The SEC: King of Kings

Why is the SEC the best football conference in the country? The SEC has won five of the last 12 national Titles. To put this into perspective- no other conference has posted more than three national titles during this run. Perennial big game losers Oklahoma and Ohio State have both lost two national titles in the last 12 years. Why is this important? Simply put, the Big 12 and Big 10 (11 schools in the Big 10) are very top heavy. This basically guarantees their conference winner a berth in the national championship game with little or no interference by teams within their conference.

Ohio State only has to beat Michigan and Oklahoma only has to beat Texas or in reverse order to receive a berth in the national title game. The SEC on the other has more vicious conference play. Every weekend is a war and the battle is not over until after the SEC Championship game winner is crowned. The SEC has four head coaches who have won national championships within the conference. Two of the four are now coaching at different schools (Steve Spurrier, formerly Florida, currently South Carolina, and Nick Saban, formerly LSU, currently, Alabama).

The SEC has nine teams that can claim with straight faces that they will compete to win their respective divisions this season. The Big 12 might be a mile wide in terms of its talent at the top, but it doesn't go very deep. As of two weeks ago, The SEC had five teams in the top ten in national polls. The only reason some have fallen from grace, this early in the year, is the remarkable depth that the SEC displays. Alabama beat number 3 ranked Georgia at home and Florida fell victim to a good Ole Miss team that is two plays away from being undefeated. Conversely, because of the argument I have just stated some may say well the Big 12 has three teams in the top five. The problem with this is the fact that Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas have yet to play any notable games this year. The Big 12 logjam at the top of the polls will end quickly once conference is underway. Could you honestly let yourself believe that Oklahoma and Texas would be half as good if they resided in either division of the SEC?

The SEC East is tough as nails where Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and surprising Vandy are all having good runs. South Carolina and Tennessee have the talent to beat you on any given Saturday as well. This year the power resides in the West though as Alabama, LSU, Auburn, and Ole Miss are contenders for the division's title There are only two teams that are not competitive in the SEC and they are Arkansas, which usually is stiff completion more often than not, and Mississippi State which is having major injury problems.

The resurgence of the Big 12 North only began last year when Kansas and Missouri made large jumps in order to be among the nation's top programs. Nebraska and Colorado are at least a year away. Leaving ISU and KSU terrible at best. The Big 12 South has always been and always will be a two horse race between Oklahoma and Texas. Texas Tech may have a decent team this year, but have yet to play for the conference crown since the Big 12 started in 1996. Furthermore, with their pass defense being ranked near the worst in the country, they will not be a factor in the final standings- as usual. Texas A&M is a sleeping giant, but how long is it going to take for the Aggies to wake up? I guess this has turned into a Big 12 vs. the SEC article and the truth of the matter is that the Big 12 clearly has the second best talent in the country but does not come close to the SEC.

Go back to 1995, to find the last instance an SEC team lost a national championship game when given the opportunity. This leads me to the thought process that if an SEC team is good enough to win their conference and go undefeated they have about a 99% chance of beating whoever their opponent from a weaker conference may be. Auburn was robbed of playing for a national title a few years back even though they did get throught thier schedule undefeated. Need more proof? The SEC won all four of its BCS games the past two years by a combined score of 161-62.

Another way of analyzing this situation is evaluating the respective conferences performances in non-conference battles this year. The Big 12 boasts an overall 38-10 non-conference mark, with the SEC coasting to 27-5. You are only as strong as your weakest link. The SEC proves time and time again that the only thing stopping an SEC team is another SEC opponent.

A coach at the University of Oklahoma who previously coached at Alabama, but will remain unnamed told me once, "down there in the SEC, it's just different, it's on a way bigger scale, the talent, the fans, and the stadiums- the Big 12 just doesn't compare." Um, Need I say more?

Sincerely, COWBOY CLAYBORNE of the Philadelphia Claybornes

Jimmy Awards for the 5th Week of Football

Here are the Jimmy Awards for the 5th week of Football

College JIMMYS

John Parker Wilson Alabama QB

Wilson threw for 205 yards on 13 for 16 attempts with one touchdown and no interceptions as the Tide upset Georgia vaulted themselves to #2 in the polls.
Chase Clement Rice QB/Jarett Dillard Rice WR

The pair became the most productive QB to WR touchdown duo in FBS history breaking the the NCAA mark for combined touchdowns of 39 set by Tim Rattay and Troy Edwards (Louisiana Tech) in 1998 and matched by Colt Brennan and Davone Best (Hawaii) last season. The duo connected 3 times in a 77-20 blowout of North Texas.

Jevan Snead Ole Miss QB

The former Longhorn transfer threw for 185 yards and had a total of 3 tds as the Rebels upset the Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators.

Brandon Graham Michigan DE

Graham reeked havoc on the Badgers with 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles as the Wolverines upset the 9th ranked Wisconsin Badgers.

Trimane Goddard North Carolina Free Safety

He saved the game for the Tar Heels with 2 interceptins in the final minute and also added 8 tackles as the Heels upset the Canes.

Derrick Williams Penn State WR/KR

Williams recorded 241 all-purpose yards and 3 total touchdowns as the Nittany Lions defeated the Fighting Illini.

Manuel Johnson Oklahoma WR

Johnson set a school record with 206 receiving yards on five receptions in the Sooners' 35-10 win over No. 24 TCU. Johnson recorded touchdown receptions of 79, 55 and 63 yards against the Horned Frogs and averaged 41.2 yards per reception.

Jacquizz Rodgers Oregon State RB

The 5 foot 7 freshman rushed for186 yards and 2 touchdowns as the unranked Beavers upset the #1 ranked Men of Troy.

NFL JIMMYS

Brett Favre Jets QB

Favre set a personal record with 6 touchdown strikes against the Cardinals. He threw 24 for 34 and 289 yards for the win.

Shawn Springs Redskins CB

Springs covered Terrell Owens much of the game and T.O. caught 7 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. What's not mentioned in the stat line is that the Cowboys threw 17 balls Owens' way and handed off to him 3 times. You can't stop Owens, but you can contain him which is exactly what Springs did as the Skins defeated the Boys 26-24 in Big D.

Derrick Johnson Chiefs OLB

Johnson made six tackles, defensed a pass, made an interception and forced a fumble as the Chiefs won their first game by defeating the Broncos, 33-19.

Larry Johnson Chiefs RB

Johnson asked for the ball and got it as he rushed 28 times for 198 yards and 2 touchdowns in a defeat of the Denver Broncos 33-19.

Santana Moss Redskins WR

Moss laced the Cowboys highly touted secondary for 8 catches and 145 yards as the Skins beat the Boys in Big D 26-24.

NFL Review of Week 4

Like a young child who sees his older brother do something bad which births the phrase "oh, I'm telling". Did T.O. go off on Romo. I mean it sounds like it. He say he didn't get the ball, when stats show 1/3 of the offensive plays were directed towards T.O. Either way the boys lost in Big D to the Skins 26-24. Jason Campbell is proving to be a wise pick by the organization. The Boys got away from their rushing attack only running the ball 11 times while throwing 47 times. The previous three games the Cowboys ran the balls a minimum of 30 times each game, all of which were wins.

