their receivers are averaging 15 yards a pop which is quite impressive. The Sooner receivers have a knack breaking big plays by getting behind the secondary for the long ball - this young Texas secondary will be challenged like they haven't been to date and their ability to contain the passing game will go a long way to determine this team's chances.

Quarterback - Ahhh yes, the QB play. As much as these two guys seem alike when you look at their stats, I think they are quite different in their styles of play. Bradford is a much more traditional pocket passer - he can really fling the ball when he's able to sit back and let his receivers do their thing. But, you get pressure on him and get him on the run and he's not as comfortable. Colt on the other hand almost looks like he'd rather be on the run in his passing game - and of course if he gets some open field he can really hurt the defense. The thing is Colt can do things in a game that Bradford can't do - he can make *plays* that few can make. On the other hand, Bradford can make some *throws* and do some things that Colt can't. Colt is the better football player/play maker, but Bradford gets the edge as a quarterback.

As you can see, I think this game will be extremely close. Had you asked me about this game coming into the season I would have said OU without hesitating. Had you asked me 2 weeks ago I would have said probably OU. But now, I'm giving them a chance. Here are my 5 keys to the game for the Horns:

1. Pressuring the QB - It's absolutely imperative that Texas' front seven gets pressure on Bradford and forces him to rush a bit more than he's used to. I'm confident here as this Texas defense will be, by far, the best these guys have seen. As I said above, if they let Bradford sit back and pick them apart I don't give Texas much of a chance.

2. Take care of the ball - If you wanted to, you could really narrow this game down to this stat. Here's a quick look at the last two match ups: Last year OU won, didn't turn the ball over and forced 2 turnovers. The year before, Texas won, didn't turn the ball over and forced two turnovers. Coincidence? Weird? Either way, take care of the damn ball.

3. Who's going to show? - Similar to my point earlier about not realistically seeing Texas being able to blow out OU, you have to ask which Texas team will show up. If you'll recall, the Horns became famous for showing up to this game tight, conservative and indifferent seeming - only to rebound and look like the hungriest team in the country once they got passed this game. I think we'd all agree that this team doesn't resemble anything close to those past teams....but it's still Mack, it's still Greg Davis and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't still a tad worried about it. Don't get me wrong, I think this team will come in ready to play, but it is most definitely a huge key for them.

4. Big Plays - I don't think it's very realistic to say that Texas (or anyone) will shut down the OU offense, but they've got to contain them. I alluded to this above, but you just can't let OU's receivers gut you on the 40+ yard play. This will be a game for playmakers and the playmakers that can make the big plays at the right time will probably end up winning (brilliant analysis, I know).

5. First Quarter Play - OU has been putting up some Play Station-like numbers in the first quarter while holding their opponents to 3 points...combined. I think if Texas can hold OU to a touchdown or less - and even better come out of the first quarter with the lead - it will make the Sooners a bit uncomfortable. And at the end of the day, that's what it's all about.

So, you may be asking, great - but what does it all mean? It all comes down to the X-factor - the one thing that gives one team an edge (albeit slight) over the other. In most of Texas' losses in the last 8 years in this game, it's come down to coaching. Stoops simply outcoached Brown...in a bad kind of way. But this year the Horns have something they haven't had in the past. Will Muschamp. What he's done with this defense in a short time is quite remarkable. Of course let's not look past the fact that he's got some pretty good players, many of them hitting their stride and really starting to feel comfortable in the system. Nonetheless, I honestly, in my heart and in my gut feel that the Texas defense, and not Colt's magic appendages, will be the difference and it's because of Muschamp. As Will "The X-Factor" Muschamp said, "stats are for loses, I want to win." Haven't heard talk like that come out of the 40 acres in I don't know how long - here's hoping it's a sign of things to come.

Texas - 38
Oklahoma - 34

LSU at Florida:
I honestly don't see this as being as tough of a game to call as it has been in recent years. Many (including me) were expecting Florida's offense to take on a different look this year with the addition of a couple of marquee running backs. Well, that hasn't really panned out and as a result, teams are having an easier time having to focus on Tebow and Harvin. Enter LSU's defense - I promise you these guys won't let Tebow/Harvin run wild in this one. On the flip side, Florida's defense is *still* showing numerous kinks in the armor. Yes, they have some ridiculous talent on that defense, but you have to wonder what's going on with so many missed assignments. The Tigers' offense isn't necessarily wowing teams, but they are getting better and better - I imagine Les Miles and company will have a game plan that will expose those Gator kinks. And with regards to coaching - Les Miles just seems to be getting better and better at this. And Urban Meyer you ask? I don't know, but I get the idea that teams are starting to figure out this system more and more. Don't get me wrong, Florida is still a very good football team, but I just don't see them knocking off the Tigers this weekend. But then again, it is the SEC...

