A LADY'S PERSPECTIVE: GURLEY GAL'S TAKE ON JACKSONVILLE

We received some feedback awhile ago letting us know that WWW never included any lady opinions on college football. We politely asked for another cold beer and got back to reading the sports page.

But here we are today with the very FIRST solo featurette ever penned by one of our many lady followers, Gurley Gal.

I first met Gurley Gal a year or so ago when both of us we're competing in the Carolina Mountains Holiday Table Tennis Tournament near Bryson City, North Carolina (editor's note: the home of Tennessee legend Heath Shuler).

As fate would have it, we faced each other in the opening round. Gurley Gal quickly dispatched me (editor's note: I was on heavy medication that I inadvertently mixed with a mighty fine merlot, thus impeding my reflexes. And, yes, I'm whining) and I dropped to the Loser's Bracket, where I quickly dropped to the one-and-done bracket.

Another Dawg win?

You've probably guessed by now that Gurley Gal is a Georgia girl. Yep. She bleeds Red & Black, thinks UGA IX is cute, and believes that Herschel Walker rules the Universe. I remind her that both Herschel and UGA's national championship happened long before she was even a twinkle in her daddy's eye. But her enthusiasm never wanes.

Yet Gurley Gal is no ordinary girl that happens to like Georgia football. She actually knows her stuff - just ask her about Quarterback Rating Efficiencies and Turnover Ratios - and passionately follows her Dawgs at home and on the road (if she ain't in Athens on Game Day then you'll find her in Columbia, Knoxville, Lexington, Fayetteville, and more). So she knows her college football and that's why we felt she was more than qualified to be our first ever Lady solo featurette contributor.

So, let's start with a little Question & Answer with Gurley Gal.

TIME FOR Q&A WITH GURLEY GAL...

WWW:  How long have you been a UGA fan and why?
Gurley Gal:  My dad became a UGA professor in 2000. When we made the move from Nashville, I instantly fell in love with the town and DePalma’s Italian Cafe (our first meal in Athens, Ga). When I was younger we had football and gymnastics season tickets, but I didn’t become a true fan until I was on campus and eating at the dining hall with A.J. Green (editor's note: DePalmas on East Broad Street is one of our faves and especially delish after kicking some mutt butt).

Mutts motor into River City for Gator grilling

WWW:   What's your greatest memory from a UGA game?
Gurley Gal: I don’t know my favorite game memory because I am still waiting on that BIG MOMENT. Worst memory, losing to Alabama in the SEC Championship in 2012.
WWW:   I feel your pain.

WWW:   Any favorite or not so favorite memory from a Jacksonville game?
Gurley Gal:  Favorite memory of a Jacksonville game was 2012 when we won after 3 year losing streak and watching all the Gator fans leave early. By the end of the game the UF side of the stadium was completely empty! And we partied big time!

WWW:   Speaking of parties, what’s the tailgating/party scene like at the big game?
Gurley Gal:  It's awesome. If you survive Frat Beach in St. Simons on Thursday, head to Jacksonville on Friday. Winn Dixie sets up a free tailgate every year where they hand out the best little pork sandwiches. Who doesn’t love free food?

WWW:   Are lady fans really into college football or is it just something to do with the guys (please don't throw anything at me!)? 
Gurley Gal:  I believe that you have women on both sides of that argument. I happen to really enjoy

Snagged herself a keeper

college football and, believe it or not, I traveled with all girls to most of the away games during my college years. The college football landscape is changing and Condoleezza Rice (official member of the College Football Playoff selection committee) is a great example of that. Women are making progress and if you are looking for a new blog to follow SEC Diva covers all you need to know about SEC football (editor's note: they have approached us to acquire WWW. We said 'no'. Actually, 'hell no').

WWW:  So, you're a Georgia football fan but a Kentucky basketball fan. What's up with that?
Gurley Gal:  Well, I was born bleeding Blue. My parents met and married in Lexington and my dad (Wildcat Bill) got his PhD at the University of Kentucky. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat. I cheer for my alma mater in all sports, just not when they are playing my Kentucky basketball boys.

WWW:  And Wildcat Bill is a season ticket holder at Sanford?
Gurley Gal:  Absolutely. Been sitting with him since I was knee high to UGA.

PLEASE WELCOME GURLEY GAL....

Dawgs Streaking into the River City

Gurley Gal here, ready to fill your heads with everything you need to know about this Saturday’s Cocktail Party down in Jacksonville.

The Bulldawgs are coming off a well-deserved bye week after two big road wins at Missouri and Arkansas. The Dawgs are currently ranked No. 9 in the country and in first place in the SEC East standings. With a win this week, the Red & Black could be in control of their own destiny to get to Pasadena in the first-ever CFB playoff.

This will be the 92nd meeting between UGA and Floriduh, and the Dawgs have come out of EverBank Field with three consecutive wins. Coach Richt has definitely turned the tide in this rivalry after we’ve struggled with the likes of Spurrier and Meyer for years.

