Fire Mike Stoops. Seriously.

College football won't get a more entertaining game, this season, than what we saw this morning between Texas and Oklahoma. Can't say enough about it. Texas looks poised to take on Alabama in the title game. (putting shotgun in mouth, waiting to pull trigger if this is the verdict on B(C)S selection day)

Also, Arizona contrived to lose to Stanford. Again. That leaves UofA at 4-2, still two games shy of bowl eligibility. Spotting the Cats the game against Washington State, I don't like our chances. So, let's make it official at season's end, shall we? Bob's brother has had too much time as it is.

Technology is great

I am at work, watching Andy Murray v Roger Federer live on the interweb. Things could be worse. Speaking of which...

You know who are a bunch of dickbags? The New England Patriots. They had neither win covered the spread or lost outright. Where's the decency?! I blame Belichick. He's a cheater.

Arizona Wildcats football: 2-0. May have to get out to the UCLA game in a couple weeks.

From the "Oh, by the way" file...

Oh, by the way, sitting five rows off the third base line for a Dodger game on a beautiful Sunday afternoon with all the free food you can eat definitely does not suck. The Arizona Diamondbacks, now they suck.

70-0

That's awesome. Now, let's see what we can do against teams not named Idaho.

Bear down.

Duck is especially tasty on Thursday nights

HELL YEAH!
Here's why UofA dumping Oregon is awesome*:
We single handedly took the Pac Ten out of the national title race, leaving the rest of the nation to suffer a LSU v Big 12 champ national championship. Ouch! Playoffs, anyone?

*Can you tell I'm terribly bitter about college football's structure?

Cigars all around

Well done, college football. You made yesterday a very entertaining, very profitable day, indeed. Big ups to:

- Willie Tuitama and YOOO! OF! A! for building up a 20-point lead against UCLA and staving off a late Bruin rally. In a game where both head coaches are fighting for their lives, this may have spelled the end for Karl Durrell. I think his only hope of returning next season is if UCLA leave the Coliseum at season's end with a victory. As for Mike Stoops, hey, where was this kind of effort against New Mexico and Stanford? Instead of playing for pride, we could've been playing for a bowl. That being said, the role of spoiler seems to suit us and with Oregon and Arizona State remaining on the slate, you never know. It might be the Wildcats who single-handedly keep the Pac 10 out of the National Championship game.

- Clemson for routing Duke. Sixteen points was far too generous.

- Iowa for winning on the road over Northwestern. I'm sorry, but any team that loses to Duke never deserves to be favored.

- Ohio State for further exposing Wisconsin as frauds. Normally, I'd spit venom at the Buckeyes. But in this instance, job well done.

- Missouri for coasting through the simple Big XII North. No matter who emerges from this conference -- be it Mizzou, Kansas, or Oklahoma -- I have a hard time seeing any of them playing for the national title. That's thanks to the likes of Colorado, who manage to upset OU, then get pummelled by 45 at home.

- Illinois for whipping hapless Minnesota. A nice rebuilding story in Champagne with the Fighting Zooks.

All together, these teams put a smile on this man's face.

And as a bonus, ASU got brought back down to reality after Oregon toasted them. I'd give the Ducks the hat tip for #2 in the nation, right now, ahead of LSU and it's not because I'm a Pac 10 guy. LSU has pulled out last gasp victories the last three weeks. They're a hair away from riding a 4-game losing streak. Before you say, "Well, they're playing in the SEC!" Listen, the Pac 10 is no slouch. Dennis Dixon for the least important trophy in sports (you may know it as "The Heisman").

Fuck you, Shane Battier

Was I still riding the high of witnessing, in person, Arizona's brilliant comeback against the UW Huskies until last night? Yes. Yes, I was.

But then I was rudely reminded that I'm a Lakers fanatic.

At least with UofA football, expectations are tempered. As a fan of the program, I've come to expect some stumbles over the last few seasons. But last night's bitter season opener had me fuming about a few things, as the Laker standard is considerably higher.

In order:

1. Fuck Shane Battier, that fucking Dukie fuck, I just want him to jump off a bridge and end his existence. I've done my best to refrain from swearing on this blog, but seriously, fuck him. And fuck Duke, while we're at it. And nuts to the idea that the Rockets have a hope in hell of the NBA title because they now have Luis Scola (by the way, he went for 0 points in 9 minutes).

2. I feel absolutely terrible for Kobe Bryant. Just completely sympathetic. On the one hand, yes, it's his JOB to carry this team and put up 45 points a night, but the guy gets no help. None. Zip. Odom being injured probably had something to do with that, last night, but when the only other Laker in double digits is 600-year-old Derek Fisher, we have a problem. Incidentally, Andrew Bynum went off for a whopping 4 points and 4 rebounds. Who needs an upgrade? Seriously? It's not like he's playing behind Kwame Brown (4 pts in 28 minutes!!!) or anything.

3. It's going to be another gut-wrenching season in which my nerves are tested and my hair greys. Time to dig in the heels, prepare for another season of slightly above .500 ball, complete with embarrassing losses and bizarre upset victories over the likes of Dallas. Lakers are a 7-seed, this season, and it'll never change unless Kobe gets some help... Something that looks like it will never come to fruition.

Cripes, I need a distraction. Anyone know when the baseball playoffs start?

... Anyone?

Stanford stunning USC, the state of Liverpool, and the RWC

No fancy titles for you. I'm tired, bitches. But I wanted to spout off about these three things.

I was at the Coliseum to witness Stanford, 40-point underdog, stun USC
As much credit as Stanford deserves, they had no business winning that football game. And as much heat as John David Booty (cracked middle finger on his throwing hand and all) is getting for his second half, I think the defense is just as much to blame (if not more so). Throughout the entire second half, Stanford was able to convert 3rd and 4th downs (4th and 20, anyone??!?!?!?!!?) at will. You won't win when your D plays like that, no matter who you play.

I was actually really surprised and somewhat disgusted at how quickly all the "die-hard" fans in the stands, decked out in their obnoxious Trojan garb, threw this team under the bus well before the game was over. And then afterward, all I could hear was, "We suck," "We're going to lose all the rest of our games," "I hate Booty," "Pete Carroll should've gone to San Diego when he had the chance." These people are idiots. USC has a great chance, provided the Pac 10 keeps up the high level of play and Cal and Oregon keep on track, to get into the national title game if they win out. But, I guess that's spoiled bandwagoning for you. Pretty dispicable, in my opinion. And here's another reason why college football needs a playoff: my friend at the game remarked, "Well, at least they can still get the Rose Bowl." To which I replied, "Meaningless."