Jett Favre and the Bretts had an offensive explosion against the Cardinals in a 56-35 win. Favre threw for 6 tds. Kudos to Mangini for taking the reigns off of Favre and letting Brett do his thing.

The Buffalo Bills are 4-0. I've never been to Hell before, but I'm starting to think its not as bad as everyone makes it seem. The drilled the lowly St. Louis Rams 31-14. Trent Edwards, Marshawn Lynch, and Lee Evans all look great bringing back glimpses of the K-Gun offense of the 90s that took the Bills to four straight Superbowls.

The Tennessee Titans are also 4-0. The defeated the Minnesota Vikings 30-17. The defense is better than the Ravens, and yes I said it. Chris Johnson will be the rookie of the year and a QB controversy will be brewing when VY gets back healthy. All the while, the Titans will over throw the power that be in the AFC South being the Indianapolis Colts. Bold prediction? Nope, just the changing of the guard for this year at least.

What The Hell Happened?

This weekend the little guys fought back in a major way weekend as the top 25 were under siege from unranked teams like Oregon State and Navy. Here is a short rundown of what happened this weekend.

Georgia got mauled at home by Alabama Saturday night. Georgia came out in their awesome black jerseys, but that was the only thing compelling about their performance as the game was over at halftime with Alabama leading 31-0.

USC was also beat up pretty bad by an Oregon State team that looked less than average in its previous games this year. Jacquizz Rogers, freshman tailback, lead the assault on the Men of Troy by helping the Beavers control the clock and win the game 27-21.

East Carolina is still suffering from the hangover after a loss to NC State and let Houston hang 600 yards of total offense on them as the Cougars passed the ball all over the field in their 41-24 victory.

Clemson continued with the Tiger tradition and have gone about ruining a season that began with high hopes. They are failing to realize their potential for the 45th straight year. The Maryland Terps, after trailing for most of the game put together a strong 4th quarter and won the game 20-17.

Florida may be the biggest disappointment of the weekend losing to Ole Miss at home 31-30. The Rebels have a solid leader in Houston Nutt as 6mag has pointed out earlier this season and Coach Nutt got his first marquee win at Ole Miss. Florida should possibly experiment with a more contemporary offence to take advantage of their tremendous wealth of talent on the offensive side of the ball.

Wisconsin blew a 19-0 halftime lead on the road at the Big House falling to Michigan 27-25. Rich Rodriguez similar to Houston Nutt also got his first marquee victory as the first year coach at Michigan. You have to wonder if the Wolverines we saw in the second half of this game is the Michigan team we will see for the rest of the year or simply a 2-quarter flash of brilliance that will keep Michigan fans thirsty for 2009? Only time will tell how Michigan finishes the year.

I rescind my statement about Florida being the biggest losers of this weekends witch-hunt for the top 25. Wake Forest lost to frickin Navy this weekend AT HOME! NAVY people, what the hell is this? NAVY ……….. NAVY! This is terrible and Wake should receive the death penalty for this ridiculous loss to the lowly Midshipmen. Furthermore, how do you win on the road at FSU one week and then lose at home to NAVY the next. These types of game really lead me to believe that the mafia has a hand in rigging games on Saturdays, honestly dammit!

The last time such a shake-up occurred? One year ago, when in the last week of September three of the top-five teams fell and seven ranked teams lost to unranked opponents. 6mag has pointed out the parody in college football in a previous article posted in this blog and the occurrences this weekend only solidify our statements regarding the “closing of the gap” in talent levels between the top tier schools and those not so highly regarded in college football. Scholarship limitations have evened the playing field and teams such as South Florida, Ole Miss, every team in the Mountain West Conference, and, heaven forbid, Navy now can compete for athletes and it is making college football more competitive than it has ever been. 

The final take on this weekends developments is that Alabama has enough talent to contend for a national title even thought it lost to UL-Lafayette just 11 months ago. Oklahoma is at this point the best team in the country and the OU-Texas game this year in Dallas will be one of the biggest games between these two rivals in recent memory. The World’s Biggest Cocktail party game between Georgia and Florida may not be one of the biggest games of the year anymore. Every single team in the pac-10 should be placed in the div.1-aa playoffs at the end of this year.

Peace Claudius Blackimous

P.s. I had truffle pizza this weekend it was awesome!

Upset Alert: ANGRY BEAVERS

Just two weeks removed from getting blasted by Penn State 45-3 Oregon State blindsided the BCS world by shocking the USC Trojans 27-21. The Beavers impressive effort was led by the Rodgers brothers Jacquizz and James who scored all four touchdowns for OSU. This game was not a fluke as Oregon State repeatedly pounded the ball right up the middle of the Trojan defense to keep the chains moving. The Beaver passing attack led by QB Lyle Moevao was good enough to keep USC guessing all night. Jacquizz Rodgers the young freshman from Richmond, Texas rushed for 186 yards on 37 carries and continually made remarkable runs between the tackles.

One thing I thought about during the game is that with the implementation of the new 40 second play clock in college football if a team can run consistently, the game is shortened considerably. This really helped OSU as their potent rushing attack kept the dangerous USC offense off the field for most of the night. OSU held the ball for almost 40 minutes in the victory. Oregon State now has beaten the Trojans two straight times at Reser Stadium and USC is only 2-3 versus teams from Oregon since 2006. The loss for the Men of Troy opens the doors for a number of teams to possibly play for a national title. Georgia, Oklahoma, Missouri, Florida all are happy that USC is, for the most part, out of the picture and that it is now again an open race for the national title. To make matters worse USC was expected to run the table versus a weak Pac-10 conference, but the Beavers have exposed the chinks in the Men of Troy's armor.

Hats off to the Beavers for playing a strong game and reminding us that if it winning and losing were a foregone conclusion we would not line it up and play em’.

Yours Truly,


Southern Style Chicken Sandwich

P.S. minus pickles

Big 12 Wants the Crown

The Big 12 conference is coming for the SEC's crown. The conference's overall record through the first 4 weeks of the season is 33-8. The conference once known for their pound it out style of play boast 4 of the nations to quarterbacks in Sam Bradford of OU, Chase Daniel of Mizzou, Colt McCoy of UT, Todd Reesing of Kansas, Josh Freeman of KSU, Zac Robinson of OSU and Graham Harrell of Texas Tech. These gun slingers are tops in the nation in all passing stats. Also, true freshman, Robert Griffin of Baylor is as exciting as they come in the conference.

The Big 12 now is a mix of the PAC -10 pass happy style and pure SEC speed. If everything pans out it should be quite a showdown between the Mizzou Tigers and Oklahoma Sooners for the Big 12 title. Texas, Texas Tech and Kansas will have something to say about that and rightfully so.

At times, Demarco Muarry of OU looks like Reggie Bush while Jeremy Maclin of MU looks like Ted Ginn Jr, Josh Smith of CU looks like DeSean Jackson and Michael Crabtree of Tech looks like Michael Crabtree. The conference's top playmakers are also the nations most exciting players.

Colorado upset a top ranked West Virginia team on national television. The Sooners are averaging 50+ points per game as are the Missouri Tigers. Kansas, Texas, and Texas Tech all look like good ball clubs as well. Be on the look out for the Colorado Buffaloes to play spoiler this year as well.

