NCAA Football Predictions: Week 7

Not even Uncle Rico's arm could help the Georgia Bulldogs
(Courtesy of 20th Century Fox)

It's week 7 in the NCAA Football season with a lot of separation already happening. Here's what we know:

• The Georgia Bulldogs are a lot worse than realized. Losing 45-19 to Tennessee is a wake up call that your team needs help.
• Two big matchups this weekend are National Championship Implicators: Notre Dame Vs. USC and Oklahoma Vs. Texas.
• The Florida Gators are still the team to beat. They have a few difficult matchups ahead with Arkansas this week then Georgia.
  
  

Without further or due, here are my predictions for week 7:
Chris's 2009 Season Record: 28-14 (Last Week: 4-2)

Arkansas Vs. #1 Florida

Analysis: The Gators are good. Their defense that is. Even with their anemic offense against LSU last week in the 13-3 win, the Gators defense helped them hold onto the win. This is what seperates Florida from the rest. Arkansas has a gunslinger in Mallett but the defense is terrible. Another Gator Chomp this week.

Score: #1 Florida 28 Arkansas 12

#22 South Carolina Vs. #2 Alabama

Analysis: The Crimson Tide look like the best team in the SEC (besides Florida) as they not only have a solid defense but their offense is great under the direction of new QB Greg McElroy. Meanwhile, Steve Spurrier has the Gamecocks crowing at 5-1 and look to play spoiler once more as they knocked off Ole Miss earlier this season. It would be great to see another upset but with the game at Bama and Florida left on the docket, the Gamecocks will drop at least one of those games. I think it will be this one.

Score: #2 Alabama 28 #22 South Carolina 17

#4 Virginia Tech Vs. #19 Georgia Tech

Analysis: What an intrguing matchup. First the Virginia Tech Hokies who have been stellar since their opening game loss to Alabama. Then there's Georgia Tech, whose only slip up has been to the Hurricanes of Miami. Both have high octane offenses but I have to give the edge to Virginia Tech. Georgia Tech has the triple option but not a great passing attack. Hokies win but it'll be close.

Score: #4 Virginia Tech 35 #19 Georgia Tech 21

#6 USC Vs. #25 Notre Dame

Analysis: What a game this might be. It's a toss up between the USC Freshman Barkley and the Notre Dame seasoned QB Clausen. Part of me thinks Notre Dame is going to be too much for the Trojans but then I remember the Michigan game. I will say this, the Irish lose and it's bye bye bye to Charlie Weis and hello hello to Urban Meyer.

Score: UPSET! #25 Notre Dame 17 #4 USC 14

UNRANKED SPECIAL: Georgia Vs. Vanderbilt

Analysis: Who would have thought Georgia would be unranked and sitting at 3-3? Not I. The Dawgs are reeling off losses to LSU and the shocker in Knoxville last week to Tennessee. The Dawgs need to regroup. Whether that is with Joe Cox or Logan Gray remains to be seen. Cox was pulled after an atrocious 3 interceptions were thrown last week. The running game was non-existant as well and needs to emerge without the help of Caleb King who broke his jaw in the LSU game. Richard Samuels and Co. need to step up. Vanderbilt is coming off a loss to Army, a really bad football team. Can they kick Georgia while they're down? Maybe but I'm sticking with my Dawgs to resurrect what's left of their season before a week off then the Gators.

Score: Georgia 35 Vandy 10

I-AA Special! Villanova Vs. JMU

Analysis: After starting out the season 2-1, JMU has hit a wall losing 2 straight in the CAA to Hofstra and Richmond. It doesn't get easier as they host 5-1 Villanova for JMU Homecoming. The Dukes need to get back to basics and run the ball. This is going to be close but JMU will unfortunately fall.

Score: Villanova 24 JMU 14

NCAA Football: Week 5 Predictions

Will Georgia need the magic leg of Blair Walsh to knock off the #4 LSU Tigers? We find out how good LSU is Saturday in Athens.

Week 5 of the College Football season and there is plenty of drama to boot.

