I had the luxury of being able to watch a full days worth of College Football this last Saturday.  It would figure that the first Saturday I was able to watch 12+ hours of football would be the first Saturday my Huskers would have off this year.  Such is life.  Regardless, having a day of football without donning my rose-colored glasses was a great one.  (you see, the Huskers didn't play and I wasn't totally freeking out like I always do on game days...PS, my wife is great.)

First of all, congratulations to the LSU Tigers for defeating two foes on Saturday.  I love how all the heads on TV were raising their eyebrows at this game.  They wanted nothing more than to see LSU fall to Georgia.  What a great defensive game of field position that was in Athens against a very athletic Dawg team.  I truly love it when scoring is really tough more so because of excellent defensive play rather than inept play on offense.  Both teams are very good, but LSU is the better team right now. 

Oh.  What's that?  I said LSU defeated two foes?  That's right, I did.  The second opponent the Tigers defeated was the same opponent they have been fight all year, Les Miles.  What a freekin' bone-head!!  Right before the half they go for a fourth and a few instead of nailing a high percentage field-goal to go up by 9.  Note to Les:  As a head coach, try to give your players the best chance to win first by not sabotaging their stellar efforts.  It wasn't until late in the fourth quarter that the ill-fated fourth-down conversion was buried.  I was livid, and I don't have a rooting interest in either team. 

How about the mighty Irish?  A team with BCS aspirations at home against a team that went 0-12 last year having to struggle mightily to win.  It wasn't as if ND didn't have the opportunities to put the Huskies away.  Notre Dame is definitely much better than they were the last couple years.  Weis is calling the plays again.  Is there any question that they have the best offensive-line in the country?  Not in my mind.  Golden Tate is a stud.  Claussen is good.  The Irish should be waxing these teams, but they are all about the drama.  What a difference a year makes for Washington.  They have hung tough with every team except Stanford.  Stanford is the feel-good story of the year so far.  What a great job Harbaugh is doing there.    

Miami has proven itself as a true top-15 team.  I wouldn't quite go so far as to say they are top-10, yet.  That was a bad loss to VT in Blacksburg last week.  Sure, you can say that their schedule has been brutal.  Without a doubt, it is a great accomplishment for any team (other than Florida, Alabama, Texas, or LSU) to come out of that gauntlet 3-1.  They still have the meat of their ACC schedule and a long time to deal with people pumping them up.  They didn't seem to handle the hype very well after the Georgia Tech game.  I would be feeling pretty good if I were a Canes fan.  A home game against Clemson and an away game against the Tar heels are probably the biggest hurdles facing this Miami squad, besides themselves.  I watched the Miami-North Carolina game last year and the 'heels socked Miami in the mouth early and often.  I just have this to say to the Cane fans "Go ahead and get your swagger on, you have earned it."

Poor OU.  Two lousy points away from being 4-0.  Who could possibly feel sorry for one of the most successful programs over the last 10 years?  (next to Boise State)  I respect what they do and I love the fans, but I have a hard time empathizing with a team that was beating my team 35-0 in the second quarter.  Would Bradford have made up that point in each game?  Probably.  Does that amount to more than just a hill of beans?  You decide. 

From the people who want to abolish Dodge Ball from the playgrounds of America comes the 2nd Annual Kiss Of Death Invitational.   What makes this invitational event such a success is that there are no losers, only lesser degree of winners.  It will be twice as big, twice as spectacular, and twice as exciting as the original. 

Let us cease with the lollygagging and start with meeting this year's pool of players. 

bc525-The reigning kiss of death. Odds 2:1

DMW1216-Devil in a bluedress has no chance in winning. odds 20:1

JBnewboy- Nice pose, Lousy ball protection. New player.

Hu$ker- This isn't Volleyball. New player

Getreal1- Watch this wascally wabbitt. New player

  

Uncertainbyprinciple- Shatner just laid another alien. New player

Big Red Disciple- Finished in the bottom last year. odds 20:1 

FlatulentOne- Priceless avatar. Ok, I'm juvinile. Finished at 50% last year.  Odds 10:1           

Redburr- Strong showing last year.  Early fav. odds 9:5

  Huskersfolizzyfe- Nice avatar.  New player.

Maggiemae1982- Not born in 1984. New player.

NE1tm2nv- Early favorite.  2:1

WarBeagle- Compulsive avatar changer. New player, but my instincts say early favorite. 2:1

Huskerspaz- My pick to win. Odds even money.    

