13.1

Welcome to the halfway point everyone. It is funny, when things are going well, the season just flies by. As we Michigan fans have learned, September and early October can be a breeze but from here on out is where it gets tough.

This season seems to follow a similar path to what is happening to me in the real world. This summer, for some reason, I agreed to run a Marathon this coming December 4th. I have ran three half marathons before but I am by no means the model of being healthy and in shape. If you need an idea of what it might look like to see me run just imagine the KSU mascot (left) lumbering down the road but with bloody nipples. (I learned the hard way, you have to use Vaseline on the nips. Take note people!)

This past Sunday, after watching the game in Evanston the night before, I went for a training run that just happened to be 13.1 miles. I didn't realize how this aligned with the football season until this Monday when reading all the halfway point stories. I actually ran a half decent time, 2 hours and 20 minutes, but much like Michigan the hard part lies ahead. Those long 20 mile runs will happen the same weekends as some big clashes and the light fall breeze will turn into a cold stiff November wind. Unlike the past few seasons, I think this team is tough enough to face that challenge. I hope I can say the same about myself. On with the picks...

Thursday- USC at Cal 9 PM EST- This game will be played at AT&T Park which I guess is pretty neat. There really is only two reasons to watch this game and that is wide receivers Kennan Allen of Cal and Robert Woods of USC. Both of these sophomores have lived up to their 5 star billing. The Trojans will try to get a boost in the backfield when they take the redshirt off frosh George Farmer. How many 5 star running backs does one school need to get a running game going? USC 37-28.

Baylor at Texas A&M Noon EST- I hope both teams are awake because this game could be a shoot out. Neither team has stopped anyone and RGIII must continue to keep Baylor relvant. Another A&M collapse perhaps? We will see. Baylor 41-37.

LSU at Tennessee 3:30 EST- LSU gets another sacrificial lamb at QB this week with Tyler Bray out for the Vols. I hope no one gets hurt. LSU 35-10

Ohio St at Illinois 3:30 EST. Ah yes, the beloved Illibuck Trophy. There is nothing quite like a nut shelled turtle. Illinois always plays OSU tough, even when they have sucked so I expect this to be a close game. The Illini should win this game but then again they are still coached by Ron Zook. OSU 20-17.

Oklahoma St at Texas 3:30 EST- Justin Blackmon must be looking at last weeks film from the Red River Rivalry and be drooling. Texas had no answer for Broyles/Stills. I doubt they will have answer for the Cowboys. Ok St 51-20.

Florida at Auburn 7 EST- These two teams have taken some hits the past few weeks and it will be interesting to see how Florida's struggling offense does vs Auburn's horrible defense. I am going with Auburn because the Gators are relying on 2 true frosh QBs. Auburn 31-21.

Kansas St at Texas Tech 7 EST- The Wildcats are my team of the first half because they came out of nowhere. I mean seriously, who is on their team besides the castoff Brown brothers? Is El Roberson still there? What did Bill Snyder do with his time off? Did he realize there is nothing to do when you retire in Kansas? How many more questions can I ask? Kansas St 27-24.

Northwestern at Iowa 7 EST- I don't have much to say here. I guess we want Northwestern right? One problem though is they don't have much outside of Persa. Iowa 24-17.

Stanford at Washington St 7:30 EST- Those poor Cougs. All they needed to do was hold off UCLA last week and College Gameday was going to be in Pullman this week for this big game. The guys wanted to give props to Wazzu for having representation every week. O well. The plus side is that no one will watch them get dismantled by Luck. Stanford 48-20.

Arizona St at Oregon 10:15 EST- I am not sure if LaMichael will play and if it matters if he plays. The Sun Devils are the best team in the South but that isn't saying much. It will be fun to see if Burfict comes after Thomas. Ducks 33-23.

Enjoy the weekend as the fall weather blows in. Go Blue.