We are only a week away from Thanksgiving…….

And as we all know that is a special time to be thankful for all that we have, like the hate and animosity that comes with the college football rivalries on the menu the next two weeks.

Ever since the Pilgrims played the Indians to a tie on Plymouth Rock, Thanksgiving is about the cornucopia of college football and the intense rivalries that go with it, that and seeing all the obnoxious relatives that you try and avoid the rest of the year.

We have a lot to discuss, so prepare to get your mean on….

Enjoy your Picks…..

POST WEEKEND REPLAY

Last week Your Favorite College Football Prognosticator was Luckier than Andrew but not by much with a 43 and 21 record or 67% (Ouch)

That leaves the CFB Wizard at 588 and 164 or 78% after 11 weeks of college football.

I will be doing a Willie Nelson this week in hopes that my average will take a climb.
And just for the record, by doing a “Willie Nelson”, that does not mean that I will be riding around in a tour bus smoking marijuana, writing music and eating Cheetos.

It means that I am “On The Road Again” and as a side note, I don’t like Cheetos.

SOUTH GEORGIA FOOTBALL NEWS and VIEWS

Greetings from the heart of SEC country!!!

High School football is about as exciting as it gets down here in small town South Georgia on a Friday night. Add to it a little playoff anticipation and folks are just chomping at the bit to get to their local stadiums and cheer the hometown boys to victory and the night is electric. The sights, sounds, and smells wafting over these hallowed football fields make this a special time of the year. I made the short trip down Highway 280 to Rochelle, Georgia to watch the Region 2-A powerhouse Wilcox County Patriots take on the visiting Calhoun Cougars who made the long trip from Edison, Georgia on the other side of Albany, in the first round of the Class A playoffs. The visiting Cats were sporting a 4-7 overall record, while the homestanding Pats were undefeated going into this important game. The Pats scored early and often as they trounced the felines 39-6 in a game that got away from the visitors almost as soon as it started. Quarterback Makail Grace was 10 of 14 for 213 yards in the passing department in just under 2 quarters of play, including a 49 yard pass on the first play from scrimmage to set up Wilcox’s first touchdown. Big Willie Brown carried the mail for the Patriots with 90 bruising yards on 18 carries and elusive Milton Jackson hauled in 3 Touchdown passes and racked up 175 receiving yards on only 6 receptions. This was 2-A football at its finest. The hot Pats now take on the Aquinas Fighting Irish from the Augusta area next week in the Sweet Sixteen round of the playoffs in their quest to take home the trophy.

Congratulations are in order for the Georgia Bulldogs moved another step closer to winning the SEC East with a convincing win over the hapless Tigers from Auburn by a score of 45-7. The Red Clay hounds won in convincing fashion to post their 8th victory in a row on the season. Aaron Murray tossed 4 touchdown passes and broke former Bulldog Mathew Staffords TD record to send the defending National Champions home, declawed and demoralized. You wouldn’t have known this was the Deep South’s oldest rivalry as the hapless felines didn’t even show their claws in a humiliating 35-7 first half as the Cow College scored on 4 of its first 5 possessions and never looked back. The only scoring the Kittens could muster was on a bit of trickeration, which tied the game at 7 early. But, afterward, it was a good, old fashioned trip to the barn for the Barners as the Hounds showed no mercy en-route to a shellacking of their inter state rival, no doubt payback for last years near brawl. Next up for the Dogs are the domesticated house cats from Lexington in a game in which the Dawgs will certainly want to seal the deal to take claim the SEC East title.

On Thursday night in Hot’lanta, the homestanding Bees got buzzed by the Turkeys from Virginia by a 37-26 score. The Slide Rule Jocks couldn’t hold a second half lead and lost any chance of winning the ACC with the loss. The defense was shredded by the Hokies who had over 250 yards rushing. The offense put together some drives but couldn’t sustain momentum as the game slipped out of their grasp. The Jackets take on Duke next week in North Carolina and will try to right the ship after this forgettable night.

The high flying Eagles from Statesboro flew to Spartanburg for an important Southern Conference showdown with a feisty Terrier team from Wofford. However, after the final gun sounded, these birds had thoroughly dominated these toy pups to the tune of 31-10 and captured the SoCon Crown outright. The 9-1 Eagles’ Jaybo Shaw rushed for 3 TD’s and threw a 21 yard scoring strike as a close game and any hope for the Pooches quickly evaporated in the second half. It was evident that the Erk’s Eagles weren’t looking ahead to next weeks huge game against another team you may have heard of….. The Alabama Crimson Tide.

I’m gonna skip the rest of the games inside and outside the conference and get right to the Peach State Prognostication. Seems the Missus has had plenty of “honey-do’s” for me this week and I’m gonna have to get right down to what’s important. That being, what would happen if the “Good Old Fashioned Hate” game were played this week. After the Turkeys laid an egg on Tech and the Cow College grabbed a Tiger by the tail, I’m now a firm believer. The Canines showed me something this weekend in thoroughly humiliating the Plainsmen. The Wreck showed me that not only are they not ready for prime time, I don’t think they’re ready for a big game weekend after next. So here it is, 42-17 in favor of the Flagship University of the Great State of Georgia. The Crystal ball is clearing up, so barring a miracle; I don’t see much in the way of change by the time Turkey Day weekend rolls around. Sorry, Bees.

That’s it for now. Hope everyone’s team wins and you have a great week.
And remember; make sure you support your local High School Athletics.
These are your future collegians of tomorrow.

Until next time,
I’m Harley Hanesworth

EMAIL QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK

Q: Sir-

My name is the Right Reverend Jeremiah Kwami Shabazz and I represent all people of color here in the great state of Georgia.
We in the minority community have endured the disparaging characterizations and remarks of the White community for over 200 years, but an indignation of untold proportions has occurred which I feel has permanently damaged the enduring spirit of my brothers and sisters.
Yes, here in Atlanta, in the year 2011, the supposedly prestigious Georgia Institute of Technology has imparted the most racist event since slavery on my people.
There is no excuse for this University conducting a “White Out” at a sporting event in downtown Atlanta. If you do not know, Grant Field is directly across from the poverty stricken, public housing project known as Techwood Homes.
Residents were visibly shaken as the so-called “fans”, if that is what they call themselves, paraded up and down North Avenue in all white attire and face paint and shouting incessantly before and after the football game.
Appalling falls far short of the adjective I would use to describe this tasteless event. What’s next, a halftime cross burning? I beseech you to use your good name and reputation to warn other schools of the error of holding events such as this.

The Right Reverend Jeremiah Kwami Shabazz
Ebeneezer Kingdom of Hope and Change Baptist Church
Atlanta, Georgia

A: Reverend I am at a loss for words…..
Other than to say the Friday after Thanksgiving is known as “Black Friday”, and I hope that you will find solace and comfort in a day…..
when we can all come together to get good deals on a variety of electronics and video games.

Q: Dear Wizard Man –

My name is Feldman Felder and I used to be a purty big time high school quarterback up here in Knoxville.
I mean I’m a real gunslangin fella with a arm that could flling a ball over tha Empire State Building. I’m also a Freshman here at good old Tenn’ssee.

Well, I guess ya’ll heard tha story bout Coach Dooley callin my buddy Derrick on Saturdee afternoon to come in and kick against Middle Tenn’see cause our other kickers got some aches and pain.

Well, let me tell you something I bet you don’t know.
He called me too. He said that if his quarterbacks got any worse he was gonna go ahead and throw me in tha game cause I couldn’t do any worse than the first two guys.
Well, let me tell you, I was proud as a peacock about getting to go up there to that stadium for the game instead of working my part time job.
So, I jumped up from the couch and tried to sober up real quick and beat feat up to the game. I’ll bet you don’t know who else Coach called, do you?
Yep, none other than that fella Houston Nutt. Says ole Houston couldn’t do no worse than his assistants and that he might as well give him another shot at losin more SEC games. So, watch out Mr Wizard, Look out for me next Saturday. I might get my big shot and I want YOU to see it!!!

Feldman Felder – Knoxville, Tennessee

A: Thank you for the email Feldman; we will all anxiously await your moment in the sun as well as the day folks in Knoxville discover “Spell Check”.

Q: Dear Wizard

I got me a hamster named “Hans Solo” (we is all BIG Star War fans in my family)
And that boy can flat pick him some football games!
We also got us a Guinea Pig named “R2D2” but he couldn’t find his furry butt with a flashlight.
Never mind about him, we was a writing to see if you wanted to use Hans Solo as kind of a “Guest Picker” on your column.
Let us know and we will send you a picture of him in his little Hans Solo uniform and forward his picks of the week on to you, what do you say Wizard?
May the Force Be With You

Dale and Deloris – Auburn, Alabama

A: The day I have to depend on an Auburn Fan’s Hamster to make my picks will be the day I retire from this column, but just in case I am keeping your phone number.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS

ESPN: You have shown us so many pictures of Joe Pa’s house I feel like I have been there…
Seriously, can’t you just leave Joe and his wife alone?
Haven’t they been punished enough already?

PENN STATE: I just have to ask……

So if an older woman is chasing a younger man she is called a “Cougar” right?

Does that mean an older man chasing a younger boy makes him a Nittany Lion?

I’m just asking….

DELTA STATE: The Fighting Okra got fried themselves last week and now the Division II College Football playoffs are wide open.
The Okra better get it together or they will find themselves stewed by the competition.

COLORADO: For all you weather watchers out there…..
It’s True, Hell has indeed frozen over; the Buffalos actually won a home game.

BOISE STATE: I remember reading something from Boise last week…….
How the Southeastern Conference “wasn’t that good” and how much better the Bronco’s were than any of the teams in the Southeastern Conference, to include LSU, Alabama and Arkansas.

The article went on to say that Boise State was “The Best Team” in the country and that they were being slighted by the voters and the BCS committee.

But even with some “very” favorable calls at the end of last week’s game you still couldn’t beat the Horned Frogs on the Blue Turf, so I have to ask; How does that Crow taste this week?

TEXAS: Five points. Five points is all you could muster against MO’s Tigers.
I don’t know whether to be hurt or ashamed.

KENTUCKY: I don’t get it……
The Wildcat Basketball team is ranked Number 2 in the country and their football team is at the opposite of the scale, so what’s really going on?

AUBURN: How is all that “Highest Paid Coaches and Assistant Coaches in College Football” thing working out for you?

OLE MISS: There is one thing you can hang on to this season Rebel Bear Fans….
You have lost most of your games, but you haven’t lost a party.

Congratulations, I think

STANFORD: I am sorry…..
What were you all and the “national” sports media saying about Andrew Luck being “The Greatest Quarterback to ever play College Football”?

I was laughing too hard to hear you, would you mind repeating that again for me?

FLORIDA STATE: The Atlantic Coast Conference referees did everything in their power to keep the Hurricanes in the game in the fourth quarter and you still prevailed.

Congratulations and one other thing….

The SEC wants their referees back, we can’t have another conference with umpires more jacked up than ours, it sends the wrong message, you understand.