• Tim Tebow has the week off after his severe concussion last Sat. against Kentucky. Will he be ready for LSU next Sat.?
• Georgia narrowly defeated Arizona State 20-17 but turnovers are the reason. Georgia has had 11 turnovers and only gotten 3 in return for a -8 differential.
• Will the REAL Penn State please stand up? They have now lost to Iowa 7 straight times now.
  

Here are the predictions for Week 5:

#3 Alabama Crimson Tide Vs. Kentucky Wildcats

Analysis: Kentucky got blasted by Florida last week 41-7 to show that they can't beat the big teams quite yet. Next comes Alabama, a team who is solid on both sides and can make a run for the National Championship. Kentucky just can't cut it against this talented team. God help you Big Blue.

Score: #3 Alabama 42 Kentucky 10

#4 Louisiana State Tigers Vs. #18 Georgia Bulldogs

Analysis: Last season, the Georgia Bulldogs walloped LSU in Baton Rouge 52-38 as they knocked the Tigers out of a National Championship bid. Being at home gives the edge to the Bulldogs who have won three straight after losing their opener to Oklahoma State 24-10. If A.J. Green can get his catches, the running game can get going, the Defense is as solid as last week and the turnovers can come to a hault, Georgia should win this game. If they turn the ball over though, it's going to be another close one.

Score: #18 Georgia 38 #4 LSU 17

#7 USC Trojans Vs. #24 California Golden Bears

Analysis: Both these teams are hurting. After USC's stunning loss to Washington, they bounced back with a 24-7 win over Washington St. California was rolling along until they got thumped 42-3 at Oregon as the Ducks resurgence is showing in a crowded Pac-10 leaderboard. USC lost their star running back Stefon Johnson for the year after a freak weight-lifting accident required emergency surgery on his throat. I have to give the edge to the Golden Bears because USC has been shaky at QB and without Johnson, someone is going to have to step up at runningback.

Score: #24 California 21 #7 USC 17

#8 Oklahoma Sooners Vs. #17 Miami Hurricanes

Analysis: Talk about two teams in need of a quality win. Oklahoma has been on a roll since their shocking opening week loss to BYU but a win over ranked Miami is just what the doctor ordered. The Hurricanes are scratching their heads after starting the season strong with wins over Florida State and Georgia Tech but then running into the buzz saw of Virginia Tech as they got crushed 31-7. Will the REAL Miami please stand up? No Bradford for the fourth straight week but he'll be back next week for sure.

Score: #8 Oklahoma 31 #17 Miami 21

*Spotlight Unranked Matchup: Auburn Vs. Tennessee*

Analysis: The Auburn Tigers are a surprising 4-0. Granted they haven't played the strongest of competition (except for West Virginia) but a win against Tennessee on Saturday puts them in the Top 25 in my book. Tennessee Coach Lane Kiffin needs a win badly before Georgia comes into town next week. 2-3 would not look good and the Dawgs are a tough team to beat.

Score: Auburn 35 Tennessee 17

James Madison Royal Dukes Vs. Hofstra Pride

Analysis: JMU looks to be leaving where they left off last season. Making the semi-finals of the subdivision playoffs, the Dukes want another title to go with their 2004 effort. Hofstra is looking for a big win as they are 0-1 in the CAA while JMU is a healthy 2-0.

Score: JMU 35 Hofstra 10

U2, Muse "Magnificent" at FedEx Field

U2's 360 Tour with opening act Muse rocked FedEx Field with its visuals as well as the music

Finally! After waiting 3-4 months after buying tickets, U2's much anticipated 360 Tour hit FedEx Field in Landover, Md. Tuesday, Sept. 29. With a stage 164 feet high and visuals galore, this concert was going to blow anything U2 had ever done away. With each concert comes an even bigger and mind-bending idea which is why they are the greatest band in the world as of this moment.

The concert started off 30 min. late thanks to techincal problems, but at 7:30 the lights went out and Muse was ready to go. Playing most of their hits off their smash album "Black Holes and Revelations" and their latest hit "Uprising," Muse rocked the stadium for 45 packed minutes and took advantage of the video board as they displayed some really slick graphics and displays.

