I always wondered what it would be like to see a game at Texas Stadium.

The fans. The star. The iconic "hole in the roof".

I imagined my emotions, my feelings of excitement and dread in sync with those of the blue-and-white clad supporters as every ball was lofted down the field as if taking cues from the stadium itself, a director in a play. A play full of stars.

I waited 21 years to see a game in that famed cathedral which, if you're doing math, is my entire life. I was born in 1987, 16 years after Texas Stadium first opened to a sell-out crowd on Oct. 24, 1971.

As a fourth-generation fan of the Dallas Cowboys, I was born into the history and tradition surrounding that great franchise. I grew up hearing stories about Tom Landry, Drew Pearson, "Too-Tall" Jones, Tony Dorsett, Roger Staubach and "Dandy" Don Meredith, "Bullet" Bob Hayes and Chuck Howley.

I listened to my dad, my grandparents, my uncles, and all the other Cowboys fans of past generations talk about what it meant to defend the star. I have a snapshot of Staubach's famous "Hail Mary" pass to Pearson in a wild-card win over the Minnesota Vikings emblazoned in my mind. I should. We have a 10-ft. tall poster of it hanging in the family room.

Perhaps the biggest fan of all in my family is my grandmother. A fan for years, she has collected shirts and paraphernalia from nearly every generation of the Dallas Cowboys. She only recently bestowed this extensive collection upon me.

It's clear that I would have seen a game--any game--at Texas Stadium at some point during the last 21 years if not for the fact that my dad's job took our family to Atlanta, Ga. But living five states and nearly a thousand miles away becomes a bit of a deterrent.

So when we heard that Texas Stadium was nearing the end of its long and prosperous life as the home of America's Team, we decided it was time to make our pilgrimage and what better day to do it on than the very final game, the final act in a play that has spanned 38 years and starred countless iconic players whose legends are immortal.

So, we searched for tickets and called in a few contacts for parking and all the other fun game day necessities. We packed our bags on Friday afternoon, drove 14 hrs. and 800 mi. all the way to Irving, Texas stopping only for food and gas. At about 5 p.m., I got my first good look at the stadium.

Ever since I was a little kid, my favorite part about going to sporting events was walking through the tunnel to our seats. The first glimpse of a baseball diamond or the gridiron, ablaze with the hundreds of bright lights shining upon its pristine surface. The beauty and perfection of it is well known to anyone who considers themselves fans of the game.

When I walked through the tunnel and took in, for the first time, a vision of the royal blue star at the center of the field, I literally had the breath taken out of my lungs. It was a lifetime of waiting all built up until, finally, I released my breath. It was everything I had hoped it would be--and more.

The game started out with a ####. A Demarcus Ware sack and forced-fumble, recovered at the opponents four yard-line. Then a Tashard Choice touchdown run. The crowd was deafening and my voice was already teetering on the edge of extinction.

Then the game slowed down. A few Baltimore Raven field goals, and little offense brought forth by the home team left the crowd a little restless. I was one of them. Surely this team has enough in it for one last win.

Then--fireworks. It is 19-10 in favor of the visitors when Tony Romo connects with Terrell Owens for a touchdown pass to cut the deficit to two, 19-17. With three time-outs and the two-minute warning yet to come, it looked as if the script was written for yet another Dallas Cowboys comeback under God's watchful eyes. Visions of Staubach-to-Pearson danced in the heads of many a ten-gallon hat wearing Cowboys fanatic.

A disappointing defensive series, if you even want to call it a series, snatched the hearts right out of the capacity crowd. A 77-yard, Texas Stadium record-tying touchdown run by Raven running back Willis McGahee on the first play from scrimmage silenced the yee haws and boy howdys faster than a cowboy pulls a gun in a wild-west gunfight.

And yet it was not over. Another Romo touchdown pass, this time to tight end Jason Witten, made it a 26-24 game with plenty of time left for some more theatrics. Unfortunately, the excitement yet again came for the visitors, an 82-yard run by Le'Ron McClain to effectively end any chance the Cowboys had of winning the game. The final running play in the history of Texas Stadium, a record-setter to give the visitors the upset.

Needless to say, I was disappointed. It was not the script that I would have written, nor the script anyone supporting the star would have wanted to see played out. And yet that's what we got and there was nothing that I could do about it. Each of the 800 mi. on the way home to Ga. hurt a little worse than the last.

I waited 21 years to see a game in that stadium and all I got was a commemorative ticket and a stupid program.

The words of my dad rang out in my head for hours. Those Cowboys sure can break your heart, can't they?

The answer is obvious: yes, they can. But as I sat and re-watched the postgame ceremony commemorating the history of Texas Stadium, I was struck with an overwhelming thought.

Texas Stadium isn't really about football. It's not about wins and losses, Super Bowls and records.

Texas Stadium is about memories.

It's about relationships formed and held over a favorite football team. You see a guy in a bar wearing a red polo and Dockers, you turn the other way and talk to your friends. You see a guy in a bar wearing jeans and a Cowboys sweatshirt, you give him a high-five and a How 'bout them Cowboys?!

Texas Stadium is that Cowboys fan you sat in coach with on a five-hour crosscountry flight and talked football from New York to Los Angeles.

Texas Stadium is that Redskins fan who cleaned your teeth at your last dentist appointment and talked trash the whole time because you had dental tools in your mouth and were unable to come out with anything but grunts and groans in response.

Texas Stadium is the feeling of jubilation every time you hear Jimmy Johnson scream that famous phrase or you see Emmitt Smith stumbling toward history.

When I see Texas Stadium, I see Pearson and his leap of faith, I see Smith arms wide, eyes toward the heavens. I see those that have gone before us: Tom Landry and his iconic hat, Crazy Ray chanting in the front row.

I see my dad and my brother standing next to me with smiles on their faces. I see my grandad, God rest his soul, sitting in his armchair watching the game on the television, my grandmother standing over him hurling insults at the refs. I see every time I sat down on the couch on a Sunday afternoon with those closest to me, joined in a struggle to will our team to victory.

Texas Stadium is concrete and steel, but it's so much more. And as we move into a new act in the play, the history of the Dallas Cowboys, we will lose the physical setting of these memories, but we will never lose the memories themselves.

And maybe, just maybe, we will make some new ones in our new home and some thirty years down the road I can take my son to the final game at that stadium and sift through all the highs and lows and again appreciate everything that the Dallas Cowboys mean to me.

The Georgia Bulldogs will break out the black jersey once again for its top-10 showdown with Alabama this weekend, coach Mark Richt announced on his weekly teleconference.

Richt had said over the offseason that the black jerseys would be used again, but it was widely expected preseason that they would be used against Tennessee. After Tennessee's early season struggles, however, and the magnitude of this matchup (College GameDay will be in Athens, GA for the first time in 10 years on Saturday), the seniors decided that this was the game to do it.

Look for a wild atmosphere in Sanford Stadium under the lights on Saturday and a great opportunity for the Dawgs to score a big win over an SEC foe.

A response to LSU showed it:

It's true that LSU showed it was the more dominant team playing last night. It's big win proved nothing about which team was the most dominant in the nation, however. One game does not erase a season of inconsistency for the Tigers. The fact remains that LSU slid into the national title game face first and was not the most deserving to be there. I still have LSU behind UGA and USC both. The Tigers are No. 3 at best.

