FANTASTIC WEEKEND

This past weekend might be my favorite of the year. For those of you who are strictly college football fans, think how jazzed you were in anticipation of the start of the season leading up to Ducks/Huskies. I was as well, but then once again that feeling surfaced in anticipation of the NFL 08 season kicking off. Of course it helped that my J.E.T.S got the Brett Farve era started with a victory, albeit against the sad sack Dolphins.

As for Oregon, all I can say is wow. Team record for yards in a single game and a bunch of it with 2nd and 3rd stringers piling up production in a more conservative offensive mode. LeGarrette Blount is going to leave many a cleatmark during his Pac-10 tenure. No question the health of Jeremiah Johnson is critical, but his yang to JJ's yin packs a significant wallop. Having this combo to drop the hammer late in games and later in the season will take a lot of heat off of who ever is playing quarterback.

Certainly a part of me who detests all things Seattle, purple and u-dub related rejoiced in the miserable way they tasted defeat last Saturday versus BYU. That said, the official who flagged Jake Locker for "excessive celebration" should be sadistically beaten with a wet noodle. Really? Young guy playing his heart out at the collegiate level, at home, desperately needing a win, takes his team in for a dramatic, potential game tying score and is penalized for his glee. If it's taunting or delaying the game, drop the laundry. This was inexcusable. I love the Pac-10 and consider it a treat to cover and watch it up close & personal. You can debate the best football or basketball conference for eternity. Combine the two and the conversation ends because no other league is absolutely in both conversations. The only black marks continue to come from the higher ups with their embarrassing bowl affiliations putting our 2nd place team in a non-major and the idiot, clownlike referrees. Your comments are much appreciated here. Post them or e-mail me at steve@1320thescore.com