Can UGA make it four in a row and keep the five game win streak alive? We shall see. I do know I never plan to go back. I saw my Dawgs play in 2011 when we finally pulled out the win my senior season after a gruesome 3-year losing streak. I have experienced the highs and the lows in this rivalry - and decided I’d go out with the win.
 

Trick or Treat?

Late Tuesday, the NCAA finally made their decision on Todd Gurley’s reinstatement. Though he won’t be back this week, I will admit I am happy to have him back at all, especially Nov. 15th to face Auburn in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry. Until then I have complete faith in Nick Chubb who rushed for a combined 345 yards the past two games.
 
If you’re a Weekend Winner, bet on the Dawgs to take care of business at the WLOCP. 

This is a crazy rivalry and anything can happen, but expect UGA to outcoach and outclass Muschamp and his group of Gators. After UF fans run Muschamp out of Gainesville, I’d expect to see him picking up the 21,000 pounds of litter collected from the infamous Frat Beach on St. Simons Island that we’ll leave in our wake.

Sic' em!

Be looking for your GREAT EIGHT™ WINNING PICKS on Friday. 

GOLDEN GATOR AND THE WORLD'S LARGEST OUTDOOR COCKTAIL PARTY
This Saturday the Florida Gators and the Georgia Bulldogs meet again in one of college football's greatest rivalries in a unique get-together known as the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Played in Jacksonville on the banks of the St. Johns River, this little foray is the setting for a whole lotta drinking and a little Southern football and has been home to some pretty big games along the way.

To help us better understand this game and Florida football, we've invited a bull gator that has seen it all and done it all when it comes to pigskin happenings in Gainesville. I had the opportunity to first meet Golden Gator 25 years ago when he decided to return to the Southeast after a long and distinguished marketing and advertising career on the West Coast. When he wasn't launching innovative service concepts with Atlantic Richfield, he was helping guide the creative efforts for a little computer company in Cupertino, Apple. He also perfected the 'hang ten' surfing technique and became known as the Golden Surfer Dude on the Venice Beach scene.

Before we get to Golden Gator's thoughts on the game, first a little Question & Answer.

Golden Gator with his pet lizard, 'Spurrier'

Time for Q& A with Golden Gator

WWW:   So, what exactly does it mean to be a Golden Gator?
Golden Gator:   Mostly it means I'm old!  It also means I've been a Gator for over 50 years. Actually, it's now 56 years since I arrived on the Florida campus in 1959.

WWW:   Wow. You've seen a lot then.
Golden Gator:  It was a different world then...imagine going to college in Florida with NO air conditioning! Only the student union building had air conditioning. I spent my entire freshman year in an old barrack built for returning veterans. And it was still the segregation era which fortunately ended my second year.

WWW:  Times have certainly changed, huh? 
Golden Gator:  Most certainly. From a football perspective, 1959 was the end of the Bob Woodruff era and the beginning of the Ray Graves era. Graves was the first modern coach to teach the Gators that winning was not only okay BUT expected. He was helped, of course, by having a kid named Steve Spurrier as his quarterback during his tenture (editor's note: Spurrier was born and raised in East Tennessee but spurned Knoxville since they were still running the single wing).

WWW:  So what's the ride been like these past fifty years? 
Golden Gator:  It's been a bumpy ride with lots of potholes. We came to know just how great it was to be a Gator during the Spurrier coaching era. He not only made us champions, he made Gator football fun! But we also had to endure Ron Zook and other mediocre periods. Even though Urban Meyer enjoyed success, he got it at a cost (think Aaron Hernandez). He damn near killed the program before running away.

WWW:  Any specific great memories from a Florida game or season? 
Golden Gator:  The highlight of my Gator fandom was being at the national championship game in the Sugar Bowl in 1996.  Danny Woerffel lead the Gators over FSU.

WWW:  You’ve seen your share of Florida coaches – good and bad – at the Swamp. Any favorites? 
Golden Gator: Steve Spurrier is by far the best coach the Gators have ever had. Highly innovative, a very fun approach to the game, all while running a clean program. All Gators are proud of what he accomplished.

WWW:  Can Will Muschamp survive the 2014 season?   If not, who would you like to see come to Gainesville?

Head gonna roll?

Golden Gator:  Muschamp is done. He falls short on many key dimensions; bad judge of talent (think Driscoll); can't motivate the team to play to their potential; hires poorly( think Charlie Weiss). He should never have been given the job. He will be moving on.  I'd love to see Charlie Strong come back. And given Texas's horrible year, it could happen. Obviously Dan Mullen would be a great choice. No way Mississippi State will let him get away. Spurrier will not and should not come back. As Thomas Wolfe said, you can never go home again. 
WWW:  The SEC East is down this year. When do you think it returns to prominence? 
Golden Gator: The East is two years, maybe three, from returning to dominance. Tennessee needs more time with its new coach. The Gators need three years at least. S.Carolina will remain good, never great. They just can't get top players into S. Carolina. Georgia under their current regime will be top 20, never top 4. 

