The 2008 college football season is winding down and yet it's still not clear who will play in the BCS National Championship game.  There are still at least six teams that are still alive at this point including Texas, Alabama, Penn State, Georgia, Florida, and USC.  I'm going to break down each team's remaining games and determine who has the most likely chance of getting into the big game.

Texas

Remaining Schedule:
11/01- @ Texas Tech
11/08- Baylor
11/15- Kansas
11/27- Texas A&M
Big 12 Championship- (likely) Missouri

The Longhorns are in control of their own destiny, which is a good feeling if you're in their shoes right now.  They have only two real stumbling blocks: next week's game against the Red Raiders and the Big 12 Championship in which they will likely play Missouri again.  I like the Longhorns to cruise through the remainder of their regular season schedule.  Texas Tech will put up a lot of points, but the horns will put up more.  The Big 12 Championship is their biggest hurdle.  They've already beaten Mizzou once and you have to believe that Chase Daniels and co. won't want to give up another one to the horns.  Bottom line: if Texas wins out, they're in.

Alabama

Remaining Schedule:
11/01- Arkansas State
11/08- @LSU
11/15- Miss. State
11/29- Auburn
SEC Championship- either Georgia or Florida

The Crimson Tide find themselves in a very similar situation as the horns, which is they are also in control of their own destiny.  If they win out, they're in and that's all there is to it.  If Penn State was going to jump Bama it would have been this week after they beat Ohio State.  It didn't happen, so here we are with five games left and Bama in the driver's seat.  The game to watch will be the matchup in Death Valley against LSU.  Bama is probably the superior team and will likely win this game.  The Iron Bowl is always a tough game regardless of either team's ranking.  Tuberville knows that the likelihood of his tenure continuing in Auburn relies heavily on beating Alabama.  If he does this, he's good for at least one more year.  That kind of pressure combined with the rivalry aspect makes this one of Bama's biggest hurdles.  If they survive, they get the misfortune of playing the dreaded "extra game" in the SEC Championship.  They'll likely play Florida which means in order to get in, they would have faced every tough team the SEC could throw at them.  Florida is rolling now and Tebow is playing at a high level.  All Bama has to do is keep winning.  No pressure right?

Penn State

Remaining Schedule:
11/08- @Iowa
11/15- Indiana
11/22- Michigan State

Of the top three teams, Penn State has the easiest road to the BCS National Championship Game.  They've played their toughest opponent in Ohio State.  The reality, however, is more grim for the Nitanny Lions.  If they win out and Bama and Texas win out as well, they will be watching the National Championship rather than playing in it.  One of the top two has to lose.  Luckily for Penn State, the probability of that is very high at this point.

Georgia

Remaining Schedule:
11/01- Florida
11/08- @Kentucky
11/15- @Auburn
11/29- Georgia Tech
SEC Championship- (likely) Alabama

Georgia's road to a BCS National Championship berth will not be an easy one.  They can make a strong claim for it, if they beat Florida next week, though.  Of course, even if they do, they'll likely have to face Bama in the SEC Championship.  One has to think that matchup favors the Bulldogs.  One can't imagine a team as good as Georgia would lose to the same team twice in a season.  Although they are good, I look for their road to end next week when they play the Gators in what may be the best matchup of the year in college football.  

Florida

Remaining Schedule:
11/01- @Georgia
11/08- @Vandy
11/15- South Carolina
11/22- Citadel
11/29- @FSU
SEC Championship- (likely) Alabama

Florida's road to the National Championship is a brutal one.  They have to get by Georgia next week to even remain in consideration.  They'll have a tough matchup against the Noles in Tallahassee.  Then, if they manage to get through, they'll have to face a hungry Alabama squad in the SEC Championship.  The good thing for them is they have the talent, coaching, and ability to get there.  Next week will tell us a lot about this Florida team.

USC

Remaining Schedule:
11/01- Washington
11/08- Cal
11/15- @Stanford
11/29- Notre Dame
12/06- @UCLA

There's nothing else the Trojans would like more than to win out and get in the National Championship.  The media darling Trojans still has a very likely shot at making it to the big game.  All they have to do is win out and with a very weak schedule, there's no reason to think they won't.  Some of the teams ahead of them will have to fall, which is another likely scenario.  Of all the teams left in contention, USC and Penn State have the easiest road.  

Predicted National Championship Game:

Penn State vs. USC

Why?  Each team has an easy road to the title game.  Texas and Bama will likely stumble at some point.  Those conference championship games don't help them any.  Both Penn State and USC have played their toughest games.  Finally, the media and the BCS both love the Trojans.  Although it's likely to anger many fans, myself included, it is the most likely BCS National Championship scenario.

