They have this motto in baseball that comes around right around this time of year. The slogan is simple: You Can't Script October! Even better: That same motto can be used to describe the beginning of football season. Yesterday, we saw the Detroit Lions break the longest streak in the NFL with their first win in over a year as they defeated the Redskins.

But the fireworks started early for everyone...even the defending National Champions.

#1) Florida Gators (4-0, 2-0 SEC)

• Last Game: W vs. Kentucky 41-7
• Up Next: Idle, @ LSU, vs. Arkansas, @ Mississippi State, vs. Georgia

For those who are turning on the Gators for their actions last weekend, get over it. In all honesty, you didn't hate USC for running up the score last year against Ohio State. You condoned the BCS Decision of placing Oklahoma over Texas in the BCS Championship. To make matters even worse, everyone is calling for Urban Meyer's head for keeping Tim Tebow in the game. The end result was Tebow getting carted off with a concussion. So why not blame Kentucky for being the paid headhunters of LSU, Georgia, Florida State and Alabama?

Tebow has two weeks to shake the cobwebs before they go to Death Valley to face the LSU Tigers in a pivotal Top 10 matchup for possibly the possession of the #1 spot in the Top 25. And if everyone hated Florida so much, why did Florida get 55 first place votes?

#2 Texas Longhorns (4-0, 1-0 Big XII)

• Last Game: W vs. UTEP 64-7
• Up Next: Idle, vs. Colorado, vs. Oklahoma, @ Mizzou, @ Oklahoma State

So the Horns ran up the score on UTEP, a mediocre opponent at best. Colt McCoy played more than 90% of the entire game. But after their domination was brought into question, I guess they decided to take that pain out on the Miners. But hey, they can run up the score and keep their first team offense on the field...as long as McCoy doesn't get hurt.

Yeah right. Texas is no better than Florida in regards to points. We already know that if both of these teams finish undefeated and win their conference championships, they're meeting in Pasadena. So Texas has one more powderpuff team to get through before they face Oklahoma: they got a Big XII "slugfest" against Colorado in two weeks.

#3) Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0, 1-0 SEC)

• Last Game: W vs. Arkansas 35-7
• Up Next: @ Kentucky, @ Ole Miss, vs. South Carolina, vs. Tennessee

So the experts claim that there has not been a better team than Alabama. Doesn't this sound like a broken damn record? They said this same thing about Oklahoma early in the season. The result: Texas beats them badly. They said the same thing about Texas after that. The result: Texas Tech shocked them in Lubbock. They said the same thing about Tech and Alabama heading into the final stretch. The results: Tech gets decimated by Oklahoma and Alabama's puffy schedule bites them in the ass with losses against Florida and Utah.

So here we are again with the same song and dance. The experts claim that Alabama is the team to beat. Wrong answer. But we will find this out in the next few weeks. The Tide won't see Florida unless they meet in the SEC Championship. But that doesn't mean that they're road to Atlanta will be easy. They got a very upset minded team in Kentucky up next, followed by Ole Miss, South Carolina and Tennessee.

#4) LSU Tigers (4-0, 2-0 SEC)

• Last Game: W vs. Mississippi State 30-26
• Up Next: @ Georgia, vs. Florida, Idle, vs. Auburn vs. Tulane

The Tigers survived a visit from Mississippi State last weekend, but it was not easy. And their road to redemption will not be easier. Two years removed from the National Championship, LSU has a pair of slugfests coming up the next two weeks. After a trip to Peach Country for a match with Georgia, they return home to attempt to slay a flu-stricken, tough-tested Florida Gators team with a chance to win the #1 spot from Alabama and Texas.

But once they get it, can they hold off Alabama, who they have at the beginning of November?

#5) Boise State Broncos (4-0, 1-0 WAC)

• Last Game: W vs. Central Michigan 49-14
• Up Next: vs. Cal-Davis, @ Tulsa, @ Hawaii, vs. San Jose State

So Chris Petersen isn't convinced that his team is the fifth best team in the country. Sorry, coach, but everyone else believes that you are deserving of it. So shut up and enjoy it while it lasts.

Boise State has had an interesting two weeks. They had a shootout with Fresno State, but then they turn around and decimate Bowling Green. So how hard is it to be in a bad conference right now? That's the thing that they should be worried about more than their weak conference. After another match with another set of green horns, they got Tulsa, Hawaii and the always unpredictable San Jose State team.

#6) Virginia Tech Hokies (3-1, 1-0 ACC)

• Last Game: W vs. Miami 31-7
• Up Next: @ Duke, vs. Boston College, @ Georgia Tech, vs. North Carolina

Virginia Tech has managed to bounce back in huge fashion. They went from almost out of the ACC Title picture to right into the thick of possibly the BCS Championship Picture. If anyone had any doubts about how good the Hokies are, just ask Miami.

After a defensive battle with Nebraska, they completely dismantled Jacory Harris and the Hurricanes. It seems that Virginia Tech has managed to do what many tried to do: Turn tragedy into triumph. After a huge school shooting rocked them two years ago, the Hokies bounced back and went to a bowl game. After another tragedy hit the school, they have bounced back once again. Is this the start of a dream season for the Hokies?

#7) USC Trojans (3-1, 1-1 Pac-10)

• Last Game: W vs. Washington State 27-6
• Up Next: @ Cal, Idle, @ Notre Dame, vs. Oregon State, @ Oregon

The dynasty of the Trojans is history. There most likely will not be another National Championship in their hallowed halls after this season, but they might make it to a bowl game. But their road to redemption just met its most dangerous bumps in the form of a motivated Pac-10 Conference.

