TIME TO SHINE IN WEEK NINE

Week Eight was Great!

We had our best Saturday of the season as we hit on 7 of 8 picks, missing only on the Penn State upset of Ohio State, but so did 95% of America.

We can't complain with that showing as we picked up some serious cash. And now we sit at a season high of 64% overall in our season to date. Pretty pretty pretty nice.

So let's keep it going in Week Nine.

The GREAT EIGHT™ for Week Nine....

#2 Michigan @ Michigan State...to say there's animosity between these two schools is a gross understatement. Harbaugh is one of the most hated guys around especially with Spartan fans as the undefeated Wolverines travel to East Lansing. The spread is 23.5 and is mighty tempting, but we think Michigan will cover especially since they have held four straight opponents to 10 points or fewer and Sparty is struggling to get things going. Sad Saturday for Sparty as the Wolverines win.

#10 West Virginia @ Oklahoma State...the Cowboys rack up 41+ points per game (14th best in USA) while the Mountaineers defense ranks 15th allowing just 17.8 points per game and are off to their best start in ten years. This should be a tight one right up to the final gun. West Virginia wins on the road.

#14 Florida vs Georgia...it's the annual World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party in Jacksonville where the Bull Pups desperately need to find a way to beat the Gators. Both teams were off last week so they've had plenty of time to heal and to figure out winning game plans. Consistency has been lacking with Georgia with their primo backfield ranked 12th in the SEC. The Gator secondary will give qb Eason headaches all afternoon. Gators gobble the mutts.

#7 Nebraska @ #11 Wisconsin...here come the Huskers, the most perplexing team for us to figure out and project correctly. The Bug Eaters are undefeated (best start in15 seasons!) as they travel to Madison to tango with the Brat Eaters.  Wisconsin is facing its fifth top ten opponent of the season so they are battle hardened and ready to take on Nebraska that has found ways to win late. This game will be a Saturday evening dandy. With fingers crossed, put your green on the Badger team.

#18 Tennessee @ South Carolina...the Vols have had a week off to heal and start their final push to an SEC East crown after finishing one of the toughest four game stretches in the country (Florida, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Alabama). The key for the Vols is to start fast and not look back. The Cocks have struggled but may have finally found a qb in Jake Bentley. Look for another close game for the Big Orange, but they will prevail. Vols win in Columbia.

#3 Clemson @ #12 Florida State...the storyline for this game is Clemson's qb Deshaun Watson versus FSU's rb Dalvin Cook, who ranks 9th in the nation in rushing yards. Clemson averages 305 yards passing per game (18th in the nation) but the Tiger defense has often carried the day for Clemson. Tigers are ranked in the top ten in total defense, scoring defense, and passing defense. Overlay that with an average of 9 tackles for loss per game, and you have the makings of a Clemson win. Take the Tigers over the Noles.

#15 Auburn @ Ole Miss...the Tigers are hoping to keep things rolling after they demolished Arkansas 56-3. Meanwhile the struggling 3-4 Rebels are giving up over 31 points per game and has Mister Freeze scratching his ice cubes. Auburn has never been intimidated playing in Oxford (they are 10-3 at Ole Miss), and they won't be Saturday night. War Damn Eagle. Auburn beats the Black Rebel Bears.

#4 Washington @ #17 Utah...this is a huge Pac-12 showdown as the undefeated Huskies visit the 7-1 Utes. If Utah wants to win, they must slow Washington down in the first half as the Huskies have outscored opponents 200-24 in the first half. That doesn't make for an easy second half. Sophomore qb Jake Browning has quietly entered the Heisman race due to his stellar play...26 touchdown passes and only 2 interceptions. He'll add to this impressive stats Saturday afternoon. Take the Huskies in this one.

Let's check back next week to see how we fared.

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™

MAKE IT GREAT IN WEEK EIGHT

We just missed racking up big numbers last Saturday but we're not complaining.

