Why is this the game to watch? Lessee….

It’s Michigan-Michigan State Week.

Let me say that again. It’s Michigan-Michigan State Week!

To Michigan State, this game is as serious as a heart attack. Just ask Spartan Coach Mark Dantonio who is coming back early to coach this game after having a heart attack only a few weeks ago: “You can’t keep me down Michigan week”

But in case you aren’t into football in the state of Michigan, let me give you a few more reasons why this is the Game of the Week:

1. One team is ranked No. 17, the other No. 18.
2. Both are 5-0 going into this game and it’s the only matchup on Saturday of two undefeated teams. No matter what, someone’s undefeated season is coming to an end.
3. If the Spartans win, it will be their first 6-0 start since 1999 when a little guy called Nick Saban was leading them. Perhaps you’ve heard of him?
4. Michigan has Denard Robinson, who is on Heisman Trophy Watch 2010 and he’s just a sophomore. The only other three to win the Heisman in their sophomore year are Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford and Mark Ingram. And they have all been in the last three years. If Michigan State can stop him, they have won the game!
5. Finally, Michigan-Michigan State is a Relevant Rivalry, Once Again

Rivalry Stats:

This is the kind of rivalry that divides houses, strains relationships and causes bar brawls. Seriously, I know couples that do not talk to each other during this week. It’s Michigan-Michigan State Week!

• All time: Michigan leads by a lot: 67-30-5 all-time 
• Past Decade: Michigan is up 7-3.
• More Recent History: MSU has won the last two years in a row and are looking to make it 3.
• Three of the last 6 games went into OT, including last year’s matchup.

The MSU-UM Rivalry has been going on for over  a century, but like most In-State Rivalries, it’s meant more to State than to Michigan. To Michigan it’s just another game every season. To State, its the game every season.

Every state has a flagship campus, typically called the University of Your State, whose student body and alumni feel they are entitled to, well, pretty much whatever they want within state lines. That same state probably has another school — usually denoted by the words State, Tech, or A&M — that gets treated by the former like some Cinderella-like stepchild.

And just like Cinderella’s sibling rivalry, these in-state matchups are usually pretty intense.

Here’s the deal: The State Schools hate their Bigger University Stepbrother. Bigger Stepbrother always ignores Lil State, opting to focus on it’s main rivals – (like the other big name schools in the country: Ohio State, Notre Dame, Florida, Oklahoma, etc.)

And just like ignoring a younger sibling will irriate the crap out of them, ignoring Lil State makes them hate Big University even more. Which makes the University pretend not to notice them even more, which makes the State even madder and madder because, HEY, WE’RE RIGHT HERE IN YOUR BACKYARD AND THIS IS THE YEAR WE WILL STOMP YOUR POMPOUS FAT $@%*ES!” -Paraphrased from Bob Wojnowski, The Detroit News

Add to that that Michigan is in hoity Ann Arbor and State is down the road only an hour in East Lansing and you have yourself one heck of a “sibling rivalry”

Finally, I have a little recommended reading for you. Definitely check out Michigan-Michigan State:  Relevant Rivalry, Once Again I promise, this article is awesome. It’s funny, not saturated with stats and hoity-football speak. It’s good! And got me very amped up for this matchup!

MICHIGAN STATE-MICHIGAN GAMEDAY RECIPES

Every time I do a Game of the Week I try to do some Game Day Recipes for the key matchup! I loved this week’s game day recipe because it focuses solely on Michigan Regional Cuisine and Food. Michigan is known for it’s cherry crop, apples, potatoes and using wild game like Elk and venison. Michigan is also all about the coney dogs! Enjoy!

The Game Day Menu (recipes follow below)

• Pregame Cocktails:
  • Michigan Wolverines: The Big Blue Meanie from Intoxicology 101
  • Michigan State Spartans: The Spartan Warrior from The Intoxicologist
• 1st Quarter: Michigan Apple Salsa  & Chips
• 2nd Quarter: Pig-Skin Potatoes
• HALFTIME: Coney Burgers & Coney Dogs with Michigan Cheese Sauce
• 3rd Quarter: Chicken Wings with Spicy Cherry Sauce      **because halftime features a chili like sauce, I’m skipping chili as the 3rd quarter this week. But if ya need it, here is  Spicy Venison Chili recipe that would be perfect! Just switch Buffalo for Venison or Elk meat which is rich in Michigan!
• 4th Quarter: MSU-UM House Divided Cupcakes

PREGAME

The Michigan Big Blue Meanie

• 4 oz Gin
• 2 oz Blue Curacao
• 4 oz Sweet n Sour

Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into an old fashioned or collins glass. Garnish with a lime.

The Michigan State Spartan Warrior – adapted by Cheri Loughlin from the Jagerita

• 1/2 ounce Jagermeister
• 1/2 ounce Tequila
• 1/4 ounce Orange Curacao*
• 1/4 ounce Blue Curacao*
• Splash Lime Juice

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into shot glass. *Hint: Orange and blue will make Spartan Green.

1St QUARTER DIP

Michigan Apple Salsa

• 2 medium Michigan apples
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/2 cup chopped orange segments
• 1/2 cup finely chopped Michigan onions
• 1/2 cup finely chopped Michigan green pepper
• 1 finely chopped jalapeno

Core and dice apples into 1/4-inch pieces. Toss immediately with lime juice. Stir in remaining ingredients. Chill 2 hours before serving over fish, chicken or turkey.
Suggested Michigan Apple varieties to use: Empire, Gala, Ida Red, Jonagold, Jonathan, or McIntosh.

2nd QUARTER SNACK

Cheese Stuffed PigSkin Potatoes

• 8,  baking potatoes, scrubbed
• Butter
• 1 pound lean ground beef, cooked and drained
• 1 cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
• 1 canned chipotle pepper (packed in adobo sauce)*, seeded and minced
• 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from can)
• 8 ounces (2 cups) shredded Cheddar cheese (preferably smoked, sharp or combination of both)
• 1/2 cup green onions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

1. Prick potatoes with a fork and lightly rub with butter. Bake for 1 hour. Let cool slightly.
2. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp (reserve for other desired use) leaving a ½ inch shell.
3. Combine ground beef, barbecue sauce, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce and half the cheddar cheese.
4. Fill potato shells with mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Place potatoes on baking sheet; bake 10 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.
5. Sprinkle with green onions.