This is odd. I've watched the game from the start and I have seen the Cowboys completely dismantle the Vikings on both sides of the ball. Yet the score is 14-7. Odd.

Don't think the Vikes can get those lucky bounces again in the second half, so they're going to have to make something happen on offense and find a way to stop the Cowboys from moving the ball at will on defense to win.

I don't see that happening. The Cowboys really haven't been stopped yet. Cowboys have 250 yards to the Vikings 76 but have left a lot of points on the field. But the Vikes are winning in the only column that matters right now...so the players are going to have to start taking care of the football and keep doing what they're doing on defense.

It's that time again, folks.

The leaves are changing. The morning air has a little more bite to it. Halloween decorations are going up around the city. That can indicate just one thing.

It's time for the annual The-BCS-Is-A-Piece-Of-####-And-Should-Be-Amen
ded-Again arguments. At this point last year, I was among the few who believed that for the most part, the BCS had found a way to be successful. For the past couple of years, it has been. USC vs. Texas--no argument. Ohio State vs. Florida--no argument.

But this year could be a different story. As I look up and down the list of top 25 teams, I find myself wondering how we can possibly avoid a major issue this season. With so much parity and so many one-loss teams that can stake legitimate claim to the national title game, I find it hard to believe we won't face an issue.

Right now, the top 3 teams in the BCS are still undefeated (Ohio State, South Florida, and Boston College). In addition, No. 8 Arizona State and No. 13 Kansas are also still spotless. While it is possible that both Ohio State and South Florida could run the table, I find it hard to believe that the other three will. If both of those teams remain spotless, we will escape yet again without much of a problem. If, however, one of those teams loses and we have one perfect team (or none) and a slew of one-loss teams, the calls for a playoff will be heard louder than ever.

This time, however, I will be among them.

Now for my new top 25.

David Mitchell's Top 25:

1. Ohio State--By far the most consistent team thus far. It's defense is as solid as any, and it's offense is very good at managing the game. Classic Tressel-ball. Remind anyone else of the 2002 team?
2. South Florida--I didn't like South Florida much last week. I thought it wasoverrated and would not be able to contend with the other elite teams. I was wrong. It totally dismantled a decent Central Florida team, 64-12. This team is for real. Now, prove it again against Rutgers.
3. Oregon--I can't punish this team for "losing". California beat it fair and square, but Oregon really didn't lose that game. I think it is still one of the best teams in the nation and I refuse to drop it out of the top 5 teams.
4. Oklahoma--Might turn out to be the best of the one-loss teams. It has been remarkably consistent on both offense and defense. It survived a tough game against a resurging Texas team a week ago and came out again this weekend to beat No. 11 Missouri in convincing fashion.
5. LSU--Still one of the best teams, but I think we definitely saw some weaknesses against Kentucky. A defense that is said to be the best in the nation can't give up 43 points to any team, no matter how good the offense. And a defensive line said to be one of the best at stopping the run can't surrender that much yarded to an unheralded player. And the offense can't prove to be that much of a liability. It definitely has some issues to correct.
6. Kentucky
7. Boston College
8. California
9. South Carolina
10. West Virginia
11. USC
12. Arizona State
13. Virginia Tech
14. Florida
15. Missouri
16. Texas
17. Auburn
18. Kansas
19. Georgia
20. Texas Tech
21. Hawaii
22. Michigan
23. Cincinnati
24. Tennessee
25. Penn State

This week's edition of Heartbreaker:

-Cincinnati: The Bearcats have had a nice run this year, much better than anyone (including its own fans) could have expected. But that loss at the hands of Louisville officially knocks it out of the national title race. Now, there will be many Cincinnati fans who will claim that since other one-loss teams can still stake claim to a title birth, they should as well. This, however, isn't the case for Cincinnati, the main reason being that it just doesn't have the non-conference schedule to do it. Non-conference wins have become very important in the BCS and with Cincinnati's biggest coming against Oregon State, it just won't have the mojo to regain its status. A fine year for that club, however.

-Illinois: The same situation coming into the season as Cincinnati. It has not been a traditional elite football school but this year showed that it is at least ready to compete with the top 25. After offing No. 5 Wisconsin a week ago, however, it fell back to earth with a crushing 10-6 loss to Iowa. Again, this is a fine team on the rise and had a great run this year. The best thing it could do for the rest of the year? Upset Ohio State in Columbus to ruin the Buckeyes' title dreams. That could make its season.

-California: It is by no means over for California. It is still among the elite one-loss teams and is very much in the national title race. However, with a loss to 3-loss Oregon State (which I happy to say I predicted), it will make it a very tough climb. It has an absolutely brutal stretch of games playing at UCLA, at Arizona State, then getting Washington State at home before finishing with games against USC and at Washington. My gut tells me it won't survive all of these games.

--USC: I'm sorry Trojan fans. When your team lost to lowly Stanford, I believed that a team of Southern Cal's stature deserved a reprieve. It was just a bad night right? That's what I thought, at least. Then it comes out this weekend and sleepwalks to a 20-13 survival over Arizona. Am I supposed to believe that it will definitely beat Notre Dame next week? Because I don't. I think they will, but the way things are going, I don't know. It's one thing to have a minor hiccup. It's another thing to hiccup twice. USC's title hopes are all but dashed.

--Missouri: While Missouri is still in the race, it proved that it wasn't at the level of the elite teams like Oklahoma. It hung with the Sooners for a short while before falling behind for good. For this reason, I can't see any reason why it should remain in the title discussion.

--Hawaii: San Jose State...That's all I need to say. Not that we ever believed Hawaii deserved title consideration. But this weekend proves it.

This week's edition of Back from the Dead:

--Kentucky: So last week, the Wildcats were a member of my "Heartbreaker" club. Oh, how things can change in a week. With an upset of the No. 1 team in the land, Kentucky has found itself very much in the thick of the title race. With a win over No. 14 Florida this weekend, Kentucky can claim to be the top one-loss team in the land and actually deserve it. These guys were resilient and determined and came out with a hard-fought win. All those guys deserve it. I hope it keeps winning.

This week's edition of Welcome to the Party:

--Texas Tech: One-loss Texas Tech is playing as well as any team in the nation right now. Call it a system team if you'd like, but it does one thing well for sure--win. You can say the same for Graham Harrell if you'd like. You can call him a system QB, but he wins and he puts up numbers and he doesn't make mistakes. He's already got 3151 yards passing, a 74.4 percent completion percentage, and 31 TD passes to just 3 INTs. Say the same thing about WR Michael Crabtree. You can tell me that he's just in a high-flying offensive system. But system or not, through seven games, he already has 1244 receiving yards and 17 TDs. That puts him on pace for 2133 yards and 29 TDs. That's unprecedented. Those are QB numbers. This team can win out. I see it running the table and setting up a matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners in its final game to try to earn itself a trip to the Big 12 title game and possibly an eventual national title birth. These guys can do it. Don't doubt them.

