View From The Sideline - All Access

A View from the Sideline

How we got HERE...well, Indianapolis, actually Packers vs. Cowboys in the 1960s. Steelers vs. Raiders in the 1970s. Al Davis vs. the NFL in the 1980s. Cowboys vs. Niners in the 1990s. The rivalries through the years in the NFL have captivated fans thousands of times over. The Patriots vs. Colts in the 2000s ranks right up in that mix above given all that has transpired since 2003. This weekend, yet again, these two organizations battle in Indy with AFC honors on the line. Catch Lance Zierlein from 6 to 10 am daily, alongside John Granato. Listen to John Harris on

the Sean and John show, with Sean Pendergast show 3 to 7 PM daily. www.1560thegame.com

NFL SECTION BY LANCE ZIERLEIN

WEEK 10

NEW ENGLAND (6-2) VS. INDIANAPOLIS (8-0)

VEGAS SAYS: IND -3 / 50

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

PREDICTION: NEW ENGLAND - 24 VS. INDIANAPOLIS - 20 CINCINNATI (6-2) VS. PITTSBURGH (6-2)

VEGAS SAYS: PIT -7 / 41.5

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

PREDICTION: PITTSBURGH - 24 VS. CINCINNATI - 16

PREDICTIONS ON ALL NFL GAMES THIS WEEKEND Chicago at San Francisco - The Bears defense has basically quit in two of their last three games and it will be interesting to see which Bears team shows up against a 49er team who is desperate for a win after the most difficult stretch of their schedule. I have to stick with a Niners team who I feel like will give the most consistent effort - Bears - 20 vs. Niners - 23 Denver at Washington - The Broncos have lost a couple in a row but don't count them out just yet.  The Redskins are a mess and show no signs of coming around and their offense doesn't figure to do to the Broncos what the Steelers were able to do in the second half. The Broncos have veteran leadership and the Redskins don't - Broncos - 21 vs. Redskins - 16   Buffalo at Tennessee - The last two weeks I've had the Titan winning regardless of who the QB was going to be because their defense is still good enough to cause problems and they still have the most dangerous RB in the game in Chris Johnson. The Bills rush defense is terrible which gives them very little chance here - Bills - 10 vs. Titans - 28   New Orleans at St. Louis - The Saints have found themselves in tough spots against the Dolphins and Panthers so maybe they are due for a loss. It won't happen here, but I am interested to see how Steven Jackson and the running game does against the Saints in this spot - Saints - 38 vs. Rams - 17   Jacksonville at NY Jets - The Jaguars ‘O’ is more explosive than some would expect thanks to the teaming of WR Sims-Walker with MJD and the Jags have enough on both sides of the ball to give the inconsistent Jets team all they want in this one. If the Jags can find a way to slow down the Jets running game, they have a great shot at winning this one - Jaguars - 19 vs. Jets - 17   Detroit at Minnesota - QB Stafford's 5 INTS buried the Lions last week and their inability to stop the run will bury them this week, but it will be interesting to see if if Stafford and Calvin Johnson can get on the same page against the Vikings in order to keep this one relatively close - Lions - 21 vs. Vikings - 31   Tampa Bay at Miami - Tampa scratched and clawed their way to a home win against the Packers thanks to a gritty effort from first time starter, QB Freeman and defensive/special teams TDs. The Dolphins are a physical group that will dominate the Bucs on both sides