We hit on two UPSET SPECIALS with the Razorbacks dumping Ole Miss 34-30, and Colorado State keeping it super close in their 28-23 loss to Boise State, thus beating the spread.

We missed by a hair our Badger pick as Ohio State came back to beat Wisconsin late, while Alabama, Clemson, and Houston took care of business.

So, for the season thus far, we are sitting at 61% in the win-loss column as we enter Week Eight of College Football. Not too shabby at all.



SIDELINES...What we learned in Week Seven

• Get real Big 12...after making at least a dozen schools jump through hoops to prove their worthiness of joining the not so Big 12, the conference decided to end its charade of expansion when  it was decided no one was worthy of joining their elite (not) conference. With only ten teams, the Big 12 is going to have a difficult time negotiating big time television contracts next spring since they the lack the large media markets they were seeking.

• Hot Dawg...he's only been on the job a few weeks and already new Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is catching some heat after his lil doggies were beat silly by Vanderbilt. That's right, Vanderbilt. And to think that we all (me included) considered UGA to be a force in the SEC East given the strength of their running backs, Chubb and Michel.

• The Bama burn...in pulverizing Tennessee 49-10 last weekend, we once again witnessed how loaded Alabama is with talent. Unlike most teams, the Tide doesn't miss a beat when they lose a starter since they always have another Five Star ready to fill the void. Recruiting to Tuska-loser is on auto-pilot these days, and kudos to Saban for keeping the egos in check of all of the five stars.

• Cornhusker Comeback...six of Nebraska's seven losses in 2015 were in games decided by 8 points or fewer, punctuated by its 55-45 loss to Purdue, the only conference win for the Boilermakers. But since that defeat the Bug Eaters have won 9 of 10, including all six of its contests this season. We have been pretty critical of Nebraska the last few seasons but applaud what they are quietly putting together in Lincoln. It's nice to see this proud program return to the mix.

The GREAT EIGHT™ for Week Eight...

#6 Texas A&M @#1 Alabama...both teams are undefeated and the outcome of this game impacts SEC West crown. The Aggies lead the SEC in total offense (532 yards per game) and rushing offense (274) and will be looking to bust through a Bama defense that yields only 69 yards per game. Mama's freshman qb Jalen Hurts has been playing lights out, which could make for a long afternoon for the Aggies. The spred on this is mighty mighty tasty (Bama by 18.5) but we think the Tide will cover. Put your bucks on Bama. We are.

#10 Wisconsin @ Iowa...The Badgers lost a heart breaker last week versus the Buckeyes. Their other loss was a 14-7 Michigan win. Despite losing to Ohio State, the Badgers rolled up 236 rushing yards while qb Hornibeck had a career high 214 yards passing. This will be a tight game but we think the Brats Gang will prevail. Take the Badgers over the Hawkeyes.

#17 Arkansas @ #21 Auburn...the Hogs are still high from defeating Ole Miss behind the running of Rawleigh Williams who racked up 180 yards. Meanwhile Auburn's young offense is starting to find traction led by qb Sean White. Their defense has held six of its last seven opponents to under 20 points per game. This should be an entertaining game. War Damn Eagle...Auburns beat Arky.

#23 Ole Miss @ #25 LSU...a struggling Ole Miss visits Baton Rouge where they take on a charged up Tiger offense which gets Leonard Fournette back from an ankle injury. Rebel qb Chad Kelly looked bad last week, completing only 46% of his passes. LSU has won 18 straight October home games (how's that for a little gem). They make in 19 tomorrow night. Tigers claw the Black Rebel Bears.

NC State @ #7 Louisville...Lamar 'Action' Jackson and his high flying Card offense host the Wolfpack at high noon. Jackson leads the nation in TDs scored (15) as well as points (90).  The key could be the run game. The Wolfpack leads the ACC in rushing defense (95 yards per game) while Louisville is ranked 3rd in the country with 305 yards rushing per game. Somethings gotta give. Cardinals fly high over NC State.

