Reasons Why We’re Pulling For a Rangers-Yanks ALCS

The baseball postseason is midswing and it is time to see who is the best of the best and who just played in a weak division (talking about you Cincinnati Reds fans, you know it’s true). It is safe to say that the best teams in baseball this year are in the American League. I know the Philly fanatics out there will cry foul, but get over it—it’s true. If things were fair the Boston Red Sox would have made the playoffs as well and the Twins would have stayed at home.

The Yankees have already dispatched the Twins and are sitting by waiting to see who they’ll play in the American League Championship Series. Texas has had two chances to lock up their first playoff series win in team history, but have decided to make it more interesting by losing two at home to tie the series with the Rays up at 2-2.

If you’re a Yankees fan you could probably care less who they play, but if you’re a true fan of the game and everything that makes it great you will want the Rangers to meet them for the right to play in the World Series.

The Commentators Need Something to Talk About

If it ends up being the Yankees and Rays there will be nothing special about the ALCS this year; it will be just an extension of the regular seasons series between these two. Whoever ends up calling the game will have to resort to talking about how many starlets A-rod has dated just to find something interesting to talk about.

However, if the Rangers to play the Yanks that would not be necessary. Prior to playing the Rays in this year’s ALDS, the Rangers have only played the Yanks in the postseason (1996,1998, and 1999). The only game the Rangers ever won was the first one back in 1996. If there were ever any team that would be out for postseason blood it would be the Rangers. Nothing like a little grudge match to keep things interesting!

Enough is enough

I am all for the teams that deserve to play for the title playing for the title, but it is about time someone else represents the American League (other than another team from the AL East). This series could wind up to be similar to the Miracle on Ice hockey story. Picture the Yankees as the aging Russian squad and the Rays the young upstarts from the USA. The Yankees have been showing a lot of wear and tear over the last couple months and could very well be primed to be taken out by a team with a young, powerful line up like the Rangers; and the Rangers pitching staff is not half bad either!

Party Like a Rock-star

If your lucky enough to be in Arlington or New York for this series be, ready to party like a rock star wherever you are. Fans at Yankee Stadium can get wild out with the Bleacher Creatures and drink till the game is exciting since the beer ban was lifted last season. Billy’s and the Dugout on River Avenue are popular pre-game/post-game hotspots, and from what I hear the eye-candy at the Dugout is something else too!

When in Texas you can go to any of a hundred bars in and around Arlington, but you’ll want to go to nearby Dallas to enjoy the nightlife. There you can find everything you want from the upscale, spend too much on your beer type places to the down-home chock full of scantily clad cowgirls with sexy accent places. When it comes to nightlife, fans really can’t go wrong in either place!

The Beer

In Texas, fans can enjoy a beer especially brewed for Arlington Park called Texas Red made by the good people at the Rahr Brewery in Fort Worth. It’s not too heavy nor too light, but flavorful and refreshing; something that is easy to drink more and more and more…Yankee fans beware! After drinking a few of these you might find yourself cheering for the other team!

Reason #5

There are lots of reasons to love a Rangers-Yanks series. The women on both sides of the fence are hot. Maybe Ron Washington or Josh Hamilton will fall of the wagon and provide us with some juicy gossip courtesy of TMZ. It’s about time the Yankees/ Rangers got their butts handed to them, but when it comes down to it…

I’m a Rangers fan and those uppity Yankees are going down.

Then again if Derek Jeter can promise to bring Minka Kelly to every game I could secretly cheer for the Yanks (please don’t tell anyone though).

10 Biggest Potheads in Baseball

Back in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s the field might as well have been lined with cocaine rather than chalk with the number of players that were in to the nose candy back then. During the 90s and the 2000s its been steroids. Yet, there is another drug that has been a player favorite for years. I’m talking about marijuana folks. Players liked it so much that they even made sure it was not included in the list of drugs they would be tested for back in 2002. Find out which of your favorite players are also huge stoners.

1. Tim Lincecum

When you win two CY Young Awards in a row you have to expect people to be looking for you to screw up. Speeding would have barely made a blip on the media’s radar. Police could smell the pot when they approached his car and Lincecum handed it right over on request.

2. 2002 Mets

These guys did not win a whole lot that year and according to reports they were likely not too worried about it. Apparently a vast number of players on the team would smoke up before games — sure must have made it difficult to hit those 95 mph fast balls.

3. Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington

In 2009 Washington failed a drug test for cocaine use. He would later admit to being an avid marijuana and amphetamine user during his playing days. He must have figured that since he didn’t get fired for doing coke he might as well spill his guts—makes for more interesting headlines.

4. Geovany Soto

Apparently he did not get the memo after Freddy Garcia got busted prior to the 2006 World Baseball Classic. Prior to the 2009 WBC it was Geovany Soto’s turn; at least that explains why his production dropped off that season.

