College Football Week 3

I am going to get this entry out of the way for three reasons:

1) It is an abysmal weekend of college matchups. Last weekend was good on paper and failed to live up to the hype. Next weekend also has some juice.

2) BTSG is forthcoming

3) Let's spend some time talking about this week's big story, shall we? No, not women dressed like Mexican street workers in NFL locker rooms. Reggie Bush giving back the Heisman Trophy.

I just don't get it. I am all for the policing of the sports to avoid rampant cheating, because lord only knows how some coaches (see Calipari, John) just flaunt it almost publicly get away with it all. No program should have a leg up on another because of some rich boosters! Oh wait, the NCAA doesn't hold schools accountable for building bigger, better and glitzier facilities. They can't prevent some from getting better shoe deals. So, money does influence a recruit. (This opinion, and entry as a whole, will wind up being littered with hypocrisy. Just take a Tylenol now before the headache starts)

USC should be punished for not knowing what was going on. Done. They got in trouble and deserve it. Let's not make this too complicated.

But, should Reggie Bush give back the Heisman? Didn't he win it for being the best college football player in America one season? Has that fact changed because his parents got a free mortgage? His amateurism is void, but his position on the field as an athlete was unchanged. Is this a moral punishment?

If the trophy was taken away (excuse me, given back) as a symbol of Reggie's failure as a representation of the award, then I would like to publicly ask that the following also be returned under this new mentality...

The 1968 Heisman Trophy

This was mentioned a few billion times this week, but if what Reggie did was enough to tarnish the Heisman, how about the Juice and his fondness for filleting people?!

Almost Every Baseball MVP Award since 1988

While we're on it, how about asking for the individual awards back from people who actually enhanced their on-field performance. Do yourself a favor... Go read the complete list and count how many you would let keep the award. It's a staggeringly low number.

The 1999 Academy Award for Best Actor

The Y2K Virus scare must have had everybody distracted that year because Roberto Benigni won the award for a non-English-speaking movie where he rides around on a bicycle smiling. Tom Hanks would've gotten the trifecta that year and juggled on stage. Then, people would have really smiled. (And Edward Norton, who rolled through roles back then like a robot, in American History X). I want justice.

Okay, enough of this game. There are too many others to think about and I don't want to ruin my weekend. Here are your college games of note:

#3 Boise State @ Wyoming +23.5

This is the start of the "Look at the size of that bullseye" on the back of the Broncos. That Virginia Tech embarrassment last weekend doesn't help with the naysayers. Plus, you go on the road to a high-altitude city where this game will be the last memorable event in Laramie until the tundra defrosts next March. Unfortunately, the Cowboys just aren't good anymore in the Mountain West. However, I spent 4 long days in Laramie in the middle of winter and know how hard it can be to get motivated. I think the home team rides enough momentum to cover [remember, Cover Two does not support betting on sports; just making the picks more interesting], as they did a good job containing Texas a week ago from big points. Yep, it's a B.O.B., even though there is no money line on Boise, because, well, they will win.

Boise State 31 - Wyoming 10

#9 Iowa @ #24 Arizona -1

This is not a must-win, but more of a must-show-up game for both. Iowa needs it to be considered a title threat. Zona needs it to prove they are in the big time. Lots of factors in play here against the Hawkeyes (late game in a west coast time zone, road dog, hot weather). I think the Big Ten is 3-5 teams legit at the top this year, so Iowa can't fail me yet...

Iowa 24 - Arizona 20

#10 Florida @ Tennessee -14

This game used to be compelling. Tennessee did everything right and watched Oregon hand them a tie game at halftime last week, and then got demolished. I don't think Florida lets up enough (even as a young team) to do that. Gators come alive this week with that youth...

Florida 38 - Tennessee 21

Arizona State @ #13 Wisconsin -13

In case you didn't notice, it's Pac 10/Big 10 Challenge week. No challenge here. If Iowa could face trouble going somewhere warm, I think the Sun Devils fare far worse going into a loud and physical environment (it won't be cold, but it'll be a LOT cooler than Tempe)

Wisconsin 31 - Arizona State 17

[Riding the Big Ten will hurt me this week, I can feel it]

If you need easy money, Indiana is only giving 13 points on the road at Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers are atrocious. I saw Indiana in person to open the college football season. They may not stop anybody all year, but they can score enough to cover two touchdowns, even on the road.

Save your energy on Saturday, NFL Sunday should be better.