The embedded video is the only solace we can find in this week’s card, which is dreadful by any objective measure, at least from a purely aesthetic point of view. Sure, there are a few jewels for those who, like SNL, are investment minded. But all in all, most are free to make it a “Blockbuster Night.” Not casting stones, but a heartfelt thanks to the SEC for trotting out another round of exhibition games, that goes for you too beloved Gators.
Another round of applause for the Michigan and OSU programs for making this rivalry the Big 10 equivalent of UT v. Vandy, a more or less regional rivalry of no interest to anyone outside of Michigan and Ohio. Seems like only yesterday that the nation was hand-wringing in anticipation of this game, with E-SPIN prodding us along with a 48 hour “Countdown” clock. Ahh….to be young again.
Well, flock, we can all sit here and lament this lost weekend of football or we can seek to replenish our depleted emotional reserves in the manner that all Americans aspire to: Helping others? Fighting on? Leading by example? Don’t make me laugh. By gambling on football on using the winnings to purchase ridiculous brand name crap we don’t need. Let’s go…
Texas A & M (-6) v. Baylor: This is the official “My other car is…” game. The implication, naturally, is that those who place one of these bumper stickers on their cars don’t have an “other car,” and if they do, it’s a piece of crap. Here, Baylor is the other car. So, let’s complete the puzzle for the hard-of-thinking… Baylor’s other car is a myth or a piece of crap. Aggies and the 12th man roll.
Vandy at UT (-17): Another rivalry that isn’t. This game is, however, a testament to SNL’s depravity, which is boundless. Seriously, SNL hates Layla Kiffin’s Husband and his putrid program, but love UT against the spread. The lesson? Glad you asked: Money trumps hatred. UT wins big and all the convenience stores in Knoxville close the minute the game is over.
LSU at Ole Miss (o42): Ole Miss remains enigmatic and, like a heavily marketed Nick Cage flick, always seems to disappoint. Still, McCluster is on a tear and LSU’s wideouts should have some success against the Rebs (assuming Jefferson plays). And, the number seems relatively low. In other words, there’s alot of ways to get to 42 points, especially with Dex on the field.
Final thoughts…a moment of silence for the PAC 1+9, which is dead from a national perspective. Doubters of the veracity of this statement are encouraged to check tomorrow’s ratings for the ‘Zona v. Oregon matchup, will whill be lower than the Fox rerun of Cops. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, USC’s national cache’ was the only thing that kept the PAC-10 in the national consciousness.
As for the Boise, TCU, Cincinatti debacle…does anyone really care? TCU certainly passes the eyeball test and could probably play with any on the top-3, but Cinci and Boise seem woefully inept on the defensive side of the ball and to make matter worse for the smurf-turf bunch, the schedule is laughable, not matter how big the MOV. Naturally, Boise will play some BCS school that is under-motivated and disinterested, and might even win. Following which the Boise allegiant will trumpet their program as the equal of any while the more rational towns folk scoff.
-So Sayeth the Shepherd
Housekeeping…before we get to the picks, let’s clear the air on a few things that have upset members of the Flock. Enough about Spikes! It was a chippy game, he’s a good guy, and really, the only reason to be upset is because Pope Urban caved to pressure from national toolbags like Lupica, and Mike Golic and suspended him. 
Wife is at the movies and junior is napping, so let’s get to it.
