NCAA Football Flips and Dives

Check out these highlights from the 2005 NCAA Football season! Reggie Bush amazed millions with his acrobatic moves. Who will be the next human highlight reel?

Dissecting the BCS

The BCS system is killing John Blum. The current way NCAA Football determines their rankings is making life hard for this tried and true War Eagle. Most of you don’t know John. But he’s been a loyal reader of this blog (and probably a few more on the web) and last week’s rankings put his math skills to the test.

Below are John’s words, I’m posting them here for you to see because, A. I am not smart enough to regurgitate or understand most of the math he did, and B. he does bring up some interesting if not disturbing issues.

Is he a little perturbed about the current way of settling things? Ahh, yes. And so much so that he took it upon himself to go Good Will Hunting on the calculations that determine the BCS rankings.

I took some editing liberties because, well, John got a little heated by this whole thing. But I can’t blame him for that.

The BCS is calculated wrong this week…it’s Louisville up a spot just barely past Texas…haven’t heard it anywhere else…my own investigative math… No big deal? Well…each team gets that ranking for one week and they become that ranking for one week. …it probably doesn’t matter at the ranking position where the error occurs but what it if happened higher up? The promos the public and thus human poll voters would be hearing for an entire week would be wrong…. They would say “ #4 team playing #18 team ” INSTEAD of “ #3 team playing #18 team.” Those numbers get in peoples heads! …and then when the human voters sit down on Sunday to place their new votes, many of them will assuredly be reviewing the previous weeks polls (including the math polls) while rectifying/justifying their new ballot…they will be rectifying/justifying with the WRONG overall BCS rankings and wrong math rankings unless they pulled an updated math poll (updated after Sunday nights game) from each individual math poll’s website.

I am not here to say John is right, nor am I here to say he is wrong. But I think John typifies the passion and love for NCAA Football. He went back and recalculated rankings and says he found an error that allowed a team to have a slightly higher ranking than they should.

John, I applaud you and your desire to keep everything on the up an up. Certainly if there is an error, it is not intentional and I know NCAA Football appreciates you double checking their math.

So just keep John in mind when reviewing this week's BCS standings. He'll let us know if there's a mix up. Wouldn’t it be so much easier, on John and football fans as a whole, if we just settled things on the field?

Stay Hungry. Stay Humble. The Keys to Volunteer Success: Exclusive to EGC

By: Phillip Fulmer

The key this week and beyond is NOT TO CHANGE what we’ve been doing. NCAA Football is always a huge challenge and though planning is critical, the game makes no promises. The plan for this season focused on hard work, long practices, hot 2-a-days, and supreme focus on discipline has worked like I planned. I keep talking about being fired up, focused and prepared and this team and staff have done just that.

Of course I would love to have our one point loss against Florida back and I would really like to have survived the season without suffering the troublesome injuries we’ve had. Inky was a very big loss and although he continues to be a leader from the sidelines he would obviously made a major difference for us on the field.

But if you fans had an opportunity to be in our players or staff meetings you would hear a recurring theme: “stay hungry and stay humble”!

With one loss we’re still in the BCS mix and jumped up a few spots this past week. But I haven’t set any specific milestone or special formula to continue our upward projection. We just have to keep the same approach and same attitude. How do I know it’s working? Well, one obvious example for me is our backup tight end, Brad Cottam.

I keep asking everybody to step up because of all the injuries and subsequent adjustments we’ve had to make. Each week Brad is getting better and now pushing to take over the starting position.

Josh Briscoe didn’t have much playing time at wide receiver early in the season. With all of our injuries he has stepped up and performed very well.

After losing Justin Harrell I thought we would take a while just to get back to average. I really was worried with the incredibly tough SEC schedule we had ahead of us.

We worked them really hard during our open date even taking them out in pads on Monday and Tuesday which isn’t typical at all. But because of it all we moved past average to pretty good really fast.

Our fans need to think about this. Before this season our offensive line wasn’t supposed to be very good. BUT- they’ve given up only 5 sacks in 7 games. They’ve played great even through injuries.

I love what David has been able to do with Erik and the results show in Erik’s stats and the accolade’s he has earned. But our success to date also rests with some other very important people on this staff. Greg Atkins- what a job he’s done with our offensive line. Matt Luke is a young coordinator with great enthusiasm that’s infectious. Kurt Roper has been outstanding and done wonders with our backs. Trooper Taylor has turned a much maligned receiver corps last season into one of the best in the nation despite our injuries.

So I can go about multi-tasking and keeping an eye on all aspects of this great program because I’m leading a very strong, dedicated staff. Together we’re building a team all Vol fans can be proud of and opponents need to watch out for. That’s what UT fans can and should expect from this team and that’s what you can continue to expect.

And for this weekend… Steve Spurrier and I have a healthy respect for each other and our wives are even friends. It’s not easy to be a coach’s wife! They need to stick together. With all the commitment and talent on both sides this should be one heck of an NCAA Football game.

A House Divided

A house divided, I know, you’re thinking House of Carters. (Those singing, dancing, smoking siblings can get after it!)

But this is about Atlanta radio station 790 The Zone and Home Depot . They are putting together a little promotion searching for a household in the Atlanta metro area that has split loyalties between the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech.

The winners get their house painted half red and black, half yellow and blue. The winners also receive a $5,000 Hope Depot gift certificate…and their house repainted in the color of their choice. So that’s good.

Very interesting promotion, a true test of team loyalty. Anybody can paint their body, big deal. But when you commit to have your domicile, your abode painted, now you’ve got my respect.

And probably a good place to do it, in Atlanta. That place is where most young alums from Athens end up and it’s home to Tech.

I would love to see this house, both before and after. So if you’re one of the households in “The A-T-L” with fans on both side of the fence, let me know. More importantly let the good folks at 790 the Zone know so they can send over some people to paint your house red and black and yellow and blue.

Of course, they’ll probably have to wait until the Dawgs fans get back from Jacksonville and the World's Largest Outdoor Gathering of a Lot of People Who May Have Beverages. Because, let's be honest, that’s the rivalry that gets the Bulldog fans up in arms. Georgia/Florida or maybe Georgia/Auburn, depending on who’s having the better year.

But somebody please let us know if your house gets split in half with two different paint schemes.

And I would love to see this promotion throughout the country. If it goes well in Atlanta, why not have some UCLA/USC, Michigan/Ohio State, Texas/Oklahoma houses scattered across the country? Come on Home Depot, let’s make this work!

To enter, e-mail your story along with a photo of your house to contest@790thezone.com by Wednesday, Nov. 1. It’s got to be a paintable surface which means no brick or vinyl siding.

It’s just paint people, take one for the team. Or, two for the teams, I guess.