Sharply at 9 p.m., U2 started blasting David Bowie's "Space Oddity" to get the crowd ready. As smoke billowed in, the music got louder and culminated with a giant neon clock counting down to the start. Bono and Co. came on and started with "Breathe" as they have at most stops on the tour. With the bulk of the songs coming from "All That You Can't Leave Behind," "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb," and "No Line on the Horizon," the setlist was a great mix of new and old (although they missed some huge songs like "Pride" and "Sometimes you can't make it on your own.")

The complete setlist included:

1. Breathe

2. Magnificent

3. Get On Your Boots

4. Mysterious Ways

5. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

6. Elevation

7. Your Blue Room

8. Beautiful Day

9. New Year’s Day

10. Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of (Acoustic)

11. The Unforgettable Fire

12. City Of Blinding Lights

13. Vertigo

14. I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight (Techno Remix)

15. Sunday Bloody Sunday

16. MLK

17. Walk On

Encore 1:

18. One

19. Where The Streets Have No Name

Encore 2:

20. Ultraviolet (Light My Way)

21. With Or Without You

22. Moment of Surrender

All in all, a great concert worth every penny. Rumors are that U2 will be on another tour sometime in the next year with a new album out by the end of this year or early next year. Hopefully it's a lot sooner than 5 years in between visits!

'30 Rock', 'Mad Men': win at another boring awards night for the Emmys

Excluded on the winners list of Emmy Night were Jon Hamm for 'Mad Men' and Tina Fey for '30 Rock'

Courtesy Photo

Another year, another same old Emmy Awards. The only twist this year was the energetic brilliance of Neal Patrick Harris. The new "King of Award Shows" hosted the Tony Awards in May and the Emmy Awards last night with both stints receiving rave reviews. Will the Grammys or Oscars be next for NPH? We'll see but the story of the night to me was the boring, ho-hum giving out of awards to annual winners "Mad Men" and "30 Rock." Seriously, are these shows REALLY that good? Even the best shows on TV have had dry spells in winning awards because every season was not spectacular. Do you remember "Seinfeld" winning every year? No, that's because it never happened!

What has ended up happening is all these so-called voters nominating the shows they think America likes and running with that. Shows like "Dexter" get shut out every year because the Emmys keep giving the award to one show. Other shows like "Friday Night Lights," "True Blood," or "Battlestar Galactica" aren't even nominated when they are some of the best on TV. The Emmys are getting to be just like the Grammy awards. They are so out of touch with American television.

So will "30 Rock" make it 4 in a row next season? How about "Mad Men" winning its 3rd straight award? If the Emmys keep in the direction they're going, it will happen and the ratings for their precious awards show will drop like a rock.

Major Winners:

* Best Drama - "Mad Men" (2nd year in a row)

* Best Comedy - "30 Rock" (3rd year in a row)

* Best Dramatic Actor - Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad" (2nd year in a row)

* Best Dramatic Actress - Glenn Close "Damages" (2nd year in a row)

* Best Dramatc Supporting Actor - Michael Emerson "Lost"

*Best Dramatic Supporting Actress - Cherry Jones "24"

* Best Comedic Actor - Alec Baldwin "30 Rock" (3rd year in a row)

* Best Comedic Actress - Toni Collette "The United States of Tara"

*Best Comedic Supporting Actor - Jon Cryer "Two and a Half Men"

*Best Comedic Supporting Actress - Kristin Chenoweth "Pushing Daisies"

* Best Variety, Music or Comedy Series: "The Daily Show" (7th year in a row)

* Best Reality Show: "The Amazing Race" (7th year in a row)

College Football: Week 3

The first two weeks of College Football have been shocking to say the least (Courtesy Photo)

Two weeks of College Football are in the books. What do we know?

