Week 4 2014 College Football Forecast and Predictioons

There were some rather surprising upsets of sorts last week. The Hokies, who embarrassed the vaunted Buckeyes, fell to the Pirates of ECU and perhaps even more surprising, the Trojans fell to the BC. The "big game" of the week saw Spurrier's bunch edge the Bulldogs which may or may not be considered an upset.

Which conference is the "best" right now? Conventional wisdom would point to the SEC but it is still a bit early to say certain. Possibly the PAC12 is a distant second although again, it is too early to tell. It must be admitted that this "analyst" is now having some second thoughts about the real strength of the premier West Coast conference. Just too many question marks have arisen so far in this young season. Is UCLA really that good? Will Peterson turn things around in Washington? What about USC (and Stanford for that matter)? About the only thing we know certain is that Oregon is the team to beat and perhaps the only one in conference with a shot of playing in the big game at the end in the newfangled college "playoff" system.

Over in the Big XII Oklahoma looks to be the real deal and Baylor has had little more than official scrimmages at this point. Lot of football left to be played.

The Bartender Cabbie system was 9-1 for week three with a total thus far of 25-5. That being said, on to the predictions for week 4.

1. Auburn vs KSU: The big game of the week on a Thursday night? Appears to be so. Auburn is a good football team and is a serious contender for the SEC title and all the marbles. KSU should make some noise in the BIG XII but likely will not challenge for conference crown. Go with Auburn here.

2. Tulane vs Duke: Most years this would be a good one between two top notch private schools who just don't do much on the gridiron. Once in a while either of these schools will have a year or two run with very competitive squads on the field and right now Duke is in that position. I would go with the team from North Carolina here.

3. Northwestern State vs Louisiana Tech: The Bulldogs are so far having a pretty decent season. We will see how they do when  conference play commences. Back when both of these squads were in the lower division of college ball this was a yearly rivalry game. Usually played on the "neutral" field in Shreveport I do believe. Now the Bulldogs are in the big time and NSU is in the FCS Southland. The Demons should be up for this game but it would be wise to pick Louisiana Tech for the win.

4. Louisiana vs Boise State: Things are not starting off so well in Lafayette and likely won't get better this week. Conference play starts soon for the Cajuns and they should make some noise in the Sun Belt but will not have what it takes to beat the Broncos on the Blue Field.

5. Northern Illinois vs Arkansas: The Huskies may be one of the better teams in the MAC and the Hogs, while a long long way for being a serious contender in the SEC, have shown a good deal of improvement thus far. This one could be good and I will go with the Razorbacks here. It might be close.

6. Florida vs Alabama: A no brainer here. Go with the Tide. There will be a coaching staff change in Gainesville next season likely.

7. North Carolina vs East Carolina: Despite the preseason hype, North Carolina has not shown anyone that they are much. ECU had a signature win last week and should be on the lookout for a let down. This one will be a toss up and that coin will be flipped and I will go with ECU.

8. Miami (FL) vs Nebraska: This is an important game for both teams. Folks certainly doubt that either of these squads are worth much. Since this one is in Lincoln I would go with the Huskers here. But that didn't work out so well when the Cowboys of McNeese State came calling did it? Nebraska was  lucky to escape with a W in that one. Hmmm.  This game might well be another one of those toss ups and again I would go with the Cornhuskers. Could be wrong.

9. Clemson vs Florida State: The big one in the ACC. It is unlikely that anyone will unseat FSU in conference this season but Clemson might be the only team with any kind of legitimate shot to do so. They won't. Go with FSU. It has been said that the Seminoles are a "SEC like" team and I would have to agree with that assessment.

10. Rice vs Old Dominion: Rice has had a tough row to hoe up to this point and have performed reasonably well. Old Dominion is new to the upper division and have also performed rather well starting out. The Monarchs should come ready to play ball but the Owls are going to win this one. Go with Rice.


Have a good week and enjoy the games.

Week 3 2014 College Football Forecast and Predictions

I would be remiss in starting if I did not take time to remember the events of Sept 11, 2011. As usual the documentaries were in full swing and again as usual I took time to watch. I am sure I am not alone when I say that the feelings that wash over me are a combination of sorrow and furious anger. Thirteen years later we are still dealing with the trash responsible. Oh the names have changed as the once "big dog" and many of his minions are surely roasting, but we are still having to face this garbage and will for many years to come. Enough said on that subject. For now at least....

