A View from the Sideline

How we got HERE...well, Indianapolis, actually

Packers vs. Cowboys in the 1960s. Steelers vs. Raiders in the 1970s. Al
Davis vs. the NFL in the 1980s. Cowboys vs. Niners in the 1990s. The
rivalries through the years in the NFL have captivated fans thousands of
times over. The Patriots vs. Colts in the 2000s ranks right up in that
mix above given all that has transpired since 2003. This weekend, yet
again, these two organizations battle in Indy with AFC honors on the
line.

Catch Lance Zierlein from 6 to 10 am daily, the Sean and John show, with Sean Pendergast
alongside John Granato. Listen to John Harris on show 3 to 7 PM daily. www.1560thegame.com
 NFL SECTION BY LANCE ZIERLEIN WEEK 10

NEW ENGLAND (6-2) VS. INDIANAPOLIS (8-0) VEGAS SAYS: IND -3 / 50

November 15, 2009 NBC 7:20 PM CST
The Patriots offense sputtered early in pass protection look in many years. If
the year and the concerns over Tom the Colts could rely on their running
Brady's sporadic play was certainly Fantasy Report game, that would be one thing, but
warranted, but the Patriots offense their running game isn't consistent and
The Colts defense has some
appears to be getting back on track.  the Patriots defensive front will be too
holes right now and I expect
The Colts are still undefeated but they much for the Colts to handle on the
Randy Moss, Tom Brady
didn't look very good against the and even Laurence ground.
Texans and they really haven't played a Maroney to exploit those  
very tough schedule up to this point.  holes.  On the other side of The Colts have had injuries in the
Can the Colts elevate their game here the ball, I think Manning could secondary which is a bad, bad thing in
to take on a Patriots team who looks end up having some trouble this spot since Brady will find the
like it is heating up? against the Patriots 3-4 front weakest link and exploit it over and
  so I wouldn't expect as much over again. The Colts have been a more
Indianapolis' offensive line has had from Peyton Manning or consistent defensive unit this year and
some issues protecting Manning against even Reggie Wayne in this they have the pass rushers that can
spot.
some of the top 3-4 defenses in the past cause the Patriots trouble but if the
and we might see some of the same Pats block it up effectively, I don't think
problems this week as this is as weak as I've seen their their secondary can withstand the Pats passing game.

PREDICTION: NEW ENGLAND - 24 VS. INDIANAPOLIS - 20

CINCINNATI (6-2) VS. PITTSBURGH (6-2) VEGAS SAYS: PIT -7 / 41.5

November 15, 2009 CBS 12 PM CST
When you look at the Steelers season on offense and Ben Roethlisberger's
so far, it is actually much more Fantasy Report ability to utilize all of his targets will
impressive than what we saw from put pressure on the Bengals. The
them last year when they won the The Bengals defense isn't a Bengals defense has been steady the
Super Bowl. In both of the Steelers push-over anymore by any entire year so don't look for the Steelers
losses to the Bears and the Bengals, stretch, but either is the to go up and down the field.
they did more to lose those games than running game for the Steelers  
with Rashard Mendenhall. 
the other teams winning them. The The Bengals are obviously better with
He gets a start here along with
Bengals have played enough games to QB Palmer back, but Ced Benson has
Hines Ward but Santonio
where we know that they are legit on Holmes only gets an average been the story for the Bengals. 
both sides of the ball but can they take start rating.  Ced Benson Benson has had good games against the
out the Ravens and Steelers twice? has been good in three games Ravens twice and against the Steelers
  against the Ravens and Steelers the last time out and if the Bengals
The key to the Steelers resurgence has so far, but not here. want to win in Pittsburgh, they have
been the inclusion of Rashard to have another good game by Benson
Mendenhall into the starting lineup.  and win the turnover battler. If the
While the offensive line has opened up more holes, there Steelers can shut down the running game, the Bengals
were holes before that weren't being hit by Willie Parker. offensive line will have a tough time keeping Palmer
Mendenhall has helped to give the Steelers more balance upright.