5. Paul Molitor

When you’re nicknamed Molly the Ignitor it could either be because you tend to ignite the team to victory or because you tend to light something else up and act like a little girl afterwards.

6. Bill “Spaceman” Lee

Back in the 1970′s with most of baseball into the white stuff or ‘greenies’ (methamphetamines) Spaceman was into something else. Not only did he enjoy smoking it, but he even admitted to adding it to his pancakes.  In 1973 he did pretty well too; he ended up going 17-11 with a 2.75 ERA and made the All-Star team. The next year he led the league in hits allowed,  just trying to spread the love, right Spaceman?

7. Dmitri Young

The former major leaguer was caught in possession while going through an Illinois Airport recently. Feeling the need to come clean, he told reporters that he has been in pain and having trouble dealing with his mother’s death recently. Since he has been in rehab before he did not want to do other drugs so his doctors supposedly told him to smoke pot. Right.

8. Jeremy Giambi

Maybe he was jealous of his brother, maybe he was a little over-confident in his celebrity, but back in 2001 the other Giambi was busted with marijuana at a Las Vegas Airport. Like his brother, he eventually admitted to doing steroids as well.

9. Jeff Weaver

The current LA Dodger pitcher started his baseball career with the Tigers and was the opening day starter for the team back in 2001 and 2002. Supposedly there was a few times where the young pitcher would step out of the bathroom on the team plane followed by a cloud of funky smelling smoke.

10. Orlando Cepeda

The Hall of Famer and community representative for the San Francisco Giants was busted in possession of marijuana and other drugs in a traffic stop back in 2007. Like Lincecum, the officer could smell marijuana when approaching the car. Maybe if he had talked to Tim Lincecum back then history could have avoided repeating itself a couple of years later.

2010 College Football Week 6: Cheerleader Edition [PICS]

At this point in the season the pretenders have been exposed and have started to fall by the wayside where they belong. For some teams it is make or break time while for others the ship has already sailed away.

No. 7 Nebraska at Kansas State

#7 Nebraska kicks off the competition against Kansas State on Thursday. Both go in undefeated, but while the Wildcats are not bad they are not even in the same league as the Cornhuskers (okay, literally they are but I’m being metaphorical people).

No. 11 Arkansas vs. Texas A&M

Ryan Mallet and the #11 Arkansas Razorbacks will be tested against Jerrod Johnson and the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday. The Aggies are a talented, young squad and if they don’t make a ton of mistakes could surprise the Razorbacks.

Indiana at No. 2 Ohio State

The #2 Buckeyes should have an easy time with the Indiana Hoosiers, but the Hoosiers have the fourth best passing attack in the nation and could be in line for the upset of the week.

No. 17 Michigan State at No. 18 Michigan

One of the best games of the week features a pair of in-state rivals, #17 Michigan State and #18 Michigan. If the Spartans want to win they might want to blow the Wolverines away early so that their coach does not have another heart attack.

MLB Teams With The Longest Playoff Droughts

With the MLB postseason kicking off Wednesday, two teams, the Rangers and the Reds, navigate fairly new territory. Both teams haven’t been in the postseason discussion for quite a while. The last time the Reds made the playoffs was 16 years ago. They haven’t made it to the World Series since 1990 when they beat the A’s. Before that? Try the mid-70s. The Rangers, well, man they have a whole section on Wikipedia dedicated to their playoff futility:

1 of 3 current MLB franchises which have yet to appear in the World Series (the others are the Seattle Mariners and the Washington Nationals)

Oldest active MLB franchise yet to appear in World Series

Oldest franchise of the 4 major American pro sports leagues (MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL) to have never appeared in the league’s championship, as well as the only Dallas-Fort Worth area team yet to do so

Only current MLB franchise which has yet to win a playoff series

In their history the Rangers have won only one playoff game and it was on the road

Yikes.

Here’s our assessment of each team’s chances in this year’s Playoffs along with a rundown of the other MLB teams with the longest current playoff droughts:

Texas Rangers

After flirting with success last season only to get bested in the end, the Rangers dominated the AL West this year, easily beating the Oakland A’s and L.A. Angels of Anaheim. This just in, apparently, the Seattle Mariners also played in that division.

The Rangers must be thanking their lucky lonestars to have a different opponent in the opening round than in previous years, having only played the Yankees in postseason action (1996, 1998 and 1999). Twice they were swept and only once did they even win a game.

Texas will surprise the nation with a five game series victory over the favored Rays. New York, on the other hand, will have an easy time with the Twins, and will be well rested when the Rangers come to town. Texas will put up a good fight, but, in the end, they’ll be watching the World Series from home for a 50th season.