of the ball and give Freeman a proper introduction into the NFL - Bucs - 6 vs. Dolphins - 27 Atlanta at Carolina - The Panthers were in great shape to beat the Saints last week but they simply don't have enough through the air to win those types of shootouts.  On the other hand, the Falcons have an explosive offensive unit, but I don't think they are a team who has enough on defense to keep from getting dominated by the Panthers rushing attack - Falcons 24 vs. Panthers - 27   Kansas City at Oakland - Both teams are poor but the Chiefs took care of the Raiders last time and this is one of those games that the Raiders have to have circled. The Raiders offense has been atrocious, but they did have a nice win over Philly a few weeks back so we'll give them another shot here - Chiefs - 21 vs. Raiders - 24 (Overtime)   Philadelphia at San Diego - The Chargers clawed their way to a much-needed win vs. the Giants last week and now they get to ride that momentum against an Eagles team is that has to travel West. The Eagles seem too reliant on DeSean Jackson's big plays while the Chargers are starting to see OLB Merriman get after the QB again. Good spot for the Chargers - Eagles - 20 vs. Chargers - 24   Dallas at Green Bay - The Packers are in a desperate situation as they are staring a 4-5 record in the face if they lose. The Cowboys have quietly snuck under the radar thanks to big plays on offense and improved play from the secondary and the pass rush.  The Packers 4wide sets will test the Cowboys IF the Packers can protect QB Rodgers - Cowboys - 21 vs. Packers - 23   Seattle at Arizona - The Cardinals made a statement last week at Soldier Field that they were the best team in their division and if Kurt Warner continues to play like he did last week, then that is the truth. The Seahawks will test the inconsistent Cardinals secondary, but the Cardinals have too much offense for the Seahawks to catch - Seahawks - 24 vs. Cardinals - 28   Baltimore at Cleveland - Is this where I'm supposed to finally give the Browns a shot at winning? Sure, they beat the Eagles in an MNF matchup last year that they weren't supposed to win, but the Browns have quit and the Ravens are desperate to stay in the AFC North hunt. Look for a monster game from Ray Rice Ravens - 26 vs. Browns - 14

HANDICAPPING INFORMATION COLLEGE FOOTBALL Against The Spread Trends (ATS) Category

Away Teams

Home Teams Favorites

Dogs

Away Favorites Away Dogs

Home Favorites Home Dogs



Record



Percent







282-267-5 267-282-5 264-278-5 278-264-5 92-88-2 190-172-3 172-190-3 88-92-2













51.37% 48.63% 48.71% 51.29% 51.11% 52.49% 47.51% 48.89%

Over vs. Under Trends Category

Overtime Games Non-Overtime Games All Games



Overs



%



9 246 255



52.94% 46.15% 46.36%





Unders

%

8 287 295

47.06% 53.85% 53.64%



Top Trends Over is 7-0 in West Virginia's last 7 games as an underdog Home team is 3-0-1 ATS in last 4 meetings between Michigan and Wisconsin USC is 1-8 ATS in their last 9 conference games Ohio State is 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a S.U. win Florida is 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games as a road favorite

NFL FOOTBALL Against The Spread Trends (ATS) Category

Away Teams

Home Teams Favorites

Dogs

Away Favorites Away Dogs

Home Favorites Home Dogs



Record



Percent







70-57-2 57-70-2 64-63-2 63-64-2 24-17-0 46-40-2 40-46-2 17-24-0













55.12% 44.88% 50.39% 49.61% 58.54% 53.49% 46.51% 41.46%

Over vs. Under Trends Category

Overtime Games Non-Overtime Games All Games



Overs



%



3 62 65



50.00%

51.24% 51.18%





Unders

%

3 59 62

50.00% 48.76% 48.82%

Top Trends Patriots are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss Cowboys are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games in November Under is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings between Chiefs and Raiders Under is 9-0 in Panthers last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record Jaguars are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a S.U. win Bengals are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog



CFB SECTION BY JOHN HARRIS

WEEK 11

Utah (8-1) vs. TCU (9-0) November 14, 2009 - CBS CSTV 6:30 PM CST Vegas Says: TCU -19.5 / 46.5

2009 Schedule W, Utah State 35-17 W, @ San Jose State 24-14 L, @ Oregon 24-31 W, Louisville 30-14 W, @ Colorado St. 24-17 W, @ UNLV 35-15 W, Air Force 23-16 (OT) W, Wyoming 22-10 W, New Mexico 45-14 11/14 @TCU Projected Starting Lineups Offense QB #3 Jordan Wynn RB #36 Eddie Wide WR #9 Aiona Key WR #16 David Reed WR #85 Jereme Brooks TE #80 Chris Joppru LT #68 Zane Beadles LG #72 Caleb Schlauderaff C #77 Zane Taylor RG #54 Tevita Stevens RT # 70 Tony Bergstrom Defense DE #90 Derrick Shelby DT #98 Sealver Siliga NT #92 Kenape Eliapo DE #41 Koa Misi LB #10 Stevenson Sylvester LB #20 Mike Wright LB #59 Kepa Gaison CB #27 Brandon Burton S #17 Robert Johnson S #12 Joe Dale CB #25 R.J Stanford

