Courtesy of logotypes101.com

By Kyle Soppe

The BCS National Championship boasts 23 NFL prospects, according to Todd McShay and is expected to be a battle. The first meeting was a 9-6 affair, where Bama missed field goal after field goal. Trent Richardson is my favorite player from this game as far as pro potential goes, but that doesn’t mean Alabama can bloody the nose of the LSU Tigers, who have dominated all season long. Jordan Jefferson is a difference maker when LSU has the ball, and I think he leads LSU to a 24-17 win in a heck of a game. Watch this game with an open mind, and enjoy the highest level of college football that we have seen in quite some time.

Who ya got? Alabama is a 2 point favorite with the over/under set at 41 total points, how will it play out? Has enough changed in the last two months, or is this another defensive battle in which kickers have a huge roll? This is essentially a home game for the Tigers, does that make the difference?

Prior to hearing Brutus’ rousing speech about the validity of Julius Caesar’s murder in the Roman Capitol, a plebeian suggests that Rome should “Give him [Brutus] a statue with his ancestors!” Those familiar with Shakespeare’s play know that this venerable request comes much too eagerly following the morally ambiguous murder of Caesar. Two acts later Marc Antony laments on the good intentions of Brutus, who lay dead after his own suicide.

Great intentions – poor decisions.

Good thing the commons avoided that awkward moment of returning to Rome with a massive reminder of Brutus’ misguided judgment awaiting them.

That awkward moment, however, has not escaped some famous athletes and institutions this past year. Usually a professional athlete’s consecration of his or her accolades comes in the form of a bust for the Hall of Fame. Such an honor only comes after the athlete’s career has concluded and sometimes, an athlete’s choices play a role (see Pete Rose and Mark McGwire).

Nowadays sports fans can find statues outside most arenas and on campuses all around the country, many for players and coaches not yet retired but indeed still very active.

Surely before this year the national consensus on Joe Paterno, former Penn State head football coach, was that he’d be immortalized as one of the most morally upstanding coaches in all of sports. Not only a coach, but a “humanitarian” as his statue outside Beaver Stadium states. For some, that has changed.

No matter which side one’s opinion may fall, it is hard to dispute that Paterno’s legacy has been altered by the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse allegations. That statue, once thought to be for a man who would retire with the utmost respect of all sports fans, now serves as a symbol of hypocrisy to others.

© 2011 Tornoe Ink – Rob Tornoe. All Rights Reserved. http://robtornoe.com/2011/11/paterno-statue/

The issue is not to question or forget the many honorable acts a coach like Joe Paterno has done for many student-athletes, but to question the premature consecration of those who can still reveal flaws. Damaging, consequential flaws. Or maybe not even flaws, but rather just make a mistake. A mistake that seems to outweigh all other great decisions.

Much like Brutus’ case in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, statues can serve as a means to express loyalty while a person is still serving. It’s always unsettling when a deserving athlete has to be posthumously inducted into a Hall of Fame (see Ron Santo and Dennis Johnson). And, just as in Brutus’ case, how awkward would it be to erect a god-like statue when that loyalty is not reciprocated.

Look no further than St. Louis. After winning his second World Series title with the Cardinals this past season, Albert Pujols entered free-agency as the most coveted player in years. Nine time all-star; three time NL MVP; a legitimate threat to break the all-time homerun record; a guaranteed first ballot hall of famer. All for a player barely in his thirties. And all for a player who has done it in one uniform.

An anonymous donor from the St. Louis community decided it would be best to show St. Louis’ loyalty to Pujols by paying for a 10-foot bronze statue to sit outside Pujols’ restaurant. Ironically, the statue was unveiled after the 2011 season.

A security guard protects the Albert Pujols statue outside the Pujols 5 restaurant in St. Louis. (Photo: Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Pujols ultimately signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim leaving some fans in St. Louis feeling betrayed. As if the statue won’t be a hurtful reminder of what a record-breaking career could have been in a St. Louis Cardinals uniform, just think of this Cardinal fans: What hat will Pujols decide to don upon his bust’s consecration into the Hall of Fame? Was this a mistake on Pujols’ part? Should his loyalty to the Cardinals have outweighed his business decision?