The college season has started off gangbusters to be sure. We might perhaps be learning that the Big X (How many teams do they have now?) might not be what one would consider a power conference anymore. A step above CUSA to be sure but not in the same league with the SEC and PAC12. I am starting to think that "west coast" ball is catching up and one of the squads in that league could very well be playing for all the marbles before all is said and done. Still early though although it must be noted that UCLA, an early dark horse PAC12 champion pick, while 2-0 at this point has struggled mightily and perhaps, just perhaps, does not deserve their ranking at this point. Memphis, their last opponent, does seem to be vastly improved and may make some noise in the newfangled and rather weird league they are currently a member of.
Nebraska? What can be said there? McNeese State did indeed prove they belonged on the field in Lincoln with the Huskers and almost pulled of a major upset. Who knew? Bo probably should start thinking about putting his digs on the market......

Last week the Bartender Cabbie system was 9-1 straight up with a total of 16-4 for the young season and still Vegas does not call......On to the predictions for week 3.


1. UCLA vs Texas: The Longhorns may (or may not) be dismal and there are certainly some questions about UCLA at this point. A Longhorn loss to BYU was not something totally unexpected but the ease of which the Cougars trounced the boys from Austin was a bit surprising. Just Thursday of this week the Cougars of Utah had much more trouble with the Cougars of Houston than they did last week with the Horns. Hmmmm. UCLA? Two lackluster victories put them at 2-0 but still they don't seem to be a top 10 (or 15) team. Granted Memphis is a better team than we have seen in the past and gave the Bruins all they could handle. That being said, today's game should show UCLA beating Texas. The margin of victory will say a lot about both teams. Go with the squad from California here.

2. UMASS vs Vanderbilt: Rumor is that the Minutemen may decide not to stay in Division I football and drop on back to the FCS. Don't know how true that is but time will tell I guess. Vanderbilt looks like they will be at the bottom of the SEC. In Nashville coaching makes all the difference in the world. Franklin (stupidly?) took his winning ways to PSU and the Commodores have dropped from a pretty good team that could surprise some of the SEC big dogs to a group that may have trouble competing in the Sun Belt. So it goes. This might be a toss up but I will go with Vandy here. So should you.

3. Iowa State vs Iowa: The Cyclones may not be quite as bad a team as their 0-2 record shows. The loss to ND State was not surprising as a good may teams in the upper division would suffer that fate. Some you might not expect even (Who would like to see the Bison take on the Buckeyes, Huskers, Gators, LSU, Notre Dame etc?). The Iowa State squad had KSU but finally fell as time was running out. Their cross state rival? Another middle of the pack Big X team. That makes this game pretty even and a toss up. I will flip the coin and go with Iowa State.

4. Louisiana Monroe vs LSU: Last year I would have given the Warhawks at least a fighting chance. The man behind center was probably one of the better college field generals in the game and you likely can't call his name. Nobody like Browning guiding the Warhawk offense this season. He was a special college player. The kids from Monroe should be up for this game but it will not be enough. Go with LSU. It could get ugly. 

5. Southern Miss vs Alabama: Remember when USM was a dangerous team for anyone? Hasn't been that long ago. Another tune up for Alabama here. Go with the Tide.

6. Tennessee vs Oklahoma: The Vols are probably improved some but the Sooners (along with perhaps Baylor) may be the only squad(s) in the BIG XII that are serious contenders for all the marbles this season. Go with the Oklahoma.

7. Rice vs Texas Agriculture: The Owls should have some success this season but just not today. Wouldn't it be great though? Go with the Aggies.

8. Nebraska vs Fresno State: The Huskers likely aren't much but I am guessing they are missing Pat Hill and his walrus mustache over in Fresno right about now. Go with Nebraska.

9. UTSA vs Okahoma State: UTSA may well be a pretty good ball club (for CUSA). There are questions about the Cowboys (nothing unusual there). Their whole last season was a question on which team would show up. That being said, I would imagine that the team from Oklahoma has the depth to win here and will. Go with OSU.

10. SLU vs Tulane: Southeastern Louisiana has only been back in the college game for few short years and are proving that they are certainly competitive in the FCS Southland. Tulane is Tulane. A very tough place to be successful. Harder than Rice or Vanderbilt even. This game should be a toss up and I will go with the kids from little ole Hammond here. Take SLU for a minor (very minor) upset of sorts.

Have a good week and enjoy the games.