With a trip to Cal on the horizon, the Trojans have a bye week afterwards. But they face a trifecta of familiar foes in Notre Dame, Oregon State and the resurrected Oregon Ducks. With their team already suffering severe injuries, are the Trojans just setting themselves up for a serious downfall at season's end? And with the Pac-10 Championship hanging in the balance, will the Trojans step up or step off?

#8) Oklahoma Sooners (2-1, 0-0 Big XII)

• Last Game: W vs. Tulsa 45-0
• Up Next: @ Miami (FL), vs. Baylor, @ Texas, @ Kansas

The Sooners had last weekend off, which is good news for them. Sam Bradford is close to being ready to return to the team after missing the past month with that shoulder injury. Now with one of their best receivers on the shelf for the season, things are not looking good for the Big XII Champions.

Oklahoma has a date with the beaches as they travel to South Florida to take on the Canes, who are coming off a beatdown from Virginia Tech. Following the ACC collision course, they have a set of Big XII Showdowns with Baylor, Texas and Kansas. For Bob Stoops, it's all about their quarterback. But he truly hopes that it's his Heisman Trophy winner that faces Colt McCoy and the Longhorns.

#9) Ohio State Buckeyes (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten)

• Last Game: W vs. Illinois 30-0
• Up Next: @ Indiana, vs. Wisconsin, @ Purdue, vs. Minnesota

The Buckeyes bounced back from the Shocker in the Shoe with a shutout victory against the Not-So-Fighting Illini. Now they continue their road to another Big Ten Championship as they face the unknown and red hot Hoosiers (who now have a football team on top of a basketball team). 

After a home battle with Wisconsin, they have a set of games against unproven opponents in Purdue and Minnesota before their battle two weeks after against Penn State. Has Ohio State finally realized that they do have something to prove to the entire country and no just the Big Ten Conference?

#10) Cincinnati Bearcats (4-0, 1-0 Big East)

• Last Game: W vs. Fresno State 28-20
• Up Next: @ Miami (OH), Idle, @ South Florida, vs. Louisville, @ Syracuse

Remember when the Big East used to be intimidating? That was when the Hurricanes were still a part of the conference. Following the departure of the team to the ACC, every team in the conference has been looking for their identity and their rightful spot at the top of the Big East. Cincinnati happens to occupy that spot at this moment.

But things can change in an instant as proven last week in Tallahassee. The Bearcats have the Redhawks this weekend before having a few days to prepare for the upset minded South Florida Bulls, the below average Louisville Cardinals and identity-crisis having Syracuse Orange. Is this another magical run for the Bearcats, or is there a new sheriff in town?

 The Rest of the Top 25

#11) TCU Horned Frogs

• A nail biter against Clemson could spell trouble for MWC favorite

#12) Houston Cougars

• Are these Cougars this year's Boise State and Utah? Looks like it

#13) Iowa Hawkeyes

• They shocked last year's Big Ten Champs! Yeah, they're that good right now.

#14) Oklahoma State Cowboys

• Sure, you can beat the SWAC...but can you beat the Aggies in their backyard?

#15) Penn State Nittany Lions

• WE ARE...IN SHOCK! And they should be after that Iowa game.

#16) Oregon Ducks

• Quack Attack is back in the Pac-10 Championship talk with blowout over Cal.

#17) Miami (FL) Hurricanes

• The Canes lost a to Virginia Tech, damaging their title chances in the process

#18) Kansas Jayhawks

• One of the best teams in the Big XII not talked about in the circles.

#19) Georgia Bulldogs

• Beat LSU and increase your chances of beating Florida and claiming the SEC

#20) BYU Cougars

• You can't beat Colorado State for the next few weeks. Step it up Brigham Young.

#21) Mississippi Rebels

• Don't hang your heads...you're still better than South Carolina

#22) Michigan Wolverines

• Practice makes perfect...but extra practice makes champions.

#23) Nebraska Cornhuskers

• Enjoy the bye week...because Mizzou is coming up next!

#24) Cal Golden Bears

• Hopefully the right Cal team will show up when the Trojans come to town

#25) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

• A chance for bragging rights comes in the form of Mississippi State and Florida State

Top 25 Conference Roundup

• ACC: 3 (Virginia Tech, Miami, Georgia Tech)
• Big East/Conference USA: 2 (Cincinnati, Houston)
• Big XII: 5 (Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Nebraska)
• Big Ten: 4 (Ohio State, Iowa, Penn State, Michigan)
• Mountain West/WAC: 3 (Boise State, TCU, BYU)
• Pac-10: 3 (USC, Oregon, Cal)
• SEC: 5 (Florida, Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Mississippi)

If you think the NL Wild Card is a hot cup of spicy, you haven't seen anything yet. It's become clear that the NL West has the hottest competition in baseball with the Dodgers, Rockies and Giants all vying for the division and the Rockies and Giants vying for the NL Wild Card Spot. But the fight goes further than the National League West Division.

The fight is bigger than the Wild Card...there is a power struggle going on at the top as well.