Oldskewler- I'm feeling lucky.  Odds 8:1

  

    Eagle Bank Bowl-Wake Forest (-3) Vs. Navy

bc525 - Wake Forest (1-0)

NE1tm2nv - Wake Forest (1-0)

FlatulentOne - Wake Forest (1-0)

HuskerSpaz -  Wake Forest (1-0)

dmw1216 - Wake Forest (1-0)

WarBeagle - Wake Forest (1-0)

HU$KER - Navy (0-1)

getreal1 - Navy (0-1)

uncertainbyprinciple - Wake Forest (1-0)

Big Red Disciple - Wake Forest (1-0)

Redburr - Wake Forest (1-0)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Navy (0-1)

maggiemae1982 - Navy (0-1)

jbnewboy - Wake Forest (1-0)

OldSkewler - Navy (0-1)

 

         New Mexico Bowl-Colorado State (+3) Vs. Fresno State

bc525 - Fresno State (1-1)

NE1tm2nv - Fresno State (1-1)

FlatulentOne - Colorado State (2-0)

HuskerSpaz -  Fresno State (1-1)

dmw1216 - Colorado State (2-0)

WarBeagle - Fresno State (1-1)

HU$KER - Colorado State (1-1)

getreal1 - Fresno State (0-2)

uncertainbyprinciple - Fresno State (1-1)

Big Red Disciple - Fresno State (1-1)

Redburr - Fresno State (1-1)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Fresno State (0-2)

maggiemae1982  - Colorado State (1-1)

jbnewboy - Fresno State (1-1)

OldSkewler - Colorado State(1-1)

 

        St Petersburg Bowl-Memphis (+13) Vs. South FL

 bc525 - South Florida (2-1)

NE1tm2nv - South Florida (2-1)

FlatulentOne - South Florida (3-0)

HuskerSpaz -  South Florida (2-1)

dmw1216 - South Florida (3-0)

WarBeagle - South Florida (2-1)

HU$KER - South Florida (2-1)

getreal1 - Memphis (0-3)

uncertainbyprinciple - South Florida (2-1)

Big Red Disciple - South Florida (2-1)

Redburr - South Florida (2-1)

Huskersfolizzyfe - South Florida (1-2)

maggiemae1982  - Memphis (1-2)

jbnewboy - Memphis (1-2)

OldSkewler - Memphis (1-2)

 

     Las Vegas Bowl-BYU (+3) Vs. Arizona

bc525 - Arizona (3-1) 

NE1tm2nv - BYU (2-2)

FlatulentOne - Arizona (4-0)

HuskerSpaz - BYU (2-2)

dmw1216 - Arizona (4-0)

WarBeagle - BYU (2-2)

HU$KER - BYU (2-2)

getreal1 - BYU (0-4)

uncertainbyprinciple - BYU (2-2)

Big Red Disciple - Arizona (3-1)

Redburr - BYU (2-2)

Huskersfolizzyfe - BYU (1-3)

maggiemae1982  - BYU (2-2)

jbnewboy - Arizona (2-2)

OldSkewler - BYU (1-3)

 

         New Orleans Bowl-Troy (-4) Vs. Southern Miss

bc525 - Troy (3-2)

NE1tm2nv - Southern Miss (3-2)

FlatulentOne - Southern Miss (5-0)

HuskerSpaz - Troy (2-3)

dmw1216 - Troy (4-1)

WarBeagle - Southern Miss (3-2)

HU$KER - Troy (2-3)

getreal1 - Troy (0-5)

uncertainbyprinciple - Southern Miss (3-2)

Big Red Disciple - Troy (3-2)

Redburr - Troy (2-3)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Troy (1-4)

maggiemae1982  - Southern Miss (3-2)

jbnewboy - Troy (3-2)

OldSkewler - Troy (1-4)

 

    Poinsetia Bowl-TCU (-2) Vs. Boise State

bc525 - TCU (3-3)

NE1tm2nv - Boise State (4-2)

FlatulentOne - Boise State (6-0)

HuskerSpaz -  Boise State (3-3)

dmw1216 - TCU (4-2)

WarBeagle - TCU (3-3)

HU$KER - Boise State (3-3)

getreal1 - Boise State (1-5)

uncertainbyprinciple - TCU (3-3)

Big Red Disciple - Boise State (3-3)

Redburr - TCU (2-4)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Boise State (2-4)

maggiemae1982  - Boise State (4-2)

jbnewboy - Boise State (4-2)