A Woman who Loves Football

By: GUEST BLOGGER futbolgoddess FROM THE FOOTBALL MONOLOGUES
The Football Monologues focuses on both the newbie and die-hard female football fan. Though she focuses mostly on the NFL, there's plenty of football wisdom to go around!

1. What made you become a football fan?
I was kind of a football fan growing up because my dad and brother watched the Eagles but I would not watch it on my own and I don’t know how much of it I really understood. Then in college I spoke to my sports addict boyfriend (now husband) about it because I knew he loved it and so I started watching non-eagles games (cause that’s all I got on the tv) just so I could talk the game like a pro. haha (cheesy) Now that I have two fantasy teams I watch every game that is on tv.

2. Do you have any set steps for women looking to join their boyfriends/husbands/male acquaintances in the glorious haze that is watching football on the weekends or is it a case by case thing?
I think first step for a girl if they are trying to get into football because of their boyfriend is to be able to sit through an entire game of the team their boyfriend likes. You cannot care about other players and other teams until you find yourself so excited every Sunday that YOUR team is playing. Watching one game a week is a big step for women!

3. What's the biggest hurdle for women seeking to become football fans if they're no longer in college?
Learning the sport. This is the same for all sports. If you don’t understand the penalties, the scoring, the time clock then the game is boring! I watched hockey for two full seasons without knowing what the blue line was. It was just so much more fun and exciting when you know what’s actually going on which is why the sitting through one full game a week theory works.

4. Any memorable experiences being a knowledgeable female fan in a world of boys?
I can pick up guys at a bar in a second. Not because I’m so god damn beautiful (haha) but simply because I can talk the sport on their level. I grab guy’s attention very quickly because not many women know as much as I know and it’s a nice breath of fresh air from their girls, moms, or wives who just complain about the sport. When I say it’s a good pick up line I’m not kidding... guys dig it!

5. Though most of your focus is on women, there are of course men who don't follow football as much as their wives/girlfriends/female acquaintances. Any tips for women trying to get their man to appreciate their addiction to football?
Same as trying to get women into. Start small with one team and one game. Learn the sport before jumping into fantasy football or whatever because then it just gets frustrating that YOU STINK.

Top 3 Tailgating Tips

By: Stephen Linn

We’re a few weeks into the college football season and now it’s time to prepare for the heart of the conference schedules and to make sure you’re tailgate party is running smoothly and entertaining your friends.

While there are scores of tips for tossing a great parking lot party, if you follow these three tips you’ll have a party that will be fun and have people wanting to come back next week, even if your team ends up on the wrong side of the score.

First, use a checklist. I know, you do this tailgating thing each week, you know what you’re doing. Are you sure? My bet is if I ask your buddies or wife I’ll find out about the time the drinks got warm because you forgot to pick up more ice. Or about the party where they had to eat their burgers off the asphalt because somebody forgot a plate.

The whole point of tailgating is to have fun with your friends and meet new ones. You can’t do that if you’re running around the parking lot asking strangers if they have any cups you can borrow.

If you need a head start, you can download several different checklists from www.theultimatetailgater.com, but you really have four checklists to put together: one each for your vehicle (to make sure you have what you need to get to the game and back safely), for pre-game (this is for your set-up itself), for cooking and serving tools (be sure to update it weekly with ingredients for you menu), and for wrapping up before you amble into the stadium (these are the things you may forget when rushing from your tailgate to make kick-off).

If you’re cooking with a charcoal grill you need to make sure you have on your checklist tools and containers to dispose of your ash. Not every stadium has ash containers in the parking lot, and even if it does there’s no guarantee one will be near you. Tossing your ashes in your neighbor’s space isn’t the right way to do this.

Second, keep your menu fresh. I’m not talking about making sure you have fresh ingredients – although you should – but, about changing things up. Nothing’s duller than eating the same thing week-after-week.

Of course, burgers are the top menu choice, but that doesn’t mean you have to have your basic cheeseburger every game. Spice them up and add some life to the party.

But, I’m a fan of expanding your tailgate menu. A great tailgate dish is Beer-Butt Chicken because you can prepare the bird the night before and it’s a great dish to feed a crowd.

Another crowd pleaser, of course, is ribs. Now, I know you need to cook these “low and slow” but if you cut them into smaller slabs that will cut down your cooking time and let you get them done before kick-off. You can also pre-cook them the night before and finish them up on the grill at the game.

The third tip is to create a theme to your tailgate party. This could be as simple as celebrating a friend’s birthday or celebrating a holiday (you can never go wrong with a Halloween tailgate), or as complicated as building a Vegas-style stage for your Elvis tailgate.
Regardless, decorate your tailgate space to the theme. If you have a generator, party lights are always a nice touch. Not only will you have fun, but you’ll be the envy of the parking lot. Contests and prizes are a nice touch, too.

Follow these tips and you’ll be ready to throw an ultimate tailgate party. And if yours turns out really great, enter it in The Search for America’s Ultimate Tailgater. Just go to www.theultimatetailgater.com.

Stephen Linn is the author of The Ultimate Tailgater’s Handbook and The Ultimate Tailgater’s Travel Guide.

Bunting, A Man of Principle but Not Enough Wins.

Last week I wrote about how…not good, the North Carolina/Virginia game would be on ESPN’s nationally televised Thursday night football game. And well, I was way freakin’ right. Not that it was a big feat to see that one coming. The ESPN gang had to contain themselves a couple times to keep from laughing out loud. And sometimes they didn’t even bother trying.

There’s no reason to revisit the play on the field, it was bad enough the first time. But I think it deserves to be said that North Carolina coach John Bunting made more of a statement after starting linebacker Garrett White made a pre-game gesture than all the talk and political positioning out of Miami last week put together.

A young player made a mistake in making an inappropriate gesture to, I’m guessing here, a group of UVA undergrads in the stands. Now yes, it was wrong. And no matter how bad many other people would like to gesture inappropriately to UVA undergrads, players on the field shouldn’t get caught up and react that way.

But White never hit anyone, never swung his helmet at anyone, never stomped on anyone’s face. Guess what else he didn’t do, play in the game. On the spot, Bunting pulled him out of the lineup. Now that is zero tolerance.

I don’t want to compare the two incidents or the punishments for them. But on the day Bunting has been told he won’t return as head coach, he deserves credit for having the guts to be one of the most stand-up, take charge, and courageous men in college football.

He is what college football is all about. He came back to his alma mater, not a football school, and tried to “change the culture.” At times he did. He orchestrated some of the biggest and most exciting wins in the history of the program, but in the end it was headed down too fast to recover the season or his job. It is after all about winning.

Bunting may be the first coach to be fired this season, but he definitely won’t be the last. He will coach the remainder of year and continue to lead his players in the same fashion he has for six years. And at least for now, that will be enough.