NL East

Philadelphia Phillies (87-61)

The Philadelphia Phillies are the defending World Champions. They are on the verge of winning the NL East...again. They are on the verge of heading to postseason play...again. But looking at the last two years for the Phillies...what a difference that a year makes. The Phillies were picked to win the NL Pennant two years ago. That is until they met up with an underdog Colorado team that had to fight one last time to reach the postseason. One year later, they shocked the young upstart Tampa Bay Rays and win the Series. Now they will have a slugfest with either Colorado, St. Louis or LA in the postseason.

NL Central

St. Louis Cardinals (87-63)

This section is a great one for me. It's not just because they are winning the division. It's because it's been a good while since the Cardinals have had a legitimate shot at the World Series Championship. The Cards have had some off and on moments this season. In September alone, they have had a tendency to split series after series. But since the arrivals of Julio Lugo, Mark DeRosa and Matt Holliday, the Cardinals are looking like the ultimate team to beat in October. Let's not forget that they have one of the best pitching crews in the Majors, and they will be looking to prove that in October.

NL West

Los Angeles Dodgers (90-60)

Before Manny's return, the Dodgers were the toughest team in baseball. When Manny returned, things took a turn for the best...and worst. The Dodgers thought they had the NL West Pennant won...they were wrong. They thought they were the best team in the National League...they were wrong. If they could play the Giants for the last few weeks of the season, they might survive the onslaught from the surging Rockies.

According to FoxSports.com, the Dodgers are still the top dog among the National League's best, followed by the Phillies, Cardinals, Rockies and Giants. In my opinion, those guys need a drug test, because the Dodgers are only on top because they played the hurting Giants. Here's a thought: Why don't those yahoos over at FoxSports.com take a walk through the real sports sites and see what the fans think.

Who likes a neck and neck race? We all do! And that's why this year's wild card race is most likely one of the best ones yet. With the Wild Cards still up in the air, it's time for all of us to take some time and see who will outlast the other and clinch a spot in the Fall Classic.

With that, here is the rundown of who is still fighting for their spot in the postseason.

American League

Boston Red Sox (89-59)

• Games Ahead of Second Place WC Team: 8
• On Deck: @ Kansas City (4), @ NY Yankees (3), vs. Toronto (3), vs. Cleveland (4)

The Red Sox fight to the finish every single season. Now they are fighting for their postseason lives as they try to stave off the surging of the Texas Rangers. At this point, the BoSox have done all but secure the final spot in this year's postseason for the American League. But their fight is far from over as they have a few pivotal series coming up to finish off the season. They have a four-game series with the Kansas City Royals starting tonight. That's followed by the final trifecta of series of the season with the Indians, Blue Jays and hated rival Yankees.

Texas Rangers (81-67)

• Games Back: 8
• On Deck: @ Oakland (4), vs. Tampa Bay (3), @ LAA Angels (4), @ Seattle (3)

The Texas Rangers are either playing for pride or playing for postseason. Either way, if they want a shot at the postseason, they better start now. They start their quest to catch up with Boston when they travel to the Bay for a four-game stint against the A's. The Rangers have been fighting hard, but to catch up with Boston, they will have to sweep the A's and Rays and hope the AL East plays spoiler to the Boston Red Sox.

National League

Colorado Rockies (85-65)

• Games Ahead of Second Place WC Team: 4 1/2
• On Deck: vs. San Diego (3), vs. St. Louis (3), vs. Milwaukee (3), @ LA Dodgers (3)

Who has been better than the Colorado Rockies during September? Not many teams, and that's fine with the Rockies. Not since their infamous "Rocktober" season finale has the Rockies been more in the spotlight. They managed to get a huge monkey off their back by defeating the Giants in San Francisco, something the team has been unable to do this season. Now they return home for a trifecta of must win series to pad their Wild Card lead as they host the Padres, Cardinals and Brewers before polishing off the season at LA against the Dodgers. Oh, and did I mention that they are also fighting for the NL West Division as well?

San Francisco Giants (80-69)

• Games Back: 4 1/2
• On Deck: @ Arizona (3), vs. Chicago Cubs (4), vs. Arizona (3), vs. San Diego (3)

The Giants have relied on the arm and pitching style of Tim Lincecum to keep in tow with the Rockies. In their final matchup with the Rox, they took two of three from the Wild Card Leader. But now, they have arguably the easiest road to a possible one-game playoff with Colorado. They have four games against the Cubs, three against the Padres and a home and home with the Diamondbacks. But it will be up to the bats of the Giants if they want to win a spot in the National League Postseason.

Florida Marlins (80-70)

• Games Back: 5
• On Deck: vs. Philadelphia (3), vs. NY Mets (3), @ Atlanta (3), @ Philadelphia (3)

The Marlins may not make it to the postseason, but they will love to play spoiler to several teams in the final stretch. Florida is only five games back and still has a breathable chance to win out and overtake San Francisco. They have the Mets and Braves for a three game set, but they start their march for October with a home and home series with the NL East leading Phillies, including a doubleheader tomorrow.

Any way you script it, one thing remains the same: YOU CAN'T SCRIPT OCTOBER!!

#1) Florida Gators (3-0, 1-0 SEC)

• Last Game: W vs. Tennessee 23-13

• Up Next: @ Kentucky, @ LSU, @ Arkansas, @ Mississippi State

The Gators are going to be pressured for the remainder of the season. Considering that they are the #1 team in the country and the pick to win it all again this year. Despite not putting up a lopsided score against the Volunteers, coach Urban Meyer as well as his players are happy with getting the victory. Now that they have survived the first stretch of their homestand, the Gators now hit the road to lock up with Kentucky and LSU before returning home to face upset minded Arkansas and hitting the road to face an old friend in Starkville.