HALFTIME

For Coney Dog Burger recipes see: Michigan-Ohio State Game Day Recipes

Coney Dogs with Michigan Sauce (Rachel Ray)

Ingredients

• * 1 tablespoon EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• * 1/2 pound ground beef
• * Salt and pepper
• * 1 tablespoon chili powder, a palmful
• * 1/2 tablespoon smoked sweet paprika, half a palmful
• * 1/2 tablespoon coriander, half a palmful
• * 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• * 1 1/2 cups beef stock
• * 2 tablespoons butter
• * 2 tablespoons flour
• * 1 1/2 cups milk
• * 1 cup yellow cheddar cheese
• * 1/2 cup yellow mustard
• * 8 large good quality hot dogs, split down the middle
• * 8 bakery hoagie, sub or dog rolls, split

1. Heat a large griddle over medium-high heat. Heat a deep skillet with a few inches boiling water. Reduce heat, keeping water at low boil.
2. Heat a saucepot over medium-high heat with EVOO, 1 turn of the pan. Add meat and brown, 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, chili, paprika and coriander. Stir in tomato paste, cook 1 minute then add stock. Reduce heat to simmer.
3. In a second small pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook 1 minute. Whisk in milk, season with salt and pepper and cook to thicken, 1-2 minutes. Melt cheese into milk sauce, add mustard and reduce heat to low.
4. Add hot dogs to boiling water and cook 4-5 minutes to heat through. Remove, split lengthwise and place on hot griddle to crisp the inside of the dog as well as the casing. Nestle dogs in rolls and top with both Michigan and cheese sauce.

3RD QUARTER

Spicy Cherry Sauce Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken wings, halved at the joint
• Salt & Pepper

For the glaze:

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 red pepper, minced
• Lemon juice from half a lemon
• 2 tablespoon Michigan cherry preserves
• 4 mint leaves, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 lime, wedged
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Sprinkle the chicken wings well with salt and pepper & bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until golden brown
2. While they are baking,  mix all the cherry sauce ingredients together and allow for flavors to blend together.
3. Either baste the wings with the sauce in the final few minutes or just smother the wings in sauce after they are fully cooked and still warm!
4. Serve with a lime wedge for an extra pop of flavor to enhance the cherry.

4TH QUARTER DESSERT

House Divided UM-MSU Cupcakes!

I’m going to send you over to a delicious website that I found called Things that Make You Go Mmmmmmmm for this awesome tailgating dessert recipe. The cupcakes are absolutely adorable and pretty easy to make!  Check them out:

Enjoy the game!

But when it comes to college football, I just don’t get excited prior to the games. You can put me in front of any game and I’ll watch it, probably pick a team and be screaming at the TV by the end, but I have a hard time getting amped up before the games…..

Until this week!

There are two huge in-state rivalry matchup games that are making this week of college football interesting! Throw in a matchup of two closely ranked teams and a matchup of the No. 1 team against another in the top 25 and now I have a College Gameday to get excited about! And the best part  is all the great games come on after I get home from work!

Who are you picking for College Gameday? Leave me a comment below or on Twitter to let me know! Are you a college football fanatic? Remember to take our Stiletto Sports Poll and let me know!

What I’m Watching:

3:30 pm No. 17 Michigan State vs. No. 18 Michigan

My Pick: Michigan State

Why I’m Watching: Because MSU-UM  is finally a Relevant Rivalry Once Again! This is the 103rd matchup between these in-state rivals. And while Michigan State always thought of it as a huge game of the season, Michigan always just kinda mildly amused by this “rivalry.” To them, it like just another game of the season.

Until the last two years when MSU took down the Wolverines back to back, and are poised to go three in a row this year!

It’s also my pick for Game of the Week so stay tuned for Game Day Recipes and my, um, expert, analysis!

———————————————–

8:00 p.m. #23 FSU vs. No. 13 Miami

My Pick: FSU. I could go on and on that it’s because they are good, their QB is hot, blah blah. But you want my honesty? It’s because I met Chris Daughtry in Tallahassee so I’m quite fond of that lil college town.

Why I’m Watching:

If you think Michigan-Michigan State is a huge rivalry, it’s nothing compared to the bloodshed of the Florida State-Miami Rivalry. It’s a huge in-state brawl. Yeah, you always hear about the animosity between FSU and Florida, especially since they are only about 2 hours apart. But Seminoles will admit that really, Miami is their biggest rival, especially being in the same conference. But this is the first year that’s actually mattered in a looong time.

It’s such a huge matchup that in 2006, the Miami – Florida State game became the most-watched college football game in ESPN history–in regular and postseason. Last year’s showdown on Labor Day was so exciting and had so many viewers (second most watched game in ESPN history….) that it became an “Instant Classic” and was rebroadcast the next night. And both teams weren’t even ranked last year! This is the first time since that 2006 epic game that both are in the top 25. This is going to be huge.

“This is the reason you come to Florida State. To play in these games.”- FSU coach Jimbo Fisher.

————————————

7:30 p.m. No. 12 LSU vs. No. 14 Florida

My Pick: I guess I’ll go with Florida.

Why I’m Watching: Because I think it’s truly funny that these two teams are ranked No 12 and No 14 after reading this:

LSU [already] has six interceptions and no passing touchdowns in its last four games…. Florida is 84th nationally in total offense and LSU 91st. -ESPN

So they are ranked 84th and 91st in offense (aka they suck) and yet nationally they are very high in the Top 25 in the country. Yeah. That makes sense.

Yes, LSU is 5-0 and Florida is 4-1 but the first 5 games of the season have not been good for these two normally-powerhouse schools. I like that this game is going to expose them both a little and see who really wants this season.

(Florida Fans: Check out Florida Gators Gameday Recipes!)

———————————–

3:30 pm No. 1 Alabama vs.  No. 19 South Carolina.

My Pick: Alabama. It shocks me how much I’m enjoying the Crimson Tide. I was so against them for the last two years, especially once they won the championship. But for some reason, they have grown on me like a fungus.