OldSkewler - Boise State (2-4)

 

        Hawaii Bowl-Notre Dame (-2) Vs. Hawaii

bc525 - Hawaii (3-4)

NE1tm2nv - Hawaii (4-3)

FlatulentOne - Hawaii (6-1)

HuskerSpaz -  Hawaii (3-4)

dmw1216 - Hawaii (4-3)

WarBeagle - Notre Dame (4-3)

HU$KER - Hawaii (3-4)

getreal1 - Hawaii (1-6)

uncertainbyprinciple - Hawaii (3-4)

Big Red Disciple - Hawaii (3-4)

Redburr - Hawaii (2-5)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Notre Dame (3-4)

maggiemae1982  - Hawaii (4-3)

jbnewboy - Hawaii (4-3)

OldSkewler - Notre Dame  (3-4)

 

       Motor City Bowl-FAU (+6.5) Vs. Cent. Mich.

 bc525 - Central Michigan (3-5)

NE1tm2nv - Florida Atlantic (5-3)

FlatulentOne - Florida Atlantic (7-1)

HuskerSpaz -  Central Michigan (3-5)

dmw1216 - Florida Atlantic (5-3)

WarBeagle - Central Michigan (4-4)

HU$KER - Florida Atlantic (4-4)

getreal1 - Central Michigan (1-7)

uncertainbyprinciple - Florida Atlantic (4-4)

Big Red Disciple - Florida Atlantic (4-4)

Redburr - Central Michigan (2-6)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Central Michigan (3-5)

maggiemae1982  - Florida Atlantic (5-3)

jbnewboy - Florida Atlantic (5-3)

OldSkewler - Central Michigan (3-5)

     Meineke Car Care Bowl-WVU (+1.5) Vs. NC

 bc525 - West Virginia (4-5)

NE1tm2nv - West Virginia (6-3)

FlatulentOne - West Virginia(8-1)

HuskerSpaz -  West Virginia (4-5)

dmw1216 - West Virginia (6-3)

WarBeagle - West Virginia (5-4)

HU$KER - West Virginia (5-4)

getreal1 - West Virginia (2-7)

uncertainbyprinciple - North Carolina (4-5)

Big Red Disciple - West Virginia (5-4)

Redburr - West Virginia (3-6)

Huskersfolizzyfe - West Virginia (4-5)

maggiemae1982  - West Virginia (6-3)

jbnewboy - West Virginia (6-3)

OldSkewler - North Carolina (3-6)

      Champs Sports Bowl-Wisconsin (+5) Vs. FSU

bc525 - Florida State (5-5)

NE1tm2nv - Florida State (7-3)

FlatulentOne - Florida State(9-1)

HuskerSpaz - Wisconsin (4-6)

dmw1216 - Florida State (7-3)

WarBeagle - Florida State(6-4)

HU$KER - Florida State(6-4)

getreal1 - Wisconcin (2-8)

uncertainbyprinciple - Wisconcin (4-6)

Big Red Disciple - Florida State(6-4)

Redburr - Florida State(4-6)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Florida State(5-5)

maggiemae1982  - Florida State(7-3)

jbnewboy - Wisconcin (6-4)

OldSkewler - Florida State(4-6)

 

    Emerald Bowl-Miami (+7) Vs. Cal

Push

 bc525 - California (5-5-1)

NE1tm2nv - Miami (7-3-1)

FlatulentOne - California (9-1-1)

HuskerSpaz -  California (4-6-1)

dmw1216 - California (7-3-1)

WarBeagle - California (6-4-1)

HU$KER - Miami (6-4-1)

getreal1 - California (2-8-1)

uncertainbyprinciple - Miami (4-6-1)

Big Red Disciple - California (6-4-1)

Redburr - California (4-6-1)

Huskersfolizzyfe - California (5-5-1)

maggiemae1982  - California (7-3-1)

jbnewboy - California (6-4-1)

OldSkewler - Miami  (4-6-1)

 

    Independence Bowl-NIU (-2) Vs. La. Tech

 bc525 - Louisiana Tech (6-5-1)

NE1tm2nv - Louisiana Tech  (8-3-1)

FlatulentOne - Louisiana Tech (10-1-1)

HuskerSpaz -  Northern Illinois  (4-7-1)

dmw1216 - Louisiana Tech (8-3-1)

WarBeagle - Louisiana Tech (7-4-1)

HU$KER - Louisiana Tech (7-4-1)

getreal1 - Louisiana Tech (3-8-1)

uncertainbyprinciple - Northern Illinois  (4-7-1)

