By John Kriz
Tradition is one reason I love college football over pro football even though my Denver Broncos are undefeated after beating Dallas on Sunday. (Shhhhh, Dallas fans around here second only to Razorback fans.) Hmmmm, maybe I should make sure my life insurance is in order. But I digress.
One thing that I think is pretty cool is a tradition that is knows as the Sod Cemetery at the Florida State football practice fields. A tradition began in 1962 when FSU returned from Athens, Georgia, with a chunk of sod signifying a major upset. Since that humble beginning, major upsets, significant victories, and bowl wins are declared "Sod Games" and celebrated with a piece of sod from the stadium after the victory.
The victorious sod slices are interred in a hedged cemetery plot complete with headstone. I know that you really want to know what were the sod games when yours truly donned the Garnet and Gold. Wonder no more...
1977
FSU 25 Oklahoma State 17
FSU 34 Florida 9
FSU 40 Texas Tech 17 (Tangerine Bowl)
1978
FSU 28 Syracuse 0
1979
FSU 31 Arizona State 3
FSU 24 LSU 19
FSU 27 Florida 16
Just because and I feel I need to make amends for the Gator pick and cleanse my soul, my freshman class in 1977 NEVER lost to the Gators. Oh I feel so redeemed!! Go Noles beat Georgia Tech!!
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Letters to Ramon: Week 6
"Hopefully I can turn it around, but Mr. Wells has almost doubled my score already. Damn. Nebraska–Missouri: I don’t know much about these two teams. Last year I would have said Mizzou, but I just don’t know. Hopefully Brent Musberger won’t announce the game so he can spare us his obsession with the Black Shirts. Auburn–Arkansas: I want to go on record and say I don’t like Petrino and his mid-major attitude toward defense. I didn’t like Nutt because his on-field presence (or lack thereof) leads to undisciplined bone-head plays, but at least we played D. Somebody needs to inform Petrino that scoring 45 points does you no good if your opponent scores 50." -- Jeff G.
"Auburn-Arkansas: I was impressed with what I saw regarding Auburn the other night even though Arkansas kicked some Aggie rump in Dallas. I don't think the Hog's can keep up with the Auburn offensive juggernaut... yet. BTW, Auburn is in such an isolated place in Alabama, I am convinced it was the inspiration for Field Of Dreams... they built it and they have come! Alabama-Ole Miss: Too many anti-Nutters here... I actually like the guy and think he is a great coach. Nutt somehow finds a way in at least one huge game a year to have a major upset (can you say Gators --- teee, heee!!) However, this ain't the week." -- J. Kriz
"How 'bout them Saints? Who Dat!" -- Josh M.
"Hell, just put me down for whatever Steve Wells has! And DAMN YOU for putting Arkansas in the pool! I can't pick against them, no matter who I think is going to win. It's a recessive 'female' gene that forces me to go with my heart over my head." -- Alex T.
"Nebraska - This could be a close game due to Mizzou's home field advantage but after seeing who Mizzou has played to become undefeated at this point, it's easier to pick Neb due to their pitiful schedule. They could be like the undefeated Tex A&M heading into the Ark game. Oregon - O wins due to UCLA's QB Prince's broken jaw and him not being about to call the plays in the huddle or do the snap count. Shout out to John "The Captain" Vratsinas and his team's impressive victory over the fighting red wolves of Jonesboro. Also, Chizik actually beat Iowa while at Iowa State his first year. War Eagle!" -- Seve Chang
"Wells has assumed god-like status in this pool. He's now coming to my office on Tuesdays wondering why I have not yet placed the games in his mailbox. I do hope his streak continues... I remember when he won the Classix and took his English class out for pizza on his winnings. When Wells is around, victory smells like good food..." -- Steve S.