Liverpool's sloppy draw versus Spurs marks the quarter-way mark in the Premiership

"Sloppy and disjointed. Where's Gerrard?" This is all that was running through my head while watching Liverpool steal a draw at home against Tottenham. Several times, I wanted to vomit. Not from anxiety, mind you, but out of disgust. Still can't understand how, in the first half, we didn't score on that 3-on-1 break when Voronin opted to pass instead of shoot. Should've been 2-0 or 3-0 at halftime. El Nino bails us out and we're terribly lucky for it.

I miss Agger. This is the note the team ends on before the next international break. So, some thoughts on the season thus far...

Certainly, there are plenty of positives to draw from after the first quarter of league play. We're right in the thick of the title race and we haven't lost games that, in the past, we certainly would have (Villa, Spurs to name a couple).

On the flip side, I'm a firm believer that (no matter what sport) a team is only as good as it's last five games. The break comes at a very opportune time, but I'm a bit sad to say that I'm not sure it will bring about any changes in Rafa's team selection. There are players ON FORM who need to be starting as many matches as possible. Some people are quick to condemn anyone who criticizes Rafa's rotation policy, sometimes even going so far as to say it's a myth. But the fact is that this team, based on what we've seen during the last five or six games, doesn't have any cohesion. The players don't recognize each other on the pitch. But here's the thing (before anyone jumps down my throat for even suggesting that there's a connection between the side's disjointed play and the shifting lineups): rotation, aside from providing some rest, is theoretically meant to spark competition amongst players. Yet for most every match this season, we've seen the same select few players consistently rising to the occassion. I wonder, then, why it is that Torres, Masch, Benayoun, and even Pennant, have not been elevated to automatic first team choice as is the case with Gerrard, Carra, and Finnan? Hell, even Arbeloa -- the team's most consistent player this season -- is sometimes less preferred to Riise who hasn't impressed at all, this season.

But it could all be psychological and, in fact, I would go so far as to say that the cause for our recent struggles is the Derby County match. Let's be honest, our competition up through that point, barring Chelsea, was not of a very high quality. And so we fattened up our egos before the real tests reared their head.

All this said, I believe there are two firm quick fixes: the returns of 1) Agger and 2) Alonso. If I had to make a wishlist for the rest of the season, the first wish would be that these two returned to the lineup ASAP.

Secondly, I wouldn't worry about not having a "true" left winger and just play Benayoun in that role with some regularity. He's shown that he can perform on that end of the pitch and, frankly, he and Pennant should be first choice wingers every match. Riise has brought little to the fray, as mentioned, Babel seems to provide more spark off the bench, and Aurelio... Don't even get me started on him. I just know that someone is going to ask, "What about Harry Kewell?" Well, forget him. He hasn't been with this team for 18 months. Time to move on.

Third, and this is related to my first wish, Stevie G returns to form. Having Agger in the back instead of statuesque Sami offers a little more leeway (sp?) to the midfield, allowing Alonso/Masch to take more chances opening up the game, as well as allowing them room to settle things down.

Fourth, Masch will always be preferred to Momo and Torres will always be preferred to Crouch.

Fifth, we buy a center back during the next transfer window. We've got cover at every position except for this one and it's killing us. Granted, we've only lost once this season, but my god have we looked anywhere between subpar and bad since thrashing Derby.

My goodness, this post certainly got bigger than I had originally intended. But I guess once you start ranting, it's hard to stop. I would like to note that while my thoughts might come across with a sense of bitterness, I'm firmly behind the club and all the lads on board this ship. If I seem frustrated, it's because I'm subconsciously mirroring the team's form. We've got the talent! Now, we just have to trust ourselves (Rafa? Are you listening?) and solidify the chemistry of the team.

YNWA


Springboks are "prohibitive favorites," which means, "I'm scared"
The only time I've ever rested easy about my favorite team being the goliath in a tournament were the '00-'01 and '01-'02 Lakers. Suffice it to say, I'm not put in this position often, and South Africa being the last of the Tri-Nation teams standing in the Rugby World Cup is no different.

I have to say, I'm a bit miffed that there isn't more of an uproar about New Zealand getting the shaft on that go-ahead try by the French -- what with that blatant forward-pass and all. As much as I'd like to consider the Boks to be favorites at this stage, you cannot deny the French at home. South Africa may be the better side, but I think they have a tougher semi against the Argies than the Frogs do against England, and you have to factor in the home field advantage.

Hopefully, for my sake, there are less surprises in the semifinal round. Although if England wanted a rematch with the Boks so badly that they upset France, I'd be happy about that.

Saturday Introductions

Hi, I'm Fiji, and I just prevailed in one of the all-time Rugby Union Classics over Wales. Probably the greatest achievement in Fijian sports, I dare say, reaching the RWC quarterfinals. Why is this good for the Bokke?
From a South African viewpoint it was the perfect result, for while the Fijians play some quite spectacular rugby at times, the Springboks are not physically inferior to the Fijians, which was the Welsh Achilles heel in this match. For a start, their pack should be no match for the Boks in the set-scrums.

After making the quarterfinals for the first time in their history, Fiji will probably also feel now that they have played their final, and they did have to dig deep to prevail in the Nantes thriller. It is hard to see them get up like that again for a quarterfinal just a week later, and they lost flyhalf Nicky Little, an influential player on the day, to an injury which looks serious enough to rule him out of the remainder of the tournament.


Hi, I'm Yossi Benayoun, and I rescued my Liverpool teammates for the second match in a row. I can't say enough about how much I love the addition of Yossi to the squad and would like nothing more than to see him get more regular starts on the wing, opposite Jermaine Pennant. Even if it was Wigan, an away league win is always an accomplishment.


Hi, I'm the NHL, and I have unceremoniously returned! I feel a bit ashamed of myself, quite honestly, because I love the NHL and, yet, (along with the rest of the nation) completely missed that the season began today. Maybe it's because the season opened in London with your Los Angeles Kings spanking defending champion Anaheim 4-1! Skreee! Welcome to the fold, goalie prodigy Jonathan Bernier. I still don't expect much from the Kings, this season, but this is a promising start and I'm excited to catch a few games at Staples Center. Go hockey!