Reparations, Football and Moving On... The Miami-FIU Debacle

By: Kathleen Hessert

Last season Cleve Bryant the master of all detail and logistics for Longhorns football and indispensable right arm to Coach Mack Brown suggested that I speak out about college football- that I had a unique perspective. You see I’m the mother of a former D1A football player, I’ve worked closely with some of the best programs, coaches and players of the game since 1988 and I relish NCAA Football. I love all football. I have had the privilege of being in football staff meetings of two national championship teams, been in players meetings, in locker rooms pre and post games and confidant to many coaches.

Additionally, I’ve helped football professionals out of some really sticky and into some truly wonderful situations. So people who know me ask lots of questions these days about the recent Miami- FIU on field melee. Two weeks ago they asked me about the Tennessee Titans’ Albert Haynesworth. Most thought they were asking theoretical questions. So here comes the full disclosure. I have no relationship with Miami or Florida International. That’s not the case with Albert Haynesworth. I worked with Albert to help clarify and rectify what happened on the field against the Cowboys and what he’s doing to make up for a disastrous and in his words, “despicable mistake”. That mistake through emulation may have influenced a few dozen college players who now have to regroup, re-learn and move ahead with their lives. The lesson is accountability!

Football is truly a wonderful teacher of men and of others who study it closely enough. I saw it teach my son discipline and dedication to a goal. I know of nothing shy of football that would have so motivated him. He’s intellectually gifted but would have diminished that gift just for the chance to run out on the field, sack an opponent and lead his team to victory both at the high school then college level. He played for a short time for Navy and believe me when I say the sacrifice those players make and the accountability they’re held to is unmatchable.

What’s happening lately in football is not because of football but rather in my opinion, in spite of the clear boundaries set by this incredible game. Yes it’s aggressive and certainly brutal on body and mind. But it doesn’t make people inherently violent any more than auto racing makes people speed on the highway. What those respective athletes are required to do to win on the field or the track is solely necessary within the parameters of their athletic environments.

Recruiters of the job not football kind- Wall Street executives - have said they’d take a football player from Stanford, Notre Dame or any high quality university any day over a non-athlete for very specific reasons. On the football field they’ve learned and (in their experience) are able to apply invaluable life lessons like how to get knocked down, pick themselves up and immediately focus on what’s ahead not behind. Most people in life can’t do that to the same degree. Many of us ruminate over our failings to the point of paralysis or remain stuck dwelling on the immediate past squandering valuable learning moments.

Granted, some would say the football players involved in the latest brouhahas should dwell on their mistakes for a very long time and I can’t argue that.

In sports and especially in football, people must learn to be accountable without being encumbered by failure. I believe that includes being accountable under the scrutiny of camera lights and public scrutiny instead of the shadows. Now that’s a critical lesson we can all learn from. And it’s one that’s taught on most every football field, every day.

Kathleen Hessert is the founder and president of Sports Media Challenge a training and consulting firm specializing in Reputation Management. Her clients include NCAA Football, Peyton Manning, Kasey Kahne, the Universities of Notre Dame, Texas, Tennessee, Colorado, New Mexico, several NBA teams and ESPN to name a few. http://www.sportsmediachallenge.com/

What is the most valuable thing in the world to Tyrone Willingham?: Exclusive to EGC

By: Tyrone Willingham
There are many topics that would be great discussions for football fans and the general public. But none would be of greater benefit than the question from an unknown author that I read some time ago.

The question was, “What is the most valuable thing in the world?” Obviously there are many answers that come to mind--God, love, family and security are a few answers that deserve the title if not at least high ranking. But, let me lay out the question as the author had when I read it some years ago.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE THING IN THE WORLD?
I am the most desirable thing in life. Without me, no one can be healthy, happy, or useful. Without me, the hidden wealth and vast resources of this earth would have no value.
Men and women who try to get along without me are characterless, selfish, undeveloped, useless, and unprofitable members of society. I am behind every fortune, every art and science, every achievement, every triumph of man.
Rich men and poor men alike often try to find substitutes for me, hoping thereby to secure a larger measure of happiness, peace, and satisfaction, but they are always bitterly disappointed. Instead of gain, every substitute for me brings them loss.
As the creator is greater than the creation, so I am greater than wealth, power, fame, learning, or any other acquired possession or quality of man because I am the source from which he acquired them.

This is a tremendous question that reaches beyond football but also is at the very core of all we do in the game. The author’s answer is, “I am work.” I doubt that most would have guessed that answer. I certainly didn’t, yet work has always been high on my list of priorities in life and ingredients needed for success. When you break down all the things in life, as well as football, that you would like to acquire, work has to be at the core.

As we seek to build the University of Washington’s football program our mission is to develop championship teams, championship students, championship persons and young men that desire to have fun the right way. It is my belief, along with the author, that work is a major part of the formula for success. As we move toward a more technical society, we must maintain our connection with work both from a physical and an intellectual nature.

I touch on this subject because I believe that in all of life it is important to have a strong work ethic in order to be a great football team or even a great country. Again, this is true as we have changed from an agricultural to a technical country.

Thank you and let the discussion begin.

"ACC Cellar Dwellers" Meet Under the Lights

Folks, this one will not be pretty. Tonight’s matchup against ACC cellar dwellers North Carolina and Virginia on ESPN is going to be bad. Not bad as in good, bad as in bad. However, it’s going to be so bad…it will be good.

You know those movies that are so bad they are entertaining? Well that’s what this debacle is going to be. ESPN is skowering Charlottesville right now for filler. But Kirk Herbstreit and gang should have plenty to talk about examining two prominent state universities who can’t seem to get this whole football thing down.

North Carolina coach John Bunting couldn’t be on a hotter seat. There are numerous financial reasons for the school to keep Bunting on. The salaries of Bunting and his assistants would definitely hit the light blue wallet hard should they have to be bought out.

This season started out with high hopes, but unfortunately for Bunting, he is 16 games below .500 for his North Carolina career and as big basketball fans as they are, the Tar Heel natives are getting restless. A nationally televised beating may be the straw the breaks the ram’s back, if it isn’t already broken.

Virginia’s fall from grace seems almost overnight. Just a few years ago Al Groh had the Wahoos rocketing toward the upper echelon of the ACC. Groh has already been assured he’ll return next season, as of right now, and beating the Tar Heels is always good for morale.

The Heels have not won a game in Charlottesville since 1981. 1981. Eventually that has got to change, you would think. And that may be the only thing going for the Tar Heels. It could also be the only thing going for the Cavaliers.

By the way, it’s supposed to rain. Are you kidding me? This is going to be good TV, no matter how bad it is.