• Ohio State still chokes in the big games
• Notre Dame got punched in the mouth by a hungry Michigan team
• Lou Holtz can not predict the National Championship
• That Oklahoma State was a pretender from the start. So why did Georgia lose to them?
  

This week brings some intriguing matchups starting with the Thursday night game. Let's predict some of Week 3's action:

THURSDAY, 9/17 - (14) GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS (2-0) Vs. (20) MIAMI HURRICANES (1-0)
Analysis: Georgia Tech has been more lucky than good the past two weeks with wins that should have been guaranteed. Last week Vs. Clemson, the Jackets nearly had a monumental collapse but survived thanks to 3 field goals in the second half. Miami has been solid after coming off their shocking defeat of Florida State. This game will be fun to watch...until Georgia Tech eats it in the 2nd half.

Score: Miami 35 Georgia Tech 17

FRIDAY, 9/18 - (10) BOISE STATE VS. FRESNO STATE

Analysis: Boise State has been really solid so far this season. A balanced running and passing attack makes them a dangerous opponent. Coming off two huge victories, the Broncos are in the top 10 and looking to upset the BCS tea party. Although Fresno State should be a good test, the Broncos roll in this one.

Score: Boise State 42 Fresno State 13

SATURDAY 9/19 GAMES TO WATCH

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS (1-1) VS. (1) FLORIDA GATORS (2-0)

Analysis: There isn't much of an analysis to this one. Tennessee lost 19-10 to a weak UCLA team last week to crush the surgence of hope in their season.Tennessee is gonna lose but by how much depends on them. The only thing that would make Tennessee even have a chance is something happening to Tim Tebow (and that's not bloody likely!)

Score: Florida 56 Tennessee 10

TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS (2-0) VS. (2) TEXAS LONGHORNS (2-0)

Analysis: Last year, Colt McCoy drove down the field and gave Texas the lead in Lubbock with just under a minute left. Then the unthinkable: Michael Crabtree catching the amazing touchdown to shock the Longhorns and send McCoy and his teammates out of the national title game. This time it's personal. Although the Red Raiders have put up impressive numbers so far, it has been against North Dakota and Rice. I see the Longhorns exacting revenge and keeping the National Championship train on track.

Score: Texas 42 Texas Tech 24

FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES (1-1) VS. (7) BYU COUGARS (2-0)

Ananysis: After shocking Oklahoma in week 1 (largely in part to Sam Bradford getting injured), the Cougars are looking forward. The Seminoles however are trying to figure out what has gone wrong. After losing their opener to Miami, Florida State nearly did the unthinkable: lose to a subdivision team. With 35 seconds to go, Florida State scored to put themselves ahead 12-9 then a fumble recovery sealed the game 19-9. With the way the Cougars are playing and having a 19-game winning streak at home, the Seminoles got a lot of searching to do.

Score: BYU 38 Florida State 17

(19) NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS (2-0) VS. (13) VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES (1-1)

Analysis: The Cornhuskers are looking good as they roll into a volatile Blacksburg to take on the Hokies. This game should be a good one as the Hokies have a swagger in their step after defeating Marshall 52-10. Should be a fun one to watch. I smell an upset....

Score: Nebraska 24 Virginia Tech 17

(23) GEORGIA BULLDOGS (1-1) VS. ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS (1-0)

Analysis: The Georgia Bulldogs have a statement game this week. After an opening game loss to Oklahoma State (who then lost to Houston last week), the Dawgs need a solid game to show everyone they can play. After last weeks 41-37 thriller in Athens, the defense needs to step it up and not allow the 400 + yards they did last week. As for the offense, keep on scoring and run the football. They need a 100-yard rusher badly this week. As for the Razorbacks, they bring new QB Ryan Mallett, a transfer from Michigan, and a mediocre running attack. If they're one dimensional, Georgia should be able to control. All in all, a statement game for the victor.

Score: Georgia 38 Arkansas 24

UNRANKED SPECIAL! NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (1-1) VS. MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS (1-1)

Analysis: In another statement game, both the Irish and Spartans are coming off shocking defeats. The Spartans came down with "LaFevour" as Central Michigan pulled off the shocking 29-27 win. The Irish lost a tough battle at Michigan to dash any hopes of a National Title run. Both teams have something to prove but I think the Irish win this one.

