By SCOTT ADAMSON, Scripps Howard News Service

Running side-by-side at close to 200 mph, he'll give you a nudge.Sometimes he'll run up behind you and take precious air away, causing you to wiggle and him to wiggle to the front.The phrase "rubbin' is racin'" is more than a mantra, it's a way of life. And when it gets down to wet behind time, he'll do whatever it takes to get the win.

A reader who calls in frequently about NASCAR topics bent my ear last week with some concerns about his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr."When's he gonna win?" he asked. "I'm starting to get a little antsy.""A week from Sunday," I answered."Do you really think so?""Yes I do."

At 63 years of age, South Carolina's Steve Spurrier has earned the right to walk away from football and spend his time walking over the hilly landscape of a golf course.With a national championship on his resume and a well-earned reputation as an offensive genius, there is nothing more to prove.Or is there?

Things I'd like to see in NASCAR but never will ...-- A senior circuit. On select Saturday afternoons (or Saturday nights) on race weekends, bring back the old-timers for a 100-mile race. Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, Cale Yarborough, Junior Johnson -- let 'em squeeze into the cockpit and go racing for cash and prizes.

OK, go ahead and circle your calendar.The World Baseball Classic returns a year from now.Remember the WBC, an international tournament with professional players from across the planet?

The NCAA Basketball Tournament is already taking shape.Or is it?While ESPN talking heads are speculating about the top seeds and how the Field of 64 (or 65 counting the play-in game) is shaping up, South Carolina coach Dave Odom suggests it's way to early to start taking up money for that office pool.

I am officially bowled out.You can have the Fiesta Bowl, the Siesta Bowl, the Polyester Bowl -- whatever else is coming up I don't want to know.

For the second time in its football history, the University of Arkansas Razorbacks have plucked a coach who spent less than a full season in the NFL and failed miserably in the play-for-pay game.

The Georgia Bulldogs won't face live gridiron competition for another three weeks, but coach Mark Richt is making sure his squad stays sharp prior to the holidays.

With 81 career NASCAR victories and four Nextel Cup titles, Jeff Gordon is inching ever closer to the seven crowns shared by legends Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty.