Real Men Of Genius - Mr. Gotta Get Everyone to Start the Wave Guy

Well lookie here - for the first time in several weeks, we have some content that isn't Steve & Me making picks. This one comes from friend of the blog 'BA'. Hopefully we can talk him into becoming regular contributor.

In the spirit of Bud Lights Real Men of Genius ads...


Mr. Gotta Get Everyone to Start the Wave Guy

Today, This Aint Intramurals salutes you, oh Barron of the Bleachers, Mr. Gotta Get Everyone to Start the Wave Guy (Mr. Gotta Get Everyone to Start the Way Guy!).

Although the weather's perfect, the beer is cold, and the home team is thoroughly dominating, your game day experience is utterly incomplete unless and until you get 75,000 strangers to stand and scream in unison (A game ain't a game without the wave, yeah!)

Like a fearless general, you rise among the seated masses and boldly announce that the time is at hand - oh, yes, it is time to start the wave (Let's do this!)

Realizing that a feat this monumental cannot occur without the help of others, you strenuously request - no, demand - that everyone in your section take part.... and summarily condemn those who refuse with a, "You suck!" (You're either with me or against me!).

Undeterred by multiple failures to start the wave - or by the fact that the game is still being played - you relentless press on with your mission like the Marines at Iwo Jima (Failure's not an option!)

Finally, after six attempts, two near fist fights, and bleeding vocal chords, the fruits of your labor materialize as you sit back like a proud father and watch the force which you created pass throughout the entire stadium (It's just so beautiful!)

So, after the wave completes its third lap around the stadium, sit back and crack open a cold beverage, Mr. Gotta Get Everyone to Start the Wave Guy. And take pride in knowing that any bum can ride a waive, but it takes a real man of genius to create one (Mr.Gottageteveryone tostartthewaveguy!)

Week 4 Picks

Missouri at Nevada (Missouri by 7)

Steve: I’m sure Nevada and all their fans are excited about this game. I was excited to play a game in the state playoffs as a sophomore in high school. We ended up losing 48-0. Missouri 35 Nevada 14

Beav: Tigers head to Reno for what is arguably the Big XII's game of the week. I don't understand Missouri's willingness to travel to play in a 25 thousand seat stadium on a Friday night . Add on the 2 hour time change, and high altitude...I think we are looking at this week's upset special. Nevada 27 Missouri 24

Southern Miss at Kansas (Kansas by 14)

Steve: Will “fightgate” have an impact on the Kansas players? For Kansas easily winning all their games so far, I am still not that impressed with them. However, I’m impressed enough to think they cover in this one. Kansas 35 – Southern Miss 20

Beav: I don't expect the Jayhawks to do anything out of character. Always gonna be G's about it. Kansas 41 Southern Miss 13

Tennessee Tech at KSU (No Line)

Steve: I think we should not even pick these “No line” games. What’s the point? Kansas State -3 – Tennessee Tech -21 (yes, those are negative numbers)

Beav: Tickets are still available for this one. KSU 31 TTU 3

UTEP at Texas (Texas by 34)

Steve: I think Texas will be experiencing a little bit of a hangover after their win against Texas Tech, so they won’t be them by 70. Instead they will just barely cover the 34 point spread. Texas 42 – UTEP 7

Beav: The biggest mystery surrounding this game is how Colt McCoy likes his halftime PB&J. I predict smooth, creamy Skippy Peanut Butter, Welch’s Grape Jelly, and Wonderbread. Texas 50 UTEP 10

Army at Iowa State (Iowa State by 9.5)
Steve: Iowa State is weak in a lot of areas. The weakest of these being pass defense. Army is a running team. This is as good of a match-up as any for the Cyclones. Iowa State 28 - Army 14

Beav: Cyclones had better capitalize this week and against KSU next week – its likely their last chances at a win until Colorado comes to town in November. Iowa State 27 – Army 10

La-Lafayette at Nebraska (Nebraska by 28)

