Ten things to watch this weekend

Posted 11 10 2007 7:57AM

1. The Old Lady and the broken-down program

The Miami Hurricanes will play their last game in the Orange Bowl tomorrow against Virginia, and there is hope the 'Canes can play hard, play smart and pull off the "upset."

I'm gonna puke.

This is what it has come to for the once loud and proud 'Canes: Virginia, with the nation's 101st-ranked offense, is a favorite in the last game at the Old Lady. I've covered some incredible moments at the OB -- The Whammy in Miami when Washington and Napoleon Kaufman snapped the NCAA record 58-game home winning streak; a couple of Wide Rights, a couple of national title games, etc. -- but I never thought I'd see this.

Seriously, what must those old 'Canes be thinking? Better yet, how about the guys who elevated the program earlier this decade -- when it looked like nothing would stop the machine for years upon years.

This should be a warning for anyone who thinks USC's "dynasty" hasn't taken a hit this fall. As good as USC has been, the 2001 Miami team would've beaten the 2004 Trojans by two touchdowns. The 'Canes were an interference call away from winning two national titles in a row and 42 straight games.

And now look.

It ends for everyone. At some point, every program has lulls. Blame it on the quarterback (John David Booty, Brock Berlin), blame it on the coaches (Steve Sarkisian, Larry Coker); it just happens.

Let's see if the 'Canes have one big game left in them against the mighty Cavaliers before moving to antiseptic Dolphins Stadium.

2. The Velvet Crush

Am I the only guy who thinks Kansas coach Mark Mangino's velvet coaching -- what do you call it, outfit? -- is the hippest thing this side of cool? Laugh all you want, people. Soon enough, everyone will be wearing velvet.

Wife: "Babe, what are you wearing to the game?"

Mangino: "Velvet."

Admit it, you're jealous. Just like all those one-loss teams are envious of KU's pudding schedule.

Strap it on, Jayhawks. Time to meet the 40-year-old man!

3. Private Irish

OK, so there's no truth to the rumor that Army has been petitioning the NCAA to get on Notre Dame's schedule this fall.

First Navy gets the Irish, and now this week it's the Air Force's turn. Who 's next? Your local ROTC class?

4. Tubby's Decision

I can't understand why anyone thinks Tommy Tuberville would leave Auburn. I mean, he just built a 6,000 square foot house and his buyout is $6 million.

The Tigers are among the elite in the SEC, and after beating Georgia this week, Aubie could find itself in a BCS game with a win over Alabama in the Iron Bowl.

Besides, Texas A&M can't afford that buyout. I mean, if the Aggies can't fire coach Dennis Franchione for cause because of his secret newsletter, they'll pay $8 million to pink slip him and pick up the rest of his contract.

On the other hand, if Fran is fired for cause (of course he will be), there will be a settlement. The rumor floating around has the buyout pegged at $2 million. Let's do some math, shall we?

$8 million - $2 million = $6 million (see: Tubby's buyout).

OK, let's go over the pros and cons.

Pros: A&M buys out the contract, offers a huge pay raise and Tuberville leaves the meatgrinder SEC for the posh Big 12. As an added bonus, he no longer is under the thumb of Bobby "It's my team and I'll do what I want"Lowder.

Cons: None.

5. Waiting game

Remember last year when ESPN had the "countdown clock" weeks in advance of the WAC game that was Ohio State vs. Michigan?

And Ohio Staters wonder why every breathing body outside the state of Ohio has reservations about this team. I keep hearing how the Buckeyes are using the "disrespect" as motivational fuel. Good.

Maybe this time they won't tank in the biggest game of the year.

p.s. Check out Michigan vs. Ohio State, The Rivalry on HBO this week. A terrific look at the second-best rivalry in college football (come on, nothing touches the Iron Bowl).

6. All Hail, FSU

I received hate mail from an FSU fan this week. This is huge on two fronts:there were no grammar/spelling/syntax errors, and -- AND -- he was geeked about the 'Noles after the big win at Boston College.

If that isn't the greatest indicator of things finally turning around in Tallahassee, I don't know what is.

In related news, the Seminoles will be in good shape for the Music City Bowl with a win at Virginia Tech tomorrow.

7. Brother Dantonio

Did you happen to see Mark Dantonio's response to the classy Michigan players (that's sarcasm, folks) after last week's game?

I'm not saying I got a chill from Dantonio's stern reassurance, but it made me feel a lot better about Sparty this week against Purdue. And it sure brought back fantastic memories of days gone by:

Brother Bluto: "What? Did you say over? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!"

Otter: "Germans?"

Boon: "Forget it, he's rolling."

8. USC's Miami moment

What was Brother Dantonio was saying about pride coming before the fall? Those who wallow in it, eventually step in it.

Or something like that.

Cal is desperate; USC is struggling to put together a complete game. Cal QB Nate Longshore finally is shaking off the affects of a high ankle sprain.And that's enough for me.

Let's all wish USC fun in San Diego for the holidays.

9. Locks of the week. Washington over Oregon State (minus injured QB Sean Canfield); Tennessee over Arkansas (Vols should be more concerned about Kentucky and Vandy), Wyoming over Utah (because my pal Joe Glenn guaranteed it) and -- shocker of all shockers -- Nebraska over Kansas State.

By the way, Kansas State has won once (2003) in Lincoln since 1968.Something has to remain sacred, doesn't it?

10. You can see this coming

Watch closely, everyone. Tomorrow, in the beautiful burg that is Starkville, we have a trap game and letdown game all rolled into one for Alabama. Against vastly underrated/improving Mississippi State.

Imagine, if you can, Oregon fans screaming about an Alabama loss to Mississippi State. If for no other reason, because LSU will use the "big" win at Alabama as fuel for its SEC is better than anyone and everyone any day of the week argument.

Oregon needs USC to beat Cal. LSU needs Alabama to beat Mississippi State.

Neither is going to happen.