"Does anybody else think that Lee Corso has lost a step? He's not so fast anymore, my friend. He and Lou Holtz are gonna be put out to pasture soon. Go Hogs! I'm a believer. Don't let me down." -- Aggie Mark
"Man ... 0-5 last week ... ouch. I'm going against my initial reaction to this week's picks and see where that gets me. And if I go 0-5 this week, I might as well hand my responsibilities over to David Kersey." -- Wuje the Elder
"Winner = Arkansas (with a little more sugar this Kool-Aid will taste good)." -- David M.
"It's a coming out party for Arkansas as we go undefeated the rest of the year. BTW I don’t know what I am smoking but it is some good stuff." -- Joe C.
"Well, I guaranteed that I wouldn't go 0-5 last week... barely got it with a 1-4." -- Cory I.
"This has been the worst year for me. I have not won more than two games a week. I cannot believe it but I guess I have to keep trying." -- Broderick
"I can still see my name in the standings without scrolling. Sorta like being on page 1 of a Google search." -- Danny K.
"I'll s##t in my pants if Arkansas wins, but gotta make the pick." -- DJ U-Explicit Johnson
"I can’t believe I forgot to send in the picks again. I SUCK! And I even went 4-1 last week. I really needed that." -- Mike G.
"Oregon... seriously, I thought we discussed this last weekend. I guess you were too sauced to remember, but I was fairly clear about Clemson or any Oregon school being in this pool!" -- Dr. Aristotle Ditka
"I'm picking some upsets in a desperate bid to catch Mr. Wells. I'm not real comfortable with it, but why not? He told me his secret, 'I only pick the teams I want to win' and then uses magic. Like Harry Potter magic." -- Jeremy P.
"Gotta make this quick as Sue wants to go out and grab something to eat. My picks, hopefully better than lately since I'm not over thinking them, are as follows: 1) Missouri (for no other reason than they had more Confereates during the distant War of Northern Agression); 2)Auburn (putting my mouth where my money is); 3) Alabama (dad gum it, Ole Miss is just too undependable to pick them as an upset, no matter what I really want to happen, and I'm tired of Lee's post weekend smack talk); 4) UCLA (because I'm stubborn about not picking these quackers); and 5) Florida (because if we don't win the west I want some one capable of beating them to be at the SEC Championship game). Watch out Fayetteville, I have it on well-qualified authority born in Arkansas that we're going to beat the Hogs at home again, this time by 3 touchdowns since the Hiogs can't stop a cold." -- Big O
"As suggested by the Walmart greeter: Missouri, Auburn, Bama, Oregon, Florida" -- Professor Rab
"I am once again not picking the Razorback Game." -- Brendan O.
"Auburn-Arkansas: I was impressed with what I saw regarding Auburn the other night even though Arkansas kicked some Aggie rump in Dallas. I don't think the Hog's can keep up with the Auburn offensive juggernaut... yet. BTW, Auburn is in such an isolated place in Alabama, I am convinced it was the inspiration for Field Of Dreams... they built it and they have come! Alabama-Ole Miss: Too many anti-Nutters here... I actually like the guy and think he is a great coach. Nutt somehow finds a way in at least one huge game a year to have a major upset (can you say Gators --- teee, heee!!) However, this ain't the week." -- J. Kriz
"How 'bout them Saints? Who Dat!" -- Josh M.
"Hell, just put me down for whatever Steve Wells has! And DAMN YOU for putting Arkansas in the pool! I can't pick against them, no matter who I think is going to win. It's a recessive 'female' gene that forces me to go with my heart over my head." -- Alex T.
"Nebraska - This could be a close game due to Mizzou's home field advantage but after seeing who Mizzou has played to become undefeated at this point, it's easier to pick Neb due to their pitiful schedule. They could be like the undefeated Tex A&M heading into the Ark game. Oregon - O wins due to UCLA's QB Prince's broken jaw and him not being about to call the plays in the huddle or do the snap count. Shout out to John "The Captain" Vratsinas and his team's impressive victory over the fighting red wolves of Jonesboro. Also, Chizik actually beat Iowa while at Iowa State his first year. War Eagle!" -- Seve Chang
"Wells has assumed god-like status in this pool. He's now coming to my office on Tuesdays wondering why I have not yet placed the games in his mailbox. I do hope his streak continues... I remember when he won the Classix and took his English class out for pizza on his winnings. When Wells is around, victory smells like good food..." -- Steve S.