Steve: LaLa (not Carmelo Anthony’s fiancé of 5 bagillion years) has already beaten a Big 12 team. Unfortunately for them Nebraska is a lot better than K State. Plus I think Nebraska is a little pissed after their game last Saturday. Look for them to pile on LaLa. Nebraska 45 – Louisiana-Lafayette 10

Beav: I keep hearing about the great practices Nebraska has had since the Virginia Tech debacle and how they are ready to get back on the field. I will be looking for a throwback performance to go with the throwback uniforms the Huskers will be wearing. Nebraska 63 Louisiana-Lafayette 10

Grambling State at Oklahoma State (No Line)

Steve: Another one of these awesome “no line” games. Look for T. Boone Pickens to get some time at QB this weekend. He might even call a few plays. Oklahoma State 52 points, 1 new oil well, and 100 new wind turbines – Grambling State 7

Beav: : :Post deleted by TAI Standards Department: : Oklahoma State 54 Grambling State 6

Northwestern State at Baylor (No Line)

Steve: This has to be a “no line” record. The only thing to be celebrated here is this may be the first time in Baylor history they are the favorite in a “no line” game. Baylor 42 – Northwestern State 10

Beav: Usually when I pick these games, I skip around the list and write up the games I find interesting first. That approach sure makes things difficult when I can’t find any interesting games on the list. I end up scrolling through my notepad document for 45 minutes looking for a game that isn’t there. Baylor 31 Northwestern State 6

UAB at Texas A&M (aTm by 14)

Steve: Texas A&M should be back down to earth by now and realize they aren’t as good as they thought they were after week 1. I have a feeling this team is going to be incredibly inconsistent all year. Texas A&M 28- UAB 17

Beav: I haven’s seen a single Texas A&M game this year…not a single play. Not even a highlight. Texas A&M 31 UAB 16

Texas Tech at Houston (pick)

Steve: This is a game I really want to watch. Is Houston for real? Can Tech rebound after an emotional loss to Texas? Will the announcers take a page from Brent Musburger and call Mike Leach a pirate over 1,000 times? I think Tech takes this one. Texas Tech 35 – Houston 28

Beav: I think Tech exposes Houston as a one game wonder. Back to reality for the Cougars. Texas Tech 41- Houston 24

Non-Conference Games

Miami at Virginia Tech (Virginia Tech by 2.5)

Steve: Lot of questions in this one too. Is Miami back? Can Va Tech keep the momentum going from a come from behind win against Nebraska? I don’t think the ‘Canes are “back”, but I don’t think Virginia Tech is really that good. Miami 21 – Virginia Tech 17

Beav: I think this week Miami does what Nebraska started to do last week and exposes Virginia Tech as a fraud. The Hokie offense is bad and the defense is average. Canes will win big here in Jacory Harris' finest hour since killing it as Marlo Stanfield in The Wire. His name is his name. Miami 40 Virginia Tech 13

Cal at Oregon (Cal by 6)

Steve: I think Cal is a sleeper team in the Pac 10. Cal’s great running game should help neutralize the always hostile crowd at Oregon. Cal 28 – Oregon 21

Beav: I thought the Cal offense looked unstoppable last week…but playing against a Kevin Cosgrove led defense will do that for a team. Cal 34 Oregon 14

TCU at Clemson (Clemson by 2.5)

Steve: As far as I can tell Clemson is still Clemson. They will undoubtedly have the most talented team on the field, but who cares? They are still Clemson, and they lose games like this. TCU 21 – Clemson 20

Beav: Man, what a crappy week of football games. Clemson 31 - TCU 27

Week 3 Picks

One of these weeks there will be some mid-week updates. Blame my real job for keeping me too busy. On to the picks for week 3.

