Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 11/26/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of November 26, 2012:

1. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
2. Alabama (SEC Champion)
3. Florida (At Large SEC)
4. Oregon (At Large PAC 12)
5. Georgia (At Large SEC)
6. Kansas State (Big 12 Champion)
7. Stanford (PAC 12 Champion)
8. LSU (At Large SEC)
9. Florida State (ACC Champion)
10. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
11. Northern Illinois (MAC Champion)
12. Utah State (WAC Champion)
13. Louisville (Big East Champion)
14. Fresno State (Mountain West Champion)
15. Arkansas State (Sun Belt Champion)
16. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)

Dropped out: Texas A&M (#9, At Large SEC)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (4), PAC 12 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1), Big 12 (1), Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Tulsa at (1) Notre Dame
(9) Florida State at (8) LSU
(12) Utah State at (5) Georgia
(13) Louisville at (4) Oregon
(11) Northern Illinois at (6) Kansas State
(14) Fresno State at (3) Florida
(10) Nebraska at (7) Stanford
(15) Arkansas State at (2) Alabama

Round 2
(8) LSU vs (1) Notre Dame
(5) Georgia vs (4) Oregon
(6) Kansas State vs (3) Florida
(7) Stanford vs (2) Alabama

Round 3
(4) Oregon vs (1) Notre Dame
(3) Florida  vs (2) Alabama

Championship Game
(2) Alabama vs (1) Notre Dame

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 11/19/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of November 19, 2012:

1. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
2. Alabama (SEC Champion)
3. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
4. Georgia (At Large SEC)
5. Florida (At Large SEC)
6. Kansas State (Big 12 Champion)
7. Florida State (ACC Champion)
8. LSU (At Large SEC)
9. Texas A&M (At Large SEC)
10. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
11. Louisville (Big East Champion)
12. Northern Illinois (MAC Champion)
13. Utah State (WAC Champion)
14. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)
15. Fresno State (Mountain West Champion)
16. Arkansas State (Sun Belt Champion)

Dropped out: Louisiana Tech (#12, WAC Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (5), ACC (1), Big 10 (1), Big 12 (1), Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Arkansas State at (1) Notre Dame
(9) Texas A&M at (8) LSU
(12) Northern Illinois at (5) Florida
(13) Utah State at (4) Georgia
(11) Louisville at (6) Kansas State
(14) Tulsa at (3) Oregon
(10) Nebraska at (7) Florida State
(15) Fresno State at (2) Alabama

Round 2
(8) LSU vs (1) Notre Dame
(5) Florida vs (4) Georgia
(6) Kansas State vs (3) Oregon
(7) Florida State vs (2) Alabama

Round 3
(4) Georgia vs (1) Notre Dame
(3) Oregon  vs (2) Alabama

Championship Game
(2) Alabama vs (1) Notre Dame

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 11/12/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of November 12, 2012:

1. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
2. Kansas State (Big 12 Champion)
3. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
4. Alabama (SEC Champion)
5. Florida (At Large SEC)
6. Georgia (At Large SEC)
7. LSU (At Large SEC)
8. Florida State (ACC Champion)
9. Texas A&M (At Large SEC)
10. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
11. Louisville (Big East Champion)
12. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
13. Northern Illinois (MAC Champion)
14. Fresno State (Mountain West Champion)
15. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)
16. Arkansas State (Sun Belt Champion)

Dropped out: South Carolina (#9, At Large SEC)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (5), ACC (1), Big 10 (1), Big 12 (1), Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Arkansas State at (1) Oregon
(9) Texas A&M at (8) Florida State
(12) Louisiana Tech at (5) Florida
(13) Northern Illinois at (4) Alabama
(11) Louisville at (6) Georgia
(14) Fresno State at (3) Notre Dame
(10) Nebraska at (7) LSU
(15) Tulsa at (2) Kansas State

Round 2
(8) Florida State vs (1) Oregon
(5) Florida vs (4) Alabama
(6) Georgia vs (3) Notre Dame
(7) LSU vs (2) Kansas State