"Does anybody else think that Lee Corso has lost a step? He's not so fast anymore, my friend. He and Lou Holtz are gonna be put out to pasture soon. Go Hogs! I'm a believer. Don't let me down." -- Aggie Mark
"Man ... 0-5 last week ... ouch. I'm going against my initial reaction to this week's picks and see where that gets me. And if I go 0-5 this week, I might as well hand my responsibilities over to David Kersey." -- Wuje the Elder
"Winner = Arkansas (with a little more sugar this Kool-Aid will taste good)." -- David M.
"It's a coming out party for Arkansas as we go undefeated the rest of the year. BTW I don’t know what I am smoking but it is some good stuff." -- Joe C.
"Well, I guaranteed that I wouldn't go 0-5 last week... barely got it with a 1-4." -- Cory I.
"This has been the worst year for me. I have not won more than two games a week. I cannot believe it but I guess I have to keep trying." -- Broderick
"I can still see my name in the standings without scrolling. Sorta like being on page 1 of a Google search." -- Danny K.
"I'll s##t in my pants if Arkansas wins, but gotta make the pick." -- DJ U-Explicit Johnson
"I can’t believe I forgot to send in the picks again. I SUCK! And I even went 4-1 last week. I really needed that." -- Mike G.
"Oregon... seriously, I thought we discussed this last weekend. I guess you were too sauced to remember, but I was fairly clear about Clemson or any Oregon school being in this pool!" -- Dr. Aristotle Ditka
"I'm picking some upsets in a desperate bid to catch Mr. Wells. I'm not real comfortable with it, but why not? He told me his secret, 'I only pick the teams I want to win' and then uses magic. Like Harry Potter magic." -- Jeremy P.
"Gotta make this quick as Sue wants to go out and grab something to eat. My picks, hopefully better than lately since I'm not over thinking them, are as follows: 1) Missouri (for no other reason than they had more Confereates during the distant War of Northern Agression); 2)Auburn (putting my mouth where my money is); 3) Alabama (dad gum it, Ole Miss is just too undependable to pick them as an upset, no matter what I really want to happen, and I'm tired of Lee's post weekend smack talk); 4) UCLA (because I'm stubborn about not picking these quackers); and 5) Florida (because if we don't win the west I want some one capable of beating them to be at the SEC Championship game). Watch out Fayetteville, I have it on well-qualified authority born in Arkansas that we're going to beat the Hogs at home again, this time by 3 touchdowns since the Hiogs can't stop a cold." -- Big O
"As suggested by the Walmart greeter: Missouri, Auburn, Bama, Oregon, Florida" -- Professor Rab
"I am once again not picking the Razorback Game." -- Brendan O.
This week's games
If Lee Corso puts on a Gator head at the end of Gameday, I fear for his safety in Baton Rouge because few fan bases tailgate it up like the LSU faithful and by the time it's Saturday night in Tiger Stadium, one of the great atmospheres in college football, some fans are going to be chanting Tiger bait in Corso's direction. It might even be Mike Parker. That's just one story line from another fantastic weekend of college football, which includes Steve Wujek ready to ring the Victory Bell for Mizzou, Malzahn's return to Fayetteville where the Hogs must win to prevent going 0-4 in the SEC, Nutt's Rebels attempting an ambush in Oxford, and a mysterious "Off" line for the Ducks, already a pool favorite without this problem.
For $800 and the Ramon Escobar Trophy, which Geoff Hicks plans to use as a paper weight for his vast collection of foreign currency, some of which was mysteriously dropped off at my front door as some kind of bribe (I've always wanted a euro and a rupee but it will take a lot more than one), select your winners and e-mail them back to me by 7 p.m. Thursday.