PREDICTION: PITTSBURGH - 24 VS. CINCINNATI - 16

 PREDICTIONS ON ALL NFL GAMES THIS WEEKEND
Chicago at San Francisco - The Bears defense has of the ball and give Freeman a proper introduction into
basically quit in two of their last three games and it will the NFL - Bucs - 6 vs. Dolphins - 27
be interesting to see which Bears team shows up against
a 49er team who is desperate for a win after the most Atlanta at Carolina - The Panthers were in great
difficult stretch of their schedule. I have to stick with a shape to beat the Saints last week but they simply don't
Niners team who I feel like will give the most consistent have enough through the air to win those types of
effort - Bears - 20 vs. Niners - 23 shootouts.  On the other hand, the Falcons have an
explosive offensive unit, but I don't think they are a
team who has enough on defense to keep from getting
Denver at Washington - The Broncos have lost a
dominated by the Panthers rushing attack - Falcons -
couple in a row but don't count them out just yet.  The
24 vs. Panthers - 27
Redskins are a mess and show no signs of coming
 
around and their offense doesn't figure to do to the
Kansas City at Oakland - Both teams are poor but
Broncos what the Steelers were able to do in the second
the Chiefs took care of the Raiders last time and this is
half. The Broncos have veteran leadership and the
one of those games that the Raiders have to have
Redskins don't - Broncos - 21 vs. Redskins - 16
circled. The Raiders offense has been atrocious, but
 
they did have a nice win over Philly a few weeks back so
Buffalo at Tennessee - The last two weeks I've had
we'll give them another shot here - Chiefs - 21 vs.
the Titan winning regardless of who the QB was going
Raiders - 24 (Overtime)
to be because their defense is still good enough to cause
 
problems and they still have the most dangerous RB in
Philadelphia at San Diego - The Chargers clawed
the game in Chris Johnson. The Bills rush defense is
their way to a much-needed win vs. the Giants last week
terrible which gives them very little chance here - Bills
and now they get to ride that momentum against an
- 10 vs. Titans - 28
Eagles team is that has to travel West. The Eagles seem
 
too reliant on DeSean Jackson's big plays while the
New Orleans at St. Louis - The Saints have found
Chargers are starting to see OLB Merriman get after the
themselves in tough spots against the Dolphins and
QB again. Good spot for the Chargers - Eagles - 20 vs.
Panthers so maybe they are due for a loss. It won't
Chargers - 24
happen here, but I am interested to see how Steven
 
Jackson and the running game does against the Saints in
Dallas at Green Bay - The Packers are in a desperate
this spot - Saints - 38 vs. Rams - 17
situation as they are staring a 4-5 record in the face if
 
they lose. The Cowboys have quietly snuck under the
Jacksonville at NY Jets - The Jaguars ‘O’ is more
radar thanks to big plays on offense and improved play
explosive than some would expect thanks to the teaming
from the secondary and the pass rush.  The Packers 4-
of WR Sims-Walker with MJD and the Jags have enough
wide sets will test the Cowboys IF the Packers can
on both sides of the ball to give the inconsistent Jets
protect QB Rodgers - Cowboys - 21 vs. Packers - 23
team all they want in this one. If the Jags can find a way
 
to slow down the Jets running game, they have a great
Seattle at Arizona - The Cardinals made a statement
shot at winning this one - Jaguars - 19 vs. Jets - 17
last week at Soldier Field that they were the best team
 
in their division and if Kurt Warner continues to play
Detroit at Minnesota - QB Stafford's 5 INTS buried
like he did last week, then that is the truth. The
the Lions last week and their inability to stop the run
Seahawks will test the inconsistent Cardinals secondary,
will bury them this week, but it will be interesting to see
but the Cardinals have too much offense for the
if if Stafford and Calvin Johnson can get on the same
Seahawks to catch - Seahawks - 24 vs. Cardinals - 28
page against the Vikings in order to keep this one
 
relatively close - Lions - 21 vs. Vikings - 31
Baltimore at Cleveland - Is this where I'm supposed
 