WWW:  You and your wife are both Florida alumni. But your son is a UGA grad. Any friction? Friendly wager?
Golden Gator:  No friction. My son is smart enough to not rub in the recent Bulldawg dominance. He knows the pendulum always swings back. And, yes, we always have a wager...a bottle of our favorite booze each year.

GOLDEN GATOR'S TAKE ON THE GAME....

First, I have to say, what a helluva fun game this has always been! Both teams gear up more for this game than any other ... Well FSU gets our attention too. But in Jacksonville, every one juices up, even the coaches..hell, the anal Richt has even been know to pull surprises.

And don't believe the rumors about this years game...the Gators will show up! They tried to substitute The Gainesville High School team but they said pretending to be this years Gator team would ruin any hopes for scholarships.

So the Gators will play nice. With UGA suspending sales of autographed jerseys, the Gator alums will have a booth with all the bull puppy players autographed jerseys. Of course, no money has changed hands...wink wink.

So, who's going to win?

Regardless of which team wins on the field, the Gators can't lose! If we win the game, we can hold our heads up again...but if we lose the game, it's bye-bye Coach Boom and hello Coach Busted. Everyone knows Muschamp has only a thin thread holding him up. The long term Gator in me will give up the win in Jacksonville if it means a coaching change. It's time to move on. Let Muschamp go to a small school and figure out what being a head coach means. I'll chip in for the flight out of town! Not only are we looking the worst I've ever seen the Gators look, we're also getting clobbered in the recruiting wars. Commitments are being cancelled; 5 star recruits are saying, "no way Florida."

With my son being a Bulldog, this is a tough decision. Obviously Georgia is the better team but strange things happen in this game. Biggest question mark is Treon Harris. Can he be the man to turn the team around? Sadly, no one man can. The problems are much deeper than the QB position.

Take the Bulldogs and give the Gators the 16 pt spread. Bulldogs will win by 24 (choking up as I say this).

Be sure to check back for an exclusive featurette by a lady WWW follower, Gurley Girl.

            MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK.™ 

FEELING FINE IN WEEK NINE

Not too shabby, right?

We took six of eight picks on Saturday including two huge UPSET SPECIALS. Not a bad day at the office as we start to wrap up the first two-thirds of the season.

If we had to miss on games, we're okay with the outcomes. Georgia Tech surprised us by trouncing Pitt, 56-28. Of course, six turnovers played a large role in that win. And, hometown hero, LSU's Anthony Jennings, managed to to upset Ole Miss, throwing for the winning touchdown with 5:07 to left in the game.

YOUR WEEKEND REWIND....

THE GOOD
Big Brother showed the Wolverines who runs the state as Sparty won in East Lansing, 35-11. It appears that #8 Michigan State has the inside track to representing the East barring a major let down. Only one big test remains for the Spartans: #13 Ohio State on November 8

#1 Mississippi State held off stubborn Kentucky, 45-31. A much improved Wildcat team stayed within a touchdown of the mutts until late in the game when a kickoff return went for a 61 yard touchdown.

#5 Auburn survived a scare to edge South Carolina 42-35 despite Spurrier employing fourth down calls and on-side kicks. And the Gamecocks remain winless over Auburn forever. Ouch.

In our first UPSET SPECIAL, #19 Utah knocked off #20 Southern Cal. The Utes tossed a touchdown pass to burst the Trojans with just 8 ticks left on the clock.

In our second UPSET SPECIAL, the #22 Mountaineers won a big road game beating the Pokes of Oklahoma State. Now the 'Neers, picked to be at the bottom of the Big 12, may, in fact, end up with a shot at the conference title.

It wasn't pretty, but #13 Ohio State clipped the Nittany Lions in a 2 overtime bonanza in Happy Valley. After blowing a 17 point lead, the Buckeyes rebounded in overtime to slip out of Beaver Stadium with a win, albeit an ugly one.

THE BAD
Remember the Greek myth of Icarus who flew so close to the sun that his wax wings melted and he plummeted back to earth? Sorta reminds of us what might be at hand in Oxford as Mississippi got nipped in Baton Rouge by the Tigers with a late winning drive that the Rebels could not answer. But the Rebs might be able to regain its altitude with two big games remaining: Auburn this Saturday and Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl. A lot more ball to come.

THE UGLY
Georgia Tech is fast becoming our 'Nebraska' from last season. You pick em to win, they lose. You pick em to lose, they win. And that's exactly what happened at Pitt as the Swarm leveraged six turnovers into points.  In fact, the Jackets have scored 87 points off of 16 turnovers this season (5.4 points per takeaway). That's second in the nation to Ole Miss.

This Thursday, the Golden Gator will share his thoughts on the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party in Jacksonville as Florida and Georgia hook up for their annual slugfest.

READY TO SHINE IN WEEK NINE

We're not ones to shy away from tough picks but we have dropped the Alabama-Tennessee game from our Week Nine picks. Although the line is 17.5 points, we're hearing that the Orange will not have Worley at QB and the drop off to the number two guy is just too great to ignore; not to mention the offensive line is a joke with linemen playing out of position with one (Gilliam) playing with a torn ACL. Tennessee's defense is much improved and Alabama has struggled with scoring on the road. We would pick Alabama, but that's a no brainer, and our mission is to serve up more intriguing match ups. This will be an ugly blowout and Kiffin thumbs his nose one more time to the Vol faithful (note: love him or hate him, he's a very good coach and might still be at Tennessee if his 'dream job' at USC had not presented itself. I'd hire him back in a heart beat).