This week's Top Performing Teams:

1. Kentucky--As stated before: great win against a great team. These guys made big plays on both sides of the ball and earned the W.
2. South Florida--I doubt this team no more. It dismantled a fairly decent Central Florida team. It was never really close. I figure if I can brag about picking Oregon State to upset Cal, I'd better admit that I looked at this game as a possible upset as well. I was about 52 points wrong.
3. Ohio State--Another week, another solid performance from the new No. 1 Buckeyes. These guys are solid on both sides of the ball. Coaches will always tell you that a game is won in the trenches and Ohio State has some of the best offensive and defensive linemen in the country. I think this team can run the table and set itself up for another title appearance. We'll call it a mulligan.
4. Texas Tech--It isn't that we ever really thought Texas A&M was one of the top teams. But the way the Red Raiders disposed of the Aggies was amazing. It was never close. This offense can hang with any defense in the nation, I guarentee it.
5. Michigan--Played a very solid Purdue team and came away with a victory to finally put itself back into the top 25. It's about time. Not coincidentally, I can now see this team running the table and setting up another great matchup with rival Ohio State.

The Bottom Five:

1. USC--Congrats on the win Trojans, but it's about time to look like you want it. You're running out of chances and you have some tough games coming up. This is no time to roll over and give up. I see the talent on this team, but for some reason, I don't see the will. That is very unlike a Trojans football team.
2. Georgia--So our bottom two from last week don't change even though both came away with victories. Georgia went into Nashville to face a Vanderbilt team that humiliated it between the hedges last year. One would expect the Bulldogs to desparately want revenge. Instead what we got was a sorry showing and a lucky escape on a last-second field goal, at which point the elated players ran to midfield and stomped on the Vanderbilt logo as if it was some top-ranked powerhouse. For one, that was a complete lack of class by my school and for another it shows how little they understand being a top program. You don't celebrate a last second win over Vanderbilt. That's just ludicrous.
3. Hawaii--Another bottom team, another win. Here's what this trend tells me. The teams that are losing are doing so by leaving it all out on the field. The teams that are winning are doing so without even caring. That is my reasoning between the growth of parity in college football. The top programs just don't care anymore. That's not to say Hawaii is a top program. But against San Jose State? You bet your #### they should win by more than a late touchdown.
4. Wisconsin--Anybody still willing to stand up and say they think this is a good football team? Nope, I didn't think so. And just like Forrest Gump, that's all I've got to say about that.
5. Florida State--Welcome back to the top 25 Seminoles! Wait...that was quick.

The Never-Too-Early-For-Bowl-Projections Bowl Projections:

BCS National Championship: Ohio State vs. South Florida (seriously? South Florida??)

Orange Bowl: Boston College vs. West Virginia

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Kentucky

Sugar Bowl: LSU vs. Arizona State

Rose Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Oregon

First off, before I get started on the wrap up, I would like to clarify a few things that have been brought up in the comments section of my previous blog.

In some of the comments, I accused Bill Bellichick of lacking class because of his choice to leave Tom Brady in late in the game and rather then allowing the clock to wind down, running the ball on fourth down to score a touchdown with less than 30 seconds left in the game. My point there was that the defense was winded and clearly beat and there was no point in running up the score. There are no voters that he has to impress. It was not necessary and, in my opinion, classless.

Now a lot of people to that to mean that I was disputing the final outcome of the game and calling the Patriots classless, which is not true. I have stated many times that the better team won and won in convincing fashion. I think the Patriots are far and away the best team in the NFL and arguably one of the best teams ever assembled. I think it has some of the classiest players in the league. I stand by my contention, however, that while there are mostly classy individuals involved with the Patriots, Bellichick is not one of them. He is a cheater and an egomaniac, simply put.

Also, this just in, reading Alex Marvez' column, it says the following:

"A 48-27 victory over Dallas prompted two Patriots defenders to mock Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens, who had told the media to "getcha popcorn ready" before the game. Adalius Thomas left the field eating some from a tub, while fellow linebacker Rosevelt Colvin screamed, "Looks like there's a lot of popcorn left!""

This, to me, is another example of classless behavior. Ok, I realize they're making fun of Terrell Owens, and I won't say he doesn't deserve it, but that's just ridiculous. You won the game! Act like you've been there before! That team has won three Super Bowls, why do some people have to act like this is the first time they've been in this position. On the other hand, as I stated, Brady showed excellent class.

"Brady, though, acted like a colonel rather than someone concerned with kernels. He had just posted a career-high five touchdown passes, picking apart a Cowboys team that also entered 5-0. Yet this was just another game for a quarterback who already has won three championships.

Afterward, Brady spoke just as passionately about the few passes he missed and how the season "doesn't really start until after Thanksgiving anyway." Wide receiver Jabar Gaffney — one of seven Patriots to catch a pass Sunday — even doubted Brady would savor the victory."

Why can't everyone act like this?

But again I state (so as to avoid the fallout) the Patriots are the best team and deserved this game. They outplayed the Cowboys, obviously, and deserve to celebrate this win. And I congratulate them.

Now, for the wrap up.

In my halftime report, I gave a couple of keys for each team for the rest of the game.

For the Cowboys:

1) Continue to pressure Tom Brady in the pocket.
2) Stay in that offensive rhythm they got in at the end of the first half.
3) Stop the third down conversions!!!
4) Give a heavy dose of Marion Barber to wear down the defense.

0-4...

To start the second half, the Cowboys pressured Brady and got its third sack of the game to force the Patriots to a three and out before proceeding to keep that offensive rhythm going to take a 24-21 lead. And that was it. The Patriots came right back with successful third down conversions, the offense was forced to punt a couple times, the pressure on Brady went away, and the Cowboys quit handing the ball off to Barber.

All of that spells trouble for the Cowboys. In the end, the defense was on the field for far too long and Barber was unable to wear down the defense because he wasn't getting the touches that he needs to.

The Cowboys played a hell o####ame, but are going to have to fix its third down defense in order to avoid becoming sluggish late in the game.

For the Patriots:

1) Continue the offensive rhythm, but solidify the offensive line.
2) The defense must step up and knock the Cowboys out of its rhythm.
3) They must step up the ground attack in order to wear down the Cowboys and take time off the clock.

3-3...

The offensive line gave up one more sack, but was perfect the rest of the way, giving Brady all day to make his reads. The defense did its job in slowing Romo and the Cowboys and the ground finally opened up (once they put the third stringer Kevin Faulk in).

In the end, the Patriots executed best. I think the Cowboys gave them a good game, but the Patriots just have so much going for them right now. If this was, indeed a Super Bowl preview, we should be in for a hell of a Super Bowl.

 

Update:

Yep, there goes my respect for Bellichick. Under 30 seconds left in the game and up by 14, fourth down and they go for it to score. That just lacks any semblance of sportsmanship. Bellichick is everything that is wrong with the NFL. LaDainian Tomlinson was right in saying the organization lacks class. I think the players are great and you won't find two classier guys than Tom Brady and Tedy Bruschi. But running up the score is uncalled for. Who're they trying to impress? Voters? Please...

Update:

Interception...game over. This score is really going to look like a blowout. But it is far from it.

...And steadily losing even more respect for Bill Belichick (whatever little respect I had for him). The game's in hand and he's passing in the redzone. Tuck and run, Bill. 

