Let's keep the streak alive...

Keeping on with this week's trend of bashing WKU, I'd very much love to add my grain of sand to the cause of completely discrediting a fine football program...(trying not to laugh out loud)....alright moving on, even though this game SHOULD be in the bag for UGA (see "UGA v. Arkansas" last season where we were leading by 20 at the half and by 3 at the end of the game) it shouldn't be completely overlooked. There's a couple of good reasons for this.
First of all, it's the first game for the o-line sans all-SEC player Max Jean-Gilles. It's interesting to see what the o-line is gonna look like and how it's going to fill that massive gap to protect....(drums pleaase)....JOE T!!! i don't know about the rest of Dawg nation, but I'm pretty excited about Joe T. Granted, we have three potentially amazing QB's behind him just waiting for a slip up, but look for Joe T to silence his critics by having a great first game. He's going to be playing with something to prove, AND something to lose. Third, Joe T is going to be throwing the ball to a receiver core without two of its greatest weapons, all-universe TE leonard Pope, and #1 wideout Sean Bailey, who is out for the season. However, coaches will be looking to Mohammed Masaquoi and Martrez Milner to fill up those spots. Lastly, I think it's about time that RB Thomas Brown to finally step up and be the playmaker we all hope he can be...

Aaaaand that'll be it for my rant of the week.
Go dawgs! lets pull a "boise state" on these hilltoppers!!

Pickin' and Grinnin' - Week One

All apologies to whomever I stole the title of my picks column from, it's magic.

Northern Illinois at #1 Ohio State (Saturday, 3:30 PM)

Dear MAC Schools,

I have a bad feeling you're about to make an unfortunate mistake. You see, the Husky team taking the field on Saturday afternoon at the Shoe may be sent home with a hefty defeat, but underestimating Northern Illinois will be a major mistake. They've got a great running attack and an underrated coach to boot. Just please don't take them for granted if the Buckeyes roll over them. THE Ohio State University'll make a habit out of doing that to teams this season.

Sincerely,
Chris

Prediction: Ohio State 33 - Northern Illinois 10

#2 Notre Dame at Georgia Tech (Saturday, 8 PM)

The weight of the College Football World will be on Charlie Weis's shoulders in Atlanta on Saturday night. His team has received months of hype from the media. Brady Quinn is a staggering favorite for the Heisman trophy. For the first time in ages, the words "National Title" and "Fighting Irish" can be used as contextual equals. Chan Gailey can wipe out a reputation of mediocrity with one victory at Bobby Dodd Stadium on a summer's night. It will be compelling and it will end in a Notre Dame victory.

Prediction: Notre Dame 30 - Georgia Tech 14

North Texas at #3 Texas (Saturday, 12 PM)

There's nothing like watching the Horns squash an inferior team. The Burnt Orange machine will roll up yards like they're going out of style and that whole quarterback battle issue will be forgotten. For a day or two.

Prediction: Texas 58 - North Texas 3

Washington State at #4 Auburn (Saturday, 7:45 PM)

Helllllloooooo Trap Game! The last time the Tigers were hot picks for national title glory and were facing an underrated team in their opener, Tommy Tuberville's bunch left with their tails between their legs. Have they learned their lesson? I think so. But still, WR Jason Hill and the Cougar passing game will give the Tiger secondary fits before Kenny Irons breaks off some big runs and the Tigers hold on to the win for dear life.

Prediction: Auburn 24 - Washington State 20

Marshall at #5 West Virginia (Saturday, 3:30 PM)

Remember the days when Marshall had a remotely competent football team? The days of Leftwich, Moss, and Pennington? Seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? Things may get marginally better this year, but expect a heavy defeat against a West Virginia team that's tipped by many for glory this year.