The Conference is in good shape and has a great chance of bringing a national championship back to the Big 12.

Peace,

Thomas Black™

T.O. vs Usain Bolt

Terrell Owens deserves his race with Usain Bolt. T.O. is not only fast but he has been calling out Bolt since August. If you watched the "Hard Knocks" special which highlighted the Cowboys training camp. T.O. was calling out Bolt then. His first touchdown of the season, he impersonated Bolt in the starting blocks for his TD celebration. The new and very lame NFL celebration rules got the Cowboys a 15 yard penalty. T.O. is the ultimate team player so far in Dallas and a highly creative guy as well. His next touchdown, as he sprinted across the goaline, he gave a Usain Bolt sprinter's lean. T.O. is subliminally calling out Bolt like The Game does to Jay-Z every six songs.

Usain? Where you at dogg? To add fuel to the fire did you see T.O. this past Sunday versus the Packers. Oh, don't worry, if you haven't I have an NFL network link attached.

Exhibit A - The Packers intercepted a pass in the Cowboys end zone and T.O. began to chase the defender and was blocked to the ground around the five yard line. The defender continued down the field dodging tacklers left and right until he was caught from behind by one Terrell Owens. Yes, T.O. went to the ground got up and Usain Bolt'd ol boy.

Exhibit B - Felix Jones' 60+ yard td run. Once Jones broke free, the safety had an angle on him. Who was down field blocking for him? Mr. Owens of course. What makes is Usain Bolt worthy is that Jones ran past T.O. and T.O. slowed down until he saw the angle the safety had. He then raced past Jones who is no slouch on the speed tip and cut the safety off to allow Jones a hassle free trip to the endzone.

Usain and T.O. I want to see it. Don King, UFC promoters, Deion Sanders, etc someone make it happen please.

Watch T.O. run

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80b029d4


Holla at me,

Rajean Pierre-Louis

Week 5 Preview

Big Game Preview

Alabama at Georgia

Who is the best #8 frosh receiver in the SEC? Georgia’s A.J. Green or Alabama’s Julio Jones? Alabama is reviving the memories of Bear Bryant with a stellar beginning to the '08 year behind second year coach Nick Saban. Georgia is an established power behind the smooth running of Knowshon Moreno and the monster arm of Matt Stafford. This showdown Saturday will have huge SEC and National Title implications for both teams. Look for Georgia to win a close one at home.

Colorado at FSU

Colorado is 3-0 after a huge win at home last week versus West Virginia. Florida State is off to another so-so season after losing to Wake Forest for the third straight time last week. Florida State returned 6 possible defensive starters that were suspended because of the highly publicized study hall scandal. If Florida State can muster any offense, the game will be better than advertised with their stellar defense. However, Colorado could make a statement that they are a serious contender for the Big 12 North title if they win at Doak Campbell. I think that FSU will win this one behind the strength of their defense.

TCU at Oklahoma

The last time the Horned Frogs ventured north to Norman, they beat the Sooners. Oklahoma will enact revenge in a major way. Look for the Sooners to blow out TCU after a tight one early.

Virginia Tech at Nebraska
Nebraska is off to an undefeated start blowing away a weak non-conference schedule up until this point. First year head coach Bo Pelini will have a masterful game plan to thwart the attack of Tyrod Taylor and the Hokies at home in Lincoln. I’m calling an upset, as the Cornhuskers will win by 3.

Illinois at Penn State

The Nittany Lions will put the squeeze on Juice Williams and the Illini by two touchdowns in a
nationally televised game in Happy Valley. Penn State is way better than advertised and should disseminate the Illini in short order.

Maryland at Clemson

Maryland, after a slow start, is beginning to turn heads behind a potent running game led by Da’Rel Scott. Clemson has been down since they got their ass handed to them by Alabama at the beginning of the season. I don’t know who to call in this one. This is my toss up game of the week. I feel like this one could go either way.

Peace, Imperial Prime Minister of the Seven Milky Way Nirvana Clayborne

Jimmy Awards for Week 4

Here are the Jimmy's for the 4th week of the football season

College Jimmy's

Kellen Moore QB Boise State

Moore played exceptional throwing for 386 yards on 24 for 36 attempts and 3 touchdowns as the Broncos defeated the Oregon Ducks.

Vanderbilt Ryan Hamilton FS

Hands down Hamilton was the player of the game. He recorded 3 interceptions, a fumble recovery, and got the game winning touchdown saving tackled vs. Houston Nutt and the Ole Miss Rebels.

David Johnson QB Tulsa

Johnson torched New Mexico on 24 for 39 pass attempts for 469 yards and 6 touchdown strikes.
Brandon James KR Florida

B James gave it to the Vols, as the rest of the Gators did. He opened the game with a jaw dropping 52 yard kickoff return. Next he gave an ankle breaking tutorial as he dodged four Vols defenders as he skated 78 yards for the punt return touchdown.
Colorado Rodney Stewart RB

Stewart showed the nation he was overlooked in recruiting as the overlooked true freshman gained 166 yards on 28 carries against West Virginia.
Michigan State Javon Ringer RB

Ringer is making a name to be in NYC for the Heisman in December as he literally carried the load for the Spartans. Ringer rushed 39 times for 201 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Georgia A.J. Green WR

Green made his claim at being the best #8 true freshman receiver in the SEC with an 8 catch for 159 yards performance and 1 touchdown performance on national television against the highly touted Arizona State Sun Devils.

NFL Jimmy's Dolphins Ronnie Brown RB

Brown used the college popular formation of the single wing to perfection against the once feared New England Patriots. Brown rushed 17 times for 113 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Falcons Michael Turner RB

Turner continued to show he was a great off season pick up for the dirty birds by racking up 104 yards on 23 carries while racking up 3 touchdowns in the process.
Bengals T.J. Houshmandzadeh

It was all for a loss but T.J. put on a good performance with 12 catches for 146 yards and one touchdown.

Dolphins Joey Porter OLB

Porter walked the walk and talked the talk as he predicted the Dolphins would win and back it up with a 3 sack and one forced fumble performance.

Vikings Antoine Winfield CB

Winfield recorded the hat trick with a sack, forced fumble & fumble recovery and touchdown all in one play.
Falcons John Abraham DE

Abraham recorded 2 sacks and a forced fumble against the woeful Kansas City Chiefs.

Bigger than Football: Dante Love

Ball State receiver Dante Love is expected to "live a normal and happy life" according to a statement released by the university, but he probably won't ever play football again.
Love suffered a cervical spine fracture and a spinal cord injury during the first quarter of Saturday's game against Indiana. Love was injured when Indiana cornerback Chris Adkins hit Love helmet-to-helmet after Love made a short catch. Love entered Saturday's game as the nation's leader in receiving yards per game at 144.3. He also was ranked second in all-purpose running.

Love, who was the Cardinals' most versatile player, finishes his career ranked second in school history in receptions (199), yards receiving (2,778) and is tied for fourth in TD receptions (20). Love also holds the Ball State record for kickoff-return yards in a career (2,129) and is tied with Dante Ridgeway for the most 100-yard games in school history (11).