Check out our photo gallery of tantalizing Texas Rangers fans then review our scorecard on Arlington Stadium.

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds had a shot to make it to the postseason in 1999, but lost to the New York Mets in a one-game playoff.  For the entire 2010 season they battled with the St. Louis Cardinals, but came on strong down the stretch to win the NL Central.

Going forward the Reds may have the toughest road in the post season having to play the National League representative of the last two World Series. The veteran loaded Phillies should enjoy an easy sweep of the Reds.

Check out our photo gallery of red hot Reds fans then review our scorecard of Great American Ballpark.

And, now, the top 5 MLB franchises with the longest current postseason drought:

Team/Franchise – # of seasons since last appearance:

1. Washington Nationals / Montreal Expos – 29
2. Kansas City Royals – 25
3. Pittsburgh Pirates – 18
4. Toronto Blue Jays – 17
5. Baltimore Orioles – 13

The Reds went 15 seasons before making this year’s playoffs.
The Rangers went 11 seasons before making this year’s playoffs.

Here’s rooting for the Royals and Nats next year!

College Football Wrap Up: Week 5

As the season goes on, the games start to get better. Over the last week of college football there were teams that stepped up, some that stepped back, others that kicked butt, and others that got there butt kicked. If you’re wondering what happened to the supposed best in the nation read on.

AP Photo Dave Martin

The AP Poll had the Florida Gators overrated at #7 going into their contest against #1 Alabama. After losing 31-6 to the Crimson Tide the Gators dropped seven slots closer to where they belong (out of the top 25) and now sit at #14.

AP Photo Seth Perlman

Ohio State really did not look that good against Illinois, but still won 24-13 to hold on to the #2 spot in the polls.

AP Photo Victor Calzada

The high powered Boise State Broncos entered week five as the number #3 team. After a 59-0 victory you would think that they would at least hold their ground. However, they only beat New Mexico State, not exactly a tough contest. Oregon on the other hand made an impressive and exciting comeback to defeat the #9 Stanford Cardinal to leap frog the Broncos into the #3 spot. The Broncos dropped to #4 and the Cardinal #16.

AP Photo Jack Dempsey

TCU had a less-than-challenging opponent this week and played down to their competition, the Colorado State Rams. Andy Dalton did not do his Heisman candidacy any favors completing only 46 percent of his passes for 109 yards. Since the team still won 27-0, the Horned Frogs held on to the #5 spot.

AP Photo Mike Fuentes

The Red River Rivalry ended up being a much better game than expected between #8 Oklahoma and #21 Texas. In the end, the Sooners defeated the Longhorns 28-20. The loss dropped Texas out of the top 25 for the first time in about 10 years. Oklahoma moved up to #6 with the win, pushing idle Nebraska down to #7.

Auburn, who had moved up to #10 after beating South Carolina a week earlier moved up a couple more spots to #8 with a 52-3 win over the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks.

New to the top 10 are #9 Arizona and #10 Utah. Arizona moved up from #14 even though they were idle. Utah was also idle, but moved up from #13.

Four new teams moved in to the top 25 this week. Oklahoma State defeated Texas A&M in a wild 38-35 game on Thursday night to jump in to the #22 spot. Florida State won their third in a row beating Virginia 34-14 to move up to #23. Missouri was off last weekend, but still became the new #24. Air Force cracked the top 25 at #25 after beating the Naval Academy for the first time since 2002, 14-6.

2010 College Football Week 5: Cheerleader Edition

The college football season is starting to shape up as the weeding out process continues this weekend with a number of top 25 match-ups around the nation. When all is said and done, there will be some seriously disappointed fans as they witness dreams of a national championship blow away like Dust in the Wind – CUE WILL FERRELL!

#7 Florida @ #1 Alabama

When the University of Florida Gators play the defending national champions Saturday they’ll be in for a rude awakening. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the #1 Crimson Tide of Alabama roll over the #7 Gators. Like Texas, the Gators will drop far in the polls after they lose.

#21 Texas @ #8 Oklahoma

#21 Texas may end up in an unfamiliar position after they face #8 Oklahoma Saturdayin the Red River Rivalry—out of the top 25. Garrett Gilbert has played well at times, but still looks like an inexperienced first year starter. The defense has kept them in games when the offense sputtered. It will take an interception free performance from Gilbert along with a strong showing by the defense for Texas to get by the Sooners. Any loss besides barn-burner in OT will push them from the top 25.

#11 Wisconsin @ #24 Michigan State

When #11 Wisconsin enters Spartan Stadium to take on the #24 Michigan State Spartans they will be in for the toughest challenge they have faced this season. They appear to be a real offensive force with the 10^th best rushing attack and the 15^th best scoring team in the nation, but those are both inflated ranks due to the 70-3 game against Austin Peay last weekend. Michigan State’s 10^th ranked rushing defense will put the Badgers to the test. The Spartans have played better than expected this season. If they happen to lose and drop out of the top 25, they’ll most likely be back within a few weeks.

