Pickin' & grinnin'

Sporting News, The, Nov 11, 2002 by Matt Hayes

Virginia Tech (8-1) at Syracuse (3-6): Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, the player who put Virginia Tech football on the map, recently was asked about his best attributes. His answer: "I have two weapons: My legs, my arms and my brain."

That's quality educatin' there. lust think if Vick had completed his eligibility at Tech. He would have been able to analyze and critique the subtle intricacies of Dr. Seuss.

The Three R's 38, Syracuse 13

Arkansas (5-3) at South Carolina (5-4): Arkansas players dedicated their win over Ole Miss two weeks ago to Jermaine Brooks, who was kicked off the team after a police raid of his apartment found 7 1/2 pounds of dope, several weapons and more than $16,000. Some players now are dedicating the season to Brooks.

We can only imagine the pregame pep talk from coach Houston Nutt, who earlier this year said star players Cedric Cobbs and Ken Hamlin would be punished "within the program"--instead of with suspensions--for offseason arrests.

Nutt: "Men, when it gets tough out there, and when you're down and when you think you can't give anymore, just remember--let's win one for The Pusher."

Gamecocks 21, Barbed-wire the practice field 20.

Oregon (7-2) at Washington State (8-1): Ah, women--can't live with 'em, can't beat your teammate without 'em. Wazzu linebacker Ira Davis, upset that teammate Jason David supposedly was making google eyes at his girlfriend, punched the cornerback and left the Cougs without two starters: Davis with an indefinite suspension, David with a broken cheekbone.

Let me remind you of the coaching adage about players and trouble: It's either a whiskey glass or a woman's ... well, you get it. Unless, that is, you're playing at Arkansas. Then it takes 7 1/2 pounds of ganja stashed in your trunk.

Smelling Roses 31, Ducks 21.

Miami (8-0) at Tennessee (5-3): Quarterback Casey Clausen said last month that the Vols would've beaten Georgia by two TDs had he played in the game. Or if receiver Donte Stallworth hadn't left for the NFL. Or if injuries hadn't decimated the defense. Or if Kelley Washington's selfish nature wasn't a virus affecting the entire team.

How I long for the days when the paranoid Vols blamed everything on Spurrier.

(U)Team turmoil 34, 'Canes 23

Ohio State (10-0) at Purdue (4-5): Boilers quarterback Brandon Kirsch admitted last week he broke his hand while fighting at a frat party--not in the Northwestern game. Kirsch says he punched a wall while trying to defend himself. You just know that didn't sit well with coach Joe Tiller. One thing he won't put up with is a quarterback with accuracy problems.

Ohio State 19, Purdon't 17.

(In)significant others: Georgia over Mississippi by what Cocktail hangover? ... Maryland over NC State by first the unbeaten season, now the ACC title is out the window.... ND over Navy by no more green jerseys.... Bowling Green over Northern Illinois by Urban Meyer is going to land a really fat contract from a really big school really soon (pssst, Texas A&M, are you listening?).... Oklahoma over A&M by who needs offense? The Sooners would win with Dino Babers as offensive coordinator.

Last week: 6 right, 4 Bryan Randalls.

Season: 51-29 (.638)