Week 2 2014 College Football Forecast

Week one is in the books more or less (a couple of games today Sunday and one major game Monday night) and, for the most part, it was pretty predictable. The Aggies came out looking pretty sharp and South Carolina looked horrible while UCLA certainly did not look like a top 20 squad with their struggle with a Virginia team. I guess we should add that Peterson's Huskies struggled mightily with the Hawaii squad. All in all though things went about like any first week of any season. The Bartendercabbie record was 7-3 last week.........That being said, on to the predictions for week 2 of the 2014 season.


1. McNeese St vs Nebraska: Are the Huskers really in need of this much extra practice? Really almost everybody seems to schedule non conference "cupcakes" at least once a season but two in a row? I suppose Bo is just trying to pad his stats before the real season begins. The Cowboys may contend in the Southland Conference but this will be a mismatch. Unfair really although wouldn't it be grand.....?

2. UAB vs Mississippi State: The Blazers came out blazing in their victory over in state rival Troy. The looked better than they have in past seasons thus far to be sure. The Bulldogs are a mystery again. They won't compete for top spot in the SEC and no mistake, but there is a distinct possibility that they will be a pretty good ball club when all is said and done. Go with the team from Northern Mississippi here.

3. Ole Miss vs Vanderbilt: It looks like the Commodores will be back to business as usual. Franklin took his act to PSU and the team just doesn't look good. One doesn't lose to Temple anytime and consider themselves a good team. One certainly does not get blown out by those particular Owls....The Rebs looked impressive against what may be the class of the Mountain West in Boise State and likely will have little trouble in this SEC match up. Go with Ole Miss.

4. Sam Houston State vs LSU: The Tigers may need a breather after a hard fought victory over what looks to be a pretty good Badger team. SHSU will be a contender in the Southland race and perhaps even a factor in the race to the top of the FCS (their loss to EWU not withstanding). That being said, the team from Texas will be over matched here although they will have a few surprises for the Tiger squad. It won't be near enough. Go with the Tigers.

5. USC vs Stanford: A major PAC12 contest early and it could be a good one. USC is Laneless and that certainly has helped matters. Stanford may be the team to beat in the PAC12 race and has an outside shot of taking it all on the national level. This will be a good one and a betting man should pick Stanford for the win. Not sure if they will beat the spread........

6. Michigan vs Notre Dame: Hoke needs this one in the worst way. Other than Ohio State and MSU, this will be what the Wolverine faithful look to as a must win. The Irish looked OK in their outing with a plucky but over matched Rice squad and I'm not real sure if Michigan is much a step above the Owls or not. Time will tell. Go with Notre Dame.

7. Michigan St. vs Oregon: This, along with the USC/Stanford match up, is the big game of the week. MSU was certainly a top 5 team when all was said and done last season and Oregon (or Stanford) is the favorite to win the PAC12. Which team is better right now? Hard to say. I will flip a coin and go with the quickness of Oregon to prevail.

8. Texas Tech vs UTEP: The Raiders struggled with the UCA Bears in their opener. UTEP is not as good a team as the bunch from little ole Conway, AR. though. UCA will be the favorite in the Southland and has an outside shot of playing for all the marbles in the FCS. Point is, don't under rate these top level FCS squads or do so at your peril. More than one "big time" team has learned this hard lesson and it is becoming more common. What? Oh, the Red Raider/Miner match up. Go with TTU.

9. Towson vs WVU: The Mountaineers hung tough against the vaunted Tide but this game with the Tigers will not be a cake walk most likely. Again a top level FCS squad can be dangerous and Towson is likely to qualify in that regard this season. I would go with WVU here but it may be close.

10. EWU vs Washington: I'm just not so sure that Washington will win this one. They struggled with the Warriors from the islands and did not look good. Has Hawaii improved that much? Perhaps but I kind of doubt it. EWU is another one of those teams that is talked about when the eventual FCS champion is discussed. Well, sort of anyway. NDSU will win that division but there are a number that will make a play to eventually lose to the Bison in the "big game at the end" (remember the XFL?). Peterson's squad better step it up if they have any hope of competing with the top of the PAC12 and this particular game will be no cake walk. I am tempted to put this down as an "upset" of sorts but will go with conventional wisdom and pick the big team from Washington for the win.

Have a good week and enjoy the games.

Truth and Questions From The Cab 9 With Rule 5

 There is a lot going on and a lot of it is not so good with some of being downright ridiculous. I again and as usual have some hard questions that need to be asked and some observations that need to be made. I have not decided on the Rule 5 theme for this rendition but am kinda thinking it might be worth sticking around for. Or maybe not.