#22 Penn State @ #17 Iowa

The Big Ten may see another team drop out of the top 25 after #22 Penn State and #17 Iowa are done playing at Kinnick Stadium. Joe Pa has had to work in some new players at key positions, namely quarterback; so far Robert Bolden hasn’t done too bad. Their defense has kept them in a lot of games, but against a fairly good Iowa offense they will need more help from Bolden and the offense. I love me some Joe Pa, but just don’t think the Nittany Lion offense is good enough to compete against the best defense in the nation. Iowa will win this one without too much trouble.

#9 Stanford @ #4 Oregon

My favorite game this week will be Saturday night’s contest between #9 Stanford and #4 Oregon. Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is proving to be a Heisman contender, leading the Cardinal to a 4-0 start including a dominant win over Notre Dame last weekend. Oregon has a stable of capable running backs led by sophomore LaMichael James, but their stats are grossly inflated due to two insanely lopsided games against New Mexico and Portland State.  The Cardinal will need Luck to have some, well—luck, and keep the Ducks off the field. Stanford is a much more balanced and talented team. While I expect to see a good fight, Stanford should come out on top.

The Five Most Liked and Five Least Liked Athletes [According To "Q Score"]

Pro athletes can make big bucks from on the field performance, but the bigger bucks come from off the field endorsements. However, advertisers won’t just throw their money at any endorser, they need to be assured the spokesperson will be loved by the fans and elicit a favorable response.

That’s where “the Q scores” come in handy. It’s basically a formula that measures one’s familiarity and appeal (aka popularity), thus determining their effectiveness as an endorser or spokesperson.

Here are the five most liked and five least liked athletes according to Q scores:

Best Liked

5. Joe Montana

I must admit to being a little surprised that Joe was ranked so high. He retired years ago, he has not been on Dancing with the Stars or any other reality show, and has really been out of the public eye. He was won of the best to ever play the game though, and apparently there are enough people that still remember that. I guess that explains why he’s been selling those Sketcher Step Up shoes lately.

4. Steve Nash

Steve Nash is one of the best guards to ever play the game. The man is exciting to watch and ranks as one of the top guards in fantasy drafts every year. However, much like Joe he is not seen very much out side of his sport. Maybe when the news breaks of how well liked the Phoenix Sun is the endorsements will start coming in. If they don’t he should fire his agent.

3. Peyton Manning

It is actually surprising that this guy is not #1 or #2, but then again the quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts is not loved by all. Chances are pretty good that anyone in Houston, Nashville, and Jacksonville probably does not care for him much, not to mention fans of the New England Patriots. There are more than enough people that do love a winner regardless of who he plays for. I think the number of different commercials that he is in is proof of that.

2. Apolo Anton Ohno

I don’t get this one at all. It’s been sometime since he skated in the Olympics. It’s been awhile since he was on Dancing with the Stars either. I can recall seeing him in a few commercials, but could not tell you what the last one was. This one makes me wonder about the validity of this score somewhat.

1. Michael Jordan

It is no real surprise that His Airness is the most well liked sports personality. It does not matter that he has not played in years. Jordan is the gold standard that every new player is measured up against. If he is successful in taking the Charlotte Bobcats and turning them into a winner his status will become even more legendary. I will admit to buying Hanes underwear because of him.

Worst Liked

5. Kobe Bryant

It will never matter how many championships he wins or who he wins them with. Kobe is one of the best on the court; that is without question. However, he will never recover from the damage of rape allegations and infidelity. There are probable still some fans that are still upset that his tiff with Shaq could not have been settled so that the duo could have won a few more championships first.

4. Chad Ochocinco

He talks too much. His celebrations have turned a little on the dull side. He has not been a dominant player in some time yet he talks like he’s the best. To top it off, his name is just plain stupid (love the VH1 show though).

3. Terrell Owens

This guy is a cancer to himself. He actually thought that he could counter all the bad press he was getting over his attitude issues by saying it was not true even though there were numerous teams that said it was (and they did not want him because of it). But no, everyone loves TO, except the media. It’s all their fault (sarcasm completed intended). Yea, I’m sure they forced you to bad mouth your teammates (does not matter if its true, you don’t do that publicly), do sit-ups in your driveway, and act like a total egomaniac on a reality show. The only thing this guy will ever endorse is himself.

2. Tiger Woods

When you mess around on your wife with one person that is bad. When you do it with a small busload of women it is bad on an epic scale made even worse since his wife was smoking hot.