Round 3
(4) Alabama vs (1) Oregon
(3) Notre Dame vs (2) Kansas State

Championship Game
(2) Kansas State vs (1) Oregon

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 11/5/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of November 5, 2012:

1. Alabama (SEC Champion)
2. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
3. Kansas State (Big 12 Champion)
4. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
5. Florida (At Large SEC)
6. Georgia (At Large SEC)
7. Florida State (ACC Champion)
8. LSU (At Large SEC)
9. South Carolina (At Large SEC)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
12. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
13. Northern Illinois (MAC Champion)
14. Fresno State (Mountain West Champion)
15. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)
16. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)

Dropped out: Boise State (#11, Mountain West Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (5), ACC (1), Big 10 (1), Big 12 (1), Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Louisiana-Monroe at (1) Alabama
(9) South Carolina at (8) LSU
(12) Louisiana Tech at (5) Florida
(13) Northern Illinois at (4) Notre Dame
(11) Nebraska at (6) Georgia
(14) Fresno State at (3) Kansas State
(10) Louisville at (7) Florida State
(15) Tulsa at (2) Oregon

Round 2
(8) LSU vs (1) Alabama
(5) Florida vs (4) Notre Dame
(6) Georgia vs (3) Kansas State
(7) Florida State vs (2) Oregon

Round 3
(4) Notre Dame vs (1) Alabama
(3) Kansas State vs (2) Oregon

Championship Game
(2) Oregon vs (1) Alabama

Election, Local Midtown, Grizzlies, Cafe Society Thanksgiving

Election results are in nation-wide and there will not be significant changes. No matter who won the election, it is critical for both parties to work closer together and help the country regain its strength.

With the failure of the proposed Shelby County sales tax increase, look for property owners to flip with bill with increased property taxes next year. Home ownership is great, but there is eventually going to be a point when you can no longer squeeze juice out of the berry.

Local has finally opened their Midtown location on Overton Square. Once you walk in you will find it hard to believe the same space once housed Yosemite Sam's. Overall, the new location is nice. The downstairs has a somewhat "cookie cutter/chain" feel, but the upstairs has a lounge style that will be very welcome in Midtown. Once the weather gets better, the new double decker patio will be a prime spot. In addition to the remodeling, there is a new menu that will also be featured at the Downtown location.

The Grizzlies are off to a quick 2-1start under new owner Robert Pera. They return to action at FedExForum this weekend against Houston and the defending NBA champions Miami. As always, tickets are still available.

With Thanksgiving being just a couple of weeks away, many people are planning their holiday meal plans. If you don't feel like cooking your own bird, give Cafe Society a call.  Here are the items they will have available for you to serve at your home.

12-14 lb Turkey with Gravy - $60

Side Items (will feed up to 5 people):

Traditional dressing/stuffing - $15

Potato puree - $15

Roasted root vegetables - $15

Haricot vert almondine - $15

Cranberry chutney - $7

Cheesecake - $30

Pumpkin pie - $20

The deadline to order is Monday, November 19th by 2:00PM and items must be picked up Wednesday, November 21st by 9:00PM. Stop by the restaurant or call 722-2177 to place your order.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 10/29/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of October 29, 2012:

1. Alabama (SEC Champion)
2. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
3. Kansas State (Big 12 Champion)
4. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
5. LSU (At Large SEC)
6. Florida (At Large SEC)
7. Georgia (At Large SEC)
8. Florida State (ACC Champion)
9. South Carolina (At Large SEC)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
12. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
13. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
14. Northern Illinois (MAC Champion)
15. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)
16. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)

Dropped out: Oklahoma (#7, At Large Big 12), USC (#8, At Large PAC 12), Ohio (#12, MAC Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (5), ACC (1), Big 10 (1), Big 12 (1), Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Tulsa at (1) Alabama
(9) South Carolina at (8) Florida State
(12) Nebraska at (5) LSU
(13) Louisiana Tech at (4) Notre Dame
(11) Boise State at (6) Florida
(14) Northern Illinois at (3) Kansas State
(10) Louisville at (7) Georgia
(15) Louisiana-Monroe at (2) Oregon