Update:

That should just about do it. Patriots kicking a field goal to extend the lead to two touchdowns, 41-27. Cowboys still have a chance. They showed last week that miracles are not out of the realm of possibility, but these are the Patriots.

The score doesn't really show it at this point, but this was a very close and surprisingly evenly matched game. The Cowboys hung with them for three quarters but eventually wore down (which is opposite of how it usually is). The Cowboys inability to stop the third down conversions kept the Cowboys defense on the field for way too long. I don't like the Cowboys play calling starting with first and goal at the ten. I would have liked to see Barber take it on the first play let him eat up some yards, maybe let him carry it again and make it 3rd and short goal to go. I hate the up the ladder toss-up to the outside of the endzone.

In the end, I think we learned that the Cowboys are good enough to hang with an AFC team and definitely the class of the NFC, but need to improve on a few things that would have seriously changed the dynamic of this game. They had the momentum early in the second half but just couldn't sustain it.

All in all, a solid game for the Cowboys and a great game for Tom Brady and the Patriots. I think we'll see these teams match up again in Arizona.

Update:

Another missed call and the game's getting away. I'm not going to say that penalties have given the Patriots the game, because they are definitely the better team. But a bad pass interference call gave them a chance to make it 28-24 and then a missed hold on the next TD pass allows them to make it 38-24. It's getting a little ridiculous.

Update:

Penalties, penalties, penalties. Killing the Cowboys.

Update:

Horrible pass interference call gives the Patriots a first down at the one instead of a third and long. Big play in this game. The defender had position, Moss hit him. Horrible call. We saw the same type of play go against the Cowboys offense earlier. They had a solid gain, but Anthony Fasano ran into the defender who had position. The call was an offensive pass interference on Fasano, as this call should have been too. Zebras just gave the Patriots seven.

Update:

Cowboys keep the defensive pressure coming. Sack number three. Three and out for the Patriots. The offense keeps rolling for a TD pass to Patrick Crayton. 24-21...Two of my keys look good so far for the Boys.

Super Bowl preview? Sure looks like it so far.

What we've learned so far in the first half is basically what we all said coming into the game. 1) The Patriots are the more seasoned and established team and they can come at you with so many different weapons. 2) The Cowboys are a very resilient football team.

Going down 14-0 early in the first quarter, it looked as if the Patriots were primed to blow out the home team, but the Cowboys have not backed down. A field goal, a forced fumble returned for a touchdown, and a very solid touchdown drive orchestrated by Tony Romo have gotten the Boys back into a game that looks to be a barnburner right to the finish.

One thing is clear, Romo's hiccup on Monday has not affected him in this game. He looked a little on tilt in the first three possessions, but since has regained his swagger and is throwing the ball at will against a very good Patriots defens. Jason Witten has begun to get his touches, as has Terrell Owens. Marion Barber has punished anyone who has gotten in his way and the Cowboys are definitely clicking.

The Patriots have done virtually everything right on offense. They have gotten many players into the mix. An interesting stat, and a little scary, Randy Moss has just one catch (for a touchdown) of six yards. If the Patriots are able to score at will like that without Moss in the mix, it's scary to think what they'll do second half.

The Cowboys have definitely pressured Brady a lot more than any team he's faced thus far this season, already accumulating two sacks.

The Cowboys must continue that pressure and the offensive firepower they began to show to win this game. Also, they MUST solidify their third down defense. The number of third down conversions the Patriots have had is the difference in this game so far. Also, MARION BARBER, MARION BARBER, MARION BARBER! The Cowboys have clicked in the passing game, but late in the fourth quarter in a close game, Barber's punishment on the defense always becomes apparent. The defense becomes sluggish and is unable to keep up with the Dallas offense. The Cowboys MUST give a heavy dose of Barber to prime themselves for late in the game.

The Patriots must continue to do what they are doing on offense, but also solidify the offensive line. The defense must also come out and step it up. Also, the running game has been nonexistant. It hasn't mattered yet, as the passing has been perfect so far. But if the Patriots allow the Cowboys to drop more men into coverage, the passing yards will be harder to come by. They must establish the running game in order to pull away in the second half.

This game looks to be a close one and every bit worth its hype so far.

Earlier this week when Terrell Owens (the Original 81) posted his love letter to the media, a lot of talk about him avoiding "bulletin board material" began to come up.

I heard people say things like:

"I think it's good that T.O. isn't saying anything. You don't want to give the Patriots any bulletin board material that could make them even more determined than they already are to dispose of you."

and:

"These revelations about Wade Phillips believing the Patriots Super Bowls are tainted because of spygate could in actuality turn into some very good bulletin board material for the Patriots. After all, look what they did after spygate first took place."

First of all, I'd like to say that I think all this talk about "bulletin board material" is much ado about nothing. Both teams want to beat the other team into a pulp no matter what the other team has said. Now, if one players calls out another (such as Joey Porter callingout Kellen Winslow, Jr.) it could lead to one player busting it even harder to prove himself against another. But other than that, I don't think it has a lot to do with anything.

With that being said, if you are someone who believes in bulletin board material, I think you'll notice that the Cowboys have a serious advantage in that category. All you have to do is listen to analysts talking about the game.

Even though the Cowboys are 5-0 and the class of the NFC, there is no talk of them running the table. Just the Colts and the Patriots. As if it's a foregone conclusion that the Cowboys will fall this weekend.

I have seen just two people pick the Cowboys to win this game. Emmitt Smith, a former Cowboy, and Bill Plaschke, arguably the least knowledgable of all the Around the Horn panel (including Woody Page).

I've seen very few predicitions that have the Cowboys even within a touchdown of the Patriots. On ESPN's poll of who will win the game, 64% said that they thought the Patriots would win by 7 or more points.

I saw one rundown where they were giving the edge of different aspects of each team and the Patriots had a clean sweep in all categories.

Now if this isn't bulletin board material, then I don't know what is. If I were Wade Phillips, I would be posting a new newspaper or internet clipping every day pointing out that nobody is giving the Cowboys a snowball's chance in hell at winning the game.

I would drive it into their heads and make them realize that this is the only chance they get to prove themselves this season. If they don't when this game, then they won't have another chance to prove they are up with the elite (until, of course, the Super Bowl).

This is the Cowboys' chance to announce its reemergence into NFL prominence. If I believed in bulletin board material, I would beat that point to death.

So I'm sitting here trying to think of something clever to lead into my NFL weekend picks. I know it has to be something about the Cowboys and the Patriots, but I just can't come up with anything that really describes how epic this game is. This is only the fifth time in NFL history that two undefeated teams have met in week 5 or later. All of the previous games have been close. I think this one will be too.

But first, some other games.

St. Louis at Baltimore (-9.5)

The Ravens have not played up to its potential yet this season. The defense looks a lot older and a lot more tired, and the offense really hasn't gotten off the ground yet. But this is the Rams. Look for a solid performance from an otherwise sluggish RAVENS squad to cover.