Hi, I'm the Pac 10, and I'm AWESOME! The Cal-Oregon game lived up to the hype and more. What an electric second half. The Ducks really had every chance to win this game, aided in part by the highly dubious "missed field goal" by Cal in the third quarter (A kick the went over the top of the post -- which meant it was good. But just ask Oklahoma about that officiating in Eugene, OR.), but that bumbingly muffed kick return, a couple of 4th quarter picks by Dixon, and one of the most gutting fumbles in recent memory opened the door for Cal. Desean Jackson picked on heck of a time to have a breakout game. Sadly for Dennis Dixon, his Heisman candicacy took a severe hit. Cal had better hope Longshore's ankle problem isn't too serious, but the Bears are every bit a top-4 team. USC is still the class of this conference, but they'll have to deal with both the Bears and Ducks. Phew... I'd love it if Arizona could pick up a win tonight against Washington State.


Hi, I'm the Big 12, and I'm officially irrelevant. It takes a pretender to blow a 17-point lead to Colorado. I present to you: Oklahoma. And Texas was finally exposed for the overrated frauds that they are. Terribly overhyped by the national press thanks solely to their name, Kansas State smacked the hell out of them, Vince Young on the sideline and all. The Horns are K-State's new bitch. Don't worry about watching next weekend's Red River Shootout. It doesn't matter. Don't set the alarm, sleep in, catch the final score in the following morning's paper.


Hi, I'm South Florida, and you may as well give me the Big East title right the hell now. Beating West Virginia and seeing Rutgers proudly display their "pretender" logo by flopping against Maryland, there's no way the Bulls can blow this? Is there?


Hi, I'm Wisconsin, and I'm inspiring nobody. Even with the tight win over an unbeaten Michigan State, Wisconsin isn't looking too impressive. Isn't it funny to think that the only team that looks to have a shot at rattling Ohio State's tree in the Big Ten, this year, is a janky Michigan team? But wait... Here come the Ilini!


Hi, I'm the National League East, and I'm ridiculous! Pretty insane that the Washington Nationals and Florida Marlins are going to decide this division and a bit of a shame that the Mets and Phillies weren't scheduled to play each other during the final weekend of the season. Even though the Mets have imploded over the last two weeks of the season, Philadelphia fans must have that awful feeling in the pits of their stomachs -- a feeling they're all too familiar with. 162 games and it comes down to the final day? Yeesh.

I loves me some good press conference meltdowns

Yes, sir, nothing beats a coach going ballistic, ranting at the media gathered at a press conference. Jim Mora ("Playoffs?!"), Dennis Green ("They were who we thought they were!"), Rick Pitino ("Larry Bird isn't walking through that door! Kevin McHale isn't walking through that door!"), Bobby Knight (pick one), Herm Edwards ("You play to win the game!")... these are some of the legends of the genre. Coaches who raised their intensity a notch or twelve when the pressure came down from a reasonable question. I think Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy can be added to that list, as of last Saturday. However, Gundy's meltdown offers a change of pace, as he is actually defending his team and players, rather than just venting at the media after getting shelacked in a game. We're all diehard fans and when our teams disappoint us we feel entitled to get angry about it. But I give Gundy kudos for stepping up as the father figure that we often forget, yet expect coaches to be. No one gets thrown under the bus in the Stillwater locker room.

Incoming message: WAKE UP!

Soccer, rugby, the college gridiron and the NFL. It's all football to me. A couple of my teams got a little too full of themselves and the results were apparent, this weekend. We'll start off with them...

Those heads had better be hanging low in the locker room
Liverpool 0-0 Birmingham City. It's a result worthy of a bullet to the brain. Although, I'd say that, while we played poorly, the Porto result was great. But the Brums result is beyond unacceptable -- its nothing short of stultifying.

I'll say this for BC. They came within two horrific goalkeeper mistakes of drawing, possibly beating Chelsea in the season-opener. Fact is, however, that those horrific GK mistakes were made. There's too much quality in our side to not garner at least one goal versus these chumps.

Looking ahead to Reading, on Tuesday, I have absolutely no idea what to think. That's partially to do with it being in the Carling Cup, but let's be honest: We've looked well short, these last three matches, of the champion we fancy ourselves. The time for making excuses because of the international break ended after the Pompey match. Evidently, we thought too highly of ourselves after romping Derby. Hopefully, at the very least, this serves as a wakeup call to Rafa and the boys.

Let this be your warning
Hey, Springboks, I love you with all my heart (of course), I don't need these heart attacks against Tonga. I tell you what, though, it's not beyond the realm of possibility to see Tonga punk England out of the RWC in the group stage. That would be something special.

With respect to Donovan McNabb
Is there a more critized QB in the league than Rex Grossman? He's like a conundrum wrapped inside of a dilemma. I'm watching him, right now, against Dallas. I don't get how this guy is still in the league. And yet, there are the Bears, still major players in the NFL. Although, I guess people know that Grossman sucks, so McNabb's original point still stands.

Within this same Bears-Cowboys game, by the way, is Tony Romo: The QB most emblamatic of the "We love him because he's a nice white kid who's won a couple of regular season games."

See you on the lynx!
Better luck next year, St. Louis Rams. Regardless of whether or not it's only week three, toast is toast.

Tale of two halves, much???
The Giants comeback win over the Redskins, today, was awesome to watch. If I didn't know any better, the two teams literally traded uniforms at halftime. That sure didn't look like the same Giants defense that surrendered a combined 80 points in the first two weeks, but then again, they were playing an overrated (to this point) Redskins offense who hasn't exactly been shattering the lights on the scoreboard. I still need to be convinced by Jason Campbell & Co. As I see it, they're exactly where they should be, at 2-1, although I thought they would've won today and lost last Monday against Philly. So let's temper all that Redskins hype, okay people?

I tip my hat to you, Lane Kiffin
In dramatic fashion (naturally), the Raiders beefed their record to 2-1* by blocking Cleveland's game-winning field goal attempt. But Kiffin gets all the credit because he has demonstrated that he is learning how to bend the system to his will. Listen, if Rat Shanahan can call a timeout when the game-winning kick is up in the air and get away with it, and if the league isn't going to discourage teams from doing that, then f'ing A, we're going to do it, too! Also, I'd be remissed not to point this out: Daunte Culpepper relieves Josh McCown and the Raiders get the "W." Let's keep taking notes, Lane!