Battle for the Victory Bell
Nebraska - Missouri
8 p.m., Thursday, ESPN
Line: Nebraska by 3
Auburn - Arkansas
11 a.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Auburn by 2
Alabama - Ole Miss
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Alabama by 6
* Underdog worth three points
Oregon - UCLA
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Off
Florida - LSU
7 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Florida by 7
* Underdog worth three points
Good luck.
****#****
For $800 and the Ramon Escobar Trophy, which Geoff Hicks plans to use as a paper weight for his vast collection of foreign currency, some of which was mysteriously dropped off at my front door as some kind of bribe (I've always wanted a euro and a rupee but it will take a lot more than one), select your winners and e-mail them back to me by 7 p.m. Thursday.
Battle for the Victory Bell
Nebraska - Missouri
8 p.m., Thursday, ESPN
Line: Nebraska by 3
Auburn - Arkansas
11 a.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Auburn by 2
Alabama - Ole Miss
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Alabama by 6
* Underdog worth three points
Oregon - UCLA
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Off
Florida - LSU
7 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Florida by 7
* Underdog worth three points
Good luck.
****#****
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Pre-game haiku
Last week, I was called out for not having a pre-game haiku for the
Texas A&M game. This week I have one for Auburn. Sometimes
you have to be careful what you wish for.
Auburn is coming
Restrooms will smell like a dump
Please flush the toilets.
Texas A&M game. This week I have one for Auburn. Sometimes
you have to be careful what you wish for.
Auburn is coming
Restrooms will smell like a dump
Please flush the toilets.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Letters to Ramon: Week 5 postscript
"You know, technically, I think the LSU game shouldn't count against me given the latest news." -- Andrew D.
"I'd like it noted that I am tied for the lead or lead outright for the Verizon Cup AND the Davis Cup. I must enjoy it now while it lasts because it usually doesn't." -- Trey D.
"It is a lame excuse, but tell it to the bride." -- Mitchell G.
"I would never take a chance and tell the All Mighty Grand Master what to consider, but just for kicks consider this possibility. Course I know Sophie gets tired of putting her paw down on the games in the newspaper to make the picks and I wouldn't want to rattle her. But, have you ever done a five-game all SEC Bonanza Pick Fest? Actually I don't think you have. But if you ever were going to, this would be the weekend with five very intriguing contests." -- Larry B.
"It’s amazing what Wells is doing. The vast majority of the pool this year is below 500. I have to believe the law of averages will start to catch up with him." -- BR Shields
"Nice work. But that should be 15 hours by the toilet." -- DJ Rubber Gloves
"I'd like it noted that I'm trying to be a good father and let my children win - ha. Also, Lee bribed me with a ticket to the Army/Navy game in Philly this year... now if I could only get into my Army greens." -- Big O
"Start looking around for a good spot for Cigar Bill's. And if you know of some Eagle Scouts..." -- Mike P.
"Congrats to the Razorbacks. Clearly playing A&M vs. Texas was a good business decision. WTF is with this Wells dude? He’s gotta to come back to earth." -- Yo Sal
"Matt, this stuff is great!! Thanks for all your work corraling this merry band of Yahoo's!! I am having a blast! Now if my picks could reflect that same enjoyment!" -- J. Kriz
"Glad you all had a great time in DFW. The stadium is amazing - we took the tour in July and there is so much to it besides the stuff that's visible... it's like a mini city. Headed back there on Monday to see U2 - can't wait for that!" -- Jimmie D.
"I'd like it noted that I am tied for the lead or lead outright for the Verizon Cup AND the Davis Cup. I must enjoy it now while it lasts because it usually doesn't." -- Trey D.
"It is a lame excuse, but tell it to the bride." -- Mitchell G.
"I would never take a chance and tell the All Mighty Grand Master what to consider, but just for kicks consider this possibility. Course I know Sophie gets tired of putting her paw down on the games in the newspaper to make the picks and I wouldn't want to rattle her. But, have you ever done a five-game all SEC Bonanza Pick Fest? Actually I don't think you have. But if you ever were going to, this would be the weekend with five very intriguing contests." -- Larry B.