Oregon State @ #5 Washington...the Huskies are favored by 36.5 points over the Beavers which makes this match up very very interesting. The Beavers stunned Cal last week 47-44, and taking Utah to the wire before losing 19-14. But they come into this game without their top two quarterbacks as well as their top two running backs. Ouch. So...we'll bet that Washington beats the Beavers.

#2 Ohio State @ Penn State...road game? No problem for the Buckeyes who have won 20 straight roads games - a school record. In addition to its great offense led by JT Barrett, Ohio State yields only 12.8 points per game and has given up only one rushing TD all season. That's pretty stout. Put your bucks on the Buckeyes. Ohio State rolls.

TCU @ #12 West Virginia...the undefeated Mountaineers have been the biggest surprise in the Big 12 and are starting to gain national attention, especially after last week's 48-17 drilling of Texas Tech. They face big arm qb Kenny Hill who has passed for over 2100 yards but leads the Big 12 with 8 INTs.  We like the 'Neers in this one. West Virginia hops over the Horned Frogs.

Let's check in next week to see how we did. Good luck tomorrow.

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™

LUCKY SEVEN MEANS WINNING

We turn the corner as we enter Week Seven of college football. Teams and rankings are starting to jell as we begin to separate the pretenders from the performers.

And there's still plenty of time to Make Mo' Money™.

We have a great slate of games coming up including #1 Alabama visiting Rocky Top to take on #9 Tennessee. For Tennessee, it's the fourth consecutive game in a killer stretch preceded by Florida, Georgia, and Texas A&M. The Vols will not find any relief when they play a loaded Bama team that has the momentum of a crimson-clad locomotive.

To kick off this weekend, we have a very special treat...a late night phone call from the much alive Bear Bryant to Tennessee head coach Butch Jones.

The Third Saturday in October...a word from the late, great Bear Bryant

Kenny Clyde leaks phone transcript

Since 1928, Tennessee and Alabama have played on the Third Saturday of October. It's been a series of streaks, chocked full of tight games along with a few blowouts. Despite records and rankings, this game is a true classic showdown.

With the gracious aid of Kenny Clyde (former NSA operative, Birmingham office) we have received a transcript of a recent late night phone call that highlights the intensity and importance of this fall classic.

Collect Call from the Bear...

Hello Butch?

Yes.

How ya sleeping this week, son?

I sleep fine. Who is this?

This is Bear Bryant.

Yeah right. Pretty good impression there, but Bear Bryant is dead.

Late night call from the Bear

No son, I ain't. You obviously haven't traveled in Alabama lately. And let me tell you something son. If you're sleeping good this week of the Bama game, maybe you should be back in Cincinnati.

What do you mean?

You only get so many chances against the Tide, son. And most of those pumpkin orange checkered overall-wearing fans of yours think this is the biggest game of the year. If you ain't keyed up for this one, son, you may not be ready for the big time.

Chill, Bear! You just don't understand the modern game. My job is to set the tone for the program. I'm the CEO. I can't show pressure. It's my assistants that craft the game plan, then they install it during the week. Understand, now?

Oh really, son? Well I sure as hell understand 12 & 15 in the SEC and 0 & 3 versus Bama. You keep that up and you'll feel some pressure like a boot up your ass.

That's a cheap shot! You don't know what I inherited here, Coach. This place was a mess to clean up!

Is that right? Ever hear of Ears Whitworth, son?

No. Who's he?

He coached Alabama the three years before I came back to the Capstone.

Never heard of him.

Well, he was 4-24. You ain't gonna hear of many coaches that do that. But you see, maybe I understand plenty what you inherited, son.

Ok then. You know how tough it is to turn the ship, right? It takes time to change the culture!

How long you been in Knoxville, son?

Only four years.

Hummpf. My first year I went 7-2-2 with his boys. Then 8-1-2. Then in my third year, '61, we were the top dogs!

SEC champs?

The TOP, son. National Champions. We didn't know to call it "culture" back then, we just called it winning. SEC rings were just stepping stones to the big enchilada.