RAVENS-24 Rams-7

Minnesota at Chicago (-5.5)

Was last week a sign of things to come for the Bears? The defense came up big against Brett Favre and the Packers and QB Brian Griese did just enough to put the Bears in position to score a big victory. Griese looked good as a game manager in his second week, but he'll eventually have to be able to step up and win some on his own. This week he'll face a very solid Vikings defense while the Chicago frontline will have to matchup against this year's best rookie, RB Adrian Peterson. Look for the Bears to hang on to win, but the VIKES will keep it close enough to cover.

Bears-21 VIKINGS-17

Miami at Cleveland (-4.5)

So far Cleveland has been one of the most surprising teams. What looked to be a sour enough season to taste the No. 1 overall draft pick (which, adding insult to injury, would go to the Dallas Cowboys), the Browns have scored big wins over some solid opponents. It looked very solid in a 17 point loss to the Patriots last week and continues to impress on offense. Look for that to continue this week. I'll take the BROWNS and the 4.5 to cover.

BROWNS-27 Dolphins-13

Washington at Green Bay (-3.5)

Majority says this game will go to the Packers. Brett Favre is playing lights out and is looking 28 instead of the 38 years old he just turned. The defense has played above its level and the team continued to roll until last week's hiccup against the Chicago Bears. This week they get one of the league's best defenses and a star in the making in Jason Campbell. Along with Clinton Portis, Antwaan Randle El, and Santana Moss at the other skill positions, look for the Redskins to be able to exploit some of the Packers problems on defense. I'll take the REDSKINS in the game and against the spread.

REDSKINS-27 Packers-21

Houston at Jacksonville (-6.5)

This would be the matchup of most other weeks as two teams from the AFC South do battle to try and get the leg up on the two-hole in that division. Right now I think Jacksonville is the more complete team, but you can't ignore the Texans young talent. In the end, the Texans are playing in a hostile environment and I'm not sure this team is ready to make its big statement yet. However, the line gives far too much credit to Jacksonville. Look for the Jags to win the game, but the TEXANS to cover.

Jaguars-21 TEXANS-17

Cincinnati at Kansas City (+2.5)

Has there been a couple of worse underachievers so far this season (oh, yeah...Chargers and Bears)? Be that as it may, one of these teams must win the game. Right now, I'm just not sure what the hell is going on in Kansas City. I think the Bengals high-flying offense will be able to exploit the Chiefs D. Give me the BENGALS in the game and against the spread.

BENGALS-34 Chiefs-20

Philadelphia at N.Y. Jets (+2.5)

The Eagles have been fairly hot-cold thus far this season. A lot of it obviously has to do with Donovan McNabb's progression coming back from his injury. I think you'll begin to see him return to form in the coming weeks. This won't quite be it, but he's facing a Jets team that I don't think will be able to hold the Eagles back too much. Look for the EAGLES to win and beat the spread.

EAGLES-28 Jets-17

Tennessee at Tampa Bay (-2.5)

A surprising matchup between two surprisingly good teams. I've watched Bucs and Titans both, and so far I like the Titans a little better. While Vince Young has still not hit that peak as a QB and he struggles mightily last week, the Titans defense has progressed into one of the league's elite units thanks in large part to Albert Haynesworth. This week, however, Haynesworth will be hobbled a bit. Will it allow the Bucs offense to get off the ground? Maybe. But I don't think so. I'll take the TITANS to cover.

TITANS-21 BUCS-16

Carolina at Arizona (-3.5)

So it appears the Ageless Wonder, Vinny Testaverde, will be getting a look in Sunday's game. Starter Jake Delhomme is on the shelf for the season and backup David Carr is facing some issues that put his start in jeopardy. The game all hinges on the starting QB. If it is David Carr, I like the Panthers, if it's Testaverde, I like the Cardinals. My gut is telling me that it will be the latter, so look for the CARDINALS to take the game and the spread.

CARDINALS-27 Panthers-17

Oakland at San Diego (-9.5)

So the Chargers have looked weak so far. Even in a 41-3 blowout of the Broncos last week, the ultimate weapon LaDainian Tomlinson never really got off and running. But it looked like they finally figured out how to utilize him despite his surprising ineffectiveness on the ground. Finally, QB Philip Rivers has begun to find Tomlinson in the flat with some space where he is able to create and eat up some big yardage. Look for the Chargers to continue the trend this week and LaDainian to really get a boost running the ball. CHARGERS cover.

CHARGERS-34 Raiders-14

New Orleans at Seattle (-6.5)

So you can go ahead and call me the most stubborn person when it comes to picking winners. I correctly picked the Saints to fall in its first two games, but then picked them to win in its third, figuring Drew Brees would put it together. It didn't happen. I picked it again last week, still nothing. It has let me down twice now, but I really do think this is the week the Saints will put it together for no other reason than Drew Brees is a great QB who has struggled mightily. I liked what I saw from him in the preseason and I think he can get back to that this week. Will the Saints return to playoff form? Don't think so. But for now, I have the SAINTS to upset the Seahawks.

SAINTS-24 Seahawks-16

N.Y. Giants at Atlanta (+3.5)

Ok, I'm just a little surprised the Giants are only favored by 3.5. I don't have a whole lot of analysis here, other than this is the Giants vs. the Falcons. Please. I know you don't live under a rock. GIANTS win big.

GIANTS-31 Falcons-14

DUEL IN DALLAS!!!!!

New England at Dallas (+4.5)

So, a matchup for the ages. Romo vs. Brady. 5-0 vs. 5-0. Team of the 90s vs. Team of the 00s. Original 81 vs. Other 81. Best AFC vs. Best NFC. The storylines are huge. The stakes are...minimal.

For all its hype, this game is still just another game on the schedule for two teams with aspirations that go much deeper than a week 6 matchup. This game does, however, mean a lot more to the Cowboys which could announce its return to prominence with an upset over the league's concensus No. 1 team. Look for the Cowboys to come out with a lot of emotion and be driven throughout the game by an emotional crowd.

The Patriots know a thing or two about winning big games. Tom Brady is a cool customer who is fazed by no one. Look for the Patriots to come out and try to equalize that emotion right out of the gate. But don't expect too many looks from the Patriots. They know this may very well be the team it faces in Phoenix in February and they don't want to give too many free peaks that the Boys could use against them down the road.

If the Cowboys set the tone early and get the crowd to a deafening pitch, it may be able to take the game. Otherwise, if the Patriots are able to silence the masses early, the game will be in hand for the visitors.

Personally, I think the Cowboys will get the offense going early. I think T.O. is very serious about wanting to show up this game. (Not necessarily to win, but to show the world he is every bit as good as the Other 81.) I think the Cowboys will prove to be a very tough team for the Patriots, but in the end, I think the Pats come away with the W in a close one. The Patriots win the game, but the COWBOYS cover the spread.

Patriots-31 COWBOYS-27

Good luck and good pickin'!

Friday afternoon, my roommate comes back to the apartment with a dilemma.

"I have a ticket offer for only 50 bucks to go to the Tennessee game tomorrow."

Dilemma? I think. That's not a dilemma. Freakin' go, man! Beating Tennessee at Neyland and rubbing it in those stupid Vols fans' faces? That's priceless!

"Dude, seriously. Go," I say.

"But it's the money issue. I feel like I'm using up all my money too fast."

"Dude, seriously. If you don't go, you will be really pissed at yourself. That game will be worth every penny you pay."