R

2009 Ranking

186.7 ypg - 27th

Run Offense

242.1 ypg - 6th

224.4 ypg - 55th

Pass Offense

216.4 ypg - 66th

411.3 ypg - 34th

Total Offense

458.6 ypg - 8th

29.1 ppg - 46th

Scoring Offense

37.4 ppg - 6th

129.8 ypg - 51st

Run Defense

89.7 ypg - 7th

169.6 ypg - 13th

Pass Defense

150.9 ypg - 4th

299.3 ypg - 18th

Total Defense

240.6 ypg - 3rd

16.4 ppg - 15th

Scoring Defense

11.2 ppg - 5th

Keys to the Game

2009 Schedule W, @ Virginia 30-14 W, Texas State 56-21 W, @ Clemson 14-10 W, SMU 39-14 W, @ Air Force 20-17 W, Colorado St. 44-6 W, @ BYU 38-7 W, UNLV 41-0 W, @ SDSU 55-12 11/14 Utah

Big Z - No player on the field will be under more pressure on Projected Starting Lineups Saturday night than #68 at left tackle for Utah Zane Beadles. The four year starter is as accomplished a player as any in this league. 2nd team All-MWC as a sophomore in 2007 and 1st team All-MWC in 2008 as a junior. 46 career starts on the offensive line. But, this is the night that Beadles can either be a rock star or be just another notch on TCU DE Jerry Hughes’ belt. And, this battle could determine what happens in this ball game. Or, at least go a long way in determining a winner. Hughes is a menace off the edge and any pass rush he can get off of the edge in the face of true freshman QB Jordan Wynn could be disastrous for the Utes. Now, Beadles did a solid job on Hughes last year, holding Hughes to no sacks and only a half a tackle for a loss. No one has had as much success as the two Utah tackles did against Hughes last year, but the newly named Rotary Lombardi Award finalist has something to prove and Beadles is in his way. The Ute tackle must continue to do what he did last year - ride Hughes high and right on past the QB. Then, Wynn has to be able to step up in the pocket to avoid #98. If he does, the Utes have a shot. If not, well...the 47th start won’t be a good one.

Decision Making - TCU QB Andy Dalton’s decision making in last year’s game left a lot to be desired. The sacks that he took that put TCU out of field goal range were inexcusable. Yet, it’s the decision making this year that Dalton has improved considerably and Saturday night is his night to show that off. Utah will bring a variety of different blitzes, playing man and zone as well to confuse him and the offense. The game has slowed down considerably for #14, but he must still prove he can handle what Utah throws at him for 60 mins.

Offense QB #14 Andy Dalton RB #24 Joseph Turner WR #13 Antoine Hicks WR #85 Jeremy Kerley WR #88 Jimmy Young TE #84 Evan Frosch LT #70 Marshall Newhouse LG #72 Kyle Dooley C #76 Jake Kirkpatrick RG #78 Josh Vernon RT #61 Marcus Cannon Defense DE #98 Jerry Hughes DT #57 Cory Grant NT #69 Kelly Griffin DE #96 Wayne Daniels LB #41 Daryl Washington LB #43 Tank Carder CB #10 Rafael Priest SS #28 Colin Jones WS #9 Alex Ibiloye FS #3 Tejay Johnson CB #20 Nick Sanders

Conclusion - So many different aspects of this game are hugely important. Can TCU block Koa Misi on the edge? Can the TCU OL open any holes in the A and B gaps for Joseph Turner? Can the Ute receivers get separation against the talented TCU corners? Will Jordan Wynn, the true freshman, cave under the pressure on the road as a rookie? I don’t know the answer to these, although I have my opinions. However, I think TCU will get a strong game from Dalton, a couple of explosive plays from Jeremy Kerley and Jerry Hughes and control the Utah defensive front. TCU stays undefeated with two left to go.