LSU - 27
Florida - 22

Upset Watch:
Vandy visiting Miss. State. Vandy is a much more talented team, but when the Bulldogs show up, they can give any team fits - the question is will this be one of the 3-4 times a year when they actually do show up. Still not convinced that Vandy isn't a flash in the pan team that will fall back down to earth sometime soon and what a weekend to do it - coming off of a big win in front of their home crowd with Game Day on hand. And now they travel to Mississippi to play a game that isn't really on any one's radar. AND, they travel to Athens next weekend so tell me they aren't thinking about that one. Stinks of upset to me. MSU by 3 points.

Other College Football Notes:

• Good move Tommy Tuberville on axing your O-Coordinator - you just had to make a move there.
  
• So I'm quite surprised to see how much trash talking I'm seeing on message boards and talk shows by the Mizzou fans - talking about the Texas game *next* weekend. There are 2 things, and 2 things only, that I know about Mizzou right now: 1) they are actually playing a game this weekend against Okie State so you may want to pay attention to that - after all, Okie State is also 5-0. And 2) your defense is less than stellar this year and this Cowboy team is more than capable of throwing up some big numbers. I certainly think Mizzou wins this game, but settle down Tiger fans...you'll get your shot.
  
• One more note on the Texas game - no one, and I mean NO ONE outside of Austin is giving this Texas team much of a chance. I'm not seeing a lot of "Horns will get killed" talk, but I haven't seen one "expert" pick Texas as of yet. We'll see what Mandel has to say tomorrow....a week after picking CU to beat Texas. And by the way, I LOVE it that they aren't getting much of a chance. Love it.
  
• How bad will ASU get beat at USC this weekend? Pretty bad.
  
• I'm veeeery interested to see what happens when Nebraska visits Tech this weekend. I fully expect to see Tech put up some gaudy numbers here, but I'm more interested to see how Pelini is able to get his team to respond after the whoopin' they took at home last weekend.
• More on the Tech game: http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/270736
  
• Speaking of - remember when Lincoln, Nebraska was like the toughest place to play a football game in the world? Fox Sports had the replay of the 2002 Tx/Nebraska game in Lincoln when Tx knocked off the Huskers....again. Crazy game: Simms had 400+ yards passing; Nebraska had 300+ yards rushing; Texas tried to give the game away via special teams, but at the end it was Nathan Vasher making the miracle INT to seal the deal. Great game.
  
• Georgia - you had better win this game...and I mean win it big. If you'll recall, the Vols demolished the Dawgs last year and they simply can't afford a let down now.
  
• We're going to learn A LOT about those Penn State Lions over the next few weeks - they visit Wisconsin this weekend, get Michigan at home the following weekend and then they visit Columbus. I'm still betting on PSU to win the conference, but I can see them dropping one of those games. They *should* knock off Wisconsin this weekend though.
  
• Look for Butch Davis to continue the growth/improvement of this Tarheel team as they knock off Notre Dame at home this weekend. I don't know if you'd call that an upset or not, but Davis has a good thing going and they just need to keep wining.
  

NFL Notes:

• Don't look now, but the Bears are averaging 4 touchdowns a game over the last 3 games. Huh? Is Kyle Orton the great white hope? Only if the alternative is Grossman. Look for them to overwhelm the Falcons who are still riding a high from their victory at Lambeau last week.
• I think the Saints destroy the Raiders this weekend - they have to still be kicking themselves after giving away that game to the Vikings on Monday night.
  
• And speaking of the Saints, here's one of only about 3 or 4 things I've been wrong about the last few years: I did say that Bush would never be an every-down back in the NFL (which I still stand by), but his ability to turn a game around on a single play is really something else. Watching him on punt return against the Vikings was ridiculous...but not as ridiculous as the fact that Minnesota kept kicking to him!!!
  
• Be careful Cowboys - the Cardinals can light you up and they can do it quickly at times. I don't think Arizona wins this game, but I do think it's less than a touchdown. Keep feeding Felix and Marion Wade, keep feeding them.
  
• Can we please put an a moratorium on having Cleveland play on Monday nights? Sheesh.
  
• I'm not sure who that guy is playing running back for the Chargers, but it ain't Tomlinson. I feel for the guy...but not as bad as I feel for the countless folks who took him with the first pick in their fantasy league.
  