You don't scare me Bear. You won't be here. Wait till those 102,000 fans start screaming. UT is 398-94-17 at home.

Teehee. That's pretty good, son. But they're 38-46 against the Tide, boy.

No more, Bear. Neyland is our secret weapon.

Oh really? Wish I'd a known that when I beat you in '62, 27-7; a good thumping'. Ruined the "dedication" ceremony of Neyland Stadium.

I've had enough of this. Rest in Peace old man.

Was that really the Bear?

Oh, I ain't resting. I'll be there when the boys run onto the field. So will 16 National Championships. You ain't just playing a team, son. You're playing a legend.

Is that right? Well old man, they got Nicky Saban coaching now. What's your job now?

I'm bringing the cigars, son. See you Saturday afternoon. Sleep tight now.

THE GREAT EIGHT™ for Week Seven...

#1 Alabama @ #9 Tennessee...the Vols are trying to close out a brutal stretch with a win over a loaded Bama team. QB Dobbs has been a hero of late but his penchant for ill-advised throws (8 INTs) will cost him dearly when facing a stout Tide secondary and pass rush. This series is full of close games (last season Alabama won 19-14) which makes a 13 point spread mighty attractive. But we think Bama will punish the slow starting Vols. Take the Tide over Tennessee.

#12 Ole Miss @ #22 Arkansas...Chad Kelly is settling into a groove, leading the Rebels to 30+ points in nine consecutive games. But the Hogs can answer with qb Austin Allen who racked up 400 yards in last week's loss to Alabama. The Razorbacks have won 10 of the past 15 meetings with Ole Miss. They make it 11 tomorrow. Piggies squeal with glee as Arkansas beats Ole Miss.

North Carolina @ #16 Miami...the Heels are still reeling from their embarrassing 34-3 loss to Virginia Tech while Miami is smarting from its one point loss to rival Florida State on a blocked extra point. This is a game that is crucial to both teams' hopes of winning the ACC Coastal title. Cane qb Brad Kaaya threw two TDs last Saturday but also a huge interception that changed the game's direction. This series is tied 9-9. Look for the Hurricanes to take the lead. Canes win.

#2 Ohio State @ #8 Wisconsin...this should be the best match up on Saturday as two of the nation's best defenses square off. The Buckeyes are all about defense allowing just 10.8 points per game and not allowing a single rushing TD all season while forcing 12 turnovers including 10 INTs. The Badgers lead the nation in allowing just 12.2 points. The difference will be the offense. Wisconsin's qb Alex Hornbook has struggled at times while JT Barrett accounts for 86 career TDs. In an UPSET SPECIAL take the Badgers and the points (10).

North Carolina State @ #3 Clemson...the 4-1 Wolfpack has put up huge numbers including 500 or more total yards in three of five games while it has the best run defense in the ACC allowing only 91 yards per game. Meanwhile after a slow season start, Clemson seems to have found a rhythm both in the air as well as on the ground with rb Wayne Gallman. Look for qb Deshaun Watson to light it up tomorrow. Tigers claw NC State in Death Valley.

#20 West Virginia @ Texas Tech...the Mountaineers have been flying under the radar all season but that ends tomorrow as they face the high powered offense of Texas Tech in Lubbock. In Big 12 style this should be a high scoring affair. The Red Raiders have scored an average of 60+ points during its last nine home games and they average 650 yards of offense (#2 in the nation) this season. West Virginia leads the series 3-2 but that ends Saturday. In an UPSET SPECIAL Red Raiders ride rough shod over the 'Neers.

Colorado State @ #15 Boise State...we don't often track the Mountain West but this match up looked  appealing because of the 31 point spread in the Broncos' favor. That is too too tempting to ignore. The Broncos are the lone FBS school never to trail this season and should prevail over the Rams who are playing without their starting qb. Take the Rams and the points in another UPSET SPECIAL.