THE GAMES

Tuesday November 15th

Ball State at Northern Illinois
I think this one will be high scoring Barn Burner, Just a guess….
SHAGGY DOGS 41-38

Wednesday November 16th

Ohio at Bowling Green
In this Battle of Buckeyes I am going with Frank’s Cats in a close one…
As one would expect…
FRANK’S CATS 29-28

Western Michigan at Miami (OH)
I don’t know about this one, it’s a toss up….
So I will just have to rely on “Prognosticators Intuition” on this game
BRONCO’S 24-21

Thursday November 17th

Marshall at Memphis
I am not sure but I think Elvis has left the building….
WE ARE MARSHALL 28-17

Southern Miss at UAB
The Mighty Golden Eagles are on an eight game winning streak and the Blazers are on an incredible “not game winning streak”, so there you have it.
MIGHTY GOLDEN EAGLES 38-14

North Carolina at Virginia Tech
We are far to close to Thanksgiving to go against the Fighting Gobblers
HOKEY POKEY 28-17

Friday November 18th

Oklahoma State at Iowa State
UPSET SPECIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You do know I’m kidding right?
COWBOY UP! 53-21

Toledo at Central Michigan
This big game in the something or another conference is going to decide “something” really important that few of us actually care anything about.
RICKEY ROCKET 31-28

Saturday November 19th

Citadel at South Carolina
O’ Yeah this one will be “really” close…..
GAMECOCKS 38-6

Minnesota at Northwestern
I have a feeling in this one; I just hope the “feeling” I have wasn’t caused from ill prepared Mexican Food on dollar margarita night.
O’ SO VERY GOLDEN GOPHERS 24-17

Wisconsin at Illinois
Heads of Cheese and Pumpkins O’ Fighting….
Ah Thanksgiving, one of my favorite times of the year…
BUCKEY BADGER 43-24

Nebraska at Michigan
The Wolverines should have seen enough horror movies by now to know what happens when you mess with the Children of the Corn, (Spoiler Alert!) It doesn’t end well.
CHILDREN of the CORN 31-17

Kansas at Texas A&M
This game is going to be uglier than Aunt Edna’s Ten Bean Casserole.
And for the record there is no known intestinal defense involved in that contest either.
GIG EM AGGIES 43-28

Kentucky at Georgia
I don’t know what it is about a football that seems to confuse the folks in Bluegrass Country….
Is it the pointed ends? Because when you round that football out, the Wildcats are hard to stop.
I don’t get it….
SIC EM DAWGS 43-10

Samford at Auburn
Mmmmmmmmmmmm Cupcakes….
WAR DAMN EAGLE 43-0

Army at Temple
I think the Black Knights of the Hudson will overlook the Hooters in preparing for the Mighty Midshipmen, it’s just a guess….
HOOT OWLS 28-24

Furman at Florida
I know Furry Man has had a decent season, but he is no Swamp Thing.
GATOR CHOMP 38-10

Charleston Southern at Presbyterian
Buccaneers and Blue Ho’s in this Carolina Collision….
It should be a good one….
BLUE HO’S 34-24

Eastern Michigan at Kent State
The Flash continues to baffle me this season….
In games they should win, they lose…
In games they should lose they win….
Here we go again
FLASHES of GOLD 24-21

South Dakota at North Dakota
There will be a whole lot of Dakota in this game, but there is only one….
FIGHTING SIOUX! 33-28

Alcorn State at Jackson State
Alcorn better be Brave if they are lining up against the mighty Tigers of Jackson…
Not that it will spare them from a butt whipping, because it’s coming..
WALTER’S TIGERS 34-17

New Mexico at Wyoming
I am going to do something I haven’t done all season….
“No” not Hula-Hoop while I make my weekly selections (That was last week)
I am picking the Cowboys….
COWBOY UP! 38-34

Georgia Southern at Alabama
The Eagles are one of the Best Teams in the Country and that’s a just a fact…
This game will be closer than you might think.
CRIMSON TIDE 28-17

Wofford at Chattanooga
My Black Lab “Doc” really likes Woof Woof Ford…..
For reasons that I am not quite sure of….
CHOO-CHOO MOCS 28-21

North Dakota State at Western Illinois
The Leathernecks let me down last week on all things, the Marine Corps Birthday…
They may have “overindulged” during the Birthday celebration; it happens.
THUNDERING BISONS 28-27

Montana at Montana State
This rivalry in Big Sky Country is chocked full of hatred and hard feelings….
It’s called “The Brawl of the Wild” and it’s played for “The Great Divide Trophy”
It’s going to be both a “Brawl” and “Wild”, I am going upset in this one…
GRIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ 28-23

Tulsa at UTEP
The Miners are playing more like Mimes and the Hurricanes are picking up steam…
O’ SO Very GOLDEN HURRICANES 43-38

Southern Methodist at Houston
The Mighty Mustangs will keep this game interesting…..
Very Interesting….
COUGARS 38-34

Colorado State at Texas Christian
After last week, there is no way I am going against the Horned Amphibians…
By the way, did you all get my “Thank You” Note?
HORNED FROGS 44-17

Mississippi State at Arkansas
The Hogs better not overlook the angry Bulldogs……
It will be closer than you might think, a whole lot closer
HAWG-ZILLA’S 31-17

Penn State at Ohio State
The Lions were looking at a Big Ten (Something or another) Title just over a week ago…
Now, not so much….
BUCKEYES 24-17

Washington at Oregon State
Two things in this game….
The Huskies are playing more like the little Taco Bell dog this season….
And I am a Beaver Man….
MIGHTY BEAVERS 31-24

Tulane at Rice
This game will highlight two remarkable academic institutions….
That know absolutely nothing about the game of football.
Enjoy……
RICE CAKES 21-17

Texas Tech at Missouri
There is a “Silver Lining” in this game for the Red Raiders….
I have on good authority that with another devastating loss, the Raiders will be invited to…
“The Potted Meat Bowl” in Texarkana Arkansas…..
I like the slogan for the Bowl game; “Potted Meat, the other sweep meat”
MO’S TIGERS 43-24

Navy at San Jose State
In an effort to provide you readers with quality picks and entertainment, I recently did a Google search on San Jose and the search asked if I meant “Loser-ville”…
Enough said….
MIDSHIPMEN 31-17

Boston College at Notre Dame
This game between two Catholic Colleges is called the “Vatican Bowl” and it’s played for the Frank Leahy Memorial Bowl and the Ireland Trophy.
You know, for a game that nobody is going to watch they are giving out more prizes than the “Wheel of Fortune”
FIGHTING IRISH 35-17

Louisiana Tech at Nevada
Bulldogs and Wolves in this game….
I wonder why they didn’t name this one the “Canine Bowl”?
Sometimes I wonder to much…
WOLVES are PACKING 38-34

Utah State at Idaho
The Aggies have proven to be tough all year….
But Famous Potatoes has the “Ida Honkies”…
So enough said…
IDA MAY 28-24

UNLV at Air Force
It wouldn’t be the first time the folks from Vegas have been bombed….
It’s how they roll….
MIGHTY FALCONS 35-17

LSU at Ole Miss
This game will make you believe there should be a “Mercy Rule” in college football..
HEY FIGHTN’ TIGERS 139-0

Central Florida at East Carolina
The Boy’s from O Town (Not the musically challenged defunct boy band)
Are in for a rude Carolina welcoming from the Pirates
Believe it…
PIRATES 38-17

Vanderbilt at Tennessee
I haven’t said this concerning this “rivalry” that really isn’t a “rivalry” in a very long time
It’s going to be close, damn close…and it could go either way.
VOWELS 28-24

Western Kentucky at North Texas
You want to know what’s a fun word to say?
MEAN GREEN 33-24

Colorado at UCLA
Have I mentioned that the Buffalos haven’t won an “away” game since William McKinley was President? I have? Well, never mind then….
BRUINS 24-14

Oklahoma at Baylor
I believe this game is going to be a wild one…..
Or as I like to refer to this type of game, “Where did the Defenses Go?”
BOOMER SOONER 44-38

Southern California at Oregon
Gosh I really wanted to watch this game…..
But I just got a new Sponge Bob Chia Pet and it MUST be watered on schedule…
You understand…
QUACKS 7-6

Kansas State at Texas
I know my beloved Longhorns are an underdog in this one….
But I simply can’t force myself to pick against them, it’s just that simple.
MIGHTY LONGHORNS 28-24

Boise State at San Diego State
Let me guess…..
After this game we will all have to listen to how “Boise is Back in the Championship Hunt!”
O’ the Humanity….
BRONCO’S 49-34

Arizona at Arizona State
This Battle in the Land of Sand and Cactus is called “The Duel in the Desert” and it’s played for the “Territorial Cup”.
Maybe it’s just me, but when I read “The Duel in the Desert” I thought I heard the theme music from one of those Clint Eastwood spaghetti westerns.
It’s just me?
Great, those damn voices are in my head again….
DEVILS of the SUN 28-24

New Mexico State at Brigham Young
If the Aggies would let Lasso Larry have a foam rubber six shooter I might feel different about this pick and I will tell you why….
Have you ever tried to “rope” a cat?
That story always ends with a trip to the emergency room….
COUGARS 31-17

Fresno State at Hawaii
Believe it or not, this game is actually a “rivalry game”….
I’m serious….
It’s played for the “Golden Screwdriver”
(I’m serious so stop laughing)
And the Screwdriver of Gold goes too….
WARRIORS SCREWDRIVING on RAINBOWS 43-38

Louisville at Connecticut
I still haven’t given up on Charlie’s Cardinals, those boys are stronger than you might think.
STRONGER CARDINALS 31-17

Utah at Washington State
Ok, so Two Utes meet some cougars in a bar…..
Stop me if you have heard this one….
TWO UTES 43-28

Miami at South Florida
Another Battle in the Sunshine State and as you might expect there is a lot at stake in this game.
The winner gets one of those funny plastic hard hats with beer cans on each side and a “best of” Katrina and the Waves CD. Rock on Hurricanes, Rock on….
HURRICANES 43-24

Maryland at Wake Forest
I was going to watch this titanic matchup in the Atlantic Coast Conference but as you know by now, my new Chia Pet must be watered according to the schedule provided in the instructions and unfortunately this game conflicts with that schedule, sorry.
DEMON DEACONS 34-31

Clemson at North Carolina State
The Palmetto Showdown looms for the Tigers, but until then…..
Enjoy the tasty Wolf Pack….
DABO’S TIGERS 38-28

Georgia Tech at Duke
It was reported this week that more students at Duke “watch” Blue Devil basketball practices than attend home football games. So enough said….
YELLOW JACKETS 89-3

Cincinnati at Rutgers
Despite what my adopted Italian family in Atlantic City says….
This one will be closer than you might think and could go either way
SCARLETT KNIGHTS 28-24

Virginia at Florida State
If the Seminoles let last weeks referees hang around campus for another week then this game could be closer than you might think.
SEMINOLES 28-24

California at Stanford
This instate rivalry in the land of the fruits and the nuts is called “The Big Game” and it’s played for the “Stanford Axe”……
Yippee…
CARDINAL 6-3

Indiana at Michigan State
Based on the above “rivalry” game and subsequent “trophy”….
I can only say that if this game was played for an “axe” I believe the Loosers would get it planted between their eyes by the Spartans.
MEN of SPARTA 43-13

Akron at Buffalo
The Folks in Buffalo have weather that is almost as crappy as their football teams, but they sure do make some tasty wings.
I do enjoy ending the weekly picks on a positive note…
ZIPPY 31-17

Enjoy Your Games….

RTR

THE CFB WIZARD

Whatever happened to some people’s sense of humor?

I write a tongue and cheek article about Texas A&M joining the Southeastern Conference two weeks ago and you would have thought I wrote a diatribe about my undying love for communism.

I’m not a Liberal, so don’t worry about my attraction or affection for communism.

I bet that one liner will get a few letters too.

Let me remind some of you Texas A&M Aggies that felt obligated to send me a variety of semi-coherent nasty emails the past two weeks of one very simple fact…
If nothing else I am a gentleman.

With that being said….

I won’t embarrass you by saying that despite the fact I was so far down the depth chart it would take a microscope to find me, I still have more National Championship Rings in my four years at Alabama than you have in your entire 100 plus year history of playing college football.

And I certainly wouldn’t want to point out that Florida, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee and the Mighty LSU Tigers have more National College Football Championships than you have too.

I wouldn’t stoop so low as to talk about Kentucky’s Men’s Basketball National Championships or Florida’s Basketball Championships with you, since well, you aren’t very good in that sport either.

But perhaps you would feel more comfortable discussing Women’s Basketball National Championships with the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, since you have won “1” of those.