#2) Texas Longhorns (3-0, 1-0 Big XII)

• Last Game: W vs. Texas Tech 34-24

• Up Next: vs. UTEP, vs. Colorado, vs. Oklahoma, vs. Missouri

The Horns got a measure of revenge from the Red Raiders last weekend when they outlasted the offense with a 10-point victory. Now they prepare for arguably the toughest stretch of their season as they face a team playing for pride and respect, a team playing for the right to become top dog in the Big XII and a sleeper team that wakes up at the right time.

#3) Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0, 0-0 SEC)

• Last Game: W vs. North Texas 53-7

• Up Next: vs. Arkansas, @ Kentucky, @ Mississippi, vs. South Carolina

The Crimson Tide demolished the Mean Green and made it clear that they are out for revenge after last season's double shot of reality from the BCS. They open up SEC play this weekend with a visit from an old rival followed by a pair of BCS Buster-type games as they play the Wildcats and the upset-minded Rebels on the road before returning home to face The Ol' Ball Coach and South Carolina.

#4) Mississippi Rebels (2-0, 0-0 SEC)

• Last Game: W vs. SE Louisiana 52-6

• Up Next: @ South Carolina, @ Vanderbilt, vs. Alabama, vs. UAB

There has not been a tougher sleeper team so far than Ole Miss. They have managed to capitalize on every situation this season and look to make enough noise to clinch a shot at a BCS Bowl. But now that the warm up rounds are done, it's time for the Rebels to show what they're made of now that they're in the top five of the polls. It starts with a pair of road trips to South Carolina and Vanderbilt before returning home to face Alabama, UAB and Arkansas.

#5) Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0, 0-0 Big Ten)

• Last Game: W vs. Temple 31-6

• Up Next: vs. Iowa, @ Illinois, vs. Eastern Illinois, vs. Minnesota

The Lions are out to prove that they deserve to be the Big Ten Champions. Led by a dangerous quarterback and with their coach back on the sidelines, Penn State has demolished competitions left and right. Now they start Big Ten play to raise their stock a little more as they host Iowa and travel to Illinois. After a brief break from Big Ten play with a match against Eastern Illinois, they face Minnesota.

#6) Cal Golden Bears (3-0, 0-0 Pac-10)

• Last Game: W vs. Minnesota 35-21

• Up Next: @ Oregon, vs. USC, @ UCLA, vs. Washington State

The Golden Bears continue to ride this wave of success. Led by Jahvid Best, and with USC out of the hunt for the moment, Cal looks to continue that success as they open up Pac-10 play at Eugene against the Ducks. After that, they return to Berkley to face the USC Trojans before battling UCLA and Washington State. Wins over Oregon and Southern Cal should give them enough hype to go to earn a Rose Bowl berth.

#7) LSU Tigers (3-0, 1-0 SEC)

• Last Game: W vs. LA-Lafayette 31-3

• Up Next: @ Mississippi State, @ Georgia, vs. Florida, vs. Auburn

The Tigers have flown under the radar all season long, but that doesn't mean that they haven't been better than advertised. After a trifecta of cakewalks, the Tigers now have the chance to prove that they are the team to beat in the SEC and not the guys from Gainesville. It starts this weekend with a road trip to face Mississippi State and Georgia before returning home to face Florida and Auburn.

#8) Boise State Broncos (3-0, 1-0 WAC)

• Last Game: W vs. Fresno State 51-34
• Up Next: @ Bowling Green, vs. Cal-Davis, @ Tulsa, @ Hawaii

The Broncos gave us all some must see TV this past weekend with a shootout against Fresno State. But the Broncos did have a slight scare in that game, so it is clear that vulnerability does exist in their team. The Broncos have a trifecta of non-conference opponents coming up before traveling to Bounty Hunter country to face the Warriors.

#9) Miami Hurricanes (2-0, 2-0 ACC)

• Last Game: W vs. Georgia Tech 33-17
• Up Next: @ Virginia Tech, vs. Oklahoma, vs. Florida A&M, @ Central Florida

The Hurricanes have proven that toughness does exist in the ACC. After a pair of wins over teams they have had problems with in the past, the Canes look to continue their fight to the ACC Championship with two huge games on tap. First is a trip to Virginia Tech, and following that is a date with the Sooners in South Florida.

#10) Oklahoma Sooners (2-1, 0-0 Big XII)

• Last Game: W vs. Tulsa 45-0
• Up Next: @ Miami (FL), vs. Baylor, @ Texas, @ Kansas

The Sooners lost their opener and their quarterback in the process. Now they have managed to bounce back at the right time. With Bradford out, it's up to a couple of unproven quarterbacks to lead the charge. After a slugfest in South Florida against the Hurricanes, they start conference play as they host Baylor before hitting the road for a showdown with Texas and Kansas, both who are coming off huge wins of their own and are currently undefeated.