to finally give the Browns a shot at winning? Sure, they
Tampa Bay at Miami - Tampa scratched and clawed
beat the Eagles in an MNF matchup last year that they
their way to a home win against the Packers thanks to a
weren't supposed to win, but the Browns have quit and
gritty effort from first time starter, QB Freeman and
the Ravens are desperate to stay in the AFC North
defensive/special teams TDs. The Dolphins are a
hunt. Look for a monster game from Ray Rice -
physical group that will dominate the Bucs on both sides
Ravens - 26 vs. Browns - 14
 HANDICAPPING INFORMATION
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Against The Spread Trends (ATS)
Category Record Percent
Away Teams 282-267-5 51.37%
Home Teams 267-282-5 48.63%
Favorites 264-278-5 48.71%
Dogs 278-264-5 51.29%
Away Favorites 92-88-2 51.11%
Away Dogs 190-172-3 52.49%
Home Favorites 172-190-3 47.51%
Home Dogs 88-92-2 48.89%

Over vs. Under Trends

Category Overs % Unders %
Overtime Games 9 52.94% 8 47.06%
Non-Overtime Games 246 46.15% 287 53.85%
All Games 255 46.36% 295 53.64%
Top Trends
Over is 7-0 in West Virginia's last 7 games as an underdog
Home team is 3-0-1 ATS in last 4 meetings between Michigan and Wisconsin
USC is 1-8 ATS in their last 9 conference games
Ohio State is 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a S.U. win
Florida is 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games as a road favorite

NFL FOOTBALL
Against The Spread Trends (ATS)
Category Record Percent
Away Teams 70-57-2 55.12%
Home Teams 57-70-2 44.88%
Favorites 64-63-2 50.39%
Dogs 63-64-2 49.61%
Away Favorites 24-17-0 58.54%
Away Dogs 46-40-2 53.49%
Home Favorites 40-46-2 46.51%
Home Dogs 17-24-0 41.46%

Over vs. Under Trends

Category Overs % Unders %
Overtime Games 3 50.00% 3 50.00%
Non-Overtime Games 62 51.24% 59 48.76%
All Games 65 51.18% 62 48.82%
Top Trends
Patriots are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss
Cowboys are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games in November
Under is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings between Chiefs and Raiders
Under is 9-0 in Panthers last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record
Jaguars are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a S.U. win
Bengals are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog
 CFB SECTION BY JOHN HARRIS WEEK 11

Utah (8-1) vs. TCU (9-0)

November 14, 2009 - CBS CSTV 6:30 PM CST
Vegas Says: TCU -19.5 / 46.5
R 2009 Ranking