Round 2
(8) Florida State vs (1) Alabama
(5) LSU vs (4) Notre Dame
(6) Florida vs (3) Kansas State
(7) Georgia vs (2) Oregon

Round 3
(4) Notre Dame vs (1) Alabama
(3) Kansas State vs (2) Oregon

Championship Game
(2) Oregon vs (1) Alabama

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 10/22/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of October 22, 2012:

1. Alabama (SEC Champion)
2. Florida (At Large SEC)
3. Kansas State (Big 12 Champion)
4. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
5. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
6. LSU (At Large SEC)
7. Oklahoma (At Large Big 12)
8. USC (At Large PAC 12)
9. Florida State (ACC Champion)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
12. Ohio (MAC Champion)
13. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
14. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
15. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)
16. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)

Dropped out: South Carolina (#7, At Large SEC)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (3), Big 12 (2), PAC 12 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1),  Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Louisiana-Monroe at (1) Alabama
(9) Florida State  at (8) USC
(12) Ohio at (5) Notre Dame
(13) Nebraska at (4) Oregon
(11) Boise State at (6) LSU
(14) Louisiana Tech at (3) Kansas State
(10) Louisville at (7) Oklahoma
(15) Tulsa at (2) Florida

Round 2
(8) USC vs (1) Alabama
(5) Notre Dame vs (4) Oregon
(6) LSU vs (3) Kansas State
(7) Oklahoma vs (2) Florida

Round 3
(4) Oregon vs (1) Alabama
(3) Kansas State vs (2) Florida

Championship Game
(2) Florida vs (1) Alabama

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 10/15/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of October 15, 2012:

1. Alabama (SEC Champion)
2. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
3. Kansas State (Big 12 Champion)
4. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
5. Florida (At Large SEC)
6. Oklahoma (At Large Big 12)
7. South Carolina (At Large SEC)
8. LSU (At Large SEC)
9. Florida State (ACC Champion)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Nebraska (Big 12 Champion)
12. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
13. Ohio (MAC Champion)
14. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
15. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)
16. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)

Dropped out: West Virginia (#4, Big 12 Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (4), Big 12 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1),  Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1),

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Louisiana-Monroe at (1) Alabama
(9) Florida State  at (8) LSU
(12) Boise State at (5) Florida
(13) Ohio at (4) Notre Dame
(11) Nebraska at (6) Oklahoma
(14) Louisiana Tech at (3) Kansas State
(10) Louisville at (7) South Carolina
(15) Tulsa at (2) Oregon

Round 2
(8) LSU vs (1) Alabama
(5) Florida vs (4) Notre Dame
(6) Oklahoma vs (3) Kansas State
(7) South Carolina vs (2) Oregon

Round 3
(4) Notre Dame vs (1) Alabama
(3) Kansas State vs (2) Oregon

Championship Game
(2) Oregon vs (1) Alabama

Butcher Shop, Neely's, Football

A couple of long-time Memphis restaurants announced changes this week. The Downtown location of The Butcher Shop announced that it would be closing on October 26th after 31 years in business. The building will be turned into a commercial and residential development. I'm not sure if I'll miss the restaurant. The quality was ok and the service was typically poor.

This does remind me that Downtown Memphis could use a quality steakhouse. No kids, the Mesquite Chophouse nor Texas de Brazil counts. Maybe one day Folk's Folly or Ruth's Chris will open a location.

Neely's announced that both of their Memphis locations would be closed for renovations. Upgrading restaurant facilities happens all the time. The big difference here is that a date hasn't been announced for when the bbq eateries will re-open. Could it be possible that one or both may not reopen? Either way, no big loss. There is much better bbq available through out the city.

Side note - The Grizzlies also announced that Neely's would not be providing bbq at games this year.