YOUR GREAT EIGHT™ WINNING PICKS...

Michigan @ #8 Michigan State...the table has turned in Michigan and now Sparty is the Big Brother and he's ready to chomp down on some Wolverine filet. More than likely this will be Brady Hoke's last visit to East Lansing as the exit ramp for this under performing coach is in its final stages of construction. Look for Spartans' Connor Cook and Tony Lippett to provide the fireworks. Big Brother Sparty rules again and keep the Paul Bunyan Trophy.

#3 Ole Miss @ #24 LSU...if this game were being played in Oxford or even in the daylight, we'd feel pretty confident with the Rebels. But this game is in the Red Stick and it's a night time kickoff in Death Valley. Sounds intimidating. But Tiger QB Ant Jennings has struggled this season and it doesn't get any easier with the Ole Miss defense that brings the lumber. By shutting down the pass game, the Rebs make Cam Cameron's game plan one dimensional, and that's ain't good...if you're a Bengal Tiger fan. Take Mister Freeze and his Black Rebel Bears.

#1 Mississippi State @ Kentucky....the Wildcats are showing signs of life in Lexington with new head coach Mark Stoops, but the Bulldogs are flying way too high for the Blue to trip up. The Cats give up tonnage in rushing yards and the Cowbells bring in the SEC's top offense (#2 rushing at 264 yards per game). The only way the Cats have a chance is to contain Dak Prescott. Ain't gonna happen. Take Mullen's Mutts over the kitty kats.

#20 Southern Cal @ #19 Utah...the Trojans sit atop the Pac 12 South so they are looking to survive and move on. But here's some key facts to ponder. The Utes have the second best rush defense in teh conference at 114 yards per game and have surrendered only three rushing TDs all season and limit teams to only 2.8 yards per carry (6th nationally). On defense, Utah's 33 sacks lead the nation and has picked off seven passes in the last four games. Impressive. Although USC has beaten Utah since it joined the conference, we're feeling the Utes in this win. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Utes pop the Trojans.

South Carolina @ #5 Auburn...South Carolina has NEVER beaten Auburn since they first played in 1933 (they did not play each other again until 1996; Auburn is 7-0 since then). The Tigers are heavy favorites but this game could be a close game especially if Auburn gets off to another slow start. And Spurrier is brilliant at cooking up surprises. But the Tiggers are playing well and they're hungry to move up in the polls. Tigers cook the Cocks.

Georgia Tech @ Pittsburgh...the Jackets have dropped two conference games they should have won...costing us some serious green. Which makes us mad and we hope they are too. Last week, the Bees were drilled for 390 passing yards by UNC but this week Pitt will pound the ball. The Jackets are 95th in run defense. We've said this before and we'll say it again: if Tech executes the option and protects the ball, the Jackets win. Sorry Tech. Take Pitt as the Panthers bite the Engineers.

#13 Ohio State @ Penn State...new coach James Franklin has a whole lotta work to do in Happy Valley to get the Nittany Lions back to the upper tier of college football. Since losing to Va Tech, the Buckeyes have steamrolled thru four games averaging over 50 points in each win. They now average over 46 points per game (4th in the nation). Darn good job since losing starting quarterback Braxton Miller. Take Urban's Buckeyes in a blowout.

West Virginia @ Oklahoma State...this is one of the more compelling matchups as the Mountaineers head to flat country to take on the Cowpokes in Stillwater. West Virginia plays a very physical defense which complements the firepower of Clint Trickett and his band of playmakers. Look for more fire alarms in Morganton. In another UPSET SPECIAL, take the 'Neers over the Cowpokes.

Let's check in later to count our winnings.  See you then.

MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™

KENNY CLYDE AND HIS TIDE TAKE.

Warm welcome to bammers

Kenny Clyde and I go way back to the days when both of us arrived in Atlanta looking to make our mark in the ad agency business. Since those early days, we've logged many miles in our annual Third Saturday in October pilgrimages to either Knoxville or Birmingham. We typically headed out on Friday morning so we could get in 18 before hitting the bars. Depending on game time, we'd squeeze in another 18. Sunday morning before heading back to ATL, we'd get in yet another 18, weather, wives, and moods permitting. So this game has a special meaning to both of us.

Meet Kenny Clyde

Kenny Clyde's cousin, Danny Rae Clyde

Kenny Clyde hails from Birmingham where he grew up in the shadows of Legion Field where most Saturdays you could find him selling Cokes and old lottery tickets in the stands of that hallowed place. I've met his kin including all 49 cousins: Jim Bob Clyde, Forest Joe Clyde, Billy Joe Clyde, Cooter Clyde, Danny Rae Clyde, Leon Clyde...you get the picture; all very nice and all very Crimson Tide. Denzil and Ann, Kenny Clyde's folks, welcomed me into their home. Super folks and super Bear Bryant devotees. They insisted I wear my orange jump suit.

