The Red and Black

No longer do I watch nothing but the cable news channels. No longer do I hear sirens in my sleep and cringe at the sound of an airplane.

Networks are airing regular schedules again, including ESPN, which had no sports to show for an entire week.

And by God, the rite of fall -- college football -- is back.

We were denied some excellent games last week. Saturday's lineup doesn't bring the excitement Florida-Tennessee and Georgia Tech-Florida State would have, but it'll be therapeutic just to watch football again.

It's funny that of all major conferences, the SEC was pushing the hardest to play games last week. You can almost see the Southern mentality ("Them terrorists ain't gonna scare us. We still got a ball game to play") in action.

I'm not mocking; I'm applauding. In fact, it made me proud that my school's conference was willing to play. The SEC would have too, had the NFL not canceled its games.

Regardless, last Tuesday's tragedy makes it seem like months since we last saw a football game, so imagine what the players must feel like. Programs throughout the nation will basically be facing a second season-opener.

Teams must be rusty, and defenses will own the field as offenses struggle to regain their fluidity. If nothing else, football should be a diversion from the horrors in New York that have consumed our thoughts. So, sit back and relax -- finally. Enjoy what will be a very emotional weekend.

For the season: 11-10 overall; 4-17 against the spread (yikes! I was 0-7 on Sept. 8)

Auburn (by 2) at Syracuse

This may not be the best contest on Saturday, but it's the most interesting.

The Tigers finally added a solid non-conference opponent, but they're in dangerous territory for several reasons.

For one, the timing is horrendous. The Tigers must venture out of the ugliest village on the plains to upstate New York. Imagine what folks from Auburn must think about flying over the Big Apple they saw smoldering all last week. How focused will the Tigers be after such a worrisome flight?

Syracuse isn't a great team, but they've played some. Auburn shouldn't be nearly as tough since Syracuse has already battled top-tier powers Georgia Tech and Tennessee.

Auburn, meanwhile, was denied its first chance at a quality opponent when the LSU game was postponed. Plus, the Orangemen defense held Tech and made the Vol offense look silly for three quarters. Throw in an emotional Carrier Dome, and this one spells disaster for the unbeaten Tigers. ... SYRACUSE 17, AUBURN 13

No. 21 Ohio State at No. 14 UCLA (by 6 1/2)

The Bruins are one of the nation's most underrated teams. Also, the Big 10 isn't what it used to be. A number of results so far have proved that. ... UCLA 27, OHIO STATE 19

Arkansas at Alabama (by 9 1/2)

This is a turning-point game for Alabama. Should the Tide win this one, they could be a successful team. But a loss may mean another disastrous year. I'm banking on the latter, but it will be close ... ALABAMA 10, ARKANSAS 9

Southern Cal at No. 7 Oregon (by 6 1/2)

The Trojans let me down by losing to K-State after I made them my upset special.

The Ducks survived the Badgers, making them battle-tested for Pac-10 play. ...

OREGON 24, SOUTHERN CAL 16

No. 25 Louisville at Illinois (by 3 1/2)

Cards' quarterback Dave Ragone and Illinois' Kurt Kittner could combine for 800-plus yards. ... LOUISVILLE 38, ILLINOIS 31

Virginia at No. 19 Clemson (by 11 1/2)

Tigers dominate to throw themselves into the ACC title hunt. ... CLEMSON 41, VIRGINIA 17

Michigan State at No. 23 Notre Dame (by 9)

The Irish look to avenge last year's loss. Coach Bob Davie needs to do something. Fans in South Bend don't accept mediocrity for long. ... NOTRE DAME 17, MICHIGAN STATE 12

-- Gentry Estes is sports editor for The Red & Black. Pigskin Picks appears every Friday.

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