Holy cow! The Memphis Tigers earned a win last week against Rice. Will the Tigers be able to carry the momentum to this weekend against East Carolina? There's a good chance win number two can happen today. Most Tigers fans won't care though...basketball season started last night.




Here's the picks for this week.

Last Week: 2-4
Season: 23-13 (63%)
Auburn over Mississippi
Rhodes over Macalester
Alabama over Missouri
Notre Dame over Stanford
East Carolina over Memphis
Tennessee-Knoxville over Mississippi State
Tennessee Titans over Minnesota Vikings

Weekly Liberty Bowl Projection: Tulsa vs Missouri

As the season begins to unfold, Tulsa appears to be the best team in Conference USA. Missouri may be an interesting pair with a reasonable road trip for fans.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 10/8/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of October 8, 2012:

1. Alabama (SEC Champion)
2. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
3. South Carolina (At Large SEC)
4. West Virginia (Big 12 Champion)
5. Florida (At Large SEC)
6. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
7. Kansas State (At Large Big 12)
8. LSU (At Large SEC)
9. Florida State (ACC Champion)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
12. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
13. Ohio (MAC Champion)
14. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
15. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)
16. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)

Dropped out: Georgia (#6, At Large SEC)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (4), Big 12 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1),  Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1),

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Tulsa at (1) Alabama
(9) Florida State  at (8) LSU
(12) Louisiana Tech at (5) Florida
(13) Ohio at (4) West Virginia
(11) Boise State at (6) Notre Dame
(14) Nebraska at (3) South Carolina
(10) Louisville at (7) Kansas State
(15) Louisiana-Monroe at (2) Oregon

Round 2
(8) LSU vs (1) Alabama
(5) Florida vs (4) West Virginia
(6) Notre Dame vs (3) South Carolina
(7) Kansas State vs (2) Oregon

Round 3
(4) West Virginia vs (1) Alabama
(3) South Carolina vs (2) Oregon

Championship Game
(2) Oregon vs (1) Alabama

Bad Weather, Cooper-Young, Italian Wine Dinner, Football

Memphis was rocked with severe storms tonight. MLGW is reporting that many Memphians, especially in the Midtown and Downtown areas, are still without power. I hope everyone is safe and sound.

The American Planning Association has named Cooper-Young as one of its Top 10 Great Neighborhoods. Cooper-Young was selected for its "historic architecture, vibrant business and entertainment district, and active and engaged residents who’ve spent decades redeveloping the neighborhood." Congrats to one the better parts of Memphis.

The Grove Grill will be hosting an Italian Wine Dinner on Wednesday, October 17. The menu and pairings are still in the works, but this should be a fantastic experience. Details are coming soon.

The Grove is also bringing back half off wine on Monday's. This great special gets you 50% off any bottle of wine under $50. Bring yourself. Bring a friend or friends. Cheers!

There really isn't any good Memphis related football to discuss right now. Rhodes in a small losing streak and Memphis is Memphis. Arkansas and Ole Miss? Not looking so hot. Mississippi State with an undefeated season so far? Not enough cowbell to legitimately give them more chatter than this. A huge positive? Grizzlies basketball warming up and the Tigers season kicks off in a few weeks. 


Here's the picks for this week.

Last Week: 5-1
Season: 21-9 (70%)

Rhodes over Austin College
LSU over Florida
Georgia over South Carolina
Rice over Memphis
New Orleans Saints over San Diego Chargers
Tennessee Titans over Minnesota Vikings

Weekly Liberty Bowl Projection: Tulsa vs Auburn

As the season begins to unfold, Tulsa appears to be the best team in Conference USA. Auburn is barely hanging on.  No change here...yet.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 10/1/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of October 1, 2012:

1. Alabama (SEC Champion)
2. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
3. Florida State (ACC Champion)
4. LSU (At Large SEC)
5. West Virginia (Big 12 Champion)
6. Georgia (At Large SEC)
7. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
8. South Carolina (At Large SEC)
9. Kansas State (At Large Big 12)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
12. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
13. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
14. Ohio (MAC Champion)
15. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)
16. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)