So, my roommate just got back from Knoxville. I am currently barricaded inside my room with all three locks clasped firmly and waiting out the rage.

I've never seen a sorrier show of football than that game today. Not even in USC's upset loss at the hands of lowly Stanford.

Anyway, let's take a look at my new top 25 and give a rundown on their chances for the rest of the season.

David Mitchell's Top 25:

1. LSU
2. California
3. Ohio State
4. Oklahoma
5. Boston College
6. South Carolina
7. Oregon
8. USC
9. South Florida
10. West Virginia
11. Kentucky
12. Arizona State
13. Virginia Tech
14. Missouri
15. Florida
16. Cincinnati
17. Wisconsin
18. Hawaii
19. Illinois
20. Georgia
21. Florida State
22. Auburn
23. Texas
24. Kansas
25. Michigan

This week's edition of Heartbreaker:

-USC: The concensus No. 2, and arguably No. 1, team in the nation goes down to lowly Stanford 24-23. Even with one loss, this team's title hopes have been erased. No team can lose to a 1-3 team that was projected to have only one win all year and then recover to go to the national championship. Is it just me, or is USC suddenly becoming, dare I say, average?

-Kentucky: This year's sweetheart finally met its match in surprisingly resilient South Carolina. What we learned from this game: Andre Woodson is great, but the team around him isn't at that next level; South Carolina is very, very good. One respectable loss to the best team in the country? This team could get its chance at a rematch in the SEC Championship. As for Kentucky, they are still in the national title race, but with a showdown against the No. 1 team next week, don't expect them to be in it for long.

-Wisconsin: Sort of. I don't think anyone thought it really deserved its No. 5 ranking. When an unranked team is favored over the No. 5 team in Vegas, you have to start questioning whether said No. 5 team is even close to legit. In the end, our assumptions were proven correct and yet another Big 10 top team has fallen from the ranks of unbeaten. One to go. I think that one, however, will make it very deep into the season before suffering its loss.

-Florida: Last, but certainly not least. Even with its upset loss to Auburn, Florida was very much in the thick of the national title race. Any team in the SEC is in the race until its second loss. Well, this was its second loss, so I guess there's only one thing left to say: Later, Gators!

This week's edition of Back from the Dead:

-Oklahoma: On life support after its loss to lowly Colorado last week, the Sooners have resurrected its national title hopes after a series of top 10 losses and a big win over border-rival Texas. Today we learned a couple of things: 1) Sam Bradford is definitely as good as those first couple of games; He struggled against the Buffaloes a week ago, but he came up huge in some huge situations this week. 2) That Sooner defense isn't quite spotless yet, but it can make the big play when necessary. The OU secondary got torched by Colt McCoy today, despite the fact that McCoy has been enduring a horrid sophomore slump and also a possible concussion. But don't look at the stats. The Sooners came up big when necessary (like defending that pass to Limas Sweed at the five yard line that would have put Texas in position to tie the score.)

-South Carolina: Did I mention that until you have two losses in the SEC, you are still a legitimate contender for the national championship? South Carolina has its toughest game out of the way, but will need to show up big time in the home stretch with its final four games at Tennessee and Arkansas before getting Florida and Clemson at home to close out the year. Win out and we have a rematch with LSU in the SEC title game with a national title appearance on the line.

This week's Top Performing Teams:

1. LSU...comes up big in a major gut-check victory. Les Miles has some cajones making five fourth down calls and then succeeding all five times.
2. Ohio State...faced off against a solid opponent in a possible trap game and showed us yet again how legitimate this defense is.
3. South Carolina...shut down the nation's best QB and put itself back into the thick of the national title race.
4. Virginia Tech...I have been very critical of the Hokies so far this season and have not thought it deserved its ranking judging by its performance through the first couple weeks. The Hokies finally came up huge and moved back up near the top 10 in my mind today.
5. Oklahoma...It could have rolled over after its heartbreaker last week, but instead came up huge against a quality opponent.

The Bottom Five:

1. USC...Close game. Against any other team I'd say tough break. But this is Stanford.
2. Georgia...Tennessee is a solid opponent. But it also was among the worst at stopping the run facing a team that just went platinum on rushing yards a week ago. I would say Tennessee just came up huge, but I never saw any life from the Bulldogs. Dead from start to finish.
3. Nebraska...Sooner or later, Sam Keller is going to have to earn his stripes and Bill Callahan is going to have to quit telling the boosters to give his system time to set in. He's been there long enough and nothing has changed. It's time for Callahan to pack his bags.
4. Clemson...What is it about this team that causes it to implode after a loss? The same thing happened last year. It looked like one of the nation's best after it ran all over Calvin Johnson and Georgia Tech before losing its way later. Same thing this year. Almost a top 10 team a couple weeks ago, it will now fall from the top 25.
5. Georgia Tech...see above.

The Never-Too-Early-For-Bowl-Projections Bowl Projections:

BCS National Championship: LSU vs. California (seriously? Cal?)

Orange Bowl: Boston College vs. West Virginia

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Virginia Tech

Sugar Bowl: South Carolina vs. South Florida

Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon

The tear-streaked faces in Blacksburg, Virginia have not quite finished drying yet. Countless students at Virginia Tech move throughout the day still in a state of sedated shock only to lay in bed at night and fear drifting to sleep because of the horrors that they will relive in their dreams.

My heart goes out to these students. I feel terrible and angry at what they must go through every day. So I tread carefully when I make the following statement.

The media is without question ranking the Hokies higher than they should be due only to what happened there on April 16 of this year.

Following lackluster victories over Eastern Carolina and Ohio and a 48-7 drubbing at the hands of the No. 2 LSU Tigers last week, it could have been assumed that Virginia Tech would take a tumble through the rankings. Instead, the team is sitting pretty at No. 17 in the AP Top 25, directly ahead of undefeated teams like Texas A&M and Kentucky as well as a one-loss Louisville team that has shown much more firepower in its two wins than that of the Hokies.

While Virginia Tech has been given a reprieve for its poor play, teams like the Georgia Bulldogs, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have gone slip-sliding all the way down in the polls.

Georgia, after a four point 16-12 heartbreaker at home against the now No. 12 South Carolina Gamecocks, slipped from No. 11 twelve spots all the way to No. 23.

Nebraska lost a home game 49-31 to a No. 1 Southern Cal team and slipped ten spots from No. 14 to No. 24.

Georgia Tech lost at home by fourteen, 24-10, to Boston College, now No. 14 in the nation and fell completely out of the top 25 despite the raving reviews from analysts after its play in the first two weeks.

Even UCLA, the No. 11 team in the nation heading into this past weekend's games, slid completely off the chart after a 44-6 loss at the hands of Utah. (Granted it WAS Utah.)

While it would stand to reason that Virginia Tech would be punished in the polls for its loss and two less than stellar performances against low-caliber teams, it instead has maintained a respectable ranking.

It would be one thing if the Hokies had its loss to LSU sandwiched between two blowouts of poor football teams. But that isn't the case. The offense has not gotten off the ground yet this season, and its supposed shutdown defense was exposed mightily by a decent LSU offense.