TCU - 26 vs. Utah - 14

WEST VIRGINIA (7-2) VS. CINCINNATI (9-0)

VEGAS SAYS: UC -9 / 54

November 13, 2009 ESPN 7 PM CST I almost think that Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly could put me at quarterback and we’d win games going away. Suffice it to say, I don’t have any eligibility remaining to go under center...and that’s probably a real good thing. The Bearcats lost dark horse Heisman candidate Tony Pike during the USF game in Tampa and an undefeated season seemed to be going up in smoke as he sat on the sidelines getting his arm examined. However, “backup” Zach Collaros took over that night and has perhaps been as good, if not better than Pike had been prior to the injury. He’s led the Bearcats to three straight wins, in which the Bearcats have averaged over 38 points a game. Collaros has done his work on the ground and through the air, which will be a big problem for WVU this week.

West Virginia got clipped in Tampa against USF, but rebounded, with a 17-9 win over the ‘Ville at home last week. However, the Mountaineers “Sneaky Hot have always appreciated the Game of the Week” underdog tag and this is the perfect spot for them. The Fres. St. vs. Nevada key will be for WVU’s 3 PM ESPN GP defense to force Collaros into third and long situations to Sure, Utah and TCU take away his abilty to move get all of the non-BCS the chains with his legs. I love and deservedly don’t think it’ll matter as WR so, but the Fresno Mardy Gilyard has a big game. State-Nevada game UC - 31 vs. WVU - 23 might be one of the best games of the weekend. FSU RB Ryan Mathews is NOTRE DAME (6-3) VS. PITT (8-1) VEGAS SAYS: PITT -7 / 59 leading the nation in November 14, 2009 ABC 7 PM CST rushing at 162.1 ypg Two ships are a’sailin’ away - one is headed And, the Irish OL didn’t do diddly squat to and is the FSU offense. But, the to the promised land and the other one is protect the Emu, aka QB Jimmy Clausen. Bulldogs have to stop headed in the direction of the Titanic. Pitt And, that’s good? Well, with an emphasis the Nevada ‘pistol’ is 8-1 and ranked 9th in the nation. Notre on keeping the former #1 recruit in the attack with QB Colin Dame is 6-3, coming off of a loss to Navy for nation upright, expect the Irish to max Kaepernick at the the second consecutive time in South Bend. protect, using TE Mike Ragone to help LT helm. The problem for Can you figure out which ship is headed Paul Duncan. With an improved protection FSU is that this unit where? plan, the Irish have the WR weapons to give has been nearly Pitt all it can handle. Regardless of the ship analogy, I think this is unstoppable lately, with the #1 rushing a perfect spot for the Irish to make a Alas, the Irish have to stop a balanced attack in the nation at statement and win in Pittsburgh. The offensive attack and that hasn’t been easy. 319.1 ypg. At home, I Panthers have a fierce pass rush, led by DE RB Dion Lewis will rush for 110 while QB like the Pack. Greg Romeus who had 7.5 sacks on the Bill Stull throws for 2 TDs in a Pitt win. season. PITT - 27 vs. ND - 23 Nev. - 41 vs. FSU - 38

IOWA (9-1) VS. OHIO STATE (8-2)



VEGAS SAYS: OSU -17 / 36.5

November 14, 2009 ABC 2:30 PM CST Last week at this time, Iowa was undefeated and preparing for a gutty, little Northwestern team, sitting pretty atop the Big Ten. An Iowa win and an Ohio State loss and the race was all but over. On the other hand, Ohio State hadn’t really done anything to distinguish itself, having lost to USC and Purdue, as it prepared for a difficult road trip to Penn State. Flash forward to today, the Buckeyes now hold all of the cards in the Big Ten race: win out and they’ll be going to Pasadena as the Big Ten champion. Now, Iowa still controls its destiny as well, but it’s a little murkier given the fact that Iowa has to go on the road to Columbus and take on the confident Buckeyes.What we learned from the Buckeyes win in Happy Valley is that the