1. Dumbass Sheila Jackson Lee is still dumbass. This won't change.

2. How long before young "Johnny Football" gets his clock cleaned do you think? There will be a cheap shot "welcome to the NFL" type hit coming soon I would wager. Perhaps before the preseason games are even concluded. Why? Because he is an idiot and folk don't like him. They just don't like him.

3. Have you found yourself wondering just how much cash the Very Reverend(s) Jackson and Sharpton are making in the latest fiasco? Yea talking about that Missouri thing. Don't they have enough to do leading their respective church congregations? What? Oh.

4. This ISIS group is not one to fight with a hand behind a back. The only option here is for no quarter extermination. Nothing less will do likely.

5. Israel has killed some top Hamas "military" commanders of late. Good.

6. It is never ever a good idea to mention to Houston Texans fans that Mr. J.J. Watt has a lot in common (on the field) with a hot dog from an earlier era - one Mark Gastineau. It is especially not a good plan to mention it to a rabid fan that  happens to be one's better half. BTW where is the "x" on the end of Gastineau?
I suppose it would be fair to mention that J.J. Watt, good as he is on the field (but a hot dog none the less), is in real life not an idiot as Gastineau surely was as a younger man.

7. There are a number of Brits fighting with this ISIS crew it seems. One of them I believe was the executioner of the American journalist Foley. Is it a good thing that these "British" Muslim fools are openly waging Jihad in the ME instead of quietly plotting some horrific deed on the Isles? Wait. Good money says they are plotting evil on the UK.

8. Would it be non PC to point out that for Europe to survive it will have to put a halt on this migration from the Muslim lands? Perhaps even begin deportations? You know the answer to that don't you? I think you do.

9. That small "wiggle room" I have spoken of in previous posts concerning Russia are something to think about. Unfortunately for the Ukrainians the "wiggle room" is to be at their expense. Keep the resurgent Soviet regime contained and constrained, encourage her enemies to cause problems, but be smart about it. Ukraine is not in NATO and should never have even been considered. John McCain is just plain nuts.

10. That whole Missouri thing is out of hand. Of course the officer is being demonized and judged guilty before the facts are even known. Word to the wise - police officers in general just don't go to work thinking that they are going to just shoot someone down today. I know this to be true and I am certainly no apologist (or fan) of the police in general. Before all is said and done I would wager that this will be judged a justified shooting. It won't matter of course. The usual suspects will fan the flames, preen for the cameras, and someone else will could their life before they move on. Just the way it is.

11. It sure has been a quiet hurricane season in the Atlantic and Gulf. Things might be heating up a bit though. A hurricane is a huge pain in the ass but at least you can see them coming. Don't  listen to the "experts" on where the thing might go though. Ever!

12. Why is it that just when you think you are getting ahead a bit financially something major rears its ugly head and kicks you in the cock? Happens to everyone it seems.

13. Did you know a minimum wage worker in Seattle makes more per hour than a chemical trucker? So if a truck driving man happens to be delivering some heinous stuff in that fair city and stops in for a cup of joe, the person behind the counter will be making a better wage than said trucker. Something wrong there..

14. Have you noticed that our nation's educational system seems to get more convoluted year in and year out although we have so many "Doctors" of Education roaming about? What does that say? I would wager that these "experts" in education are causing as much harm to our system(s) as many an MBA does in our nation's business community. Why? Your guess is as good as mine.

15. Apparently we have no "strategy" in place to deal with this ISIS crowd. Our POTUS said so himself. Not sure why he would announce such for all the country (and world) to hear but ....Are you also scratching your head here?

16. Can anyone tell me just how to go about getting one of them thar Obama phones? Tired of paying for my service frankly and besides, I want to buy other big ticket items that I can't afford. Why should I have to pay for a phone when they are just giving the damn things away? What? There is some sort of financial threshold to qualify? I was hoping for at least one benefit from this disaster that is the Obama administration.

17. Texas Agriculture sure put a whoopin on Spurrier and CO. Did not see that coming right out of the gate. Did you? I don't quite know yet if I would rule out South Carolina making a bid for top dog in the SEC. The college football season has begun and I for one and happy about it.

19. Apparently being a UN "peacekeeper" in the ME is rather dangerous business of late. Some Philippine troops have been attacked by Islamist militants and some Fijian troops are missing.


Enough for today...In honor of the 2014 college football season, how about a few cheerleader types?


which college?