Brett Favre and the Pack are 3-0
Are you kidding me?!?

I point and laugh at you
Notre Dame. Haha!

I point and laugh at you while mockingly championing the special-ed kids that beat you
Louisville. Haha! But honestly, Louisville, Syracuse really is a power house. That was always going to be a tough game. Especially matching up against Jim Boeheim on the other sideline and trying to find a way to deal with Carmelo Anthony. You've never dealt with a small forward like that in ages. Tough match up. And you just know Gerry McNamara is going to be a bitch on the perimeter.

I point and laugh at your coaching hire
Let it be known: The Norv Turner era is alive and well in San Diego. Mediocrity rules!

I'm sending a dozen roses, a big box of chocolates, and planting a sloppy wet kiss on your mouth
Yes, I'm talking to you, Jacksonville Jaguars. Anyone who puts the Rat and Denver in their rightful places is aces with me.

Football, you wound me

I was so jaded from this weekend's results -- those results being Liverpool's listless, uninspired draw versus Portsmouth, U of A drawing a blue print on how to pathetically lose to inferior opposition at home, and the Raiders getting snaked by Rat Shanahan's timeout -- that I just couldn't bare to deal with the marquee Sunday nighter between the Chargers and Donaghys. I'll admit, it gave me a lot of satisfaction to see that New England routed the Chargers in the end (because it proves me right and continues to make San Diego look absolutely stupid for hiring an entirely new coaching staff headed by Norv Turner), but that bitter OT loss the Raiders suffered really was the last straw for me. Fortunately, football is a weekly sport, so I have until next weekend to recover from the vile taste in my mouth and sheer bitterness of it all. And then, like an addict, I'll drag myself back into the fray for even more irritation.

Words cannot describe my hatred of the Denver Broncos. I hate them so much. Rob Ryan's D and LaMont Jordan deserved a better result, today.

Some thoughts on the college and pro game...

- No one really thought Nebraska had a chance, did they? Really?

- Even though the Pac 10 went 7-3 as a conference on Saturday, the losses by Arizona, Washington, and especially UCLA are an unfortunate black eye for a conference that had such a strong showing just a week earlier. Once again, UCLA dons the title of "The Great Pretender." Seems the more things change, the more they stay the same. Washington at least put up a fight during the first half before being overrun by Ohio State's superior talent. Arizona's loss, as noted already, is just plain unforgivable.

- Speaking of pretenders (such as UCLA), I think it's pretty safe to put a fork in Louisville (who's defense literally is a wet paper bad) after a decent Kentucky finished what Middle Tennessee State started, Tennessee (who, although being on the road for both of their big games, has shown it isn't a first tier program this season), and TEXAS. While still unbeaten, there can hardly be a single, honest pollster out there who truly believes that the Longhorns, based on what we've seen on the field, are a top ten team this year. Save for one half of good football against TCU, they hardly look like a contender.

- Top five after week 3: 1) USC 2) LSU 3) Florida 4) Oklahoma 5) Cal. Sorry, West Virginia. I've got you rated seventh behind Penn State.

- The New Orleans Saints are clear frontrunners to be "that team," this season. You know what I'm talking about. That team. The one that has an amazing season the year before, gets all the pundits and analysts praising every step they take during the offseason -- all but handing them the Superbowl trophy by the time preseason rolls around -- then falls flat on it's face. There's one of these every year. Again, it wouldn't be the NFL if the same eight division winners made the playoffs year-in, year-out.

- Cleveland torching the Bengals' poor excuse for a defense sends two messages. 1) Naturally, never take any team for granted. 2) Brian Billick and the Ravens are really, really stupid. You wouldn't plow McGahee over the goal line with four tries to do it against that defense?!? Shmuck.

- Sure, the results are impressive, but how good are the Steelers really? They ripped the Browns and Bills, not exactly death row (unless you're the Bengals or lucky bastard Broncos -- just a whisker away from being 0-2 . ARGH! I HATE THEM!). I don't think I'm a fan of Pittsburgh's yellow helmets, either. Blah.

- The 49ers may be winning ugly, but the point is that they're winning. Impossible to be better than 2-0 at this juncture. Next week's game with Pittsburgh should be very interesting. And while the 49ers are sitting pretty, their victim today looks to be in a real nasty mess. Not only are the Rams 0-2, but they're 0-2 at home and 0-2 against NFC West opponents. Good night.

- Still decidely unimpressive: The Chicago Bears offense. Stinks. It's almost as if they plugged Marcus Colston in as their #1 receiver and thought things would be okay. Oh wait... wrong team. Still, Grossman & Co. look pretty miserable.

Barely even a slap on the wrist

If I'm Bill Beli-cheat, I'd consider myself very lucky, this morning. Let off the hook with merely a fine and the loss of one late first-round draft pick? I'm sorry, but for this offense, the given punishment doesn't even rate a slap on the wrist. More like a raised eye-brow and a shrug of the shoulders. Really? No suspension at all? I'm sure Tim Donaghy wishes he was an NFL official instead.

Few cheats are bigger than Beli-cheat (who claims to have misinterpreted the most black and white rule in the book), but O.J. is one of them. "No, listen, Officer, I swear I only needed that sports memorabilia so that I could lure the 'real killer' to a big autograph signing. It's my plan for justice, see?"

The loss of Greg Oden for the season doesn't just affect Portland (though they never had a prayer of going to the playoffs, this season, anyway), it affects the entire league. Profoundly. Personally, I've already lost steam with the Kevin Durant train and, frankly, half the fun of watching Durant, this coming season, was going to be comparing his progress to Oden's. The NBA just lost a major star and for a league that just endured it's lowest rated Finals since they ceased airing on tape delay, this is devastating. The weapons for sparking fan interest continue to diminish.

I'm not saying that playing in Nebraska isn't tough, but I don't think USC will have a problem covering the 10-point spread. I'm thinking 30-13 in favor of the Trojans. Arizona, on the other hand, is playing at home against a lousy New Mexico team and they will have trouble covering the spread. Willie Tuitama, you fill my heart with worry and doubt. Hanging 45 on NAU doesn't prove anything. Arizona 20 New Mexico 14.

If Michigan wins, this Saturday, it'll be business as usual. If Notre Dame wins this Saturday, Lloyd Carr will be executed on the field. Most likely by "Crazy Eyes" Mike Hart. I see the Wolverines at least surviving this one, though. As bad as their D is, Notre Dame's offense may be worse. Michigan 25 Notre Dame 17.