1. Michael Vick

He actually seems to have become a better player after going to federal prison for his part in an illegal dog fighting operation. That does not chance the fact that what he did was despicable. For me his reality show made it even worse since he and his family seemed more distraught that he was caught, not over the unspeakable acts that he committed on another living creature. It’s a shame that the NFL was able to so easily overlook what he did and let him back in the league.

• It is also interesting to note that Lebron James went from having the best score that the company that compiles this list has ever seen to the #6 spot on the disliked list following his move to Miami.

College Football Wrap-Up: Week Four

What a freakin’ week! The college season is starting to heat up as the strong flex their muscles, the weak get stomped, and the pretenders get exposed. Here’s a recap of the best games from the weekend.

UCLA 34, #7 TEXAS 12

AP Photo Eric Gay

Texas was finally exposed for being who they really are, an over-hyped team that was in the top 10 based on last season’s performance. The defense and a weak schedule kept them there, but without Colt McCoy the Longhorns are simply an average team. Losing to UCLA 34-12 proved their mediocrity as Texas dropped from #7 all the way down to #21.

#16 STANFORD 37, NOTRE DAME 14

Photo by Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

Stanford continues to show they were more than just “The Toby Gerhart Show” last season as quarterback Andrew Luck and running back Stepfan Taylor led the #16 Cardinal to a 37-14 win over Notre Dame.

#1 ALABAMA 24, #10 ARKANSAS 20

Photo by Joe Robbins Getty Images

Probably the best contest of the day, both teams led by Heisman trophy candidates, running back Mark Ingram for the Crimson Tide and quarterback Ryan Mallett for the Razorbacks. Ingram proved that he is healthy with a 157-yard day that included two touchdowns, and Ryan Mallett’s could sure sling the ball, just sometimes to the wrong team. His three interceptions proved fatal as the Razorbacks lost a tight one 24-20.

#8 OKLAHOMA 31, CINCINNATI 29

Photo by Andy Lyons, Getty Images

The Cincinnati Bearcats may be breaking in a new head coach this season, but these guys can still play some good football. They gave the #8 Oklahoma Sooners a scare in the fourth quarter when they scored 17 points to get within 2 before the clock struck all zeroes. Look out for those guys next season.

#17 AUBURN 35, #12 SOUTH CAROLINA 27

Photo by Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

Like Texas, #12 South Carolina didn’t really deserve to be ranked as high as they were, and the #17 Auburn Tigers proved that by running all over the Gamecocks. Quarterback Cameron Newton tallied 176 yards and three touchdowns on the ground and another 158 yards and two touchdowns through the air to lead them to a 35-27 win.

#3 BOISE STATE 37, #24 OREGON STATE 24

AP Photo Matt Cilley

#3 Boise State had to work a little harder this week to stay undefeated due to their own mistakes, but in the end Kellen Moore wasn’t going to let some silly Beavers win on his blue turf. He completed 70 percent of his passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns, but a lot of the credit has to go to the defense, which stifled the Rodgers brothers of # 24 Oregon State; Broncos won 37-24.

#15 LSU 20, #22 WEST VIRGINIA 14

Photo by Chris Graythen Getty Images

LSU had a tough one on their hands with West Virginia coming to town. The #15 Tigers had not been defeated at home by a non-SEC opponent in the last 30 contests; now they can make it 31. Patrick Peterson’s punt return for a touchdown opened up a 17-point lead early in the second quarter. # 22 West Virginia closed the gap to 17-14, but couldn’t overcome the Tigers who continued their streak thanks to the 20-14 win.

#4 TCU 41, SMU 24

AP Photo Tony Gutierrez

Besides the huge fall of the Texas Longhorns there was another notable team that lost ground. TCU beat a tough SMU team 41-24 on Friday night, but still found them selves losing ground as they dropped to #5. It was refreshing to see it takes more than just a W to hold your ground in the rankings.

Robinson Cano And 5 Of The Best That Baseball Has To Offer

With the baseball season about 75 percent done it is about time to start considering who to lavish with awards at the end of the season. This year there is an exceptional group of players that are deserving of the honor in both the American and National Leagues.

Albert Pujols, first baseman, St. Louis Cardinals (National League)

Is there really any surprise that this guy would be up for it again? When you have the chance to win the elusive Triple Crown you should be in the running of MVP. So far (through the end of games on Sunday, August 22), he leads the National League in RBIs (89) and home runs (32), but sits seven points behind Cincinnati Reds first base man in batting average (.316).

Joey Votto, first baseman, Cincinnati Reds, (National League)

Votto may have a slight leg up in the award even though his stats are not as impressive as Pujols at the moment. Voters may want to let someone else win and when there is a guy that, like Pujols, has an excellent chance of winning the Triple Crown that also happens to be leading his team to its best season and potentially first division title since 1995. Consequently, the last time the Reds won the NL Central was also the last time one of their players won the NL MVP, short stop Barry Larkin.

