The New Sweet Sioux

Remember last fall's football game between Northwestern and Illinois was the last go 'round for the Sweet Sioux trophy. The two schools decided to duck any more flack from people who found the trophy objectionable or insensitive or had nothing better to do than bitch and retired the tomahawk that has been the prize for the annual game since the 40's.

There are four choices for replacements for the Sweet Sioux tomahawk. The schools expect to announce the new trophy around each of their spring football games on April 25.

The four suggestions for the new series trophy include the following:
• The Land of Lincoln Trophy ­- A replica of Lincoln's stove pipe hat mounted on a piece of White Oak (Illinois' state tree).
• President's Trophy ­- Recognizing the four presidents associated with the state of Illinois ­ Lincoln, Grant, Reagan and Obama.
• The Popcorn Bowl -- Named after the Illinois state snack.
• Graham-Grange Fire Bell (original series trophy started in 1941 was a fire bell) -- Named after two of the greatest players at each school ­- Otto Graham of Northwestern and Red Grange of Illinois.

The Presidents Trophy, I'm OK with that. It's a bit of a stretch, but's it's ok.

The Land of Lincoln thing, that sounds totally lame, a giant license plate, maybe?

The Popcorn Bowl is of too little relevance to merit further comment.

That leaves us with the Graham-Grange Trophy. I can pirate a big chunk of information or redirect you to http://hailtopurple.com/grahamgrange.html Hail to Purple has done a great job showcasing this as the most desirable choice.

You can vote for one of these four choices by clicking here.

You can also nominate your own. This has possibilities. Let me know what you come up with.

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Pirates Update and Football Picks

Update on the Somalian pirates: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081121/ap_on_bi_ge/piracy

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Sure, healthy, wealthy and wise... I am 43-44-2 as we launch week 12. Ya pays yer money and ya takes yer chances.

Army @ Rutgers –17
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, comes in at 5-5, the Black Knights of Army are 3-7, 1-3 on the road. Rutgers has had a very average season against much better opposition than the Army has faced. 17 looks a little tall on the spread, but you gotta play to win.
Illinois –2.5 @ Northwestern
The book kicks the ‘Cats in the pride once again. NU is 8-3, the Illini are 5-6. The Sweet Sioux Tomahawk is on the line, Illinois needs another win to become bowl eligible (not necessarily bowl worthy) and Northwestern needs the win to get a better bowl. The Illini are more up and down than anyone in football, and they’re due for an up. Cheer for the Wildcats, bet on the Illini.
Pittsburgh +5 @ Cincinnatti
Here I go again, another ride on the Wannie coaster. Pitt is undefeated on the road, Cincinnatti is undefeated at home. Something’s gotta give, and since I’m leaning Cinci, I’m betting Pitt. It’s the Wannie factor.
Tennessee +3 @ Vanderbilt
“The Vanderbilt Commodores”. Sounds impressive and snotty, doesn’t it? Tennessee is 3-7 with no road wins. Vandy started their season 5-0, then lost four in a row before beating Kentucky last week. Vandy’s not that good, but I think Tennessee is less better, maybe more worse.
Syracuse @ University of South Bend –19.5
The Manatee’s group will, for this Saturday, ring down the thunder (pause) from the sky and quell all the buyout rumors. Syracuse stinks, South Bend will be rockin’, as it celebrates the beginning of six months of winter in northern Indiana. Reminisce about that.
Texas Tech @ Oklahoma –7
This is going to be a great football game. The Sooner Schooner is one of the coolest mascots in the world, and they have contortionist cheerleaders. I’m taking Oklahoma, OK.
Michigan State +14 @ Penn State
I have problems predicting Penn State. There’s going to a several million people in the stands at Happy Valley, it’s going to be cold, Michigan State has a history of losing big games, JoePa is a legend, everything says Penn State. I say MSU.
Boise State –6 @ Nevada
Boise State needs to rock somebody's world without the blue field.
Idaho @ Hawaii –23.5
Two Gun Pete made this a Pete’s Perfect Pick. Go with it!

Purple Flag on Saturday

NCAA Forces Sweet Sioux Into Retirement Today

Politically Incorrect, My Ass!