Dropped out: Michigan State (#11, Big 10 Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (4), Big 12 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1),  Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1),

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Tulsa at (1) Alabama
(9) Kansas State  at (8) South Carolina
(12) Boise State at (5) West Virginia
(13) Louisiana Tech at (4) LSU
(11) Nebraska at (6) Georgia
(14) Ohio at (3) Florida State
(10) Louisville at (7) Notre Dame
(15) Louisiana-Monroe at (2) Oregon

Round 2
(8) South Carolina vs (1) Alabama
(5) West Virginia vs (4) LSU
(6) Georgia vs (3) Florida State
(7) Notre Dame vs (2) Oregon

Round 3
(4) LSU vs (1) Alabama
(3) Florida State vs (2) Oregon

Championship Game
(2) Oregon vs (1) Alabama

Vokda Martini Tasting, Shell Out For The Arts, Football

Cafe Society will host a 360 Vodka Martini Tasting on Thursday, October 4th at 7:00pm. For $25 plus tax and tip, you will sample 6 different flavors of 360 Vodka, the planet's first eco-friendly vodka.$5 small plates will also be available. Call 901-722.2177 for reservations.

ArtsMemphis is hosting a Mid-Fall Mardi Gras themed Shell Out For The Arts event on Sunday, October 14th from 5-8pm at the Levitt Shell. $20 will get access to beer, wine and dinner from Whole Foods in a private tent before and during the Mardi Gras Indians led by Big Chief Juan Pardo concert. The concert begins at 6pm. For ticket information, contact Sandra Kealge or buy tickets online.  Buying tickets in advance is recommended.


The Memphis Tigers football team enters a bye week with a winless 0-4 record. Memphis isn't the only Conference USA team unable to lock down a win. In addition to the Tigers, Houston, Southern Miss, Tulane and UAB are also fielding horrible clubs this year. The sad part is, both Houston and USM were both in the conference championship game last year. With the way things are going, USM and Memphis may be playing each other to avoid a zero win season on Thanksgiving Weekend.

Here's the picks for this week.

Last Week: 3-3
Season: 16-8 (66%)


Michigan State over Ohio State
Georgia over Tennessee-Knoxville
Trinity over Rhodes
Alabama over Mississippi
Green Bay Packers over New Orleans Saints
Houston Texans over Tennessee Titans

Weekly Liberty Bowl Projection: Tulsa vs Auburn

As the season begins to unfold, Tulsa appears to be the best team in Conference USA. Auburn is barely hanging on.  No change here...yet.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 9/24/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of September 24, 2012:

1. Alabama (SEC Champion)
2. LSU (At Large SEC)
3. Florida State (ACC Champion)
4. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
5. Georgia (At Large SEC)
6. West Virginia (Big 12 Champion)
7. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
8. South Carolina (At Large SEC)
9. Kansas State (At Large Big 12)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Michigan State (Big 10 Champion)
12. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
13. Ohio (MAC Champion)
14. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
15. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)
16. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)

Dropped out: Oklahoma (#5, Big 12 Champion), USC (#7, At Large PAC 12), Clemson (#8, At Large ACC), Michigan (#11, Big 10 Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (4), Big 12 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1),  Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1),

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Tulsa at (1) Alabama
(9) Kansas State  at (8) South Carolina
(12) Boise State at (5) Georgia
(13) Ohio at (4) Oregon
(11) Michigan State at (6) West Virginia
(14) Louisiana Tech at (3) Florida State
(10) Louisville at (7) Notre Dame
(15) Louisiana-Monroe at (2) LSU

Round 2
(8) South Carolina vs (1) Alabama
(5) Georgia vs (4) Oregon
(6) West Virginia vs (3) Florida State
(7) Notre Dame vs (2) LSU

Round 3
(4) Oregon vs (1) Alabama
(3) Florida State vs (2) LSU

Championship Game
(2) LSU vs (1) Alabama

Burger Fest, Football

Memphis-area burger fans are happy to see a new festival next weekend. The Best Memphis Burger Fest will be held Sunday, September 30 from 10:30am to 5pm at Minglewood Hall. There will be a burger cooking competition, a team Kookamonga burger eating contest, live entertainment and more. This sounds like a fun time.