Wyoming at Colorado (CU by 7)

Steve: How is Colorado favored after dropping two stink bombs in their first two games? Their defense has been atrocious this year and their offense is crappy, so I don’t see them beating anyone by 9. Colorado 24 – Wyoming 21

Beav: Just like you've got to bet with the old guy at the craps table, I've got to keep riding the 'bet against CU' train. Wyoming 21 - Colorado 20

Duke at Kansas (KU by 23)

Steve: Kansas continues their non-conference cupcake contests. People will continue to be fooled into thinking Kansas has good running backs. They don’t, but they will still look good against Duke. Kansas 42 – Duke 14

Beav: Bill Self has some very talented freshmen who will make an impact this year and Phog Allen is always a tough place to play. I think the Duke offense struggles until Coach K figures out a way to replace Gerald Henderson. Kansas 82 - Duke 55

Kansas State at UCLA (UCLA by 12)

Steve: Is it too late for Snyder to have this game canceled and get UCLA replaced with Fort Hays State? UCLA 28 – Kansas State 10

Beav: Can't even feign enough interest to make a comment about this one. UCLA 41 - KSU 13

Nebraska at Virginia Tech (V Tech by 5)

Steve: Nebraska has looked good offensively against the Sun Belt teams. This game is a match-up of strength vs. strength (NU offense vs V Tech D) and weakness vs. weakness (NU D vs. V Tech D). If the Special Teams is the tiebreaker you don’t get much better than Virginia Tech special teams. Virginia Tech 31 – Nebraska 24

Beav: This Husker defense still looks as tentative and unathletic as they did in the Callahan years, and I think VTech has the athletes to exploit it. Since Tom Osborne left 12 years ago, nobody has gone broke betting against the Huskers in big road games. Virginia Tech 41 - Nebraska 31

Rice at Oklahoma State (OSU by 33)

Steve: Will Okie State come out all pissed off because of their upset loss last week, or uninspired because of it? I’m guessing Mike Gundy will slam an extra Red Bull or two to make sure he has enough energy to keep his team fired up. Oklahoma State 42 – Rice 14

Beav: This is going to be that game where an angry Mike Gundy leaves Dez Bryant in the game to rack up 290 yards receiving. Oklahoma State 55 - Rice 10

Tulsa at Oklahoma (OU by 17.5)

Steve: I think people are selling OU short. When Bradford went down against BYU, Landry Jones was not ready to step in. Instead of last week’s three minute talk and tossing the ball 10 times on the sideline to warm up, the coaches have had all week to prepare him. Oklahoma 45 – Tulsa 21

Beav: Tulsa already beat Colorado, right? No? Oh, that was Toledo. Didn't Tulsa just get smoked by BYU? Oh, that was Tulane. But Tulsa is where Matt Forte played, right? No? I guess that was Tulane, too. I can't ever keep these small schools that start with T straight. But I've always liked Tulsa's Brown & Baby Blue unis...and that elephant mascot is pretty sweet. What? That's Tufts? I have no idea here. OU 55 - Tulsa 0

UConn at Baylor (Baylor by 10)

Steve: UConn is no pushover, but Baylor is playing with confidence they haven’t had since the days of Mike Singletary. Plus, the Bears have had a bye week to prepare. Baylor 35 – UConn 21

Beav: When MLB started its interleague games, the schedule-makers put together some great regional rivalries like Yankees vs Mets, A's vs Giants, Royals vs. Cards...but then at the bottom of the list, they just had to pair up whatever crappy teams were left over. This game is the college football equivalent of Rockies vs. Blue Jays. No rivalry, no regional relationship, no impact on the big picture whatsoever. I'll take the home team to cover. Baylor 35 - UConn21

Utah State at Texas A&M (aTm by 17.5)

Steve: I’m sure all aTm fans are still jizzing in their pants after their week 1 win. I’m still not convinced they are for real, but they should be able to cover in this one. Texas aTm 35 – Utah State 14

Beav: Match-ups like this one and Baylor-UConn are why I love college football. aTm 28 - Utah State 10

Iowa State at Kent State (ISU by 1)