Tommy Tuberville is not a good coach.  Let's just get that out in the open right now.  He may be a good recruiter, he may be a good motivator, but not a good coach.  The big dogs at Auburn saw that back in 2003 and tried to oust him in a coup that would make the Russians proud.  It also would have made Bobby Petrino the head coach and I'm not sure they'd be any better off.  Tuberville reminds me a lot of Les Miles in the fact that neither of them are really good coaches yet somehow manage to pull in loads of talent and remain relevant. 

Last year, Tubs brought in Tony Franklin from Troy University as the Tigers' new Offensive Coordinator after Al Borges resigned.  Why Franklin?  Because he had coached the now "trendy" spread offense made famous by Urban Meyer.  After realizing that it wasn't going to work because frankly Auburn doesn't have the talent at quarterback to make it work, rather than take the blame like any respectable head coach, he fires Franklin.  He didn't even let the man get one full season under his belt.  That's pretty low.  So, here we are a couple of weeks after Franklin has cleared out his office and Auburn managed to not only lose a lead after halftime, but get beaten in embarrassing fashion to a fairly mediocre West Virginia squad. 

The countdown has officially begun.  Tuberville's days are numbered.  He knows it and so do Tiger fans even though they won't admit it.  See when Alabama had a bad coach (Mike Shula) their fans railed against him and his ridiculous play calling and clock management.  At least Auburn fans are loyal to a fault, I suppose.  They'll stick by ol' Tommy-T as long as he can win that Iron Bowl.  Too bad for them, Saban entered into town on top of all this turmoil.  Get out your clocks, the Tuberville doomsday countdown is officially upon us.

UPDATE: It was brought to my attention in the comments that some don't think I have "my facts straight" due to the fact the old AD that tried to fire Tuberville in '03 is gone.  This is a fact I already knew.  By "big dogs" I meant more than just the AD.  I meant the rabid boosters in that program with deep pockets who want him gone.  Those people are still, and will always be, around.  Just take a look at today's column from Alabama's columnist Kevin Scarbinsky to see what I mean.

Fox Sports and the other media outlets have been all over this report that Favre allegedly gave inside information that would have helped the Lions beat Green Bay.  Favre has come out fervently denying the claim even calling such a notion "ridiculous."  My biggest question is, why should anyone care?  Let's look aside the possibility of IF he did it and just say that he did do it.  So what?  Is it that big of a deal?  The only way I can see it being an issue was if money were involved somehow a la gambling.  The report doesn't point to that, so who really cares that Favre gave them information?  It wasn't a league violation.  The Packers don't seem to care.  The NFL doesn't seem to care.  There's absolutely no reason that anyone should care.  This doesn't somehow "tarnish" Favre's legacy.  He's still going to be a hall of famer and one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game.  I'm just amazed at how much publicity this thing has gotten over the past few days.  I could actually somewhat see a point in it, but the Lions ended up losing that game anyway.  I think the media is just looking for a story at this point.  We simply have to have another "spygate" this year.  That's a subject I won't even begin to touch here, but as stupid as I thought the outcry on that was, this trumps "spygate" by a mile in terms of the ridiculous.  I'm no Brett Favre homer, let me get that clear, but this whole thing is absolutely insane.  There are plenty of other actual legitimate things to discuss in terms of football this year.  Why focus on something apparently no one gives a damn about?

UPDATE: check the video that was released today


Update: Favre speaks out

We're less than a week away from the NBA's first tip-off.  This is always an exciting time for me as the NBA is and has always been my favorite of the big three professional sports.  Over the course of this season there have been some major changes around the league.  These are some of the more significant changes.  These guys can and probably will make a huge difference for their respective new teams.



Elton Brand to Philadelphia 76er's

This is probably the biggest and most significant move of them all.  Brand is out of sunny L.A. and now calls the city of brotherly love his new home.  Joining Andre Iguodala, Dalembert, and Andre Miller, the Sixers are ready to get themselves back in the mix.  These three giants look to make a major move in the Atlantic Division.  Can they hold off the champs in Boston and win the East?

Mo Williams to Cleveland Cavaliers

Can Mo Williams be that missing piece the Cavs need to get Lebron his first of what should be many rings?  Can he play Pippen to James' Jordan?  While I'm not sold on that fact, Williams is a good player and a decent PG.  He should compliment the Cavs' system quite nicely.  I'm not ready to hand the Cavs the Central Division title just yet though.  They should be highly competitive in the East this year.  Hopefully Williams can stay healthy and give the Cavs the quality play at the PG position they so desperately need.

Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto Raptors

O'Neal has been plagued with injuries the past few years.  The Pacers' entire franchise rested on this man's shoulders at one time and when he's healthy he doesn't disappoint.  Now, the Pacers have found some guy named Granger that can sling the rock around pretty well himself.  Now, O'Neal gets to start over again, in a new city, with a surprisingly talented group.  With Calderon the clear number one option at the point and Chris Bosh in the middle along with their international roster, the Raptors can finally contend.  So much relies on Bosh and O'Neal remaining healthy for most of the season.  If they can do that, they can contend in the East with the likes of Cleveland, Boston, and Detroit.  The Raptors are my sleeper pick of the year.