Love is expected to make a full recovery after a five-hour surgery this weekend but the doctors prognosis is that he will never play football again.

This is just a sad and unfortunate injury for the nations best wide receiver, from a statistical standpoint. So often we focus on the game of football and not the game of life. Dante Love’s freak injury is a part of football that is rarely seen. The Dante Love’s and Kevin Everett’s of the world will be publicized for a few short moments then their memories will fade away but the wounds remain open. Love was stripped of the opportunity of a sure fire NFL career and his body of work on the field earned him that right up until his injury against Indiana Saturday night. Love’s legacy at Ball State will live on through not only what he did on the field for the cardinals but also what he will do once he makes a full recovery from his injury, even though his playing days are over. Every time a player takes the field he risks horrific injury. Spectators need to understand what is on the line every time they watch their favorite sport. Dante Love will be in the thoughts and prayers of many all across this country including the staff here at 6MAG.



Sincerely, Claude Clayborne Jr.

NFL Week 3 Review

Remember last year's college football season. The wildest in history. We'll I'm not a betting man, okay I take that back maybe I am, but either way, this NFL season is getting very strange.

Dolphins gave it to the Patriots in Foxboro stadium. I mean Tom Brady is gone, but the defense is still in tact and Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown ran all up in they house and took their respect, manhood, and pride in 33 carries for 211 yards and 4 touchdowns.

The Colts are 1-2. Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison do not look like the same duo.

The Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos are both 3-0 and John Elway and Jim Kelly are long gone.

The Falcons are 2-1 as are the 49ers. The football gods are having fun with this season as the results are very odd.

The sleeper that no one is talking about is the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens are 2-0, and should be 3-0 but their game against the Texans last week was canceled because of Hurricane Ike. I'm almost certain that the Ravens would have defeated the Texans.

Joe Flacco is playing well as starter by default with Troy Smith recovering from a tonsil infection and Kyle Boller out for the season. The offense is very Raven-esque if you know what I mean, and the vaunted defense that has been the staple of the organization is back ranking second in the NFL in total defense and third in points allowed.

I highly recommend not betting on any NFL games this year because there are no gimmies. I love crazy seasons like this. Keep it up football gods.

Peace,

Thomas Black™

Week 4 Review

Florida

Florida is looking like a well-oiled machine after dismantling Tennessee on the road this week. The Gator defense was outstanding in the red zone. There were some quirks in the offense but if the special teams play continues to be outstanding, led by all-world return man Brandon James, Florida will be a legitimate contender for the National Championship.

Michigan State

Javon Ringer ran wild, running for 201 yards on 39 carries with 2 touchdowns. Through four games Ringer has 699 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on a nation-high 143 carries. I must say it is refreshing to watch Michigan State and their “Throwback Style
“ a true I-formation attack" lead by potential Heisman trophy candidate Ringer. I believe after watching Ringer last year and early this season he is a dark horse for the Heisman if he can stay healthy with the workload he is under carrying the ball 35+ times a game.

FSU

The Seminoles stunk it up in a home loss to the Demon Deacons Saturday night. Florida State used two quarterbacks, none of which specialized in passing to their receivers at all combining for five interceptions. Wake Forest won its second straight game in Tallahassee for the first time ever on earth at any point in time in history including the B.C. years. The Noles have a lot of work to do before facing Colorado next week.

Auburn/LSU

I watched this game from beginning to end and I have to say that DEFENSE in the SEC is the best in the country. I cannot recall a more passionately played game where every inch gained was a blessing and every hit was a homicide. Word to the wise if you see the LSU or Auburn defense in a back alley run and run fast because its real serious in the SEC, unlike the Pac-10. Auburn, I believe will be a real handful when their get their new spread offense going later in the year. LSU is better than advertised with Harvard transfer Andrew Hatch and Jarret Lee running the offense after star QB Ryan Perrilloux was booted off the team this summer. LSU has the upper hand in the SEC West race after beating the Tigers at the Jungle. The winner of this game has won the SEC West 6 out of the last 8 years.

BYU and Penn State

Penn State and BYU continue to blow away the completion and have not received any love from the media. Keep a watch on these two programs, as they seem to be the class of their conferences but have yet to receive any R-E-S-P-E-C-T. BYU beat Wyoming 44-0 at home and now scored 104 pts in the last two games and have given up 0. Penn State pummeled a decent Temple team 45-3 and has a potent offense that may well give them the edge in a Big 10 conference that is stale offensively. If Penn State handles Juice Williams and Illinois in a convincing manner next weekend look out.

Miami, Alabama, and Colorado all impressed this week and seem to be on the verge of regaining the stature these programs enjoyed in years past. Alabama has a very stiff test playing Georgia this Week and Colorado has a game at FSU. These two games will go a long way in testing if they are “posers” or on their way back to the top. Miami has a date with North Carolina next week the Heels are let by former Miami head coach Butch Davis. This is a game that I feel both coaches want very badly because of their relationship with Shannon having been a defensive coordinator for Davis when he was at Miami.

Sincerely, Caveman Clayborne

College Football Highlights for Week 4

Yo,

Peep these highlights from the weekend that was the 4th weekend of College Football.

JIMMY Awards for the 3rd Week of the Football Season

Here are the Jimmy's for the 3rd week of the Football Season

NFL JIMMY's

Broncos WR Brandon Marshall

Marshall caught a second most single game NFL record, 18 balls for 166yards and a touchdown, while torching the vaunted Charges secondary of Antonio Cromartie, Quentin Jammer, and Antione Cason

Chargers RB Darren Sproles

Sproles blitzed the Broncos for 315 total yards and 2TDs. and provided two of the games more exciting plays with a 103 yard kick return and caught a short pass from Phillip Rivers and took it 66 yards for the score.

Giants DE Justin Tuck

Tuck had 3 tackles and 2 sacks, and also recorded an interception which he returned 41 yards for the td.

Packers CB Charles Woodson

Woodson had 4 passes defenses and 2 interception, one of which he took 41 yards back for the score.

Browns TE Kellen Winslow and Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha

They both looked fly as a "mug" as they bucked the NFL uniform policy and rocked the solid Brown socks with the black tape for Winslow and Asomugha donned the black socks with the black tape. They both said screw the ugly NFL white socks.

NCAA JIMMY's

Baylor QB Robert Griffin

Griffin set a Baylor QB rushing record by running for 217 yards on 11 carries and 2 touchdowns. He completed 7 of 15 passes for 129 yard and another touchdown.

Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford

Bradford got busy against the Washington Huskies as he went 18 for 21 with 304 yards and threw for 5 touchdowns and ran for another score. This man, threw more touchdowns than he had incompletions .....wow.

Georgia FS Reshad Jones

Jones had 6 tackles against the Gamecoks, and forced a key fumbled as a Gamecocks running back hurdled for the go ahead score before jones jarred the ball loose for and the Bulldogs recovered the fumble.

Whats Up Next for 6Magazine

6Magazine is going places. Literally we are close to inking a distribution deal with a major publisher. So be ready to see 6Magazine on the streets in newsstands near you. God willing our first issue can hit stands by November 2008, worst case scenario 6Magazine will be on newsstands February 2009. Check us out though as we will be providing cutting edge interviews with some of the top NFL and College stars that will be posted on the blog. Send us your comments on who you want interviewed and we will hold you down! Keep us in your prayers as we provide hip-hop and football. God bless and God speed.