Week 1 2014 College Football Forecast and Predictions

The 2014 college football season is just around the corner and I will get an early start here and go with the predictions for week 1.
This season would have to be something to come close to the excitement and suspense we saw season last. The fluke play in the Iron Bowl, a non SEC team actually winning the crown of now defunct BCS, the silliness of one "Johnny Football," Duke and Mizzou in the mix in their respective conference races, a surprising Michigan State group ending up as one of the best in the land, and a North Dakota State team that may well have been a top 20 squad if playing in what is formerly known as Division I. The list could go on and on. That being said take a look at the Bartender Cabbie System's predictions for week one.


1. Sam Houston St vs Eastern Washington: This could be a good one. Two teams from the FCS that could easily compete in the upper division (some conferences anyway) square off to start the season. SHSU coach has moved onto "greener pastures" (of course) after success and EWU will be right there in the hunt for the FCS title. This may be a toss up and I will go with EWU here.

2.Clemson vs Georgia: This non conference rivalry game will get a lot of attention sure. Georgia has to compete in the SEC this season or the staff is gone. Clemson has less to lose. The Tigers head coach is not going anywhere regardless. Clemson fans don't (or shouldn't) have the expectation that the Tigers will be a national power this season and should be content being in the top two to four in the ACC. Clemson has jut lost too many good players and are in a bit of a rebuild mode but will likely find the the top 20. They should be a better team than the Bulldogs though and will find a way to win. Go with the team from South Carolina.

3. Rice vs Notre Dame: Conventional wisdom says this will be an easy victory for the Irish. I doubt it.They lose some key players apparently in a "scandal" of sorts and of course the coaching staff is "in the clear." The Owls have lost some top players from season last but David Bailiff often does a whole lot with a very little.
The Irish should win straight up but, if I were a betting man, I would go against the spread here. Take ND in perhaps a closer than expected game.

4. Boise State vs Ole Miss: The Rebs will be out to prove they are relevant in the SEC (they might be) and the Broncos will want to show that they are still relevant on the national stage (not this time). Boise State is Petersonless after many years and, let us be honest, have fallen off a bit the last couple of seasons. They may well win the MWC but are likely not going to be a national power. The new HC had a good season at Arkansas State last year to be sure but he has big shoes to fill. I would go with the Rebs here. It may be close.

5. Ohio State vs Navy: The Buckeyes likely have the talent to compete for a national championship. They won't. Navy is the best of the service academies and will prove dangerous to anyone they play. Pick the Buckeyes in a rather close game.

6. Georgia Southern vs NC State: Willie Fritz takes the helm over at Georgia Southern after having a good deal of success at FCS Sam Houston State. He will guide the Eagles in their transition from FCS to the upper division of college ball and will likely have some success. The Eagles are used to having a run oriented offense that has been very successful in the FCS ranks. Remember the "surprise" that GSU gave to the Gators last season? That being said, Fritz will have a more open offense that may take some time to get fully implemented.
On the other hand NC State will be in the bottom half of the ACC. This would make this likely a pretty even game. I will go with Georgia Southern in an upset of sorts.

7. N. Dakota State vs Iowa State: The FCS champion will be able to beat this lower tier Big Twelve team. It is quite probable that had NDSU competed in the upper division last year they would have been a top 20 team. Good money would be placed on the Bison again being the champion of the FCS this season and also good money should go to the Cyclones fighting just to keep out of the cellar in the Big Twelve. Go with North Dakota State.

8. SFA vs KSU: Kansas State has always been criticized for scheduling "cream puffs" as their non conference foes. (Didn't work out so well last year when NDSU came calling if you recall). Now everyone schedules down with perhaps SEC teams being the worst offenders. The Wildcats should have no trouble here as SFA is probably going to again be an upper middle of the pack Southland squad. Go with KSU to have a fairly easy time with the Lumberjacks.

9. LSU vs Wisconsin: This one is to be decided in Houston at NRG Stadium (home of the Texans). Houston is such a diverse city and one of the nation's economic powerhouses and thus has people from all over the country (and world) helping to fuel the engine. The area is home to a huge population of LSU fans and I would imagine that there are a number of Badger faithful in these parts also. There won't be any trouble selling out the stadium to be sure. With all that being said, this could be a pretty good game. The Tigers will have more NFL caliber talent than the Wisconsin squad although some say this will be a bit of a rebuild season down Baton Rouge way. The Badgers will come with typical smash mouth play and will challenge the Tiger defense. Les Miles will likely find a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory a time or two this year (it is what he does) but probably not right out of the gate. I will go with LSU here although it will be a dogfight.

