120 minutes to kickoff

They call it the Holy War. Well, the schools don't. That wouldn't be PC. And neither does the School Down South. They're above that sort of segregationist talk. They like to be all-inclusive, considering it isn't necessarily a battle of religious ideologies per se because more than half of University of Utah students are followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or, to the layperson, Mormons.

But for all intents and purposes that's what it is -- a Holy War. It beats the hell out of the Battle for the Beehive Boot, which is technically the nickname for the game between BYU and Utah.

Nonetheless, it's a mostly friendly, certainly God-fearing rivalry for bragging rights -- rights the Utes have gotten the past four years. Last year it was 41-34 in Kyle Whittingham's first year at Utah. In Urban Meyer's two years it was 52-21 and a very unsexy 3-0.

Either the Fiesta Utes or this Cougars team could contend with the best teams in the nation. Florida, USC, Arkansas, Michigan, Ohio State -- any of 'em. Definitely the Fiesta Utes. Because when these schools have such a special year, it's because the personnel fits the system. Alex Smith was a perfect QB to run Urban Meyer's spread offense. He was nimble in the pocket, easily pulling it down and running for 7 or 8 just as easily as throwing for 15.

This Cougars team has the right personnel as well, starting with QB John Beck, who has a legitimate shot at the NFL. He's a special player that understands what he has around him.

57 minutes to kickoff

Prediction: It hurts to write this, but there's just no other way of putting it: The Utes aren't in the same class as the Cougars this year. Now, that doesn't always matter, especially in rivalry games. But as I said in the Daily Utah Chronicle's prediction, I see the Cougars winning this one 36-3. OK, not really that bad. That was more a reminder of the embarrassing 36-3 beatdown issued by Boise State in Rice-Eccles earlier this year. If my heart wasn't into Utah football after a season-opening whipping by UCLA, it certainly was after the Bronco buster.

Meanwhile, there's just not a lot to still be excited about if you're a Utes fan. We've all seen how the program has steadily declined, showing really how special the Urban Meyer years were -- the Urban Meyer years, like they were plentiful. But still, in two years he turned a mid-major in a BCS winner, making Alex Smith the No. 1 pick in the process. Athletic director Chris Hill really was backed into a corner after he left for Florida. O-coordinator Mike Sanford had already left to take the head coaching gig at UNLV. That left Kyle Whittingham as the only prominent coach bridging the Fiesta Utes and the future.

Suffice to say, Whit wouldn't have stayed on as D-coordinator. BYU actually had an offer on the table for him to return to BYU, where he had played college ball. But he went with the Utes and here we are.

35 minutes to kickoff

Let's talk synergy. Here we have one of the best rivalries in the country, Utah-BYU, and it's on CSTV, which was bought out by CBS just last year. And instead of having some real talent call the game it's some no-name CSTV hacks who have no ties to the rivalry. They aren't going to tell me anything I don't already know -- and that kind of bother me. Where local legend Craig Bolerjack right about now? Oh yeah, calling the Georgia Tech-Georgia game -- on CBS. How convenient.

1st Quarter

15:00: And we're off. Here we go, it's the 88th meeting between the Utes and Cougars, the Battle for the Beehive Boot, which is a watered-down way of saying the Holy War. Let's be real, people.

10:38: BYU takes its opening drive and takes a collective dump on those in red at Rice-Eccles. Talk about deflating. Beck looked sharp on that drive. It's 7-nil, but still plenty of game.

9:37: Utah goes to the WR screen on back-to-back passes. It's almost like Steve Smith is back in the lineup. That used to be a favorite for former coach Ron McBride and Co. I'm not sure there were any other passing plays that would've worked for QB Lance Rice, to be honest. Reminds me of a quote from my brother, albeit inaccurate: "The only man able to stop Steve Smith in college? Craig Ver Steeg. (Former O-coordinator, though he actually never coached Smith. He was crappy back then. Of course, now he's the O-coordinator at Rutgers, so ...).

8:47: Louie Sakoda barely gets off a punt and she's a beaut, Clark. Sad, really, that the best play of the game so far is a punt. It goes for 49 yards and is returned for just a yard.

8:03: OK, what the hell was that? John Beck has all the time in the world in the pocket, is finally pressured and forced to tuck it. He takes a couple steps and throws a flip pass for 21 yards. What the hell? I mean, that was Favre-like. I'm telling you, this Beck kid will be a decent pro. Hope the Packers draft him. He's a gun-slinger.

6:48: Well, that really didn't take long at all. It's 14-0 now as Beck once again carves up the Utah D. That drive took all of four plays and went 81 yards. Meanwhile, I'm telling my co-workers we should get it over with and fire coach Kyle Whittingham right now. Sure, Urban Meyer set the bar unreasonably high, but this program isn't on the rise anymore. Or even close to sustaining what it was. With a loss here it will finish 7-5, equaling last year's 7-5. Of course, the Utes will get a chance to pad that total to 8-5 with a crappy bowl game.

4:30: Utah has gotten it to DB/RB/QB/KR/PR/line painter Eric Weddle twice on this drive. He's shifty, crafty, much like a ninja. Somehow in the open field he knows how to maneuver. And, interesting story, when Utah made its magnificent run during Weddle's sophomore year, a buddy and me tailgated with his mom in San Diego. She's good people.

2:16: More Ute brilliance as a shotgun snap goes over QB Brett Ratliff's head. Brent Casteel falls on it for a loss of 14. Hmmm. Interesting play call there. I'm sure Weddle could've gotten to it. He's the answer to every Ute problem. Leak in the toilet? Call our boy Weddle. Send him in.

End 1st Quarter: OK, that was a depressing opening quarter if you're a Utes fans, which I am. I hate to say it, but I felt this coming. The school paper, the one I formerly worked at, puts out yearly picks and every year up to date I write something disparaging about the Cougars and then pick the Utes. This year I didn't feel so confident. Or at all.

BYU's offense is nasty, and it has proven just that. John Beck has already thrown for 175 yards. We're just a quarter in. Let me do my math ... carry the two ... position of the sun ... and let's see ... 700 yards?!?