Holla Back,

Ricky Writer

Are Mid-Week Games Compromising the Student Athlete Experience?

I was looking at this week’s college football schedule and realized that there is at least one game every day from Wednesday through Saturday. My first thought was “hell yeah, Wednesday is the new Saturday!” However, after some reflection I came to the conclusion that mid-week game scheduling is student-athlete exploitation at its finest. The landmark case University of Oklahoma, et al vs. NCAA in the fall of 1984 started the “Television Age” in college football. As a disclaimer: I understand that I am only touching the tip of the iceberg regarding student-athlete issues and the NCAA, I am sympathetic to the student athlete cause but for time sake I will only discuss how television can have a negative impact on the student athlete experience at any particular university. What the OU vs. NCAA case meant for the student athlete and football fans alike was that the NCAA could no longer limit the number of appearances an individual school could have on television each year. Furthermore, it led to the present schedule that sports fans are now used to the “Thursday, Friday, and Saturday” games every week. Another side effect most may not realize was a result of this case is conference realignment. Conferences both grew and crumbled because of the lucrative nature of the television contracts in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. This “rat race” for money is what led to the “Super Conferences” we are now used too. The more teams in a conference, the more lucrative the TV contract. This started with Arkansas leaving the SWC for the greener pastures of the SEC. This move was based largely on Arkansas wanting a piece of the “television revenue pie” so to speak. The remaining teams in the SWC either joined the Big 8 to form the Big 12 or were banished to smaller conferences. These moves in the early 1990s led to the current BCS system we have in place at the moment. Now back to the point. Here is a list of mid-week games this week.

Wednesday, September 17: Kansas State at Louisville

Thursday, September 18: No. 21 West Virginia at Colorado

Friday, September 19: Baylor at Connecticut

The focus here is money and not facilitating the best possible experience for the student athletes involved. I am sure that Kansas State practiced all weekend in order to prepare for their game at Louisville today. This takes away from the players’ ability to use their bye weekend off to catch up on their studies. Kansas State probably flew to Louisville Tuesday in order to play Wednesday. Which means that KSU players will miss not one but two days of classes in order to play this game “for the fans.” Lastly, all three of the previously mentioned games start at 8 p.m. Eastern time so that viewers can get home from work and be comfortable when the game comes on. What you don’t realize when you are enjoying the game during the evening is that it will probably take 3-4 hours to play, then the away team has to fly back home arriving around 5-6 the next morning, and therefore keeping the athletes from getting to bed until a late hour. Even if the game is either home or away, the time factor for these games must surely have an impact on the classes the student athlete has the next day. I looked at each of the above teams’ schedule and they will have no less than an 8 day layoff before their next day, giving them more than a standard break after this weeks game But has the NCAA become so shrouded with the revenues made in conjunction with the major television providers that the student athlete is no longer taken into consideration when planning the season? The traditional Saturday game has the least impact on the student athlete trying to earn a degree, a factor that must be kept in mind during the scheduling process. Not to mention that all players involved are amateurs and have numerous responsibilities outside of football and Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday games do not take this into consideration at all. So the next time you enjoy a game you probably did not even know was coming on early in the week, take a second to ponder the “bigger picture”, then sit back and enjoy the game because this trend will only increase in the future.

Peace, Political Linus

2005 College Football Season

Does anyone remember the 2005 College Football Season? Do you really? What I am talking about has nothing to do with the championship, Heisman, Outland Trophy, none of that.

I remember the days during the 05 season, when Reggie Bush and Devin Hester were both juniors, Ted Ginn, Jr. was a sophomore and a young DeSean Jackson was a freshman. ESPN's College Gameday Final had me at odds with myself. Do I go out to the party that ends at 2am, or do I stay here and watch College Gameday Final which will not begin until at least midnight and last for an hour. TiVo was a no go back then for me. No dinero homie.

Why did I need to watch it so bad, duh, because some of the best playmakers in College Football History were doing their thing.

I don't think there was a week that Bush, Hester, Ginn, or Jackson didn't score a spectacular touchdown.

I'm saddened today because none of the players today in the game are nearly that dynamic. I mean yes, there is DeMarco Muarry, Noel Devine, Graig Cooper, Pat White, Percy Harvin, Jahvid Best, Preston Parker, Joel McKnight and Moreno at UGA, but lets be real. Are we being thrilled with the plays that Bush, Hester, Jackson and Ginn gave us. Not by a long shot, and that's no disrespect to those holding it down now, its respect to those who killed it in 2005. So lets pay tribute to these boys.

Slackerville: The Bonk Chronicles

To Whom It May Concern:

My predictions for week three were disgusting and terrible and I want to issue a formal apology to all my faithful minions who read this blog regularly. I bust my tail to give it to you live and direct and I was just wrong this week.

THE UGLY:

I predicted that Kansas would win at South Florida. Wrong.

I predicted that UCLA would win at BYU. Very, very wrong I didn’t see this ass whooping coming at all. Max Hall and the Cougars really lit it up. I THOUGHT that since BYU barely won at Washington that they were not as good as advertised. I THOUGHT that since UCLA beat a good Tennessee team at home in week 1 that they were better than advertized. All this led me to believe that UCLA would win the game. However 5 frickin’ 9 to Nothing, Zip, Zero later, I realized that I am an idiot and should be banished from my Mac book until further notice. (Single tear running down my cheek).

P.S. I did not inhale.

I predicted that Georgia would win handily at South Carolina.

I stated:

“What’s a goon to a goblin? I assure you the Gamecocks will be able to tell you after this SEC East clash. USC has a very good defense especially their interior line and linebacking core, however Georgia led by Knowshon Moreno has too many weapons to be stopped. Georgia wins 42-17.”

What really happened:

Georgia needed not one but two last minute defensive stands to beat Gamecocks in Columbia. I must say that South Carolina has a defense that is very nasty and if their offense ever comes around they are going to raise hell in the SEC East. Georgia should not lose stock because every team has some close games during the year it is standard protocol. However, with the murderous schedule in Georgia’s near future they better pick it up or be banished from the top 25.

I predicted that Fresno State would beat Wisconsin at home.

Even though the score was close Wisconsin manhandled the Bulldogs all game long and the outcome really was not in jeopardy even though the Badgers won by three. This was not as egregious error as the first few game predictions but I was still wrong. I am not worthy, I’m not worthy!!!!!

I predicted that Michigan would beat Notre Dame.

Notre Dame won the battle winning handily 35-17. The war was lost, however, when Charlie Weiss the head coach for the Irish tore his ACL on the sideline. At this point I am unstable and a legitimate threat for suicide. Help……..please……. I suck at predicting games.

The Good

Hey everybody!!! The only two games I got right were the USC game and the Oklahoma game. I almost got the score right to the USC game and everybody including small prisonbound kindergarteners knew that OU was going to hang 79 thousand on the Huskies. Therefore, I will predict games for this coming week tomorrow but I will not deface 6 Mag anymore until I get my act together. I am competing unattached until further notice. I pray that my minions and evil football do-gooders will keep me in their thoughts and hearts as I fight through this. I swear I’ll make this up to you.