Big Red Disciple - Louisiana Tech (7-4-1)

Redburr - Louisiana Tech (5-6-1)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Northern Illinois  (5-6-1)

maggiemae1982  - Louisiana Tech (8-3-1)

jbnewboy - Louisiana Tech (7-4-1)

OldSkewler - Louisiana Tech (5-6-1)

              PapaJohns Bowl-NCSt (+6.5) Vs. Rutgers

bc525 - Rutgers (6-6-1)

NE1tm2nv - Rutgers (8-4-1)

FlatulentOne - North Carolina State (11-1-1)

HuskerSpaz -  Rutgers (4-8-1)

dmw1216 - Rutgers (8-4-1)

WarBeagle - North Carolina State(8-4-1)

HU$KER - North Carolina State(8-4-1)

getreal1 - North Carolina State (4-8-1)

uncertainbyprinciple - North Carolina State (5-7-1)

Big Red Disciple - Rutgers (7-5-1)

Redburr - Rutgers (5-7-1)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Rutgers (5-7-1)

maggiemae1982 - Rutgers (8-4-1)

jbnewboy - Rutgers (7-5-1)

OldSkewler - North Carolina State(6-6-1)

                Alamo Bowl-Northwestern (+15) Vs Mizzou

 bc525 - Missouri (6-7-1)

NE1tm2nv - Missouri (8-5-1)

FlatulentOne - Missouri (11-2-1)

HuskerSpaz -  Missouri (4-9-1)

dmw1216 - Missouri (8-5-1)

WarBeagle - Missouri (8-5-1)

HU$KER - Missouri (8-5-1)

getreal1 - Missouri (4-9-1)

uncertainbyprinciple - Missouri (5-8-1)

Big Red Disciple - Missouri (7-6-1)

Redburr - Missouri (5-8-1)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Missouri (5-8-1)

Maggiemae1982 - Missouri (8-5-1)

jbnewboy - Missouri (7-6-1)

OldSkewler - Missouri (6-7-1)

 

Humanitarian Bowl-Nevada (-1.5) Vs. Maryland         

bc525 - Nevada (6-8-1)

NE1tm2nv - Maryland (9-5-1)

FlatulentOne - Maryland (12-2-1)

HuskerSpaz -  Maryland (5-9-1)

dmw1216 - Nevada (8-6-1)

WarBeagle - Maryland (9-5-1)

HU$KER - Maryland (9-5-1)

getreal1 - Nevada (4-10-1)

uncertainbyprinciple - Maryland (6-8-1)

Big Red Disciple - Nevada (7-7-1)

Redburr - Nevada (5-9-1)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Maryland (6-8-1)

maggiemae1982  - Nevada (8-6-1)

jbnewboy - Maryland (8-6-1)

OldSkewler - Maryland (7-7-1)

                Texas Bowl-Western Mich. (+3) Vs. Rice       

 

bc525 - Rice (7-8-1)

NE1tm2nv - Western Michigan (9-6-1)

FlatulentOne - Rice (13-2-1)

HuskerSpaz -  Rice (6-9-1)

dmw1216 - Western Michigan (8-7-1)

WarBeagle - Western Michigan (9-6-1)

HU$KER - Rice (10-5-1)

getreal1 - Western Michigan (4-11-1)

uncertainbyprinciple - Western Michigan (6-9-1)

Big Red Disciple - Western Michigan (7-8-1)

Redburr - Western Michigan (5-10-1)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Western Michigan (6-9-1)

maggiemae1982  - Western Michigan (8-7-1)

jbnewboy - Western Michigan (8-7-1)

OldSkewler - Western Michigan  (7-8-1)

               Holiday Bowl-Oregon (+4) Vs. Oklahoma St

bc525 - Oklahoma State (7-9-1)

NE1tm2nv - Oklahoma State (9-7-1)

FlatulentOne - Oklahoma State (13-3-1)

HuskerSpaz -  Oklahoma State (6-10-1)

dmw1216 - Oklahoma State (8-8-1)

WarBeagle - Oklahoma State (9-7-1)

HU$KER - Oklahoma State (10-6-1)

getreal1 - Oklahoma State (4-12-1)

uncertainbyprinciple - Oklahoma State (6-10-1)

Big Red Disciple - Oklahoma State (7-9-1)

Redburr - Oklahoma State (5-11-1)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Oklahoma State (6-10-1)

maggiemae1982  - Oklahoma State (8-8-1)

jbnewboy - Oklahoma State (8-8-1)