2nd Quarter

14:03: There's a BYU fumble and the Utes catch a break. Joe Jianni stuck a helmet in the gut of John Beck and he fumbles, though BYU recovers. Still, it's a drive-killer and the Utes make a stop. You get the feeling that's the only way the Utes are going to stay in it. They need a turnover to get field position, preferably a TO for a score. A pick six. They can't get into a shootout with Beck.

10:57: The Ute offense is moving, just passing midfield, but it seems like such a boring offense. Ratliff finds RJ Stanford for 8 yards, who button-hooked just past the first-down marker. Efficient. Nice.

10:11: Punter Louie Sakoda is in again, but it's a fake! Beautiful call. Ballsy. Picks up a first and gets the crowd into it. More importantly, keeps the drive alive.

9:18: Weddle in at QB, fakes a handoff to Casteel before faking a run, then finding Casteel along the sideline for a TD. Utah cuts the lead in half and takes the momentum. Did I just say this offense was boring? I meant that only when Ratliff is at QB. When Weddle is in, there's a little more excitement. Instant firecracker. 14-7.

8:02: It's officially a ballgame again. Curtis Brown was stuffed, John Beck missed on a pair of passes and the Rice-Eccles crowd aided in a BYU false start penalty. It's on. Forget what I said before -- about everything. Clean slate.

5:52: It has come to this for the Ute offense: It's anything but boring, but there are reverses called every other play. It's like we're in middle school football here and the defense doesn't know that it has to stay at home. Real college football shouldn't be like Tecmo bowl, but hell, it's working. It's stretching out the BYU defense, while the Utes follow those reverses with inside dives.

4:36: Utah moves into the red zone after Sean Smith picks up 12 yards. Six different Utes have caught passes and seven different Utes have run the ball. They're spreading it out.

2:37: Louie Sakoda from 44 yards out ... ugh. Wide left. Well wide. Kickers have a special bond in this rivalry, especially during the late '90s with back-to-back 34-31 battles. Maybe we're headed for another here.

2:01: I'll give him this: Beck has plenty of protection. He could be sipping a glass of water or hot chocolate back there in the pocket with all the time he has. Maybe throw in a pan of Jell-O. He's got the time. But yet, he's missing his passes in the second quarter. As a matter of fact, he still has 175 yards passing, which would mean he hasn't completed a pass this quarter. And it's almost over. Wow.

0:40: Ratliff hit as he throws and the zebras don't blow the whistle. BYU picks up the ball and rumbles into the end zone for six. That can't hold up. Looked like an incomplete pass, and I'm not being a homer. I don't really like the rule, but he was in the motion of passing. He was hit, and that of course misdirected the pass. How can that be a fumble? Call is reversed. Thank you. Duh.

0:14: Utah inside the 10 after a catch by Brandon Godfrey. Gotta hand it to the Utes and especially Ratliff. He's been really impressive in the two-minute drill.

0:02: But just as I say that he misfires on two passes that could have been scores if the throws were better. The Utes take a field goal and are, impressively, down just four heading into halftime. 14-10.

Halftime

Really impressed with the way the Utes showed some cojones in the second. I thought the Cougs were running away with this one. Not so. We've got some game yet.

Third Quarter

14:43: Utah's first play from scrimmage is a big gainer, covering 47 yards to Brian Hernandez, who is a super-senior after getting that extra year in college after a medical hardship. Man, what I wouldn't give for an extra year or two in college now. Live it up, Hernandez. Utah's inside the 25.

12:31: After that hot start the Utes fizzle, coming inches from a first down and yards from a touchdown. What was an impressive start to the second half just got the foghorn treatment. Instead of getting the easy three points it's still a four-point game.

11:26: A little fracas breaks out after a false start. Let's not go all Miami-Florida International here. We have a little more class than that. It's a rivalry, but it's not a street fight. Flags fly and let's see what the call is. It goes against the Y, but the Cougs easily move it out of basically their own end zone.

8:24: TD, Utah!!! Sing along with me (Utah fight song). Yeah, pretty lame. Pretty '50s. Brett Ratliff hits Marquis Wilson in stride for a 57-yard TD on Utah's first play. The Utes come out swinging. They like their speed vs. BYU's speed in the secondary. Wilson, who went to nearby Juan Diego, toasted No. 28 like he toasted my little brother's team back when Juan Diego played Kanab in the 2-A semifinals three years ago. Good stuff. 17-14 Utah. That field goal would have been nice right about now.

5:50: After a three-and-see ya from the Cougar offense, the Utes get the ball back at their own 28. What has happened to the Cougar offense since the first quarter? There's really no explanation for it. I stroked John Beck a little too much. He's been getting the time, just misfiring on a lot of his passes. It looks like a completely different offense and a completely different QB.

1:41: The Utes add another score, Ratliff's third TD pass of the game. Did I say he's a boring QB? I take it back. Love the kid now. Switching up Weddle and Ratliff keeps the defense guessing. It's a good mix. Colt Sampson snagged that one and dived to the front corner of the end zone for the score. Lookie here, it's a 24-14 lead for the Utes. Woo woo.

Fourth Quarter

15:00: Going into the fourth the Utes have more passing yards. If you would have told me that before the game, I would've said it was 2004 and that Urban Meyer's spread offense was having a good outing.

14:04: Deep pass by Beck is poorly thrown, and the WR gets the flag for trying to make a play on an underthrown ball. What a crap play. Crap result. Sure, there was contact, but the guy was double-covered. He wasn't going to make the catch. Just swivel, DB! That's all you gotta do.

13:57: It helps out the Cougs, who are now inside the 5. Before that play it had gotten sloppy, with four straight flags. Two were 15-yard penalties, two were false starts. MWC action, it's fantastic! And we wonder why this isn't on national TV (CSTV doesn't count). Still, it's shaping up to be a humdinger.

11:45: BYU punches it in as Johnny "Don't Make Fun of My Receeding" Harline makes a nifty 5-yard grab from Beck in the back corner of the end zone. But the PAT is blocked, which means the Cougs have to score six to take the lead. 24-20 Utah.