Regardless, Pujols’ decision makes it all the more awkward for Cardinal fans to revel at a 10-foot bronze mammoth that they some no longer, well, feel loyalty towards anymore.

Paterno and Pujols certainly aren’t hardened criminals or oppressive dictators who deserve their statues to be torn from its supports like Saddam Hussein’s in Iraq. It’s not that their flaws or mistakes (if you even consider them such) should result in some kind of sacrilege of what their statues should represent from their careers.

In fact, try to find two sports figures more philanthropic than these two. It’d be difficult to do. Mistakes? I think we all know Paterno would do things differently. Flawed? Some might now think so about Pujols. But both also certainly have a litany of great choices and benevolence beyond what any would expect.

No, the issue lies with why society feels the need to prematurely idolize sports figures. We know great players and coaches will eventually receive their due respect in some form (retired jersey, Hall of Fame bust), but to erect a statue of a man not yet completed with his career seems selfish and misguided.

Man is not flawless; for that reason, a statue should try to sanctify the closest form of ethics and performance in mankind. Much like religions and nations do for their pioneers and vanguards.

If St. Louis values unbridled loyalty, perhaps retiring Pujols’ jersey number or putting his name in the stands would have sufficed after his retirement from baseball.

Perhaps if Penn State had waited to honor their beloved coach upon his retirement, they would have been content with the library bearing Paterno’s name and maybe added it inside the stadium as well.

A statue after all is an artist’s rendition of a person in his or her absolute perfection, whether it be as a coach, player, president, or activist. The only problem is that man is not perfect and may simply give fodder to those who wish to only focus on flaws rather than endearing qualities.

Ultimately, it would be wise to wait and choose more carefully. Allow each and every man to complete his athletic journey and then decide if he is worthy of such a sacred, prestigious sculpture.

LSU reigns supreme off yet another impressive victory. With conference championships matching many ranked teams against one another, we experienced quite a shift from last week’s Top 15. Houston and Virginia Tech were the most notable fallers, while Oklahoma State’s domination of the Sooners swayed just enough polls to edge Alabama as the second best team in our poll. There seems to be three tiers in our poll: the top three, the next three, and everybody else. We’ll have a Alabama/LSU rematch in all likeliness, how do you feel about this? Are they the nation’s top two teams? Even if they are, how do you view the idea of a rematch? On an individual note, who do you have for the Heisman?

Courtesy SI.com

After 13 weeks, college football comes down to this weekend -  Conference Championship Weekend. What’s on the line?  Oh, a potential right to the BCS National Championship. A chance to play in a BCS Bowl Game. So there is plenty to play for – let’s not waste any time and take at this week’s games.

UCLA vs. Oregon (#7 PSCFP):

The only reason UCLA is in this game is because USC is sitting this one out due to a postseason ban.  Thanks for this one Reggie Bush! Instead of a re-match worth watching, we have a team in turmoil playing in the PAC-12 Championship game. Not going to spend anymore time on this one, other then to thank Reggie Bush for this game. Oregon wins 56-6.

Virginia Tech (#6 PSCFP) vs. Clemson:

A game that features two teams heading in opposite directions. The  Hokies haven’t lost since early October and Clemson has lost 3 of its last 4 games.  Many experts point to the emergence of sophomore QB Logan Thomas as a major reason for the Hokies’  resurgence. On the opposite side, sophomore QB Tajh Boyd has struggled for the Tigers.  Last week Virginia Tech throttled Virginia, 38-0. Can they maintain the momentum?  Which Clemson team shows up – the 8-0 team or the 1-3 team? Virginia Tech wins 27-10.