Miguel Cabrera, first baseman, Detroit Tigers (American League)

Miggy has a shot if he can do the improbable and win the Triple Crown in the AL. After 122 games he leads in RBIs with 101, second in batting average (.340), and third in home runs (31). He will have a tough time doing that though with Jose Bautista cranking out home runs like most guys do singles and Josh Hamilton hitting everything in sight. His performance has been incredible, but it will be overshadowed by what the other two guys in the AL have done for their division leading teams.

Josh Hamilton, outfield, Texas Rangers (American League)

You have to love this guy for the road he travelled just to get there; most of us would just be glad to be alive after defeating the demons that Josh Hamilton has. Instead of giving up he has blasted his way to the top of the baseball food chain with the highest batting average in the league at .356 (through Sunday, August 22), 27 homeruns, and 82 RBIs. If Texas wins the AL West like it should, Hamilton will win this award.

Robinson Cano, second base, New York Yankees (American League)

In a season that has seen the Bronx Bombers have to deal with an injury or two, the rock of the lineup has been Robinson Cano. Second basemen are generally some of the weaker batters in the lineup with most teams opting to have a more defense capable player. Cano is one of those that happen to be a stud behind the plate with his bat and with his glove. So far he is on track to have career bests in batting average, home runs, and RBIs. However, with a star studded lineup like what the Yankees have the weight of his performance could be overshadowed.

Not In My House! #22 West Virginia vs. #15 LSU

One thing that can keep a coach employed is winning at home. As long as the fans that fill the home stadium leave happy after spending their hard earned money on tiny seats and overpriced domestic beer then a coach may get an extra chance or two to get it together.

Such is the case with Les Miles of LSU. The LSU Tigers have not lost at home to a non-SEC opponent since the turn of the millennium, a string of 28 wins. Even though Miles won a national title just a few years ago, the fan base has not been happy with him the last few years. If that streak were to end on his watch that could be bad for him.

If anyone were to be able to break that streak and put Miles’ job in jeopardy it would be the #22 West Virginia Mountaineers when they come to town Saturday night to play the #15 Tigers of LSU.

West Virginia has not played real tough competition so far, but they have sure played some good football along the way. Quarterback Geno Smith is the top rated quarterback in the Big East after three games with seven touchdowns to one interception to go along with a 70 percent completion rate and 800 yards passing. Running back Noel Devine is off to a good start as well with at least 100 yards in each game.

LSU’s competition has been a bit tougher so far with the Tigers opening up against a ranked North Carolina squad before playing Vanderbilt and Mississippi State. Jordan Jefferson is working on his second season under center for the Tigers and so far does not seem to be progressing like head coach Les Miles would like.

It has been the running game of the Tigers and one tough as nails defense that has kept them winning so far. New comer Stevan Ridley is emerging as the preferred ball carrier for the Tigers after his 17-carry 159-yard effort against Vanderbilt.

Defensively, their strength is in the front seven. They have been relentless against the run (16^th in the nation) and a terror for quarterbacks (6^th in sacks). Although they may bend a little too much in the passing game, they do an impressive job of holding people out of the end zone (5^th in scoring).

West Virginia is pretty tough on opposing offenses too. Like LSU they are very hard to run against (8^th in the nation) and also tend to keep teams from scoring much either (9^th in the nation).

In the end for these two teams it will likely come down to the passing game. Both running games will have a tough time getting started making who ever is able to pass the probable winner. Geno Smith is simply a much better quarterback them Jefferson, and he has a better, more experienced group of receivers to work with as well.

This game will not be a make or break for either team, but it will be a good gauge at just how good the winner is. LSU is good, but they will need a monster game out of quarterback Jordan Jefferson to win. In the end, it would not be surprising if the Tigers are tucking their collective tails between their legs when all is said and done.

Can Tigers Handle ‘Cocks? #12 South Carolina or #17 Auburn

Being ranked at this point in the season is a sign of good faith. Until you’re tested, the number preceding your name doesn’t hold a lot of weight. Most teams skate by playing inferior opponents that result in inflated stats.

So, as South Carolina heads into their game against #17 Auburn ranked #12 in the nation, one has to be a little skeptical. After the two play Saturday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium it’s almost a guarantee one of these teams will be exposed and/or overrated.

Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks must be looking at this as a make or break game. Spurrier hasn’t enjoyed a whole lot of success at South Carolina, at least not to the extent he did at Florida before jumping to the NFL. While college coaches are given more leeway when building a team, you never know how long the leash will be or how quick the hook can yank when alumni and fans want to go in a different direction.