For so early in the season, there seem to be a ton of "locks" this Sunday. Cincy, Indy, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Seattle, Jacksonville, Carolina, Dallas, Denver, and Chicago are all sure bets to win. All will cover, too, except for the Jaguars who still have an awful lot of explaining to do, after last week, and have an unreasonably big line of -11 (as of, right now).

Having dodged the bullet of any real repercussions from video-tape gate, the New England Tim Donaghys knock off a Chargers team that's flying across the country after getting physically beat-up by the Bears. It'll be close, but that Donaghy offense looks too impressive. Also, it's Norv Turner playing in a big game. 'Nuff said. Donaghys 27 Chargers 23.

Today, the Springboks will avenge their disaster against England in 2003 by mashing them in their Group A contest at the Rugby World Cup. The victory will all but guarantee the Boks a top seed in the quarterfinal round when, praise be, Schalk Burger will be back from his unjust suspension. South Africa are looking a good bet for at least the semis at this year's RWC.

College football as you best remember enjoying it

How was that, exactly? Why, while getting trashed in the student section, your gaze drifting between the short-shorts strapped onto the host of sorority girls standing in front of you and the rack of the head cheerleader on the sideline, of course! Oh right, and the game is happening, too. All this said, EDSBS strikes gold with the proper drink for each football team shtick. They absolutely nail it with TCU.

Predictions for the weekend

- No matter what the reports are saying, JaMarcus Russell will remain unsigned by the Oakland Raiders. And it's all this senile crazy's fault!

- Despite issues with Russell, the Raiders will win (and cover) their season-opener at home against Detroit 16-12.

- In addition to Oakland winning, the Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Redskins all start the season with Ws, too. (Granted, they're playing Kansas City, Atlanta, and Miami, respectively, but shut up) During the Vike's win, Adrian Peterson announces his candidacy for offensive rookie of the year in a big way.

- Roger Federer (do I even have to say that he'll grab the US Open on Sunday?) beats Novak Djokovic in a classic four-set final.

- Because Major League Baseball is HELL-BENT on finding a feel-good story to combat their dishonest image of cheaters and steroid-abusers, the reports of everyone's favorite "special retard" will be ignored. At least, for now, while he's still hitting homeruns.

- Arizona will score at least two touchdowns en route to beating Northern Arizona on Saturday night in Tucson. You might be thinking, "Hey, jerk, duh! Of course that's going to happen." To that, I would respond, "Did you see the BYU game?"

- I will miss this weekend's action from the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off tonight, because I don't get bloody Setanta and probably won't be getting up super-early to find a pub that does. However, South Africa (with a boost from Nelson) open with a victory over Samoa and the USA (Yes! They're in the RWC! Again! You'd never know, living in this country.) will get flogged by an underachieving England side.

- Jimmy Clausen will throw four interceptions and not finish the game, as Penn State beats Notre Dame by three touchdowns.

- No player in the NFL will have as bad a performance, during week 1, as Jason David of the Saints did, last night. Absolutely shocking.

- No NFL team will look as dominant and impressive, during week 1, as Peyton Manning and the Colts did, last night. Cripes, they looked in mid-season form. Frightening, really.

- No matter what the result, there'll be far too many rednecks at the Virginia Tech v LSU game. Tigers by a touchdown in what turns out to be a really boring game characterized more by mistakes than good defense. 17-10.

- Michigan squeaks out a late field goal to beat Oregon, but their defense continues to be decimated.

- Israel will shock the world and steal a 0-0 draw at Wembley, this weekend, during Euro 2008 qualifiers. Steve McLaren will come under fire, once again, for being an idiot.

- When I attend tomorrow's Galaxy game against the Colorado Rapids, the stadium will be half-empty because a) Beckham is out, and b) this is the worst team in MLS. Rapids 3 - 1 Galaxy.

Am I ready for some football?

Quite honestly, I'd have to say "no." It just doesn't quite feel right. Definitely not dealing with cool September weather and I'm pretty sure that traveling over Labor Day weekend has thrown off my mojo completely -- I don't know WHAT's going on.

But there were a couple great bits this past Saturday. Bravo to the Liverpool lads for putting on a clinic. However, it's important that we all remember that it was Derby County -- Derby County -- that we just hammered 6-0. That should be expected of any title-challenger. We have yet to enter the tricky part of our schedule (which happens in October), so until then, I'm content to be cautiously optimistic and nothing more.

Still... its hard not to feel confident these days, eh?

My god, and then there was March Madness in Ann Arbor. Still can't quite believe that one. Arizona's offense may have looked completely anemic and pathetic in the loss at Provo on Saturday, but at least we're not the laughing stock of the nation. I expected better from my Wildcats, though, and am a bit frustrated that our next game is Saturday against Norther Arizona -- a game that may have little bearing on what progress we've made since last season. Then again, better not treat NAU lightly. Just ask Michigan what happens...

So then, wait... if it is actually September and we've already had a week of college games... then that means... oh... dude...

NFL PREVIEW

Breaking it down by division and conference.

AFC EAST
1. New England Patriots - Consider it the easiest prediction of the season. If not for a dropped pass on 3rd down by Reche Caldwell, we'd be talking about New England's chances at repeating as champs. Now, they've got an incredible receiving corps which boasts what will undoubtedly be a reborn Randy Moss (he'll be good for 75 rec. and 9 TDs). Laurence Maroney is now the go-to-guy in the backfield and you just know that Tom Brady will be focused. Questions about personel in defense, but aren't there always? Never seems to have been a problem before. I'm not betting against the Patriots, this year.

2. New York Jets - Was Mangini's miracle of a season ago just a fluke? Well, the Jets will definitely be facing a tougher schedule, this season, which includes an away game to Baltimore, plus dealing with the tricky NFC East. Thomas Jones is definitely an upgrade for the offense, though. They'll be tough to beat every game.

3. Miami Dolphins - The defense is still good. The quarterback is untested and the coach is new, but the defense is still there. The win over the Bears, last season, showed that you can't take this group too lightly. But that offense... Hey, at least the Dolphins aren't the...

4. Buffalo Bills - We're looking at a candidate for worst record in the league, right here. Lots of rookies and 2nd-year players at key positions. A revamped offensive line, JP Losman still at QB, Marshawn Lynch didn't look terribly impressive during preseason. Paul Posluszny might be defensive rookie of the year, but that could be the only bright spot in Buffalo this season.