Sincerely, Your Fearless Loser El’ Captain Clayborne

Emerging Trends: The A-11 Offense

Kurt Bryan, Piedmont High School (California) head coach, and Steve Humphries, director of football operations, developed an offense in which all 11 players on the field are potentially eligible to catch the ball. Though they weren't certain it was legal when they first concocted the idea they decided to move forward with the A-11 concept.

Bryan and Humphries installed the A-11 offense a little more than two years ago, drawing interest from college coaches - and even some from the NFL - almost immediately. Bryan said coaches from 35 to 40 Division I-A schools, and from every conference, have contacted him and Humphries looking for information on the offense. Humphries said he saw San Jose State run multiple A-11 plays last season against Stanford. Florida ran an offensive play recalling the A-11 against LSU. As well as Rutgers and the NFL's San Francisco 49ers ran punt plays containing aspects of Piedmont's offense.

The A-11 Offense (All Eleven Players Potentially Eligible) is an innovative new offense that blends aspects of almost every type of offense in the history of football such as the West Coast, Spread Option, Run and Shoot, Shotgun Zone Fly, Wing-T, Single Wing, Notre Dame Box, Triple Option and Veer just to name a few. The A-11 Offense employs two quarterbacks in a “shotgun”-like formation that is permissible because it emulates a legal punt formation. The A-11 offense has the potential to the be the equalizing offense that was the wishbone in the 70’s, the Wing T was in the 50’s, the veer in the 60’s and the spread in our current day.

HOW IT WORKS



The A-11 features up to all eleven players wearing an eligible receiver jersey number, either 1-49 or 80-99, with two quarterbacks in the shotgun formation at 7 yards, and with nobody under center - thereby meeting the criteria for a scrimmage kick formation. In “base” sets, the A-11 Offense has a center, and a tight end on each side, and three wide receivers to the right, and left respectively. By spreading the potentially eligible receivers across the entire field, it forces the defense to account for every possible receiver on each play. Of course, on any given play, only six of those players can go downfield to catch a pass, and the five “covered” players remain ineligible to catch a downfield pass.
A-11 and College Football.

"The A-11 Offense is legal in the NCAA, but for now only on a limited basis, such as 4th downs, any conversion or FG attempt, any end of the half or end of game type of play, and in some cases on 3rd down a very long. Realistically, in your average collegiate game, roughly 12 - 15 possible opportunities they will be able to use true A-11 personnel and numbering. Kurt Bryan, Head Coach at Piedmont High School."

6 Magazine is committed to providing the most updated information relating to football anywhere. The A-11 offense may be the wave of the future but, it will have an immediate impact on high school football across the united states. Its limited availability in the collegiate world may slow its rise, but it will become commonplace in the football diaspora because it gives teams with less talent a chance to compete. This offense is legal in 40 states and will continue to gain notoriety as its popularity increases. Hats off to Coach Bryan and Coach Humphries for bringing a new offense to the table that will be fun to watch in the coming years.

Peace Dr. Clayborne

Week 3 Preview

#13 Kansas at #19 USF

Whomever said they predicted USF and Kansas being a big game even two or three years ago is a liar. I believe that the rise of traditionally marginal programs is directly related to scholarship limitations instituted by the NCAA in the last twenty years. Programs like Kansas and USF to name a few have thrived on the NCAA “spreading the wealth” and now aspire to join the ranks of the elite college football programs. USF is at home and has marvelous speed on defense but I think that Kansas gets the job done 27-24

#2 Georgia at South Carolina

What’s a goon to a goblin? I assure you the Gamecocks will be able to tell you after this SEC east clash. USC has a very good defense especially their interior line and linebacking core, however Georgia led by Knowshon Moreno has too many weapons to be stopped. Georgia wins 42-17

#16 Oregon at Purdue

Oregon has not been tested this year so a lot is riding on this game for the Ducks. Joe Tiller always keeps it interesting on the offensive side of the ball. Look for the Ducks to win in a shootout

UCLA at #18 BYU

UCLA really found itself in the second half against Tennessee in week one. I’m sure Norm Chow UCLA offensive coordinator threw some new wrinkles in Bruin attack during their off week. and BYU will not be able to squeak by another Pac-10 opponent. UCLA by 14

Notre Dame at Michigan

Nobody cares how sad it that? The Fighting Irish and Wolverine programs are in a state of flux, especially Michigan. These two will be back in the nation limelight but how long will it take Rich Rod to get it done in Ann Arbor? Charlie Weiss, at least in my opinion, is on the hot seat after barley scraping past SDSU last week. I hate watching NBC college football it really does suck I don’t care who sues me. Regardless, I'm calling Michigan by three 17-14.

SMU at # 12 Texas Tech

This game may last 15 or 16 hours the way June Jones and Mike Leach like to pass the ball around. Expect Graham Harrell to post at least 500 yards in the air against a suspect Pony secondary. The final on Sunday afternoon will be Tech winning 65-21

#5 Ohio State At #1 USC

Beanie or no Beanie, unless Tyrelle Pryor plays the game of his life OSU gets thumped in the newly remodeled Coliseum. Take home assignment: Google USC’s record after an off week in the last 6 years. Trojans 35-13

#3 Oklahoma At Washington
Oklahoma will once again score 84753740583 points and hold Washington to less than 28. Will this be the Oklahoma team that can display some consistency in offensive prowess until the end of the season? We have all seen this early season Sooner offensive explosion more than a few years in the past only to fade like the color in the trees in late autumn. Sam Bradford may be the QB to change all that OU by a lot.

#10 Wisconsin at #21 Fresno State

Pat Hill has to earn some respect he will take his Bulldogs anywhere and play anybody. That being said FSU finally gets a marquee home game, expect the Dogs’ from the Valley to capitalize on their opportunity in one of the most physical games of the year. FSU 27-17

Your Secret Lover, C Jizzle

Jimmy Awards for the Week

We at 6magazineOnline nominate the best players of the week with a Jimmy Award. A Jimmy is tribute to the best football player of all-time, Mr. Jim Brown. Thank you for paving the way Mr. Brown and showing us fans and players what greatness really is.

NFL Jimmys

Eddie Royal: Denver Broncos

Royal had nine catches for 146 yards and a touchdown in a Bronco victory over the Raiders in Thizzville

Donovan McNabb: Philadelphia Eagles

Donovan McNabb threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns, three wideouts had 100 yards receiving and the Eagles routed the St. Louis Rams 38-3 on Sunday.

Michael Turner: Atlanta Falcons

Michael Turner rushed for a team-record 220 yards in his debut for the Falcons.

College Jimmys

Ryan Broyles: Oklahoma Sooners

Broyles turned in the best showing by a freshman receiver in Oklahoma history. He had seven catches for 141 yards and a touchdown in his team's woodshed job over Cincinnati

Jahvid Best: Cal Bears

Best carried the ball 14 times for 200 yards and three touchdowns in a 66-3 rout of Washington State.

