BAMA's OFF-WEEK & PICKS

Well, BAMA is 6-0 and has a mid-season bye week. This is the way it's supposed to be, the way I was brought up to enjoy CRIMSON TIDE Football. We're back where we belong (ahead of schedule), everyone's jealous and hatin', and we have a breather before resuming our rise back to the top of the college football world. The posers and pretenders see the writing on the wall and hear the thunder of the mighty crimson herd rumbling ever closer.

This was stated so eloquently on the GUMP for HEISMAN Blog seen here: http://www.gump4heisman.com/my_weblog/2008/10/the-alabama-football-fans-guide-to-following-the-2008-auburn-tigers.html?cid=134236075#comments

**HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READING!**

(So highly, in fact, that I've added a permanent link over in the right-hand column!)

On a totally un-related note, I am compelled to comment on the sorry state of officiating that has been rampant this season. At first, I thought it was just a conspiracy directed at my beloved Crimson Tide, but as I see more and more games, I realize it is much more than that. Is it incompetence? Is it a visual disability? A failure to properly train the officiating staff on the rules and etiquette of the game? All of the above? Or is it something more sinister...?

I was still agitated about the 'no-calls' on obvious infractions during the Georgia game-- a block in the back AND a tackle of our guys during the Dawgs' return for td, for example -- I couldn't see straight. Then, during the Kentucky game, Julio Jones and the defender are running down-field, jockeying for position. The defender is grabbing Julio's jersey, and then pushes him off! Julio makes a great catch anyway, fights for more yardage, AND IS FLAGGED FOR INTERFERENCE!!! WTF...?!

I was really agitated until I saw the officials helping Missouri against Nebraska later that evening. Then a phantom call gives Michigan another chance to win. I sure hope something is done about this before some coach goes all "Woody Hayes" on a deserving referee...!

Stay tuned....!

Now to this week's picks. Pretty good slate of games on tap, beginning with the Wildcats of Kentucky hosting the South Carolina Gamecocks. Kentucky played tough defense and had a LOT of help from the officials, or ALABAMA would have beaten them by 3 touchdowns last week. (Watch the replays if you don't believe me!)The Cocks finally played like Spurrier intended last week, so this will be a good match-up. Surprisingly, the Wildcats are more talented, maybe too much for the ol' ball coach. KENTUCKY 28, South Carolina 24

Just what the Bulldogs need: GEORGIA 34, tennessee 10

Poor Tony Franklin. He can't take the blame for this one. auburn 17, Arkansas 14

The Bayou Bengals visit the Swamp (which will be a suitable name after two days of rain!) as Florida hosts LSU. The Gators want to prove they're better than they've shown. The Tigas want the same. I think LSU might be a little too strong, and if they get to Tebow a few times this could get out of hand. LSU 38, Florida 28

Nationally, Oklahoma probably holds off Texas, 35-31.

Penn State 28, Wisconson 17

Missouri 38, Oklahoma State 17