OldSkewler - Oklahoma State  (7-9-1)

           Armed Forces Bowl-AF (+3) Vs. Houston

bc525 - Air Force (7-10-1)

NE1tm2nv - Houston (10-7-1)

FlatulentOne - Houston (14-3-1)

HuskerSpaz -  Houston (7-10-1)

dmw1216 - Air Force (8-9-1)

WarBeagle - Air Force (9-8-1)

HU$KER - Houston (11-6-1)

getreal1 - Air Force (4-13-1)

uncertainbyprinciple - Houston (7-10-1)

Big Red Disciple - Houston (8-9-1)

Redburr - Houston (6-11-1)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Air Force (6-11-1)

maggiemae1982  - Air Force (8-9-1)

jbnewboy - Houston (9-8-1)

OldSkewler - Houston  (8-9-1)

             Sun Bowl-Pitt (+3) Vs. Oregon State Push

bc525 - Oregon State (7-10-2)

NE1tm2nv - Oregon State (10-7-2)

FlatulentOne - Pitt (14-3-2)

HuskerSpaz -  Pitt (7-10-2)

dmw1216 - Pitt (8-9-2)

WarBeagle - Pitt (9-8-2)

HU$KER - Pitt (11-6-2)

getreal1 - Oregon State (4-13-2)

uncertainbyprinciple - Oregon State (7-10-2)

Big Red Disciple - Pitt (8-9-2)

Redburr - Oregon State (6-11-2)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Pitt (6-11-2)

maggiemae1982  - Oregon State (8-9-2)

jbnewboy - Pitt (9-8-2)

OldSkewler - Oregon State (8-9-2)

         Music City Bowl-Boston College (-4) Vs. Vandy

 bc525 - Boston College (7-11-2)

NE1tm2nv - Boston College (10-8-2)

FlatulentOne - Vanderbilt (15-3-2)

HuskerSpaz -  Boston College (7-11-2)

dmw1216 - Boston College (8-10-2)

WarBeagle - Boston College (9-9-2)

HU$KER - Boston College (11-7-2)

getreal1 - Boston College (4-14-2)

uncertainbyprinciple - Vanderbilt(8-10-2)

Big Red Disciple - Boston College (8-10-2)

Redburr - Boston College (6-12-2)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Boston College (6-12-2)

maggiemae1982  - Boston College (8-10-2)

jbnewboy - Boston College (9-9-2)

OldSkewler - Boston College (8-10-2)

        Insight Bowl-Minnesota (+10) Vs. KU

bc525 - Kansas (8-11-2)

NE1tm2nv - Kansas (11-8-2)

FlatulentOne - Kansas (16-3-2)

HuskerSpaz -  Kansas (8-11-2)

dmw1216 - Kansas (9-10-2)

WarBeagle - Kansas(10-9-2)

HU$KER - Kansas (12-7-2)

getreal1 - Kansas (5-14-2)

uncertainbyprinciple - Kansas (9-10-2)

Big Red Disciple - Kansas(9-10-2)

Redburr - Kansas(7-12-2)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Kansas (7-12-2)

maggiemae1982  - Kansas (9-10-2)

jbnewboy - Kansas (10-9-2)

OldSkewler - Kansas  (9-10-2)

 

             Chick-Fil-A Bowl-LSU (+3.5) Vs. GT

bc525 - Georgia Tech (8-12-2)

NE1tm2nv - Georgia Tech (11-9-2)

FlatulentOne - Georgia Tech (16-4-2)

HuskerSpaz -  Georgia Tech (8-12-2)

dmw1216 - Georgia Tech (9-11-2)

WarBeagle - Georgia Tech (10-10-2)

HU$KER - Georgia Tech (12-8-2)

getreal1 - Georgia Tech (5-15-2)

uncertainbyprinciple - Georgia Tech (9-11-2)

Big Red Disciple - Georgia Tech (9-11-2)

Redburr - LSU (8-12-2)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Georgia Tech (7-13-2)

maggiemae1982  - Georgia Tech (9-11-2)

jbnewboy - Georgia Tech (10-10-2)

OldSkewler - Georgia Tech (9-11-2)

 

        Outback Bowl-Iowa (-3) Vs. SC

bc525 - Iowa (9-12-2)

NE1tm2nv - Iowa (12-9-2)

FlatulentOne - South Carolina (16-5-2)