186.7 ypg - 27th Run Offense 242.1 ypg - 6th

224.4 ypg - 55th Pass Offense 216.4 ypg - 66th

411.3 ypg - 34th Total Offense 458.6 ypg - 8th

2009 Schedule 2009 Schedule
W, Utah State 35-17 29.1 ppg - 46th Scoring Offense 37.4 ppg - 6th W, @ Virginia 30-14
W, @ San Jose State 24-14 W, Texas State 56-21
L, @ Oregon 24-31 129.8 ypg - 51st Run Defense 89.7 ypg - 7th W, @ Clemson 14-10
W, Louisville 30-14 W, SMU 39-14
W, @ Colorado St. 24-17 169.6 ypg - 13th Pass Defense 150.9 ypg - 4th W, @ Air Force 20-17
W, @ UNLV 35-15 W, Colorado St. 44-6
W, Air Force 23-16 (OT) 299.3 ypg - 18th Total Defense 240.6 ypg - 3rd W, @ BYU 38-7
W, Wyoming 22-10 W, UNLV 41-0
W, New Mexico 45-14 16.4 ppg - 15th Scoring Defense 11.2 ppg - 5th W, @ SDSU 55-12
11/14 @TCU 11/14 Utah
Keys to the Game
Projected Starting Lineups Big Z - No player on the field will be under more pressure on Projected Starting Lineups
Offense Saturday night than #68 at left tackle for Utah Zane Beadles. Offense
The four year starter is as accomplished a player as any in this
QB #3 Jordan Wynn QB #14 Andy Dalton
league. 2nd team All-MWC as a sophomore in 2007 and 1st
RB #36 Eddie Wide team All-MWC in 2008 as a junior. 46 career starts on the RB #24 Joseph Turner
WR #9 Aiona Key offensive line. But, this is the night that Beadles can either be WR #13 Antoine Hicks
WR #16 David Reed a rock star or be just another notch on TCU DE Jerry Hughes’ WR #85 Jeremy Kerley
WR #85 Jereme Brooks belt. And, this battle could determine what happens in this WR #88 Jimmy Young
TE #80 Chris Joppru ball game. Or, at least go a long way in determining a winner. TE #84 Evan Frosch
LT #68 Zane Beadles Hughes is a menace off the edge and any pass rush he can get LT #70 Marshall Newhouse
LG #72 Caleb Schlauderaff off of the edge in the face of true freshman QB Jordan Wynn LG #72 Kyle Dooley
C #77 Zane Taylor could be disastrous for the Utes. Now, Beadles did a solid job C #76 Jake Kirkpatrick
on Hughes last year, holding Hughes to no sacks and only a
RG #54 Tevita Stevens RG #78 Josh Vernon
half a tackle for a loss. No one has had as much success as the
RT # 70 Tony Bergstrom two Utah tackles did against Hughes last year, but the newly RT #61 Marcus Cannon
named Rotary Lombardi Award finalist has something to
Defense prove and Beadles is in his way. The Ute tackle must continue Defense
DE #90 Derrick Shelby to do what he did last year - ride Hughes high and right on DE #98 Jerry Hughes
DT #98 Sealver Siliga past the QB. Then, Wynn has to be able to step up in the DT #57 Cory Grant
NT #92 Kenape Eliapo pocket to avoid #98. If he does, the Utes have a shot. If not, NT #69 Kelly Griffin
DE #41 Koa Misi well...the 47th start won’t be a good one. DE #96 Wayne Daniels
LB #10 Stevenson Sylvester LB #41 Daryl Washington
LB #20 Mike Wright Decision Making - TCU QB Andy Dalton’s decision LB #43 Tank Carder
making in last year’s game left a lot to be desired. The sacks
LB #59 Kepa Gaison CB #10 Rafael Priest
that he took that put TCU out of field goal range were
CB #27 Brandon Burton inexcusable. Yet, it’s the decision making this year that Dalton SS #28 Colin Jones
S #17 Robert Johnson has improved considerably and Saturday night is his night to WS #9 Alex Ibiloye
S #12 Joe Dale show that off. Utah will bring a variety of different blitzes, FS #3 Tejay Johnson
CB #25 R.J Stanford playing man and zone as well to confuse him and the offense. CB #20 Nick Sanders
The game has slowed down considerably for #14, but he must
still prove he can handle what Utah throws at him for 60 mins.
Conclusion - So many different aspects of this game are hugely important. Can TCU block Koa Misi on the edge? Can the
TCU OL open any holes in the A and B gaps for Joseph Turner? Can the Ute receivers get separation against the talented TCU
corners? Will Jordan Wynn, the true freshman, cave under the pressure on the road as a rookie? I don’t know the answer to these,
although I have my opinions. However, I think TCU will get a strong game from Dalton, a couple of explosive plays from Jeremy
Kerley and Jerry Hughes and control the Utah defensive front. TCU stays undefeated with two left to go.