For a fair and balanced look at tomorrow's game in Rocky Top, we've invited Kenny Clyde to share his thoughts on the 2014 Third Saturday in October (editor's note: not really the third Saturday).

Please Welcome Kenny Clyde...in his words...
Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, I had three certainties in my life.  I loved Jesus, Alabama football, and hated the Tennessee Vols.

Tide Pride with Cooter Clyde

That faded pumpkin orange is unique.  Uniquely bad.

When I grew up and moved to Atlanta, wouldn't you know that among the first people I meet is Mark Woolard.  A Marylander who lost a bet and thus went to school in Knoxville (editor's note: Mark was recruited to UT).  Even worse, he graduated from there (editor's note: with honors).  Even more worse, he remained a fan of the Big Sucking Orange.

Between 1981 and 1996 or so, we went home and home.  Knoxville to stay with his fantastic in-laws, and to Birmingham to stay with my parents.  Mark's wife is similarly addicted to orange, put despite that, we allowed them into our home, treated them like family and, just like the little boy who befriended a snake, we got bit.

Y'see, from 86 to 95, Bama had their way with the Oranginas.  Win, win, win, etc.  (Ok, there was one tie, but Bama didn't LOSE!)  And Mark and Debbie were festering little boils, just waiting to explode (editor's note: true).

Finally on Oct. 14, 1995, the unthinkable happened.  The Vol-weevils defeated the Tide, in Legion Field, 41-14 (editor's note: Peyton Manning sliced and diced the Tide secondary. Schweet).

Being the good sports we are, me and my wife and my parents congratulated Mark and Debbie and reckoned that they were due a win after all those years of hearing "we just beat the hell out of you".  Like true fans, we celebrated the wins, and were graceful with the losses (editor's note: puhlease).

Not Mark. That snake.

Sunday morning dawned bright and early.  Dad made a big country breakfast for everyone.  Mark couldn't wait to read The Birmingham News just to make certain it hadn't been a dream. It was a peaceful, non-eventful morning.  Finally, the four Atlantans packed up and waving goodby to Mom and Dad, hit the road.

Then it happened.  About three days later my Dad called.  Seemed he had gone to the liqour cabinet to pour himself a little cold remedy and there, attached to all the bottles, were orange sticky notes reading "41-14." Over the next week or five, they found notes everywhere!  In shoes, in closets, on cans of beans, on the workbench, in the laundry room.  He hadn't missed a spot.

I asked Mark how many hours of sleep he missed vandalizing my parents' home.  His response?  "Not as many as over the past few Third Saturdays in October."

Funny thing, no notes have appeared in awhile ("like six million babies have been born" awhile).

And I don't think Sattidee will ruin this streak. I like Butch, but Bama beats Dooley's seniors 33-10.

Look for your GREAT EIGHT™ WINNING PICKS SOMETIME LATER TODAY (we'll be busy earning a living today).

MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™

RIVALRY TIME: SPARTANS v WOLVERINES.

Mister Touchdown predicts a beat down

This weekend features two of the greatest rivalries in college football. Alabama heads to Rocky Top to take on the Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. And the Michigan Wolverines invade East Lansing to tango with Sparty and Michigan State.  The winner takes home the Paul Bunyan Trophy.

Today we're delighted to have Mister Touchdown ("TD") provide us with a personal look at the rivalry. TD is a Spartan guy so there is a wee bit of bias but who cares? It's college football and it's all about passion and love for your school. And TD shares his thoughts on conference expansion and the state of the Big Ten brand.

Time for Q&A with Mister TD

WWW:  Tell us why you’re a Michigan State fan?
Mr. TD:   Besides the fact I spent thousands of dollars on my degree? Ha! I grew up in Michigan, pretty close to Ann Arbor, and was actually a Wolverine fan in my youth. But as I matured I saw the light and my blood turned "GREEN." Plus MSU is a great university with international scope. And it's only getting bigger and better...on and off the field.

WWW:   So growing up in Michigan, I'm guessing there's a connection to the car biz.
Mr. TD:  You bet. My dad was a career General Motors guy, and I started my career at Ford. I was responsible for recruiting University of Michigan freshman to be our test crash dummies.
 
WWW:   Whoa, that's cold.
 Mr. TD:  You won't find a whole lotta love for the Wolverines here.
  
WWW:   What was your first MSU game experience?
Mr. TD:  I think it was 1986. Michigan State at the ‘Big House’ in Ann Arbor and the Wolverines kicked our butts, 27-6! 
 
WWW: Any favorite memories?   

Mr. TD:  Greatest football memories are any season MSU beats both Michigan and Ohio State. Also meeting Coach Nick Saban (yes, he was at MSU before heading to LSU back in the day). I really believe Coach Mark Dantonio can out coach him!