#11) Virginia Tech Hokies (2-1, 0-0 ACC)

• Last Game: W vs. Nebraska 16-15
• Up Next: vs. Miami (FL), @ Duke, vs. Boston College, @ Georgia Tech

#12) USC Trojans (2-1, 0-1 Pac-10)

• Last Game: L vs. Washington 16-13
• Up Next: vs. Washington State, @ Cal, @ Notre Dame, vs. Oregon State

#13) Ohio State Buckeyes (2-1, 0-0 Big Ten)

• Last Game: W vs. Toledo 38-0
• Up Next: vs. Illinois, @ Indiana, vs. Wisconsin, @ Purdue

#14) Cincinnati Bearcats (3-0, 1-0 Big East)

• Last Game: W vs. Oregon State 28-18
• Up Next: vs. Fresno State, @ Miami (OH), @ South Florida, vs. Louisville

#15) TCU Horned Frogs (2-0, 0-0 Mountain West)

• Last Game: W vs. Texas State 56-21
• Up Next: @ Clemson, vs. SMU, @ Air Force, vs. Colorado State

#16) Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-1, 0-0 Big XII)

• Last Game: W vs. Rice 41-24
• Up Next: vs. Grambling, @ Texas A&M, vs. Mizzou, @ Baylor

#17) Houston Cougars (2-0, 0-0 Conference USA)

• Last Game: W vs. Oklahoma State 45-35
• Up Next: vs. Texas Tech, @ UTEP, @ Mississippi State, @ Tulane

#18) Florida State Seminoles (2-1, 0-1 ACC)

• Last Game: W vs. BYU 54-28
• Up Next: vs. South Florida, @ Boston College, vs. Georgia Tech, @ North Carolina

#19) BYU Cougars (2-1, 0-0 Mountain West)

• Last Game: L vs. Florida State 54-28
• Up Next: vs. Colorado State, vs. Utah State, @ UNLV, @ San Diego State

#20) Kansas Jayhawks (3-0, 0-0 Big XII)

• Last Game: W vs. Duke 44-16
• Up Next: vs. Southern Miss, vs. Iowa State, @ Colorado, vs. Oklahoma

#21) Georgia Bulldogs (2-1, 2-0 SEC)

• Last Game: W vs. Arkansas 52-41
• Up Next: vs. Arizona State, vs. LSU, @ Tennessee, @ Vanderbilt

#22) North Carolina Tar Heels (3-0, 0-0 ACC)

• Last Game: W vs. East Carolina 31-17
• Up Next: @ Georgia Tech, vs. Virginia, vs. Georgia Southern, vs. Florida State

#23) Michigan Wolverines (3-0, 0-0 Big Ten)

• Last Game: W vs. Eastern Michigan 45-17
• Up Next: vs. Indiana, @ Michigan State, @ Iowa, vs. Delaware State

#24) Washington Huskies (2-1, 1-0 Pac-10)

• Last Game: W vs. USC 16-13
• Up Next: @ Stanford, @ Notre Dame, vs. Arizona, @ Arizona State

#25) Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-1, 0-0 Big XII)

• Last Game: L vs. Virginia Tech 16-15
• Up Next: vs. LA-Lafayette, @ Mizzou, vs. Texas Tech, vs. Iowa State

Since the arrival of the Budweiser Events Center, Northern Colorado has become the epitome of hockey in the Centennial State. And now, for the second time ever, the place that has been nicknamed "The Keg" will host another NHL Preseason Game.

But this time, it will be something bigger for the hometown crowd.

This Wednesday night, September 23rd, the Tampa Bay Lightning, alongside their newest CHL affiliates will usher in hockey in NoCo as they host the Phoenix Coyotes and legendary NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky. But the meaning behind this game is bigger for the Lightning. Earlier this year, Tampa Bay announced that the Colorado Eagles have become their CHL affiliate. 

Not to be outdone, the Eagles have decided to introduce the Lightning to Old Time Hockey.

The Eagles will not be in action until October 9th when they open their season with a preseason showdown with former President's Cup Champions and Coyotes affiliate Arizona. They then open up the regular season against the defending Cup Champion Texas in a rematch of last year's President's Cup Finals.

Though this game will not be televised on National Television, it will be televised on local Tampa stations as well as the Altitude Network in Colorado. Either way, it will be one of the biggest moments in history for not just the Lightning or the Eagles, but for the Budweiser Events Center and the loyal fans of the Colorado Eagles.

The fans haven't had a NHL game in their house since the Colorado Avalanche played the Florida Panthers in the Eagles' first season. So far, "The Keg" has been the only arena in Colorado that has hosted two NHL games without having an actual NHL team. And on Wednesday night, the Cowbells and the fans take center stage as the Colorado Eagles host a NHL preseason showdown between Wayne Gretzky's Phoenix Coyotes and their newest partners on ice, the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Puck drops at 6 P.M. Mountain Time.

There is something about football season that makes the best and the worst out of the team and its fans. This past weekend, I asked the question, "How do you take your upsets?" For some teams, they were able to avoid the upset, but there were certain teams that wouldn't be able to answer the question about what happened to them.

So how did your favorite fare on Upset Weekend?

Boise State survives onslaught, then turns up heat vs. Fresno State

I said that Boise State should be on a high upset alert against the Bulldogs. This is the same Fresno State team that took Wisconsin to the limit the week before. This past Friday night, Boise got themselves a taste of that limit when they waited until the fourth quarter to start playing like they wanted the win. In the end, the Broncos survived their trip to Fresno State and improved their stock in the Top 25 a bit.

But either way, Boise State killed off any upset thoughts with a 51-34 shootout win.

The Role of Oregon State will be played by...Washington???

The above is not a typo, though everyone in LA wishes it was. With Matt Barkley out with a sore shoulder, the Trojans received another ounce of bad news last weekend. Washington nailed a last second field goal to shock the former #3 team in the country 16-13 to get arguably their biggest win of the year.