Why I’m Watching: Can anyone stop Mark Ingram and Nick Saban? Maybe, but it probably won’t be the Gamecocks. Mark & Co. have been going into their matchups this season and exposing the other teams–unranked and ranked. They made Florida look like a high school football team last week. Their only stumbling moment was against Arkansas where the Razorbacks actually took over for part of the game. But then the Tide came in from behind and swept Arkansas away.

(Alabama Fans: Check out Alabama Crimson Tide Gameday Recipes)

Who are you picking for College Gameday? Leave me a comment below and let me know! And remember to check back in a few! Michigan-Michigan State Gameday Recipes will be up soon!

It’s College Gameday and this week is filled with intense matchups and bitter rivalries.

There are five main games I’ll be watching this College Gameday and all of them are setting the stage for an amazing Saturday of football. But my pick for Game of the Week has got to be:

Florida Gators vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

Why I’m Watching: Because you can’t live in Florida and not care about this game. It’s epic.

My Pick: I fear if I don’t pick Florida, Gator Nation will come to my house, beat me and drown me in their Swamp. (but I think Alabama is going to destroy the Gators and I’m perfectly fine with that)

Stiletto Sports Sweet Home Alabama Custom Tee! Click for ordering info!

I may not have liked The Tide last year, especially when they won the title. But the Tide is slowly growing on me. I think it might be because I love the Alabama Crimson Tide Inspired “Sweet Home Alabama” Football Tee that I custom designed. Or maybe because Mark Ingram is really good. Either way, I think they will win.

Why YOU should watch it: It really is an epic battle. . But my how the cast has changed. Florida without Tim Tebow is like Florida without Sunshine. The Gators just aren’t the team they used to be, but Alabama is. They mounted a HUGE comeback last week against Arkansas, showing they are still the team to beat in the nation. Florida, on the other hand, is a beaten up team…. Yes they are still ranked No. 7 in the country, but it hasn’t been a pretty 4 weeks of football for them!

In any case, the rivalry is fierce. The fans are crazy. And the matchup is going to be intense!

Stiletto Sports Florida Gators "Swamp Chic" Custom Tank Click for Ordering Info!

What to expect:

• Wild & Crazy fans
• A coach’s duel. Urban Meyer and Nick Saban are two of college football’s best coaches. These two are currently the most winningest coaches in college football!
• A Bitter Brawl.
• Alabama’s Mark Ingram to have a monster game
• Florida Fans to be mourning the loss of their beloved Tebow even more than normal.
• Twitter to be alive with the words “Florida, Gators, Gator Nation, Ingram Crimson Tide, ‘Bama, Alabama, Saban, Meyer” and of course “Tim Tebow,” even though he is no longer at Florida.

The Crazy Fans:

It’s Gator Nation vs. the Roll ‘Bama Roll Tide. Look out!

They are the heart of the SEC and of the south. And football in the south is like religion. And southern football fans are devout.

The Coaches Duel

Best of the Best: Nick Saban & Urban Meyer

Nick Saban vs. Urban Meyer.  Since 2007, both coaches are 30-2. Read that again, 30 and 2. Meaning they have only lost 2 games. And each has lost one game to the other.

Between the two of the, Saban and Meyer have four championship rings and eight BCS bowl appearances. Their combined record in those 8 bowl games:  7-1. As ESPN said, “They have pretty well owned the 21st century.”

And each hates to lose.

A Bitter Brawl

Alabama and Florida have been meeting up in the SEC Championship Game the last two years. The first year Florida crushed the Tide’s winning streak and went on to win the BCS Championship as well. Last year, Alabama had their revenge. Broke the Gators streak, won the SEC and the BCS.

Now they meet in the regular season in a potential foreshadowing of thie years SEC Championship Game. Neither team want’s to be the one going 1-2 against the other.

FLORIDA GATORS-ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE GAMEDAY RECIPES

So I’m actually poaching from my recipe guide from the Gator-Crimson Tide Matchup from last season, but I’m okay with that! The recipes are some fan faves and absolutely delish!

1. PREGAME: Alabama Crimson Tide Cocktail or Florida Gator-Ade
2. 1st QUARTER: Swamp Dip or Alabama Caviar Dip
3. 2nd QUARTER: Alabama Crimson Hot Sticky Wings or Florida Orange Sticky Wings
4. HALFTIME:Alabama Smokehouse Pig Burger or the Florida Gator Burger
5. 3rd QUARTER: Boiled Peanuts! We are skipping the chili recipe this week for a southern favorite!
6. 4th Quarter:Alabama Mud Pie or Florida Orange Meringue Pie

PREGAME

Alabama Crimson Tide Cocktail

• 1/4 oz Southern Comfort
• 1/4 oz Vodka
• 1/4 oz Coconut Rum
• 1/4 oz Raspberry Liqueur
• 1/4 oz Sprite
• 1/4 oz Cranberry Juice
• 1/4 oz Maui Blue Hawaiian Schnapps

Florida Gator-Ade

Before I give you the recipe let me give you my Fascinating Fact of the Game! You know the popular sports drink Gatorade right? Well, it was actually created at the University of Florida in 1965. Want to know more, check out last year’s post about the Gator-Crimson Tide Matchup

Now for a Gator-Ade or Florida Gators Cocktail you can either get your favorite flavor of Gatorade and pour some vodka in it (which I have done in a pinch when there was no other mixer available….on Thanksgiving…..) and it works totally fine, especially the really berry flavored ones.

Or you can try this winning Florida Gator-ade Cocktail recipe

• Vodka – 1 1/2 oz.
• Rum – 1 1/2 oz.
• Orange Schnapps – 1 1/2 oz.
• Sweet & Sour Mix – 1 1/3 oz.
• Fresh Florida Orange Juice – 1/2 oz.

Shake, shake shake!

1st Quarter

The Heart of Gator Nation is known as “the swamp” so I thought the best 1st quarter snack dip would be one called “swamp dip!”

“The Swamp” Dip

• 1/4 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter
• 1 large (1 cup) onion, chopped
• 1 small (1/2 cup) red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh garlic
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup LAND O LAKES™ Heavy Whipping Cream
• 1/2 cup feta cheese with garlic and herbs*
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 (10-ounce) package fresh spinach leaves, stems removed, cut into thin strips
• 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

1. Melt butter in 10-inch skillet until sizzling; add onion, red pepper and garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened (5 to 6 minutes).
2. Stir in flour; continue cooking 1 minute.
3. Add broth and whipping cream.
4. Continue cooking, stirring with wire whisk, until mixture is thickened (2 to 3 minutes).
5. Stir in cheese, yogurt, spinach and hot pepper sauce until spinach wilts and mixture is heated through.
6. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm with crackers, bread slices or assorted vegetable sticks.