T.J. Ford to Indiana Pacers

Since the Raptors discovered Calderon, and Ford has also been plagued with injuries, his services weren't really needed in Toronto anymore. Now Ford gets a chance to rebuild his career with the Pacers.  The problem here is that outside of Ford, the Pacers can only really rely on Danny Granger.  Don't look for the Pacers to do anything significant this season.  If Ford can stay healthy he can make a difference but I'm not sure even that will be enough.

Richard Jefferson to the Milwaukee Bucks

The Nets have officially given up.  They traded away Kidd last year and now Jefferson.  Good luck carrying that squad, Vince.  It's going to be a long season in Jersey.  Meanwhile, the Bucks have made some significant moves of their own in acquiring Jefferson.  Sure they lost Mo Williams, but Jefferson can make up for that.  Add him with Bogut in the middle and Michael Redd on the outside and suddenly the Bucks can contend again.  Not sure they'll win more than 45 games, but at least they have a shot now.

Marcus Camby and Baron Davis to the Los Angeles Clippers

So the Clippers lose Brand but bring in Camby from Denver.  Add him along with Baron Davis, also a new acquisition, and suddenly the Clips are decent again.  The problem is, they are still the Clippers.  I like Davis to put up great numbers as usual, Camby to get plenty of boards and blocks, and the Clippers still to miss the playoffs.  Aside from the obvious health concerns here, the organization is a bad one.  Always has been and always will be.

Ron Artest to the Houston Rockets

The bad boy of basketball is now a Rocket and will join T-Mac and Yao in one of the league's most underachieving organizations over the past few years.  Sure injuries to T-Mac and Yao have cost them the ability to compete in the past.  No reason to think that will end now.  At least Houston fans will be entertained with the impulsive Artest on the squad.  He does bring a solid defensive presence to the team.  If they can compete in the West still remains to be seen.  It certainly can't hurt.

So, those were the MAJOR moves during this very busy off season.  These transactions should have the biggest impact on their respective teams.  With that said, here are my fearless predictions for this season.

Eastern Conf. Finals: Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavs
Western Conf. Finals: New Orleans Hornets vs. L.A. Lakers
NBA Finals: Boston Celtics vs. L.A. Lakers
Champs: Boston Celtics

We're 7 weeks into the NFL season and we've seen many surprises this year.  Early on in the season the favorites were the Cowboys and the Patriots.  Much was expected out of the Colts and Saints as well.  Here we are almost half-way in and the teams with the best records don't bear any of those names.  So, I'm going to look into the teams right now with 2 or fewer losses and give my 2 cents on whether these guys are contenders or pretenders.

AFC

Tennessee Titans (6-0)

Did anyone think before the season began that the Titans would have the best record in the NFL 7 weeks in?  And the craziest thing is they've done this all without Vince Young.  Kerry Collins isn't a great quarterback.  Hell, most would argue he isn't even really a good quarterback.  Tennessee has been able to win its games through a tough defense.  Contender or pretender?

Pretender: The Titans have only played one decent team in the Baltimore Ravens.  There other 5 wins have come against the likes of Jacksonville, Cincinnati,  Houston, Minnesota, and most recently Kansas City.  I know Tennessee fans are excited right now and I fully expect them to be a playoff team but don't look for them to go much farther when they actually start playing some decent football teams.

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1)

The Steelers are off to a great start.  They don't win pretty sometimes, but they do win.  They have a good quarterback and a decent rushing attack when Parker is healthy.  Their defense has been impressive as well.  While I'm not a big Steelers fan, I like what Tomlin has done with his team so far.

Contender: The Steelers are for real.  Sure they slipped against the Eagles and they haven't really played a legit contender yet, but we know they're a quality team with a good quarterback who has been there and a strong defense.  Expect them to keep it up all season.

Buffalo Bills (5-1)

Wait, are we talking about THE Buffalo Bills?!  Are they really 5-1 right now and leading their division?  How in the hell is this possible?  The Bills are supposed to be horrible.  Apparently they didn't get the memo this year.  The team still has problems.  Edwards is about like Collins in my opinion.  Marshawn is a good bruising RB but it's not like he's rushing for a buck twenty-five a game.  They have played good, solid football over the first 7 weeks.  Contender or Pretender?

Pretender: They're 5-1 but like Tennessee they haven't played anyone with any real substance except the Cardinals, to whom they earned their one loss.  They've been fighting for it but I don't expect them to make waves the rest of the year.