Steve: The Cyclones need this game. If they lose, it will probably end up being another 8 or 9 loss season. If they win, they will have a chance to become bowl eligible. Iowa State 38 – Kent State 35

Beav: I miss the days when there were only 3 or 4 college football games on TV each week, because at least I knew once the game came on I would see some good football. Unfortunately now, in the age of Versus and Fox sports, there's always the chance that I will flip on the TV and see something like last week's Iowa vs. ISU game. I can’t say that I've ever seen a Division I team look worse than ISU did. I don't know much about Kent State, but no way am I picking the 'Clones. Kent 38 - ISU 17

Texas Tech at Texas (Texas by 17.5)

Steve: Will Texas view this as a revenge game? I just doesn’t feel like revenge if there is no Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree. Speaking of those two, Tech might miss them a little in this game. Texas 42 – Texas Tech 21

Beav: Wow...this line seems big. I like Texas to win, but spotting Texas Tech over 17 points seems a little excessive. Texas 41 - Texas Tech 31

Non-conference games of interest

Tennessee at Florida (Florida by 29.5)

Steve: There hasn’t been a battle between bigger douche bags since the most recent episode of MTV’s Road Rules/Real World challenge. Ask Mark Richt if Urban Meyer holds a grudge. Florida 56 – Tennessee 14

Beav: I was going to try to summarize how laughable Lane Kiffin's rise has been, but that probably needs its own post. Josh Baskin's rise to VP at McMillan Toy Company in Big was more legitimate...but I still think they cover. Florida 41 - Tennessee 21

Florida State at BYU (BYU by 8)

Steve: After Miami beat down Georgia Tech last night, my opinion of Florida State improved; however, this game still scares the crap out of me. The chances of Florida State could winning by 21 is about the same as BYU winning by 21. BYU 28 – Florida State 21

Beav: I'm not buying into BYU...I think they beat Oklahoma on the Sooners' worst possible day. It’s a tough road trip for FSU, but I think they knock off the Cougs. Florida State 24 - BYU 19

Last Week

Steve: 5-8 (13-15 on the season)

Beav: 8-5 (16-12 on the season)

Congratulations!

A special post for today. This Ain't Intramurals very own Beav and his wife welcomed the third little Beaver into the world today. Grady Owen Beaver was born today sometime around 11:00 A.M. (sorry I don't remember the specifics) checking in at 7 lbs 8 oz. Let's all give Beav and his family a big cyber round of applause.

Week 2 Picks

Friday

Colorado at Toledo (Colorado by 4)

Steve: Surely Colorado will not start 0-2 will they? I don’t think the Buffs will be very good and there are already players complaining about playing time, but they will win this game. Colorado 24 – Toledo 14

Beav: After last week, it's tough to lay any points with the Buffs. I'm going with an upset special here. Toledo 36 - Colorado 34

Saturday

Iowa at Iowa State (Iowa by 6.5)

Steve: Before the season started I was thinking Iowa would be able to control the ground game in this one. Iowa’s offensive line is supposed to be their strong suit, and ISU’s defensive line is their weak spot. ISU’s d-line does suck, but Iowa’s o-line didn’t look very good against Northern Iowa. Plus, their best player, LT Bryan Bulaga, is rumored to be out for this game. ISU won’t just cover, they will win in Ames. ISU 34 – Iowa 28

Beav: Neither of these teams looked good against their FCS opponents last week. I like the Cyclones enough to win outright. Iowa 16 - Iowa State 20

Arkansas State at Nebraska (Nebraska by 23)

Steve: Arkansas State really took it to Mississippi Valley State last week, but Nebraska isn’t impressed. Nebraska could win big, but look for them to pull Helu and Zac Lee early to keep them fresh for Virginia Tech. Nebraska 35 – Arkansas State 14

Beav: Huskers continue playing host to the Sun Belt conference.NU looked good last week, but must avoid looking ahead to the big game in Blacksburg. I like NU big again. Nebraska 46 - Ark St. 13