Alabama Caviar Dip

• 3 (16 ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red pepper
• 3/4 cup finely chopped hot peppers
• 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup drained, chopped pimento
• 1 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Tabasco� sauce
• Tortilla chips

Directions

1. Combine peas, bell peppers, hot peppers, onion, pimento and garlic.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, oil and mustard and pour over the bean mixture; mix well.
3. Season to taste with salt and Tabasco� sauce. With a wooden spoon or potato masher, mash the bean mixture slightly.
4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Drain the “caviar” well and serve with tortilla chip

2nd Quarter

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Wings: I’m adding a link for this recipe because it sounds yummy but since the game features the Crimson Tide, not sure you really want white sauce!

Alabama Crimson Hot Sticky Wings : Now, normally I’m not a fan of BBQ sauce unless it’s grilled or broiled to a nice crispy sweetness. But this sauce is so different. And the best part is that the wings are baked, not fried. The sauce is a delicious blend of reduced pomegranate juice and hot sauce. Warning: you will be a hot sticky mess after eating these, but it’s so worth it! Get the Recipe!

• *  1 1/2 pounds chicken wings, cut at joints and wing tips removed
• * House Seasoning, (1 cup salt, 1/4 cup each of garlic & pepper)
• * 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• * 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• * 1/2 cup tangy, red barbecue sauce
• * 1/4 cup pomegranate juice, reduced by 1/2
• * 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• * 1/4 cup honey
• * 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• * 2 tablespoons butter
• * Peanut oil, for frying
• * Celery sticks and red bell pepper slices, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Lay the chicken wings out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with House Seasoning. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Saute the garlic in vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until softened and fragrant. Stir in barbecue sauce, reduced pomegranate juice, hot sauce and honey. Bring to a boil then lower and simmer for 15 minutes until thick. If using crushed red pepper flakes, add and cook 30 seconds more. Stir in butter until melted and smooth. Pour into a large mixing bowl.
4. Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large Dutch oven to 350 degrees F.
5. Fry the baked wings for 10 minutes until golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel lined sheet pan to drain.
6. Toss the fried wings in the red sauce to coat. Transfer to a platter and serve with celery sticks and red bell pepper slices.

Florida Gators Hot & Sticky Orange Wings:

• * 16 chicken wings (about 4 pounds)
• * Salt and black pepper to taste
• * 1 (6-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
• * 1/3 cup water
• * 3 tablespoons honey
• * 2 tablespoons Original TABASCO® brand Pepper Sauce

1. Season wings with salt and pepper to taste and place on a broiler pan with a rack. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat until crisp and golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
2. Meanwhile, combine orange juice concentrate, water, honey, and TABASCO® Sauce in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until thickened and reduced by half.
3. Place chicken in a large bowl or pan and pour orange sauce over them; toss until well coated. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Half-time

The Alabama Dixie Burger

Alabama is famous for their nuts, especially pecans. You can’t hit up the state without gettin’ some pecan pie! This unique burger is made with pecans and peaches, another southern staple!

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 onion, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup drained canned peaches (chunks)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions:

1. Mix ground beef lightly with pecans, onion, salt, cloves, and 3 T. of the peaches. (Set remaining aside for glaze.)
2. Shape meat into patties about 1″ thick. Broil.
3. While meat cooks, season remaining peaches with brown sugar, vinegar, and ginger.
4. Brush on hot patties; turn; brush again.
5. Broil 6 minutes longer or until meat is done as you like it.

The Florida Gator Burger

• 1     pound ground Florida alligator meat (no alligator? try turkey instead!)
• 1     large egg, lightly beaten
• 2     tablespoons Florida onion, finely chopped
• 1/3     teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2     teaspoon salt
• 1     tablespoon olive oil
• 1     red Florida bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1     green Florida bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1     yellow Florida bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1     Florida onion, sliced
• salt and pepper to taste
• French bread slices or rolls

Preparation

1. Preheat grill. In a bowl, combine alligator meat, egg, onion, salt and pepper, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Mixture will be very moist.
2. Shape into 4 patties, each 1/2-inch thick. Cover and set aside.
3. Heat the oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and pepper strips and sauté until tender. Season to taste; reduce heat and keep warm.
4. Grill meat patties for 10 to 12 minutes over medium heat until cooked through, turning once.
5. Serve open-face on French bread slice or in a roll; top with sautéed onion and peppers.

3rd  Quarter

Boiled Peanuts

This pays homage to both teams actually. Like I mentioned earlier, peanuts and nuts are huge in Alabama. And, you can’t go to a gas station on I-75 in Florida without seeing some boiled peanuts. Yes, they sound disgusting. But I swear they aren’t! Although they are weird at first since the peanuts are soft.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. of fresh and raw peanuts that are still in their shells
• 2 tablespoons of salt
• 1 bag of Zatarain’s Crab and Shrimp Boil
• 1 tablespoon of red pepper (or more, if you are feeling lucky)

Instructions:

• Place the peanuts in a large pot and add enough water to cover them and almost fill the pot.
• Add the salt and stir it real well. Turn the stove to the high heat setting and cover until it boils.
• Add the Zatarain’s and the red pepper.
• Reduce the heat just enough to keep it from boiling over.
• Boil the peanuts for 4 hours. Add water as needed to keep the peanuts covered.
• Drain the peanuts and serve.

Fourth Quarter
Alabama Chocolate Pecan Fudge Pie
* This is a scrumptious, gooey pie. If you want your pie a little more set, bake it 28 minutes.

• * 1-1/4 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
• * 1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
• * 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• * 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• * 3 large eggs
• * 1 (12 ounce) package semisweet
• * chocolate morsels, melted
• * 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• * 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
• * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• * 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1. Combine chocolate crumbs and 1/3 cup melted butter, mixing well. Press into bottom and up sides of an ungreased 9″ pieplate.
2. Bake at 350° for 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Beat 1/2 cup butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add brown sugar, beating well.
4. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition.
5. Stir in melted chocolate and next 4 ingredients.
6. Pour filling into prepared crust.
7. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes; cool completely on rack before serving

Florida Orange Meringue Pie

Ask most people what dessert they think of when they think of Florida and almost all of them (myself included) would probably answer “Key Lime Pie.” But, check out this great twist on a lemon meringue pie made with Florida oranges!

