A fter football practice a few days ago I heard head coach Bob Stoops say, "I'm sick of talking about it."
No offense to Bob, but I'd like to talk some more. The 2003 season is just a few days away and here is what I expect to happen this fall in the Big 12 and around the country.
* Oklahoma State will not win the national championship.
I know you're saying, "obviously, idiot." Well, tell that to the OSU fans. On local radio shows, Cowboys fans have been calling in predicting an undefeated season. Comparisons to OU's 2000 team are mentioned as well.
I usually chuckle to myself and continue driving, but these people aren't kidding. News flash, Cowboys fans: It's not going to happen. Their schedule is just too tough. Rashaun Woods is great, but he can't do it all week-in and week-out. Josh Fields is a good quarterback, mainly because of Woods, and Tatum Bell is nothing but an average tailback.
The Cowboys travel to Nebraska, Texas A&M, and OU. They also play Texas and K-State at home. Those are five very losable games.
I'll be the first to say I hope OSU does well, but please stop calling and making idiotic predictions.
* The magic will run out on Notre Dame.
Look for the Irish to lose five games this fall. Last year, the luck of the Irish reigned supreme until they wore those unfavorable green jerseys. This year, jersey color shouldn't matter. Notre Dame travels to No. 7 Michigan, No. 22 Purdue and No. 12 Pittsburgh. The Irish face No. 8 Southern Cal at home as well as No. 11 Florida State.
The Irish will have a fair season, but don't expect the BCS rankings to have them near the top.
*Michigan will win the Big 10.
The Wolverines return senior quarterback John Navarre, who passed for 2,905 yards in 2002. Navarre will have a 1,000-yard receiver back in Braylon Edwards
Michigan doesn't play Penn State or Wisconsin, and they have Notre Dame and Ohio State, possibly without Maurice Clarett, at home.
*Auburn fans will be extremely disappointed.
Auburn's two tailbacks, Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown, both return after gaining a combined 1,753 yards and 23 touchdowns. The problem is, they can't play at the same time. There's not room for the both of them, and remember, they're no Bo Jackson.
Auburn goes to LSU and Georgia. They also play Tennessee and Alabama at home. They also have a tough season opener this Saturday when USC comes to town.
That should be it for all the talk. I promise I won't say anything else until Saturday.
hello there & you too