Houston at Oklahoma State (Oklahoma State by 15)

Steve: Will this be a let down game for Okie State after their huge win against Georgia? Not likely. Look for Zac Robinson to have a big game after he struggled (for his standards anyway) last week. Oklahoma State 42 – Houston 21

Beav: Malcolm Kelly's favorite coach to 'Holla at' has the Cougars looking pretty solid this year, but Okie State just has too much firepower. 15 points doesn't seem like nearly enough. Oklahoma State - 48 Houston 24

Texas at Wyoming (Texas by 33.5)

Steve: Does Mack Brown have a vacation home in Jackson Hole? Why else would Texas go to Wyoming? There is a little altitude in Laramie, but not enough to slow down Colt McCoy and Co. Texas 52 – Wyoming 10

Beav: Why is Texas going to Laramie? I understand traveling to a non BCS school to play against a good team, and I understand traveling to a major conference school to play against a bad team (like USC going to OSU). But I don't see what you gain by traveling to a bad non BCS school. Horns will win, but I'll take the points here. UT 38 - Wyoming 20

Bowling Green at Missouri (Missouri by 20)

Steve: Either Illinois really sucks or Mizzou isn’t going to miss all their studs from last year as much as I thought. My bet is thatIllinois really sucks, but Mizzou is still good enough to cover against Bowling Green. Missouri 42 – Bowling Green 21

Beav: The biggest stories in the Big XII North last week were how bad Colorado looked and how good Mizzou looked. I like the Tigers big in this one. Missouri 46 - BGSU 21

Idaho State at Oklahoma (No Line)

Steve: No Bradford + No Gresham + Poor Offensive Line Play = bad offensive output of the Sooners. At least the coaches at Oklahoma have had an entire week to prepare Landry Jones, and their defense is still pretty stout. OU’s offense will struggle but they should still win easily. Oklahoma 35 – Idaho State 0

Beav: The Sooners look to bounce back without two first team All-Americans. I see the Sooners' offense struggling a bit. Oklahoma 24 - Idaho State 3

Kansas State at La-Lafayette (Kansas State by 7)

Steve: Kansas State barely beats UMass at home. That is not a good sign of things to come for the Wildcats. I’m thinking upset here, and I’m not talking about the stomachs of the KSU players from eating too much butter. Louisiana-Lafayette 21 – Kansas State 14
Beav: The old Bill Snyder road trip. Sounds like a good time. Kansas State 24 – Louisiana-Lafayette 10

Rice at Texas Tech (Texas Tech by 28)

Steve: Rice lost by 20 to Alabama-Birmingham last week. Texas Tech is slightly better than UAB, and by slightly I mean a lot better. Texas Tech 63 – Rice 21

Beav: Texas Tech's offense didn't quite put up the numbers we normally expect from them. I like them to bounce back this week and get things straightened out. Texas Tech 55 Rice 17

Kansas at UTEP (Kansas by 12.5)

Steve: Mangino has gotten a free pass for his Bill Snyderesq non-conference scheduling. I’m calling you out Mangino! Oh yeah, the pick. Kansas 35 – UTEP 21

Beav: KU travels to El Paso - hopefully for the Jayhawk players, Mangino went with UTEP Head Coach Mike Price's recommendation for accommodations. KU 38 - UTEP 17

Texas A&M and Baylor have bye weeks.