Buckeyes are much better when the recess bell rings. What? Well, when QB Terrelle Pryor turns a welldesigned play into a schoolyard exercise, the Bucks are actually as dangerous as any team in the nation. Pryor didn’t, and won’t complete many passes, but when he does, it’s usually downfield. Last week, he hit Devier Posey for a 62 yard backbreaker in the 24-7 win. Therefore, the vaunted Iowa front must keep him contained and LB Pat Angerer must shadow him throughout to not let him out for recess, if you will. With no Ricky Stanzi, all it’ll take is one scramble play from Pryor to win this for the Buckeyes. He’ll make it and prepare for a trip to seal the Big Ten in Ann Arbor. Ohio State - 24 vs. Iowa - 10

PREDICTIONS ON ALL D1A GAMES - TV GAMES IN RED Thursday, November 12th Ball State at Northern Illinois 5 PM ESPNU - Northern Illinois - 34 vs. Ball State - 17 Bowling Green at Miami Ohio 5 PM ESPN360 - Bowling Green - 41 vs. Miami - 24 South Florida at Rutgers 6:30 PM ESPN - Rutgers - 27 vs. USF - 25

Friday, November 13th Temple at Akron 7:30 PM ESPNU - Temple - 31 vs. Akron - 28

Saturday, November 14th

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

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

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

Delaware at Navy 2:30 PM CBS CSTV - Navy - 41 vs. Delaware - 17 Florida at South Carolina 2:30 PM CBS - Florida - 29 vs. USC - 12 UNLV at Air Force 5 PM The Mtn. - Air Force - 34 vs. UNLV - 21 Wyoming at San Diego State 9 PM The Mtn. - SDSU - 23 vs. Wyoming - 21

Alabama at Mississippi State 6 PM ESPN - Alabama - 31 vs. MSU - 10 Arizona at California 6 PM Vs. - Arizona - 28 vs. Cal - 24

Arizona State at Oregon 9:15 PM ESPN - Oregon - 38 vs. Arizona State - 23 Arkansas State at Florida Atlantic - FAU - 31 vs. ASU - 30

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

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

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

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

Georgia Tech at Duke 11 am ESPN2 - Georgia Tech - 34 vs. Duke - 20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Southern Miss at Marshall - Marshall - 31 vs. Southern Miss - 30 Stanford at USC 2:30 PM FSN - USC - 42 vs. Stanford - 38 Tennessee at Ole Miss 11 am CBS - Ole Miss - 24 vs. Tennessee - 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

UCLA at Washington State 2:30 PM FCS Pacific - UCLA - 34 vs. WSU - 13 UTEP at SMU - SMU - 34 vs. UTEP - 33 Virginia Tech at Maryland 12 PM ESPN 360 - Virginia Tech - 49 vs. Maryland - 14

VMI at Army - Army - 42 vs. VMI - 13 Washington at Oregon State 2:30 PM FSN West - Oregon State - 35 vs. Washington - 21

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

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

Sunday November 15th East Carolina at Tulsa 7:15 PM ESPN - ECU - 34 vs. Tulsa - 33

1560 The Game is a proud sponsor of both the Rotary Lombardi Award, given annually to the most outstanding interior lineman in the nation, and the Paul Bear Bryant Award given for the Coach of the Year. Here is my “unofficial leaderboard” for each award. For more info. on each award www.rotarylombardiaward.org and www.americanheart.org/bryantawards Sean and I had the fortunate opportunity to name the four finalists on Tuesday at Gallery Furniture. It’s been a wonderful year following these players. Here’s where you’ll see them this week. 1. DE Jerry Hughes, TCU - this week’s game against Utah, although on CBS CSTV, is the national game of the week. So, plenty of eyes will be on #98, who had decent, but not stat-worthy, game last year against Utes. 2. NT Terrence Cody, Alabama - Mississippi State will have a chance to win, a small chance at that, if it can run the football. That means finding a way to block this big fella and that probably won’t go well at all. 3. DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma - A&M comes to town to face a reeling Oklahoma squad. However, with an offensive line that is about average, McCoy might have a massive game, when his team desperately needs one. 4. DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska - Suh has made the defensive linemen around him so much better this season. Now, they were good to start with, but the attention on Suh is overwhelming. My odd on favorite.

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