Prediction: West Virginia 41 - Marshall 13

#6 USC at Arkansas (Saturday, 8:45 PM)

It could very well be payback time for the Hogs who suffered through a humiliating trip to the Coliseum last season while Houston Nutt slogged through a difficult season. But many an expert have declared the Hogs to be one of this season's sleepers, and they could become an instant hit with an upset of the Trojans. But losing Darren McFadden for this game has likely dealt a fatal blow to the Razorbacks's upset hopes before the first play from scrimmage. It'll be closer than expected, but Pete Carroll and crew will Fight On.

Prediction: USC 38 - Arkansas 27

Southern Miss at #7 Florida (Saturday, 6:00 PM)

There's not a chance in hell that Florida is the #7 team in the nation. Sorry folks, until that line learns how to block in Urban Meyer's spread offense or Chris Leak grows some cybernetic legs that allow him to run faster than a 4.9, Florida won't get within a sniff of the BCS. The Golden Eagles have an "anywhere, anytime" philosophy and live for this type of game. Expect the Gators to sputter for a few possessions before the gulf in class shows in earnest.

Prediction: Florida 34 - Southern Miss 9

Louisiana-Lafayette at #8 LSU (Saturday, 8 PM)

LaLa actually has Sun Belt title ambitions in the always wide open Sun Belt conference. Unfortunately, they've got a date in Death Valley for their opener. Expect the Ragin' Cajuns to die a quick death on this night.

Prediction: LSU 45 - Louisiana Lafayette 10

#9 California at #23 Tennessee (Saturday, 5:30 PM)

What? An actual competitive game in week 1? While the "OMG, Teh East Coast Bias dudez, 1!11!!!1!" yapping from the usual suspects in the blogosphere is buggin' me to no end, I do have to admit that the fact that I've heard a lot of people writing Cal off is a little bit bothersome. Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett are probably the best one-two RB punch in America. Of course the Vols will be playing like madmen knowing Fat Phil's job is on the line. When all is said and done, expect the Bears to emerge from Neyland Stadium with a smash-and-grab victory...and leave a whole lot of disgruntled Vols fans calling for Fulmer's head.

Prediction: Cal 27 - Tennessee 25

UAB at #10 Oklahoma (Saturday, 7 PM)

While as a Longhorn fan, I knew Rhett Bomar wasn't exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer, I had little idea Norman had been having flashbacks of the days of Barry Switzer. With Bomar gone, the Sooners are now stuck with the unenviable task of getting the most out of Paul Thompson playing QB. That didn't exactly go swimmingly during last year's opener, but luckily UAB are a shell of their former selves without all-action QB Darrell Hackney. Sooners roll.

Prediction: Oklahoma 44 - UAB 10

#11 Florida State at #12 Miami (Monday, 8 PM)

While the rest of the action on the weekend is a tantalizing appetizer, the main course comes on Monday night in Coral Gables. Larry Coker knows anything less than an ACC Title will likely lead to his dismissal which means the 'Canes will be looking to start with a flourish against their hated rivals. Bobby Bowden's Noles limped to an ACC title (again) in 2005, but they've got one of their best squads in recent memory ready for 2006. It promises to be dramatic and close, but look for FSU to be haunted by Wide Right once more...

Prediction: Miami 20 - Florida State 19

Kentucky at #13 Louisville (Sunday, 8 PM)

Kentucky bafflingly kept Rich Brooks around for another year despite the Wildcats enduring another miserable season in 2005. 2006 doesn't look much more promising as the lack of SEC calibre talent on the team is shocking. Louisville will bring the beatdown wagon with them and give the Wildcats a whoopin' to remember in their opener.

Prediction: Louisville 55 - Kentucky 13

Vanderbilt at #14 Michigan (Saturday, 12 PM)

Poor 'lil Vanderbilt. They have a 1st round senior QB and still couldn't make a bowl. I'm not sold on Michigan or Lloyd Carr, but they'll kick off a very bad year for the Dores at the Big House on Saturday.