I know how much you all love College Baseball, so I wouldn’t ever discuss Baseball National Championships with you or compare the National Championships won by LSU and South Carolina to your, well, lack of any kind of Championships.

Maybe you would be more comfortable comparing your Track and Field Championships (or the lack there of) with the Tennessee Volunteers or the Arkansas Razorbacks?
I bet they could give you all some keen pointers.

I wouldn’t want to discuss Softball, Swimming or Diving Championships either; it would just be too embarrassing for you.

That would be wrong of me to say such hurtful things like that, so I simply won’t do it.

I’m so glad that I am a gentleman…

Because if I wasn’t a gentleman, I would have said that Coach Sara Patterson and the University of Alabama Women’s Gymnastics’ Team has won more National Championships than you have in all your universities sports combined over 100 plus years.

You have another comeback to beat that?

I’ll wait….

I’ll wait why you tell me how you “almost” beat Arkansas this year….
Maybe the third best team in the SEC West.

I am so glad that I am a gentleman

Welcome to the Southeastern Conference

RTR

THE CFB WIZARD

Well it looks like you have your mind made up and you want to join the Southeastern Conference…
Just a couple of things before we get married…

I know Collie dogs are real smart I have seen “Lassie” a thousand times..

“Go Get Gramps Lassie, Timmy’s in the well!” And off she would run….

I get it.

But this is the Southeastern Conference….

We have “live” Bulldogs, Tigers, War Eagles, Rooster, Razorback Hogs and Alligators

You need to look into getting a more “manly” mascot.

Maybe a German Shepherd

Second, but yet no less important….

The Southeastern Conference has always had the most beautiful, athletic young women in the world as cheerleaders on the sidelines and we mix some young men in the group to help them flip in the air and what not.

With that being said you Aggies need to “find” some females that want to be cheerleaders and drop the white 1950’s mechanic coverall’s as a cheerleader uniform too, it looks dumb as hell.

No, I’m serious they are really stupid looking.

Lastly what’s with the kids in the stands playing “Dress up like an American Soldier from 1940”

Listen closely….

“IF” you are in ROTC then dress in the….

“Uniform of the Day”

Ever heard of it?

That doesn’t include or anyway mean “Halloween Costume of the Day”

This isn’t “Be All You Can Be I want to play Cowboy today”

Since you are in a rush to get married, these “few” changes will help us get along better.

And before I get any angry emails from irate Texas A&M Aggie fans…

Spouting some dribble that “I attacked your traditions….”

You traded all the “traditional” games with your “traditional” rivals for money.

For the love of the almighty dollar you threw it all away.

So I figured since money was more important to you than “traditional” games I figured you would be “happy” to make a few changes to “fit in” with your soon to be in-laws.

RTR

THE CFB WIZARD

As you know by now…….
The finest College Football Picks anywhere in the Country are right here and ready for your viewing pleasure. (No need to thank me, it’s what I do)

We have some big games and some “not so” big games, but they are all here for you

So let’s get to it

It’s time for College Football

And one other thing…
It’s good to be back, I have missed you all.

Enjoy…………

COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS

LSU: I am sure by now you have all heard about the four Tiger knuckleheads who got into a fight at a bar in Baton Rouge, one of which is starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson.

You may be thinking “He isn’t too smart”

Some of us already knew that….

Click here to view the embedded video.

TEXAS A&M: If the Aggies are willing to ditch their rich tradition because the University of Texas has created the “Longhorn Network” then I have an idea.

Why don’t the Aggies create their own network and stay in their own conference.

Unless they are just mad because they didn’t think of it first.

GEORGIA: I thought “Tradition” actually meant something in Athens, I guess I was wrong

So you ditched your “classic” uniforms for this futuristic transformer crap

If you were going for the “stupid” look, congratulations you hit the mark

MARYLAND: You got no room to laugh at Georgia, so don’t even giggle.
Your “new” helmets courtesy of Under Armour….

Look like a linoleum kitchen floor design from the 1970’s

It’s so ugly and disturbing I can’t have a picture on the site for fear someone will have an epileptic seizure from staring at them too long.

NIKE: In this late breaking news story, we see that NIKE has accomplished a preseason coupe by signing numerous SEC schools to uniform contracts.

Here we see teams modeling the latest creations.
Georgia in Red
Tennessee in Orange
Vanderbilt in Black
Kentucky in Blue, and…..

A SPECIAL flamingo pink for Florida
They do look spectacular.

AUBURN: In this age when the national media makes “stars” and “celebrities” from torrid sex tapes I am sad to report that it is “rumored” that Auburn Coach Gene Chizik has gotten on the bandwagon of this very disturbing and disgusting trend with a “sex tape” of his own.

The video in question is reported to show Coach Gene Chizik and as yet unidentified young female in a night of unabashed passion and debauchery.
here is no word yet on the age, name or address of the young female sheep involved in the video.

EDITORS NOTE: I know, I know….
That was Baddddd Badddddddd

MIAMI: With the latest suspensions of Hurricane players linked to the ongoing NCAA Investigation, it was reported today that Miami will take the unprecedented step in playing their remaining eligible players “four ways”. Hurricane Head Coach Al Golden explained it this way…

“With only six players eligible on the football team each player will have to play two separate positions on offense and defense, which makes it a four way player. It’s like the old days of players playing offense and defense except different”

EDITORS NOTE: Good Luck with that Coach…

OHIO STATE – MICHIGAN: The below picture was sent to the Staff at the CFB Wizard courtesy of a Wolverine Fan. How do I know it was a Wolverine Fan that sent it?

The email smelled like sauerkraut

OLE MISS: Ah Houston, I think you have a problem…..

EMAIL OF THE WEEK

Sir,
I am Harley Hanesworth, world renowned sports columnist for the Telfair Enterprise, here in McRae, Georgia. I’ve read and kept up with your column for many years and have been inspired by it. I have written many times in the Enterprise after this inspiration and, as a result, have almost been run out of town on numerous occasions.
I don’t think the locals here get me.
With that in mind, I would like to submit from time to time some insights and commentary on things in the college football world that you may deem worthy to print, if you so desire. With that in mind, here is a little something I ginned up while downing a bottle of Gilbey’s.

College football is about to begin.
Numerous publications have written about the teams, posted their schedules, and even have the bowl schedules posted. The bowl schedules kind of caught my eye. I was looking at this list and noted how the names of such, remarkably, reflect the caliber of talent that the individual bowls select to play in their “prestigious” events. Here are some examples:

The Humanitarian Bowl – Aptly named since it is actually a humanitarian gesture to invite teams from the MAC and WAC to participate in postseason play

Beef O’Brady’s Bowl – Should be the “Where’s the” Beef O’Brady’s Bowl. Certainly a lack of it with teams from the Big East and Conference USA participating

Poinsettia Bowl – Flowers are appropriate to celebrate the death of another season for the contestants from the Mountain West and WAC

MAACO – This is actually an acronym. Means “Maybe Alaska And Colorado Observe” this highly riveting game between the Mountain West and PAC 12 is the cure for insomnia

Independence – Participants from the ACC and Mountain West were selected due to their blanket coverage on Independent TV. (Channels 14 and above)

Champs Sports – Should have actually been called the Chumps Sports Bowl with these juggernauts from the ACC and Big East gumming each other into submission

Insight – I’ll give you all the insight you need.
The Big Ten vs The Big 12.
They can’t even get their conference names right

Chick-fil-A – Nothing says ass whipping like a team from the SEC taking on the boneless breast of a conference rep from the ACC

TicketCity – Fans from the Big Ten and Conference USA will be getting rung up by local law enforcement after trying to skedaddle out of town after the final gun.

And just one final observation.
The Outback, Capital One, and Gator Bowl all feature matchups between the Big Ten (Dozen?) and the SEC. I always wondered why the losing numbers just kept piling up for the Big Ten vs SEC schools. Now I know. They’re a glutton for punishment.

Respectfully

Harley Hanesworth

FOLLOW-UP EMAIL OF THE WEEK

Mr “Wizard” (as you refer to yourself),

I was appalled and taken aback at the recent publication of my letter on your sordid website.
Have you no common decency?

Do you not understand the principles of confidentiality?
As a result of your disgraceful act, I have been bombarded with cards, letters, and emails from your wretched followers. However, the ultimate humiliation was a call from the Secretary of Defense himself.
He was quite upset and almost had me in tears!!
Therefore, as some of your minions may have noted, we have rescinded the blockage of your website; however, it is only for CONUS use.
I was able to convince my superiors of the National Security concerns that we have over your outlandish and subversive drivel. You see, we had what we call a “PC” dilemma.
What I mean is that we had your most un-politically correct website but we also had many unhappy soldiers that couldn’t pick up your site. Although it is for their own good, we can’t have our soldiers walking around pouting and pouching out their succulent, plump, lower lips, all slouched over and with their heads down.

We need to have these young people standing erect and proud, with their firm, muscular chests poked out, and their tight, taut butt cheeks, pinched tightly to form a… ah, well, you know what I mean.

As I said, in order to remedy the dilemma we have formally lifted the ban of your site here in the US. But rest assured, we of the REE/TARD Brigade will be watching you.
We will be monitoring your every word.
Rest assured, sir, that when I put my hands on a soldier, hug them tightly, and whisper softly in his ear; I will be personally assuring him that you will do no more harm.
He will feel my warm breath on his face, my firm hands pulling him gently into a warm embrace…. and, ah, I’ll make him feel better.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!

Militarily,
Beauregard T. Thistleballs,
General
United States Army
REE/TARDS
University of Southern California ‘69

THE PICKS

Thursday September 1st

Carson Newman at Glenville State
I think Glen’s ego has gotten out of hand….
First he has his own town and now he wants to have his own State.
Coach Sparks Boys will bring him back to reality
SPARKS EAGLES 34-24

Drake and North Dakota
This pick is for the NCAA politically correct police….
FIGHTING SIOUX! FIGHTING SIOUX! FIGHTING SIOUX! 33-10

Wake Forest at Syracuse
I was going to watch this game but…..
It’s on at the same time as my “Trombonists Anonymous Meeting”
Sorry….
DEMONS DEACONS 28-24

New Hampshire at Toledo
Good News “Rocket Fans”…..
Your “new” mascot Rocky the Rocket will be unveiled at this game….
It looks like a TeleTubbie on Crack….