Looking at its schedule, Virginia Tech should be underdogs in at least two of its remaining games (possibly three) and, judging by the performances in the first three weeks, could lose as many as five of its remaining games (No. 15 Clemson, No. 14 Boston College, Georgia Tech, Florida State, and Miami).

I stand side-by-side with the people who would like to see Virginia Tech succeed this season. It would have given me no greater pleasure than to see Hokie Nation celebrate a spotless season and a national title. I do not, however, condone compromising the voting system simply because of events that occurred at its campus.

Winning football games and being ranked high in the polls will not heal the wounds of the students and faculty at Virginia Tech. Not even time can fully alleviate the pain these people have to go through every day.

I think I speak for everyone when I say that I hope Virginia Tech rebounds and runs the table. Until such time, however, it should be treated just like every other team in the nation despite any other circumstances.

I woke up early this morning drenched in a cold sweat.  My immediate thoughts were to discern the cause of such a thing. The A/C was running full blast, as was the ceiling fan. I searched within my mind trying to remember the dream I had just been having when it hit me.

There I was in San Francisco waiting along with the many thousands of other fans to see history made: Barry Lamar Bonds, No. 756.  They cheered at the top of their lungs, beatifying Bonds as the greatest living human since Jesus Christ himself. I, however, was there for a different reason. I, a baseball purist who hates anything that could tarnish the name of the wonderful game I have loved since I was old enough to understand, was there to do my very best to ruin this moment for Bonds the Transgressor. I wanted to boo through a bullhorn, to shout obscenities and question his manhood. I wanted to scream at him for mocking this great game that I love. And then, as the pitch came in, I watched in shock as the white pill exploded off of his bat and landed 450 feet away in McCovey Cove. As the stadium erupted in sheer jubilation at the feat, I opened my mouth to jeer that man, to make him feel worthless. But I couldn't do it.  The next thing I knew, I was standing at homeplate cheering with the rest of the fans. As Bonds crossed home with a smile on his face, I jumped ahead of everyone and slapped his hands and congratulated him.

And then I woke up...

Surely I, such a big proponent of having Bonds' name stricken from the record books could not sink to such a level. I would never cheer a man who blatantly cheated and as a result called into question every major feat in baseball over the past decade. Surely not...not me...

I kept this to myself all day. I couldn't let anyone know I had thought such a thing, even if it was my unconscious self. And yet, as the day grew closer to the first pitch in the contest between the Giants and the Nationals, a feeling deep in my gut became more and more prevalent. I knew he was going to hit it. I could just feel it. I sat and watched as he stroked a linedrive into the right-centerfield gap for a double in the 2nd. I watched him bloop a single into left in his second try. And then he came up again in the 5th inning. And it was like an alarm in my stomach was going off. Three and two...an explosion inside me.

This is it...

The pitch comes and just as quickly explodes in the opposite direction. At the crack of the bat, I knew it was gone.

I expected many different emotions when he hit it.

Anger. Anger at him continuing to pursue such a hallowed mark when he wasn't worthy to lick the dirt off of Hank Aaron's spikes.

Disappointment. Disappointment that Aaron's record had fallen. As a fan of the Atlanta Braves, that is one of the last things I wanted to see happen.

Fear. Fear of what this meant for the game that I loved so much.

What I did not expect to feel, however, was excitement. And fulfillment. And happiness. I didn't expect tears or goosebumps. And yet, somehow, that is exactly what I felt.

As I watched him round the bases and cross homeplate and hug the person who was waiting there with a smile on his face, his son, I felt an immediate attachment to Barry Lamar. I watched him celebrate with his family and then pay tribute to the great one that came before him, Willie Mays. I watched the look on his face, a smile and watered eyes, as he watched Aaron's congratulatory message. I watched him break down with emotion with the mention of his dad.

Bonds may have used steroids. After looking at his homerun totals over his career, however, I must admit that even I am not so sure. And even if he did, I'm not convinced he wouldn't have broken the record anyway. Between the years 1990 and 1998, the year Bonds allegedly began taking steroids, he averaged 36.3 homeruns per year, hitting a total of 327. Since? 344 homeruns, an average of 38.2 per season. Both are periods of nine seasons.

Whether he took steroids or not is beside the point that I'm trying to make. Whether you profess to be a supporter of Bonds or a hater, tonight I realized that he still honored the most important bond (no pun intended) that the game of baseball creates. It's the bond built in your backyard playing catch. It's the bond built learning how to swing a bat. It's the same bond that is the integral theme of the movie Field of Dreams, when Ray Kinsella says those says those six magic words that every man wants to hear sometime in their life: "Hey Dad...Wanna have a catch?"

As he hugged his son at homeplate and was overcome with emotion just thinking about his belated father, I realized that he, too, had that special connection. That's a connection that can't be found in the muscles and can't be enhanced by steroids. That bond comes from the heart, and only a true lover of baseball and family can ever truly understand it.

So congratulations Barry Lamar Bonds. You do, indeed, deserve it.

The month of February in college basketball gave us a muddled picture of how the season was ultimately going to play out.  The month didn't see any clearcut No. 1 team separate itself from the rest of the pack.  Just as the unanimous No. 1 Florida Gators were planning their championship parade, they go out and drop 3 of 4 in the mediocre SEC.  But as in every year, the month of March is sure to bring in a fresh wave of excitement to an already exciting basketball season.  So it was only fitting that the last game still in progress in the month of February gave us a nice segway into the madness that is March.

The No. 15 Texas Longhorns and No. 6 Texas A&M Aggies put on a double-overtime show of grit and emotion that could ultimately be argued as the most exciting game of this college season.  The biggest deficit between the two teams was an 11 point Longhorn lead early in the second half before the Ags sealed the gap for good.

All in all, there were 16 ties and 21 lead changes in the second edition of this season's Lone Star Showdown, much closer than the 18 point Aggie rout the first time these two teams met.

There were times, however, where it appeared the young Longhorns were primed to run away with the game.  As previously mentioned, they came out in the second half firing on all cylinders after finishing the first half strong.  They jumped out to an 11 point lead and drew crucial fouls on Aggies Joseph Jones and Antanas Kavaliauskas.  Jones fouled out early in the first overtime period with a double-double, 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Missed layups and loose-ball pickups by the Aggies put the College Station Kids right back in the game for the full 2OT ride.

The story of the game was, for once, not Kevin Durant, although he did drop 30 points and grab 16 rebounds.  It was Acie Law who has separated himself as easily the most clutch player in the nation.  After posting only six points in a quiet first half, Law dropped 27 the rest of the game, six of which game on a wicked three at the end of regulation to tie the game and also another spot three with about 23 seconds remaining in the first overtime period.  Both clutch shots came after the 'Horns had apparently put the game away.

That brings his 'Horn Killer total up to three (although Texas got away with his two shots tonight).  Law made the three over Daniel Gibson as time expired in last years 46-43 victory over the Longhorns in College Station.  As shown tonight, not every one of his clutch shots leads to a win (such as in losses to LSU in last year's tournament and to Texas Tech earlier this season), but his affinity for making the big play is undeniable. After burying shot after shot in tonight's game, the crowd began to go silent every time he'd spot up for a shot.