TCU - 26 vs. Utah - 14

WEST VIRGINIA (7-2) VS. CINCINNATI (9-0) VEGAS SAYS: UC -9 / 54
November 13, 2009 ESPN 7 PM CST
I almost think that Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly West Virginia got clipped in Tampa against USF, but
could put me at quarterback and we’d win games going rebounded, with a 17-9 win over
away. Suffice it to say, I don’t have any eligibility the ‘Ville at home last week.
remaining to go under center...and that’s probably a real However, the Mountaineers “Sneaky Hot
good thing. The Bearcats lost dark horse Heisman have always appreciated the Game of the
candidate Tony Pike during the USF game in Tampa underdog tag and this is the Week”
and an undefeated season seemed to be going up in perfect spot for them. The
smoke as he sat on the sidelines getting his arm key will be for WVU’s Fres. St. vs. Nevada
examined. However, “backup” Zach Collaros took over defense to force Collaros into 3 PM ESPN GP
that night and has perhaps been as good, if not better third and long situations to
Sure, Utah and TCU
than Pike had been prior to the injury. He’s led the take away his abilty to move get all of the non-BCS
Bearcats to three straight wins, in which the Bearcats the chains with his legs. I love and deservedly
have averaged over 38 points a game. Collaros has done don’t think it’ll matter as WR so, but the Fresno
his work on the ground and through the air, which will Mardy Gilyard has a big game. State-Nevada game
be a big problem for WVU this week. UC - 31 vs. WVU - 23 might be one of the
best games of the
weekend. FSU RB
NOTRE DAME (6-3) VS. PITT (8-1) VEGAS SAYS: PITT -7 / 59 Ryan Mathews is
leading the nation in
November 14, 2009 ABC 7 PM CST rushing at 162.1 ypg
Two ships are a’sailin’ away - one is headed And, the Irish OL didn’t do diddly squat to and is the FSU
to the promised land and the other one is protect the Emu, aka QB Jimmy Clausen. offense. But, the
headed in the direction of the Titanic. Pitt And, that’s good? Well, with an emphasis Bulldogs have to stop
is 8-1 and ranked 9th in the nation. Notre on keeping the former #1 recruit in the the Nevada ‘pistol’
attack with QB Colin
Dame is 6-3, coming off of a loss to Navy for nation upright, expect the Irish to max
Kaepernick at the
the second consecutive time in South Bend. protect, using TE Mike Ragone to help LT helm. The problem for
Can you figure out which ship is headed Paul Duncan. With an improved protection FSU is that this unit
where? plan, the Irish have the WR weapons to give has been nearly
Regardless of the ship analogy, I think this is Pitt all it can handle. unstoppable lately,
a perfect spot for the Irish to make a Alas, the Irish have to stop a balanced with the #1 rushing
statement and win in Pittsburgh. The offensive attack and that hasn’t been easy. attack in the nation at
Panthers have a fierce pass rush, led by DE RB Dion Lewis will rush for 110 while QB 319.1 ypg. At home, I
Greg Romeus who had 7.5 sacks on the Bill Stull throws for 2 TDs in a Pitt win. like the Pack.
season. PITT - 27 vs. ND - 23 Nev. - 41 vs. FSU - 38

IOWA (9-1) VS. OHIO STATE (8-2)
VEGAS SAYS: OSU -17 / 36.5
November 14, 2009 ABC 2:30 PM CST
Last week at this time, Iowa was undefeated and
preparing for a gutty, little Northwestern team, sitting
pretty atop the Big Ten. An Iowa win and an Ohio
State loss and the race was all but over. On the other
hand, Ohio State hadn’t really done anything to
distinguish itself, having lost to USC and Purdue, as it
prepared for a difficult road trip to Penn State.
Flash forward to today, the Buckeyes now hold all of the
cards in the Big Ten race: win out and they’ll be going
to Pasadena as the Big Ten champion. Now, Iowa still
controls its destiny as well, but it’s a little murkier given
the fact that Iowa has to go on the road to Columbus
and take on the confident Buckeyes.What we learned
from the Buckeyes win in Happy Valley is that the
Buckeyes are much better when the recess bell rings.
What? Well, when QB Terrelle Pryor turns a well-
designed play into a schoolyard exercise, the Bucks are
actually as dangerous as any team in the nation. Pryor
didn’t, and won’t complete many passes, but when he
does, it’s usually downfield. Last week, he hit Devier
Posey for a 62 yard backbreaker in the 24-7 win.
Therefore, the vaunted Iowa front must keep him
contained and LB Pat Angerer must shadow him
throughout to not let him out for recess, if you will.
With no Ricky Stanzi, all it’ll take is one scramble play
from Pryor to win this for the Buckeyes. He’ll make it
and prepare for a trip to seal the Big Ten in Ann Arbor.
Ohio State - 24 vs. Iowa - 10
 PREDICTIONS ON ALL D1A GAMES - TV GAMES IN RED
Thursday, November 12th