In all honesty, this is something that USC should have prepared for. Last year, the Trojans traveled to Oregon State and lost a close one to the Beavers 27-21 on September 25th. Someone asked me if the dynasty known as USC was over. I can answer that now and say that the "dynasty" was done the moment everyone forgot about the Big XII and the SEC.

Big Ten Fires Back After Dismal Week Two

After a week they would like to forget, the Big Ten Conference apparently sent out a memo to everyone who wrote them off. They bounced back with a series of wins this past weekend. Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan all represented the ranked portion of the conference with victories.

The Buckeyes bounced back from their dismal performance against USC to shut out Toledo 38-0. The Nittany Lions decimated Temple 31-6, and the Wolverines continued to use that extra practice to their advantage with a 45-17 demolition derby of Eastern Michigan. However, it was the unranked portion that made some serious noise as Wisconsin (44-14 over Wofford), Iowa (27-17 over Arizona) and Indiana (38-21 over Akron) delivered some noise for the Big Ten as well.

Guess What? The ACC has got a fever!

And the only prescription for them is more victories and louder cowbells! The ACC delivered fireworks right out of the gate on opening weekend with a shootout between Miami and Florida State. Two weeks later, they continue to make noise as they won almost every game they played last weekend.

Miami started it with a much needed victory over Georgia Tech, considering they have had some issues with Tech over the years. Virginia Tech survived a defensive slugfest against Nebraska, and Florida State may have earned their spot in the Top 25 with a shocker in Utah as they decimated the #7 BYU Cougars (who defeated Oklahoma) 54-28.

Even I am shocked at the way the ACC has played this weekend. I won't say that they're back in the saddle...yet. But they're pretty close.

Karma comes full circle for Texas Tech, Tennessee

Last year, the Red Raiders shocked Colt McCoy and Texas in Lubbock with a last second touchdown to Michael Crabtree. This past weekend, Colt got his redemption in Austin. The Longhorns scored early and often to defeat Texas Tech 34-24 to remain atop the Big XII South.

Even before the season started, Lane Kiffin called out every team in the SEC, mainly the Florida Gators. He all but guaranteed victory over the defending National Champions, and added fuel to it by throwing out recruitment accusations towards Urban Meyer. But on Saturday, the toughness of the Gators was too much for Kiffin's Volunteers.

Tim Tebow used his arm and his legs, and the defense did more than their fair share as they defeated Tennessee 23-13. At this moment, things are looking good for Florida as they will have Kentucky up next, followed by their annual showdown with LSU, this time at Death Valley.

The Rest of the Top 25

• #4 Alabama 53, North Texas 7
• #5 Ole Miss 52, SE Louisiana 6
• #8 Cal 35, Minnesota 21
• #9 LSU 31, LA-Lafayette 3
• #12 Oklahoma 45, Tulsa 0
• #15 TCU 56, Texas State-San Marcos 21
• #16 Oklahoma State 41, Rice 24
• #17 Cincinnati 28, Oregon State 18
• Oregon 31, #18 Utah 24
• #22 Kansas 44, Duke 16
• #23 Georgia 52, Arkansas 41
• #24 North Carolina 31, East Carolina 17

Conference Round Up

• ACC: 7-5
• Big XII: 8-4
• Big Ten: 6-4
• Pac-10: 6-3
• SEC: 9-3

See you next week!!

Tomorrow night will be a dark day in Lane Kiffin's career. He failed in pro football with the Raiders. He failed in his first impression during his initial interview as head coach of the Vols. To top it all off, he failed as an intimidator in regards to the Florida Gators Football Program.

This weekend, the Sports Gods have a gift for Kiffin: Sports Karma.

As a Gators fan, I have been waiting for this game all season. Besides LSU, Georgia and Florida State, this is the biggest game for Florida. The Gators have been looking forward to the showdown between them and Tennessee. Not just because they are going for their fifth win in a row. Not just because they are aiming to be the first team since USC to win back to back National Championships.

It is because they want to do everyone in college football a huge solid: Give Kiffin a nice big cup of "SHUT THE HELL UP!"

Despite the fact that Urban Meyer has a huge amount of respect for Monte Kiffin, he has shown nothing but resentment for Lane. It's not because Lane is stepping into a world that he knows nothing about. It's because in his first press conference, he practically guaranteed victory over Florida this season.  It's also because he accused Meyer of recruitment violation.

Unfortunately for Kiffin, both Florida and the NCAA confirmed that no violations occurred.

Now it's time for Kiffin to put up or shut up. But after the way his team played against UCLA last week, it's clear that shutting up will be the only option Lane will have when it's all said and done. He lost that game, and it was his lousy play calling that led to the downfall of the Volunteers. Now he has to trot into 'Da Swamp' and try to defeat the mighty Gators.

Even worse for Kiffin, he has to do it with an unproven football team.

So how bad will the score be tomorrow night?

Consider this: The Gators have one of the toughest defenses in the country and one of the Top 10 offenses in the country (#1 in the Country). Where do the Volunteers rank? Consider them in the same rank as that team in the WAC Conference basement.

In all honesty, I would think that writing this would be a waste of time. But after the afternoon I have had so far, I feel that it is necessary to vent my frustration. What better schmuck for that role than a guy that nobody in college football likes.