Mister TD and family with Coach Izzo

I also have some great basketball memories like the 2000 NCAA Championship with my wife Amy in Indianapolis and seeing the Spartans led by Mateen Cleaves beat the Florida Gators. Also having my son Tyler at MSU Summer Basketball Camps with Coach Tom Izzo.

WWW:  We’ve heard about how cold the games in East Lansing can be. How does one deal with that?
Mr. TD:  Football weather in East Lansing changes quickly from sunny cool in early September to brutally ‘cut-to-the-bone windy wet wintery cold’, so yes, fans often have a choice of hot cider, hot coffee, hot chocolate, or other ‘higher-proof’ choices that basically raise the temp in one’s circulatory system!

WWW:  We’ve heard about how great tailgating is in the South.  What about in East Lansing?
Mr. TD:  It starts with wearing your Green and White!  The more, the better.  In terms of eats, BBQ is king in the South and I love it but in East Lansing we tend to focus on heartier protein choices...lots of beef followed by pork & chicken. Many Spartans prefer ‘grilled Wolverine’ which tastes a whole lot like GO BLUE CHICKEN, and scores of MSU tailgaters just skip the grill for choice beverages!

WWW:  Do you think the Spartans have a shot at the new college playoff format? 

Mr. TD:  It’s unfortunate the Big Ten is down somewhat for the initial college playoff format…while I do think transitioning to the playoff format is a positive direction (8 teams would be better) there’s still too much subjective bias (hello SEC & Golden Domers!). My sense is it will come down to a few votes!

WWW:  How do you feel about Big Ten expansion that has taken place in the last few years?
 Mr. TD:  Short-term I think it's weakened the 'Big 10' brand and this year is the perfect example with some weaker football programs joining the conference.  Some of the traditional Big 10 rivalries have been impacted by creating two divisions as well.  Long-term my hope is that the new teams will get stronger, new rivalries will develop, and someone will get creative enough to come up with a new name and effective way to brand the conference because in my opinion 'Big 10 Conference' doesn't cut it anymore! 
 

WWW:  To outsiders, we get the sense that MSU is perceived as University of Michigan’s little brother.  Talk to us about that.

Mr. TD:  There has been a definite power shift in Michigan and now ‘Little Brother has become Big Brother!’ The last time Michigan endured such a slump in the Michigan State rivalry was an 18-game span from 1950 through 1967.  During that great Spartan era Michigan State dominated the series going 13-3-2 and now winning 5 out of the last 6…IT’S TIME FOR SPARTY DOMINATION!!!!!! 

WWW:  Wow.  You're mighty proud of your Spartans. That was six exclamation points.

Mr. TD:  It's hard to be humble when you're the best!  Go SPARTANS!!!!!!

And now, Mister TD's outlook for the game...

Mister TD's  TAKE ON MICHIGAN ST vs MICHIGAN

MSU Spartans have grown up – No more ‘Little Brother’ to Michigan!

Sparty is the Big Bro now

I’m Mister Touchdown ("TD" for short) and I grew up in Adrian, Michigan.  Fifteen years ago I decided to move my family to the sunny South but my parents and siblings are all still resident ‘Michiganders.’

This is the time of year when the beautiful Michigan autumn colors are falling to the ground and the air is especially crisp; ideal football weather and the annual MSU vs. Michigan rivalry game!

Besides the fact that MSU arguably has not only the best mascot in Michigan but in all college football it’s safe to say the Spartans have grown up (See our SPARTY mascot’s muscles!!!) and no more ‘Little Brother’ to Michigan.

When it comes to MSU sports these certainly are ‘Funner Times’ & ‘Greener Pastures’ for Spartan fans everywhere.   Back in the 90s I used to work in Ann Arbor (5 minutes from the Michigan Big House).  Times have not always been so good as I remember a stretch of seasons extending from mid-1990s for 12 seasons when Michigan won 10 games against MSU (OUCH!!!). But with Coach Mark Dantonio's solid foundation of leadership at Michigan State I see a trend of success that should position the Spartans well for the new NCAA football playoff format.  Coach Dantonio has brought back the tradition of Michigan State football…good times like those of the Biggie Munn days, the days of Duffy Daugherty and Coach George Perles. Those were the great days which included six national championships in the 50s and 60s and as long as that Spartan tradition continues the program is in good hands for years to come. 

When Michigan comes to East Lansing on Saturday MSU is a 17-point favorite but these days the discussion goes deeper than just beating up the Wolverines!  Michigan State has not only taken over the in-state rivalry with Michigan, winning five of the last six, but the Spartans have become a consistent top Big Ten team and part of the national playoff discussion.  There has been a power shift in Michigan and now ‘Little Brother has become Big Brother!’  The last time Michigan endured such a slump in the Michigan State rivalry was an 18-game span from 1950 through 1967.  During that great Spartan era Michigan State dominated the series going 13-3-2.