Knowshon Moreno: Georgia Bulldogs

Moreno rushed for 168 yards on 18 carries and a career-high tying three touchdowns in Georgia’s 56-17 win over Central Michigan. Through two games Moreno has 6 touchdowns leading the country in this category.

Winners and Losers: Week 3 College Football

Winners:

ECU Pirates: The Pirates moved up to #14 in the country after beating their second top 25 opponent of the season. The Pirates stifled the explosive West Virginia attack holding the Mountaineers to only three points.

BYU Cougars: The beneficiaries of a “controversial” call at the end of the game at Washington. The Cougars move closer to being the BCS Buster they have the potential to be at the end of the season.

Cal Bears: Simply destroyed Washington Sate 66-3 at Washington State ….. Nuff Said.

Vanderbilt: The Commodores beat South Carolina for the second straight season. Vandy got a big win at home against a good SEC team something they have been so close to in the last few years.

Losers:

Cincinnati: Letting Oklahoma hang 50+ points on is not the bad news. Losing your starting quarterback for the season is the bad news.

Washington: Jack Locker’s touchdown penalty may have cost Tyrone Willingham his job. Its sad one penalty may have cost the Huskies a victory and a head coach.

Maryland: Lost to Middle Tennessee State by ten is simply unacceptable.

Texas Southern: Arkansas State fresh of their upset of Texas A&M last week put up 83 pts on a lousy Texas Southern team…… why are you still playing football. I wonder what the coach said in the locker room at the end of the game?

The Football gods Giveth and Taketh

Thank the Lord I didn't draft Tom Brady this year in my Fantasy Football league. Not to sound insensitive, but this is a huge blow to the football world. I mean T-Brady is the man. He's got the classic look of a QB, he's marketable, he plays in a big market. The NFL needs him.

I am a stickler for happy endings and when I say I was past crushed last year when they lost the Super Bowl that is an understatement. We all know the story. They came to within an Asante Samuel interception of winning the Super Bowl. Yes, yes I am hating on Asante. I love dude, but then he dashed the dream for the money. Eagles aint winning nothing no time soon.

I try to understand why the football God's giveth and taketh. I mean, there is a reason for everything, but the Patriots were coming back to avenge the loss in the Superbowl. They were not going to go 19-0, but they were going to be back and win the Superbowl, Randy Moss was going to be the MVP and order was going to be restored. As selfish as this sounds, even if they do win with Matt Cassel it won't even be the same.

So what if I'm whining. It's my blog and I'll whine if I want to!

Peace in the Middle East,

Ricky Writer

No Fun Leagues

Deion Sanders, Billy White Shoes Johnson, Ickey Woods and many more men like them had fun when they played football. They knew how to celebrate and make the game fun. It was apart of the game. Now a days, the NFL and NCAA are taking the fun right out of the game.

This past weekend two incidents happened that made me wonder what the football world is coming too? In the BYU vs. Washington game this past Saturday, the Huskies led an emotional charge on the arm and legs of their star QB Jake Locker. Inside BYU's 10 yard line, Husker made a dramatic dash to the endzone to pull the game to within one point, with the "easy" extra point remaining to tie the game. Then I nearly got whiplash from the motions my neck made once I saw a flag get thrown in the air for unsportsman like conduct. When Locker scored, he jumped in the air in jubilation and flung the ball over his shoulder in the air. Mind you, he was jumping in the air with his teammate the whole time. Also, Locker is not a small man, a mere flip over the shoulder will seem like an average man put all his might into it. The official, Larry Farnia, who threw the flag was quoted as saying,

"After scoring the touchdown, the player threw the ball into the air, and we are required, by rule, to assess a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty. It is a celebration rule that we are required to call. It was not a judgment call."

The Huskies were penalized 15 yards, and the game tieing extra point was blocked. Are you kidding me? In the emotion of a game the official makes that call. Wow. Can you say "fixed" or Tim Donaghy has a NCAA football cousin? Please forgive me, lets commend this official for his ability to keep his composure during all the emotion and stick to the rules and let nothing slide. The rules clearly states if a player throws a ball in the air he must be penalized, and Ferina "followed those rules" but as Rece Davis of ESPN stated on Saturday, every call an official makes is a judgement call. Although the letter of the law state one thing, the official should have had enough sense to realize Locker wasnt tauting only celebrating.

The next incident was Terrell Owens, who scored a touchdown yesterday. I was happy because he's on my fantasy football team. I was waiting to see what T.O. was going to do so I could celebrate with him at home. He put himself in a sprinter stance in honor of the Olympics and ran out of his "air" blocks. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty came within seconds. A new NFL rule is that if a player touches the ground in celebration he will penalized. I hope this doesn't include the "kneel down prayer".

The irony of all this celebration chaos is this, Chad Johnson legally changed his name to Ocho Cinco. Yes, that man is wild, but nevertheless, the NFL announced that Ocho Cinco would be placed on the back of his jersey. Before the game, he was ordered by the NFL to wear the Jersey that said Johson. Why you ask. Because the NFL has an exclusive contract to Reebok and many fans have bought "Johnson 85" jerseys and they have much more in stock.

So what happens when someone is traded mid-season? You have out of date jersey's out of stock as well. Chad Johnson has one of the top selling NFL jerseys, and if he were your run of the mill Marvin Harrison type, he would not have a top selling jersey. He is Chad Johson, super flamboyant, celebration artist extrodinare. What is the NFL going to do when players stop celebrating? How are jerseys going to be sold then?

Peace,

Ricky Writer

Football Fetish: The Spat

The absolute best look in football, undoubtedly, is the spat, the over-the-cleat ankle tape job worn for support and style. In case you're scratching your head: Spats are cloth coverings that fit over the top portion of shoes or boots. Football players don't wear actual spats, but the way they tape their ankles sometimes makes it look that way. Who wants to wear clunky black cleats with high white socks? Nobody! Not to mention black cleats with low white socks, this look is enough to get a player snatched off the field and beaten by the fashion police. And the spat is completely functional: Having played football in both high school and college, I can't imagine what I would have done without the spat. My favorite is the black on black spat, which consists of a black cleat wrapped with black tape. Athletes at Auburn, Missouri, Miami, Colorado, Michigan, and Ohio State employ the use of spats. Spats are sometimes used when a player injures an ankle. If you look closely in some games a player will have one shoe spatted in order to protect an old injury or help support a new one. Jasper Brinkley of South Carolina wore a single spat against Vandy last night.

Spatting is part of the grossly overlooked subsection of gridiron stylings. Other overlooked football fashion basics are visors, towels, tape belts, and any different combination of arm and leg adornments. In the words of Deion Sanders “If you look good you feel good. If you feel good you play good. If you play good they pay good.” Therefore, spats are the key to financial success for any football player.

The godfather of the spatted look was Colts halfback Lenny Moore The short version is that it provided more ankle support. Moore whose nickname was, of course, "Spats" is the only player whose tape was restricted to the upper part of the shoe. The more typical version involves taping under the bottom of the shoe, making sure that it does not come off in the heat of battle. Because the tape can obscure the Nike and Reebok logos, the manufacturers have responded by moving their logos toward the toe of the shoe instead of on the side of the shoe.