Congratulations…
ROCKY ROCKET 28-24

Western Carolina at Georgia Tech
I still think “Catamount” sounds like something nasty is going on…
YELLOW JACKETS 38-14

West Alabama at South Alabama
This is a Backyard Brawl early in the season and it’s all Alabama
I’m a South Alabama man….
JAGUARS 24-17

Montana State at Utah
Stop me if you have heard this one….
Two Utes and a Bobcat walk into a bar with a Midget and a Rabbi….
I told that one already? Sorry…
TWO UTES 43-24

Fordham at Connecticut
You may not know this…
The Great Vince Lombardi was one of the “original” Seven Blocks of Granite of the 1936 Fordham Rams Football Team and they are all legends of the game of college football.
Unfortunately that’s not going to help them much here….
HUSKIES 34-10

Mississippi State at Memphis
The Boys from the Land of Elvis are going to be “All Shook Up” by the Bulldogs
Believe it
BULLY DOGS 34-10

UC Davis at Arizona State
I don’t care and neither should you
DEVILS of the SUN 41-10

Central Oklahoma at North Alabama
The Lions of Florence are loaded this year
Remember you heard it here first….
MIGHTY LIONS 38-21

UNLV at Wisconsin
Behold the Power of Cheese Whiz!
BADGERS 44-10

Kentucky at Western Kentucky
There will be a lot of Bluegrass in this game….
And I’m not talking about what fans will be smoking in the parking lot before kickoff
WILDCATS 33-17

North Carolina Central at Rutgers
The Carolina Eagles will get a beat down and their fans get car jacked…
Welcome to New Jersey………
SCARLET KNIGHTS 38-10

Murray State at Louisville
The Racers get rode hard in the Ville
Believe it….
STRONG CARDINALS 43-10

South Carolina State at Central Michigan
When I make a mistake I own up to it….
I have reported in the past that a Chippewa’s is an “infected mole”
Nothing could be further from the truth, as I recently discovered, and I offer my sincere apologizes for such erroneous reporting. You expect a higher standard than that.
In fact it is another term for “Chipped Beef on Toast”…
As in: “I will have two eggs over easy and a plate of Chippewa”
I hope that has cleared up any misunderstanding
CHIPPEWA’S 28-10

Bowling Green at Idaho
I had every good intention of watching this game…..
But I plan on being trapped in a small dingy off the coast of Paraguay at the same time
SMALL POTATOS 28-24

Friday September 2nd

Youngstown State at Michigan State
Penguins and Spartans….
Sounds like the makings of a Disney movie to me…
GO TELL THE SPARTANS 33-17

Texas Christian at Baylor
The Bears of Baylor have a good football team this year…
Just not good enough in this match-up.
HORNED FROGS 28-24

Saturday September 3rd

Delaware State at Virginia Military Academy
I don’t know much about the Hornets of Delaware but George Patton went to VMI
and that’s good enough for me…
KEYDETS 24-21

Jacksonville at Citadel
This isn’t the Jacksonville State Gamecocks or I would pick them to spank the Dogs.
But since it isn’t I won’t
BULLDOGS 34-6

Duquesne at Bucknell
Did you know…..
That you can’t say “Duquesne” properly unless you just drank a glass of buttermilk?
JOHN WAYNE and THE DUKES 24-17

Alabama State at Mississippi Valley State
There are Hornets and Delta Devils in this match-up…..
I have met my fair share of both…
And both of them will run you out of the barn when you least expected it…
Consider that to be your safety tip of the day
DELTA DEVILS 21-14

Arkansas State at Illinois
The Indians of Arkansas State can’t be the “Indians” anymore because the “Indians” are offended so now they are the Red Wolves. The Fighting Illini can’t use “Chief Illiniwek” as a mascot because another gaggle of idiots are offended.
I’m offended that both universities are getting jacked around by the NCAA over their mascots, does that mean they get to keep things the way they were?
Just wondering….
FIGHTING PUMPKINS 38-10

Western Michigan at Michigan
I was going to watch this game but “former” Wolverine Coach Rich Rod is going to be on a “new” VH1 reality program with his wife Rita Rod called “Guess that Skank”.
Its times like these I wish I had TiVo
WOLVERINES 43-10

Southern University at Tennessee State
I know I have heard it all before….
The Jaguars have the better team in this contest
But as far as I am concerned they will always be Big John Merritt’s Tigers
I still miss the Big Man
BIG JOHN’S TIGERS 24-21

Alcorn State at Grambling
The Great Doug Williams has returned to Grambling to be the Head Football Coach of the Tigers
Welcome Back Coach……
But just for the record….
Coach Rob will always be “The Man” at Grambling….
ROB’S TIGERS 33-28

Louisiana Monroe at Florida State
Poor ole Monroe….
That boy is headed for an ass whipping of Biblical proportions
SEMINOLES 52-0

Utah State at Auburn
The Aggies are the worse team in Division I College Football……
And you know what that means?
The Tiger fans will be rolling the dying shrubs at Toomer’s Corner at Midnight..
What? Too soon?
WAR DAMN EAGLE 103-0

Eastern Kentucky at Kansas State
Coach Bill Snyder’s petrified body will be on display on the sidelines to inspire the Cats to victory over the Colonels of Kentucky.
You do know Coach Snyder has been dead since 1998 didn’t you?
WILDCATS 33-17

Indiana at Ball State
Have I mentioned that David Letterman is an alumni of Ball State?
I have? That won’t matter much this time either….
WHOSE YOUR DADDY 33-21

Akron at Ohio State
Its Football Time in Columbus Ohio and you know what that means!
“The Ohio State Buckeyes Beat Every Little College Ass in Ohio Tour”
Ahhh Good Times…
MIGHTY BUCKEYES 38-10

UCLA at Houston
The “University of California Left at Artesia” is going to be introduced to what I like to refer to as…“A Houston Texas Ass Whipping”
Enjoy…..
COUGARS 31-24

Louisiana Tech at Southern Miss
There is nothing like a college football game in Hattiesburg Mississippi
I can almost smell the BBQ smoking from here…
GOLDEN EAGLES 28-24

Rice at Texas
What I wouldn’t give to be in Austin Texas on Saturday Night….
I’m a legend on 6th Street in case you didn’t know
MIGHTY LONGHORNS 34-10

Kent State at Alabama
Welcome to Tuscaloosa Alabama!
Here is your cashier’s check for visiting us…
Now please make your way to Bryant Denny Stadium where..
You will get your asses kicked between your shoulder blades.
CRIMSON TIDE 38-10

Indiana State at Penn State
The “Fighting” Sycamores come to Happy Valley….
Whoever heard of a “Fighting” Tree?
“HEY Everybody RUN for your Lives! It’s a FIGHTING Tree!”
That’s just stupid…..
JOE PA’S LIONS 55-0

Troy at Clemson
With Troy traveling to Death Valley to meet the Mighty Clemson Tigers this week

This is an excellent time to tell you my favorite story about “Helen of Troy” Alabama….
Helen was the proprietor of a little General Store outside of Troy and she had been single for as long as anyone could remember. All she did was work at her store and go to church, that was about it.
Then one day….
There was this salesman from Birmingham that was on his way to Troy on business and he had just drunk two Coca-Cola’s and he had to relieve himself before he got into town. So he stopped on the side of the road and went into some bushes to take care of his business.
What this fellow didn’t know was that he was relieving himself on a yellow jackets nest. And a few of those aggravated creatures came boiling out of that nest and stung him on his personal business.
Frightened and scared the salesman ran out of the bushes and jumped into his car and stopped at the first place he found, which just happened to be Helen’s General Store.
The injured salesman got out of his car and stumbled into Helen’s Store holding his swollen personal business and asked Helen “What can you give me for this?”
Helen said “A pair of diamond earrings, keys to a new Ford F-150 and the title to the store”
The two haven’t been heard from since….

THE MIGHTY TIGERS 38-10

Campbell at Old Dominion
This game boasts a Battle between Camels and Monarchs…
Yes you read that correctly….
And to make this “even” better the Campbell Camels mascot is named….
“Gaylord the Camel”
Enough said….
BIG BLUE MONARCHS 27-17

Tulsa at Oklahoma
After months of extensive research by the professional staff at the CFB Wizard we have finally determined what the folks at Tulsa mean by a “Golden Hurricane”.
It’s what happens when somebody is all liquored up and they pee into a box fan.
And please, don’t ask how we came to that conclusion.
BOOMER SOONERS 49-10

Richmond at Duke
I had every intention of watching this game….
But a documentary on the history of Styrofoam is on the Learning Channel at the same time.
It’s a matter of priorities
DEVILS of BLUE 33-17

Appalachian State at Virginia Tech
The Mountaineers are about to learn the answer to an age old question..
“Yes”, the Hokey Pokey is what it’s all about…..
HOKEY HOKEY HI! 34-13

Weber State at Wyoming
I had no idea that the fine folks from Weber Grills had their own college….
They make some of the finest outdoor grills known to mankind….
Not that it matters much here……
COWBOY UP! 34-7

Georgia Southern at Samford
It doesn’t matter how many times I have written this column…
Every time I see “Samford” I think of Sanford and Son….
If they ever have a quarterback named “Lamont” I will lose it
SOUTHERN EAGLES 33-10

Cal Poly at San Diego State
Frankly there is too much activity in this match-up to suit me…
You have some guy named Cal who likes to be called “Polly”
(Which is an indication that Cal has some “issues”)
Then you have a group of ancient Aztecs running around presumably to perform ritual sacrifices on someone, worship the sun while building monuments to something or another.
This game is just too busy for me….Sorry
ANCIENT AZTECS 38-17

McNeese State at Kansas
Warning: Watching this game could cause…
The viewer to experience severe flatulence in the cerebral cortex
HAWKS of JAY 33-17

Northern Arizona at Arizona
An instate Battle in the Land of Sand….
This time of the year Arizona is ten degrees cooler than the surface of the sun….
HOT CATS 28-17

Sacramento State at Oregon State
I have said this for years and I stand by my statement….
I believe in the Power of the Beaver
MIGHTY BEAVERS 38-10

Liberty at North Carolina State
Someone told me that Liberty is known as the “Flamers”
I had no idea Kenny Chesney had his own college, did you?
WOLFPACK 44-6

Miami (OH) at Missouri
Here is how this game breaks down, so pay close attention
Miami of Ohio has a very good football team
The Missouri Tigers are way (way) better than good
Yes, it’s just that simple sometimes
MO’S TIGERS 31-17

South Carolina at East Carolina
I have on good authority that Gamecock quarterback Stephen Garcia is changing his game day routine this season in an effort to show more consistency in his play at quarterback.
He is going to start getting liquored up “before” the games this year.
Party on Stephen….
MIGHTY ROOSTERS 43-10

James Madison at North Carolina
I don’t know that much about Jimmy Madison
But his wife Dolly makes some killer mini donuts….
TAR HEELS 24-17

William and Mary at Virginia
I don’t know what Bill and Mary were thinking when they scheduled this game…
But I bet there was liquor involved
CAVALIERS 24-17

Delaware at Navy
Why did the Blue Hen cross the road?
To get its ass kicked by the United States Naval Academy, that’s why.
MIDSHIPMEN 34-24

Brigham Young at Ole Miss
I might be wrong on this one, but I don’t think so
COUGARS 24-17

Boise State at Georgia
UPSET SPECIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Bulldogs take it to the Broncos in a close one between the hedges
Believe it
SIC EM DAWGS 31-28

Eastern Washington at Washington
An Eagle can’t whip a Big Dog….
It’s in the Bible
MIGHTY HUSKIES 38-10

LSU and Oregon
Cowboy Stadium, Dallas Texas

Oregon Coach Chip Kelly tolerates thugs and drug use on his team…
LSU Coach Les Miles doesn’t…

In perhaps the Biggest game of the early 2011 Season…

Chip Kelly is keeping his thugs on the team to play in the game
Les Miles suspended his players, including the starting quarterback.

The Ducks are prostitutes to NIKE and will change their uniform designs on a whim…
The Mighty Tigers hold true to tradition…..

It’s the Southeastern Conference and the Pacific Athletic Conference

There can only be one winner…
And here is my pick…
“The Ducks get plucked while their offense gets stuck and their fans tell Chip Kelly to get lost”
HEY FIGHTN’ TIGERS 28-24

EDITORS NOTE: You thought I was going to say something nasty there didn’t you?
Shame on you….

