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.

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