AFC CENTRAL
1. Baltimore Ravens - They're the class of this division. Neither Cincinnati or Pittsburgh has the consistency to catch the Ravens. They've got the killer defense, of course, and actually upgraded at running back with Willis McGahee (who pretty much rules). I don't see them needing as many Steve McNair rabbits-out-of-the-hat this season and I don't think it's insane to think that they might be the one team who can derail the Patriots, this season.

2. Cincinnati Bengals - One of these days, the Bengals are going to have a break-through. The offense is still nails, but the defense is, their achilles, is still full of questions. Certainly in the mix for a playoff spot in a crowded AFC, but can they win every week with shootouts?

3. Pittsburgh Steelers - It's a transition year as life post-Cowher begins. Big Ben Motorcycle figures to be steadier this season than he was during last, but the Steelers have 7-8 wins written all over them. Too many other good teams in the AFC for them to crack the playoffs.

4. Cleveland Browns - I think we see Brady Quinn get his first start earlier than expected. Like, in week 6. Romeo Crennell: welcome to "fired after this season."

AFC SOUTH
1. Indianapolis Colts - Duh. They continue to be a cut above the rest of the division, even with the key losses in defense and Tarik Glenn on the o-line.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars - How about that Byron Leftwich situation, huh? Man alive. But you figure that now that it's all settled and David Gerrard is the unquestioned #1, the Jags can finally start living up to their potential. The D is tough, the running game is there in spades with Taylor and Jones-Drew. They may not top the Colts in the standings, but they'll get close, perhaps just missing by a game.

3. Tennessee Titans - It's the Vince Young Show! Literally. There's no one else on this team. Like the tail half of last season, it's all on VY's shoulders to grab some Ws.

4. Houston Texans - I actually toyed with the idea of Houston finishing ahead of Tennessee, but... uh, it's Houston. Will be interesting to see if Matt Schaub is ready to be a #1 in this league (playing behind a putrid offensive line) and if Ahman Green is officially broken.

AFC WEST
1. San Diego Chargers - The reigning MVP, a rising star at QB, people love the Chargers. Here's one solid reason why expectations should be cooled: Norv Turner. Sure, SD will put up a ton of points, but I expect them to drop a couple more games than last year (say, 10-6) and, once again, bow out early in the postseason. Welcome to life with Norv, San Diego.

2. Denver Broncos - I hate them so much. They are a solid squad, though, filled with Pro Bowl talent. They'll give the Chargers a serious run.

3. Oakland Raiders - YEAH! THAT'S RIGHT! YOU READ IT HERE, FIRST! THE OAKLAND RAIDERS WILL NOT FINISH IN THE CELLAR, THIS SEASON. HOW CAN I BELIEVE THAT? MYOPIA? BIAS? Well... possibly. BUT NOT REALLY! Three reasons why Oakland finishes ahead of the Chiefs: 1) That defense is stellar. 2) He may not be what he was a couple seasons ago, but Daunte Culpepper can help you put up points -- something the Raiders had no idea how to do a season ago. 3) Attitude change. Art Shell and the unconscious coaching staff are out. So is Randy Moss. What does it mean? Player morale is up, up, up! JUST WIN (3RD PLACE) BABY! Of course, word comes today that Josh McCown will start on Sunday, so who knows what'll happen. My guess is that every QB on the roster will get a shot.

4. Kansas City Chiefs - Hey, listen, I'm no dummy. I've seen Hard Knocks and I know as well as anyone that the Kansas City Chiefs are going to be a horrible team. Horrible. LJ better get used to seeing eight men in the box for 95% of each game because this team has nothing else to rely on. If you're a fantasty honk, you might want to consider trading him, as KC will be trailing big, more often than not, by the 4th quarter They need to rely on big plays from the defense if they're going to win any games, this year.

NFC EAST
1. Philadelphia Eagles - Not sure why, but I get the feeling that people are expecting the Eagles to fall flat on their faces. It's not going to happen. An elite force to be reckoned with in the NFC. McNabb is healthy and they've added stud linebacker Takeo Spikes. I like Philly a lot, this year.

2. Dallas Cowboys - Granted, I've got them finishing second in the division behind a good Eagles team, but I think Dallas is the most overrated, overhyped team coming into this season. It seems that the national media has completely forgotten that Wade Phillips is the coach, the defense has holes (especially with Terrence Newman's and Greg Ellis' health in question), and Terrell Owens is on the team and poised to erupt if his young QB doesn't get off to a great start.

3. New York Giants - Conversely, I think the Giants are a pretty underrated team. Tiki Barber is gone, yes, and while he did provide a giant (no pun intended) chunk of
the offense, the G-Men still have Brandon Jacobs. Strahan's back for one final hurrah. The question as always: is this the year that Eli becomes a leader?

4. Washington Redskins - Regarded by many as a wild card, the Skins are tricky to figure out. However, Jason Campbell doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. Where is all that Joe Gibbs magic from '87-'92?

NFC NORTH
1. Minnesota Vikings - Okay. Bare with me here. I know you're laughing. Hell, I'd be laughing, too, if I didn't think it could actually happen. But this, folks, this is that surprise pick that comes out of nowhere. That team that is completely off the radar over the summer and during preseason and then goes on to shock the league. Last year, they were called the New Orleans Saints. I'm sure you remember other incarnations, such as Kurt Warner's Superbowl-winning Rams. Fact: a team like this pops up every season. And why not the Vikes? Well, one reason why not. Tavaris Jackson has a lot to prove. But! If he limits his mistakes, this squad has a bolstered defense, a great o-line, and a double-barrelled backfield (like the Saints!) with Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson that can cause problems for teams that will surely take them for granted. A quick look at the schedule has me thinking that the Vikes have a great shot at starting 4-0. Jumping off from there in a bad division, why not them? Damn right, sleeper pick.

2. Chicago Bears - The defending NFC champs (a tag that usually spells doom the following year) figure to have a more stable Rex Grossman, this season (one would hope). But if you're like me, you remember how weak the Bears' schedule was a season ago. Not the case this go around. Lovie's boys still have a lot of chinks in the armor.