9:41: It's definitely nail-biting time. The Y got the ball back and just moved past its own 40. And this two-minute drill type of offense only helps John Beck, who is gaining confidence.

7:05: Cougars move well into Utes territory after Curtis Brown rumbles for a nice gain. The Cougars are going to score here, I just know it. Will Utah have enough time to respond? OK, not to get ahead of myself, there's still 30 yards to go before a score.

6:01: Two passes later and the Y is inside the 10. It's just clockwork at this point. Nothing to it. The U isn't getting any sort of push up front. You've got to send the house or it's going to be too late. Gotta have a turnover.

4:12: Ugh. PI in the end zone. That's trouble. But a good call. He just bear-hugged the receiver, who again benefited from an underthrown ball. It's like the Cougars are attacking the Utes' technique, stead their defense. Hey, it's working.

3:23: John Beck to TE Daniel Coats, TD. How does someone who is 6-foot-3, 256 get that open? I'm speechless. The Utes tried to stuff the run and the Cougs pulled a naked boot and Coats was wide -- I mean, wide -- open in the flat.

3:15: Here we are, where I thought we'd be, with the Utes down by three with three minutes to go. Plenty of time. Can't get greedy. Just spread 'em out. Utes still have three timeouts left. Just be patient. Take what they give ya.

2:26: Reason No. 1 why I hate CSTV: No down and distance. What am I supposed to do, be guessing here? I'm told it's a fourth-and-two and Ratliff drops back ... and has plenty of time ... and scrambles for a first down. All they need is a FG, which at this point means 30 to 35 more yards, as they're on their 30.

2:10: There you go, a 37-yard pickup by Brent Casteel. Looked like a post between the LBs and safeties and Ratliff made it work. Nice little pitch and catch.

1:32: Utah's not done, picking up two more first downs. Get the TD. Don't settle. Of course, once in the red zone the Utes haven't been all that efficient today.

1:19: It's a TD, 19 yards from Ratliff to Casteel. Casteel has just been everywhere. It's a WR screen and the Cougs blitzed and guessed wrong. Casteel worked right to left and ran nearly untouched to paydirt. Utah's up 31-27, but there's still over a minute left in the Holy War. BYU will get it back with plenty of time, which scares me.

0:35: Fourth down from their own 45 for the Cougs. Beck has all day to throw. Finds Harline, who moves it inside the Utah 40.

0:07: Beck and the Cougs are at the 10. Just seven seconds left.

0:03: Fade to the end zone doesn't work. The Y will have one more play. This is it, win or lose. Can you ask for any more than this?

0:00: Unbelievable! Beck has a ton of time, he looks right, looks left, looks right ... he has all day to throw. A Utah DB senses as much and pressures Beck, who rolls back to his right and finally fires back to the left front of the end zone ... caught, TD, Johnny Harline. TD BYU. On the last play of the game. It's 33-31. Unreal!

Postgame: Beck throws for 375 yards and four scores, but I'm not sure I've ever seen a finish quite like that. That is just painful, but oh so fitting in this rivalry.

The Cougs could have made it 34-31, but there was no need to kick the extra point, as they just took a knee after

I think I'd rather someone take a 5-yard run and soccer-style kick my gonads rather than have to go through that again. Just brutal. FOR HELL'S SAKE, TWO RUSHERS!!! On a fourth-down play! For all the marbles! Lavell Edwards could've completed that pass. OK, probably not, it was a tough pass, throwing across his body, but come on, it was like a flag-football game gone wrong, except nobody rushed after the 10-apple count. Beck really had no idea what to do with all the time back there. He wasn't going to make it if he ran, and he knew that. So he just waited it out, and eventually someone came open. That was a gut shot. I don't want to talk about it.

Not so much my results, but my effort this week. This isn't going to get the superstar treatment, as we are an hour to kickoff. Just wanted to make sure everything was up before games kicked off. You know, so I'm not perceved a cheat. By the way, it's really fun to stay up until 4:30 a.m. waiting for a colllege basketball column. Even if it did come from the greatest game this year. I'll thank my guidance counselor.

OK, I went 2-1 over Turkey Day to bring my grand total to 95-67 after an 8-8 week. Big bro is slightly better at 102-60 after a 9-7 week and 3-0 Thanksgiving.

Green Bay at Seattle: Seabirds are hurting, Packers are the Packers, and they've shown it in recent weeks. Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck return, and while Seattle's center stays hurt, it's not losing this one at home to the Pack. Seahawks 26, Packers 10

Arizona at Minnesota: Here's to thinking Daunte and Randy Moss stayed in Minnesota, and that Denny Green stayed with 'em. Ever since the trio split the world has never been the same -- and by world I mean Gary Anderson's career. I'm sure my enthusiasm for this game is just jumping off the page. Vikings 20, Cardinals 17

Carolina at Washington: The 'Skins continue to prove that Joe Torre makes it easier than is let on -- managing a roster of high-priced talent. OK, OK, I say that every week, but it's still fun. And yet, they've gotta pull one of these out, don't they? I'll give Jason Campbell another week before a W, because playoff-bound Carolina isn't doing him any favors. Panthers 24, Redskins 7

Cincinnati at Cleveland: In the fight for the Bengals' playoff lives, they just gotta have this one. The Browns are a well-under .500 team with a brutal sked, coming off another tough loss (20-17 to Pittsburgh), but will find some way to give it away. And team mom Braylon Edwards will chastise someone (other than himself) for it. Bengals 31, Browns 21

Houston at N.Y. Jets: The beauty and the ugliness of the NFL: While the Browns are a better team than the Jets, they don't reflect that because the Jets play in the AFC East, who have played a generous schedule outside of that. I think you know where I'm going with this: Jets to 6-5. Jets 17, Texans 16

Jacksonville at Buffalo: The 4-6 Bills gotta have this one against the 6-4 Jags, and at least they get RB Willie McGahee back. Anthony Thomas has come out of nowhere with games of 95, 109 and (ehh) 56, and the Bills have won two of three, losing to the Colts by one. That noise stops here. With or without Donovin Darius, the Jags are better. Jags 20, Bills 13.