Prediction: Michigan 41 - Vanderbilt 13

Western Kentucky at #15 Georgia (Saturday, 12:30 PM)

After months of debate, hand-wringing, and general apathy from yours truly, Coach Richt named Joe Tereshinski the starter for the Dawgs. Reaction has ranged from optimistic ("He's a fifth-year senior, he has to know the playbook by now, right? RIGHT?") to forlorn ("Liberty Bowl? Memphis would be nice this time of year..."). Personally, I think it's a major mistake to not have Tereshinski as the fallback option rather than the main guy. If Stafford (or Cox or god forbid Blake Barnes) would've started and sucked it up, then Richt could've easily had a viable excuse to put Tereshinski in. If Tereshinski starts like crap, would Richt REALLY have the cojones to put a true freshman into the fire in the middle of SEC season? Back to the matter at hand, Western Kentucky has visions of being the 120th I-A team, so this may be a trial run of sorts for the Hilltoppers. Georgia will huff and puff and generally bore the hell out of Sanford Stadium while winning ugly. And the whining will begin in earnest.

Prediction: Georgia 26 - Western Kentucky 6

Montana at #16 Iowa (Saturday, 12:05 PM)

I'd be lying if I told you that the thought of Iowa football didn't lull me into a coma, but after a "down" year, big things are expected from Kirk Ferentz's boys. Montana are a pretty solid I-AA team, so they won't get embarassed too badly here.

Prediction: Iowa 31 - Montana 6

Northeastern at #17 Virginia Tech (Saturday, 1:30 PM)

It will be one-sided, it will be painful, and it will not be interesting in the least.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 61 - Northeastern 0

Florida Atlantic at #18 Clemson (Saturday, 3:30 PM)

The Owls are about as low on the I-A ladder you can get and figure to be toiling in the Sun Belt basement this year. Clemson have been tipped for the umpteenth time to bring glory back to Death Valley, but as many orange faithful have learned so painfully in the past, nothing is ever a given at Clemson. But Clemson will turn on the style Saturday and hope will spring eternal for the Tigers once more.

Prediction: Clemson 41 - Florida Atlantic 6

Akron at #19 Penn State (Saturday, 3:30 PM)

Upset alert? OK, maybe that's being a little too hasty, but Akron are not a team to be slept on in the MAC this season. Penn State will be a dodgy proposition for the first few games of the season, as Anthony Morelli is a far from tested signal caller. Akron will keep it close in the first half, before Derrick Williams and crew creep away in the second half.

Prediction: Penn State 24 - Akron 13

Louisiana Tech at #20 Nebraska (Saturday, 3:30 PM)

After a couple years of laughing at the Huskers expense, it might be time for a little payback. Bolstered next year by the transfer of possible All-American QB Sam Keller, Bill Callahan seems to have Big Red back on track in the Big XII. Louisiana Tech are among the blander and more non-descript mid-majors out there and probably won't be anything to scream about.

Prediction: Nebrasaka 31 - Lousiana Tech 9

Stanford at #21 Oregon (Saturday, 3:30 PM)

Will the good Oregon or the bad Oregon show up this year? It won't matter too much here, the bad Stanford has been running riot in Palo Alto for a while (UC Davis anyone?). Oregon will be good value for their win (they usually are), but expect more dissapointment from the Cardinal.

Prediction: Oregon 30 - Stanford 16

#22 TCU at Baylor (Sunday, 5:30 PM)

The Bears proved shockingly competent last year coming within a few bad breaks of going bowling after toiling in futility for years. Guy Morriss has injected a nice dose of talent and good coaching into a once moribound program. TCU are a trendy pick to make the BCS, but running the table in the Mountain West isn't exactly a foregone conclusion. Baylor figures to give TCU a major scare, but the Horned Frogs will hold on.