Wisconsin (#14 PSCFP) vs. Michigan State:

A rematch that  may have a hard time duplicating the magic from its earlier meeting. With a Rose Bowl berth on the line, both teams hope this doesn’t come down to a Hail Mary – again.  Both teams enter the game with a 4 game winning streak. Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson has thrown just 3 INTS all season – 2 of them were against the Spartans.  Montee Ball ran for 115 yards in the first meeting. Can he duplicate the effort? Kirk Cousins is 21-3 as the starting QB for the Spartans – pretty sure he wants to make 22-3. Spartan defensive end, William Gholston was suspended for the first game. Wisconsin gets revenge, 38-28.

Oklahoma (#10 PSCFP) vs. Oklahoma State (#5 PSCFP):

The game most people thought would help decide part of the BCS National Championship equation.  It still could with a decisive victory by Oklahoma State.  The Sooners’ offense has struggled since star wide receiver, Ryan Broyles went down with a season-ending knee injury.  If the Cowboys are looking to fix what ailed them in their only loss this season – they only look at their defense. Against Iowa State, the Cowboys’ defense gave up 568 yards in total offense. They also coughed the ball up 5 times during the Iowa State game. They have had 2 weeks to address both issues. If the Cowboys want a chance at the Naional Championship, both categories need to improve. Will Brandon Weeden and Co. be sluggish after the extra week of rest? I expect the Cowboys to start slow, but ultimately win this game. Oklahoma State wins, 41-24.

Georgia (#9 PSCFP) vs. LSU (#1 PSCFP):

LSU looks to cap a perfect season with a victory over another ranked team. Heading into the game, the Tigers have already beaten 7 ranked teams this year. A victory on Saturday would make it 8, but the Bulldogs have other ideas. Riding a 10 game winning streak, the Bulldogs will try to cap a season that started 0-2 with a victory over top ranked LSU. During the streak Georgia hasn’t climbed the polls. A main reason? Only 2 wins over ranked teams (Auburn and Georigia Tech) during that stretch. LSU will have it hands full with a red- hot Aaron Murray who has thrown 14 TDs in his last 4 games. Bulldog’s running back, Isaiah Crowell returns after sitting out last week with an ankle injury. LSU’s stingy defense only allows 86 rushing yards per game. Something will give on Saturday.  Which one? LSU wins a tight one, 24-23.

Have a prediction? Have  a game you wish to discuss? Let’s hear it on the Pine.

LSU is running away with the top spot, with Alabama chasing them, and looking for a rematch

By Kyle Soppe

LSU has all but clinched a spot in the BCS title game, as the seem to be more impressive with each passing week. A rematch with Alabama seems likely, but Houston still has a doughnut if the right hand column, which will lead to endless debating. Georgia is a team getting very hot at the right time, and continued their rise among our “experts”. Arkansas was dominated in their showdown with LSU, but remained in our top 10. Stanford is fourth in our poll, but this seems like a three team race (if you believe Houston will get bonus points for being undefeated). Hate to say it, as most of our pollsters voiced a displeasure about seeing a rematch for the BCS title, but we are headed that way. Michigan State (8points) received the most points amongst the four vote getters who did not make it into our top 15. Is this how the top 15 should look? Is the pickin splinter staff struggling to get it right? However you feel about our latest poll, let us know, here on the pine.

Courtesy SI.com

I am sitting here after a day of family, a belly full of turkey and many reminders of what I am thankful for. As people get ready for Black Friday and a weekend of holiday shopping , there are plenty of important college football games that could have huge implications on the Pickin’ Splinters College Football Poll. So pull up a chair, pull up  a hot turkey sandwich and let’s take a look at the games:

Arkansas (#3 PSCFP) vs. LSU (#1 PSCFP):

For LSU to make it to the National Championship game, this is their first obstacle . Arkansas is a high powered offense that features a QB (Tyler Wilson) that has thrown 8 TD passes in his last 3 games, and one of the best receiving corps in college football. Problem for the Razorbacks is that LSU has one of the best secondaries in college football.  So it is strength against strength. Arkansas hasn’t lost since Week 4, and LSU – well, hasn’t lost yet. I think the BCS mess continues – Arkansas in the upset 24-23.