• Game of the week: Patriots at Chargers. For all talk the Pats are getting, let's not forget they only have 1 loss. The Chargers on the other hand are in a HUGE must-win game. Chargers in a very, very close game.
  
• And finally, in my attempt to share the misery of my consistently horrible picks in my NFL pick 'em game - here's who I took:

New Orleans - giving up 9.5 to Raiders at home
Cincy - getting 6.5 to Jets in NY (taking the points here)
Chicago - giving up 2.5 at Atlanta
Detroit - getting 13.5 at Minnesota (can't see the Vikings beating anyone by 14 pts)
Washington - giving up 12.5 at home against Rams
Tampa Bay - giving up 2.5 at home to panthers
Miami - getting 3.5 on the road at Houston
Baltimore - getting 5.5 on the road against Colts
Jacksonville - getting 3.5 points on the road against Broncos (Jags play very well in Denver)
Green Bay - getting 3.5 on the road against the Seahawks
Philly - giving up 6.5 on the road against San Fran (gotta think these guys come up in a must-win game here)
Arizona - getting 5.5 points at home against Dallas (Boys win, but closer than this I think)
New England - getting 5.5 points on the road against San Diego (Chargers win, but closer than this)
New York - Giants giving up 7.5 on the road against Cleveland. Who's playing better than the giants right now? Not Cleveland.

Alright - full disclosure - now let the insults and fun making begin...

That's what I got gang - enjoy the weekend, cheer hard and if you're going to the game, don't forget to pick out an OU fan and kick them when they're not looking. Go Horns....please God Go Horns!!!

It Begins..

The hype that is. Strap it on these week Horns/Sooner fans because this may very well be the most hyped Red River Shootout we've seen in long time if not ever. You know how the media works - thank goodness they only have 5 days to do it (unlike the Texas/USC game where they had a month).

No "true upsets" this weekend which is good in a way in that OU, TX and Mizzou look to maintain their stranglehold on the top 4, but something's going to give over the next few weeks and it should make for some really good football. Oh so close Iowa State....oh so close.

Let's take a look at the conferences big 4 heading into the meat of conference play - this coming weekend will start a fairly grueling stretch for these teams.

Texas:
Very impressive win for the Horns this weekend - they had some lapses in a few offensive series (more on this later), but the defense was terrific. I could not be happier with how this defense played. If I'm not mistaken, they only got credited for a single sack, but the way these guys were able to get penetration on every play was great. Granted, CU's offensive line has been decimated with injuries this year, but nevertheless, great confidence builder. This has to be the best, most disciplined defense I've seen at Texas (especially this early in the year) in a long, long time. I even think this team is better now than the '05 national title team was during the same time of year. And the secondary looked great too. Cody Hawkins is a solid QB and he and his receivers made some plays in this game, but even when they made plays the D-backs were right there. And I'll give CU and any other team that 50 yard flea flicker play once a game all year long.

Regarding the offense, let's get this out of the way. H-U-G-E game for Chris Ogbonnaya - really great seeing this senior come alive. I've been a fan of this guy for a while and felt like he should have gotten more playing time, but I still say Cody Johnson is the guy to carry the load for the long haul. Either way, the Big O made some tremendous plays and really helped this Texas team maintain momentum. I did feel like that the play calling in the running game was bland and predictable. They kept running to the outside on every running play for the entire first half. I didn't get it. The offensive line didn't have their best game either. They weren't terrible, but they weren't near as good as they have been. Although they gave up 3 sacks, I do feel that Colt was responsible for at least 1 of those - I felt like he held on to the ball a little too long on numerous occasions (not just the sacks). But, offensive line has to protect a hell of a lot better than that, especially if OU gets fully healthy for this game. And Colt was Colt - couple of picks, but one of them was not at all his fault. But oh boy, the first one was all on him. Bad decision. Either way, it's only his 3rd of the year.

All in all, great game by the Horns. I will admit something, I was a bit upset when they gave up the TD as I was really hoping for a shutout to send a big defensive statement. Whatever, I wanted to see continued improvement and I think we got it last night. Great show and big win leading up to the next 4-5 games.

Oklahoma:
There's not a lot to say other than they are really, really good. What makes this upcoming game so interesting/intriguing to me is that although we've seen OU playing at this level in years past, I'm not sure we've seen Texas playing at this level in a very long time. If I had to pick and the game were tomorrow I'd honestly probably pick OU...but I don't have to pick now and I'm not.