Ingredients

• 1 c. orange juice
• 1 c. fresh oranges, cut in pieces
• 2 tbsp. grated orange rind
• 1 c. sugar
• 5 tbsp. cornstarch
• 3 egg yolks, beaten
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 tbsp. butter
• Baked pie shell

For the Meringue:

• 3 egg whites
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
• 6 tbsp. sugar

Directions
1.In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange sections, orange rind, sugar and cornstarch. Cook on low heat until clear. Add little of hot mixture to beaten egg yolks. Cook hot mixture 5 minutes longer.
2.Remove from heat and blend in lemon juice and butter. Pour into baked pie shell.
For the meringue:
1.Beat egg whites, vanilla and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Add sugar and beat until stiff. Spread ontop of orange filling.
2. Bake at 350 degrees 10 to 15 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned.
3.Do not drop the pie when you take it out of the oven… just saying.

Now, go enjoy the game!

Finally a College Saturday to get excited about! Last week, I didn’t almost didn’t bother with a post about College Gameday, I was that apathetic about the games. I even started drafting a lament about college football and how I just don’t get as excited about it as I do for the NFL. It was even the center of the Stiletto Sports Poll of the Week: do you watch College or NFL football.

I noticed last week that every Friday I groan and bitch when it comes to doing a College Game Day post, even though last year I really got into the college games. But every Saturday I get super excited about doing my NFL weekly picks.

The funny thing is, you can put me in front of any college game and I’ll watch it, pick a team, and get into it. But before the game? I seem to be overwhelmed by having Too Many Teams, Too Many Games, Too Little Time and a complete lack of interest in 90% of the matchups…..at least for part of the season. Last Saturday, most of the teams I knew and liked were playing vaguely unknown teams and the games were blowouts. Like 70-13 blowouts. How is that fun to watch?

And then this week, it’s a whole new story!

This College Game Day is filled with great matchups–and team rivalries that make Edward and Jacob seem like BFFs.

Now I’m not going to go into a whole long run on about all the different games and what you should watch and why. One of my other issues with College Game Day is that breakdown of matchups are always so technical and over my head. I have a very hard time reading about it. I don’t understand how ESPN can make heated rivalries and field of young, hot, athletic men sound so dry and boring.

So, instead, I shall give you what I am watching and why, and you can pick for yourself!

What I’ll be Watching:

1. Florida Gators vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
   
2. Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns:
3. Penn State vs. Iowa
4. Wisconsin vs. Michigan State
5. Oregon vs. Stanford

My College Game of the Week:

Florida Gators vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

Why I’m Watching: Because you can’t live in Florida and not care about this game. It’s epic.

My Pick: I fear if I don’t pick Florida, Gator Nation will come to my house, beat me and drown me in their Swamp. (but I think Alabama is going to destroy the Gators and I’m perfectly fine with that)

Why YOU should watch it: It really is an epic battle.  But my how the cast has changed. Florida without Tim Tebow is like Florida without Sunshine. The Gators just aren’t the team they used to be, but Alabama is. They mounted a HUGE comeback last week against Arkansas, showing they are still the team to beat in the nation. Florida, on the other hand, is a beaten up team…..

In any case, the rivalry is fierce. The fans a crazy. And the matchup is going to be intense! Even if it’s a blowout. Stay tuned, Game of the Week recipes will be up soon!

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns

Why I’m watching: Because it’s the Red River Shootout! One of the oldest Border Wars rivalries in college football. Both teams are doing….okay……. but they are both struggling this season to get back to where they used to be, even if their records don’t reflect their struggles. Sooners lost Sam Bradford and Longhorns lost Colt McCoy to the NFL and this is definitely a rebuilding season for the programs.

My Pick: Oklahoma.  It’s Sam Bradford’s origin so I will love them forever for giving him to me. Us. Whatever.

Why You Should Watch it: It’s the 105th Red River Shootout!

Celebrate the Red River Rivalry Shootout with a Stiletto Sports Texas and Oklahoma inspired Tee!

Click for ordering info!

Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Iowa Hawkeyes

Why I’m Watching: Um. Honestly? Because I know 5 or 6 really hot guys from Iowa that are all about this game….

My Pick: Iowa. Duh. See the line above for reclarification if needed.

Why You Should Watch it: Cuz Iowa grows hot boys….. Kidding. Sort of….. It’s kind of a Pac-10 rivalry. And Penn State hasn’t won the party in Iowa since 1999.

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Michigan State Spartans

Why I’m Watching: Because Stiletto Sports Senior Correspondent Erik Sweetland will make me!

My Pick: Michigan State. Go Green! Go White!

Why You Should Watch It: It’s actually a good matchup. It pairs the reigning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year  (Wisconsin Running Back John Clay) against the reigning Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Year(Michigan State Linebacker Greg Jones).

Oregon Ducks vs. Stanford Cardinals

Why I’m Watching: …..ESPN told me to……Seriously. I don’t know anything about either team so I don’t really care. But Oregon is ranked No. 4 and Stanford No. 9 so clearly they are good. And this is the matchup everyone says to watch so….

Also, ESPN Said this: “Oregon coach Chip Kelly runs a fancy-pants offense and his football philosophy is based on speed, speed, speed, but there is no way you’re going to get a football coach to say he runs a “finesse team.” Finesse is not a term football coaches embrace. It’s not very football-y.”

But “fancy pants” has macho-football all over it!

My Pick: Quack Quack….

Why YOU should Watch it: Because ESPN says so and it’s rare that I actually listen to what they tell me to do. For more about the matchup: Stanford-Oregon Matchup!

Stay tuned! Game Day Recipes coming soon! And remember to check back tomorrow for the NFL Pick ‘Ems!

This week we want to know, which do you like better College Football or NFL Football? Do you watch both? Or hate all football in general? Inquiring minds want to know!

I ask because every Friday I find myself groaning when it  comes to writing a College Game Day Pick ‘Em article but getting so excited about my Weekly NFL Picks. Don’t get me wrong, I like college football, I just don’t love it yet.

