Friday quick hits
Here are some of the things that have caught my eye heading into the weekend of action:
- The Trojans just can’t catch a break. USC’s charter plane plummeted during a thunderstorm on the way to South Bend. People were thrown from their seats, there was lots of screaming, and the pilot had to abort the initial landing attempt. Reports are that the team is shaken. I have no idea how to factor this into the handicapping, but thankfully I don’t have to worry about it – USC and Notre Dame are both so troubled that I wouldn’t touch the game with a ten foot pole.
- South Florida became the third straight number two ranked team to lose last night. I have no idea who will be at number two next week, but it might be worth throwing a few bucks on the moneyline of their opponents.
- After last night’s result the Big East is now a total mess. But then so is the SEC, Pac-10, Big Ten, and Big 12. Chaos is just par for the course this year, it seems.
- Mike Hart’s status is still unknown for the Illinois game Saturday night after an ankle injury in the Purdue game last week, according to Michigan coach Lloyd Carr. His teammates all say he will play, though, so I suspect he will be just fine. Or maybe I am just delusional because of my Michigan obsession.
- Tank Johnson has started practicing with his new team, the Cowboys. His suspension for being an idiot ends Nov. 11. He’ll make a big impact on a team that is already pretty good. If he can stay out of jail, that is.
- Jon Runyan, the right tackle for the Eagles who has started more than 180 straight games, suffered the greatest injury I have heard in awhile – he bruised his tailbone falling off the training table. He missed practice today, but is expected back on Sunday. He’s needed to keep Donovan McNabb comfortable, and the Eagles desperately need a win against the Bears, so his progress is worth watching.
- There are five unbeaten college teams remaining – Arizona State, Boston College, Hawaii, Kansas, and Ohio State. Only two, the Buckeyes and Jayhawks, play this weekend. What are the odds of three unbeaten teams all having the same bye week?
Comments Off