Georgia Tech: Three Keys to Defeat Clemson

By: GUEST BLOGGER Jeff from Ramblin Racket

1. Win the turnover battle
There are games where sloppiness will kill you, and this is one of them. Outside of Clemson's more dominant rushing game (24 rushing TDs to GT's 10), Clemson and Georgia Tech are very similar teams. Tech has a 10-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio; Clemson's is 12-5. Defensively, the numbers are strikingly close. Clemson has allowed 2.22 yards per carry; Tech has allowed 2.42. Both teams have seven picks and have allowed four passing touchdowns. Both teams have allowed seven field goals scored. Both have allowed one TD on a kickoff return. Both teams have allowed less than four yards per punt return. Need I go on? The point is, with heavily comparable teams, turnovers can be deadly. Clemson has fumbled more times than Tech (19 vs. 8) and lost more (10 vs. 2), but has also forced (19 vs. 9) and recovered (12 vs. 5) more fumbles than the Ramblin' Wreck. Whichever team forces more turnovers has a GREAT chance at the win.

2. Shut down the run
As mentioned, Clemson's running game is dominant, and accounts for average 24 points per game. The Tigers scored SIX rushing TDs versus Temple, and SEVEN versus North Carolina. Not only does Tech need to shut down the run to prevent points, but also to force turnovers (see above). By forcing Clemson to pass, and by successfully pressuring Will Proctor, Wake Forest forced three picks in their almost-kinda-near-upset of the Tigers.

Luckily, Jon Tenuta Georgia Tech defensive coordinator) is one of the most successful blitz-happy guys in the country. Tech has allowed 100 yards rushing only twice on the season Notre Dame & Troy), but Clemson has rushed for under 200 yards only THREE TIMES this season.

3. Quiet the crowd early
Playing under the lights at Death Valley is a hostile environment; maybe the most hostile in the ACC behind Doak Campbell Stadium (if you've never been to an FSU game, in the middle of 80-some thousand people doing the Chop, let me tell you, it is INSANE). At Virginia Tech (the only away game to date), GT did about as well you can at shutting up a crowd. If the Ramblin' Wreck can do the same in this game, and get to a several touchdown lead early, this game will be much, much easier.

Mind you, one shouldn't expect Tech to shoot to a 21-point lead. Tech should make every effort to score first, and receive the kickoff if they win the coin toss. I believe this Yellow Jacket team has the character to come from behind typically, but maybe not in a place like Clemson, with crazy drunk rednecks yelling at you. If Tech keeps it close, we can probably bring it back at the end of the game (a la GT/Clemson 2004). If Clemson gets a lead of two TDs or more, this game is likely over.

Coaching NCAA Football is a Ministry: Joe Taylor blogs exclusively for EGC

By: Joe Taylor

My family and I came to Hampton in 1992. I’ve completed 14 years. This is my 15th year and we have won 12 championships in those 14 years and over 80% of our players have graduated. I really feel that (and this is not profound) I’m just getting in line with a lot of other great coaches and that we are coming through. I always think that coaching is a ministry. Because to me whenever you are trying to improve the lives of others, to me it’s a ministry.

We have a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) that meets here every Friday night. We don’t force the players to come, but I would say about 90% attend. Derius Swinton is our FCA President and our starting free safety. He conducts the sessions.

We start off with a prayer and then each person has a testimonial period where guys just stand and thank the Lord for all kinds of things that they have going on in their lives. And after the testimonial period we actually have a gospel choir that’s made up of football players. It’s about 40 players that make up this particular choir. Now probably five of them can sing, but the other 35 do a great job humming. But the good thing is we all look forward to it.

After that period, we have a spiritual guy, our chaplain Rev. Jerome Barber, who is our spiritual coach. He has one of the largest churches here in Hampton, 6th Mt. Zion Baptist Temple. He is actually on staff but he comes to meetings and travels with us. This FCA meeting takes place for an hour or so on Fridays. Whether we’re at home or on the road this takes place.

Rev. Jerome Barber actually preaches a sermon, and I know that is the foundation for any success that I have had as a coach and of course for the program. I just want to put it out there to coaches that it’s ok to try it, and him use you. Because I always said that in some kind of way suffering awakens compassion.

When those guys go out there and they go through the rigmaroles such as the off-season, the early morning runs, the weight room, it really brings young men together when they sit and share and see that its all about Gods work, and not just his will. And I would just like to put it out there that this has been the cornerstone and the foundation for this program.

Right now we’re 7-0 this season, and we have won the last two championships in our conference, but over the years I just attribute our success to that. We let the Lord use us in the coaching and the administration here. I would just like to extend that to my coaching colleagues, that this is why we do what we do.

Computing a National Championship

Ahh computers, they make everything so much easier don't they? Where are we going? Don't get a map, let's just type it in the computer. Let's order a pizza. No stupid, don't pick up the phone, let's send the pizza joint an email. Who's the best NCAA Football team in the nation? Don't have them play, let's calculate how good everyone is.

That's right, it's time to take our look at the much maligned BCS system for determining NCAA Football's national championship. Why wait until the end of the season?

There's no need for me to recount all the reasons a playoff system would be so much better. So let's just talk about the only one that really matters. Matchups on paper are one thing, but there's a reason you play the game.

Look, we all know the teams would rather face each other. The coaches would rather face each other. The fans would rather face each other. Let's just get it done. It's gotten to the point where at the end of each season, I find myself cheering for an undefeated team to be left out of the title game.

Why? Because it magnifies the cracks in the system. And even if both teams are undefeated, does that mean there isn't a better team out there. Maybe, maybe not. There's only one way to find out…PLAY THE GAME.

I love college football. And I know you do too. But it is missing out on something that could be so special. So with the release of the first BCS ranking out yesterday, all of these feelings of incompleteness return to me.

Imagine a one-and-done Division I NCAA Football tournament. March Madness is unreal each year because of the excitement the field of 65 generates. I don't want to get too caught up saying a football tournament would work exactly the same way as basketball. But if the other divisions in football can do it, so can D-I.

Keep the bowl games (well, not all of them). Make the big ones similar to the final four. Rotate the championship game each year just as they do now. There have been numerous strategies to get this done. Let's just pick one and get things settled on the field.

At least let's talk about it. I'll shoot you an email.

To Replay or Not to Replay

Instant replay has been a hot topic of conversation this season and the Pac-10 is still grappling. Jim Tunney was an NFL official for 31 years. He refereed 29 post-season games including three Super Bowls and worked some of the most famous games in history "The Ice Bowl", "The Kick", "The 100th Bears-Packers Game", "The Snowball Game", the "Final Fumble", "The Fog Bowl" and "The Catch".