They are both football, the rules are mostly the same, but they might as well be two totally different ball games because fans almost always like one more than the other. So are you a college fanatic or a professional fan?

What do you love about college football? What don’t you like? Do you foam at the mouth for Sunday and Monday night NFL games? Who are your favorite teams? Leave me a comment below or shoot me a tweet on Twitter or Facebook and let me know!

And if you are a college fan, any suggestions how I can take my so-so crush on college football and turn it into true love?

Last week’s Poll Results: Last week, we asked, “Who’s your favorite Manning?” in honor of the key matchup of the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants—and Peyton versus Eli Manning. We were hoping to prove who is the fan favorite: Eli or Peyton.

And we were stunned to see that the brothers tied, each with 40% of the vote! The other 20% went to “I hate them both!”

We also had a bonus  poll in honor of the matchup between Tom Brady and Mark Sanchez in the Patriots-New York Jets game. Who is hotter: Tom or Mark? And again, the poll ended in a tie! Half think Tom is till the King of Hotties and the other half think Mark is poised to overthrow King Tom!

Happy Football Sunday Funday! Thanks to everyone who has been voting and leaving comments here and on Twitter and Facebook!

1. Arkansas Razorback vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
2. and of course, the Boise State vs. Who-Really-Cares-We-Just-Want-Boise-State-To-Be-Undefeated-This-Season-Team Game.

I’m not going into the Boise State game in my College Game Day Key Matchup  but I will touch on in later in my “College Football Lament” post.

What I’m Watching: Arkansas-Alabama

Why: Because they are two high ranked college teams. Most of the rest of today’s matchups feature a ranked team against a nobody. Woo hoo.

Both teams are undefeated going into this game. The Crimson Tide are the reigning champs and looking to take home the BCS again this year. And they seriously stomped on Duke last week. But, Duke sucks unless it’s college basketball. Arkansas does not. They are ranked No. 9 right now and beating the reigning champs and No. 1 team would give them a nice boost in the polls!

My Pick: Alabama Crimson Tide. I may not have liked them last year, especially when they won the title. But the Tide is slowly growing on me. I think it might be because I love the Alabama Crimson Tide Inspired “Sweet Home Alabama” Football Tee that I custom designed. Or maybe because Mark Ingram is really good. Either way, I think they will win.

Stiletto Sports Sweet Home Alabama Custom Tee! Click for ordering info!

Here’s a Quick Game Day Menu:

I’m going with a Red Theme for the party since both schools colors are Crimsony.

1. PREGAME: The Arkansas Razorback Cocktail or  The Crimson Tide Cocktail
2. 1st QUARTER: Bloody Mary Dip
3. 2nd QUARTER: Red Hot Sticky Wings
4. HALFTIME:  Razorback Burger or the Alabama Smokehouse Pig Burger
5. 3rd QUARTER: Razorback Chili or Spicy Alabama Onion Beer Chili
6. 4th Quarter: Arkansas Persimmon Pudding or Alabama Mud Pie Cake

PREGAME

The Razorback Cocktail

• - 1/2 shot rum
• - 1/2 shot vodka
• - 1/2 shot amaretto
• - 1/2 shot coffee liqueur (kahlua)

Shake till frothy with ice, strain.

The Crimson Tide Cocktail

• 1/4 oz vodka
• 1/4 oz coconut rum
• 1/4 oz raspberry liqueur
• 1/4 oz blue hawaiian schnapps
• 1/4 oz peach liqueur
• 1/4 oz high proof rum
• 1/4 oz cranberry juice
• 1/4 oz soda (7-up, sprite)

Combine all together, chill.

1st QUARTER

Bloody Mary Dip This is seriously the perfect dip for Sunday Funday because it has the ultimate hangover cure built right into it! A bloody mary! Rich, creamy and tangy, it’s great with meat, veggies and chips! Plus you can add as much pepper and horseradish as you want to make it super fiery or mild! Get the Recipe!

2nd QUARTER

Red Hot Sticky Wings : Now, normally I’m not a fan of BBQ sauce unless it’s grilled or broiled to a nice crispy sweetness. But this sauce is so different. And the best part is that the wings are baked, not fried. The sauce is a delicious blend of reduced pomegranate juice and hot sauce. Warning: you will be a hot sticky mess after eating these, but it’s so worth it! Get the Recipe!

HALFTIME

The Razorback Burger: Or as I like to think of it the Hog Wild Burger. Take 8 ounces of  ground beef and stuff the middle with ham, bacon, sausage. Cook to your liking. Then top it with sauteed onions, American & Swiss cheese, mayo, lettuce and tomato. And have 911 on standby in case of clogged arteries!.

4th QUARTER

Arkansas Persimmon Pudding

Ingredients

• 1/2 c Butter
• 1 c Brown sugar
• 3 lg Eggs
• 1 1/2 c Sifted all purpose flour
• 2 ts Baking powder
• 1/2 c Milk
• 1 1/2 c Persimmon pulp
• 1/2 ts Ground cinnamon
• 1/4 ts Ground cloves

Directions

1. Cream butter until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in brown sugar.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each egg. Sift flour with baking powder. A
3. dd flour alternately with milk, beginning ending with flour.
4. Fold in persimmon pulp and the spices.
5. Pour mixture into a greased 1 1/2 quart pudding mold.
6. Steam for 1 1/2 hours.

Alabama Mud Pie Cake

Ingredients

• * 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, with juice
• * 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
• * 1 (18.25 ounce) package devil’s food cake mix
• * 1 cup chopped pecans
• * 1/2 cup mint chocolate chips
• * 1/2 cup butter, sliced

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan.
2. Pour pineapple with juice into prepared pan, spreading evenly to make the first layer. Spread cherry pie filling over the pineapple layer, then spread the cake mix over the cherry pie filling. Sprinkle the cake mix layer with pecans and mint chocolate chips, then distribute the sliced butter evenly over the top.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Fall is finally here and you know what that means! It’s time to Tailgate! Forget the actual football games, weekends in the fall are all about the tailgating parties!

Omaha Steaks wants to kick off Tailgating Season in style with a special contest honoring America’s most beloved pastime (and no, it’s not baseball anymore!)

