Well let's have a little fun...

Odds & Ends:

Pearl Jam Radio on XM will have some cool acoustic sets all weekend starting this afternoon.

I'll take Kylie Collins to get to State Swimming, Grace Springman to finish Top 20, and the Falcons to finish 8th Saturday.

Give me the Saintes 3-1 on Tuesday.  I know nothing about who they are playing, but to me it doesn't matter: Coach Lantz can coach and gets teams to State (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 & 2016)! The improvement with some of the Saintes during this year has been remarkable.  What was also remarkable was my lack of volleyball knowledge... until I sat next to The MadStatter, Matt Madsen, last night.  Matt knows the game and can teach it to a novice like me in no time.  Like most sports, a lot more details than what it initially looks like.  We did both comment last night, this team is about as well rounded as we can ever remember.  Everyone can do everything.  Good luck Tuesday ladies!

Speaking of Matt - he did a great job last week during the pregame ceremony honoring Dale Poole! I read his remarks on The Cube if you want to go back and watch the replay.

Dale has been on the Chain Gang for 48 years and this year is his last with graduating grandson, Ben VanSoelen.  It was a classy surprise recognition for a great guy! Thanks in addition to Fritz Krohn, Mike Noon and Randy Shanno who have also worked with Dale for decades on The Chains. Time for the next generation (like Matt Noon who has already begun) to start with the next several decades...

Mark your calendars for St. Albert Alumni & Friends Bowling on Saturday, January 6th at Thunderbowl.  We're also exploring a Bags (Cornhole) and Ping Pong tourney in March at St. Albert to raise money for the St. Albert Auction... Stay tuned on that one!

The world and college football is a better place when Notre Dame is thriving.

The Fine Arts department needs some help with costumes and set designs for the fall musical Fiddler on the Roof.  If you can donate time, talent or treasure, please call 712-329-9000 and they'll put you in touch with the right people.

Watch a scary movie this weekend in the dark.  Humor is good for the soul but getting a little scared can get the juices flowing.  And you've got 2 months of sappy holiday shows coming up! We've got a great list to choose from on the homepage poll.

Thank a Priest this weekend with a phone call, handshake or a card ($)...

Fine - I'll get to it...

The Falcons were fortunate with the weather this week and tonight.  No moisture and plenty of wind to help dry out Al Leber Field.  The field should be dry, hard and 'fast'.  Perfect for the Falcons!

Westwood loves the Ground And Pound with the Wing T.  Expect the fullback to get plenty of carries tonight as the Rebels look to shorten the game.  What do the Falcons struggle with, Ground And Pound...  However, the Falcons are getting healthy and will finally have some guys in the trenches back tonight.

I believe football is meant to be played in all types of weather.  Some bowl games and the Super Bowl once in awhile should be played in cold weather sites (Minneapolis doesn't count this season since it's in a dome).  The fact that some SEC teams never played in cold weather is a joke.  Georgia playing at Notre Dame this year was only the 2nd time since 1965 (Colorado in 2010) they played a game north of the Mason Dixon line. Give me a break!

What's my point? A complete, Championship worthy football team needs to be well rounded for the weather and for competing against different styles.  Tonight, and maybe next week, the Falcons need to put the snow tires on their high powered Porsche and follow the road plowers going to work in front of them...

In a possible role reversal, expect the Falcons to run it a little more tonight and the Rebels to throw it a little more (that could be dangerous - only averaging 3.5 attempts a game)...

In the end, I believe in the coaching staff and the guys in Green & Gold.  They're too deep, too talented and just too good...

Falcons win 42-7