"It’s amazing what Wells is doing. The vast majority of the pool this year is below 500. I have to believe the law of averages will start to catch up with him." -- BR Shields
"Nice work. But that should be 15 hours by the toilet." -- DJ Rubber Gloves
"I'd like it noted that I'm trying to be a good father and let my children win - ha. Also, Lee bribed me with a ticket to the Army/Navy game in Philly this year... now if I could only get into my Army greens." -- Big O
"Start looking around for a good spot for Cigar Bill's. And if you know of some Eagle Scouts..." -- Mike P.
"Congrats to the Razorbacks. Clearly playing A&M vs. Texas was a good business decision. WTF is with this Wells dude? He’s gotta to come back to earth." -- Yo Sal
"Matt, this stuff is great!! Thanks for all your work corraling this merry band of Yahoo's!! I am having a blast! Now if my picks could reflect that same enjoyment!" -- J. Kriz
"Glad you all had a great time in DFW. The stadium is amazing - we took the tour in July and there is so much to it besides the stuff that's visible... it's like a mini city. Headed back there on Monday to see U2 - can't wait for that!" -- Jimmie D.
Bits and pieces
After a relaxing three-day weekend in the woods, one comes back to earth and reality.
Arkansas won Saturday night in Texas.
Lots of people went, or so I read in the papers, and the Razorbacks won handily.
It was a "must-win" game for them, or so everyone says.
This week is another "must-win"" game for them, or so everyone says.
Gots me.
I figured Arkansas would be 2-2 at this point and then reel off three consecutive losses before righting the ship against Eastern Michigan on Halloween.
After listening to the game on the radio, I didn't hear anything that would dissuade me from that.
It sounded like the defense played better. It sounded like the receivers didn't drop passes that hit them in the hands.
That's a good thing.
Here's the bad thing: I'm still don't Willy Robinson will have his job next season. I still don't think that Mallett is a truly great quarterback. I think he has a superb arm, but being a quarterback is more than being able to sling it 70 yards. If that was the case everyone would still remember Major Harris and he'd be in the Hall of Fame.
A few random observations
ISP, what's that?: Honestly, if you listen to the game on the radio, you will hear about ISP about 10,000 times. Also of note, non-ISP schools don't get radio snippets, just the score. That includes other SEC schools. It does get a little irritating though, when all you want to hear is the score and they are giving you an audio highlight.
Chuck and Keith: Did you know that Keith Jackson is available for public speaking engagements? If you didn't, that means you have never listened to a game on the radio. I don't much care for Jackson. I think he's a fake. Pretty clear his son didn't buy in.
Deep in the Heart O' Texas: The stars shine bright, deep in the night, etc, etc. One game in Dallas doesn't mean that Arkansas will sign the top 10 high school players in the Metroplex. But that is the wishful thinking that normally comes with all things Arkansas.
Headed to the hills: The Bits and Pieces girlfriend (BPG) has decided its time to take her first trip to and also her first game in Fayetteville this weekend. (HINT: I need tickets!) BPG is from northeast Arkansas, never made the trip up and didn't spend a minute in the University of Arkansas system, but yet, somehow, is still a Razorbacks fan. I blame going to a non-football playing liberal arts college and then off to Oxford for her master's. And by Oxford, I mean Ole Miss. She also despises Nutt, at least most days. She reads the blog. She thinks I'm nuts. Hi Honey *waves*
Arkansas won Saturday night in Texas.
Lots of people went, or so I read in the papers, and the Razorbacks won handily.
It was a "must-win" game for them, or so everyone says.
This week is another "must-win"" game for them, or so everyone says.
Gots me.
I figured Arkansas would be 2-2 at this point and then reel off three consecutive losses before righting the ship against Eastern Michigan on Halloween.
After listening to the game on the radio, I didn't hear anything that would dissuade me from that.