In any event, I expect Florida to not only cover the spread but also demolish it in the process. Expect a fuming Tim Tebow to unleash his thirst for vengeance on an dominated defense. And expect John Brantley to step up and pick up where Tebow left off. Expect the defense to treat the Volunteers like they just left San Quentin and provoked every prisoner on the way out.

And expect Lane Kiffin to end up singing 'Rocky Top' in a tutu all by himself.

So it's obvious who I'm picking to win this. Good thing I don't live in Florida anymore. The reason: Because humility is like priorities...Overrated. And after Florida destroys Tennessee, I would love to rub it in Kiffin's face for the next 12 months.

So with that said...here is my Final Score for the game:

Florida 63, Tennessee 10

Lane Kiffin, I only have one thing to say about your weekend: SORRY ABOUT YOUR DAMN LUCK!

After last week's big shockers, it's clear to say that the Big XII Conference is not as strong as advertised. One can even say that they are...extremely and highly overrated. But it's with good reason. The Sooners lost to BYU on opening weekend, and the Cowboys of OK State got crushed by Houston last week.

In all honesty, Kansas looks a little more dangerous than Texas at the moment, seeing as how Texas waited until halftime to realize that they were playing for more than just a win. But in all the madness, there's still a football season to play. So let's get to it.

#14 Georgia Tech vs. #20 Miami

The insanity that is college football season continues tomorrow night as the tenacious Yellow Jackets travel to South Florida. But they're not just going there to work on their tan...they're going to aim for a big upset win over the Hurricanes, who were coming off their biggest win of the season two weeks ago in Tallahassee.

For the Canes, they shocked the world when they handed Bobby Bowden his first loss in a home opener in his career. They look to continue that anarchy this weekend when they welcome Tech to town tomorrow night.

With the ACC Coastal lead on the line, who will stand alone when the smoke clears on Thursday night?

UPSET ALERT!!!!

#10 Boise State vs. Fresno State

The Boise State Broncos are not as unstoppable as many think. They can be defeated just as easily as Texas, Oklahoma, Florida and Alabama. In fact, if there was a time for Boise State to be a little on edge about a game, this would be the one.

Forget about the punch that ended their opener against Oregon. But don’t forget that Fresno State almost defeated Big Ten slugger Wisconsin in Madison last weekend. To make it even more interesting, all the experts are picking the Broncos to finish undefeated this season…that will not happen.

And you can quote me on that.

Fresno State has the tools to defeat Boise State. But they have to remember to finish what they started, because that’s how they lost to Wisconsin.

The Buckeyes lost a heartbreaker to the Trojans last weekend due to Terrelle Pryor’s lack of consistency on the final drive of the game. Now he and the Buckeyes have a slacker game coming up against Toledo. But unfortunately, this slacker game’s stock went up after the population of Toledo (the entire football team) decimated Big XII snoozer Colorado.

I’m not saying that Toledo will defeat Ohio State. But they will give them a fight. The Big Ten is now considered a weak division due in large part to their lackluster performance to open the season.

So can Toledo defeat Ohio State? Well…anything can happen on any given Saturday.

35-30. That was the final score of last season’s defensive slugfest between the Huskers and Hokies. With the ACC and Big XII looking to regain their respect back, these two former powerhouses look to notch another victory under their belts.

Zac Lee is out to prove that there is more than one Zac to look at in the Big XII Conference. After a pair of warm-up games to start the season, Nebraska finally enters the spotlight in regards to the Big XII. After getting flat out served against Alabama in the opener, Virginia Tech is looking to continue to regain their confidence.

If last year’s game was any indication, this should be a fight to the finish. Tech racked up over 600 yards against Marshall, and Nebraska has a quarterback that continues to improve over time. Something’s got to give this weekend. The question is who will deliver the final blow in Hokieville?

Last season, Colt McCoy watched as Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree stunned his Longhorns on the last play to hand Texas its only loss of the season. Now Harrell and Crabtree are gone to bigger and better things, which leaves the Red Raiders wondering if they can do that feat again.

Unfortunately for Tech, Texas just realized that it’s football season.

After a sluggish start against Wyoming last weekend, Texas played the smash mouth football they are used to playing. Are the Raiders eyeing another upset, this time in Austin? Or has Texas learned enough from last year’s shocker to pull off the big victory when it counts. I would expect a slugfest between these two, but don’t be surprised if this thing is over on the last play again or by the end of the third quarter.

The Georgia Bulldogs lost Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno to the NFL. They then lost a bad one to Oklahoma State in the season opener. They bounced back against South Carolina in one of the best games of the weekend.

And then, there’s the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Practically flying under the SEC radar so far this season, Arkansas gets into the spotlight with Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett. The Hogs look to improve on their 5-7 finish from last year. And the way they are playing this season, it’s hard not to believe that the Hogs won’t give Georgia a fight.

The SEC is already touted as the conference to beat this season. Now two of its former powerhouses look to regain that powerhouse status against…well, each other.

The BYU Cougars are making a ton of noise this season. The Cougars are neck and neck with the Utah Utes for the Mountain West crown and the at-large bid for the BCS. After shocking the world by briefly eliminating Oklahoma and injuring Sam Bradford, they now have another college powerhouse (as well as legend) in their path to perfection.

Florida State has been fuming over the last few weeks. Bobby Bowden suffered his first season opening home loss when Miami defeated his ‘Noles to start the season. Following the shocker, the Seminoles are eyeing to keep up with the ACC’s finest. But before that, they have to become the immovable obstacle on BYU’s road to immortality.