By: Jim Tunney
Pardon the intrusion Mr. Shakespeare, but since the National Football League Instant Replay system is now 21 years of age, so I thought you wouldn't mind that liberty. Yes, 21! Instant Replay was implemented during the 1986 NFL season. The television audience enjoyed the luxury of seeing the play from three or four different angles for years before the League decided to use it. It's not perfect which serves as a reminder that the replay system used by the NCAA is in its infancy. Errors will happen as they did in the Oklahoma at Oregon game on September 16, 2006.

It is easy to forget that the NFL had its share of "glitches" in its infancy. We need to be patient, if we believe the replay system is here to stay. But back to that Oklahoma vs. Oregon game.

With little time left in the 4th quarter and Oregon trailing, the Ducks attempted an on-side kick. The ball was recovered by Oregon after touching an Oklahoma player. The question was: Did the kicked ball touch an Oregon player first? If it did, it's a short free kick and Oregon must kick again or Oklahoma could take the ball at the spot of first touching by the Oregon player, which, of course, Oklahoma would do.

It is difficult to fault the on-field crew of officials for "missing" the spot of first touching. An on-side kick is a "fire drill" with a dozen or more players scrambling to get the ball. While the on-field officials are always on the alert to see who touches the ball first, they are often blocked out.

I believe the glitch lies in the instant replay booth. A team of three or four coordinates every replay situation and needs to 1) take the necessary time to get it right and 2) be sure they see all available camera angles. It is my understanding the replay official did not get the angle necessary.

During the scramble for the ball an on-field official blew the whistle early (inadvertent) thinking an Oregon player recovered the kicked ball after it went 10 yards. However, the ball squirted out of the Oregon player's grasp and was recovered by an Oklahoma player. The officials gave the ball to Oregon. Was that call prejudicial? Did the officials intentionally favor Oregon?

Following the recovery, Oregon threw a pass that was deflected by an Oklahoma player at the line of scrimmage. Then an Oklahoma player was called for defensive pass interference. Oregon went on to score and won the game 34-33. Was the defensive pass interference prejudicial? Why didn't the on-field officials see the "touching" of the pass? Why didn't the replay officials see the touching and over rule the no-call on the field? Were those errors prejudicial? Did the Pac 10 crew show favoritism to the Oregon team?

I don't believe so. I worked at the NCAA level for several years, which included intersectional games. In those days we had a split crew: 2 or 3 from each conference. I have never been in any crew where ANY official showed favoritism to a team or his conference. Officials don't care who wins!

The perception that favoritism is present often overrides the impartiality of officials. These are honest men who want to do their best. Fairness - not winning - is their goal.

However, if the NCAA wants to eliminate the perception of partiality then I suggest they assign crews (of seven) as they do for post-season games. Assign a crew from another conference. In the aforementioned Oregon game, for example, assign a BIG 10 or SEC crew. Send a Pac-10crew to an intersectional in the mid west or east. That's expensive, and of concern for the NCAA.

Also the NCAA has to correct the replay equipment and its technology since they differ from conference to conference. If perfection is wanted, then the NCAA has to invest in a consistent system much like the NFL has done. The same equipment and better trained replay personnel help reduce the chance for error.

One coach said, "It's important to have non-partisan crews". Coach, all crews are non-partisan. Let me say it again, officials don't care who wins! The integrity of the game depends on the integrity of its officials.

Perhaps the "perception" of partiality is too rampant in today's "fish bowl" games. Assigning crews from out of the conferences who are playing may help.

Jim Tunney’s first book was Impartial Judgment. His latest books is It's the Will, Not the Skill describes the principles and philosophies of success that make up a winning T*E*A*M. He has co-authored and authored nine books which can be found on his website, www.jimtunney.com.

Charlie Weis supports special needs through Hannah & Friends: exclusive to EGC

By: Charlie Weis

To say I was apprehensive at first about writing for a blog would be putting it mildly. However, given the freedom to discuss anything I desired it became clear to me what I should write. I believe that the head football coach at any college or professional program has the opportunity to bring awareness to areas that otherwise would not receive the recognition or attention it may require or demand. Obviously, some jobs will be more in the public spotlight, such as the Notre Dame head coach, and that the person that holds that job will have more opportunities and resources to heighten awareness for these issues. Given this opportunity, my wife, Maura, and I have chosen to use this platform to discuss people with special needs.

After becoming head coach of the Fighting Irish, I made a promise that as long as I’m at Notre Dame, I will try to bring about awareness to special needs. This subject hits near to my heart as my 11-year old daughter, Hannah, lives with global developmental delays. This means that Hannah develops physically, mentally and socially at a slower rate than others around her. Don’t misinterpret anything I’ll ever say or write as that I’m sad with the way things turned out because that couldn’t be further from the truth. My wife and I along with our son, Charlie Jr., stopped feeling sorry for ourselves a long time ago and we look at it now as a blessing and consider Hannah as our guiding angel.

Hannah has gotten us involved in charity work that we might not have done if it wasn’t for her. We started a foundation called Hannah & Friends that is dedicated to providing a better quality of life for children and adults with special needs. The foundation provides support for a program called Hannah’s Helping Hands, which funds quality of life grants for Indiana including the greater Michiana area and Rhode Island families that care for children and adults with special needs. The grants will provide low and moderate-income families with stipends that may be used for a wide variety of supports related to their family member.

I think that bringing awareness and making people more compassionate to people with special needs is probably the biggest mission my wife and I are on. Many times, people will look at special needs people and think negative thoughts, but they didn’t choose to be that way. It just happened that that was God’s will. Hannah & Friends fosters an ongoing campaign of awareness and compassion for all individuals with special needs. Individuals with special needs deserve the same respect as everyone else and it is our mission to educate others who do not understand this mindset.

There is nothing more important or valuable to me in my life than my family. That being said, there is nothing I’m more passionate about than creating awareness and compassion for individuals with special needs. I encourage everyone to either check out our website (www.hannahandfriends.org) to find out more about our foundation or find a charity or cause that you can become involved with. There’s truly no better feeling than helping those who might be a little less fortunate than you.

Best NCAA Football Movies

With the recent news that funny man Jack Black will be producing and making a cameo in a college football related movie, and We Are Marshall thundering toward theatres soon, it made me think of some of my favorite college football movies.

Now, it would be a lot easier to make a list of all the best football movies, college, pro, or pee-wee. But that would be unfair to every other movie trying to compete with The Little Giants. I’ve yet to see a play grab victory from the jaws of defeat like the “Annexation of Puerto Rico.”

But we talk about NCAA Football here right!? Right, so I’m going to do my best to recount some of the best, well, better…ok, just my favorite movies having to do with college football in absolutely no order whatsoever because, they are all equal in my heart.