New Orleans at Atlanta: Did anyone else feel like they were in the Twilight Zone a couple weeks ago where Michael Vick stood in the pocket, threw TD passes and was an MVP-caliber player? Along with Donovan McNabb? Vick always fools us. If only for a couple weeks. Saints 30, Falcons 21

Pittsburgh at Baltimore: Pittsburgh has reeled off two straight, but it's toughest test comes in Baltimore. The Steelers essentially need to win out after a 2-6 start. They've made it to 4-6, but Steve McNair and Co. aren't quite ready to accommodate. Ravens 24, Steelers 13

San Francisco at St. Louis: Do the Niners really have a shot to go over .500? This late in the season? And while I thought I'd be saying that if Alex Smith had an unbelievable season, the 49ers have averaged just 16 points during their three-game winning streak. What gives? That's gotta end to a Rams team that has just caught bad luck. Rams 24, 49ers 17

Oakland at San Diego: OK, this doesn't really seem fair. L.T. four TDs. Philip Rivers two TD passes. What does that put us up to? 42 points? Better throw in a garbage touchdown for Michael Turner for good measure. Chargers 49, Raiders 10

Chicago at New England: Ahh, finally a game worth a damn. We'll call it the Game of the Week. The Pats haven't been all that unbeatable at home (2-3, including losses in their last two at Gillette), Rex Grossman hasn't been Mr. Pillar of Conistency either. That's gotta change for the Bears to win in New England. Here's to another week of wondering if Grossman can lead the Bears to a Super Bowl. Patriots 23, Bears 16

N.Y. Giants at Tennessee: The Giants are hurting. Tiki's having sitdowns with his coach in between appearances on late-night TV. There's turmoil in the Big Apple. Eli looked awfully shaky in that loss in Jacksonville. The Giants gotta have this one against an improving Titans team. Giants 30, Titans 20

Philadelphia at Indianapolis: Donovan McNabb was hurt for the year just a week too early. The NFL won't be sending any extra Chunky's Soup to the McNabb residence. Instead we get a stinker on Monday night. Without Donovan McNabb, RB Brian Westbrook is average at best (I know from having him as a Fantasy player last year). Colts win easy. Colts 33, Eagles 17

Didn't Thanksgiving just used to have two games? Is this the NFL's response to college football adding an extra BCS game?

What gives?

Oh yeah, the unveiling of the Mother Network. NFL Network kicks off with Denver at K.C., proving to the people and the networks that the NFL will get by -- with or without them. OK, maybe that's just for the networks, to remind them to pony up next time at the bargaining table.

Anyways, couple early birds:

Miami at Detroit: The Lions are pretty beat up. Actually, pretty beat up is being very generous. They're still missing All-Pro DT Shaun Rogers, who was ruled out, and starting RB Kevin Jones is questionable. With the No. 2 and No. 3 backs also out, the Lions have to be combing Candadian Football League rosters right about now for a reliable back. Meanwhile the Fins, who have had their own injury trouble with starting QB Daunte Culpepper, have a nice little three-game winning streak behind Joey Harrington. Who would have thought this would be Joey Harrington Week coming into the season. Instead of holding a clipboard on the sidelines, this game's all about him. With Miami playing its best ball right about now, that means a Turkey Day W. Dolphins 25, Loins 13

Tampa Bay at Dallas: How 'bout them Cowboys? Tony Romo goes from popular backup to dating Jessica Simpson? What a turnaround. He's a regular modern-day Horatio Alger. Where do I sign up? Romo and Dallas take the spotlight at just the right time, just when they're peaking, at the same time the team does every season: on Thanksgiving. Now, like most years, the 'Boys don't have much of an opponent. This season has been a wash for the Bucs, saved really only by a 62-yard field goal. If a kicker delivers your team's most memorable moment to a season, that's not a good sign. Cowboys 33, Bucs 13

Denver at Kansas City: Everyone, it's time to get on Jake Plummer's back again. Come on, now, there's plenty of room. Say it with me: Jay Cutler, Jay Cutler, Jay Cutler. Come on people. Just because The Snake has thrown 11 picks to 10 TDs -- and the Broncos just lot at home to the division rival Chargers -- we hear these fun little stats again. Denver is still a good team. It's 7-3, just a game behind the 8-2 Chargers in the AFC West (OK, two with the tiebreaker right now). This is a big 'un. The Chiefs are just a game back from the Broncs, and Trent Green is back in the fold. K.C. whipped up an unimpressive 17-13 victory over the Raidezzzz, but it was a W nonetheless for Green, and the Chiefs have won four of five. This is the week the Broncs show they're still a top-tier team. Broncos 24, Chiefs 20

You know, one of these weeks I'll get this up early in the week. That way I can share my brilliance with a more widespread audience, and not just a dozen hours before the games actually kick-off. Maybe then I could become something. Maybe then I could not only dream the dream, but be the dream. Just give a little tenderness.

OK, back to reality. Blacked out there a bit. It happens. It's late on a Saturday night, you've got nowhere to go and you're on the computer. Take a break from the porn and check out this goodness:

Jer still leads. He went 7-8 last week. I went 7-8. It's all familial. Now I'm 85-58 and he's 89-54. I'll catch up.