Ball State at Northern Illinois 5 PM ESPNU - Northern Illinois - 34 vs. Ball State - 17

Bowling Green at Miami Ohio 5 PM ESPN360 - Bowling Green - 41 vs. Miami - 24

South Florida at Rutgers 6:30 PM ESPN - Rutgers - 27 vs. USF - 25

Friday, November 13th

Temple at Akron 7:30 PM ESPNU - Temple - 31 vs. Akron - 28

Saturday, November 14th

Auburn at Georgia 6 PM ESPN2 - Georgia - 31 vs. Auburn - 28

Syracuse at Louisville - Louisville - 27 vs. Syracuse - 25

BYU at New Mexico 1 PM The Mtn. - BYU - 51 vs. UNM - 21

Delaware at Navy 2:30 PM CBS CSTV - Navy - 41 vs. Delaware - 17

Florida at South Carolina 2:30 PM CBS - Florida - 29 vs. USC - 12

UNLV at Air Force 5 PM The Mtn. - Air Force - 34 vs. UNLV - 21

Wyoming at San Diego State 9 PM The Mtn. - SDSU - 23 vs. Wyoming - 21

Alabama at Mississippi State 6 PM ESPN - Alabama - 31 vs. MSU - 10

Arizona at California 6 PM Vs. - Arizona - 28 vs. Cal - 24

Arizona State at Oregon 9:15 PM ESPN - Oregon - 38 vs. Arizona State - 23

Arkansas State at Florida Atlantic - FAU - 31 vs. ASU - 30

Boston College at Virginia 12 PM ESPN360 - Virginia - 24 vs. Boston College - 23

Clemson at NC State 11 am ESPN GP/Raycom - Clemson - 31 vs. NC State - 17

Colorado at Iowa State - ISU - 27 vs. CU - 21

Florida State at Wake Forest 11 am ESPNU - Wake Forest - 27 vs. FSU - 21

Georgia Tech at Duke 11 am ESPN2 - Georgia Tech - 34 vs. Duke - 20
 PREDICTIONS ON ALL D1A GAMES - TV GAMES IN RED
Saturday November 14th (CONT’D)
Houston at Central Florida 11 am CBS CSTV - Houston - 49 vs. UCF - 35

Idaho at Boise State 2:30 PM ESPNU - Boise State - 54 vs. Idaho - 27

Indiana at Penn State 11 am Big Ten Network - Penn State - 49 vs. Indiana - 11

Kentucky at Vanderbilt 11:21 am ESPN GP/SEC Network - Kentucky - 27 vs. Vanderbilt - 21

Louisiana-Lafayette at Middle Tennessee - MTSU - 28 vs. ULL - 27

Louisiana Tech at LSU 6 PM ESPNU - LSU - 41 vs. La. Tech - 14

Miami at North Carolina 2:30 PM ABC - Miami - 27 vs. UNC - 20

Michigan at Wisconsin 11 am Big Ten Network - Wisconsin -34 vs. Michigan - 28

Michigan State at Purdue 11 am ESPN - Michigan State - 31 vs. Purdue - 30

Missouri at Kansas State 11:30 am Vs. - Kansas State - 34 vs. Missouri - 27

Nebraska at Kansas 2:30 PM ABC - Nebraska - 31 vs. Kansas - 21

New Mexico State at Hawaii 9 PM ESPN GP - Hawaii - 24 vs. NMSU - 23

North Texas at Florida International - FIU - 34 vs. UNT - 21

Northwestern at Illinois 11 am ESPN Classic - Illinois - 34 vs. Northwestern - 32

San Jose State at Utah State - Utah State - 27 vs. SJSU - 14

South Dakota State at Minnesota 11 am Big Ten Network - Minnesota - 42 vs. South Dakota State - 2