Throughout the month of September, Omaha Steaks is running their “First Annual All-American Tailgate Challenge”

Check out everything you can win:

The Party King MVP-9500 Tailgate Grill

a Football Autographed by Ndamukong Suh, and

The Omaha Steaks All-American Tailgater Package including:

• 12  (8 oz.) Omaha Steaks Filet Mignons
• 8 Steak Sandwich Boneless Strips
• 8 Omaha Steaks Burgers
• 16 Gourmet Franks
• 16 Brats
• 12 Beef Snack Sticks

plus a host of tailgating treasures, aprons, visors, grilling utensils, etc.

The Total Prize Package Value is $1500!

How to Enter:

Just submit a video (3 minutes or less) of your next tailgate party telling them why YOUR  tailgate is one of America’s best!

Can’t do a video? No problem! Just submit your best tailgate photo and a brief narrative for a chance to win!

Win Even More!

Omaha Steaks will be also be giving away weekly prices on Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare as part of their Tailgate Ambush. If you check in or tweet from any stadium and mention your tailgate experience during the month of September you will be entered into a weekly drawing for a chance to win other delicious Omaha Steaks prizes.

Winners will be announced weekly on their Facebook, Twitter and blog.

———————–

And Stay Tuned! The Stiletto Sports Ultimate Tailgating Challenge  furnished by Omaha Steaks–for Stiletto Sports fans only—is coming soon! Get your cameras ready!

Get your burgers and chicken wings ready and grab a cold beer (or 10)! This is going to be a Super Saturday!

My Game of the Weekend:

Ohio State-Miami

This is going to be big. Seriously big.

Let’s set the scene:

Fiesta Bowl. Seven years ago. January. Yet strangely not cold as we are in Arizona.

Two football teams, Ohio State Buckeyes and the Miami Hurricanes battle on the field. Winner will be declared the BCS National Champions. Miami is the powerhouse team of college football, having won 45 games in 3 seasons and is expected to win.

Fourth down from the 5-yard line, overtime, Miami up 24-17.

And…..Action!

Ohio State quarterback Craig Krenzel throws a pass to Chris Gamble in the right corner of the end zone. Miami’s Glenn Sharpe defends and the ball hits the ground.

Pass incomplete. Miami wins, celebration begins. Sidelines empty to field, fireworks go off.

All commotion stops. All eyes turn to stare at a lonely yellow flag sitting on the green field.

(crowd hushes)

Field Judge: Pass interference. Automatic first down, half the distance to the goal.

Analysts, Miami Fans, Miami players, Miami Coaches, Everyone watching on TV that is not from Ohio: Bad Call! Bad Call!

The Buckeyes go on to score and send the game into double overtime.

Time winding down in second OT. Ohio State has taken a 31-24 lead. It’s Miami on the drive. They must score a touchdown. Another pass interference call, this time against the Buckeyes, puts Miami at 1st and goal, only two yards away from scoring. Buckeyes defense holds strong and only allows Miami to move on yard forward in 3 plays.

4th and goal from the 1 yard line. Ken Dorsey throws the pass to tie the game!

Incomplete! Ohio State wins the Fiesta Bowl in the final moments of the game and becomes the 2003 BCS Champions.

———–

Present Day:

In the last seven years, the Buckeyes have gone on to six BCS bowl games, including two BCS title games. Miami’s dominant, swaggering program fell to ruin.  You can see why Miami is foaming at the mouth for this rematch. They have not played each other since. This one’s going to be good!

This Miami program is ready to exact revenge on that Big Ten team that sent them into a tailspin of mediocrity. -Danny Flynn, via Bleacher Report

This game also features two quarterbacks that are Heisman Trophy Contenders: Ohio State’s Tyrelle Pryor and Miami Cane’s Jacory Harris. All eyes will be on them to see who dominates and who wants that trophy.

This game is also one of the toughest of the season for Ohio State. They win this, they could have some smooth sailing to the BCS Title…..

I’m thinking we are going to be watching the game from inside our house and not venturing to a sports bar, being that we are 3 Ohio State Fans in the heart of Florida……

My Pick: Ohio State. Why? Because my roommate makes me….

——————————————————————————————————

My Second Favorite Game of the Week

Michigan-Notre Dame

As I typed those two names together, even with the dash between them, I could almost feel the hate radiating from both school names. Seriously. These schools loathe each other. The rivalry is one of the oldest in the countries, dating all the way back to 1887.  It’s had a lot of time to marinate. And as both teams have massive fan bases that span generations so the hatred just keeps on growing!

They play each other almost every year and the commotion around the game is often huge. Even though its not a bowl game, there is no trophy, and neither team has been ranked all that great in years! But hey, that’s why college football rivalries are go great! The hate is pure and undying!

A quick breakdown of the rivalry:

• Michigan and Notre Dame are respectively ranked #1 and #2 in all-time winning percentage in the country and #1 and #3 in all time wins.
• Both teams have won 11 national titles
• Michigan leads the Wolverine-Fighting Irish Series, 21-15-1

My Pick: Notre Dame. Why? Have you seen Dayne Crist? That’s all I’m saying. He’s kinda like a James Van der Beek. Except hot and non-whiney. And I’m currently in possession of a Michigan State Spartans t-shirt. I’m not allowed to say anything nice about Michigan while that is in my house.

——————————————————————

The Best of the Rest

Florida Gators- USF Bulls

Funny story: So I heard about this game on the radio yesterday while I was at work and thought they said Florida-FSU. So I was super excited and hyped, and kinda bummed that I was missing the game. Then I came home to look stuff up and kept seeing FSU is at Oklahoma this weekend and was so confused….. FSU = Florida State in Tallahassee, Florida’s most hated rival. USF= University of South Florida, which is in Tampa.

To the rest of the world this matchup probably isn’t that big of a deal although everyone is watching to see if what’s his face can step into Tim Tebow’s shoes, especially after his horrible first showing last week.

But where I live, this is HUGE. The true heart of Gator Nation is about 2 hours away and it beats loud throughout the state (except in Tallahassee of course). But I live and work in the heart of Bulls Country. In fact there will be a mass exit tomorrow morning of Tampa Bay peeps heading up to Gainesville for this game.

My Pick: um. So one hot client I have loves USF. Another LOVES the Gators. I really don’t think it’s right for me to choose sides on this one because I love them both equally.

