FOOTBALL FRIDAY

At some point over this drawn out, seemingly month long bowl season I might share my thoughts as to why bowl games mean nothing, but it starts with every team makes it. There are 34 bowl games which means more than half of the teams in Divisions 1-A make a bowl game! I would love the hear the argument that a playoff would ruin college football because the bowls matter. Since when has any normal, sane human being cared about the New Mexico Bowl? Even the kids in the game dont care. So besides ranting about how terrible the bowl system is, I will refuse to comment on any college football game besides the major ones. In my eyes, every other bowl game does not count, and will not happen.

I will comment on the actual college football being played under the Friday night lights to decide the Division 1-AA championship. Montana played in a great back and forth game with Appalachian St last weekend and plays Villanova for the title. I will pick Montana in this game. And what a novel concept - a playoff to determine the national champion. I would rather leave it to the computers to decide who has the best team, personally.

Anyway, a great weekend of NFL action is upon us. Let me start with the game that NOBODY will get to watch. It is the game of the week. Dallas @ New Orelans. It seems like all season, everyone has been asking the same question about the Saints. Are they for real? Can they compete with the big boys? Well week in and week out they have answered the questions. Dallas on the other hand, has not answered anything. They want us to believe they are talented and that they can win when it matters. Well I am not buying the Cowboys. I think it will be a close, competitive game, but I will take the Saints and give the 7 points because I believe they will answer this question like all the others before it.

Another game I will have my eye on is Green Bay @ Pittsburgh. This features teams going in different directions as the Packers have won 5 in a row and the Steelers have lost 5 in a row. I like the Pack, they are getting healthy on the offensive line and the defense has played great. But I can not go against Pitt at home and with extra rest.

The Bengals are dealing with a tragedy for the 2nd time this season, as Chris Henry passed away on Thursday. Tough for them to get motivated for this game, but the team did rally around Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer when his wife passed away prior to the Ravens game. San Diego is the hottest team in football. I probably would have picked the Chargers, but I am taking the points because I have a feeling the Bengals will play tough in memory of Henry.

It wouldnt be a primetime telecast if the announcers didnt drool about Brett Favre. On Sunday Night, Favre travels to Carolina to play the Panthers by himself. No other Vikings will be needed because the ole gunslinger will run around in his wranglers and go all #4 all over the field. If you cant tell, I very much dislike Favre. I think he will be exposed as the player we all know he is, and that is the turnover machine. I will pick the Panthers +9.

STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN LEAD PIPE LOCK OF THE WEEK: KC -1.5 vs. Cle. As pointed out by many, my locks have been quite breakable this year. KC has an exciting young back and they believe a franchise QB and they putting the rest of it together. With the Browns, all but signing Mike Holmgren to Czar duties I believe Mangini knows he is out. Plus KC is a tough place to play. Come on Chiefs, win 1 for Stone Cold