HuskerSpaz -  South Carolina (8-13-2)

dmw1216 - Iowa (10-11-2)

WarBeagle - South Carolina (10-11-2)

HU$KER - South Carolina (12-9-2)

getreal1 - South Carolina (5-16-2)

uncertainbyprinciple - South Carolina (9-12-2)

Big Red Disciple - Iowa (10-11-2)

Redburr - South Carolina (8-13-2)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Iowa(8-13-2)

maggiemae1982  - South Carolina (9-12-2)

jbnewboy - Iowa (11-10-2)

OldSkewler - South Carolina (9-12-2)

 

          Gator Bowl-Clemson (-3) Vs. Nebraska

bc525 - Nebraska (10-12-2)

NE1tm2nv - Nebraska (13-9-2)

FlatulentOne - Nebraska (17-5-2)

HuskerSpaz -  Nebraska (9-13-2)

dmw1216 - Nebraska (11-11-2)

WarBeagle - Nebraska (11-11-2)

HU$KER - Nebraska (13-9-2)

getreal1 - Nebraska (6-16-2)

uncertainbyprinciple - Nebraska (10-12-2)

Big Red Disciple - Nebraska (11-11-2)

Redburr - Nebraska (9-13-2)

Huskersfolizzyfe - Nebraska (9-13-2)

maggiemae1982  - Nebraska (10-12-2)

jbnewboy - Nebraska (12-10-2)

OldSkewler - Nebraska (10-12-2)

 

           Capital One Bowl-Mich State (+7) Vs. Georgia

bc525 - Georgia (11-12-2)

NE1tm2nv - Georgia (14-9-2)

FlatulentOne - Georgia (18-5-2)

HuskerSpaz -  Georgia ()

dmw1216 - Georgia ()

WarBeagle - Georgia ()

HU$KER - Georgia ()

getreal1 - Michigan State ()

uncertainbyprinciple - Georgia ()

Big Red Disciple - Michigan State ()

Redburr - Georgia ()

Huskersfolizzyfe - Georgia ()

maggiemae1982  - Georgia ()

jbnewboy - Georgia ()

OldSkewler - Georgia ()

 

 

       Rose Bowl-Penn State (+10.5) Vs. USC

 bc525 - USC (13-12-2)

NE1tm2nv - USC (15-9-2)

FlatulentOne - USC (19-5-2)

HuskerSpaz -  Penn State ()

dmw1216 - Penn State ()

WarBeagle - USC ()

HU$KER - USC ()

getreal1 - Penn State ()

uncertainbyprinciple - USC ()

Big Red Disciple - USC ()

Redburr - Penn State ()

Huskersfolizzyfe - USC ()

maggiemae1982 - Penn State ()

jbnewboy - USC ()

OldSkewler - Penn State  ()

              Orange Bowl-VT (+2) Vs. Cincy

bc525 - Cincy (13-13-2)

NE1tm2nv - Virginia Tech (16-9-2)

FlatulentOne - Virginia Tech (20-5-2)

HuskerSpaz -  Virginia Tech ()

dmw1216 - Virginia Tech ()

WarBeagle - Cincy ()

HU$KER - Virginia Tech ()

getreal1 - Virginia Tech

uncertainbyprinciple - Virginia Tech ()

Big Red Disciple - Virginia Tech()

Redburr - Cincy ()

Huskersfolizzyfe - Virginia Tech ()

maggiemae1982 - Virginia Tech ()

jbnewboy - Cincy ()

OldSkewler - Cincy  ()

 

       Cotton Bowl-Ole Miss (+6) Vs. Texas Tech

bc525 - Ole Miss (14-13-2)

NE1tm2nv - Texas Tech (16-10-2)

FlatulentOne - Texas Tech (20-6-2)

HuskerSpaz -  Texas Tech ()

dmw1216 - Texas Tech ()

WarBeagle - Texas Tech ()

HU$KER - Texas Tech ()

getreal1 - Texas Tech ()

uncertainbyprinciple - Texas Tech ()

Big Red Disciple - Texas Tech ()

Redburr - Texas Tech ()

Huskersfolizzyfe - Texas Tech ()

maggiemae1982 - Texas Tech ()

jbnewboy - Texas Tech ()

OldSkewler - Texas Tech  ()

 

         Liberty Bowl-ECU (-2) Vs Kentucky

bc525 - East Carolina (14-14-2)

NE1tm2nv - Kentucky (17-10-2)