New England at Green Bay: I picked against my Pack last week and it worked, as they pulled off a stunner at Minnesota. I use the term stunner loosely, because the Vikes have looked like bile lately in blowouts to New England and a loss to San Fran (ouch). Which brings us full circle (I guess) as the Pack and Pats now play on the Frozen Tundra. Can the Pats really lose three straight games? Really. Indy, I can understand. The Jets, hey, they're and up-and-comer. Green Bay? If the Pack kick the Pats when they're down, they'll be going to the playoffs. I know it's a little early to say that, because they'd only improve to 5-5. But it would prove they're good. I'm not buying it, though. Patriots 23, Packers 13

Pittsburgh at Cleveland: Can you guess which of these teams is 3-6? If you answered "What is both, Alex," then you are correct. And the Browns aren't a bad 3-6 team, to be honest. In fact, the Brown-stains have won two of their last three, including wins over Falcons and the Jets. Their only loss during that span came at nearly unbeatable San Diego, and it was just a seven-point loss. Not too shabby. Big Ben better bring his best, because even if he does, it might not be enough vs. quietly efficient Charlie Frye. Browns 23, Steelers 18

St. Louis at Carolina: I just can't get excited for this game. Not even a little. Carolina has continued to disappoint. I want them to break out and get everyone excited. That's why they stumbled out of the gate: No Steve Smith. He's really all they have offensively. Luckily they have a stout defense as well with Julius Peppers (3 sacks last week) to grind out these bore-a-thons. Then you have the Rams, who are artists at coming close but still losing. Let's try it again. Panthers 17, Rams 13

Atlanta at Baltimore: Call it the Game of the Week. It'll be a dandy, though the Ravens will be without defensive leader Ray Lewis, who is injured. Playing Baltimore without Ray-Ray just takes the crazy out of it. It just doesn't seem quite as daunting. All of the sudden a team gains the mental edge. With Lewis in the lineup, there could be a decapitation at any time. It's like he's carrying a pocketknife at the bottom of those piles. Without the psychological edge, I'm just not sure the Ravens can do it. That, and the Falcons have lost two straight, so they're due. Falcons 24, Ravens 21

Washington at Tampa Bay: At least the 'Skins have made the switch. Jason Campbell steps in for the ineffective, past-his-prime Mark Brunell this week, hoping to breathe a little life into an anemic offense. But Santana Moss is likely out, which means the 'Skins will have to lean on one of their other high-priced WRs, either Antwaan Randel El or Brandon Lloyd. Either way, this team is just a cancer. Meanwhile, the Bucs have been fighting but just don't have enough with Cadillac Williams and not much else. Sorry, Bruce Gradkowski. Redskins 20, Bucs 10

Tennessee at Philadelphia: Philly snapped out of its funk, now it's the Eagles turn to chalk up a couple wins. This is a game they can't lose -- and won't. It's Philly at home. Donovan's good for three, maybe four TDs. Forget that 2-2 home record. It's a game they have to have. Donovan will be clutch. You'll see. Eagles 23, Titans 10

Chicago at N.Y. Jets: The Bears aren't going to rout the J-E-T-S in East Rutherford, regardless of whatever douchebag Bears fan tell you (not that I'm calling you that, Mr. Salinas). The Jets are a quality team, and they've played well at home (2-2, with those two losses coming close to Indy and New England). OK, so the Bears qualify as a team that will come into the Meadowlands and chalk up a W. Rex Grossman feeds off of his D and strings together a couple scoring drives and, bada bing, it's over before the Jets know it. Though it'll be close for most of the game. Bears 30, Jets 21

Cincinnati at New Orleans: Call this one Game of the Week, Part Deux. Who would have thought after last season's playoff run that the Bengals would be here, at 4-5, much less sitting here after a gut-shot loss to the Chargers. That was as embarrassing as it gets, in front of the home crowd. Then there's the Saints, who have dropped two of three after getting nipped at Pittsburgh last week. The Saints are 6-3, and so this is not a must-win for them. The Bengals know that if they lose this one, they'll have to basically win out to go to the playoffs. That's not going to happen. So they're bringing their A-game. Bengals 34, Saints 18

Minnesota at Miami: The Fins are all of the sudden back, thanks to savior Daunte ... I mean, Joey Harrington. Daunte's officially out for the year, which is another way of saying he wasn't cutting it with his injury. It's a nice little out, and Joey Harrington has breathed some life into the Fins, who face Minnesota, a team that has lost three straight. The Vikes offense has been especially gross, tallying up just 27 points in its last three. That has the Vikes at 4-5. Marcus Robinson may be back for Minnesota, which would be a welcome addition. It hasn't had a big-play WR threat since he was injured. Won't matter against the hot Fins. Dolphins 23, Vikings 7

Oakland at Kansas City: At this point there's almost no point to make fun of the Raiders offense. Art Shell is looking for outs, most recently sitting Andrew Walter after the QB spoke out with his frustrations. That means the offense goes back to Aaron Brooks, who will look to break the 22-point plateau for Oakland for the first time this season. That likely won't happen vs. the Chiefs, who are especially potent at home (3-1). The Chiefs have won three of their last four, with the loss coming last week against Miami. The Raiders don't stand a chance. Chiefs 32, Raiders 24

Buffalo at Houston: It's another matchup of 3-6 teams. Which 3-6 would you rather be? The Texans haven't been more than a glorified bye week since they came into the league, though it would be a big step improving to 4-6 at this point. For the Bills, Anthony Thomas has been solid stepping in for Willis McGahee. But the Texans have a legit offense, and they've won a whole two games at home. Meanwhile, the Bills have won just one on the road, though they nearly knocked off Indy last week (17-16). The Bills run well and face the league's 27th-ranked D. Bills 26, Texans 23

Seattle at San Francisco: Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander may be back in the lineup, but the Seabirds have been getting by OK the past two weeks without 'em, including a last-second FG for a win vs. the Rams. The 49ers have put together a winning streak, which is new territory for the young team. But those two wins came against the NFC Norse, with a win at home vs. the Vikes and a win on the road vs. the Lions. Those are not good teams. Whether or not the Seahawks have Hasselbeck and Alexander, this is a good team with a good D. Seahawks 34, 49ers 13

Detroit at Arizona: There are echelons and loosely defined strata in the NFL. Detroit is slowing making the climb. The Lions don't seem quite at the bottom of the barrel as they once were. Even after a lose vs. the 49ers. Meanwhile, the Cards live at the bottom of the barrel, and have for quite some time. Matt Leinart vowed to change the losing culture. Denny Green fired his O-coordinator. These things take time, and thanks to a home game against one of the worst teams in the league, even if one strata above them, I like the Cards' chances. Cardinals 23, Loins 17