If he can defeat the Tigers, a team the Gamecocks have only beaten once in eight tries, then not only would he endear himself to the powers that be, but it could also validate his team as a contender. Seems odd to say for a team that’s already beaten two ranked opponents. If it wasn’t for the their lackluster play against Furman there’d be no question about the quality of this team.

Spurrier has a potential star on the rise in his backfield. Freshman Marcus Lattimore has emerged as a valid threat out of the backfield with 333 yards on 70 carries with 182 of it coming against Georgia.

©2010 The Birmingham News, Photo by Hal Yeager

Auburn is a little more battle tested so far this season having played more challenging opponents. Mississippi State was a tough win for head coach Gene Chizik’s crew. Last week against Clemson they needed overtime to pull out a win after overcoming a 17-3 halftime deficit.

AP Photo/ Butch Dill

The Tigers have a talented freshman running the ball as well. With starter Mario Fannin down, freshman Michael Dyer is averaging more than five yards a carry. Quarterback Cameron Newton is a strong runner as well averaging more than six yards a carry. However, as is the problem with most running quarterbacks, his passing abilities are subpar. Newton’s only completed 57 percent of his attempts.

For Auburn it will help if they can get their rushing game going, but it may be more valuable for them to pass the ball. The Gamecocks have been stingy against the run giving up just 2.2 yards a carry, but their secondary is weak (101^st in pass defense). On defense, Auburn needs to force Spurrier to take guys out of the box and defend against the pass, which means throwing quick, short passes or fades down the sidelines. It will weaken the Gamecock’s sixth ranked rush defense enough for Auburn to have some success running the ball.

South Carolina on the other hand needs to have a balanced attack. Auburn’s pass defense is weaker than the run defense (77^th in the nation and 40^th respectively). Chipping away at both will keep the Tigers from being able to concentrate on stopping either.

In the end, we’ll see who is most deserving of their ranking.

The Tide Take On Tusks: #1 Alabama vs. #10 Arkansas

These guys are not long time rivals having only played 18 times, but if they can keep this match-up going for the foreseeable future, it could develop into legend. Of those 18 times the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Crimson Tide of Alabama have faced off, the Tide won 10. The last bout was hardly a contest with the Crimson Tide rolling right over the Razorbacks 35-7.

Things are different this year, though. This time both teams rock.

Coming into last year, fans and experts had modest expectations for Alabama, but many felt they still had something to prove. Now that they’re defending champions, there won’t be any more surprises; everyone will be gunning for them.

Knocking off the champs won’t be easy. Their running game is phenomenal. Trent Richardson could start for any college team and even some pro teams. Freshman Eddie Lacy got a lot of carries in Mark Ingram’s absence (which definitely bodes well for the Tide’s future). Ingram proved he was healthy enough last week when he ran for 151 yards on just nine carries.

Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett comes in looking to redeem himself off last year’s performance and launch his candidacy for this year’s Heisman trophy right to the forefront. Alabama’s defense stifled in last year’s lost, holding the strong-armed quarterback to just 12 completions on 35 passes for only 160 yards.

A year later with a lot more experience under his belt Mallett has something to prove. Last season he set school records passing for 3624 yards and 3 touchdowns. So far this season he is averaging 360 yards passing a game.

Alabama’s quarterback, Greg McElroy, is no slouch either. He doesn’t get the attention Mallett does, but since he doesn’t rack up the numbers like Mallett, that comes as no surprise. However, the issue isn’t with McElroy, it’s just the way Bama’s offense works.

One stat that can’t be argued with is McElroy’s win percentage. He has yet to lose a game as a starter, and hasn’t lost since he was in eighth grade going undefeated as a starter at Southlake Carroll High School in Texas.

Arkansas can handle the Alabama passing game. McElroy is the most efficient passer in the nation so far, but the Razorback secondary is not too shabby either (19^th in the nation). If the defensive line can continue to put pressure on the quarterback like they have thus far (4^th in the nation in sacks) they can take McElroy out of the game.

The Razorbacks are good when it comes to run defense (37^th in the nation), but that may not be good enough to stop the juggernaut that is Ingram and Richardson (Alabama is ranked 13^th in rushing offense).

Taking McElroy out of the equation will be step one for Arkansas. If Alabama is able to get their running game rolling they will be nearly impossible to stop. Hence if Mallett is able to play ball control and keep the Tide offense off the field they should make a pretty good fight out of it.

It will be tough, but if Arkansas can pull it off they’ll definitely deserve to be in the national championship discussion.

Battle For The Iron Skillet: #4 TCU vs. SMU

Friday will be the 90th Battle for the Iron Skillet between the Horned Frogs of Texas Christian University and the Mustangs of Southern Methodist University. TCU currently holds the advantage, 43-39-7. These one time conference rivals have kept the rivalry going since parting ways and are scheduled to do so through at least 2016.