Another football weekend is in full swing. Rhodes is off to a nice 2-0 start, but their schedule gets a little tougher today when Birmingham Southern comes to Fargason Field. The 1pm game might be great way to enjoy the weather and have a lazy Saturday in Midtown.

Here's the picks for this week.

Last Week: 5-1
Season: 13-5 (72%)


Birmingham Southern over Rhodes
South Carolina over Missouri
Duke over Memphis
Clemson over Florida State
New Orleans Saints over Kansas City Chiefs
Detroit Lions over Tennessee Titans

Weekly Liberty Bowl Projection: Tulsa vs Auburn

As the season begins to unfold, Tulsa appears to be the best team in Conference USA. Auburn is barely hanging on.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 9/17/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of September 17, 2012:

1. LSU (SEC Champion)
2. Alabama (At Large SEC)
3. Florida State (ACC Champion)
4. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
5. Oklahoma (Big 12  Champion)
6. Georgia (At Large SEC)
7. USC (At Large PAC 12)
8. Clemson (At Large ACC)
9. West Virginia (At Large Big 12)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Michigan (Big 10 Champion)
12. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
13. Ohio (MAC Champion)
14. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
15. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)
16. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)

Dropped out: Michigan State (#7, Big 10 Champion), South Carolina (#10, At Large SEC), Southern Miss (#15, C-USA Champion), Florida International (#16, Sun Belt Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (3), ACC (2), Big 12 (2),PAC 12 (2), Big 10 (1),  Big East (1), C-USA (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1), Independent (0)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Louisiana-Monroe at (1) LSU
(9) West Virginia  at (8) Clemson
(12) Boise State at (5) Oklahoma
(13) Ohio at (4) Oregon
(11) Michigan at (6) Georgia
(14) Louisiana Tech at (3) Florida State
(10) Louisville at (7) USC
(15) Tulsa at (2) Alabama

Round 2
(8) Clemson vs (1) LSU
(5) Oklahoma vs (4) Oregon
(6) Georgia vs (3) Florida State
(7) USC vs (2) Alabama

Round 3
(4) Oregon vs (1) LSU
(3) Florida State vs (2) Alabama

Championship Game
(2) Alabama vs (1) LSU

Cooper-Young Fest, Big East Changes, Football

One of the better festivals in the Memphis-area returns tomorrow when the Cooper-Young Festival kicks off at 9am. As usual there will be vendors, live music and great people watching. Admission is free.

Earlier this week, the Big East took another blow when Notre Dame announced in was moving all sports but football and hockey to the ACC. This was a big hit for TV negotiations, but something the Big East can survive. Over the next several months, everyone will have a close eye on the stability of the conference. Already rumored to be ready to bolt to greener pastures are Louisville to the Big 12 and the basketball only teams onto another conference or forming their own league. With marquee names gone (and more possibly leaving) and the football AQ bid  no longer existing after this season, Memphis fans find their Tigers in a glorified version of Conference USA.

Early on, CBS scored the big game of week 3 when the network selected the Alabama vs Arkansas game for the network's weekly SEC game. Their hearts, and those of Razborbacks fans, were broken last week when the Hogs lost to the Warhawks of Louisiana-Monroe. (There is something fun about watching John L. Smith lose). The game will still be solid match up, but it appears the Florida vs Tennessee-Knoxville game may be the best SEC game of the weekend. What are the "Fire Dooley" fans going to do if the Vols keep winning?

Here's the picks for this week.