Tulsa @ #13 Houston...Tom Herman's Cougars were sunked by Navy 46-40 last weekend, thus ending Houston's dream of an undefeated season. But they still have plenty to play for as they host the 4-1 Tulsa Golden Hurricanes. This is another game in which both teams are quite capable of putting up large numbers. Tulsa averages 49.7 points a game while Houston averages 43.5. This one will come down to who has the hottest hand in the 4th quarter. Take the Cougars over Tulsa.

Let's check in next week and see where we stand.

MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™

MID SEASON MASHUP

What's in your wallet?

Week Six did not disappoint with exciting games and finishes.

Tennessee overcomes another 21 point deficit and falls in double overtime to the Aggies.

Florida State nips Miami, 20-19.

Oklahoma surprises Texas in the Red River Shootout, 45-40

And UNC gets embarrassed by Virginia Tech, 34-3.

We finished 4-4 and are hanging in at the 60% hit mark. Not bad given the crazy ups and downs of the season.

THE RISE AND FALL

What makes college football so exciting? It's the unpredictability. 

On any given Saturday, the little guy knocks off the big guy. A conference leader is tripped up. An undefeated team falls at home. A freshman quarterback leads his team to victory. A Hail Mary seals the deal. It makes for a high level of excitement, and a high level of heart burn.

In making our picks we look at point spreads, recent performances, key matchups, injuries, home field, weather, etc., etc. As much as we try to be logical and precise, the outcomes are sometimes decided by the unknown, and you just hope that your wins out pace your losses.

So, just for grins, let's take a quick look at our Pre-Season Top Twenty and see where we are as we turn the corner at season mid-point.

Where does your team stand?

Of our original Top 20, 8 teams have disappeared with 8 new teams popping up in the Mid Season Top 20 (AP rankings). That's a 40% turnover. 

The biggest drop outs include LSU, Notre Dame, UCLA, Michigan State, and Oregon.

The biggest new arrivals are Texas A&M, Nebraska, and Boise State.

We're not surprised to see the Badgers and 'Canes in the Mid-Season rankings since they were on the cusp back in August.

Perhaps the biggest disappointments are Oklahoma and TCU. The Horned Frogs have disappeared while the Sooners have plummeted to #19.

SIDELINES: What We Learned in Week Six...

• Tennessee's magic ended in College Station. But what a gutsy effort from an under-manned Vols team coming back (again) from a 21 point deficit to force double over time.

• Bob Stoops bought some time as his Sooners defeated the Longhorns. Conversely, frustration with Charlie Strong continues to build in Austin and the temperature on his hot seat rises.

• The rescheduling of the Georgia-South Carolina game shows that reasonable and prudent thinking actually works. The SEC along with Florida and LSU should take note and do the right thing: buy out the cupcakes and play the damn game!

FROM THE MAIL BAG...

• From Picker in Nashville..."With wins over Florida and Georgia, and an overtime loss at Texas A&M, are you going to start showing some respect to Tennessee?" (editor's note: beat Bama and I'll stop referring to Jones as 'Botch.' Promise).

• From Bones in Irondale, AL..."Another trip to KnoxPatch, another Bama win. RTR." (editor's note: this has been a crazy season for the Cardiac Kids. Wait till UT breaks out the orange shoes!).

• From Warren in Omaha..."My Huskers deserve some love. Show some!!" (editor's note: Nebraska has been a mercurial team for WWW. Pick em to win, they lose. Pick em to lose, they win).

Look for our GREAT EIGHT™ on Friday.

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™

WINNING PICKS FOR WEEK SIX

We're entering Week Six and we're right in the middle of conference play along with some compelling non-conference match ups.

Despite the interruptions brought by Hurricane Matthew, college football moves on with minor difficulties.

The Georgia-South Carolina game has moved to a Sunday kickoff and the LSU-Florida game has been postponed until the SEC mediates an acceptable game date. Both teams play cupcakes (South Alabama and Presbyterian) on November 19 so it makes sense to play on that date. But LSU doesn't want to end its season with three straight road games so it's going to come down to a mandate from the SEC offices.