With the history these two team have with each other, how can they not keep it going forever? It boasts some of the best college football games ever played. The 1935 installment has been called the ‘game of the century.’ SMU won 20-14, was awarded a piece of the national title, and went to the Rose Bowl. TCU went to the Sugar Bowl and ended up getting a piece of the national title as well.

In 1997 the Horned Frogs went into the game winless while SMU had its first legitimate chance to get back to a bowl game since receiving the death penalty in 1987. TCU put an end to the Mustangs bowl hopes with a come-from-behind 21-18 win. It took over a decade before SMU would have another shot at going to a bowl game.

More recently, in 2005 TCU hoped to get to a BCS bowl game for the first time in school history. After beating Oklahoma the week before, they were on their way having jumped into the top 25 at #22. The woeful Mustangs, who had just lost to Baylor, were merely another step on the path to greatness for the Horned Frogs. Instead, SMU didn’t allow TCU’s offense to score a touchdown as the Mustangs won 21-10. It was the first time since before the death penalty that SMU defeated a ranked opponent.

This season’s contest has even more riding on it than year’s past. TCU is ranked fourth in the nation and is considered a legitimate contender for the national title. However, the only way they can control their destiny and earn the right to play in the big game is by going undefeated. SMU, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to prove they’re a force to be reckoned with.

Both starting quarterbacks are stories unto themselves. TCU’s Andy Dalton is a Heisman contender and almost assured a spot in the NFL someday. He’s the current leader in wins among active FBS quarterbacks. His talent, leadership, and ability are proven.

Kyle Padron on the other hand is the young upstart. He burst on to the scene last year about midway through the season after the starter, Bo Levi Mitchell, went down with an injury. He went on to throw for nearly 2,000 yards in just six starts including a 460-yard day in the Hawaii Bowl. Not bad for a kid that only started half a season in high school.

For TCU to lose would be the upset of the year. The Horned Frogs and Andy Dalton have looked sharp in wins over Oregon State, Tennessee Tech, and Baylor. Kyle Padron and the Mustangs started off the season with a loss to Texas Tech in spite of a valiant second half effort then won big over the UAB Blazers before Padron threw for 280 yards and four touchdowns in a win against Washington State last week.

This will either be a game for the ages or just another TCU win; it will all hinge on whether Kyle Padron is able to get hot early and stay hot. One thing is for sure—this is going to be one hell of a ball game.

Texas vs. Texas Tech: A Good Ol’ Fashioned College Football Shoot Out

Saturday night fans will be in for a treat when the #6 Texas Longhorns travel to Lubbock to take on one of their rivals, the Texas Tech Red Raiders. COED pegged this as one of the 5 Can’t Miss College Football Games back in August and it’s not hard to see why — year in and year out this has been one of the better games of the season for both teams. Better yet is the fact this game’s often settled by the team that makes the big play late in the fourth quarter.

Longhorns head coach Mack Brown knows this well. In six trips into Red Raider territory his Longhorn teams have come away 3-3 with each loss looming large for the Longhorns in their chase for the Big XII title. The last time Texas went to Lubbock in 2008 Michael Crabtree’s catch and run gave the Red Raiders a 39-33 win.

Longhorn fans collectively slap their foreheads

The loss prevented Texas from playing in the Big XII championship that year; instead Oklahoma claimed the honor and went on to win the BCS title.

The 2006 game was a nail-biter as well with the Longhorns coming back from behind under the direction of then freshman Colt McCoy, to win 35-31. That game was probably the reason Colt ended up with this lovely Longhorn…

The 2004 contest was a high scoring blowout win for Texas Tech (52-21) and the 2002 match-up was another high scoring affair that ended with 42-38 in favor of Texas Tech.

This year finds the game coming early in the season with nothing but pride and respect on the line. Both teams are undefeated. Texas has an unproven leader at the helm in quarterback Garrett Gilbert. Texas Tech has a new head coach, but appears to be up to the same old tricks. A win for Texas would make them a legitimate top 10 team. A win for Texas Tech gives Tommy Tuberville’s squad credibility as a serious threat in the Big XII.

Texas typically gets off to a slow start against inferior opponents, but when they finally get their act together, they look good. However, with a more experienced quarterback in Texas Tech’s Taylor Potts leading the Red Raiders, the Longhorns may not have the luxury of a slow start. Texas Tech blew away poor New Mexico last week, but almost let another inexperienced quarterback mount an impressive comeback against them in week one (SMU’s Kyle Padron).

One thing is for sure, if history is any indication fans can count on this being an entertaining shootout. If that falls through, at least we have the lady Longhorns and red hot Raiders to drool over.