Houston (#4 PSCFP) vs. Tulsa:

Another high powered offense led by QB Case Keenum, who is on a record setting pace in 2011. In order for Tulsa to contain the Cougar offense, they will need to rely on their running game. Led by Trey Watts and Ja’Terian Douglas, the Golden Hurricanes average 210.1 rushing yards per game.  If Tulsa falls behind early, they will have to go away from their strength. Houston wins 41-20.

Alabama (#2 PSCFP) vs. Auburn:

The annual Iron Bowl that for the second straight year, has National Championship implications. Last year the Crimson Tide blew a 24-0 lead to a Cam Newton led Auburn, eventually losing 28-27. So besides the pride of Alabama at stake, a little revenge may be in order. While sporting one of the best defenses in college football, Alabama’s offense is inconsistent at best. Auburn gives a lot of yards on the ground, so expect a heavy dose of Trent Richardson. This game is at Auburn, which is why I think this game is close. In the end, Alabama wins 24-20.

Notre Dame vs. Stanford (#5  PSCFP):

Andrew Luck’s final home game as a Stanford Cardinal and one of his last opportunities to state his Heisman case.  Stanford still has a outside chance at the National Championship game, but to keep that chance they must beat an Irish team that has won 8 of their last 9 games. To beat the Cardinals, Notre Dame will need to control the ball on the ground. The Irish suffered a huge blow last week when Jonas Gray went down with a season ending knee injury. Cierre Wood will need to carry the load for the Irish and with 1,001 rushing yards on the season – he should be up to the challenge. Emotions will be high in this game with this being Luck’s final home game and a statement game for Brian Kelly’s team. Notre Dame in the upset, 27-24.

Georgia (#10 PSCFP) vs. Georgia Tech:

Already clinching a birth in the SEC championship game, the Bulldogs will look to win their 10th straight game.  To do that, Georgia will need to slowdown Tevin Washington and the high octane Yellow Jackets offense. In the Bulldog backfield, Isaiah Crowell should be back after leaving last week’s game due to an ankle injury. The other star in the Georgia running game, Carlton Thomas isn’t expected to play after breaking a team rule. Georgia’s streak continues, 27-17.

Penn State vs. Wisconsin (#15 PSCFP):

This game has a conference championship game berth on the line. Both teams have had their adversity in recent weeks, and for very different reasons. The Nittany Lions will have their hands full trying to contain Russell Wilson. Penn State will rely on Stephfon Green to keep Wilson off the field. Green ran for 2 TDs in last week’s win over Ohio State. Wilson and the Wisconsin crowd will be too much. Wisconsin wins 28-20.

I challenge you, loyal readers, to view the picture below and provide a captivating caption that will cause “the shores a-crowding” with “people all exulting.” Should you provide the wittiest of captions, for you the flag will be flung and the bugles will trill.

In honor of the cold, winter football weather this Thanksgiving eve, we have this past weekend’s Utah-Washington tilt in the college football ranks. As displayed below, the field crew decided to help the referees and statisticians out with the yard lines, and, well:

You’ve got the context, now make like the father of free verse and create the best caption you can in the comments below.

The SEC reigns supreme in the latest PS top 15

By Kyle Soppe

There is no debate, LSU is the top team in college football. Every other position, however, is up in the air. Alabama edged out Arkansas by the smallest of margins, with Stanford and undefeated Houston not far off the pace. Oregon, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma all remained ranked, but dropped considerably after being upset. The Bulldogs from Georgia are proving that it isn’t how you start, it is how you finish, as they continue their ascent up our rankings. The SEC is here to stay folks, but will they get two teams in the title game?