3. Green Bay Packers - This is the squad that pundits like to take the division away from the Bears, but I disagree (obviously). Sure, the finish to last season was promising, but Brett Favre wasn't. The team surrounding him is still very young and largely unproven. If Driver is drawing double-teams, what's Favre to do?

4. Detroit Lions - It's just not happening, people. Not this year. Jon Kitna's prediction of ten wins will, however, come true. Just give it three seasons. By the way, Detroit to fall in Oakland this Sunday. Try recovering from that!

NFC SOUTH
1. New Orleans Saints - They take the division on account of two things. 1) Talent. 2) Process of elimination. Two concerns: 1)The defense has to prove that it's shed the habit of surrendering big, game-changing plays. 2) Not having Joe Horn raises issues about depth at wide receiver. Suddenly, opposing defenses might be able to double team a Saints weapon.

2. Carolina Panthers - This is a good team. This is a playoff-caliber team. This is a team that's going to be dealing with whispers of David Carr stepping in for Jake Delhomme all season long. But this is also a team that gets Dan Morgan back to anchor the defense and that may be the most important thing of all. Don't sleep on the Panthers, this seasons.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - I have a hard time justifying this one, but if everything played out just as it did last season... well, I couldn't think of anything more uncharacteristic for the NFL. Fact is, Tampa lost a few nail-biters last season and Jeff Garcia brings immediate leadership to the offense. Defense needs to come together, though.

4. Atlanta Falcons - You know that Joey Harrington, with one season less under his belt, has more TDs and passing yards and a higher completion percentage than that other guy? It's true! However, with that other guy, the Falcons had the number one rushing attack in the league. Now that he's gone, the offense looks a little less dynamic, even with Joe Horn coming into the fold. The defense lost star Patrick Kearney to Seattle. Tough situation for NFL-newbie Bobby Petrino to step into.

NFC WEST
1. Seattle Seahawks - The new home of Patrick Kearney will, once again, remain the home of the division crown. Although the NFC West figures to be more competitive than in the past, the Seahawks still possess more talent and are flying under the radar. I think Shaun Alexander gets back on track, this season.

2. San Francisco 49ers - From here on, the rest of the teams in this division are unknown quantities filled with speculation. The Niners, however, seem ready to take a step in the right direction. They're eveyone's sleeper, though, which means something is sure to falter. Still, I do love rookie Patrick Willis at linebacker.

3. St. Louis Rams - The Bengals of the NFC, if you ask me. Sure, Bulger can put up points and Steven Jackson and Torry Holt are elite players at their positions, but can the defense step up? The Rams have the ability to win any game on any given day, but it all comes down to the defense showing up with regularity.

4. Arizona Cardinals - Sorry. Still not buying it. Every summer, we hear that the Cards are breaking through. Not with this offensive line, they're not. Going to have to prove it, guys. We know they've got weapons on offense, though, and the defense is not to be taken lightly. They could finish second just as easily as they could finish last.

Wild Card Round
AFC:
Baltimore over Denver
Jacksonville over San Diego

NFC:
Carolina over Minnesota
Seattle over Chicago

Divisional Playoffs
AFC:
New England over Jacksonville
Baltimore over Indianapolis

NFC:
Philadelphia over Carolina
New Orleans over Seattle

Conference Championships
AFC: New England over Baltimore
NFC: Philadelphia over New Orleans

Superbowl
New England over Philadelphia

The South sucks

Don't just take it from me, take it from respected college football analyst Pat Forde, who accurately asserts that SEC football rates ahead of the Pac-10 as an imperative. If you live in the South and don't have success in college football, you may as well kill yourself. Now, there's a line of thinking I can get behind! Seriously, bravo, Mr. Forde.

It was Miles who came across dumber than Jeff Spicoli. Impugning UCLA and Cal, for one thing, is simply ignorant. Ignoring the fact that USC has trampled the last four SEC teams it has faced by a combined total of 119 points is worse.

Man, few things in sports would make me happier in the months to come than to see LSU annihilated in the title game by USC. (I'd say Arizona, but c'mon...)

EDSBS

While college football will remain deeply flawed until they figure out a playoff system, here's a taste of what has become, over the last few weeks, my new favorite blog. They're funny, more insightful than they let on, and do a great job at reminding some of us cynics how fun college football really is.

Phil Fulmer, who is very, very fat, has kicked Jackson off the team, a punishment Urban Meyer described as “harsh.”

Great stuff. Even with the Gator bias.

This means Boise State are nat'l champs, right?

I mean, they are the last remaining unbeaten and all. Makes perfect sense. Quick notes about last night's laugher of a non-game.

1. Flat out amazing performance by Florida's defense (recognized universally as the strength of this team) who were unrelenting in their domination and clowning of Troy Smith and company. Yes, they get props, but it was widely believed that the offense and Chris Leak had to execute flawlessly if the Gators were to have any shot at all. No one believed they could. They did. Credit where it's due, the Gators looked untouchable. It's a shame that Ted Ginn left on OSU's first offensive possession of the game.

2. 51 days is far too long a layoff for any team, let alone a team playing for the NATIONAL FREAKING CHAMPIONSHIP!. College football is broken. I hate it.

3. Ever-flowing superlatives, kudos, props, respect, maaaaaad love to Greg Archuleta of the Albuquerque Journal in New Mexico for correctly bestowing his AP first place vote on undefeated, 13-0 Boise State. This is the only man in the college football world -- the broken college football world -- that gets it. Greg Archuleta, the reasonable, intelligent, enlightened sports fans of this country salute you, sir! Well done.

The highs and the lows

Lousy times, this weekend, if you were one of "my teams." Unless you're the Lakers! Couldn't have asked for two better games than the last pair. First, smashing Iverson and the so-called improved Nuggets (yes, I know Carmelo is still yet to return, but it's always fun to rag on A.I.) into oblivion while having five Lakers in double figures and none of them being Kobe. Absolutely brilliant performance, but it was last night's win over the uber-hot Mavericks that was clearly not just the best game of the weekend in the NBA, but in all of the sporting world! And what a result if you're a Lakers fan. Trailing for pretty much the entire second half, right until the end, getting hopelessly outrebounded, particularly on the offensive glass where Dallas made a living on second chance points, and then pulling it out while riding the shoulders of your superstar and the hot hand of (brace yourself for this one) Sasha Vujacic! Now, Sasha probably doesn't deserve that kind of stick because, in his defense, he has played pretty consistently this season and his step-up performance last night was well needed especially in the light of Brian Cook and Vlad Radmanovic having awful games. The key to this latest win streak for LA (going on four games, now), hasn't been Kobe necessarily, but the fact that the supporting cast have been able to step up and produce. Bynum has been white hot since Kwame went down (no surprise there, more minutes for the youngster=more confidence) and if it's not Cook nailing shots, it's Sasha or Mo Evans or Farmar's ability to find the open man or Turiaf's spark off the bench. Even short-handed, there is a legit team here. A legit team that just needs to shore up their defense before they can be considered serious contenders for the championship.