The Waterboy. This Adam Sandler comedy about a bumbling bayou boy who hits like a Mack truck, was set at fictional South Central Louisiana State and included a trip to the Bourbon Bowl. It’s always better when you can get actual schools in the movies, but I can certainly understand why NCAA Football shied away from this one. No harm done as it actually made sense that ESPN would cover the Bourbon Bowl. And Fonzie was in it.

Rudy. Obviously. I don’t want to hear one bad word from anyone about this masterpiece. Yes, Rudy was played by a hobbit, but let’s not forget he was a Goonie as well, so he gets a pass for that. Admit it, you cry when he gets that sack! You know you do! This also features a very young Vince Vaughn, and a very robust John Favreau. I actually know someone who was a Notre Dame student during the Rudy days and he is a real person. This is a must have for all Irish and NCAA Football fans.

Everybody’s All-American. I must admit, just caught this movie a few years ago but every time it comes on I have to watch it. Dennis Quad plays an absolute stud running back from LSU with a sweet nickname…The Grey Ghost (ghost…ghost…ghost). Basically this is the story of the Ghost and his sweetheart from college fame, through the pros and into retirement. Gets sappy at times but John Goodman is great and Quad delivers some all-time great lines in his character’s southern drawl.

The Program. Overly cliched? Maybe. Based on a certain tomahawk-toting team in the Sunshine State? Possibly. Entertaining as all get out? Heck Yes! It is worth it to watch Lattimer, possible the largest human every captured on film, smash car windows with his forehead after he his put on first team defense yelling, “SEAT AT THE TABLE!” Game shots were filmed at the University of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium on an actual game day so bonus points for that.

Necessary Roughness. Come on, you can’t leave off this. Texas State? The Fighting Armadillos? “Straight Arrow” Gennaro? Scott Bakula as the over-hill-QB and Sinbad as a science-teaching lineman? Sinbad, seriously. Oh my goodness, if you can’t enjoy this movie and love college football you probably root for the Dean Alias in this one. It’s good stuff.

If I catch any of these while flipping channels the next two hours are done. These aren’t all the good movies about college football, they’re all pretty recent actually but let me know if I’ve left any off that are worth a look.

NCAA Football: 5 Quick Questions

By: GUEST BLOGGER FROM Sunday Morning Quarterback

1. Who has the best uniform in NCAA football?
I've always said Penn State, but as far as uniforms go, that plain look is pretty ubiquitous, and my tastes change regularly. I liked the Florida State uniforms from about ten years ago, circa Warrick Dunn and Danny Kanell, that had the little faux Indian-style print at the end of the sleeves and around the neckline. I'm partial to gold helmets and pants, though (perhaps because I've always been a huge New Orleans Saints fan), which also explains why I like Washington's very sleek current look. I don't dislike Oregon's as much as most people, but they're nowhere near the top. Oregon State's, because I also hate the logo, are worse.

Good uniforms are usually plain uniforms and therefore pretty similar, though, so I pay a lot more attention to the logo. Simple letters or a script word won't do; as with mascots, I like logos that represent something quirky and regional and well-designed: Arkansas' running hog, South Carolina's squawking rooster (they should lose the giant 'C,' though), Colorado's buffalo, Washington's husky head (not used on the helmets for some reason). The best of this variety is definitely Texas' longhorn head.

2. Who's really the number 2 team in the country (assuming Ohio St. is number 1)?
Am I being set up here? Monday, I addressed the notion of Ohio State as the presumptive number one, and even though I have the Buckeyes ranked number one, I don't like the assumption. It's still a pretty open race and a lot of teams are in it, and Ohio State shouldn't be presumed.

For consistency's sake, I rank teams based on their "resume," that is, what they've done to date this season in terms of wins and losses, with no regard whatsoever to what they might do the rest of the season or where they were ranked in the preseason (or where they were ranked last week). I don't take into account personnel or "strengths" and "weaknesses," and this is why always emphatically remind readers that my rankings are not a power poll of which team I think is "better." I don't have a method to judge that on a consistent basis. The "resume" system may be idiosyncratic in its own way, because there is such mad inconsistency between the way so many teams play from week to week (look at Auburn and Arkansas, for example), but I think it's the most fair. That's why Virginia Tech and Georgia aren't on this week's ballot – they haven't beaten anyone. Neither has, say, Rutgers, but at least the Knights have had the decency to not get beat themselves. It's a very tricky, imprecise game, these rankings.

Anyway, I get the feeling Ohio State is number one because it sort of fell there among many presumably flawed teams at the beginning of the year, when there was no dominant frontrunner a la USC the last two years, then got its big win early and has held on by not screwing up. By its resume, I have OSU number one myself because its games against Texas, Iowa and Penn State – considering margin of victory as well – represent the best trio of wins any team has, and none of the weaker rabble in between has given the Buckeyes any trouble. By the same merits, because it's beaten Tennessee, Alabama and now LSU in slightly closer fashion, Florida jumped up this week to number two. And it's a pretty close number two. So by that standard, the "second-best" team would be Florida.

But if I was taking a more "holistic" view, as most voters seem to do, and looked at personnel and what I thought was going to happen over the remaining course of the season based on "strengths" and "weaknesses," my number one right now, even over Ohio State, would probably be Michigan. I very highly value stopping the run, because this is the most common trait among many national champions, and Michigan is the best statistically and personnel-wise in that regard. Ohio State, meanwhile, has had some trouble there – as I said Monday, it hasn't mattered because OSU hasn't played anyone with the patience or the defense to be able to feasibly play slow down, clock-grinding ball into the second half, but Michigan would love to get into that kind of game. The difference is also that the Wolverines are pretty clearly capable of going big play on you over the top, too, and rushing the passer, etc. on defense. Michigan is the most complete team, in my opinion – not that that should be construed as a prediction for the teams' game in November. There's a lot of time between now and then.

My concern with Florida, for the record, is its running game – banging Tim Tebow into the line as often as possible notwithstanding. It's hard to run the gauntlet UF still has to run – Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida State (albeit a very, very weakened and average Florida State), SEC Championship – if you can't control the clock and grind out first downs at the ends of games, etc. It's come through so far, mainly because of defense and special teams, but the Tebow Effect has probably reached its nadir. I am still waiting for Urban Meyer to Notre Dame Box it.

3. What's the game to watch this weekend?
This speaks more on the lameness of the weekend than anything else, but it must be Auburn and Florida. It's odd, because you take last weekend's big winner, against the weekend's big loser, and still I doubt most fans who have been following the game long enough to know not to be so reactionary about those kinds of singular games will have as much confidence in Florida as one might expect. This is sort of a trendsetting game: if Florida wins, I might move them to 1, and they really have an invincible, "just win, baby" air about them, similar to Ohio State a few seasons ago. It ain't pretty, but it gets the job done, etc., and they have the Tebow gimmick to keep excitement up.