Last Week: 4-2
Season: 8-4 (66%)

Rhodes over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges
Alabama over Arkansas
Florida over Tennessee-Knoxville
Middle Tennessee State over Memphis
New Orleans Saints over Carolina Panthers
San Diego Chargers over Tennessee Titans

Weekly Liberty Bowl Projection: Southern Miss vs Auburn
 
Central Florida may be the best team in Conference USA, but since the Knights are serving a post season ban, the Golden Eagles get the nod. Auburn's struggles continue and Memphis may be more likely during bowl season. If the Tigers lose to Louisiana-Monroe this weekend, Auburn its way to the BBVA Compass Bowl in Birmingham.

Breaking: Jerrry Lawler Collapses at Live Event - UPDATE

Several media outlets are reporting that Memphis' own Jerry Lawler collapsed at a live WWE event. He was removed from the arena on a stretcher and CPR was performed. According to the WWE broadcast, this was real and not part of the entertainment storyline. The announcer also said Lawler has been moved to a hospital. As a show of respect for Lawler, Raw is continuing to broadcast without an announcer for the remainder of the show. Seems like they would shut down the production, but I guess the show must go on.

Thoughts and prayers to Jerry Lawler and his family.

UPDATE - Jerry "The King " Lawler's girlfriend has confirmed that Lawler had a heart attack this evening. He is in stable condition and breathing on his own.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 9/10/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of September 10, 2012:

1. USC (PAC 12 Champion)
2. LSU (SEC Champion)
3. Alabama (At Large SEC)
4. Oklahoma (Big 12 Champion)
5. Oregon (At Large PAC 12)
6. Florida State (ACC Champion)
7. Michigan State (Big 10 Champion)
8. Georgia (At Large SEC)
9. Clemson (At Large ACC)
10. South Carolina (At Large SEC)
11. Louisville (Big East Champion)
12. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
13. Ohio (MAC Champion)
14. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
15. Southern Miss (C-USA Champion)
16. Florida International (Sun Belt Champion)


Dropped out: Arkansas (#8, At Large SEC), West Virginia (#9, At Large Big 12)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (4), ACC (2), PAC 12 (2), Big 10 (1), Big 12 (1), Big East (1), C-USA (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1), Independent (0)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Florida International at (1) USC
(9) Clemson  at (8) Georgia
(12) Boise State at (5) Oregon
(13) Ohio at (4) Oklahoma
(11) Louisville at (6) Florida State
(14) Louisiana Tech at (3) Alabama
(10) South Carolina at (7) Michigan State
(15) Southern Miss at (2) LSU

Round 2
(8) Georgia vs (1) USC
(5) Oregon vs (4) Oklahoma
(6) Florida State vs (3) Alabama
(7) Michigan State vs (2) LSU

Round 3
(4) Oklahoma vs (1) USC
(3) Alabama vs (2) LSU

Championship Game
(2) LSU vs (1) USC

Rock For Love 6, Football

Rock for Love 6 started yesterday with a show at the Hi-Tone. Concerts continue tonight and tomorrow night at the Hi-Tone. New this year is the addition of the Rock for Love 6 Overton Square Street Festival from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Madison Avenue (Cooper to Diana) on Saturday. This will be a family friendly street festival with food trucks, vendor booths, a Kids Zone and music. Admission is free.

Rock for Love 6 wraps up Sunday night at the Levitt Shell with Booker T. Jones. Admission is free and food and drink sales will benefit the Church Health Center.

Memphis suffered a heart breaking loss to Tennessee-Martin last week. Memphis will have a tough time bouncing back on the road against Arkansas State. A win for the Tigers isn't out of the question, but it will be a long shot.

Here's the picks for this week.

Last Week: 4-2
Season: 4-2 (66%)

Rhodes over Washington University in St. Louis
Arkansas State over Memphis
Florida over Texas A&M
Tennessee State over Jackson State
New Orleans Saints over Washington Redskins
New England Patriots over Tennessee Titans

Weekly Liberty Bowl Projection: Southern Miss vs Auburn

Even with a blowout loss to Nebraska, USM may still be the class of C-USA. It looks like Auburn will struggle this year and find its way to Memphis during bowl season.