Manufacturer guidelines in the NFL have become so specific that Nike and Reebok will end a sponsorship agreement with a player if they do not go spat-free. This was the case for many of the New England Patriots who chose to spat-up for the super bowl. In fact, it was a dispute over this very issue that led Auburn to switch from Nike shoes to New Balance. Word on the street is that Nike was upset that Auburn was taping over the swoosh on the star running backs Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams a few years back, to protect ankles, nothing devious to spite Nike. Rumor also has it that Nike dropped Auburn over it. Auburn now has an athletic apparel sponsorship from Under Armor. This issue that Auburn had with Nike can be viewed as a spat over spats, as it were.

Oregon is king of football uniforms, that is a fact that was handed down to us football brethren by Nastradamus. However, if you look closely during a game you will notice that some of the players who undoubtedly have a subscription to GQ and choose to adorn themselves with spats in accordance with high fashion values. So next time you see a tailback break through the line and cut left know he could not have done it unless he was spatted up! DO WORK SON!

Peace, Clayborne Versace

Parlay Card for September 4th - 8th

Last week I didn't do so well, so I hope you didn't take my advice. I was close on my " don't bet the farm" going 5 for 7 but I was far off on my "can't miss parlay".

Here are my two parlays for this week.

College

South Carolina
Syracuse
Michigan State
Georgia
Oklahoma State
Wake Forest
Arizona

NFL

Giants
Cardinals
Bengals
Eagles
Lions
Chargers
Cowboys

COLLEGE LINES Sept 04 - 8:29 PM South Carolina at Vanderbilt Matchup	-10-110 40½-110
Sept 05 - 6:59 PM Navy at Ball St Matchup	59-110 -7-110
Sept 06 - 11:59 AM Connecticut at Temple Matchup	-7-110 40-110
Sept 06 - 11:59 AM Florida Intl at Iowa Matchup	40½-110 -26½-110
Sept 06 - 11:59 AM Georgia Tech at Boston College Matchup	39-110 -7-110
Sept 06 - 11:59 AM Marshall at Wisconsin Matchup	51-110 -20½-110
Sept 06 - 11:59 AM Miami Ohio at Michigan Matchup	40-110 -14½-110
Sept 06 - 11:59 AM Ohio at Ohio St Matchup	45½-110 -34-110
Sept 06 - 11:59 AM Eastern Mich at Michigan St Matchup	58½-110 -21-110
Sept 06 - 12:29 PM San Jose St at Nebraska Matchup	57½-110 -26-110
Sept 06 - 12:29 PM Southern Miss at Auburn Matchup	41½-110 -17-110
Sept 06 - 2:59 PM Byu at Washington Matchup	-9½-110 55-110
Sept 06 - 3:29 PM Utah St at Oregon Matchup	50½-110 -36-110
Sept 06 - 3:29 PM Cincinnati at Oklahoma Matchup	53½-110 -21½-110
Sept 06 - 3:29 PM Akron at Syracuse Matchup	42½-110 -4½-110
Sept 06 - 3:29 PM Central Mich at Georgia Matchup	56-110 -24-110
Sept 06 - 3:29 PM Air Force at Wyoming Matchup	42½-110 -3-110
Sept 06 - 3:29 PM San Diego St at Notre Dame Matchup	42-110 -22-110
Sept 06 - 3:29 PM Oregon St at Penn St Matchup	46½-110 -16½-110
Sept 06 - 3:29 PM Mississippi at Wake Forest Matchup	47-110 -8-110
Sept 06 - 3:59 PM Uab at Fla Atlantic Matchup	57-110 -13½-110
Sept 06 - 4:29 PM West Virginia at East Carolina Matchup	-8-110 50-110
Sept 06 - 4:59 PM Texas A M at New Mexico Matchup	-3-110 38-110
Sept 06 - 5:59 PM Buffalo at Pittsburgh Matchup	44-110 -13-110
Sept 06 - 6:29 PM California at Washington St Matchup	-13½-110 51½-110
Sept 06 - 6:59 PM Louisiana Tech at Kansas Matchup	52-110 -20½-110
Sept 06 - 6:59 PM South Florida at Ucf Matchup	-14-110 53-110
Sept 06 - 6:59 PM Northwestern at Duke Matchup	-6½-110 44½-110
Sept 06 - 6:59 PM Tulane at Alabama Matchup	43½-110 -30-110
Sept 06 - 6:59 PM Houston at Oklahoma St Matchup	57½-110 -16½-110
Sept 06 - 6:59 PM Kent St at Iowa St Matchup	42-110 -7-110
Sept 06 - 6:59 PM Northern Ill at Western Mich Matchup	54-110 -6-110
Sept 06 - 7:29 PM Minnesota at Bowling Green Matchup	56½-110 -6-110
Sept 06 - 7:59 PM Miami Fla at Florida Matchup	51½-110 -21-110
Sept 06 - 7:59 PM Rice at Memphis Matchup	66-110 -3-110
Sept 06 - 7:59 PM Troy St at Lsu Matchup	44½-110 -23-110
Sept 06 - 7:59 PM Unlv at Utah Matchup	41½-110 -22-110
Sept 06 - 8:59 PM Texas Tech at Nevada Matchup	-10½-110 64½-110
Sept 06 - 9:59 PM Toledo at Arizona Matchup	58½-110 -23-110
Sept 06 - 9:59 PM Stanford at Arizona St Matchup	53½-110 -14-110
Sept 06 - 10:14 PM Texas at Utep Matchup	-26½-110 58-110
Sept 06 - 11:59 PM Ul Monroe at Arkansas Matchup	47½-110 -13-110
Sept 06 - 11:59 PM Tulsa at North Texas Matchup	-21½-110 59-110
NFL LINES Sept 04 - 6:59 PM Washington at New York Matchup 41-110 -4-110 Sept 07 - 12:59 PM Cincinnati at Baltimore Matchup -1½-110 38-110 Sept 07 - 12:59 PM Detroit at Atlanta Matchup -3-115 40½-110 Sept 07 - 12:59 PM Houston at Pittsburgh Matchup 43-110 -6½-110 Sept 07 - 12:59 PM Jacksonville at Tennessee Matchup -3-105 36½-110 Sept 07 - 12:59 PM Kansas City at No New England Matchup Sept 07 - 12:59 PM New York at Miami Matchup -3-115 36-110 Sept 07 - 12:59 PM Seattle at Buffalo Matchup 39-110 -1-110 Sept 07 - 12:59 PM St Louis at Philadelphia Matchup 44-110 -7½-110 Sept 07 - 12:59 PM Tampa Bay at New Orleans Matchup 43-110 -3-120 Sept 07 - 4:14 PM Carolina at San Diego Matchup 42-110 -9-110 Sept 07 - 4:14 PM Dallas at Cleveland Matchup -5½-110 49-110 Sept 07 - 4:14 PM Arizona at San Francisco Matchup -2½-110 42-110 Sept 07 - 8:14 PM Chicago at Indianapolis Matchup 44-110 -9½-110 Sept 08 - 6:59 PM Minnesota at Green Bay Matchup 38-110 -2½-110 Sept 08 - 10:14 PM Denver at Oakland -3-110 41-110