Bradford is putting up some crazy numbers and he ain't making a lot of mistakes which is scary. And their defense doesn't do anything special, but they do what they need to do every game. I think their defense is not unlike the Texas defense to be honest. They're not holding teams to 100 yards of total offense a game, they're giving up yards, but they're not giving up big numbers and they're certainly not giving up a lot of points.

Here's what I know about next week - the game may very well be decided in the first quarter, between both teams' lines - OU is putting up some pretty gaudy numbers in the first half of their games this year so Texas will need to keep that in check. I do know this, it's going to be the most important week of practice these Horns have had in a long, long time. I hope they practice like they did leading up to the Holiday Bowl last year because I know the Sooners will be.

Missouri:
Wow - how far off was I on this one? Very impressive performance by Missouri's offense and very unimpressive performance by the entire Nebraska team. Not a terrible loss for Pelini and company as Missouri is obviously a very good team, but they're going to have to get a lot better if they're going to be anything but a doormat in this conference. The scary thing about Missouri in this game is they rushed for 200 yards, compared to just 79 yards rushing for Nebraska. You know what you're going to get from Daniel - a pedestrian 78% completion percentage for 250 and 3 TDs - but if they're going to start getting 150+ on the ground too then look out.

The Tigers have the luxury of playing in the North division so they miss OU and Tech this year, but they get a home game against Okie State next week (no gimme), the trip to Austin and then Colorado at home the following week. Not brutal, but no easy stretch either. Oklahoma State will test that secondary who gave up over 350 yards in the air to the Huskers - and frankly it will probably be a good tune up/test before coming to Austin the following week.

Texas Tech:
What can you say - Tech is Tech. It's not that I don't find it impressive because their ability to do what they do is something else. I'm not sure how good or bad Kansas State's defense is, but when you're throwing up 600+ yards of total offense, that's crazy. I shutter to think about what they may do to Nebraska's defense next week in Lubbock - and I imagine Bo Pelini is shuttering too. Here's the thing about Tech - they're very good and most definitely a top 3 or 4 team in this conference right now, but we've seen this from them before. I have no reason to believe that their defense (the achilles heal in years past) is any better this year - not because they're getting shredded, but because they haven't done anything different from past couple of years. Tech has a weird schedule - they get Nebraska at home next weekend and then they travel to A&M (look out Tech, Texas has been there recently...you have no business losing, but you very well could) and Kansas the following two weekends before coming back home to play Texas and Oklahoma State. I think we can safely say that there are very few teams in this conference who have an easy path over the next 4-6 weeks. Either way, Tech is a very good team and playing some damn good ball right now, but I'm being a tad cautious with them for the time being.

Other Happenings Around the College Gridiron:

• Auburn certainly put itself in a hole this weekend with their second loss of the year. They've still got Alabama, West Virginia, and Ole Miss on the road and Georgia at home. I still think it's a very good bet that they knock off at least two of those teams.
• Weird start to that Texas game - Colt's "not quite past the line of scrimmage" play followed by the "he didn't quite get the ball out of the end zone" play.
  
• Speaking of, I'll take the play because it was awesome, but that rule of the ball vs. feet being over the line of scrimmage and/or end zone line. So as I understand it, with regards to the line of scrimmage, it's where your feet are. BUT, in the case of the end zone it's where the ball is. That's crazy.
  
• And by the way, there's no question that the ball crossed the end zone line in that kickoff return turned almost safety. Not that it mattered.
  
• Go look at the box score of the Oklahoma State/Aggie game and tell me how in the world Okie State doubled them up. Almost identical in total yards, time of possession, penalties and punts. I'll tell you how they did it - the Cowboys got 21 points off of turnovers and special teams.
• How about those range of emotions for Chizik and the Cyclones: Up 20 to nothing at half time and lose 35-33. That's absurd. Hope none of you made in big bets on that one...
• Looks like things are on track for Butch Davis and North Carolina - look out for this team over the next year and a half. They seem to be getting better and better each week and after that come-from-behind win at Miami last week I think they've got to brimming with confidence. And this week? They knocked off an undefeated (don't laugh) Connecticut team.
  
• Vandy still has Florida, Georgia (on the road) and the Vols - other than that they should win their games. I don't see them getting through all of those tough remaining games, but they're certainly playing at a high level.
  
• Yet another stellar endorsement for the AP polling system: Pitt beat South Florida on Thursday night. S. Florida's ranking? They drop from 10 to 19. Pitt's ranking? They enter the poll at 24. To boot - I believe this game was in South Florida. I know it was their first loss, but sheesh.
  