FlatulentOne - East Carolina (20-7-2

HuskerSpaz -  Kentucky

dmw1216 - Kentucky

WarBeagle - East Carolina

HU$KER - East Carolina

getreal1 - East Carolina

uncertainbyprinciple - Kentucky

Big Red Disciple - East Carolina

Redburr - East Carolina

Huskersfolizzyfe - Kentucky

maggiemae1982 - Kentucky

jbnewboy - East Carolina

OldSkewler - East Carolina

 

                Sugar Bowl-Utah (+11) Vs Alabama

bc525 - Alabama (14-15-2)

NE1tm2nv - Alabama (17-11-2)

FlatulentOne - Alabama (20-8-2)

HuskerSpaz -  Utah

dmw1216 - Alabama

WarBeagle - Alabama

HU$KER - Alabama

getreal1 - Alabama

uncertainbyprinciple - Alabama

Big Red Disciple - Alabama

Redburr - Alabama

Huskersfolizzyfe - Alabama

maggiemae1982 - Alabama

jbnewboy - Alabama

OldSkewler - Alabama

 

     International Bowl-Buffalo (+4) Vs. UConn

bc525 - UCONN

NE1tm2nv - Buffalo

FlatulentOne - UCONN

HuskerSpaz -  Buffalo

dmw1216 - Buffalo

WarBeagle - Buffalo

HU$KER - Buffalo

getreal1 - Buffalo

uncertainbyprinciple - Buffalo

Big Red Disciple - Buffalo

Redburr - Buffalo

Huskersfolizzyfe - UCONN

maggiemae1982 - Buffalo

jbnewboy - Buffalo

OldSkewler - Buffalo 

 

   Fiesta Bowl-Texas(+10.5) Vs. Ohio State

 

bc525 - Texas

NE1tm2nv - Texas

Flatulent One - Texas

HuskerSpaz -  Texas

dmw1216 - Texas

WarBeagle - Texas

HU$KER - Texas

getreal1 - Ohio State

uncertainbyprinciple - Texas

Big Red Disciple - Texas

Redburr - Texas

Huskersfolizzyfe - Texas

maggiemae1982 - Texas

jbnewboy - Texas

OldSkewler - Texas 

         GMAC Bowl-Ball State (-2.5) Vs. Tulsa

bc525 - Tulsa

NE1tm2nv - Ball State

FlatulentOne - Ball State

HuskerSpaz -  Ball State

DMW1216 - Ball State

WarBeagle - Ball State

HU$KER - Tulsa

getreal1 - Tulsa

uncertainbyprinciple - Ball State

Big Red Disciple - Ball State

Redburr - Tulsa

Huskersfolizzyfe - Tulsa

maggiemae1982 - Ball State

jbnewboy - Ball State

OldSkewler - Ball State 

 

        BCS Title Game-Florida (-3) Vs. OU

bc525 - Florida

NE1tm2nv - Oklahoma

FlatulentOne - Oklahoma

HuskerSpaz -  Oklahoma

dmw1216 - Oklahoma

WarBeagle - Florida

HU$KER - Florida

getreal1 - Florida

uncertainbyprinciple - Oklahoma

Big Red Disciple - Florida

Redburr - Oklahoma

Huskersfolizzyfe - Florida

maggiemae1982 - Oklahoma

jbnewboy - Oklahoma

OldSkewler - Florida 

The Second Annual Kiss of Death Invitational came from humble beginnings.  Just in case you are not familiar with the "Kiss of Death Invitational," I will give you the back story to this monumental event of epic proportions.  It all started, years ago, with my bookie, Guido, and me.  After I had taken a beating that would make the Tyson fights of the early 90's look like a fight between two over-caffeinated 12 year-old girls at a Hannah Montana concert fighting over who is cuter, Joe Jonas or Nick Jonas.  (Actually, that could get pretty bad.  Maybe I could have found a better comparison.  Anyway you get the idea.)   Guido said that some of the teams that I picked shouldn't have lost.  I said "Tell me about!  It seems that if it weren't for bad luck, I wouldn't have any at all."  Guido then reminded me that if I didn't have his money by Wednesday at 12:00 PM, then the beating I took over the games will look like a walk on the beach compared to the beating I was going to get from him.  I thanked him for being so supportive and a true friend.

The next week of games showed me no mercy.  It was as if I was the best prognosticator in Bizzaroland.  It was one of those colossal weeks where you have to say to your self "When did I get the idea that laying money down on games that I pick was a good idea?"  Yeah, I'm having fun now!  As much as I complained to Guido, he should have sent me a therapy bill.  I was finally wearing him down a bit.  I believe that he may have been starting to feel sorry for me, if only he had feelings.