Prediction: TCU 26 - Baylor 24

Northern Arizona at #24 Arizona State (Thursday, 10 PM)

Well after Keller-gate, the Sun Devils have their QB in Rudy Carpenter. Unfortunately, Dirk Koetter has basically no options behind him, so I'd hope for his sake that Carpenter puts up some big numbers. Of course this being Arizona State, they'll put up 40 points a game and flail around miserably against the big teams and a team or two they'll beat. No problems here though.

Prediction: ASU 54 - Northern Arizona 10

SMU at #25 Texas Tech (Saturday, 7 PM)

SMU is a team on the upswing (Don't laugh!), but stand little chance of not getting flattened by the Red Raiders high-octane attack. It won't be interesting for long...

Prediction: Texas Tech 45 - SMU 17

Best of The Rest:

Northwestern at Miami (OH) [Thursday, 7:30 PM]
Toledo at Iowa State [Thursday, 8 PM]
UTEP at San Diego State [Thursday, 10:30 PM]
Nevada at Fresno State [Friday, 8 PM]
Rutgers at North Carolina [Saturday, 3:30 PM]
East Carolina at Navy [Saturday, 5:30 PM]
Wisconsin at Bowling Green [Saturday, 7 PM]
Virginia at Pittsburgh [Saturday, 7 PM]
Utah at UCLA [Saturday, 7 PM]
Hawaii at Alabama [Saturday, 7:07 PM]
BYU at Arizona [Saturday, 10:15 PM]

Greetings and Salutations UGA Sports Nation!

I'm pretty pumped about the first UGA fooseball game going on Saturday against W. Kentucky. Believe it or not, they are nicknamed the "Hilltoppers"--which would frighten those of you who have experienced a grizzly mountain man with one boot and three teeth glaring at you from atop a hill. To put it in perspective, the mascot is the equivalence of a homeless person in downtown Athens trying to bum change off you. I apologize for that last bit, but as you can clearly see, any school who finds immense pleasure from conquering a geographical landform is a team the Bulldogs need to dominate. Needless to say West Kenny is a I-AA division school, so anything less than a blowout is embarrassing.

Moving on...

This Friday, Christopher and I will be broadcasting another installment of UGA GIRLS SOCCER against BYU at 7 p.m. on 90.5 FM (or stream it at wuog.org). They played really solid against Mercer, hopefully they can take some of the pressure off and score in the first half against the Cougars. BYU will be their first true test of the season, so it is imperative that the Bulldogs put away all of the very few chances they will get against such a solid team. It was nice to see 4 players contribute to the scoreboard against Mercer, but they need to keep the offense going strong (and make ZERO mistakes in the back).....And we'll do our best to make sure the radio signal isn't fuzzy this time. Listen in and support our nationally-ranked Soccer team!

For one final shameless plug, listen into The Sunday Sports Showdown, Shootout, Shakedown, Shelving, Shamrock, Shower, Shania Twain at Noon on 90.5 FM. Call it what you will, just don't call it a phone.

There's a snake in my boot,
-Ryan

Official UFC 63 Card Has Been Released

-Matt Hughes vs. BJ Penn
-Mike Swick vs. David Loiseau
-Jens Pulver vs. Joe Lauzon
-Rashad Evans vs. Jason Lambert
-Gabe Ruediger vs. Melvin Guillard
-Jorge Gurgel vs. Danny Abaddi
-Roger Huerta vs. Jason Reinhardt
-Tyson Griffin vs. David Lee
-Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Mario Neto

The top 5 matches are the ones likely to air on the main card with Guillard/Ruediger being the swing fight, although God willing we'll get to see Tyson Griffin fight. Looks like a MUCH improved card than UFC 62 which turned out to be average rather than truly horrific. If Pulver's brainwashed Dana into putting five lightweight fights on the card, then we truly win.

We have a new home! Or a home to be more specific. Yes, the long awaited WUOG Sports Blog is up and operational. We'll have more content in the near future, but until then please make do with a short review of yesterday's UGA Soccer triumph.