Southern Miss at Marshall - Marshall - 31 vs. Southern Miss - 30

Stanford at USC 2:30 PM FSN - USC - 42 vs. Stanford - 38

Tennessee at Ole Miss 11 am CBS - Ole Miss - 24 vs. Tennessee - 21

Texas A&M at Oklahoma 6 PM FSN - OU - 34 vs. TAMU - 31

Texas at Baylor 11 am FSN - Texas - 49 vs. Baylor - 10

Texas Tech at Oklahoma State 7 PM ABC - Oklahoma State - 31 vs. Texas Tech - 24

Troy at Arkansas 6:30 PM ESPN GP - Arkansas - 38 vs. Troy - 21

Tulane at Rice - Rice - 41 vs. Tulane - 38

 PREDICTIONS ON ALL D1A GAMES - TV GAMES IN RED
Saturday November 14th (CONT’D)
UAB at Memphis 12 PM CSS - Memphis - 34 vs. UAB - 27

UCLA at Washington State 2:30 PM FCS Pacific - UCLA - 34 vs. WSU - 13

UTEP at SMU - SMU - 34 vs. UTEP - 33

Virginia Tech at Maryland 12 PM ESPN 360 - Virginia Tech - 49 vs. Maryland - 14

VMI at Army - Army - 42 vs. VMI - 13

Washington at Oregon State 2:30 PM FSN West - Oregon State - 35 vs. Washington - 21

Western Kentucky at Louisiana-Monroe - ULM - 49 vs. WKU - 14

Western Michigan at Eastern Michigan - Western Michigan - 35 vs. EMU - 34

Sunday November 15th

East Carolina at Tulsa 7:15 PM ESPN - ECU - 34 vs. Tulsa - 33
 1560 The Game is a
proud sponsor of both
the Rotary Lombardi
Award, given annually
to the most
outstanding interior lineman in the
nation, and the Paul Bear Bryant Award
given for the Coach of the Year. Here is
my “unofficial leaderboard” for each
award. For more info. on each award -
www.rotarylombardiaward.org and
www.americanheart.org/bryantawards

Sean and I had the fortunate opportunity to name the four finalists on Tuesday at Gallery Furniture. It’s been
a wonderful year following these players. Here’s where you’ll see them this week.

1. DE Jerry Hughes, TCU - this week’s game against Utah, although on CBS CSTV, is the national game of
the week. So, plenty of eyes will be on #98, who had decent, but not stat-worthy, game last year against Utes.

2. NT Terrence Cody, Alabama - Mississippi State will have a chance to win, a small chance at that, if it can
run the football. That means finding a way to block this big fella and that probably won’t go well at all.

3. DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma - A&M comes to town to face a reeling Oklahoma squad. However, with
an offensive line that is about average, McCoy might have a massive game, when his team desperately needs
one.

4. DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska - Suh has made the defensive linemen around him so much better this
season. Now, they were good to start with, but the attention on Suh is overwhelming. My odd on favorite.

After another thrilling weekend of football, one could argue that all of the thrills have been provided by the
University of Houston, led by head coach Kevin Sumlin. The Cougars pulled out an improbable 46-45 win
over Tulsa in what may have been the most thrilling win of the season for any team. No doubt, a finish like
that should have every voter’s attention this season. Another marquee win was Stanford’s pasting of Oregon
on the Farm. Stanford’s Jim Harbaugh has not been quiet about much since he arrived in 2007, but his
bravado and confidence is making people take a second look at Harbaugh as a finalist for this award. Pitt is
8-1 with an opportunity to knock off hated Notre Dame this weekend. Dave Wannstedt has the Panthers
in the top ten at number nine with a BCS bowl in sight. A loss to Temple might have had plenty of people
jumping off of the Navy bandwagon two weeks ago, but a win by Ken Niumatalolo’s bunch in South Bend
brought plenty of those people back on. But, the win by the Crimson Tide has the nation’s eyes affixed on
Tuscaloosa where Nick Saban is working on his second straight 9-0 start to the season. A finalist last year,
it’s hard to argue with the preparation and effort ‘Bama has played with under Saban this season.