On the other side, Auburn's goose is cooked if it loses two straight, especially at home. Its season is either a raging disappointment by mid-October or back on track, resurrected, entirely depending on what happens Saturday. Kenny Irons' foot is going to have a lot to do with this.

My initial reaction is to go with Florida's methodical "Ugly W," but I don't make picks until Friday morning. Auburn might blow them out. I don't know.

I'm also interested in Navy-Rutgers, two pretty good teams I haven't seen, but it's not going to be on TV. Boston College-Virginia Tech Thursday is a pretty big game for both teams. There will be some kind of soft-focus interest story on BC's kicker, a walk-on soccer player stepping in to play football for the first time in his life, but that's still an interesting aspect to that game given Virginia Tech's alleged special teams dominance.

4. What's your bold prediction for the weekend?
I keep picking Colorado to get its first win, but I don't know if it's wise to bet on this happening against Texas Tech. How about, Florida State will beat Duke? That seems a little bold right now. No?

OK: A fan will at least pass out or have to be removed from Scott Stadium by ambulance during the Maryland-Virginia game due to something that happens on the field. I'll leave that open to interpretation.

5. What will the top 5 look like after the weekend?
I don't think Michigan is in any danger at Penn State, or Ohio State at Michigan State (though with MSU one never has any clue), so Florida is the only variable.

If the Gators win:
1. Florida (depending on how it wins)
2. Ohio State
3. Michigan
4. Southern Cal
5. Tennessee

If the Gators lose, all hell breaks loose because of the impending Tennessee Problem:
1. Ohio State
2. Michigan
3. Southern Cal
4. Florida (depending on how it loses)
5. Tennessee

Instant Replay Still an Issue

Apparently the argument is not going away. Instant replay, is it really doing what it was intended to do? Is it getting all the calls right?

Well first off, I’ll stop right there. All the calls will never be right all the time. Not until we start using robots as referees. (That might be kind of cool actually.) But there’s no reason for obvious calls to not be seen correctly.

All the tools are in place, it just doesn’t seem like they’re being used in the right way. My philosophy on having instant replay is that it prohibits the officials from just calling the game. They are thinking about whether or not to blow the whistle.

Football is a bam-bam game, it’s fast. Players don’t have time to think, and if they do, they’re beat. Players react; any good coach will tell you that. It’s no different for the refs. They are taught what to look for and react.

But now, they are told to not blow the whistle if the play is close at all, because they’ll review it upstairs. For this to work your depending on the cameras and the guys in the booth to have a better shot at it visually, than the ref on the field did, and for them to see it in time.

This can work, but a lot of times it doesn’t. Whether the guys don’t see it fast enough, or there’s not “inconclusive” video evidence, some calls are still missed.

It seems there is an obvious and easy way to get things working and accomplish what you are trying to do. Use what you have in place. Let the cameras roll. But let the officials call the game. If they miss a call, and everyone in the stadium, everyone at home, everyone watching the highlights can see something was missed, then the official in the booth should be able to see it too.

If they miss it, correct it and move on.

Best Uniforms: Part II

Well, here they are. The top three best looking uniforms in all of NCAA Football. Remember, these are my picks. So if you disagree, let me know where I am wrong.

3. Southern California home uniform. This is tough. Most of the time when you pair crimson, or maroon or a dark reddish color like SC’s with something it turns out awful (South Carolina, Virginia Tech). But the Trojans wear it with style and it’s one of the best looking uniforms going. Again, all those wins and rings make the uniform look all that much better but still, this “retro-forward” look is sweet. (Did I just make up a new fashion term? Nice)

2. Michigan home uniform. Sorry, it just looks good. The bright yellow…sorry, maize and blue look perfect together. And whatever that is on the helmet gives the Wolverines style and uniqueness. It did at least, until Delaware caught on and put it on their helmets. This should be taken as a compliment. This uniform is simple, but will never look old.

1. Clemson home alternate, orange on orange. I know this one is a bit of a shocker. But if you’ve never been in Death Valley when the Tigers run down that hill into a sea of orange, dressed in orange from head to toe, you probably can’t understand. TV almost doesn’t do it justice. The Orange is so overwhelming almost to the point of nausea, but in a good way. These uniforms have always looked good and it just represents the fun of college football. It almost makes up for the Tigers awful uniforms any time they wear purple.

DUELING BLOGGERS: Florida vs. LSU

A battle in the SEC! #5 Florida takes on #9 LSU this weekend at the swamp. Both teams have shown strong defense and offense so far this season. Last week JaMarcus Russell of LSU was named Offensive Player of the Week and Reggie Nelson of Florida was named Defensive Player of the week. The stats leading up to this game for both teams are enough to make your head spin. Regardless, it should be a fun game to watch!

Florida: Combination of Offense and Defense

By: GUEST BLOGGER Ryan Ferguson who covers the Gators at ORANGE AND BLUE HUE and at the AOL FAN HOUSE

Florida faces a stiff challenge against LSU on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. Florida is undefeated in the East (5-0, 3-0 SEC) while LSU has dropped a game in the western division to #2 ranked Auburn. The LSU Tigers bring the country's #1 defense (193 yards per game) as well as the SEC's highest-scoring offense (38 points per game.) The Gators are no slouch in the offensive output department either, though:

Florida is ranked 1st in the SEC for scoring yardage at 438.4 yards per game. On D, Florida's stop squad is considered by many to be among the best in the nation, ranked 4th in the nation in scoring defense (9.4 points per game) and rushing defense (50.2 yards per game.)

On Saturday, you'll see two sledgehammers pounding away at each other - on both offense and defense. What Florida brings to the table, besides its powerful 12th man in the form of the Swamp, is a well-rounded offensive and defensive package. Standout players on offense include both of Florida's quarterbacks (Chris Leak and Tim Tebow) and receivers Dallas Baker and Andre Caldwell. On defense, linebackers Brandon Siler and Earl Everett are among the best run stoppers in the country, and Free Safety Reggie "Eraser" Nelson is possibly the best defensive back in the nation.

Florida's Plan to Win must include pressure on LSU QB Jamarcus Russell in the form of an effective pass rush. Cornerbacks Ryan Smith and Reggie Nelson must play to the highest level of their ability to contain LSU's speedy receivers. Offensively, it's important for Florida to break their season-long trend of slow starts and come out of the gates firing on all cylinders. Kicker Chris Hetland must also step up after a poor 0-3 start and provide a reliable 3-point alternative in the or near the red zone.

If the "second half Gators" show up in the first half, LSU may need to warm up the bus early in the 4th quarter. Yes, Florida is that talented on that side of the football, but they don't always show it. On the other hand, a poor first half might send Meyer's boys back to the locker room with their first home loss since the Zooker era.
Go Gators: 16-13 over LSU on Florida Field.