Law's uncanny ability and tenacity late in the game along with coach Billy Gillespie's cunning basketball intelect should translate into a deep tourney run even though it didn't translate into a win in this contest. Whatever the case, I think we watched one of the most talented teams in the country face off against easily the most disciplined team in the country tonight.  And for my money, I'd like to see more of it in the coming years in the rivalry.

Players of the Game:

Texas A&M:

• Acie Law; 33 points, 5 assists, 10-11 FTs

 

Texas:

• Damion James; career high 22 points on 7-10 from the field and 8-9 FTs, 9 rebounds
  Note: Before you try to tell me how Durant should have been player of the game for Texas, watch the game film. James came up with the most clutch plays (blocks, rebounds, free throws) of the game when Durant disappeared at times.

The Rise of the Big 12

The excitement of this game ushers in the most exciting month in sports and also gives an inside look at Big 12 basketball for years to come. Games such as the 3OT thriller between the Longhorns and the Oklahoma State Cowboys earlier this season and also this game provide a glimpse of the competitiveness that has taken over a once lower-tier conference.

While the conference used to consist of basically just Kansas, it is now six or seven deep.  With Kansas, Texas A&M and Texas as virtual locks to reach the Dance, the conference also looks to send Texas Tech and possibly Kansas State and Oklahoma State.

The conference has gained much attention this season because of the great play of Kevin Durant and Acie Law, both of whom are considered top contenders for this season's National Player of the Year award.

With another exciting game on tap between the maturing Longhorns and the No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday, I'm just sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the conference tournament. It should be exciting.

A Few Bits On the Sidelines...

• Mario Boggan...your headbutt was classless.  Your team had sealed the victory and you were getting hounded. So what? Take the high road and tell them to look at the scoreboard. Smile and walk off the court as a winner in every facit of the game.
• Acie Law...if it wasn't for Durant, you would easily be my pick for player of the year.  Those threes showed incredible poise.  You got ice water in your veins, man...
• Barry Bonds receiving death threats? No....I can't imagine that. Now, I definitely don't condone such actions by radical fans, but I can't say I'm entirely surprised. The guy is threatening to break the all-time homerun record by cheating and he shows no remorse. I won't threaten his life, but I'll definitely boo him if he does it in my hometown.
• Scout: Man, those guys sure are running fast out there.
  Calvin Johnson: I can run faster.
  Scout: But you don't have any shoes...
  Johnson (to another player): Dude, can I use your shoes?
  Player: Uh...sure...
  Johnson: (Runs 4.35 40)
  
  I had the pleasure of going to high school in the same county as Johnson and watched him play as a senior in high school. The guy is incredible and he'll only get better. And he's an A-student. Wow.
• In one final note, I have the pleasure of attending a sportswriting seminar on March 29th at the Univ. of Georgia, held in conjunction with the Final Four in Atlanta.  Leading the seminar will be a few of the professionals in town for the game. Bob Ryan and Andy Katz have participated in the past. In addition to the seminar, I will receive press credentials for the Final Four team practices, Player/Coach of the Year Award presentation, the NABC College All-Star game and other various events. If I'm lucky I may also be chosen to receive press credentials to the championship game.  I'll be sure to cover the events on my blog for everyone.

I really hate this day.  I hate it like Garfield hates Mondays, only worse.  I hate it more than Kobe hates Shaq.  I hate it more than the Washington Redskins…well…maybe not that much.  The point is I just don’t have the stomach for Valentine’s Day.

 

It’s the one holiday that I just love to hate. I think it’s overrated in every way.  I don’t think there’s any point save for buying cards and giving Hallmark some money.  I can hear the intake of breath coming from the ladies and assorted men who should probably remain nameless.  And I already know what those people would say.  They’d say that it’s because I haven’t met that special someone to share the day with.

Sure, but why rub it in?  What, it’s not bad enough that I have to write this out in hall while my roommate and his girlfriend have…um…dinner?

Perhaps it’s a heart that I lack rather than a stomach for the day.  I have no real solution for this problem other than to suck it up and, in honor of Valentine’s Day, dish out love for all those athletes out there that I really just can’t stand.

So, without further ado, here is what I like to call…

I Will Always Love You (And By Always I Mean Until Tomorrow)

Kobe Bryant (I’m going to get a lot of hate from Dusty for this one.) Kobe, I gotta say, dude…I just really have never liked you.  I’ve always thought that you’re a selfish player with a sever impulse control problem.  But, dude, you got game.  You’re a straight baller, man.  You lost your entire team and have virtually no supporting cast this year and yet your team is still one of the league’s best.  Steve Nash will probably win the MVP for a third straight season, but if I had a vote, I’d write your name down.  You’ve finally shown the world that you, too, can be a team player.  I love you, bro…

Michael Strahan Dude, I don’t know if you know this, but you got a huge gap in your front teeth.  And watching you eat a donut with a look of insanity in your eye as you totally berated an innocent journalist was possibly the most disturbing thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life.  And that’s saying a lot.  I saw my granddad naked one time.  But I gotta hand it to you, man.  You are the heart and soul of the Giants’ defense.  Without you out there, the team doesn’t know how to perform.  You make me sick, but you’re one of the best defenders of the modern era.  Retire…please…

Michael Vick I don’t know if you know this man, but you just had the most tumultuous season of your pro career.  Your team fell apart, your coach got fired and you sent the “New York Hello” to the same fans that have praised you through thick and thin.  But dude, you are one fast mother.  I saw you in the Georgia Dome when your Falcons took on the Cowboys.  You set the record for rushing yards in a season by a QB that game and threw four touchdowns in the process.  You lit up the Cowboys defense (even though that isn’t saying much).  I don’t know if you’ll ever reach the level people thought you would, but you are fast as hell.

Pete Carroll Dude, take a freaking NFL job for God’s sake.  Get your #### out of college and let some other teams get some recruits.  I hate you and USC for taking all the best recruits every year, but you deserve every bit of congratulations.  You are the best recruiter in the nation.  Hands down.  I hope that one day you find a team willing to offer you $20 billion like you want so that you can get your nose out of college football and leave some players for my team to grab.

George Steinbrenner You ruined the game of baseball at the pro level.  Every problem in the league can be attributed to either you or Dud Selig.  If you weren’t involved in the league, the competition would be so much better.  For my Braves at least.  But, as much as I hate to say it, if you’ve got the money, spend it.  You’ve been doing that for years and it has made the Yankees one of if not the greatest team in professional sports history.

Barry Bonds

Dude, you have tarnished the game of baseball and disrespected players and records that were achieved through the hard work of people who earned and deserved them.  You’ve made a laughingstock of the same organization that gave us Willie Mays.  You passed one of the most immortal players in Babe Ruth on the all-time homerun list because of your use of steroids.  And even though everyone and their dog knows it, you still refuse to tell the truth.  You are on pace to break the all-time homerun record this season.  You will pass one of the greatest players of all time, a man who fought not only for his team and his record but also for the entire African-American race.  And all the hard work that he put in for that cause, you do your best to bring down.  Not only that, but you continue to disrespect the record by saying that you think you can play long enough to hit 1,000 homeruns.  However, you…oh, wait.  Whew…Thank God.  It’s midnight.  I was about to have to make up some B.S. for Barry.  I hate that guy with a passion.