It sounded like the defense played better. It sounded like the receivers didn't drop passes that hit them in the hands.
That's a good thing.
Here's the bad thing: I'm still don't Willy Robinson will have his job next season. I still don't think that Mallett is a truly great quarterback. I think he has a superb arm, but being a quarterback is more than being able to sling it 70 yards. If that was the case everyone would still remember Major Harris and he'd be in the Hall of Fame.
A few random observations
ISP, what's that?: Honestly, if you listen to the game on the radio, you will hear about ISP about 10,000 times. Also of note, non-ISP schools don't get radio snippets, just the score. That includes other SEC schools. It does get a little irritating though, when all you want to hear is the score and they are giving you an audio highlight.
Chuck and Keith: Did you know that Keith Jackson is available for public speaking engagements? If you didn't, that means you have never listened to a game on the radio. I don't much care for Jackson. I think he's a fake. Pretty clear his son didn't buy in.
Deep in the Heart O' Texas: The stars shine bright, deep in the night, etc, etc. One game in Dallas doesn't mean that Arkansas will sign the top 10 high school players in the Metroplex. But that is the wishful thinking that normally comes with all things Arkansas.
Headed to the hills: The Bits and Pieces girlfriend (BPG) has decided its time to take her first trip to and also her first game in Fayetteville this weekend. (HINT: I need tickets!) BPG is from northeast Arkansas, never made the trip up and didn't spend a minute in the University of Arkansas system, but yet, somehow, is still a Razorbacks fan. I blame going to a non-football playing liberal arts college and then off to Oxford for her master's. And by Oxford, I mean Ole Miss. She also despises Nutt, at least most days. She reads the blog. She thinks I'm nuts. Hi Honey *waves*
Thursday, October 01, 2009
This week's games
Among the categories of underdogs, favorites, home teams, and visiting teams, which would you guess would have netted you the most points after the first four weeks of the season? According to the crack analysis by Mike Griffin, the correct answer in this wild season is underdogs at 26 points, followed by home teams at 25 points, visiting teams at 21 points, and in last place, favorites at 20 points. Way to go, Vegas.
Here's another interesting week to challenge the experts and cause celebration or cursing on Saturday night. For the big buckage of $800 and the prestigious Ramon Escobar Trophy, which Mike Parker plans to spray paint purple and then add a yellow LSU across it Hollywood Hogan style, select your winners and e-mail them back to me by the end of Friday. I am going to something called the Southwest Classic this weekend, so I won't be sending confirmation e-mails as of this afternoon. I like Arkansas by a bad call in this game, by the way.
LSU - Georgia
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Georgia by 3
Florida State - Boston College
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC/ESPN
Line: Florida State by 4
Auburn - Tennessee
6:45 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Tennessee by 1
USC - California
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: USC by 5
* Underdog worth three points
Oklahoma - Miami
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Oklahoma by 7
* Underdog worth three points
Good luck.
****#****
Here's another interesting week to challenge the experts and cause celebration or cursing on Saturday night. For the big buckage of $800 and the prestigious Ramon Escobar Trophy, which Mike Parker plans to spray paint purple and then add a yellow LSU across it Hollywood Hogan style, select your winners and e-mail them back to me by the end of Friday. I am going to something called the Southwest Classic this weekend, so I won't be sending confirmation e-mails as of this afternoon. I like Arkansas by a bad call in this game, by the way.
LSU - Georgia
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Georgia by 3
Florida State - Boston College
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC/ESPN
Line: Florida State by 4
Auburn - Tennessee
6:45 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Tennessee by 1
USC - California
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: USC by 5
* Underdog worth three points
Oklahoma - Miami
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Oklahoma by 7
* Underdog worth three points
Good luck.
****#****
One Excuse for Loss
This is the excuse the Razorbacks were badly beaten last Saturday:
Blame it on swine flu
Excuse for Razorbacks loss
Coaches in hot water.
Blame it on swine flu
Excuse for Razorbacks loss
Coaches in hot water.
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