Fourth Down And Inches

Our "College Game of the Year", Arkansas -5A couple of other teams in the Big Ten have also
½ over Tennessee, won as expected, withgrabbed my attention. Wisconsin finishes their
the Razorbacks crushing the Vols, 31-14. Theregular season with a non-conference game
Hogs rushing attack was outstanding, having noagainst Buffalo. Why Buffalo, you might be
problems against the Volunteers suspect defense.asking? Teams needed to add a 12th game to
These are the type of games that I love totheir schedule and Wisconsin can make big bucks
release, no doubt, and you can light up a cigarhosting another home game. The Bulls will be
because the game was over by halftime.along for the cash grab. What a season the
As for the weekend itself, it was profitable,Badgers have and much of the success can be
picking up six units. I was a little disappointed in acontributed to the coaching staff. All is well in
couple of key games. I thought the 'under' in theMadison, but I question if they are good enough
Wisconsin/Iowa game was solid. However, ato be laying 38 points. Looks to me that this is an
couple of big pass plays did us in. Also in the Bigoverlay, as I expect the Badgers to come out
Ten, I felt Illinois was ready to record theirflat, coming off an emotional win against Iowa.
second victory of the season in conference play,Can Buffalo pull the upset? Absolutely not, but the
but they were possibly drained and came out flat.points might be worth looking at.
Our top selection in the NFL suffered a big blowThe other game interests me is the Iowa
when it was announced that Ray Lewis would notMinnesota match-up taking place at the Dome.
be playing for Baltimore. These three games wereThe Gophers play much better at home and they
disappointing, but as the saying goes, "A man whomay need this win to save Coach Mason's job. I
shows a profit, will never go broke."have to believe the Hawkeyes may have called it
This week features the finale for many teamsa year and need some time off before they
and many will be playing their in-state rival.prepare for their bowl game.
Although it is not a state rivalry, the big game thisThis week I will hopefully take the next step
week will be No. 2 Michigan traveling to Columbusforward in the "Money Talks" Handicapping
to take on No. 1 Ohio State. One can only hopeContest sponsored by Leroy's Sportsbook.
this game will live up to the hype. At the start ofSixteen individuals were selected at the start of
the season I predicted that the Wolverines wouldthe season and two each week face-off against
win the Big Ten in their final regular season gameone another. The winners advance for a chance
and I see no reason to change that now, althoughat the $80,000 first place prize. I won my opening
some of my staff predicted the title would go tomatch against Wayne Peters, a professional
the scarlet and gray.gambler from the Las Vegas. Now I will face
As I look at this game, one has to give the nodKrackman, an East Coast pro. I like the slate of
to Ohio State for having the better offense.games this week and it should translate into
However, Michigan has a big edge in defense.success for both the contest and my rated
There front seven may be the best the programselections.
has ever seen, with only one team rushing forA lot of rumors will be circling the next few
more than 100 yards against them (Minnesota,weeks about coaching changes in college football.
108 yards). Two of their opponents (Penn StateIt will be interesting to find out whom Michigan
and Northwestern) were held to negative rushingState will be hiring. Some big names have
yards. Even Notre Dame, a Top Ten team, foundsurfaced, but the hottest candidate may be Greg
it slow going on the ground as they managed onlySchiano of Rutgers. He is the Urban Meyer of two
four yards. Granted, they were trailing early andseasons ago and should have his choice of a
had to throw the ball a ton, but that's still ancouple of marquee programs. I was sad to see
obscenely low number. Michigan's defense isDan McCarney be let go by the Cyclones after
exceptional but how will they fare against one oftaking them to five bowl games in six years. This
the most prolific offenses in the nation?program was in shambles before he got there
I have had a few phone calls this week pointingand he turned it around. I expect him to land on
to the under 41, but what concerns me about thishis feet because of the class guy that he is.
play is that both teams have quick-strikeThis will be our last full card on the season in
capabilities on offense. I am sure both teamscollege football, it has been a successful year thus
have been holding back a few tricks and will go allfar and we certainly have the confidence that it
out in this game to produce the victory. Bracewill continue. This week we will be going with our
yourself for an enjoyable afternoon and expect a"Senior Day Game of the Year" as this home
dandy. We will have a choice and the pick mayteam will finish out in style with a blowout victory.
surprise you.