Non-Conference games of note:

USC at Ohio State (USC by 7)

Steve: Tyrrell Pryor may be the most overrated player in college football. I guess his one talent is stiff-arming bad db’s. USC has great db’s, and possibly the best one in the country in Taylor Mays. USC may have a freshman quarterback, but who cares? They are playing a Big 10 team. USC 24 – Ohio State 10

Beav: I had to double check this line a few times to make sure it wasn't a misprint. OSU only gets 7 points vs. USC? THE Ohio State University could only muster 153 rushing yards on 38 carries against Navy....they will be lucky to cross the 50 yard line against USC's D. USC 28 - OSU 0

UCLA at Tennessee (Tennessee by 10)

Steve: Beav, I’m confused why you picked this one as a “game of interest.” UCLA is very weak at the QB position. Monte Kiffin will have the Tennessee D all over that clown. Tennessee 28 – UCLA 14

Beav: I'm not a believer in either of these teams right now, but I do love Tennessee getting 10 points in Knoxville. UCLA 31 - Tennessee 24

Notre Dame at Michigan (Notre Dame by 3.5)

Steve: I don’t like RichRod, but I hope he can get his Wolverines to beat ND. With ND’s horrific schedule, if they win this one, they may not lose until they play USC. If that happens, Notre Dame will be so overrated and over-hyped, my head might explode. Michigan 28 – Notre Dame 24

Beav: This game is the 2009 college football equivalent of Al Pacino and Robert Deniro.
1) Both used to matter.
2) Both constantly have poor performances excused because of their reputation.
3) Both were considered relevant long past their primes
4) Seeing them on screen at the same time is becoming less nostalgic and more pathetic. (Righteous Kill for Al & Bob; Saturday's game for M & ND)
Michigan 20 - Notre Dame 13

Last Week:

Steve: 8 out of 15 (6 out of 13 against the spread)

Beav: 8 out of 15 (6 out of 13 against the spread)

Weekly Picks

It is finally here. After watching the last snap of your favorite teams Spring Game your anticipation has been building for this very day. I'm not talking about the first week of the 2009 College Football season. I'm talking about the first ever "Weekly Picks" post for This Ain't Intramurals.

For your entertainment, here is a run-down of this week’s Big 12 games and a few other national games of interest. Beav and I will both make our picks against the spread. Just know this, in no way are we condoning gambling, or saying you should take our advice and make a friendly wager on the outcomes of the games. We are sports geniuses, though, so you make the call.

Thursday:

North Dakota State at Iowa State (ISU by 17.5)

Beav: No new unis for the Cyclones this year? Over the past decade, it seems like ISU has worn more different jerseys than Jay-Z. I like the 'clones here to win but no cover. ISU 27 - NDSU 17

Steve: Iowa State is breaking in a new head coach and coordinators. This will be a positive change for the Clones in the long run, but I expect a few struggles out of the gate. ISU will not cover, but they will beat NDSU. ISU 38 - NDSU 24

Oregon at Boise State (Boise by 4.5)

Beav: The Broncos will be looking to spoil Chip Kelly's first appearance as the Ducks' head coach. It’s never easy to play on the blue turf, but I like Oregon here. Oregon 31 - Boise St 21

Steve: I think teams are no longer overlooking teams like Boise State and Utah. At least they shouldn’t. Oregon will be completely focused…but not enough to win. Boise State 28 - Oregon 24

Saturday: from least to most interesting

UMass at Kansas State (NL)

Beav: Just like the old days for Snyder. How does he find these opponents? I wasn't aware Umass even had a football team. KSU 38 - Umass 0

Steve: I don’t even know what to say about this game. There isn’t really anything we can learn about K State in this crap-fest. KSU 28 - Umass 3

New Mexico at Texas A&M (A&M by 11)

Beav: I can't imagine a scenario in which aTm scores over 20 points here - I like the Aggies to win, but in a low scoring game. aTm 17 - New Mexico 13

Steve: I’m picking an upset special here. I’ll be honest, I don’t know much about New Mexico, but I just think aTm will struggle. New Mexico 24 - aTm 14

Northern Colorado at Kansas (NL)

Beav: Jayhawks return a lot of talent on offense and Mangino's teams always seem to be well prepared. Jayhawks win big. KU 52 - UNC 17

Steve: Kansas will move the ball all day long and their defense will look better than it is. Hopefully Northern Colorado has a punter after stab-gate a few years ago, because they will need one frequently. KU 63 - Norhtern Colorado 10