East Lansing is a frequent home to Paul Bunyan

Coach Dantonio has done a fantastic job at Michigan State and has established a foundation for ongoing success on and off the gridiron. He's carried the 2014 Rose Bowl win over Stanford University into this season and capitalized with great high school recruiting.  I am obviously a big fan of Coach Dantonio and what he's done for the Big Ten and know MSU has now become a standard by which other teams in the conference aspire to achieve!  Michigan State has formed a cohesive team that is confident going into this weekend’s game against the Wolverines.  Michigan State led by young but well-seasoned Conner Cook has plenty of seniors who dominated and beat Michigan last year.  The Spartans put a 29-6 beat down on Michigan in Ann Arbor last year and one Wolverine is quoted as saying:  “They took it to Michigan and as a Michigan man it was sad to see. I haven't seen a game like that against Michigan State. This is really going to test the soul and the gut and the heart of the team — are you going to let what Michigan State did to you last year happen again?”

Yes, the air is crisp and blowing with the winds of college football rivalry…this weekend it’s all about state bragging rights and for the MSU Spartans taking home another Paul Bunyan Trophy!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for your GREAT EIGHT™ WINNING PICKS.

MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK.™

RISE AND SHINE FOR WEEK NINE

We have a another great Saturday fast approaching with a couple of the greatest rivalry games in college football.

We've seen some great games through the years

The Tennessee-Alabama game has always been played on the Third Saturday In October until some bean counter at SEC HQ decided to mess with the schedules. Regardless of the W-L records, the game between the Big Orange and the Crimson Tide has always been a good one, and in several instances, decided by just a few points, typically coming late in the game. I've witnessed quite a few of these games first hand and have experienced both the highs and the lows as a Vol fan; usually more lows than highs, but who's counting. While Bama is heavily favored this Saturday, stranger things have happened in a night game at Neyland on the banks of the Tennessee River.

Michigan-Michigan State is another classic that features two bitter in-state rivals, and this Saturday the Spartans look to continue their hot hand as they move closer to a conference title and an invite to the new playoff format. On Thursday long time Sparty fan, Mister Touchdown (TD), will be sharing his thoughts on the big game so be sure to check back for his featurette.

YOUR WEEKEND REWIND™....

Solid 8 week performance

It was another 5-3 Saturday and given the craziness of late, we'll take that, especially with our UPSET SPECIAL of Arizona State knocking off stubborn Stanford.


THE GOOD
#2 Florida State held on to win over #7 Notre Dame and, whether you like him or not, Jameis Winston showed us why he is one of the best playmakers in college football.  Now if he would only grow up.

#16 Nebraska was too much for the Northwestern Wildcats as they won 38-17 in Evanston. Ameer Abdullah had four rushing touchdowns. Interesting stretch of games coming up (Wisconsin, Minnesota) for the Huskers as they inch closer to the conference championship game.

#25 UCLA rallied late to beat their little sister, Cal, 36-34. It was the first time in eight visits that the Bruins have won in Berkeley.

#14 Arizona State upset favored Stanford 26-10 in Tempe. The Sun Devils dominated both sides of the ball as they scored the most points against the country's top-rated defense.

What the heck is happening in College Station?  Did the team forget to show up for the Alabama game? The #4 Crimson Tide rolled big time, 59-0. We're hoping they'll be too tired when they roll into KnoxVegas Saturday night in Weenie Kiffin's first return to Rocky Top.

THE BAD
We missed out on the Tennessee game as the Vols lost 34-3 in Oxford. We were hoping that UT could keep the game close and we'd win on the under. Our strategy looked like it might payoff at halftime but then the wheels came off Butch's little orange wagon as #3 Ole Miss unleashed its Rebel hounds.

Nick Chubb continued to impress as #9 Georgia beat Arkansas, 45-32. With Todd Gurley returning, does Pastor Richt have a tailback controversy?  A full stable of running backs bodes well for the Dawg's final push toward the Dome.

THE UGLY
As feared, Georgia Tech is beginning their mid-season swoon as they drop another ACC contest to struggling North Carolina.  If this trend continues, the heat on Paul Johnson's rumpus will jump another ten degrees. The winds of change are starting to howl at the Flats.

Be sure to check in tomorrow for Mister Touchdown's insight into the Michigan-Michigan State game.

MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™

THE GREAT EIGHT FOR WEEK EIGHT

We're getting our picks out before lunch today because if the weather forecast in your town is as delicious as the one here in the ATL, there's a good chance that you'll be telling the guy in the corner office that you have a "dentist appointment" this afternoon and must absolutely leave early.  Not that you would ever do that, right?

Anyway, it's hard to believe we're at the half way point of the 2014 season. Seems just like yesterday that we were itching for the season to finally start.

What's even harder to believe are the recent shake ups that now have two Mississippi schools sitting in the #1 and #3 AP spots. Who woulda figured?  Not us. We're good but not that good.

We have another great slate of games this weekend. And just like the last two weeks, a few of these games have conference and playoff ramifications. And, for good measure, we've thrown in a couple of UPSET SPECIALS. So let's get right to it and Make Mo' Money.

YOUR GREAT EIGHT™ WINNING PICKS...