• And speaking of the Big East - will be interesting to see if they can throne a conference champ in a couple of months that's NOT ranked in the top 25.
  

NFL Notes:

• As I type this the early games have just concluded and my only question is what the hell happened to Philly? They've been playing quite well, but this is now 3 straight losses in close games. Granted, they all played very good defensive teams, but you have to pull those out. It's going to be very tough for them to climb back in the divisional hunt. I still question their play calling on the goal line. Hey, Reid, everyone a) knows what you're going to do and b) knows how to stop it. Philly was up 14-0 at one point.
  
• So Felix Jones just ran for a 33-yard touchdown on his first touch in the last two games - yea, keep giving it to that guy Jerry. Keep giving it to him.
  
• Nice come-from-behind win by the Titans to stay perfect. And that was in Baltimore. By the way, tough break for the Ravens - it was also their second straight close loss. But the Titans, man, still undefeated. Collins wasn't great, but this was the Baltimore defense. Looks like it was a pretty ugly game offensively for both teams, although Baltimore rushed for over 100 yards on this Titan defense.
  
• Hmm, Peyton Manning and the Titans are down by 2 scores in the second half and win the game. Imagine that. They needed that win in a bad kind of way.
  
• Seattle is horrible this year, but the Giants are starting to look like they are just a step or two better than anyone else right now.
• I could be wrong Cowboys' fans, but I'm inclined to say that what you're starting to see is the Wade Phillips era taking hold of the franchise. There is zero sense of urgency with this team right now, or so it would appear in the way they play. If they continue down this path then they will have some serious issues in this division where they still travel to Washington and Philly and get the Giants twice. The crazy thing is Cincy played a TERRIBLE game yesterday and were still in it in the fourth quarter. It's the NFL and a win is a win, but if I'm Cowboy fan, I'm a bit concerned.
  
• I know the Dolphin win over San Diego was a big statement, I'm just not sure yet in which direction: bigger win for Dolphins or bigger loss for Chargers? I do think the Dolphins are a much improved team and with Ronnie Brown playing at a high level and Ricky Williams playing well too, this is going to be a tough team down the stretch. Pennington is nothing special, but he's efficient as hell.
  
• I would say Matt Ryan is adjusting to the NFL quite nicely indeed. Great game and great win for that team. How many rookie QBs come in and play as well as he does (and acts like a professional and an adult like he does)? Not many.
  
• What a great drive Kerry Collins put up to win the game in Baltimore yesterday. I think it's safe to say that Collins is the number 1 guy in Nashville barring injury or complete collapse and I don't see him collapsing. I had to look this up, but he's a free agent after this year, but VY has 3 years left. Next year, Vince makes a pedestrian $2 million, but will get an average of over $12 million the following 2 years. BUT, the Titans can cut him after next year and not pay him a dime. Collins is 35 and Vince is at a crossroads: will be an interesting next couple of years for the Titans. Assuming everything stays equal/the same through next year I see the Titans cutting Vince because they've never been an organization to invest a whole hell of a lot in their offense and if they can keep a very efficient Collins playing at this level for another year or two they'll jump on it and take their chances with developing/bringing in another QB down the road. BUT, the Titans will have to resign KC after this year and I imagine there will be some teams who will be coming after him as well. VY will get his chance in another franchise at some point and I think it will behoove both parties. VY needs to be in an offensive-minded organization and the Titans are anything but that. More importantly than that, VY needs to learn to understand that he doesn't know it all and he needs to work his ass off to become a starter somewhere else.
  
• I still can't believe Jerry Jones isn't going to (allegedly) trade for Roy Williams at Detroit. Something tells me over the next 10 months he'll be regretting that....assuming he doesn't really do it.
  
• This is weird - if I'm not mistaken, I don't think the Redskins play another divisional road game? They beat Dallas and Philly on the road and I *think* they played in New York the first game of the year...that's quite lucky to get those road games out of the way this early in the season.
  
• Kurt Warner silenced the critics this weekend - knocking off previously undefeated Buffalo and doing it without any turnovers.
  
• Interesting note I heard this weekend: In the same week (and maybe on the same day) both OJ Simpson and Lawrence Phillips were sentenced to prison. Couldn't have happened to a more deserving pair.
  

Baseball Playoffs:
I would guess that the Red Sox/Angels match up is probably one of the biggest going on right now..so why do they insist on playing the game so late? That's crazy - do they realize most of these fans have jobs? Crazy game scheduling.

That's all I got folks - enjoy the week and do yourself a favor, stay off of the message boards leading up to this Red River Shootout - you'll only drive yourself crazy.