Montana at Tennessee
If you have an opportunity to see this game on television I want to clarify something for you.
There IS a BIG difference between the Montana “Grizzly” Bear mascot and the University of Tennessee female Cheerleaders. One is exceptionally large with an extreme amount of body hair, a long snout, unsightly teeth and a bad disposition.
The other is a college kid in a foam rubber bear costume.
I hope that clears up any preconceived misunderstanding…
VOWELS 38-17

Northwestern at Boston College
This has all the makings of a classic matchup between two evenly matched teams
Unfortunately I don’t care
WILDCATS 23-21

Elon at Vanderbilt
I am a big fan of Lionel Richie….
So I will go with the Commodores in this one
BRICKHOUSE COMMODORES 33-10

Buffalo at Pittsburgh
I was hoping I would get a chance to see this game….
But I have to rearrange my sock drawer.
It’s a scheduling conflict
PANTHERS 38-10

South Dakota at Air Force
I have never seen the Air Force bomb Coyotes…
But I suppose anything is possible…
MIGHTY FALCONS 33-14

Charleston Southern at Central Florida
This game will have Buccaneers and Golden Knights…
Sounds like a party at Elton John’s house
O’ SO GOLDEN KNIGHTS 41-10

Howard at Eastern Michigan
I don’t care if Howard is crazy enough to ride a Bison..
Those Eagles are going to whip his Buffalo riding ass
EAGLES 33-10

Louisiana Lafayette at Oklahoma State
I think the Prairie Wind is going to touch the Cajuns in the naughty place..
And it’s going to hurt, a lot.
COWBOYS! 53-10

Ohio at New Mexico State
UPSET SPECIAL!!!!!!!!
Lasso Larry turns up the heat in the desert for the Cool Cats of Ohio
(Thought that one up myself)
LASSO LARRY 23-21

Colorado at Hawaii
Much like me you probably only have one question concerning this game in Hawaii…
When is Dog the Bounty Hunter’s new season premiering on the A&E Network?
BUFFALOS 31-17

Middle Tennessee at Purdue
I was planning on watching this game and then I realized….
It comes on at the same time as the Cosby Kids and Fat Albert marathon on TV Land.
Heeey Heeey Heeey I can’t watch this game…..Fat Albert’s on!
BOILERMAKERS 28-20

Marist at Sacred Heart
I am infuriated that the Pioneers think their heart is somehow more “sacred” than anyone else’s.
That kind of arrogance disgusts me.
Not that it matters, that Marist is a Fox.
RED FOXES 23-21

Army at Northern Illinois
Each year I start out picking West Point to win and they lose…
Then I pick them to lose and they win…
Here we go again…
BLACK KNIGHTS 24-17

Texas State at Texas Tech
The Red Raiders mascot “The Masked Rider” rides “Red Raider” around the stadium each time they score. Before this one is over they may need a “stunt” horse.
GET THOSE GUNS UP! RED RAIDERS! 106-0

Chattanooga at Nebraska
The Boy’s from Chattanooga….
Are going to feel like they were run over by the Chattanooga Choo Choo before this one is over
CHILDREN OF THE CORN 44-0

Lafayette at North Dakota State
I understand that the NCAA is wanting the “Bison” of North Dakota State to change their mascot too. It has been reported that a Bison in Montana is “offended” by the assertion that all Bison come from South Dakota.
(Don’t laugh, it makes about as much sense as the NCAA stance on American Indian mascots)
MIGHTY BUFFALO 23-10

Furman at Coastal Carolina
Maybe it’s just me….
But “Chanticleers” sounds like something that requires a shot of penicillin.
CHEWBACCA 31-17

South Florida at Notre Dame
Don’t be surprised if this game goes “the other way”
FIGHTING IRISH 33-28

San Jose at Stanford
Do you know the way to “San Jose”?
Yeah, it’s over there next to a sign that says “Free Ass Whipping Here for Jose”
CARDINAL 41-10

Missouri State at Arkansas
Before MO’s Bears hear “And the Rockets’ Red Glare..”
They will be down three touchdowns….
HAWGS 77-0

Florida Atlantic at Florida
You have to wonder how wise an Owl really is for scheduling this game with the Mighty Gators
MIGHTY GATORS 38-10

Idaho State at Washington State
I would rather be horribly ravaged by wild gorillas than watch this game
COUGARS 10-6

Stony Brook at Texas El Paso
Two points to make in the game…
One: Stony Brook Chalets in Gatlinburg Tennessee is a great place to visit and relax.
(Before you ask, yes that was a shameless plug)
Two: El Paso is a not so great place to visit and relax.
That is unless you like scorching heat, gang violence and illegal aliens.
I hope this helped..
MINERS 31-14

Minnesota at Southern California
I am afraid the O’ So Golden Gophers have bitten off more than they can gnaw in this one
TROJANS 43-14

Colorado State at New Mexico
I can’t watch this game…..
The E! True Hollywood Story of “Slim Whitman” is on at the same time…
He’s a legend
RAMS 31-17

Fresno State at California
I was planning on watching this “great” game featuring all things California…
But I intend on giving myself a concussion with a claw hammer until…
I no can watch PAC 10 or 12 football good no more….
GOLDEN GRAM BEARS 6-3

Sunday September 4th

Marshall at West Virginia
The “Friends of Coal Bowl” comes early this year….
Make no mistake about it, there is enough hate in this one to last all season
Light those Couches!
MOUNTAINEERS 31-24

Southern Methodist at Texas A&M
My Poor Ponies…..
I wish I had better news…
But this game is going to be uglier than Hillary Clinton in a string bikini..
Sorry for the visual…
If it’s any consolation, it made me sick too
GIG EM AGGIES 44-17

Monday September 5th

Miami at Maryland
Since the Canes only have six players eligible for this game I will go with the….
FIGHTING LINOLEUM KITCHEN FLOOR 23-21

SPECIAL PICK OF THE WEEK

Saturday September 3rd

Tennessee Tech at Iowa
This time of the season I always make some smart ass comment about the Hawkeyes mascot, etc
Not this year…..

This pick is for Iowa native Petty Officer Jon T. “JT” Tumilson United States Navy SEAL and his faithful dog Hawkeye. A Damn good man and a damn fine dog.
HAWKEYES 44-10

Enjoy your games….

RTR

THE CFB WIZARD

Your Week 11 Picks are out a day early in Honor of the Marine Corps 235th Birthday
And Veterans Day…

To all my Marine Brothers and Sisters across the globe….
I want to wish you a Happy 235th Birthday…..
And never forget we Marines aren’t in the “military” as some would have you to believe…
We are a cult..
That oddly enough does not believe in putting your hands in your pockets.

Thursday is also Veterans Day, as well as the Birthday of one of the Greatest American General’s of the 20th Century, General George S. Patton Jr.

EDITORS NOTE: I bet my Army brothers are surprised I knew that…
It’s because as you may have guessed I am a storehouse for “Strange Facts Known by Few”

And as a side note….
Don’t “Thank a veteran for their service”…
It makes us sound like we are waiters or waitresses at Shoney’s.
Take the time to thank them for your freedom…
That precious gift given to citizens of a free country…
Through the blood and sacrifice of their warriors..

Enjoy Your Picks…

PRE-GAME WARM UP

Before we get into the statistics of Your Favorite College Football Prognosticator…
I want to point out a couple of issues…..

I finally pick Syracuse to “win” and they lose….

I finally pick UAB to “win” and they lose…..

EDITORS NOTE: I am going to try the same tactic with Texas in the coming weeks..
And “NO” I do not want to talk about my beloved Longhorns game last week….

And lastly…..
To my LSU Tiger faithful you may have noticed…
That I picked the score of the game with Alabama correctly but with the opposite results.
It was because I was feeling particularly dyslexic that day.
Great Win Fightn’ Tigers…

To my adopted and much loved Clemson Family….
Did I not tell you to “Believe”?
No need to thank me…

With all that being said…..
I was a much improved 45 and 13 or 78% on week 10 of college football.
That leaves us at 458 and 110 for the season or 81% after ten full weeks of college football.
Not too bad, all things considered….

EMAIL LETTER OF THE WEEK

Q: Dear Mister Wizard
I got me a question I hope you can a help with.
My wife (Fawn Marie) has been a wanting some of them breasts implants..
So we go shopping down to the Wal-Mart and find us some near the automotive section.
They wasn’t bad, but they wasn’t all that good neither, if you know what I mean.
Well here is where the problem started.

We ain’t got the insurance from the Government yet, so we had to have my wife’s cousin who is a taxidermist install them on her. And at first them things looked just alright, but before you know’d it them things looked cockeyed as Tennessee Coach Derek Dooley!
So I got to thinking…..

Do you think that’s why Coach Dooley get’s confused on the number of players on the football field cause he’s a seeing double? What do you think?
Johnny – Dunlap, Tennessee

A: I think this is perhaps the most disturbing email I have received to date….
But I have to admit you may be on to something with Coach Dooley…

A VETERANS DAY MESSAGE
FROM SKILLET WILSON

“I was in the big one, they call it World War Two, but some peoples call it W-W 2…
And I remember landing at D-Day in Normandy France like it was yesterday…..
It was June 6th 1944….
It was cold too man! So me and my machine gunner “Ennis”; but I call him Pancake cause that boy could put down the pancakes! Anyway, so we get off that cold ass landing craft and the damn Japanese were all over the damn place! Running around a Banzi-ing one another!
It was about the damn’dist thing I ever seen!”

“If you don’t believe me, I got one question for you…”

“Wuz you there?”

“Cause if you wasn’t….”

“Then you need to shut the hell up and let me finish telling my damn story….”

EDITORS NOTES: Due to time constraints….
I had to cut Mr. Skillet Wilson off and move on with the picks or you would have been reading his “story” until Sunday afternoon.

THE PICKS

Thursday November 11th

Pittsburgh at Connecticut
Big Cats and Big Dogs in this one…
I’m going with the boys from Iron City Beer…
PANTHERS 28-24

East Carolina at UAB
This game is at Legion Field in Birmingham..
The sign at the stadium says, “The Football Capital of the South”
That is good enough for me…
BLAZERS 43-38

Friday November 12th

Boise State at Idaho
A “tough” instate rivalry is on tap for “Prime Time Friday Night….”
It’s called the “Boise State – Idaho Rivalry” and it’s played for the Governors Cup
I think the Trophy looks like a Potato
BRONCOS 113-3

Saturday November 13th

Southern Miss at Central Florida
I know my boys from Hattiesburg have taken it on the chin as of late….
But I have faith in this one…
GOLDEN EAGLES 41-38

Boston College at Duke
I don’t know what’s gotten into the Blue Devils lately…
But the Eagles will put them in their place
CHESTNUT HILL EAGLES 33-28

Shippensburg at Mercyhurst
It’s against FCC Rules for Lou Holtz to say the names of these teams in succession…
MERCY ME 23-17

Minnesota at Illinois
Here we go again in the Big Ten…
Yet another rivalry of sorts and another “trophy” to play for….
This game is played each year for the “Petrified Tyrannosaurus Turd of Tecumseh”
You have to hand it to those Yankees…
They can make a “trophy” out of damn near anything
FIGHTING PUMPKINS 43-17

Salisbury at Frostburg State
This is my kind of game…..
With a Salisbury Steak and a Frosty Mug of my favorite beverage..
I got so hungry I forgot where I was going with this one..
STEAK and SHAKE 24-17

Robert Morris at Bryant
I didn’t know Coach Bryant had a college named after him….
Bob’s going to get his ass whipped..
BEARS 38-17

Miami at Georgia Tech
This game will depend upon which team or teams decide to show up…
HURRICANES 24-21

Iowa at Northwestern
As you have probably figured out by now….
Every Big Ten game revolves around a rivalry and a trophy
This game is no different…
These teams play for the “Bespeckled Beef Stick of Victory”
I understand it looks eerily similar to the “Petrified Tyrannosaurus Turd of Tecumseh”
EYES of HAWK 33-28

Dickenson at Ursinus
Miss Emily Dickenson better hope she doesn’t get a Ursinus infection…
I hear she has allergies
ALLERGIES U 23-17

Michigan at Purdue
I would like to take this opportunity to make a correction:
I have stated in past articles that Michigan Coach Rod’s wife “Rita” looks like a ten dollar hooker..
That is incorrect and false and I deeply apologize.
With the falling economy she looks like a three dollar hooker, tops.
I hope that cleared up any misunderstanding.
WOLVERINES 34-24

Indiana at Wisconsin
Once again we find ourselves playing for another “trophy” in the Big Ten
This game is played annually for the “Tusk of Cheese Meat”
And once again….
I understand it looks very similar to the “Petrified Tyrannosaurus Turd of Tecumseh”
I am starting to sense a trend here..
THE POWER OF CHEESE 34-21