Indianapolis at Dallas: The Colts are poised to run the table and go 16-0. Check out their schedule: After this one they've got a game at Philly next week, which is dangerous, then have games left at Jacksonville and at home vs. Cincy. Still, this is one of the only losable games left. They just keep winning the games they're supposed to win. And look, no San Diego on the sked this go-round. Tony Romo is coming into his own, but he's not ready to pull this one off. Not against Peyton Manning and the most dangerous No. 2 receiver (Reggie Wayne) in the league. Colts 31, Cowboys 23

San Diego at Denver: The Chargers just don't win vs. Denver. At Denver, it's even more of an impossibility. Drew Brees couldn't do it, and he is a better Q than Philip Rivers (right now). Eventually, Rivers may surpass him and, sure, last weekend's rally was one of the most ridiculous things I've ever watched. It was right up there with Bills-Oilers AFC Championship Game of yore. Just when things couldn't get more one-sided, all of the sudden it's a ballgame and downright embarrassing to watch (for the sake of the team that squandered the lead). Back to this week: The Chargers are spent. Broncos 28, Chargers 17

N.Y. Giants at Jacksonville: Byron Leftwich will miss his fourth straight game and is now out for the season, though backup David Garrard is the Jags' own Tim Tebow, perhaps better than the original. Meanwhile, the Giants seem like they've hit a little bit of a funk. The Bears went into East Rutherford and waxed the G-Men, though it took a bit for Chi-town to get it going. The Giants are just chapped and battered, but Eli Manning will rally the troops to a tough road W. Giants 24, Jaguars 16

Here we go: No intro. Just straight into the good stuff. Yeah, 'cause of time.

I'm still trailing my bro' in the season series. I'm 78-50 and he's 82-46. Go figure.

Green Bay at Minnesota: If you can't pick up a W at Buffalo to pull even at .500, you can't get a win in Minnesota. The Vikes have looked just awful recently with a blowout loss at home vs. New England before dropping a low-scoring affair at San Fran. That just doesn't cut it -- which is why the Vikes will be revitalized vs. the Pack. But would you believe the Pack haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher? Teams are too busy taking advantage of that sieve-like secondary. Vikings 31, Packers 20

Buffalo at Indianapolis: OK, the Colts might just go 16-0. They stifled Tom Brady last week, and here's thinking they can frustrate mighty J.P. Losman just the same. Indy is due for a breakout. You know, the kind of rout we got in the olden days or yore. Or just last year, rather. Or was it the year before? I guess Peyton is pretty solid year in and year out, whether he's throwing 49 TDs or playing the possession game just to mix things up. I think we know how this one is ending. Colts 42, Bills 17

San Francisco at Detroit: Here's a battle of two up-and-comers. Neither are ready yet, but in two or three years we may be looking at a 49ers-Lions playoff game, taking it back to the early '90s when Barry might've played Steve Young's boys. If only Jon Kitna can fend off Father Time. Roy Williams has emerged as a Top 7 receiver, while the 49ers suddenly can depend on its defense, as evidenced from their win vs. Minnesota. Unleash the offenses this week. Lions 37, 49ers 31

San Diego at Cincinnati: The Bengals are just beleagured. First Rudi Johnson. Then some O-Tackle. I would say then Chad Johnson, but he's yapping every week. After last week's loss, Chad Johnson was basically crying in an interview. Apparently there's crying in football. Jimmy Duggan wouldn't have it in baseball. Ocho Cinco needs to get back to being Ocho Cinco. The league is better for it, as are the Bengals. Of course, then there's that Bengals defense. I have them in Fantasy, and I can't tell you how many times they've gotten me negative points -- which is damn near impossible. Chalk up another four TDs for L.T. Chargers 38, Bengals 24

Baltimore at Tennessee: Vince Young has progressed quite nicely. Some weeks better than others. Last week's blowout loss in Jacksonville, not so much. This week against Baltimore, a team that will blitz the bejesus out of the young QB? Not so much either. I'm already seeing a third-degree assault charge for Ray-Ray. Ravens 24, Titans 7

Cleveland at Atlanta: Mike Vick and crew weren't so invincible win an ugly loss at Detroit. Never the matter. The Vick-to-Crumpler train will reconnect again at home. After all, these Falcons are another one of those teams that are unreal at home, then pretty "ehhh" on the road. Good news for Vick fantasy owners, bad news for the Browns. Falcons 30, Browns 16

Washington at Philadelphia: So I'm an underutilized, overjoyed, overexuberant copy editor. Can I get a $50 million contract from Dan Snyder? I'll show my little backpedal, maybe get some coin thrown my way like Adam Archuleta. No? OK then. If there's any fallback, it's that the Eagles will blow out the 'Skins. Donovan McNabb, who went from MVP candidate to a QB on a borderline playoff team, will see to it. Eagles 17, Redskins 10

N.Y. Jets at New England: The Pats got punked at home by Peyton and crew, the second straight time the Colts have won at Foxboro. Very interesting. I'll file that away for later. Why? Because there's no reason the Pats won't lay a smackdown on the Jets. The East Rutherfordites may be reeling after a road loss at Cleveland, but Tom Brady isn't going to lose two straight at home. Take it to the bank. Patriots 23, Jets 13

Kansas City at Miami: What exactly was that team that showed up to Soldier Field last Sunday? Was that really the same Fins that lost to, this'll take a bit, league not-so-stalwarts Packers, Jets, Titans and Bills? No, it wasn't, and that's a good sign for the Fins. Now let's see if they can take the magic back to Joe Robbie Dolphins Stadium. Dolphins 26, Chiefs 24

Houston at Jacksonville: The Jags just seem like a different team at home. Consider their last two home games: a 37-7 win over the Titans and a 41-0 win over the Jets. Now, those are the strongest of strong teams. Neither will be making the playoffs. Then again, their opponent this week fits that category. Expect a blowout. With David Garrard or Byron Leftwich. Jaguars 34, Texans 17