 #5 Notre Dame @ #2 Florida State...two top unbeaten teams go at it Saturday night in Tally-Town. This would be a huge win for Brian Kelly if his Irish can beat the Noles, who have to be somewhat distracted with all of the off-the-field issues with their thug, Jameis Winston (we are assuming he's still eligible and will play...you neva know). It may come down to ball security and field position, so ponder this: Notre Dame QB Everette Golson has nine (yes, nine) turnovers in the last four games.  He can beat you with his feet and he can beat you with his arm...but he can't do either if he has a case of the oopsies on Saturday. The Seminoles are heavy favorites (12+) and we think they'll send the little Leprechauns back to South Bend with a loss. Take the Noles.
  

Golden Bears fall flat in Berkeley

UCLA @ Cal....the Bruins have dropped two straight games after getting off to a hot start for the second year in a row. With recent lapses in defense, UCLA's offense has also struggled with an o-line that can't seem to protect QB Brett Hundley. The Golden Bears have a lot of offensive firepower led by Jared Goff but the Cal defense is not up to snuff to control the boys from Westwood. Take Mora's Bruins over the Golden Bears.

#19 Nebraska @ Northwestern...as you read this, thousands of hungry Huskers are weaving their way to the Windy City and the Northside. The Bug Eaters travel well and they're looking for a win over the Wildcats on Saturday. But not so fast, my friends. Each of the last three games between these schools have been decided by seven points. Strange. While Northwestern has shown a lot of defensive spark, we don't think they can slow down Husker tailback Ameer Abdullah (Muhammed to Granny Lou Holtz). And to keep the Wildcat defense guessing, Nebraska is quite capable of going over the top with QB Tommy Armstrong. In a close one, take Nebraska over the Wildcats.

Tusk resting up for the mutts

#10 Georgia @ Arkansas...the Razorbacks are a good team stuck in a great division and tomorrow they have the opportunity to show us if they can hang with an SEC East opponent. And they will have their hands full as Georgia will rely once again on back up Nick Chubb who had a mind numbing (and rib bruising) 38 carries for 143 yards in last week's 34-0 win over Mizzou; a great stand in for the still suspended, Todd Gurley. But the pups will be facing one of the biggest offensive lines in the country which will be leaning hard on them as they open holes for the #11 rushing attack that features Collins and Williams. The Hogs have lost 15 consecutive SEC games since 2012. That changes tomorrow as the Hogs UPSET the Dawgs.

#23 Stanford @ #17 Arizona State...the Cardinal offense has had a tough time of late scoring especially when they enter the red zone. They rank 119th in redzone scoring with a 67.6% conversion rate. Meanwhile its defense continues to carry the load, ranked second nationally in allowing only 238 yards and number one in points allowed, only 10 per game. That's pretty stout. But the Sun Devils score buckets of points every game (41 point average) and are ranked 7th in total offense. We think ASU's firepower will be the difference. In another UPSET SPECIAL, take Arizona State.

Could be a long day for King Nick

#21 Texas A&M @ #7 Alabama...me thinks Saban has not been a happy camper the last couple of weeks. They lost to Mississippi State and then squeaked out a 14-13 win over Arkansas last Saturday. The once hot offensive engine driven by its talented tailbacks has cooled off as well as its quarterback, Blake Sims. So, yeah, Saban is scowling. But the Aggies don't have a lot to smile about either as their qb Kenny Hill has hit hard times too, especially last week against Ole Miss. The Tide will right the ship tomorrow. Take the Tide and put a smile on Saban's mug.

Georgia Tech @ North Carolina....this is another game that Johnson's Jackets should win just like last week when they should have beaten the Dookies. Didn't turn out that way as GT seemed to beat itself with turnovers and quarterback Justin Thomas had his first really bad day. Tech has owned the Tar Heels seven seasons in a row. Key numbers to think about: GT averages 295 rushing yards per game. UNC is 96th against the run and 120th in total defense. But the Jackets will be facing the best quarterback they've faced thus far, Marquise Williams, who played lights out last week in nearly upsetting Notre Dame. He was 24-41 for 303 passing yards and rushed for a career high, 132 yards. Oh, and he caught a 23 yard pass for a TD. Hmmm. If the Bees can execute their option game and keep from shooting themselves in the foot, they'll make it eight in a row over the Heels. Take Tech over Carolina.

Tennessee @ Mississippi...after suffering disappointment after disappointment, we vowed we would not touch another Tennessee game...until we saw the 17 point spread for this one, which has actually dropped in the last couple of days. So at the risk of being teased one more time, we decided to include this game in the Great Eight. The only way for the Vols to keep this one close is to protect qb Worley, which is no easy task against the Rebel front seven. Tennessee ranks last in the SEC with 23 sacks and 48 tackles for loss allowed, and in both losses to Georgia and Florida, it was late game QB turnovers that closed the door to Vol wins. Compounding Tennessee's woes is their anemic run game which is ranked 112th behind a very inexperienced offensive line. So, on paper, UT has no chance. But this game is not being played on paper and we're guessing that Ole Miss may falter just enough to keep the Vols in the game. Take Tennessee and the points.

Let's check back next week and see how we did.
MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™