Score: Notre Dame 28 Michigan State 17

That's it for predictions this week. Check back next week as we take a look at more exciting football coming your way!

September 11: 8 Years Later

We will never forget September 11, 2001. Here, the skyline of NYC has two beams of light commemorating where the buildings of the World Trade Center once stood.

We all remember where we were September 11, 2001. Here's what I remember as vivid as it was yesterday:

I was in my second year of college, living at home with my parents and brothers. My first class of the day was at 10 a.m. I got up around 8:30 a.m. to shower and get ready to start what was a normal Tuesday. As I got out of the shower to go get dressed, I saw on T.V. that a plane had just crashed into the World Trade Center. Early reports were a small aircraft had hit and there was no reason for panic. A few minutes later, a second plane crashed in the south tower causing a massive ball of fire. The "no reason" turned into panic as our country was now under attack. Shortly after, a plane had reportedly hit the Pentagon near Washington, D.C. and a plane had crashed in Pennsylvania that was headed for the White House or the Capitol. The world was now in a state of chaos.

Not knowing what to do as I watched the towers fall one by one, I got in my car and drove to class. When I got to my first class on campus, people were just learning of the terrible events unfolding. I had to bring some classmates up to speed that had been in class during the attacks unfolding on T.V. No one was focused to learn. After class was over, the college was shut down and everyone was told to go home. Driving back was really eery was the highways were clear and cell phones were jammed with loved ones trying to make sense of what had happened.

Lately there have been a lot of celebrities and people saying the attacks were "U.S. made," such as Charlie Sheen. The people who have loved ones lost are probably not appreciative of these crack pot theories. Sure President George W. Bush was a terrible president but he would not harm Americans just to further his agenda. That's something a leader like Hitler would do. What these people need to do is stop the madness and accept that the attacks happened.

It has been 8 years since the attacks and the memories are still fresh in my mind. Americans should NEVER FORGET what happened that day. It showed that America, no matter how great a country it is, is vulnerable if we do not guard it to keep it safe. It doesn't mean we get paranoid and blame every Indian, Muslim, or people of different ethnicities (remember Timothy McVeigh?) As Americans, we need to heal once more. Keep a vigilant watch over our security and honor those who lost their lives on such a tragic day. Kids who weren't old enough at the time need to be taught about how America came together in our darkest hour. Remember this day.

Hope the victims and their families find peace.

Recommended Programming:

• World Trade Center (PG-13) Directed by Oliver Stone
• Flight 93 (PG-13) Directed by Paul Greenglass
• Special Programming on any news channel, National Geographic and Discovery
  

2009 College Football Preview - SEC West

Alabama Coach Nick Saban enters his third season as Alabama Coach. Will the Crimson Tide have what it takes to win the West?

We've already estabished the SEC East reigns supreme. But who will contend with them in the SEC West?

SEC West Predictions

1) Alabama Crimson Tide
Key Returning Players: RB Rolando McClain, DE Brandon Deaderick, LB Dont’a Hightower, LB Brandon Fanney, LB Cory Reamer, CB Javier Arenas, CB Kareem Jackson.
Key Losses: QB John Parker Wilson

Key Games: Va. Tech; @ Ole Miss; LSU

Record Prediction: 11-1 (7-1 in SEC)

Nick Saban's Crimson Tide ran the table last year in the SEC only to lose to eventual champ Florida in the SEC Championship and the Sugar Bowl to Utah. This year, QB will be an issue as John Parker Wilson is gone. Taking over will be Greg McElroy, an intelligent QB that hasn't had a lot of playing time but should provide solidity to the position. This team is the best in the West unless Houston Nutt knocks them off like they did Florida last season.