 

 

Week after week, if I went only one or two games under .500, I saw it as a success.  Then it happened, the week that changed my life forever.  The unthinkable happened.  What every sports gambler is always thinking of, but never speaks about.  The ever dreaded "O'fer."  Granted it was a light week of games, but I missed on every single one.  I should have been more embarrassed, but I was kind of proud.  I mean, my friends actually know someone who picked more that 5 games and went O fer.  I forget the exact number (yeah right) but I will tell you it was more than 5 and less than 13.  12 there!  Are you happy? 

Anyway, while I was on the couch with Guido we both came to a realization that my luck was so bad that I was actually affecting the outcome on some of these games.  Could that be?  Was it even possible?  My picks were contributing to the end result of these games.  It seemed logical.  The odds of going 0-12 in football betting have to rival that of getting 5 out of 6 numbers on a Lotto ticket, right?  

From that week on, I was asked my opinion on upcoming games by Guido himself.  I was a bit surprised, but I like to talk so I obliged him.  I went into the things I take into consideration when making a pick.  I would go on about how some stats are for chumps like conference rival records, injuries, and short-week preparations.  

After a while, my curiosity got the best of me and I had to ask Guido why on Earth he was asking me my opinion.  Then, he said it.  I can still hear his words echoing out of the telephone into my ears where my brain interpreted the tympanic reverberations.  He said "You are the most consistent player I have.  Everything you bet on goes south faster than a flock of geese in December."  "When I am unsure of a game, I just ask you and go the other way."  "You are the Kiss of Death to any team you bet."  

Is this the year of the steer?  All signs are pointed in that direction.  The Big 12 North is, yet again, playing second fiddle to the mighty South division.  If you would have told me that there were 3 undefeated teams in the Big 12 at this point in time before the season, I would have guessed OU, Mizzou, and Texas Tech.  Man! What an idiot I am. 

Texas Tech has yet to be tested by a top-25 team.  Sure, Nebraska took them to OT in Lubbock (Where I was in attendance), but Nebraska is lucky to be considered top-60.  Unless something really changes for Tech on defense and special teams, the Red Raiders are will not be heading towards the Big 12 Championship game this year (or for some time to come).

Oklahoma State has been underachieving for years now.  They have always played a decent out-of-conference schedule.  They have one of the best receiving corps out there.  These boys block like old school Nebraska receivers used to back in the day.  There is no wonder why they are doing so well on the ground.  I have seen it time and again.  When a team can control the clock and can play better than average defense week in and week out, success seems easy.

Texas has awakened, and the boys are they ready to play.  If the Longhorns can keep it together, then they will only be tested by the aforementioned teams.  Tech can only beat Texas if the Red Raiders are able to play better on defense.  Much better.  I have my doubts that Tech will even beat KU. 

I know it is early, but this Texas/Oklahoma State game is for supremacy in the Southern division.  I like the way OSU matches up with the big bad Longhorns.  The winner in this one becomes the one to beat.  OSU could give life to the Sooners with a win. 

I think it takes a special team to be able to play at their best every week while ranked #1.  No one could do it for very long last year, and this year is proving no different.  Does Texas have what it takes to block out all the distractions and not believe the hype?  We will soon find out.  How I just love this game.

Iowa State is never on anyone's radar.  That is just the reality of playing Cyclone football.  Sure, there are a couple years where they had a decent showing, but overall they are half of the Big 12 punching bag.  The other half being Baylor. 

Last year, the 'Clones lost to Northern Iowa.  It wasn't unil the last few games of the 2007 campaign that there were signs of life in Ames, IA.  Iowa State may be picking up where they left off.  South Dakota State lost in grand fasion to a solid looking Iowa State squad. 

Ok.  SDS is an FCS team, but they are certainly much better than Northern Iowa.  Last year, South Dakota State beat the North Dakota powerhouse coached by ex-Nebraska Defensive Coordinator, Craig Bohl.  That is the same ND team that beat Minnesota. 

My point being that Iowa State may not be the easy win on the schedule they have been in year's past.  The 'Clones travel to Iowa City and Las Vegas next, but they get Kansas at home in Ames.  A cocky, overconfident Kansas team could be a bit shocked by a highly motivated team clicking on all cylinders.  That just sounds weird...cocky, overconfident Kansas team.