For those loyal ACC Fans who want to be the first to do something big, look no further than this game.

Florida State has a chance to derail Brigham Young and the Mountain West as well. So far, the Mountain West Conference holds wins over the SEC and Big XII Conferences. Anyone who knows me knows I am not one to cheer for the underdog, but when it comes to this game and what it means for both teams, I would be one to cheer for Florida State.

Cincinnati is the only team in the Big East Conference that actually matters at this moment. The Bearcats shocked everyone back in January when they decimated Virginia Tech in the FedEx Orange Bowl. From there, they just continued to run through opponents like I run through ribs. But now, they may have met their match as they travel out of their comfort zone and travel to the Pacific Coast.

Oregon State has been dubbed “The Achilles Heel of the Pac-10.” Every year, the Beavers have been the thorn in the side of the Trojans’ quest for another National Championship and sometimes the Pac-10 Championship. So it is fitting that there are those among us who believe that Oregon State could defeat Cincinnati.

Am I one of those? What do you think?

Game of the Week

Tennessee vs. #1 Florida

Everyone has been waiting for someone to punch Lane Kiffin straight in the mouth. He has continued to stir up controversy within the SEC in hopes to knock LSU, Georgia, Alabama and defending SEC Champion Florida off their gameplan. So far, it hasn’t worked out to his advantage.

And it’s bound to get worse for him this Saturday night.

Kiffin managed to provoke every member of the Florida Gators program, including Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. Tebow finds it disdain and distasteful that Kiffin would call out the biggest dog in the yard before he’s even off the porch.

Considering that Tennessee just lost UCLA in their own backyard the week before, how can Kiffin continue to run his mouth about any team from the SEC? Due to poor offense, bad defense and atrocious coaching calls, Tennessee lost that game. Now they actually think they can defeat the defending National Champions in “Da Swamp?”

There is this such thing as Sports Karma…and this weekend, Kiffin will not only see it head on, he will also have to sing “Rocky Top” in his bathroom shower like Kanye.

The Rest of The Weekend

• #8 Cal vs. Minnesota
• Duke vs. #22 Kansas
• Eastern Michigan vs. #25 Michigan
• East Carolina vs. #24 North Carolina
• Temple vs. #5 Penn State
• North Texas vs. #4 Alabama
• Tulsa vs. #12 Oklahoma
• #18 Utah vs. Oregon
• #3 USC vs. Washington
• Louisiana-Lafayette vs. #9 LSU
• Rice vs. #16 Oklahoma State
• SE LA vs. #5 Ole Miss
• Texas State vs. #15 TCU

After hearing about Kanye's Rant at the VMA's, I automatically thought of Roger Federer and Serena Williams and their F-Bomb Infused Tirades at the US Open over the weekend.

Following that, a few of my friends were joking about what Mr. "I Am Jesus" would do next. I now have that information courtesy of The Humor Mill. It is just a rumor, though it is a funny one, but Kanye West is expected to perform the same tirade at this year's BCS Championship Game, which experts are expecting Florida and Texas to finally collide.

I managed to grab a recording of Kanye practicing his latest tirade in the shower.

"I don't mean to rain on your thunder, Tim (Tebow) and Colt (McCoy), but Sam Bradford is the best college quarterback in the world! And contrary to what people think, I am Superman, not Tebow. Not Eminem. I AM! And will someone please tell me what the Fishsticks joke actually means? Anyway, I am the greatest rapper alive! I survived gunshots and over 100 years of being a Cubs Fan.

"Why is everyone cheering for Taylor Swift? I didn't produce her VMA-winning video dammit! What does Jay-Z have that I don't? He's got Beyonce for a wife, and Rihanna as a former mistress! He can trash talk Chris Brown and get away with it, but when I do it, everyone says that I am just begging for attention. I can be like R. Kelly and make a sex tape! I can be like Matt Leinart and do Girls Gone Wild! I am Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift rolled up in one! I...AM...KANYE!!!"

I had to bolt out of the shower because I heard the soap drop. That and the posters of Rihanna with his picture put in place of Chris Brown were starting to freak me out. After hearing his "passionate" speech, I had to wonder what world does Kanye live in that makes him think that he can just be T.O. or Chad Ochocinco?

If Kanye was in the WWE or TNA, then his rant would be the equivalent of those from Randy Orton who also believes that the world revolves around him. But for Orton, it's just an act. For Kanye, it's a way of life for him. He loses his cool in public when he's not getting his way. He's a child with a lot of money and nothing to do with it. He reminds me of Richie Rich, only without the dog with dollar signs all over his body.

But then again, he expects us all to chant, "Jesus Walks" when he enters the late night club to find his next project or moment in the spotlight. He intends to make the world remember who he is...at any cost. He calls himself a genius and the most talented person in the world. Yet, he can't get the simplest of jokes. He's expected to go ballistic on the likes of Stephen Colbert, Beyonce (for not backing him up when she accepted her award) and anyone who decides to make a mockery of his greatness...including me.

But anyone who knows me knows that I've looked Death straight in the eye, smiled at him and said "You wanna drink, or you wanna fight?"

My suggestion to all the sports nuts out there: Tune into the World Series, the Super Bowl, the BCS Championship, March Madness, WrestleMania, the Stanley Cup Finals and the NBA Finals...because you never know where Misterrrrrrrr Kanye....KANYE will show up next to hog the spotlight from someone more deserving of it.