Happy Thanksgiving

Hello All,

Well, I am about to pass out after a delicous sampling of broccoli, hash brown and green bean casseroles, turkey, stuffing, rolls, mushroom gravy, cranberry jelly and heart failure on one plate. Props to Mama Stein.

Therefore, this will be quick. Hopefully, when the Stein boys make their sojourn to Tampa for the game, they will not be forced to deal with obnoxious USF fans after a loss.

And to answer your question, yes, they are obnoxious. Kind of like Rutgers fans. Only they've accomplished even less. Also, I know this because I had to spend ten days in Israel with a literal busload of them. Sigh.

USF's D is pretty solid, rankig 23rd in the nation overall. However, their offense is meidocre, ranking 53rd nationally in scoring and 61st overall. They also are 99th in the country in sacks allowed. Maybe the strengths will ne negated by Miami's new uniforms...

BREAKDOWN

QB: B.J. Daniels leads the Bulls in both passing and rushing. He can escape the pocket, extend plays and attack the middle of the field, although he completes just over half of his passes. Jacory will be under pressure all day and will need the running game to support him. His job does not get easier with Jason Fox listed as doubtful. Still, in a pure passing comparison, Harris is better. EDGE: Even

RB: Damien Berry and Graig Cooper are running well. USF's quarterback is their leading rusher. EDGE: Miami

Receiver: USF has Jessie Hester, A.J. Love and big play guy Carlton Mitchell. Miami has their arsenal. Both teams will hit big plays. Miami has more talent by the numbers, giving them the slight edge. EDGE: Miami

Offensive Line: Jason Fox is doubtful. USF has two of the best defensive ends in college football. EDGE: USF

Defensive Line: George Selvie and Jason Pierre-Paul go up against a thin Miami line, and Miami has struggled to get pressure. The Bulls rank 35th in the nation is TFL and 36th in sacks per game. EDGE: USF

Linebacker: Daryl Sharpton and Colin Mccarthy have played well in recent weeks. Kion Wilson leads USF in tackles. EDGE: Even

Secondary: Miami's problem is schematic, not talent. USF does not have the same problem. EDGE: USF

Special Teams: USF ranks 82nd in net punting, 91st in punt returns and 101st in kick returns. Miami has been spotty at times, but they are much better than that. EDGE: Miami

Coaching: Well, Jim Leavitt is a nut job. But he gets the most out of his team. Miami's biggest problem is time management. In a close game, that could be huge. EDGE: USF

And there you have one of the most depressing breakdowns of the season. Maybe it's the turkey talking.

PICKS (Rivalries Edition)

Houston over Rice: Dozens of people celebrate in Houston. I do not think the riot police will have to be called up.

LSU over Arkansas

Texas over Texas A&M: Although, "Saw 'Em Off" and "Gig 'Em Aggies" are two of my favorite sayings in sports. The first of the "Big Three" ends in an anticlimactic non-upset. But wait for it.

West Virginia over Pitt: Mini-upset in the "Backyard Brawl"...coolest rivalry name in college football, followed closely by the "Civil War".

UNC over NC St.

Clemson over South Carolina: How does Spiller not win the Heisman in this mediocre season?

Ole Miss over Mississippi State: The "Magnolia Bowl" and the "Egg Bowl". Rebs, I love ya. Really, you're great. But you got rivalry nicknames like a dickhead.

Oklahoma over Oklahoma State: Bedlam! Funny, the 'Pokes actually think they have a shot. So cute.

Vagina Tech over Virginia: Bye bye Al. Thanks for the memories. Dick.

Utah over BYU: The "Holy War" is surprisingly not as good a nickname as you would think. It just doesn't do anything for me. Sad. Looks so good on paper.

Georgia Tech over Georgia: "Clean, Old Fashioned Hate". Now there's a nickname. And the one way Miami keeps looking better each week...GT winning and winning big.

UF over FSU: Still not the "Big Three" upset...

UPSET SPECIAL: Auburn over Alabama

Boom! I think 'Bama has been flirting with something like this, and then Sports Illustrated puts Mark Ingram on the cover. Done and done. Finally, in this underwhelming college football season mostly devoid of drama (except for every Miami game, seemingly), something shocking happens. Sadly, to the wrong team.

Happy holiday, hope to see you Saturday!

Always guard the inbound passer.