May the Schwartz be with you.

Yes, I know Carter Schwartz’s much needed 54 yard punt, downed by Kris Hughes at the UDub three yard line, was not the play of the game.

But, it’s bowl season, the Cards played guys we’ve never heard of, the Huskies have a dy-no-mite real rookie QB — clearly star of the game — the game was entertaining . . .

. . . and U of L won.

35-34.

After Antonio Watts made the true play of the game, breaking up Washington’s attempt for a deuce to win it in regulation.

So yeah, I went full on Space Balls. Continue reading U of L CardFile: Sun Bowl W →

There’s one reason and one reason only why this post, this predictions exist.

Joey the Vig.

Real name: John Wagner. May He Rest in Peace.

It was his annual bowl pool which I’d banter about yearly. And enter with some success and way more failure.

Until it ended a few years back after his way too early, way too young, and therefore untimely demise.

He was just a good damn guy, a former HS math teacher who loved spread sheets and being an interlocutor for various wagering endeavors among his ever increasing cadre of guys and gals who loved some action. Bowl pools. Baseball pools. In season football pools.

John would take a minimal slice off the top for his efforts. What he loved more was the interaction of his acolytes. The keeping track.

And he loved that somebody a few states south of his Michigan home had turned him into a fictional mythical icon.

So, John, with tears in my eyes, I advise these picks, as silly as they may be, are for you, my man.

This weekend’s Round Uno winners: Continue reading Seedy K’s Peerless Pigskin Prognostications: CFP, R1 →

This time of year is ever the moment to memorialize one Claude Poulan, who while supervising German prisoners cutting pulpwood in East Texas in the 40s sorta kinda mighta actually developed/ invented the chainsaw.

Then in Shreveport, started a company producing chainsaws.

Then, in a perhaps logical, more than likely circuitous progression the company began to sponsor the Independence Bowl.

At least for awhile.

While I am loathe to provide adverts when not being paid to do so, so marvelous is the monikor, Poulan Weedeater Independence Bowl, I can’t help myself.

May the name R.I.P..

That particular encounter is now sponsored by Radiance Something or Another. The funkiest tie in these days, one dude’s opinion, the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl.

Though it hardly stands out that much from the various and sundry scrimmages named for tax prep apps, insurance companies, cities, vacation housing providers, financial institutions, TV services, gas stations, tire brands, some doohickeys or another which remain elusive to define even after googling them, and of course most famously these days, food stuffs. Continue reading Fun is Bowling →

One might have thought that playing with 12 vs. 11, and with the solemn but sacred spirit force of the Aggie Bonfire tragedy 25 years ago, that A&M would have taken down their hated rival Longhorns on home turf in College Station.

I did.

But these Aggies didn’t have the intestinal fortitude to prevail, like say The Bear’s Junction Boys.

So, I missed that one.

But . . . and it’s a mighty But . . . that was the only game I got wrong.

NC State over Mack Brown, mes freres, that was a gimme. Sayonara Coach, we really appreciate all you did and wish you and yours all the best in the future.

Tennessee over Vandy. It was tough, but predictable.

That Curt Cignetti would keep the pedal to the metal until the final gun: I-N-E -V-I-T-A-B-L-E. The Hoosiers went all Phillips 66 on the hapless Boilermakers.

U of L over Arch Rival. SMACKDOWN.

4-1 for the last weekend of the regular campaign. 61-22 for the season, my BOAT predictioneering.

And, now for Championship Week . . .

. . . this week’s winners: Continue reading Seedy K’s Peerless Pigskin Prognostications: Title Week →

Not talking Atomic Dogs or underdogs.

Had enough of the latter on gameday to last until the 12th of Never.

(OK, maybe in a bit, hoping that a bit more venting might ease the pain of that epic meltdown.)

Talking real dog dogs.

And my favorite moment of Pigskin Saturday.

Context:

I discovered the empowering unconditional love of canines late in life. In the summer of ’04 when I met my future bride Joanie’s black Lab. Lilah the Love Dog.

We connected. The canine and future Mrs.. Such that the dear canine soon enough began sleeping on the floor beside my side of the bed. Much to the faux dismay of the Film Babe.

Then there was Abbey. The Sad Eyed Lady of the Highlands. The beagle who stole my heart and soul forever and always when we met at a rescue dog event at Hogan’s Fountain.

She ran to me sitting on the ground and started licking my face. I mean, come on, how you gonna turn away from that?

With all due respect to my bride, my family, U of L sports, Impellizzeri’s pizza and JazzFest, Abbey was and remains the Great Love of My Life.

Gone now years later, I still talk with her almost daily, standing at that portrait Joanie crafted, which you see above.

Then, Carbon, the Frenchie who never could get enough of my touch.

Which brings me to College Game Day from Athens. Continue reading Pigskin Palaver: Saturday’s Dog Day Afternoon →