If the Lakers represent my ultimate highs for this weekend, then Liverpool's mauling AT ANFIELD (unstoppable at home, no more) at the hands of Arsenal, 3-1, in the FA Cup 3rd round was surely the lowest low. Got up early to head down to Ye Olde King's Head Pub for the match, too, and had the gross misfortune of sitting directly across from a bunch of Arsenal fans as sloppy defending and the Gunners' efficient counter-attack knocked the confused and unimaginative Cup holders out of the competition. John Arne Riise needs to spend at least one match on the bench, and no, tomorrow's Carling Cup versus Arsenal doesn't count. He's just horribly off form and largely at fault for the first goal conceded (a gem from Rosicky). I want a complete refund on Fabio Aurelio who is just a total liability as soon as he steps on the pitch. Steven Gerrard's presence was missing for extensive portions of the match and, if not for Dirk Kuyt, we probably wouldn't have created a single decent chance on goal. I'm shooting an icy stare in Rafa Benitez's direction, too, for 1) not putting Robbie Fowler on the subs bench when he knew that Bellamy was never going to be fit enough to play and 2) not understanding what so many physical teams in the Premiership understand so well: Arsenal are a finesse team that can be thrown off it's game if you play them physically. If anyone, it was the French Whiner's side that played physical/border-line dirty. For these reasons, I eagerly anticipate Lucas Neill's arrival at Anfield.

To the college hardwood, a flat out awesome game between Oregon and UCLA on Saturday morning. Just awesome. The last 30 seconds were of March Madness quality. Props to both schools. The Bruins are still easily a 1-seed in my eyes and Oregon showed a lot of metal, bouncing back from the let-down loss to USC two days earlier.

Disappointing: Arizona falling at the hands of Washington State with an opportunity to take sole possession of first place in the Pac Ten on the line. Granted, it was OT and it was in Pullman, but this was the first challenging away game (proper away game -- Louisville and Illinois were at neutral sites) for UofA since the season-opening three-point loss to Virginia. On the bright side, however, it definitely looks like the Wildcats will be able to chalk this up as a "quality loss" on the NCAA resume as Wazzu is looking more and more formative with each passing day. The Oregon schools come to Tucson this week. Ducks v Wildcats on Saturday. Giddy-up!

The NFL playoffs yielded four intriguing matchups for next weekend. That would be four out of a possible four! Each game has the potential for upset (more on that later this week). The sparkling highlight from Wild Card Weekend? Without question, it has to be the botched field goal attempt by Dallas that ended their season in the most spectacular fashion. If Big Tuna returns next season -- and I expect he will -- I cannot imagine T.O. returning to the team. We shall see. In the meantime, I wonder where all those bandwagon Cowboys fans are? Those fans who were touting Tony Romo as the next messiah, where are they?

Lastly, tonight is the game that makes every other bowl game completely irrelevant based sheerly on it's title: The National Championship game. Ohio State is a touchdown favorite. I'm sticking with my prediction from earlier of Buckeyes 36 Gators 22. I think Ohio State has to make a lot of mistakes and that the Florida offense -- the same Florida offense which the Gators got to the national title game in spite of -- has to execute flawlessly. It's not going to happen. Florida gets a couple of scores late to make it look respectable, but this one is never in doubt. Quite a year for Troy Smith.

The whole Boise State thing just makes me angry

First off, quickly, I'm not about to hate on the man for choosing of his own free will and for his own reasons to leave one job for another, but Nick Saban really did prove to be a snake, didn't he? Already, he had the reputation of being a job-hopper, but now the Dolphins are left holding the bag. A bag with dollar signs on it that was marked for Saban.

But on to the truly annoying happening from New Years Day: The Fiesta Bowl. I will admit, judging from the highlights, it looked like a fantastic game. A fantastic exhibition game. People now want to see if Boise State can take it a step further. They want MORE of that team -- that undefeated team. Unquestionably, that would generate more money than the current joke of a system. "We want playoffs for college football!" Yes. Indeed, we do. And all anyone wants to talk about, now, is how amazing that game was and how it will go down in the annals of college football history as one of the greatest of all time (*cough* bull! *cough*).

But here's the rub, for all you fickle musheads out there that don't understand why the B(C)S is still standing. For all the hoopla about this damn Fiesta Bowl, people seem all too happy to overlook the fact that it was absolutely MEANINGLESS! No freaking way am I going to watch Boise State vs Oklahoma with nothing on the line, zero, nada. In this respect, the blame lies entirely with the media (and the fans!) for giving this exhibition the fuel to endure. "Greatest college football game of all time?" Hell no, because there was nothing to play for! If Boise State loses, what happens? NOTHING! So why not go for trick plays? You know when you'll get playoffs that we're all clamoring for? When you sack up and start rejecting these charades that are being passed off as important bowl games. Put it this way: In college basketball, no one watches the NIT. No one. Unless your favorite team happens to be playing, nobody is interested in games with no stakes. Analogy time! The NIT is to college basketball and any bowl game not named the "National Championship Game" is to college football. There's no grey area, here! It's common sense!

In my ever-so humble opinion, Boise State deserves a shot at the winner of Ohio State v Florida. Yes, it may very well be a blowout, but they're undefeated. Isn't that what matters? Isn't that what everyone is so excited about? That the little guy won a New Year's Day bowl and proved it could hang with the big boys? That the little guy even exists in college football at all?!

You stop slathering over these games and the NCAA will step in. It might surprise people to know, but the NCAA has the power to go over the heads over every conference and choose not to sanction those games -- meaning they could still be played, but wouldn't be recognized by the NCAA. To do so, of course, would require massive upheaval and a spurning of tradition, but you want a playoff system? You have to turn off the TV, send a message to the media that these games have no bearing on anything but pride. The NCAA isn't stupid. They know a playoff set-up would be far more lucrative than the current system. They just need a push from the consumer.