LSU: Defense and Les Miles

By: GUEST BLOGGER FROM AND THE VALLEY SHOOK

Hating the Florida Gators just ain’t what it used to be. After fourteen seasons of bowing to the Gators by some pretty hefty margins – save one glorious Saturday in the fall of ’97 that landed us on the cover of SI – LSU has taken three of the last four contests, including two straight in Gainesville. Even the one year we did manage to lose to UF in that stretch, 2003, we won the national championship, rendering that loss eminently more bearable. Meanwhile, the annual give-and-take with Auburn has spurned a far more intense rivalry, at least for the time being – and I really hate those guys. Add to that the rise of the impossible-to-hate, prodigiously-hilarious Every Day Should Be Saturday blog, and aww shucks, I’ve almost got a soft spot for those Gators and the impending “Urbanification” of the SEC.

Almost. I still hate their guts. And no doubt about it, despite the Gators’ home field dominance having waned a bit since the Spurrier regime, few victories for any SEC team carry greater satisfaction than a win at Florida. This year’s no different, with the Gators ranked fifth, having earned that spot with an enormous victory at Tennessee last month.

That said, we LSU types can’t help but see some chinks in the armor and hold out with pretty high hopes given our year thus far. Conventional wisdom is that these Tigers, while among the most talented teams in the land, will forever be hamstrung by the fact that one Les Miles is our coach. Given, among other things, the change-of-possession timeout Les frantically requested on national television during last year’s implosion at home versus Tennessee, and we Tiger fans can certainly understand the world’s skepticism.

But brace yourselves, because I dare say it – maybe this year is different? The Tigers enter this game ranked #1 in the nation in total defense, and #2 in scoring defense. Disregarding a garbage time touchdown allowed against Mississippi State, the defense has allowed one touchdown all season, and none through the air. We know this group can play, and it may be our best group ever. On the other side of the ball, we’ve outscored our opponents 66-0 in the first quarter this year, and are 10th in the nation in scoring offense. Jamarcus Russell, meanwhile, is second in the nation in passing efficiency.

Now, aside from the Auburn game – which most any casual observer would tell you was an intensely hard fought battle between two elite teams – we’ve clearly had a cupcake schedule. But that said, each and every week this year, Les has brought the Tigers to play – which is more than can be said of his team last year, or several of Nick Saban’s Tiger squads. The bottom line is, myriad questions enveloped this team in the preseason – namely, offensive line cohesion, defensive line ability, quarterback controversy, running back injuries, dropped passes, and sloppy play in the form of turnovers and penalties – and almost all have been answered with resounding success. From this fan at least, kudos to Les Miles and his staff.

The one thing that remains to be seen is whether the Tigers can get a reliable running game going, and failing that, whether the coaching staff is astute enough to determine when to throw in the towel and commit all out to winning the game through the air. The LSU passing game has been flawless for the most part, yet has oddly been unable to open up the running lanes for the various backs shuffled in to take carries. A ray of hope has emerged in recent weeks with the running of freshman Charles Scott, so we Tiger fans have our fingers crossed that can continue into this week. I’m inclined to believe it won’t, but I’m also inclined to believe that were we to open up the field and challenge the Florida DBs to stop us, they absolutely deserve to win the game if they can.

Florida has opened their games fairly slowly, to say the least - up only 14-7 at the half vs Southern Miss, 12-7 at the half vs Kentucky, and embroiled in a one-point battle with Alabama into the fourth quarter, a win that Gator coaches tried to amplify by trying to put the ball in the endzone with a fifteen point lead and under a minute left. Here me now – Karma sees all, Urban!!!

I know Gator fans aren’t particularly enthused that they haven’t put four full quarters together yet this year, and it’s difficult to believe that this Saturday will be any different. I’m loath to pick my team in big games like this for fear of tempting the aforementioned karma gods, but with Florida RB DeShawn Wynn questionable, our defense playing as well as it is, my newfound faith in Les Miles, and Florida’s continual struggle to assemble a solid four quarters, I’m going to sack up this time:

LSU 21, Florida 17.

NCAA Football Best of the Bands

The sound of the drums beating and the horns blowing at a football game create an atomsphere like no other in NCAA Football. From the alma mater to the fight songs, bands support their teams and keep the energy of the fans up through it all. Here's to the best of the bands!

David Walker gets married to the tune of Carolina blue!

EGC master blogger, David Walker, got married this past weekend. He's on his honeymoon this week but on the morning of his wedding he shocked us all by sending in his posts for the coming week. I wonder what his wife-to-be thought about that? David wanted to make sure that his EGC readers had something to debate while he was gone. Priorities, priorities!

At the wedding, instead of throwing rice as the bride and groom left for their honeymoon, his guests waved Carolina blue and white pompoms. He really is a true NCAA Football fan (Fan-addict!).

Best Uniforms: Part I

This is the first two-parter in Every Game Counts history. I know, we haven’t been around that long but it’s still a big deal. Why now you ask, well this issue deserves to be broken down in two days. So check back Thursday for the conclusion.

Uniforms. We have yet to touch on one of the most fun aspects of NCAA Football and that is the team uniforms. Honestly, looking forward to the new season and wondering if your team is going to “spice up” their uniforms is one of those things that keeps you going in the long off season.

And unless your uniform hasn’t changed since it was matched with leather helmets, it is good to mix it up every once in a while. Some teams go retro, some go futuristic, and many teams paired up with Nike try to break in something no one has ever seen before.

Here’s the rundown of my favorite NCAA Football uniforms. Here are the top six best looking uniforms in NCAA Football.

6. Notre Dame home uniform. I really didn’t want to put them in here but the uniform has so much history for the game and well, it just looks really good. The true test in my eyes is the Irish are the only team with absolutely nothing on the helmets, and they make it look good. Usually, I need something on the helmets so it’s not so boring, but they make it work.

5. Texas Longhorns away uniform, white on white. Vince Young could have been scampering downfield last year in a garbage bag and it would have looked sick, but the Longhorns away unis are simple and sharp. Yes, white is the only color to match with burnt orange, but this mono-color match is a classic. And usually the home uniform is the best but in Texas’ case, they should wear this one as much as possible.

4. Georgia Bulldogs home uniform. This is one of the most underrated uniforms in all of college football. No one ever talks about this one and why? It’s not overly flashy or dull. It’s the perfect mix of old school traditionalism and new school style. The colors are not an instant match, meaning red and silver don’t naturally go together. But the red, white and black with the silver pants is just an awesome look.

The top three will be here on Thursday. See if you can figure out which ones will rank highest, you may be surprised.