10. TAMU vs South Carolina: A big one right off the bat here. The Aggies have lost "Johnny Football" to the NFL and the possible replacement has taken his act to Texas Christian. Sumlin will have to see what he can do with an unproven man behind center. Johnny Football is not the only Aggie who has moved on to the next level either from last years' squad. A rebuild season in College Station? Likely so although I would wager that the Aggies will be a top twenty team before all is said and done.
South Carolina will be a contender in the SEC and it is not out of the question that they will have a shot at taking it all and ending up in the four team "playoff" that decides the National Champion. I won't get into the merits of the new "playoff" system quite yet but lets us just say that it may be marginally better than the now defunct BCS. The emphasis is on the word "marginally" here. I digress......The Gamecocks will be the better team  and will win although it may be rather close. Spurrier's teams also at times (like LSU) have a tendency to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Likely won't happen this time and I would go with South Carolina.

In just a couple of weeks the college game begins and I for one am looking forward to it.

Truth and Questions From the Cab #8 With Rule 5

Sunday morning is winding down and here I sit in front of the screen and keyboard instead of doing something useful and worthwhile. Thought about doing some predictions on the upcoming debut of the 2014 college football season and thought also about mowing the lawn. Gonna do neither right about now.....on to the gibberish.

1. Dumbass Sheila Jackson Lee is still a dumbass. Time passes, things change, but the dumbassery of the esteemed congresswoman remains.

2. These wars in the Middle East are not going away anytime soon. The genie is out of that bottle and there will be nothing forward but genocidal activity. Our "targeted" airstrikes on this ISIS scum will not do much in the long run likely. These particular Mohammedans are taking killing to the next level and they ain't stopping for shit.

3. Johnny Football survived his first preseason outing with the Browns and is still walking. Did pretty good also they say. We will see how things play out in the long run. The transition from college to the NFL is tremendous for a QB, particularly one who runs all over creation. Good way to get pummeled as RGIII can attest. It doesn't help matters any that he is an ass. I don't doubt that some defender will be tempted to dole out a little extra before all is said and done. Saw it happen during college play..........

4. The Texans first preseason game was dismal. Conventional wisdom says the preseason matters little, but Good Lord.

5. Why is it we hear all about Israel's supposed "genocide" in Gaza from the left but don't hear a whole lot about what these ISIS folks are up to? To be fair, there has been some talk of neutralizing ISIS from at least one Senator of the far left very recently.

6. What should be done about Tony Stewart? Folks are asking.....The man should quit racing because of a tragic accident?
Car racing is dangerous and the habit of some to go out on the track to throw a helmet at a driver who "wronged" them on the track can lead to horrible consequences. Surprised it hasn't happened before..

7. Should we halt all travel to and from West Africa? Common sense might dictate this be the case. Of course we don't want to offend anyone.......

8. Is it not high time to really secure the southern border? Perhaps shut it down to all but legitimate business and tourist traffic? Again this common sense thing rears its ugly head....

9. Is LaRaza a hate group? Some believe such.

10. How can anyone teach "business" at a university (well Phoenix so not sure if that can qualify) if one has never ever run any kind of business what so ever? Not even a snow cone stand. Being a mid level paper shuffler doesn't qualify as "business" in my mind. I had a supervisor who made much of his part time adjunct position teaching business but when asked (by me, I'm a jerk apparently) if he had ever run a real business, he pointed to the pile of papers on his desk. Out of decorum I chose to stifle the chuckle that was building.

11. Why is it that when one is doing the Lord's work such as "blogging" one's better half comes up with something "important" that needs to be done around the house? Guess I will have to continue this nonsense at a later time...........

12. As I continue on Tuesday August 12 I must offer condolences to the family of Robin Williams.

13. It appears that airstrikes on the ISIS terror group by our forces are allowing the Iraqi forces to at least work on rescuing some of those that the terrorists are so intent on eliminating. An interesting development of note is that both Russian and Iran (along with the possibility of Syrian aircraft) have also been involved to some extent. Hard to say.....

14. I heard that some fruitloop over at the Huffington Post believes that Israel should share the "iron dome" technology with the "forces" of Hamas. Is this true and if so, what kind of sumbitch would be stupid enough to suggest such? Oh wait. I remember now. Fairness, even in combat, sure seems to be important to some of these interior dickorator types.

15. Do you think Jon Voight will get any more acting gigs? Do you think he cares?

16. It is true that the current POTUS, bad as he is (and there may have never been worse) did inherit some major problems from his predecessor. What?