Let's hope this game gets played because it may very well have SEC East ramifications. Meanwhile, the big FSU-Miami game is still on for Saturday. Nothing seems to phase the 'Canes, not even Matthew.

The Great Eight™ for Week Six...

DobbNail Boot gets a hug

#9 Tennessee @ #8 Texas A&M...the challenge for undefeated Tennessee is maintaining its Rocky Top high after two consecutive dramatic come-from-behind wins over Florida and Georgia. The Vols have started slow in every game this season, something they can't afford to have happen when they face the Aggies (also undefeated) in College Station. Texas A&M leads the SEC in offensive yardage of 521 yards per game. To compound matters for the Vols, they will again be without their two starting linebackers, Reeves-Maybin and Kirkland. They were greatly missed in defending the run at Georgia, and the Aggies average over 258 yards rushing per game. Uh oh. Also, Tennessee's Jalen Hurd will not play due to an undisclosed injury. So it could be a long afternoon on Kyle Field for the Tennessee as they once again lose their way when they travel west. Take the Aggies in a close one.

#1 Alabama @ #16 Arkansas...this could be a big time trap game for the Tide which averages 44 points per game while yielding just 13. The Razorback qb Austin Allen has been a steady performer as well as rb Rawleigh Williams. But they'll be facing one of the best defenses in the country, led by de Jonathan Allen, safety Eddie Jackson, and lb Reuben Foster. It will be close but take Arkansas and the points (14) in an UPSET SPECIAL.

#23 Florida State @ #10 Miami...the Noles are still stinging from a 2 point loss to UNC last Saturday on a final play field goal. FSU has plenty of firepower especially with qb Deondre Francois who has the ability to to make plays with both his arm and his legs. Undefeated Miami is led by Brad Kaaya and is the key to Mark Richt's offense which we're sure has been eyeing FSU's school record of giving up 177 points thru five games. Hurricanes storm the Noles. Miami wins this one.

Good doggie

#5 Washington @ Oregon...undefeated Washington is looking to snap a 12 game losing streak to the Ducks when they visit Oregon tomorrow. The Huskies are ranked 8th nationally in scoring defense allowing just 12.8 points per game and racked up 8 sacks and held Stanford's McCaffrey to just 79 yards of offense last Saturday. We think this is the year that the Huskies dine on the Ducks. Take Washington for the win.

Georgia @ South Carolina...thanks to Hurricane Matthew this game is moving from Saturday to Sunday. The leg humpers are still reeling from their gut wrenching loss to Tennessee last weekend and hope to rebound over the GameCocks. We expect Georgia to rely on its ground game to give freshman qb Eason some relief. Nick Chubbs should be back and we expect him and Sony Michel to pound the rock in what will be a very soggy Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. Take the Dawgs in this one.

From Blazing Saddles to Hot Seat

Texas @ #20 Oklahoma...a lot is riding on this game not only for both schools but also both head coaches when old rivals meet for the 111th time in the Red River rivalry at the Cotton Bowl in Texas. Both coaches are on the hot seat, especially Stoops after upset losses by Houston and Ohio State. The Longhorn defense is shaky at best after being pulverized for 96 points in back to back losses to Cal and Oklahoma State. It ain't gonna get any better for Charlie Strong as the Sooners win big in Dallas.

#25 Virginia Tech @ #17 North Carolina...Tar Heel qb Mitch Trubinsky is starting to get Heisman buzz after three straight 400+ yard passing performances. But the Hokies have a fairly potent offense led by qb Jerod Evans to go along with a stout defense. This should be a close and entertaining game. Take the Tar Heels over the Hokies.

Shell Shock a coming

Maryland @ Penn State...it's been ages since we featured the Terps in our Great Eight slate but Maryland is undefeated (4-0) and Penn State is rebounding under the direction of James Franklin. The Terps are seeking their second straight win at Beaver Stadium and its first 5-0 start since 2001. Maryland relies on the rush, averaging 300 yards per game (7th in the FBS) and 6.5 yards per carry. This could be the year that "Fear the Turtle" actually means something. Terps snap the Lions.