North Dakota at Texas Tech (Texas Tech by 45.5)

Beav: Leach gets to try out his new replacements to Crabtree & Harrell, so I expect him to let the guys play a little bit in this one. TT 65 - ND 14

Steve: It will take all of one quarter before Taylor Potts makes Tech fans forget about Graham Harrell. Plus, I expect Tech will come out with a little chip on their shoulder. Texas Tech 56 -North Dakota 7

Louisiana Monroe at Texas (Texas by 36)

Beav: Seems like the Longhorns always cover in these early season games. Not much drama here. Texas 50 - LA-Monroe 10

Steve: Texas means business this year, and Louisiana-Monroe is hardly even a bump in the road for them. Texas big: Texas 63 - LA-Monroe 7

Florida Atlantic at Nebraska (Nebraska by 17)

Beav: Neb by 17 I like the Huskers big in this one. The biggest question mark for the Big Red is at QB, and I'm of the opinion that the Huskers offensive system doesn't put a huge burden on QBs. How else do you explain the success of Joe Ganz? Schnellenberger has had Nebraska's number in the past, but in the words of Ochocinco - he might as well kiss the baby. Nebraska 46 - FAU 17

Steve: FAU isn’t a complete joke. They have played in a few Bowl Games under Schnellenberger and won the Sun Belt last year. Still not enough fire power to take down the Huskers, new QB and all. Nebraska 38 - FAU 14

Colorado State at Colorado (Colorado by 13)

Beav: As I said in Monday's post, I like the Buffs to win in an ugly one. This one always seems to be somewhat close, so laying 13 seems like a lot. CU 27 - CSU 20

Steve: This game use to be one of my favorite games to watch. As Beav documented on Monday, the Bradlee Van Pelt ball spike in the helmet was just awesome. Unforturnately BVP no longer plays for the Rams. CU 31 - CSU 10

Baylor at Wake Forest (Wake by 5)

Beav: Wake never seems to get off to a good start, and I like Baylor to be the team this year who gets off to a great start, becomes overrated, and then falls apart toward the middle of the year. Baylor 24 - Wake Forest 16

Steve: Wake is one of those teams that has quietly been pretty darn good the last few years. I think the Bears will cover, but fall just short of winning. Wake Forest 21 - Baylor 20

BYU at Oklahoma (OU by 21)

Beav: OU was an offensive juggernaut for most of last year, but I will be interested to see how they respond to what Florida was able to do defensively. Sometimes it takes a while to recover from games like that. I like the Sooners to win, but not cover. OU 40 - BYU 26

Steve: BYU has been talking about his game for a long time. I’m guessing they will have the Sooners’ full attention, and that’s not a good thing. I expect the Oklahoma defense to look outstanding. OU 56 - BYU 14

Missouri vs. Illinois (Illinois by 5.5)

Beav: As I said in my games of the week post, Missouri has enough great athletes on the team that I don't think they will fall off as much as people think. I've never been much of a Zook believer, either. Mizzou 38 - Illinois 21

Steve: Mizzou lost too much talent fromlast year’s team to ignore. Illinois has one of the best QB-WR combos in the country with Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn that should cause problems for Mizzou’s terrible pass defense. Illinois 35 - Mizzou 21

Georgia at Oklahom State (OSU by 4)

Beav: The Cowboys bring back lots of talent at the skill positions this year, but I like the Bulldogs in this one. OK, maybe I don't...but I'm sticking with Monday's prediction. Georgia 23 - OSU 17

Steve: When this game was originally scheduled, I’m guessing Georgia wasn’t expecting T. Boone State University to be this good. Plus, this game is more than just Georgia vs. OSU. It’s SEC vs. Big 12, and the winning team/conference will have some bragging rights for a few months. Oklahoma State 27 - Georgia 20

Virginia Tech at Alabama (Bama by 4)

Beav: Even before the injuries they experienced in fall camp, I expected a disappointing year for V-Tech. I'm sure Saban's got the Tide ready to go after last year's disappointing finish. Alabama 24 - Virginia Tech 17