2) Mississippi "Ole Miss" Rebels
Key Returning Players: QB Jevon Snead, RB Cordera Eason, RB Brandon Bolden
Key Games: Alabama; LSU
Record Prediction: 10-2 or 9-3 (6-2 or 5-3 in SEC)

The Ole Miss Rebels under first year coach Houston Nutt shocked the SEC world when they beat Florida last year. With Alabama the only team in their way, Ole Miss could be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC West. With the return of QB Jevon Snead, the Rebels have one mission: to make it to Atlanta and the SEC Championship game. Only speedbumps I see are the usual suspects of Alabama and LSU. In any case, it's going to be a two team race for the SEC west title.

3) Louisiana State Tigers (LSU)

Key Returning Players: RB Charles Scott
Key Losses: QB Ryan Perriloux
Key Games: @ Georgia; Florida; @ Alabama; @ Ole Miss
Record Prediction: 9-3 or 8-4 (5-3 or 4-4 in SEC)

The LSU we all knew is long gone. In a sense of rebuilding, the Tigers are looking for a QB in the absence of Ryan Periloux. With that uncertainty, the Tigers may fall short of my predictions of 9-3 or 8-4. Without a leader for the offense, it is going to be a long season for Tiger fans. RB Charles Scott needs to show what he's made of. It is essential that Scott’s emergence continues and that he is able to post at the very least similar numbers to what he posted last season if not numbers that are superior. I see sure losses to Georgia, Florida and Alabama. If they beat Ole Miss, their season might be salvaged.

4) Arkansas Razorbacks

Key Returning Players: QB Ryan Mallet (Transfer - Michigan), RB Michael Smith, DT Malcolm Shephard.
Key Games: Georgia; @ Alabama; @ Texas A&M; @ Florida; @ Ole Miss; @ LSU
Record Prediction: 7-5 or 6-6 (3-5 in SEC)

Bobby Petrino jumped the sinking NFL Atlanta Falcons ship after Michael Vick was found guilty and headed to Arkansas, leaving Atlanta halfway through their NFL season. Petrino's first year was a rocky one as the Razorbacks struggled to get things going. This season should be an improvement with new QB Ryan Mallet and returning RB Michael Smith. But with a minefield in their schedule of Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M, Florida, Ole Miss and LSU, I don't see them finishing better than 7-5 and going to a bowl. Petrino has a lot of work ahead of him and this season will be a step in the right direction.

5) Auburn Tigers

Key Returning Players: QB Kodi Burns, S Mike McNeil and S Zac Etheridge.
Key Losses: Defense - Sen’Derrick Marks, Chris Evans, and Jerraud Powers.
Key Games: West Va.; @ LSU; Ole Miss; Furman; @ Georgia; Alabama
Record Prediction: 4-8 (2-6 in SEC)

Gene Chizik. Huh? Former Iowa State reject to coach one of the most notable college programs? Auburn is hurting. After a lackluster year last season, Tommy Tuberville was run out of town. Chiznik has a lot of work the next few seasons to get Auburn back on the map. This season does not look forgiving as they play key games @ LSU and @ Georgia with Alabama coming to Auburn. Just think Tiger fans, in a few years your team will be back. Just be patient. It could be worse. You could be Mississippi State.

6) Mississippi State Bulldogs

Key Returning Players: RB Anthony Dixon, JUCO Transfer DT Pernell McPhee.
Key Games: LSU; Georgia Tech; Florida; Alabama; Ole Miss
Record Prediction: 3-9 (1-7 in SEC)

Former University of Florida coordinator Dan Mullen has his work cut out for him. In his first head coaching job, he inherits a rusty Bulldog team that rised up then crashed down under Sylvester "No Halftime Adjustments" Crum. Returning RB Dixon should help them on offense but their schedule is brutal as they play Florida, Georgia Tech, Alabama and Ole Miss. Losing season for the Bulldogs but be sure that this coach is going to steer the ship and bring Miss. State back to glory.

Prediction: It's a toss up between Alabama and Ole Miss for the SEC West crown. Lot's of teams in rebuilding.

SEC Championship: Alabama/Ole Miss Vs. Florida/Georgia

Let the football season begin!