The "NEW" Dirty Dozen!

Shakedown Saturday (Again)

This truly should be the week that things begin to shakeout in the world of College Football. It's funny how the folks at Auburn are panicking already, but hey the season ain't over yet...is it?

Here is this week's countdown, now with predictions for the upcoming week:

1. Oklahoma (Time to find out what they've got. It's Red River Shootout week, should be fun: pick Oklahoma 41-Texas 30)

2. LSU (They are still the cream of the SEC crop ((i said "cream")), we will also see what they have as they face the daunting Swamp: pick LSU 23-Florida 17)

3. Missouri (Still holding at #3. They get there first test this week too at Ok. State. My only concern is that this game may not end until Monday: pick Missouri 45-Ok.State 37)

4. Alabama (They struggled with a Kentucky team with no offense. No test this week, they are facing the "Dreaded Bye Week": pick Alabama 50-Bye Week 0)

5. Texas (See #1)

6. Penn State (The fighting Joe Pa's facing a Wisconsin team which I told you earlier this season would choke and well....: pick Joe Pa's 28- Wisconsin 21)

7. USC (They started slow last week, but seemed to recover. They will be fine, but there title hopes are done sorry ASU: pick USC 45- Arizona St. 17)

8. BYU (This is just like the BYU of old, back in the Steve Young-Ty Detmer days. They head to New Mexico, shouldn't be a problem: pick BYU 51- N.Mexico 23)

9. Texas Tech (I'm not sold on these guys either, but they haven't played anyone. That includes "YOU" Nebraska: pick Texas Tech 47- Nebraska 27)

10. Georgia (This week will be a big game for these guys, they still don't really have an identity, they better figure it out...soon: pick UGA 31- Tennessee 14)

11. Florida (Someone doesn't belong here, I think it might be these guys. See #2)

12. Vanderbilt (Wow, can you believe these guys in this company? Neither can they. They'll win this week, but the law of averages isn't far behind : pick Vandy 24-Miss. St. 10)

Obviously, this week will shake things up quite a bit. It's getting to that fun point of the year now where we'll seperate the men from the boys. I can't wait.

Nelson Notes: Oklahoma, USC, LSU, Mizzou, Alabama, Texas, Penn State, Georgia, Texas Tech, BYU, Florida, and Vanderbilt ((who is in the trap-game of all trap-games this weekend, by the way...don't be shocked if Miss State is closer than you think...))

The Dregs:

5. SMU (June Jones, are we missing Hawaii now?)

4. UAB (Ewww. Didn't these guys used to be pretty good?)

3. Tennessee (Just because the Fulmer will lose again this week)

2. Washington (This is one bad football state...and these are your headliners)

1. North Texas (If this were Texas State, then at least Kathy Ireland would be the kicker)

That is all I've got to say. Have a fun Shakedown!

Nelson Still Notes: Syracuse, Syracuse, The Vols, U-Dub, and Syracuse...

Oklahoma/Texas: The Best Rivalry In College Football

You can have Ohio State – Michigan, USC – Notre Dame and Georgia – Florida rivalries. For my money, the best rivalry in college football takes place every year at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas between Oklahoma and Texas. You’ve got two of the largest state universities from 2 football crazed states going toe to toe.

Here are 10 reasons why the Red River Shootout is the best rivalry in college football:

People from the state of Oklahoma & Texas don’t like each other:
Though the Red River borders both states, the difference between the two culturally and economically is night and day. Texans love to put down Oklahomans and vice versa. Each year this game gives the winner a chance to puff their chest out.

Fightin’ Words:
You want to tick off a Texas fan, bring up the name Barry Switzer and mention his recruiting raids through Texas in the 1970’s and 1980’s
You want to make an Oklahoma fan hoppin’ mad, call him ignorant country bumpin that envious of the state of Texas.

Fans:
Check out the Cotton Bowl Saturday. 1 side will be red the other will be burnt orange and a border at the 50 yard line on both sides. OU & Texas fans are some of the most rapid in college football.

Great Players:
Billy Sims, Joe Washington, Brian Bosworth, the Selmon Brothers, Jason White, Greg Pruitt and Barry Switzer. Earl Campbell, Ricky Williams, Johnny “Ham” Jones, Johnny “Lam” Jones, Steve Worster and Darrell Royal

Great Games:
1976 “Spy Game”. Texas head coach Darrell Royal accused Oklahoma of spying on Texas’ practice. It was a time when Darrell Royal and Barry Switzer were feuding. They wouldn’t talk to each other and Switzer never lost to the Texas coaching legend. The ’76 game was Royal’s last as OU and Texas played to a 6-6- tie and Switzer would end up 3-0-1 against the Royal led Horns.

1977 Texas lost their starting quarterback and back-up QB. All 3rd stringer Randy McEarhern had to do is hand off to Earl Campbell and the Horns prevailed 13-6.

1995 Great game between the programs that were falling into mediocrity. Nobody won because the game ended in a 24-24 tie but I was there.

1996 First time OU – Texas was a conference game. OU would win in overtime and I was there for that one to.

Great Coaches:
Darrell Royal, Fred Akers and Mack Brown. Bud Wilkinson, Barry Switzer and Bob Stoops.

Texas State Fair:
The only rivalry that is part of a state fair. The Red River Shootout coincides with the Texas State Fair.

Cool Nickname:
Red River Shootout or Red River Rivalry, it sounds better than the Apple Cup or The Big Game.

The Cotton Bowl:
It was a dump but the stadium has gotten a $30 million face lift and now seats 90,000 fans, all to keep the game there through 2014. It’s been the home of the Red River Shootout since 1929.

OU & Texas play for championships:
This game usually plays a key role in the national championship picture and since 1996 determines who wins the Big 12 South.

Texas leads the series 57-40 with 5 ties and that probably ticks off Oklahoma fans.

If you ever get the opportunity to go to the Oklahoma – Texas game, and I have been to 2, go. It is the best in college football.

Photos Courtesy: Getty Images