Denver at Oakland: The Raiders are a joke. I had the privilege of following the Monday nighter this past week, which means I was there for every minute of Oakland's latest embarrassment, its shutout vs. the Seahawks. The offense is just a train wreck. I just can't watch. And to think LaMont Jordan was a steady back last season. He can do anything with that O-line. Note to front office execs everywhere: If your O-line is crap, you're not going places. Broncos 27, Raiders 3

St. Louis at Seattle: Seattle rolled all over the Raiders last weekend at home, but should that even count? Really? OK, so the Raiders came into the game with two straight W's. Maybe the Seahawks had something to do with the shutout. But geez, come on, I've never been so disgusted with such a disgraceful offense. Nine sacks? Andrew Walter spent more time on his back than ... ahhh, you know what I'm saying. But enough. The Seabirds still have no MVP and no Hasselbeck, which means trouble vs. decent teams. Emphasis on decent, and decent being St. Louis. Rams in somewhat of an upset. Rams 19, Seahawks 13

Dallas at Arizona: OK, it was funny. T.O. dropping the pass that would've given the Cowboys the win. It was good stuff. High-brow comedy. Meanwhile, the Cards have had a week to sit in timeout after that ugly showing vs. the Packers two weeks ago. Something has got to give in this game. Will it be Denny Green's job? Or is it going to be T.O. going off and blowing up on a QB. He already got his way there. Is the Tuna going to blow? This is going to be good stuff. Cardinals 26, Cowboys 20

New Orleans at Pittsburgh: OK, to reiterate: What the hell is going on with Pittsburgh? Did Jerome Bettis really make that much of a difference? No. Can Antwaan Randle El spend some of his bucks to come back to town? Not so much. Did Big Ben's accident totally scramble his brains to where he doesn't know how to read NFL defenses? No, and that was totally insensitive, you pompous ass. But what about the Saints. Drew Brees has turned the franchise around. But the Steelers are just due. Due to get off the schnide. Give it to Fast Willie and pray. Steelers 20, Saints 17

Chicago at N.Y. Giants: Preview of the NFC Championship Game. Winner to play New England-Indy. You heard it here first. Actually, you've probably heard it elsewhere, but as long as the stars are aligned and the zodiac agrees with the almighty spiritual oneness, that's how it'll go down. Right. Da Bears looked gross last week in a loss to one-game winner Miami. Err, scratch that, Rex Grossman looked gross. Coming off of such a what-the-hell loss, I don't see them going into East Ruterford and beating the Giants. With bulletin board from Plaxico Burress or not. Giants 26, Bears 21

Here you go, the weekly offering. I know you've been waiting up for it.

Another Sunday is here and, having seen the new Borat movie, I feel like a better person. If you enjoy awkward situational humor and extensive male nudity, go check it out. You like.

But on to the picks. I nearly won a weekly pick 'em pool with 60 or so entries. Came this close. But of course I lost, coming in third, just out of the money. These picks? Not quite as stout, with an 8-6 record. I now trial big brother Jer-bobs by 69-45 after his 9-5 week made him 72-42 on the season.

Tennessee at Jacksonville: The Titans have what we in the biz call a winning streak. It happens when you win back-to-back football games (in their case with a bye in between, but they're the Titans, they'll take it). Meanwhile, they sort of luck out and get Jags backup QB David Garrard. Well, all right, that's not exactly true, because Garrard may be better than Version 1.0. But still, we're talking the Jags at home, where they are 3-0 after killing the Jets and with wins over the Cowboys and the Steelers. That's big-time, son, and the Titans aren't. Jags 24, Titans 10

Atlanta at Detroit: There's always the lingering debate about whether the Chargers or Falcons got the better of the L.T.-Vick deal. For the first couple years it was Vick, but L.T. has proven the last two or three years he is the best back in football -- with a rookie QB or not. Even when the Chargers were awful, L.T. still put up numbers. That's the sign of a good back, a la Lions great Barry Sanders. But Michael Vick has been unreal recently, with seven TD passes in his last two games. He's upping his game, and Alge Crumpler is a Fantasy beast, playing the Marvin to Vick's Peyton. The Lions are catching the wrong team at the wrong time. Falcons 31, Lions 19

Miami at Chicago: Miami is a surprising 1-6 and all but ready to mail in the season. Da Bears are still undefeated and will be playing at home, where Rex Grossman has been next to dominant. But seriously, who even knew about Bernard Berrian and Dallas Clark before the season began? Excluding relatives and extended family? Either way, there's nothing like the Windy City this time of year. It really has that charm. Pack your parkas, Joey Harrington, because it's going to be a cold, grueling trip between the locker room and the field. Not that you would know about that playing in cushy Ford Field. Next. Bears 33, Dolphins 17

Green Bay at Buffalo: With a win the Pack -- the same Pack with the old QB who everyone said should hang it up (idiots) -- could make it to .500, almost a playoff berth in itself in the minds of Cheeseheads. As I've said all along and will continue to say, he's not a bad QB and given decent options, he's still got a couple years left. Seriously, put him on another borderline playoff team and they're automatically in the playoffs. Put him on the Lions and they're in. Put him on the Vikes and they're in. Hell, put him on the Bills and they're in. That said, I know the Pack's luck will catch up with them. Here comes an Ahman fumble or a punt return for a TD at a key moment in the game. Bills 27, Packers 20

Cincinnati at Baltimore: The first of three or four slobberknockers in Week 9. Couple dandies out there. Are we in Week 9 already? Sheesh. Where has the summer gone. And the fall. The seasons just blend together down here in South Florida, because there's really just one season: hot. It's not going to be hot in Baltimore, that much we know. And the Ravens D isn't going to let Rudi Johnson do much running -- or talking. Meanwhile, the Ravens O has looked like a new bunch since Brian Billick took over the reigns after firing Jim Fassel. Maybe all I need to do is fire someone to be effective. Ravens 20, Bengals 16

