college football

In light of the triple whammy of depressing facts that Debbie Harry is 64, Farrah Fawcett is no more and Olivia Newton John turns 61 Saturday, here's a quick pick-me-up from college football:

Need a reason not to bet on college football?

Examine the strategies of both head coaches in No. 1 Florida's 23-13 victory over Tennessee on Saturday in Gainesville, Fla.

With the Gators a 30--point favorite, who would have predicted Florida's Urban Meyer and Tennessee's Lane Kiffin playing it so close to the vest?

Southern California dropped to 12th in the national rankings Sunday after losing to Washington 16-13 on Saturday in Seattle. The Trojans have lost to an unranked team the past four seasons, and one could argue that's the only reason they haven't won four consecutive national titles.

Not all that long ago, college football fans couldn't wait for the early season showdown between Florida and Tennessee. Think back just 10 years as the Gators and Vols traded victories in tight thrillers.

Capsule previews for Saturday's college football games. All times Eastern and all rankings Associated Press.

No. 8 CALIFORNIA (2-0) at MINNESOTA (2-0), Noon, ESPN.

FAVORITE: Cal by 14.

COACHES: Jeff Tedford (61-30 in 8th year at Cal) and Tim Brewster (10-17 in third year at Minnesota).

By now, Ohio State fans must be wishing they had a football coach with some panache.

Maybe not quite as much as Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis, but at least enough to go for a touchdown on fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line, with the game tied at 7. When 100,000 screaming Buckeye fans have your back, it doesn't take a heck of a lot of courage. Just a bit of spirited confidence.

The coach of a football team favored by 28 points actually said Wednesday, with unwavering conviction, about his upcoming game: "Everybody knows this will be a four-quarter dogfight."

Capsule previews for Thursday and Friday's top college football games. All times Eastern and all rankings Associated Press.

THURSDAY:

No. 14 GEORGIA TECH (2-0) at No. 20 MIAMI (1-0), 7:30, ESPN.

FAVORITE: Miami by 4-1/2.

COACHES: Paul Johnson (11-4 in second year at Ga. Tech) and Randy Shannon (13-13 in third year at Miami).

Talk really is cheap and filled with consequences around college football. Consider these examples:

Maybe we're to blame.

Perhaps the Oklahoma State offense is precisely what it should be. Too much was expected this season. We outsiders misjudged.

It was media and fans that caused the Cowboys' bandwagon to overflow and capsize with last Saturday's 45-35 loss at home to Houston.

You buying any of this?

Me neither, but perhaps we weren't paying attention.