Today just after 3:30 PM EDT, THE IRON BOWL will be played in this stadium. The place will be rocking and rolling. This must be one of the sturdiest structures in America. Alabama hosting Auburn. Just sounds good.
Yes, I will be rooting for the Tide. Brother Tim’s Tide. Brother Virg’s Tide. A Tide that belongs to a legion of “Roll Tide”. You could be walking through a remote airport in Pierre, South Dakota and you might hear someone say “Roll Tide”. This is not an emphatic “ROLL TIDE!” chant. That is saved for the game. It may be just a subtle lift of the chin and a cool “Roll Tide” will come out when another Tide personage is spotted. James Bond would approve of the debonair comportment. However, put 100,00 of these folks in Bryant-Denney Stadium together at 920 Paul W. Bryant Drive in Tuscaloosa, know you will need to get your feet set. This is a special place and a special game.
From my getting over a week’s worth of the flu seat here at the home office, let me just calmly and quietly say, “Roll Tide.”
Also, give me a moment to reflect on seeing Van Tiffin’s shoe that made THE KICK when I was a senior in high school.
Yes, boys and girls, I am in the home office typing this on game day. Rare has the time been that I have felt so lousy. We press onward. For this, I am thankful. I am also thankful for all my family, my friends, and that the Good Lord is not through with me yet.
I certainly wish I could be in Memorial Stadium watching the Oaken Bucket Game between Indiana and Purdue. There is a great deal on the line, believe it or not. With a Boiler win, Purdue Pete heads indoors next in Indianapolis. Let’s hope he changes his shoes! Indiana could play spoiler and further intensify a rivalry that is already a good one. My dear wife, Carrie, and I passed our tickets on to a friend and we wish them a good day.
So who are our winners today? Let’s hope the picks have a better fate than the Ole Miss Rebels had in the Egg Bowl Thursday night. Lane Kiffin? Stay or Go. Either way it has been fun. Fun can only get you so far.
Georgia beats Georgia Tech…The Bulldogs took notice of the Wreck’s upset of UNC.
Michigan beats Ohio State… Yes, I know. I never pick Ohio State. There is a rabbit that will come out of Coach Harbaugh’s hat today.
South Carolina beats Clemson…Clemson will go down at home today. Cocky is on a roll. That team found itself.
Louisville beats Kentucky…If Louisville get the from third gear to fourth, UK won’t be able to keep up with them.
Bama beats Auburn…But it will be entertaining.
Illinois beats Northwestern…If Purdue stubs the toe, the Illini could benefit.
Minnestoa beats Wisconsin…Go Goldy Go!
Oregon beats Oregon State…The Civil War. Both ranked too. Look for Nix to shred the Beaver Dam.
Indiana beats Purdue…Remember 1989. Young Eric Hunter at QB led Purdue to an upset that lost a winning season, a bowl bid, and made AT the runner-up in one of the closest Heisman votes ever. Dexter Williams II at QB to spoil it for PU. Wish I could be at this one. I was there in 1989. Oucheth.
Duke beats Wake Forest…Big Game. Duke is at home. Small crowd in Thanksgiving weekend I suspect. Just what Duke needs.
Penn State beats Michigan State…Bowl game leverage at hand for the Nittany Lions.
LSU beats Texas A&M…The wheels can come off in a hurry. Ask the Aggies.
USC beats Notre Dame…Great rivalry that still holds its water. Looking forward to this one.
Pitt beats Miami…Everyone else has.
Bonus Pick: Apple Cup. Washington beats Washington State in Pullman…Michael Penix and his band plays on.
How can this be? The last week of the regular season. Know that I have enjoyed picking the games. It has been fun. Take care.
Speaking the rights.
Danny Johnson