Princeton at Yale
This is a really BIG game in the Ivy League…
And Nobody cares….
Seriously nobody cares…

South Florida at Louisville
I was wrong about the Stronger Cardinals last week….
I won’t make the same mistake this week..
STRONGS CARDINALS 31-24

Ole Miss at Tennessee
This weekend Hootie Snitch comes down from the Baneberry water tower…
The Volunteers get their first conference victory of the season…
Believe it
VOWELS 33-17

Vanderbilt at Kentucky
The Cats become Bowl eligible Saturday…
And that’s No Joke…
JOKERS CATS 31-17

Cincinnati at West Virginia
The folks in West “By God” Virginia know a thing or two about taming wild animals..
Even Cats of Bears…
Light those Couches!
MOUNTAINEERS 34-17

Dayton at Marist
Flyers and Foxes in this one….
Sounds like a typical party at any aviator’s house anywhere in the country
I love those guys…
RED FOXES 24-21

Kansas State at Missouri
MO knows there is more than one way to skin a cat….
Even if it’s a wildcat…
MO’S TIGERS 33-24

Indiana State at Youngstown State
I really don’t understand the people from Indiana State…
What is so scary about naming your team the “Sycamores”?
Run everybody! I see a TREE!
I don’t get it….
PENGUINS 43-10

Liberty at Coastal Carolina
Flamers and Chanticleers….
Sounds like a party at Kenny Chesney’s house…
CHANTICLEERS 24-17

St Francis at Duquesne
They call Francis the “Red Flash”..
He ought to be ashamed of himself…
DUKES 31-17

Presbyterian at Charleston Southern
Pirates and Blue Ho’s…..
That doesn’t sound a Disney movie to me….
BUCCANEERS 33-31

Iowa State at Colorado
I want to clear up an ugly rumor concerning the Buffalo Football program….
Wynonna Judd will NOT be running on to the field in place of “Ralphie” this Saturday
I understand the University of Colorado doesn’t have a trailer big enough to haul her…
CYCLONES 38-34

Samford at Chattanooga
Every time I see “Samford” the theme from “Samford and Son” get’s in my head..
It’s terribly annoying…
MIGHTY MOCS 34-28

Army at Kent State
West Point has produced some of the finest warriors in our countries history
Kent State on the other hand…
Has produced some of the dumbest war protestors in our countries history…
This close to Patton’s Birthday the boys from West Point better win….
BLACK KNIGHTS OF THE HUDSON 33-24

Wake Forest at North Carolina State
The Demon of Deacons gets an exorcism at the hands of a Pack of Wolves…
Or should I have said Paws?
You get the picture…
PACK of WOLVES 34-17

Brigham Young at Colorado State
The Rams have been something less than “Ram Tough” as of late…
So this one is easy..
COUGARS 43-17

Utah at Notre Dame
Two Utes traps a leprechaun under a golden gnome…..
Film at Eleven..
TWO UTES 38-17

Memphis at Marshall
This game is played the day before the anniversary of the Marshall Plane crash…
It took place on 14 November 1970…
I believe in the Herd…
WE ARE MARSHALL 34-24

Central Michigan at Navy
I have finally broken the code on what “Chippewa’s” actually means…
It’s when Ponch and Jon would be confused on CHIPS….
As in: “CHIP a wha?”
MIDSHIPMEN 43-17

Maryland at Virginia
These two teams confuse me….
You never know who you are going to get from week to week…
So this one is a toss-up…
TURTLE-MEN 28-24

Virginia Tech at North Carolina
Call me crazy if you want too….
It’s nothing I haven’t heard from Mental Health Professionals
UPSET SPECIAL!
HOKEY POKEY 31-28

Syracuse at Rutgers
I am willing to continue my experiment in “reverse prognostication”
OTTO the ORANGE 31-24

Penn State at Ohio State
This game could easily qualify as “abuse of the elderly”
Poor Joe Pa….
BUCKEYES 43-17

Rice at Tulane
These two teams are like so many others….
One week they look like Champions and the next week they look like Chumps…
It’s gamble to pick them, but that’s why you love me…
MY FAVORITE PUDDING 28-24

Muhlenberg at Moravian
I have a question….
If you live in Moravian, does that make you a Moron or Moravianian?
I’m just asking…
MULE GIRL 24-21

Georgia at Auburn
This game is “The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry”
Normally this game is closer than a Gillette Four Blade Shave….
But not this year…
WAR DAMN EAGLE 38-17

Washington State at Oregon State
Someone wrote me the other week if I would “shave points on the beavers”..
There are so many things I could write about that..
But this is a family column.
MIGHTY BEAVERS 34-17

San Diego State at Texas Christian
The Ancient Aztecs should have sacrificed frogs instead of human beings…
They might have fared better here..
HORNED FROGS 48-10

New Mexico at Air Force
Isn’t there a bombing range in New Mexico?
I thought so….
MIGHTY FALCONS 43-24

Texas A&M at Baylor
This old Southwest Conference Rivalry is called…
“The Battle of the Brazos”
I say this about that….
GIG EM AGGIES 33-28

UTEP at Arkansas
Before the Miners hear..” O’ Say can you see..”
They will be two touchdowns behind..
HAWGS 48-17

Louisiana Monroe at LSU
Poor ole Monroe gets’s eaten by a Tiger….
Don’t let the children watch..
FIGHTN TIGERS 43-17

Carson Newman at Tusculum
I find it disturbing that Coach Spark’s boys have to play a pesky lung disease
SPARKS EAGLES 38-24

South Carolina at Florida
Coach Steve has an unwelcome homecoming to the swamp….
MIGHTY GATORS 28-21

Mississippi State at Alabama
There is going to be a Tussle in T-Town on Saturday Night
and it will be close…
CRIMSON TIDE 24-21

Oregon at California
I wish I cared, but I don’t….
QUACKERS 116-3

Stanford at Arizona State
I was going to watch this game….
But I have to re-arrange my sock drawer…
Sorry, I scheduled it months ago..
CARDINAL 33-24

Southern California at Arizona
Lame Kitten is too coaching what Siegfried and Roy are to heterosexuality…
LAME CHEATERS 6-5

Tulsa at Houston
The once Mighty Cougars are one injury short of using sock monkeys in the lineup…
GOLDEN HURRICANES 31-17

Louisiana Tech at New Mexico State
These Bulldogs are bad and not in a “good” way…
PISTOL PETE 33-17

North Alabama at Harding
The Lions of Florence will have their hands full with Harding…
Those boys are tough and this game will come down to the wire…
MIGHTY LIONS 28-24

Clemson at Florida State
This game will come down to who has the ball last….
I won’t call this an upset special either..
DABO’S TIGERS 31-28

Wyoming at UNLV
Two of the worse teams in college football meet Saturday…
But I have a question…
If at the end of four quarters and the score is tied at Zero….
Will they still have to play overtime?
I Pray not….
COWBOY UP! 3-2

Nevada at Fresno State
Bulldogs and Wolves in this one….
But make no mistake, this one is over before it starts..
PACKS of WOLVES 43-24

Oklahoma State at Texas
Now for my experiment in “reverse prognostication” as described earlier in the column
COWBOY UP! 34-24

Texas Tech at Oklahoma
The Red Raiders shocked Mo’s Tigers last week (and Myself) with a huge win…
No such luck this week…
BOOMER SOONERS 33-24

Kansas at Nebraska
Dorothy….
You damn sure aren’t in Kansas anymore…
This is Children of the Corn Country…
MIGHTY HUSKERS 34-17

Enjoy your games…..

Your Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day

RTR
THE CFB WIZARD

Before we get into this week’s selections…..
I would like to “thanks” in no particular order:

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The Minnesota O’ so very Golden Gophers
Coach Drooley and the Tennessee Volunteers
Zippy the Akron Kangaroo and the entire football coaching staff at West Point….

For completely screwing up Your Favorite College Football Prognosticator’s weekly average
and sending your fans into fits of rage while dashing for the liquor cabinet.

I hope you’re happy….

But certainly this past week wasn’t all frustration and consternation….
The West Virginia Mountaineers….
Scored 15 points in the final two minutes of the game with Marshall
to win the “The Friends of Coal Bowl” and the Governors Cup.

The Mighty Air Force Falcons carpet bombed the Cougars of BYU…..

And Reggie Bush was forced to return the Heisman Trophy….
No need to thank me for that one folks…..
It’s how I roll……

Enjoy your picks…..

PRE-GAME WARM UP

Your Favorite College Football Prognosticator was a disappointing 61 and11 or 85% for the second week of the season.
That leaves us at 133 and 21 or 86% after only two weeks.
Like I said last week….
This is no time to panic; there is a lot of football to be played, so let’s get to the picks

THE PICKS

Thursday September 16th

Cincinnati at North Carolina State
I have a “gut feeling” about this game….
I just hope it’s not gas….
WOLFPACK 28-24

Concordia Selma at Carson Newman
I don’t know about Concordia, but I think I knew her brother Tommy…
That Tommy Selma was tougher than a pine knot….
Which of course has nothing what so ever to do with this pick….
SPARKS EAGLES 33-17

Friday September 17th

Kansas at Southern Miss
Call me crazy if you want too….
It’s nothing I haven’t already heard from mental health professionals
GOLDEN EAGLES 28-24

California at Nevada
Honestly I would watch this game…..
But the Animal Planet is having a “special” documentary on the Armadillo entitled
“The Armadillo: Natures little tank or possum on the half shell?”
GAYLORD THE BEAR 33-24

Saturday September 18th

Connecticut at Temple
This little known rivalry in the northeast is played for the coveted…
“Hoobastank Trophy”…
Not really, but it’s a fun word to say isn’t it?
HUSKIES 28-24

Muhlenberg at Susquehanna
Now I know what you are thinking….
Can the German girl take Susie after last week’s tussle with Juanita….
I believe she can, I heard she was a former East German shot putter
MULE GIRL 24-17

Northern Illinois at Illinois
The “Fighting Illini” continue their “brutal” out of conference schedule..
By beating the living hell out of junior colleges and technical schools within their own state.
PUMPKINS’ O’ FIGHTING 34-17

Maryland at West Virginia
I would have a lot more faith in the Fighting Terrapins if they had a really cool mascot…
Say like “The Turtle Man” as seen in the video below….
Before you ask…Yes, He is real….
But until Maryland hires him it’s time to light those couches…
MOUNTAINEERS 33-27

Click here to view the embedded video.