Let's check in next week to compare our winnings. Have a winning weekend.

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™

WHAT A SATURDAY!

WHEW!!

If you don't think this past Saturday had exciting games then we're calling the neighborhood funeral parlor to come pick up your lifeless body.

The day had a little bit of everything: last minute wins, high flying circus acts, a game with two Hail Marys, huge defensive stops, unranked beating top ranks, etc., etc. That's why college football is so exciting.

WINNING IN WEEK FIVE

Winning!

We went 6-2 this past Saturday including the last second win in Athens by the Tennessee Vols and the spanking that Oklahoma State dished out on Texas.

After missing out on the Friday night match up of Stanford-Washington, we went on a roll the next day including our UPSET SPECIAL of Clemson over Louisville. Big bucks for the big bettors.

Our Mo' Money Tracker shows that we've cracked the 60% mark and are climbing. What's that mean? It means you're now socking away some extra cash which will come in handy as we inch closer to the Christmas shopping season (I know, it's not even Halloween yet).

SIDELINES...What we learned in Week Five

The agony of defeat

• Never say die Vols...with just 20 ticks left on the clock, Georgia hits a long bomb for what appeared to be the winning touchdown. But the Vols got the final word when Dobbs with just 4 seconds left launched THE GAME WINNER to a leaping Jauan Jennings. Last season the Vols could never keep a lead and lost. This season the Vols overcome deficits to win. Go figure.

• And the best quarterback is...the Louisville-Clemson game showcased two of the most electrifying quarterbacks in America with Deshaun Watson and Lamar "Action" Jackson. Watson threw 5 touchdown passes but it was Clemson's defense that saved the night, making a big 4th down stop just shy of the goal line, and securing our UPSET SPECIAL.

• Sad day for Sparty...after losing to Wisconsin last Saturday Michigan State then loses again to Indiana. This effectively eliminates Michigan State from any chance of winning the Big Ten.

Do "U" miss me now?

• Fire Mark Richt...usually this time of year, cries for firing  good guy Mark Richt ring out across mutt-land. Well my UGA buddies, you don't have Richt to kick around anymore cause he's the head coach of Miami and doing quite well. Suggest you start practicing "Fire Kirby Smart." Just a matter of time, right?

• The Crazy Cajun at the helm...if you're a LSU fan you're probably a little more than nervous that Ed Orgeron is your interim head coach, and rightfully so. There's no question that the Louisiana native can coach but he loves to skirt the rules when it comes to running a program. Just look at the oil slick he left at Southern Cal, Tennessee, and Ole Miss. Buyer beware.

Kool Kiff to LSU??

• Kiffin to Baton Rouge...we're not ones to spread rumors - okay, maybe just a little. But reliable sources are telling us that Lane Kiffin is being seriously considered to take over as head coach at LSU. Kiffin has served admirably as Saban's cabin boy but it's only a matter of time before he returns as HC.  And what better place than LSU that continues to stockpile NFL-caliber talent. Our warnings about Orgeron apply ten fold to Kiffin. He's left a trail of tears everywhere he's been. But the boy sure can coach.

FROM THE MAIL BAG...

We're catching up on fan mail that's arrived in the last few days from WWW followers.

From West Coast Willie: "I'd like to see more games from the Pac-12 featured. We play football out here, too." (editor's note: each week we feature at least one high profile game from the west coast involving schools like Stanford, Oregon, UCLA, Southern Cal, Washington).

From Windy City Winner: "Nice bounce back in Week 3." (editor's note: we do our best).

Buffy from Boston: "Not one single Ivy League game. What's up with that?" (editor's note: patience, my friend. Harvard v Yale awaits us).

Let us know what you think. It's easy. Just use the nifty comment box below or shoot us an email. We love to to hear from you.

Look for our GREAT EIGHT™ later this week. 

MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™