Steve: Let me start by saying I think both teams are overrated. For a game pitting two top 10 teams, I’m predicting a boring defensive struggle. Alabama 21 - Virginia Tech 14

Monday:

Miami at Florida State (FSU by 4)

Beav: This one sure has lost some of its luster. The Hurricanes aren't quite so thuggish anymore, and Papa Bowden's only interest these days appears to be outliving JoePa. I don't think I could be less interested in this game. FSU 23 - Miami 16

Steve: When will people finally realize these teams aren’t that good any more. Both offenses will look like crap, but people will say it’s because the defenses are sooo good. Wrong! The offenses just suck. Florida State 17 - Miami 10

Sprintin' Forties

Not long after I put up my first Usain Bolt post, I came across this article on pro-football-reference.com, where they speculate that Usain Bolt would run a 40 yard dash in 4.22 seconds - just a hair faster than the 4.24 run by Chris Johnson in the 2008 scouting combine. I thought it sounded absurd - to think that an NFL running back would be anywhere close to the fastest man to ever walk the earth.

Last night I watched Adrian Peterson break free on a 75 yard TD run where he out-sprinted everyone to the end zone. The ESPN spedometer had him peaking out at 21.7 MPH. A breakaway punt return by Reggie Bush last year had him peaking out at about 22 MPH. Bolt's top speed in his WR setting 100m was almost 28 MPH. You can certainly question the accuracy of ESPN's spedometer, but seriously - For Bolt, 22 MPH is running about 75%. He can probably carioca 22 MPH. I can't imagine these guys coming close to Bolt, even in a short 40 yard race. This got me thinking again...except this time, rather than being the 500th person to 'project' what Bolt might run, I'm going to propose an idea to solve this two week old quandry:

Usain Bolt must run at the NFL combine.

The key here is that it HAS to take place at the combine. I don't want to see Bolt run a 40 at some special tricked out track with spikes and starting blocks. I need to see him on the field turf at Lucas Oil stadium using the same timing system as all of the NFL prospects. I want Bolt running the same straightaway we see Rich Eisen sprinting in a full suit. (Make sure you watch that whole clip - nothing funnier than the simulcam starting at 2:25)

Would Bolt do it? Appearance fees are commonplace for track athletes - an article on ESPN.com recently mentioned Bolt as running a race on a shanty track through the streets of Toronto for $250k. So give Bolt the $250k appearance fee, plus bonus $ at different incentive times...Running a 40 two or three times has to be better than racing a horse or an ostrich.

Would it interfere with his training? This is the best part - the NFL Combine is usually right after the indoor world championships, so it would occur just as Bolt is peaking for the 60m, the closest race to a 40 yard dash that world class sprinters run. All he would have to do is take a week or so to perfect the different start that athletes use for the 40.

Who would pay for it? How about this for synergy - Gatorade, the official sports drink of the NFL, also has an endorsement contract with Bolt. This becomes a 15 minute Gatorade commercial watched worldwide.

Would the NFL do it? Probably the biggest question mark, but I don't see why it couldn't happen. The Gatorade mutual endorsements have to help. Making it a part of the NFL Scouting Combine would draw more attention to the NFL Network and their coverage of the event. Plus I can think of one more kicker that I'm sure the NFL would love: Televising the event on the NFL Network is just another way to stick it to Time Warner.

Here's what I'm proposing: Whatever night Eisen usually runs his 40, Bolt runs as well. He gets his $250k appearance fee, plus incentives for time. Bolt gets three attempts to clock the fastest time he can - if he runs faster than the fastest NFL prospect, he takes home $500k. Runs under 4.2 - $600k; Under 4.1: $750k, and if he can break 4.00, he takes home $1 million. That should be enough cash to motivate Bolt to run the race..and for the number eyes it would bring to the NFL Network or Gatorade, it would be money well spent.