17. Is H. Clinton signaling a run for POTUS with her criticism of the current administration? Is our citizenry really stupid enough to elect her? What? Yes I guess I must admit that was an obtuse question. We already know the answer to that one.....

19. The Astros, some how or other, are not the worst team in baseball. Pretty close but they may just escape the cellar before all is said and done.

20. Do you think that blaming the dislike of the president simply because he is a person of color has pretty much played out? Even among many libs? You know the answer to that don't you? I think you do. 

21. Is the new cease fire between Israel and Hamas still holding? Haven't looked into current affairs today. Update: A few rockets have been fired but nothing to really make headlines.

Enough of this. Rule 5 time. Kinda sparse this time around but quality can sometimes trump quantity. Or do you think otherwise?

Bartender Cabbie 2014 College Football Preseason Top 25

The BCS is now a thing of the past and good riddance. It was just not inclusive (I usually detest that word) enough and one had the feeling that there was just something smarmy (hate to say rigged) about the whole process. Certainly not sure if the new system is going to be much better to be honest but it is the system we have in "big time" college ball and we will have to make due.

The Bartender Cabbie System however is based on half baked analysis of the college game, but has in the past proven to be just about as accurate as all these "professional" analysts. How does one get a paying gig doing that? Let me know.......

The 2014 Preseason Top 25

1. Florida State: May well be a repeat performance. There may (or may not) be some scumbaggery present in Tallahassee with some alleging that the administration and local constabulary covered up some unseemly behavior on the part of the young QB, but that has not been proven. Allegations they are and allegations is all they will ever be. Bank it. That aside, this team looks like a top notch SEC squad instead of ACC and when combined with a rather easy (as such things go) ACC schedule, well, the 'Noles should have a very good shot of appearing in the big game at the end. 

2. Alabama: Nick will have another great product on the field. The fluke loss to Auburn deflated the kids likely and all the pep talks in the world probably didn't do much to overcome their disappointment of  not again being the top team in the nation. They would be ranked number one in the Bartender Cabbie System had they not inexplicably hired one Lane Kiffin as OC. That is crazy.

3. Auburn: Perhaps Auburn should not have gone all the way to the big game season last. The fluke win over the Tide inflated them as much as it deflated the Alabama players. That being said, this team is led by one heck of a coaching staff, has top notch SEC talent, and could be right there at the end.

4. Oklahoma: The Sooners have a shot and no mistake. Kieth Ford Jr. may eventually prove to be one of the top backs in the country. The Big Twelve is not the SEC although it is arguably the second toughest conference and Oklahoma has an excellent shot of winning the conference but will find themselves beaten by one or more conference foes. It is what they do.

5. Oregon: The young gun is back and if he stays healthy he will win some games pretty much on his own. There are some up and coming dangerous teams in the mix in the PAC Twelve but the Ducks should be the best of the bunch.

6. Baylor: A possible Heisman contender at QB and an excellent coaching staff will have them competing for top spot in the Big Twelve.

7. Ohio State: This team should have been right there season last and should be right there upcoming. They won't. Something slightly off in Columbus. The coaching staff would be my guess. The Buckeyes perhaps will win the Big Ten but won't reach the national title game.

8. Michigan State: The team was under rated last year and was perhaps the second or third best team in the country when all was said and done. It would be a struggle perhaps to do just as well this season but I would not count them out.

9. Stanford: Will, as usual, be a force in the PAC 12 and the team has a very good shot of winning the conference.

10. South Carolina: This is not the easiest place to win but the "old ball coach" has had some what might be considered phenomenal success here. They will be a contender in the SEC.

11. LSU: Coach Miles is back again and will be loaded with talent and that talent will just not quite be enough to win the conference. As usual. They will snatch defeat from the jaws of victory on more than one occasion.

12. UCLA: UCLA? Yes. Well coached and up and coming. Could be a dark horse to take it all in the PAC 12.

13. Clemson: A lot of talent lost they say. Will just be a step above the rest of the ACC pack the talk is. Perhaps. Perhaps not. The team is well coached and we will just have to wait and see. They won't knock FSU off their perch but they should be a force in conference play.

14. USC: You bet. The Kiffinless Trojans began to play some ball right after the departure of that well below par coach. They won't likely challenge the top three in the PAC 12 but could prove be a very dangerous team none the less.

15. Mississippi: The Rebs should have just enough in the tank for a top 20 finish. They will suffer some as any upper middle of the pack SEC team always does, but they are well coached and could surprise a few folk.