Alabama Crimson Tide – Penn State Nittany Lions

Not really a big fan of  ‘Bama right now. Still a little disgruntled over their BCS win. What will be interesting is Penn State has a rookie QB starting and Alabama’s star offensive player Mark Ingram is injured. While it’s a big matchup to football fans, doesn’t rank on my Must See Saturday TV list.

FSU's Christian Ponder...pondering a win over the Sooners

FSU Seminoles – Oklahoma Sooners

I think….. I’m going to have to go with FSU on this one. I know I loved me some Sooners when Sam was around but let’s face it, he’s gone and Oklahoma is, well, Oklahoma. Other than my mother bursting into song anytime the word “Oklahoma” was said, I have no real feelings or memories about it.

FSU, however, is right down the round (give or take 4-5hours) from me. And it’s the heart of Tallahasee, which is where I met Mr. Chris Daughtry for the first time. So I have much love for that town.

In any case, the game is big for both teams. Oklahoma is trying to rebuild and reestablish themselves now that Sam has gone pro. And they are on a 31-game winning streak at home, the longest in the country right now so they really don’t want to lose this game at home.

FSU’s head coach is trying to break out of the shadow of the old coach so you know he is going to be scrappy and fighting hard. His star QB Christian Ponder will be the key in taking down Oklahoma’s defense!

Nothing like doing a pick 30 minutes before a game kicks off! But I’ve been with very spotty internet for a few days so forgive me.

So here’s the breakdown of the college football national championship ’09–10.

First let me explain that the BCS Championship is a “national championship” with an emphasis on the quotation marks. It’s really referred to as the “mythical national championship.” Why? Because college football does not have a playoff round to lead up to the championship. The two teams in the championship game are “randomly” picked to go. Okay…. so yes, they are the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams in the country that go but those ranking are very subjective and fluctuate constantly. I’m not going to get into all that now because it makes my head hurt.

So, in any case the Texas Longhorns and the Alabama Crimson Tide were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the country after the conference championships in December so they are in the BCS Championship Game.

The Matchup

These teams are so evenly matched up it’s almost disgusting. If you don’t have a personal fave, good luck picking between the two based just on the number stats

• Texas has 2009 Heisman Trophy Nominee Colt McCoy (They have two total winners in school history)
• Alabama has 2009 Heisman Trophy Winner Mark Ingram (He is the one and only winner in school history)
• Texas has 845 all time wins
• Alabama has 812 all time wins
• Texas has 25 Bowl Wins
• Alabama has 31 Wins
• Texas has 4 National Championships
• Alabama has 7 National Championships.
• Both teams are undefeated
• Texas QB Colt McCoy has gone on to quarterback more victories than any other player in major college football history.
• Alabama QB Greg McElroy hasn’t lost a game as a starter. Ever. In college or high school

However, there is the Heisman Trophy Curse to contend with. Since 2000 when the Heisman winner went on to play in the BCS game, they have gone 1-6. The only Heisman winner to win in the BCS since 2000 was my lovey Matt Leinart (who is now backup QB on the Cardinals to my other lovey Kurt Warner). So that does not bode well for Alabama

my Pick:

I’ve never been an Alabama fan. Goes way back to when I first starting loving NCAA March Madness. They’ve grown on me a little bit, like a fungus, over the last decade or so but I still don’t have a soft spot for them. And when they horribly beat down Florida in the SEC Championship in December, it renewed my hatred for them. That kicked Florida out of the running for this game. Would love to be watching Tebow tonight, not Ingram or McElroy. (Cuz in the Bowl Game they had  a Tebow game online where you could just watch all Tebow all the time. It was awesome. But I digress.)

Anyway, You can’t like two teams in the SEC and this year I was definitely a Gator  Girl.

I also think Colt McCoy is a really sexy name. And I have this insane desire to go to Texas and get me a cowboy for a night. Yes, I’m serious.

So…..

GO TEXAS!

***errrr…. I’d like to change my pick due to the fact that Colt McCoy was injured like 2 minutes into the game. Okay maybe not 2 minutes but really soon into the game he went down with a major shoulder injury and now a freshman QB has taken his place which has just destroyed the whole team.

Really made this a sucky championship game.

from rocky mountain news

See, the FBS is the only NCAA sport that does not have an official tournament or playoffs to determine the winner of the season. Yes, there is a BCS Championship Game and the winner is declared the national champ but…. those two teams that go to the BCS game are handpicked according to stats, rankings and other random criteria that have been interpreted by a panel of “experts.” They don’t play in a post-season elimination to see who is the best. This leaves the season’s true winner wide open for debate.

So basically, last year the panel said “hmmm, we think Florida and Oklahoma are the two best teams this year.” And then Florida and Oklahoma got to be in the big game for the 2008-09 season.
And last year, I’m sure Florida and Oklahoma were thrilled. Utah, USC and Texas, however, were not. I know, it sounds like sour grapes, jealousy or sore losers but it’s not.

All three of them believed they were the No. 1 team last season and wanted to have their chance to prove it in the championship game. Utah won its post season bowl game and was the only team to go undefeated in the 08-09 season—unlike the two teams that were chosen as the best teams in the country to play for the championship game.

There is a ton of controversy around the BCS rankings and decisions. Utah is not the first undefeated team to be left out of the championship game. It actually happens quite a bit! In fact, the BCS rankings, especially for the championship game are so controversial that the Associated Press asked for their poll to be removed from decision making process. The AP Poll features the Top 25 rankings according to sportswriters and analysts from all over the country.

Even though the BCS declares the winner of the championship as the No. 1 team of the season, the AP Poll does not always agree. There technically is no college football national champion. The BCS National Championship Game is affectionately known as the Mythical National Championship.

So who will be this year’s Mythical National Champs? The Texas Longhorns or the Alabama Crimson Tide

**What really sucks for the 2010 BCS Championship is right at the beginning of the 1st quarter, Texas Heisman Nominated QB Colt McCoy was hit hard with a major shoulder injury and had to be replaced by a freshman backup. So it’s like a championship between the No. 1 team, and a No. 16 team…. very sad. You almost want them to call the game and do it again another day because even when ‘Bama wins, everyone will always say “wonder what would have happened if McCoy stayed in…..”