New England Patriots (3-2)

Everyone loves the dynasty.  The Pats have been the best franchise of the 2000's.  Tom Brady is the best quarterback of this generation (sorry Peyton) and they have one of the best coaches in the business.  Then disaster happened early on and Brady goes down.  Out for the year.  Can the Patriots keep going or will this season just be a mulligan for the organization?

Pretender: Yeah, this one will be a wash for the Pats.  No Brady means no ring this year.  They were demolished by Miami and beaten by the Chargers.  If they want to prove me wrong, they'll have that opportunity tonight against Cutler and the Broncos.  Looks like Boston can start focusing on hoops now.  Maybe the Celtics can repeat.

Denver Broncos (4-2)

Game one began the Jay Cutler show in Denver.  The Broncos have been on a tear and have jumped out to an impressive 4-2 record.  Cutler's handled his diabetes issue and is throwing the ball all over the place.  Tonight's matchup with the Patriots should prove interesting.  I look for the Broncos to walk away with this one though.

Contender: Cutler is for real.  He has a great arm and understands this system.  They have impressive victories over the Saints, Chargers, and the Bucs.  Sure they dropped one to Kansas City but overall they've played well and I think they have proven themselves a contender in the AFC.  Will they be the best in the AFC when it's over?  Probably not.  But they are a legit contender in my book.

NFC

New York Giants (5-1)

The New York football Giants are the defending world champions and they have played like it so far.  The NFC East is the toughest division in the NFL right now and they're sitting on top right now.  Probably their biggest challenge so far was the opening game against the Skins.  They hiccuped against the Browns but bounced back nicely against the 49er's.  Manning is not his brother but he gets the job done.

Contender:  The Giants are for real.  They've lost some players on defense this year but they're still playing like defending champions.  Eli is playing well thus far and the Giants are doing well.  These guys are for real.

Washington Redskins (5-2)

As a Cowboys fan, I can't stand the Redskins.  That doesn't mean they haven't put together an impressive start.  No one was expecting them to be this good.  I think they're the surprise team in the NFC this year.  Campbell is playing better and the team is playing better defense.  They have impressive wins over Dallas, Arizona, Philly, and New Orleans. 

Contender: Those impressive victories make them a contender in my book.  With the schedule getting a bit easier for them, I don't expect them to drop more than 2 or 3 the rest of the way.  Other than Pittsburgh, Dallas, and New York, they have a very favorable schedule.

Carolina Panthers (5-2)

Every year the Panthers could be good.  Each year, we all wait to see which Panthers team is going to show up for the season.  Will it be the good Panthers with the strong defense or the overrated Panthers that lay down after the first few games that don't go their way?  This year it's been the former.  With impressive wins against the Chargers, Bears, and Falcons, not to mention that drumming of the Saints on Sunday, it's safe to say the good Panthers are here this year.

Contender: I like what the Panthers have done this year.  They've played some good opponents and have given them fits.  I like their chances in the playoffs too.  They are contenders for the NFC crown in my opinion.

Tampa Bay Buccanneers (5-2)

The Bucs have jumped out to a great start to the season.  They've managed to lose games to the Broncos and the Saints and they have some good wins over the Panthers and the Falcons, both division rivals.  I'm sold.

Contender: What sells me is how well they've played in their division so far.  This has been one of the toughest righ up there with the NFC East.  With the Panthers, Falcons, and Saints also calling the NFC South home, the Bucs have done quite well.  Right now, they're legit contenders in my book.

Atlanta Falcons (4-2)

Somebody forgot to tell Michael Turner he was supposed to play like a backup running back.  Matt Ryan has been an able replacement for Michael Vick.  I'm just not completely sold on this team.  I am surprised they've played as well as they have but they've dropped division games to the Bucs and Panthers and those weren't even close.  I like this teams prospects for the future but now is not the time.

Pretender: In a few weeks we'll see the real Falcons rear their heads with games against the Eagles and Saints coming soon.  They aren't playing well against their division rivals and I'd be surprised to see this team in as a wild card.

Arizona Cardinals (4-2)

We've been hearing the talking heads proclaiming that the Cardinals are for real since last year.  They've only lost to the Jets on Favre's career day and the Redskins.  They have impressive victories over the Cowboys and the Bills.  Warner has proven that he's still able to play in this league and Fitzgerald may be the best WR in all of football at this point.  I really like their chances if they keep all the pieces healthy.

Contender: Hard earned vicotires against Dallas and Buffalo make them contenders in my book.  Health concerns are always present with Boldin who can't seem to stay healthy and an aging Kurt Warner.  The NFC West is horrible this season, however, so I expect them to win the division and make it into the playoffs.

So there you have it.  Of the teams that have 3 or more losses, I think the Cowboys, Colts, Saints, Packers, Bears, Chargers, and Ravens are all contenders.  The rest are suspect to me. 

What did you think?  Agree or disagree?  Let me hear who you think are the contenders or pretenders in the NFL so far.