16. Miami: Could this be a break out year for the Canes? We will see. It has been a long time since Miami was a challenger for the top spot in the world of big time college ball and won't be this year but they should be a force in the ACC.

17. Missouri: The Tigers will be out the prove that last year wasn't some kind of fluke. They have lost some talent to be sure but the kids and staff have a taste of doing well in the big time.

18. Washington: Peterson comes to save the day. He may or may not wish he would have stayed in Idaho before all is said and done. A great coach no doubt but the bloom was beginning to fall off the rose his last couple of years in Boise. He jumped to "bigger and better" while his stock was still high.

19. Nebraska: They better do something. It is likely anything less than a top ten finish will save Pelini's job. They will win some games and should certainly be a top 25 club but breaking into the upper ten will not happen. Just won't.

20. Wisconsin: No matter who is at the helm you can bet Alvarez is still the man in charge. Their smash mouth type of play will win some games and perhaps challenge in the Big Ten but a top ten finish is unlikely.

21. Notre Dame: Coach has character issues and the Irish faithful will have to sit and watch another good squad languish in the lower ranks of the top 25.

22. Texas A&M: Sumlin is used to having a stellar QB taking his teams further than they should probably go both with the Aggies and his prior job in Houston. Don't see that on the horizon for him this season. We will see....

23. KSU: No one is picking the Wildcats for the top 25 but perhaps they should. Snyder's teams usually seem to do a lot with a little. The dual QB "controversy" of last year may or may not be a thing of the past as Sams has moved to another position. I would not be real surprised though to see him back behind center at some point of the season.

24. Duke: Another magical year in store for the Blue Devils? Maybe. A top 25 finish would be a major victory and the kids will be out to prove they are not perennial push overs in the ACC (and pretty much everyone else). Duke is a well coached club and may surprise some folks. Could just as easily go back to business as usual though.

25. Georgia: Mark better win this year or he is history. Like Pelini at Nebraska, the fans in Athens see nothing less than top 10 as a wasted season. Honestly those folks think nothing less than a SEC championship is junk. The Bulldogs will accomplish neither and the coaching staff will be pounding the pavement. Such is the way of big time college ball.

On the brink and in no particular order:

1. Arizona State: Needs some defense they say.
2. Texas: A lot of unanswered question in Austin.
3. Louisiana: The Cajuns will be the best of the Sun Belt and are well coached.
4. Rice: Opens with Notre Dame and is a sure loss they say. Hold up a minute on that I say. Will be a contender in the newfangled (and marginally weaker) CUSA and could roll into the top 25 if things go right.
5. Florida: Will have a good shot of reaching the top 25 but will not compete for the conference title. The coaching staff will be gone.
6. Houston: Will make a lot of noise noise in their weird new conference. As usual has a very good QB behind center and the coaching staff appears to be quite good.
7. Marshall: Either the Herd or the Owls will win CUSA and one of those might be a ranked squad.
8. North Carolina: OK. So they say.
9. Arkansas State: Again there is another head coach. The fifth in as many years I believe. The Red Wolves have had some good teams in the last few seasons but sooner or later this lack on continuity will trip them up. One thing is certain though. They are going to be the best team in the state.
10. Boise State: They are Petersonless for the first time in many years. They were down a bit last year but should still be considered the favorite to win the MWC. A top 25 finish not out of the question.
11. Louisville: Petrino is an ass and there is no dispute. He does know how to win though and that can't be disputed either.
12.Any number of MAC teams: There always seems to be a MAC squad flirting with the top 25. A couple years ago Northern Illinois actually broke into a big time bowl (for which they weren't really ready) and while it is highly unlikely that any squad from this conference will do that this season, it does not negate the fact that there are some pretty darn good and dangerous teams here. I would look for Northern Illinois, Ohio, Buffalo, Bowling Green, and Toledo to all have a shot. Might even throw Ball State or Akron into the mix.
13. UCF: Can they repeat the performance from last year? They might be a top 20 team before all is said and done.
14. Northwestern: They just seem to find a way to play above their talent level. Some years anyway. 

A few teams were left out in the cold here, Cincinnati, Nevada, Utah State, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, Mississippi State, Michigan and Virginia Tech come to mind, and any of them may well have a shot at the top 25. There always seems to be an unlikely addition to the upper ranks. Who would have thought that Duke (or Mizzou for that matter) would have had the success they did last season.

I hope you are looking forward to another good season of college ball as I am.