Courtesy SI.com

After several weeks of highly anticipated college football games, Week 12 brings us an “appetizer” as we get ready for the final march to the National Championship game. So before we fill ourselves with a belly full of turkey and NFL, let’s take a look at the slate of college football games on tap for this Pre-Thanksgiving weekend:

LSU (#1 PSCFP) vs. Ole Miss:

Ole Miss is enduring a season to “misremember.” The team has struggled and it was recently announced that head coach, Houston Nutt will not be back for the 2012 season.  After coming out flat against Western Kentucky, the Tigers need to make sure they are not looking ahead for next week’s match-up at Arkansas. I expect Les Miles to have his boys ready. LSU wins 37-10.

Georgia South vs. Alabama (#3 PSCFP):

At first glance, my reaction was, “hey Alabama scheduled a scrimmage during the season.” But upon further review, Georgia South is not a team to take lightly. With their triple-option offense, the Eagles average over 320 rushing yards per game, and  have rushed for 37 TDs. Impressively, they have 6 players that have rushed for at least 275 yards this season. On the other hand, Georgia South’s defense gives up about 167 yards on the ground per game.  Expect the Crimson Tide to come with a heavy dose of Trent Richardson. Anyone care the venture the over/under is for number of passes thrown in this game? Alabama wins 31-10.

Oklahoma State (#2 PSCFP) vs. Iowa State:

Friday night under the lights for the Cowboys. With a bye week and a season finale match-up with Oklahoma looming, Oklahoma State needs to prevent itself from looking ahead. Iowa State ranks second in the Big 12, allowing only 217 passing yards per game.  However the Cyclones will be tested by Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon. To make matters worse, they will have to deal with a red-hot Joseph Randle on the ground. Oklahoma State wins 37-14.

USC vs. Oregon (#4 PSCFP):

Another PAC-12 showdown for the Oregon Ducks. This game features arguably the hottest team in college football (Oregon) vs. one of the best quarterbacks in college football (Matt Barkley).  To stop the Ducks, the Trojans must contain LaMichael James; something they haven’t done in the last 2 years. In two career games against USC,  James has fun for 422 yards and 4 TDs. Expect USC to try to control the game, by keeping the ball on the ground with Curtis McNeal. USC has lost its last 6 games in the state of Oregon and I expect it to continue. Oregon wins 48-38.

Oklahoma (#5 PSCFP) vs. Baylor:

Oklahoma has found itself back in the National Championship picture, and needs to win its last 3 games to remain in the conversation. The Sooners play their first game without star wide receiver, Ryan Broyles who tore his ACL in their win over Texas A&M. To beat Baylor, the Sooners will need to contain QB Robert Griffin III. The Bears have won all 5 of their homes games this season, and have averaged 49.o points at home. The Sooners will want to avoid an offensive shootout with Baylor and if the Bears get going early at home – an upset may be brewing. Baylor wins 35-21.

Boston College vs. Notre Dame:

An old rivalry continues. Notre Dame’s last home game of the season – and yes this game is in South Bend.  The Irish will look to continue its winning formula by the running the ball with Cierre Wood and Jonas Gray, allowing Tommy Rees to find Michael Floyd downfield. The Eagles have struggled all season, and expect it to continue on Saturday. Notre Dame wins 33-13.

Have a game you wish to discuss? Have a prediction? Let’s hear it on the Pine.

Case Keenum and Houston are one of three unbeatens in NCAAF

By Kyle Soppe

Another week of college football, another unanimous vote for LSU. Les Miles has his Tigers on the fast track for a BCS National Championship berth, but they will have at least one more test when Arkansas visits Baton Rouge. Oklahoma State was second on every poll, as they remained unbeaten. Pollsters were split on Alabama or Oregon, both who have been impressive sans a loss to LSU. Houston, behind Case Keenum, has continued to take care of business, and remains poised to have an argument for a BCS berth should they stay unbeaten. Boise State’s shocking loss to TCU dropped them in our poll, but they remained on every ballot. Michigan State and Nebraska missed the 15th spot by a single point, and four other teams received votes. With the season approaching its conclusion, do we have it right? Do you prefer our ranking or the BCS rankings? Let your voice be heard, here on the pine