Arkansas at Georgia
This game features the “Hawgs and Dawgs”
Reminds me of my favorite German Ice Cream….
DAWGS 20-17

Ohio at Ohio State
Coach Frank’s Bobcats of Ohio will keep this one close…..
Right up until the time the Ohio State Marching Band….
Which of course is “The Best Damn Band in the Land”… “Dots the I”…..
Then it’s all…..
MIGHTY BUCKEYES 41-10

North Texas at Army

EDITORS COMMENTARY:
The Army coaching staff should be thankful we live in the “everybody’s a winner” society, were “trying hard” and “giving a good effort” is as important as winning.
Because if it were up to me; I would have fired everyone of their collective ass’s after last weeks game.
A blind chimpanzee with half a damn banana could motivate a team better than these dumbasses.
BLACK KNIGHTS OF THE HUDSON 28-24

Iowa State at Kansas State
This rivalry is known as “Farmageddon”…..
(Yes I’m serious)
It’s like Armageddon, only these use combines and tractors…
WILDCATS 24-10

Georgia Tech at North Carolina
The question this week at the “Varsity”…
(Which is only home to the World’s Greatest Chili Dogs…. )
Can Tech bounce back from the Rambling Wreck in Lawrence Kansas?
No, not this week, is the appropriate answer…
TAR HEELS 24-21

Massachusetts at Michigan
Coach Rod and the Wolverines continue their “tough” out of conference schedule this week
But they had better not be looking ahead…
The Keebler Elves are coming to Ann Arbor next Saturday….
WOLVERINES 44-10

EDITORS NOTE: It has been brought to my attention that I have been “unduly harsh” in my treatment of Michigan Coach Rich Rod’s wife “Rita”. So let me say this….
When reporting that Rita attended a “Maze and Blue” alumni fund raiser recently wearing nine inch clear plastic stripper shoes I didn’t mean to imply that she was dressed like an old worn out stripper.
I meant to say, the Maze and Blue fund raiser must have been located near the airport…
I hope that cleared up any misunderstanding…

Ball State at Purdue
Didn’t David Letterman go to Ball State?
Yeah, that isn’t going to make any difference here…
BOILERMAKERS 31-17

Juniata at Ursinus
Juanita is still bruised up from her tussle last week with Susquehanna…
And I understand Ursinus has a urinary infection
So I have to go with…
J-LO 28-23

Kent State at Penn State
So the “Golden Flashes” are coming to Jo Pa’s House….
There are SO many things I could say here….
But out of respect for Jo Pa, I won’t….
NITTANY LIONS 38-14

Delta State at Valdosta State
I have always been a fan of the Blazers…
But I am a Fighting Okra man….
I like it fried, boiled and pickled….
But I’m not a big fan of Okra Winfrey
BLAZERS 33-28

Vanderbilt at Ole Miss
The Commodores will keep this one closer than you might think…
A lot closer…
REBELS 24-21

Jacksonville State at Georgia State
I wouldn’t bet against these Roosters if they were playing the Dallas Cowboys
GAMECOCKS 34-17

East Carolina at Virginia Tech
Maybe it’s just me…
But the Hokies don’t seem to have the same fire since they lost their Wangs
HOKIE POKEY 31-24

EDITORS NOTE: Of course I am talking about….
The loss of Ed Wang and his brother from the defensive front of the Hokies;
What did you think I was talking about?

Brigham Young at Florida State
The Cougars will encounter a strange new phenomena in Tallahassee this Saturday
which will be their demise in this game, it’s called…..“Humidity”
JIMBO’S NOLES 34-24

Colorado State at Miami (OH)
Although Miami of Ohio doesn’t have any palm trees….
It is known as the Cradle of Coaches…
That’s good enough for me…
REDHAWKS 23-17

Air Force at Oklahoma
I was very proud of the Falcons for upsetting the Cougars last week…
But I am afraid they are outmatched in this one…
BOOMER SOONERS 43-21

Southern California at Minnesota
The “Not so” Golden Gophers lost last week to a High School team from South Dakota…
Sooooooooooo……..
LAME CHEATERS 6-3

Florida at Tennessee
Not that it’s all that important here, but Peyton Manning never beat the Gators
I just thought it was worth mentioning….
MIGHTY GATORS 24-17

Arizona State at Wisconsin
The Devils of the Sun…..
Cannot stand up to the Power of Processed Cheese Whiz
BADGERS 28-24

Defiance at Hanover
I have a question…
What is “defiance” so angry about?
They should take a tip from Okra Winfrey….
They don’t have to be angry and defiant “all the time”
HANDY HANOVER 23-10

Washington State at Southern Methodist
Coach June’s Ponies will be ready to ride this Saturday in Big D….
Believe it…
And just for the record it’s still Ownby Stadium to me….
MIGHTY MUSTANGS 34-17

North Carolina Central at Appalachian State
The Mountaineers came back from a four touchdown deficit against Chattanooga to win
Make no mistake…
The Mountaineers are for real…
MOUNTAINEERS 38-10

Hawaii at Colorado
The Warriors from the Land of Rainbow Bright…
Would fair a lot better in this game if they had Dog the Bounty Hunter on the sidelines…
BUFFALOS 34-17

EDITORS NOTE: In case you were wondering Dog the Bounty Hunter is on the A&E Network on Wednesday nights, check your local listings for times in your area.

Alabama at Duke
The Blue Devils will have a few tricks up their sleeves on Saturday…
But they are still going to get their asses kicked…
CRIMSON TIDE 38-17

Nebraska at Washington
The Huskies have a great history, with a great coaching staff and a fine young quarterback…
In fact I still love the great Coach James….
But the Huskers have the Black Shirts…
Sorry…
CHILDREN OF THE CORN 24-17

Troy at UAB
The Men of Troy gave the Oklahoma State Cowboys all they could handle last week…
They are more than up to the task this week in this instate tussle…
MEN OF TROY 33-28

Central Michigan at Eastern Michigan
I have been corrected……
The term “Chippewa’s” does not refer to “Two Utes” in the Native American Language as I erroneously reported last week.
It actually means an ingrown hair. As in….
“If you shave too close you can get a Chippewa on your face”
Hope that cleared up any misunderstanding…
CHIPPEWAS’ 33-31

Southern Arkansas at North Alabama
I respect any team that calls themselves “The Mule Riders”
But this game is in Lion Country….
MIGHTY LIONS 34-20

Baylor at Texas Christian
The Bears might win this game…….
And Richard Simmons might be heterosexual…..
HORNED FROGS 34-17

Indiana at Western Kentucky
The most interesting thing about this game…….
Isn’t that the Big Ten is coming to Bowling Green…
It’s the fact nobody knows what the hell a Hoosier and a Hilltopper actually is…
HOOSIERS 24-17

Northwestern Oklahoma State at South Dakota
If the Boys from Dakota could knock off a Big Ten team last week….
Then should be able to handle this Tire Alignment Academy from Oklahoma
COYOTES 34-17

Louisville at Oregon State
Much like Ward Cleaver…..
I am all about the Beaver in this one…
MIGHTY BEAVERS 34-17

EDITORS NOTE: In an effort to keep this a “family friendly” column…
I want the readers to take note that I did not in any way reference either Rosie O’Donnell or Lindsay Lohan in the above pick.
No need to thank me…

Eastern Kentucky at Chattanooga
The Colonels aren’t over their thrashing last week by Coach Strong’s Cardinals
and the Boys from Choo Choo Town are primed and ready….
Also, Chattanooga is the home of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, Wall of Remembrance and Gift Shop…..
So there is that….
MIGHTY MOCS 33-24

Duquesne at Delaware
Little known fact….
If you say “Duquesne” after you drank a glass of Buttermilk…
Something gross will fly out of your mouth…
BLUE HENS 28-17

Georgia Southern at Coastal Carolina
I have no idea why the folks from Coastal Carolina….
Decided to name their team the “Chanticleers” ….
But I am pretty sure you need a shot of penicillin to clear it up…..
EAGLES 28-17

Portland State at Oregon
Unfortunately this game conflicts with the VH1 “Behind the Music” Special…..
The Music and Life of Screech from Saved by the Bell….
Set your recorders now….
QUACKERS 63-0

Akron at Kentucky
I have a philosophical question….
Since Akron is known as the “Zippers”…
Is it possible there is a team out there called the “Velcro’s”?
I’m just wondering…
WILDCATS 34-10

Navy at Louisiana Tech
Lately, the Bulldogs of Tech are playing more like the Taco Bell dog..
MIDSHIPMEN 28-21

Middle Tennessee State at Memphis
The Velvet Elvis’s better bring their best game…..
I believe the Blue Raiders are motivated…
BLUE RAIDERS 24-17

Northwestern at Rice
This game will feature some of the highest SAT scores in all of college football…
Yeah, it’s that exciting…
WILDCATS 34-17

Mississippi State at LSU
Nothing says “FIGHT” quite like a game between the “Cats and the Dogs”
This one belongs to Mike….
HEY FIGHTN’ TIGERS 28-17

Marshall at Bowling Green
Last week Doc Holiday and the Thundering Herd…
Were two minutes away from beating the Mountaineers of West Virginia….
They won’t need those two minutes this week…
WE ARE MARSHALL 33-17

Tulsa at Oklahoma State
I don’t want to think about the “Prairie Wind” touching a Golden Hurricane..
It makes me feel icky…
COWBOY UP! 38-17

Florida International at Texas A&M
I don’t know how “International” the boys from Florida are…..
Unless their school is close to Epcot Center, then I guess that counts for something…
Right?
GIG EM AGGIES 43-10

Central Florida at Buffalo
I know, I know…..
It seems like every time I pick the boys from Disney they lose…
The curse is broken this weekend…
Or I am burning down “It’s a Small World”…..
GOLDEN KNIGHTS 33-28

EDITORS NOTE: If that song is stuck in your head, I apologize….
It hurts me too….

Toledo at Western Michigan
The Rockets don’t have enough fire to be called roman candles, much less rockets…
BRONCOS 28-10

Clemson at Auburn
I wish I had better news for my adopted Clemson family….
But I don’t….
WAR DAMN EAGLE 24-17

Presbyterian at Citadel
I just hope the moral fiber of the cadets from the Military College of South Carolina isn’t tainted by the arrival of bus loads of Blue Ho’s coming to campus.
BULLDOGS 28-17

Furman at South Carolina
If Chewbacca made enough money to have his own college…
Then why call it Furry man? Why not just call it Chewbacca U?
Never mind…
GAMECOCKS 38-10

San Diego State at Missouri
There is a very good reason why the Aztec’s disappeared from civilization…
They played with Tigers….
MO’S TIGERS 44-10

Montana at Eastern Washington
The Grizzles are on a mission after losing in the finals last year…..
Believe it….
GRIZZ 33-10

Maine at Syracuse
If this was a “Who has the ugliest Cheerleaders” contest…
Then it would be one heck of a contest….
OTTO’S ORANGES 17-14

Boise State at Wyoming
Bronco fans should be really encouraged in this game….
I don’t think the Cowboys have beaten Virginia Tech (yet)
Which is nice…
BRONCO’S 43-10

Fresno State at Utah State
Some people think that midgets jousting on burros is cruel and degrading…
I personally think it screams “Pay-Per-View”….
Not that it matters here…
DAWGS 33-31

Utah at New Mexico
I don’t know about you….
But a contest between Utes and Lobos sounds like a Disney cartoon movie to me…
TWO UTES 43-10

Notre Dame at Michigan State
I don’t know what is more disturbing…..
The midget from Notre Dame dressed like a leprechaun….
or their obsession with Golden Gnomes…..
GO TELL THE SPARTANS 27-24

Texas at Texas Tech
I have but one thing to say here….
“Welcome to Texas Tommy….I hope you enjoy your Longhorn ass whipping”
MIGHTY LONGHORNS 34-24

New Mexico State at UTEP
It just occurred to me…..
“UTEP” is an acronym for a Ute that has to go the bathroom….
AGGIES 23-21

Iowa at Arizona
Remember you heard it here first….
The Eyes of the Hawk will not be stopped…..
Until their meeting in November with the Mighty Buckeyes of Ohio State….
Then it’s anybody’s ball game…
HAWKS EYES 28-17

Houston at UCLA
Despite some key injuries last week, the Cougars are still dangerous…
As in really dangerous…
COUGARS 38-28

Wake Forest at Stanford
This game would be a lot more entertaining for me….
If Jimmy Swaggart was the Demon Deacon mascot….
And after getting all liquored up and having a crying jag at halftime he peed on the Stanford tree mascot.
Now that’s what I call entertainment.

Enjoy your games

RTR

THE CFB WIZARD

It’s the day after Christmas and all through the house……
Hardly a creature is stirring
Not even Aunt Edna and her irritable bowel syndrome

But that doesn’t matter and you really shouldn’t care

Because Uncle Todd is sleeping off his Christmas bender with sweet potato casserole
Still stuck in his hair.

Have no doubt and have no fear…..

For your reading pleasure the second installment of the Bowl games
To include the game in Atlanta with the Volunteers

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas

Enjoy!