Dallas at Washington: Tony Romo delivered probably the most impressive first start in the history of Texas (trying on my Bill Walton shoes there; they fit pretty well). Really, he was superb after Dallas fell behind 14-0 to Carolina. I thought it was over. And I'm sure there was a part of Tempest Bledsoe that wished the same. But Romo helped the 'Boys run off 35 straight points and that was that. I couldn't really believe what I was seeing. However, the 'Boys are due for a loss to the 'Skins. Not because the 'Skins are impressive in any way, shape or form (three straight L's), but because it's a division game and it's at RFK. Redskins 17, Cowboys 13

New Orleans at Tampa Bay: The Saints looked plain gross at home last week. The Bucs took a break last week (ahem, 17-3 loss to the Giants, but really, who thought they were going to win that one) and were out sipping Coronas and still in the aftermath of Matt Bryant Day. That glorious, wonderful foot. I'm sure it could cure cancer if we just gave it the chance. But here we are. Is Bruce Gradkowski good enough to get these Bucs this home win? I don't think so. Drew Brees will respond. He's a leader and he will get the job done. Saints 31, Bucs 21

Kansas City at St. Louis: So Trent Green may be on the sidelines. What exactly does that mean? Is he going to sit there and go through the motions on the sidelines, all the while giving Damon Huard and Co. a little morale boost? Will he be wearing a headset? Well, more than likely. Meanwhile, the Rams aren't really the Rams of old but are still winning some tough games. OK, so not recently after losing at home vs. Seattle and at San Diego, but those were both very close games. Well, not so much vs. the Chargers. L.J. has been performing up to snuff, but it comes crashing down in the dome. Rams 34, Chiefs 31

Houston at N.Y. Giants: I'm going to go ahead and predict five TD passes from Eli Manning, one running score from Brandon Jacobs and, what the hell, give one to Tiki Barber too, though he's not Mr. Paydirt this year. Though WR Plaxico Burress may sit this one out, the Giants shouldn't have much trouble, even if the Texans are born-again. They are out of their class here. Go ahead and throw a 64-ouncer on the barbie and open up a six-pack. Enjoy. Giants 34, Texans 23

Minnesota at San Francisco: The Vikings were just butchered in their Monday nighter against the Pats. They weren't ready at all. Tom Brady showed why it doesn't matter who you plug in as long as he's throwing the bullets back there. And Brad Johnson was so un-Brad Johnson like. Then there were the 49ers, who coughed up a big hairball against the Bears, but who hasn't been doing that, outside of the Cards? I think this is a statement game for the Niners, who show up and pull out a win against a respectable team. Frank Gore, three TDs. 49ers 29, Vikings 18

Cleveland at San Diego: Chargers are at home. There's no visiting crowd to shake San Diego, which will battle Denver for the AFC West crown. This one has rout written all over it. With or without Shawne Merriman. With or without a green QB. Charlie Frye, Braylon Edwards and Co. are primed for a breakout upset sooner rather than later, but I don't see it happening against L.T. and the upstart Bolts. Not this week. Chargers 41, Browns 10

Denver at Pittsburgh: The hopes of not only the playoffs but also respectability are slipping for the 2-5 Steelers, who stooped to a new and unheard of low last week -- losing to the Raiders. OK, collect your breath. We have counseling for things like this. Seriously, if the Steelers are going to be worth a damn, Big Ben has to pull his big head out. The Jaw can't allow the Super Bowl-winning Steelmen to fall to 2-6. That just can't happen. Not at home. Not with "Fast Willie." Unless Jake Plummer's beard is in full force. Then the Steelers might be in trouble. Steelers 26, Broncos 17

Indianapolis at New England: Preview of the AFC Championship Game. There, I said it. I know I'm not alone, but it's the one everyone wants to see. And we want to see it at Foxborough, perhaps with snow falling, in January, for the right to go to the Super Bowl. So the Pats have to win this one for that pipe dream to come to fruition. The Steelers aren't in the way this year -- for either team. Though the Colts don't look at indestructible as last season, when they were hanging 40+ on nearly everyone, they'll have to shore up that rush D first. And while Indy has looked a little shaky thus far, the Pats are coming off their finest victory of the season, a stomping of the Vikes at the Metrodome. Patriots 26, Colts 23

Oakland at Seattle: Wow, what a Monday Nighter. Talk about the World Series getting low ratings. Not that we were. But the Oakland Raiders, on the road, at reigning NFC champ Seattle? Here's a matchup with some sizzle. Some pizzazz. Not sure who cooked this one up, but all of the sudden it's not such a crappy game, what with the Raidezzz winning two straight and Seattle playing its backup QB. It's almost as if this was planned. It's very tempting, but I'm going to play it safe with this one. Seahawks 30, Raiders 20

Did a Glog yesterday of the West Virginia-Louisville game.

You can find it here:

Please, you be entertained. If not I will be execute.

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West Virginia's feeling a bit left out right about now after its huge Thursday night loss.

Here's an idea, Steve Slaton: Instead of sitting on the sidelines after taking a couple nasty hits, stick it out like Pat White did. That game, other than the two fumbles, of course -- really showed something to me. Slaton isn't Heisman ready; White is. White went back on the field after W.Va.'s bad luck, while Slaton went to the sidelines.

I hate that. No, he wasn't injured. Not injured enough to go to the locker room or injured enough to take off his pads or anything.

It was that bruised ego, one that hits after two straight fumbles, the second of which was returned for a TD by Louieville.

Title game

Now, Louisville doesn't really feel like a team that belongs in the national title game. The Mountaineers would've won that game if not for Slaton's fumbles to begin the second half, when the crowd got back into it. After those errors Lo'ville got the mo. And after that the West Virginia D just got worn out. Plain and simple. It was almost as if the Mountaineers accepted defeat there in the mid-third.

That and what were field goals in the first half turned into TDs for Brian Brohm and the Cards.

Maybe I'm just not giving La'ville enough credit, but I really believed the Mountaineers were going to pull it out. But White, forced to be a one-man show out there, just couldn't do it by himself. He tried, and the W.Va. offense still moved, just a little slower without Slaton. The Louisville O got the charge it needed, and Brian Brohm was on all night after the Cards got the nice cushion.

In other news

Seriously, Wanda Sykes is a guest on Carson Daly's late-night talk show. Somewhere in hell this same interview is going on.