THE BOWL GAMES PART II

Saturday December 26th

THE EMERALD NUT BOWL
San Francisco California
Boston College and Southern California
Since this game is in San Francisco…..
Wouldn’t be more appropriate to call it….
The “If you drop your wallet you better kick it to Sacramento before you pick it up Bowl”?
Just wondering….
CHESTNUT HILL EAGLES 33-31

MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL
Charlotte North Carolina
North Carolina and Pittsburg
The winner of this game gets a trophy that looks eerily similar to a car muffler.
Coincidence? I think not…..
TAR HEELS 24-21

LITTLE CAESARS BOWL
Detroit Michigan
Ohio and Marshall
I appreciate the fine folks from Caesars Pizza sponsoring this Bowl game…
But this game is in Detroit…
So shouldn’t this game be sponsored by..
A Bullet Proof Vest Company and a Bail Bonds Association?
I’m just saying….
COACH FRANK’S CATS 34-24

Sunday December 27th

GAYLORD HOTELS MUSIC CITY BOWL
Nashville Tennessee
Kentucky and Clemson
Anybody with the name “Gaylord” didn’t go to public school
You can count on that….
DABO’S TIGERS 34-28

Monday December 28th

INDEPENDENCE BOWL
Shreveport Louisiana
Texas A&M and Georgia
I liked this Bowl game a lot better……
When it was called the Weed Eater Independence Bowl
But that’s just me…
I’m Old Fashioned
HOW BOUT THEM DAWGS 31-17

Tuesday December 29th

EAGLE BANK BOWL
Washington D.C.
UCLA and Temple
Ah the “Nations Capitol”….
I would feel more comfortable with this game, considering the location…
If it was called the “Marion Berry Crack Pipe Bowl”
My second choice for the name of the Bowl game would be…
“Taxing the Working Class like it’s Cool Bowl”
You get the idea…
BRUINS 28-24

CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL
Orlando Florida
Miami (FL) and Wisconsin
Have you ever seen cheese that’s been left out in the Florida sun?
I am not talking about how it smells here people…
I know your Uncle Todd has been at your house for over a week and my description above is EXACTLY the aroma (if you want to call it that)
Which is currently drifting out of your front closet due to his “favorite shoes”
I am talking about cheese melting….
The Wisconsin Cheese Heads will melt in Orlando……
Believe it…
HURRICANES 38-17

Wednesday December 30th

PACIFIC LIFE HOLIDAY BOWL
San Diego Florida
Nebraska and Arizona
“Pacific Life?”
Don’t they mean…..
“The Media Whores Bowl”
I’m just asking….
CHILDREN OF THE CORN HUSKERS 31-17

ROADY’S HUMANITARIAN BOWL
Boise Idaho
Idaho and Bowling Green
I never knew “Roady” was a Humanitarian?
All these years I thought he just placed speakers and microphones for Lynyrd Skynyrd
Who Knew?
VANDALS 24-17

Thursday December 31st

TEXAS BOWL
Houston Texas
Missouri and Navy
Honestly….
You had me at “Texas”
What I wouldn’t give to be in Houston town on New Years Eve…
MO’S TIGERS 38-21

BELL HELICOPTER ARMED FORCES BOWL
Fort Worth Texas
Air Force and Houston
Ah Fort Worth…..Now that is a fine town.
But……
The mighty Falcons have a problem….
They are playing the Cougars…
Yes, it’s just that simple.
COUGARS 38-21

BRUT SUN BOWL
El Paso Texas
Stanford and Oklahoma
I wish this game was still called “The Sun Bowl”
But I don’t have a problem with calling it the “Brut Sun Bowl”
Lee Marvin and Steve McQueen used Brut….
That’s good enough for me…
CARDINAL 31-28

INSIGHT BOWL
Tempe Arizona
Minnesota and Iowa State
The “Insight” Bowl?
I have some “insight” for you….
Neither one of these teams could beat Hover High School in Alabama
CYCLONES 17-10

CHICK-FIL-A BOWL
Atlanta Georgia
Virginia Tech and Tennessee
As far as I am concerned this is still the Peach Bowl….
But that aside
The Big Chicken Sandwich goes to……
VOWELS 31-24

You will have “another” Bowl Edition out Sunday evening….
It will “Highlight” the Lesser Bowl games of the week….

And the remainder of your Big College Bowl games will be out later in the week….

Before I leave you today…..

How about those Mighty SMU Mustangs!

RTR
MEB

Not that we aren’t thankful, nothing could be further from the truth….

This isn’t about being “Thankful”….
It’s about your “Rival”….
It’s about bragging rights
This is “Us” verses “Them”

It’s the “Lone Star Showdown”
The “Backyard Brawl”
The Border War
The Battle for the Palmetto State
The Battle of the Beehive and Golden Boot
The Egg Bowl
Bedlam and its coveted Bell
It’s about the Commonwealth, Apple and Governor’s Cups
It is about Clean Old Fashioned Hate….
It is The Iron Bowl

These clashes will be told and retold for generations
And the Legends of the fall that come from such games live forever.

Let’s take a look at a few of the games we have in store this week…..

THE LONE STAR SHOWDOWN

Texas Longhorns – Texas A&M Aggies

The Name alone says it all….
It’s “Gig Em Aggies!” verses “Hook Em Horns!”
These two fine University’s students, fans and alumni hate each other with a passion.

Case in point, a few years ago Texas A&M produced their fall catalog of classes and otherwise promoting the university
and all it’s fine accomplishments as well as to encourage prospective students to attend the university in College Station Texas.
On the cover of the fall catalog was a collage of pictures of campus life at Texas A&M, from students studying outside, walking to class, football games at Kyle Field, two students with goggles studying in the chemistry lab, but one picture on the cover was “different”.
In one picture a young lady in the Aggie Marching Band was playing the flute.
She had her hands in such a way while playing a particular note on the instrument
that it appeared she was making the “Hook Em Horns” sign.

Please see the example of the proper “Hook Em Horns” sign below delivered by my buddy Matthew McConaughey.

This incensed the Aggie Alumni and they demanded the Catalogs, which had already been distributed by the way,
be recalled and a “new” edition reprinted without the accursed picture on it.

Cost to print and distribute Fall Catalogs: 1.3 Million Dollars
Coast to recall the catalogs, reprint and redistribute Fall Catalogs: 5.6 Million Dollars
The enjoyment Longhorn Fans had from this fiasco: Priceless

Enjoy the short video that has nothing to do with the above story,
but is further evidence of the hate and discontent the Aggies have……
for the Mighty Longhorns from the University of Texas at Austin.

Click here to view the embedded video.

THE BORDER WAR

Missouri Tigers – Kansas Jayhawks

These two states have hated each other since Bill Quantrill burned Lawrence Kansas to the ground…
and even before that, there were hard feelings and hate.

The feelings are mutual and have festered over the years.

I know a number of Missourians who will correct me when I ask them…
“Isn’t Kansas the Sunflower State?”
They will politely tell me there are “Three kinds of Sun’s in Kansas”
Sunshine
Sunflowers
And
Sons of…you can figure out the rest of that on your own.

THE BACKYARD BRAWL

Pittsburg Panthers – West Virginia Mountaineers

This rivalry isn’t as intense as it once was….
But it is still filled with disgruntled fans from what was once “Steel Town” all the way
to the beautiful mountains of West “By God” Virginia.

Not only is this a rivalry for the ages in this particular part of the country, but as a side note,
You have to respect anybody like the Mountaineer faithful
who are willing to burn their “own” couch in their front yard after a win over a hated foe.

THE EGG BOWL

Mississippi State Bulldogs – Ole Miss Rebels

If you are looking for hate, passion and discontent that has no expiration date then look no further than the “Egg Bowl”.

In the Great State of Mississippi with poultry the current king of agriculture….
the Egg Bowl takes center stage this weekend and the rivalry has never been more intense, if that’s possible.

There will be harsh words, fights and more fights…….
and that’s just in the parking lot before the game. Make no mistake, this game is intense and emotions are raw.

BATTLE FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT

LSU Tigers – Arkansas Razorbacks

These two states, schools, fans, and alumni hate each other, period.
They have been playing for the four foot “Golden Boot” Trophy since 1901
But trophy or no trophy, they just hate each other.
Case in point, two years ago when the LSU Tigers won the 2007 National Championship……
there was a popular bumper sticker seen throughout Arkansas that I thoroughly enjoyed.
It read…..

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS 50
National Champion LSU Tigers 48

Priceless……

THE APPLE CUP

Washington Huskies – Washington State Cougars

I know this is “Big” deal in the State of Washington….
But let me clue you all on in a little secret…..
If your rivalry game has either a fruit or flower in the name
Then it’s not that big a deal outside your own state…
Sorry..

SUNSHINE STATE SHOWDOWN FOR THE GOVERNORS CUP

Florida Gators – Florida State Seminoles

I know, I know….
This is a relatively new rivalry as rivalries go; it began in 1958, when Coach Bobby was only 61 years “young”.
But this game is no less intense than older more established rivalries.
The Gator Nation hates the Seminole Nation and all they stand for and vice versa.

There have been some of the finest college football players to ever lace the cleats to play in this rivalry.
But I think this game can be summed up best by Coach Bobby himself when he said recently….
“You know when Ponce de Leon showed me the fountain of youth he told me watch out for Gators.”

How true, how true….

THE COMMONWEALTH CUP

Virginia Tech Hokies – Virginia Cavaliers

This fierce rivalry in the Old Dominion would mean more to me……
If I could remember the last time the Cavaliers won, but I can’t.

So it doesn’t it.

THE BEDLAM GAME

Oklahoma Sooners – Oklahoma State Cowboys

These two teams were playing each other before Oklahoma was even a state.
It’s Stillwater and the Cowboys verses the mighty Sooners of Norman.
They despise each other with a passion that can only instate rivals can appreciate.
They have accused each other of various dirty tricks over the years……..
From giving tainted food with laxatives to Sooner players to slow them down..(I’m serious….)
To wetting the field to slow down the likes of Barry Sanders….(I’m really serious…)
Throw the records out the window in this one; it’s always a battle for the ages.

CLEAN OLD FASHIONED HATE

Georgia Bulldogs – Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

There are few games that garner more hard feelings than this game between these two bitter instate rivals…..
hence the name of the game, in case you missed it.
The fans of the respective schools can’t agree on anything and disagree about everything.
They can’t even agree on how many times they have played the series.
But suffice to say this war has been going on since 1893, that’s right I said 1893.

This rivalry can best be summed up by the beloved Southern writer and University of Georgia Graduate Lewis Grizzard…
When reporting for the Atlanta Journal Constitution; Lewis left his entire column empty……
The day after the Yellow Jackets defeated his Bulldogs. One whole section in the Paper, blank.

The hard feelings in this one last forever…

BATTLE OF THE PALMETTO STATE

Clemson Tigers – South Carolina Gamecocks

You want a long standing rivalry?
This one has been going off and on since the 1880’s….
But the game itself is the longest standing uninterrupted series in the South.

There have been brawls, fights and riots since this series began
and it’s no less intense now with Coach Steve at the helm of the Gamecocks and Coach Sweeny with the Tigers.

This is one of those rivalries that transcend time and space.
No matter where you go in the world if you are a Gamecock or a Tiger
you carry this feeling with you going into this week, that cannot be defined or described.
It’s about beating “Them”, and being able to enjoy that win for the next year.

That my friends; is what a rivalry is all about.

THE IRON BOWL

Alabama Crimson Tide – Auburn Tigers

In the immortal words of Keith Jackson the voice of college football now and forever.

“There are rivalries and there are rivalries and then there is Alabama and Auburn”

This kind of Hate deserves its own section; The Iron Bowl edition will be out tomorrow.

So Stay tuned…
There is more hate and discontent to come..
Your Thanksgiving Edition of the Picks will be out soon….

RTR
MEB