I'll begin with the Ryder Cup. It just seems to me that the European team just has the Americans' number, so to speak. I think they have the psychological advantage coming in, as they are on a roll and they love any chance they get to take Tiger, Lefty, and all of the other American golfers down a peg or two. You have to remember that Colin Montgomerie has a chip on his shoulder over "being mistreated" at a few tournaments by the gallery. And, I do agree with you that Americans (not all of them) are more motivated by money and fame than Europeans. It's the exact same thing with the basketball World Championships. The Americans have more talent..superstar after superstar, but they are not motivated as much as their opponents in bringing home the team gold.

As for the Heisman race, I don't mind Troy Smith being mentioned among the top 3, but he should not be the outright leader to this point. Besides Smith, Peterson, and Quinn, I could mention several other players (Slaton of West Virginia, Manningham of Michigan, etc...) that are deserving of serious consideration. The Heisman is about visibility, being on a winning team, and having ESPN and other national sports shows blowing your horn. The sad part about it is that Adrian Peterson could rush for 2,000 yards, but if OU finishes 8-4, he might not win it.

I listened to most of the OSU game on the radio and didn't get a chance to see the highlights, so I can't comment on the call. The announcers sure made it sound like the Aggies got the shaft though. As for the play-by-play guy, I almost can't stand to listen to the guy. He gets emotional way too often, and so when OSU really makes a big play, he sounds like he just hit the powerball jackpot. And I am just plain tired of hearing those "pistols firing". I guess the alternative is the OU play-by-play guy, who has me so confused that sometimes I think I'm listening to a rugby match. The OU color guy is superb though...

Some of those KU lineman can surely press over 350 lbs, and even squat 450. I'd say carrying Mangino off the field is a possibility if they team up...but they better not drop him.

Anyone who votes Oregon over OU is obviously watching too much ESPN. Even Craig James said he didn't lower OU in his poll...but I believe he voted Oregon higher!!

I have tried to double space when I want a new paragraph...but it atill just runs all my stuff together!!

I have to say, The (I hope you don't mind if I call you by your first name ... I've been reading your column so long I feel I know you well), this entire post is absolutely spot-on!

The biggest problem with sports announcers and sports-talk hosts is that they have become accustomed to having way too much time to fill. That results in an abundance of idiotic comments spoken just for the sound of them, rather than for sound reasoning.

Keep up the great work, The ... even though I've now lost my 401K laying bets based on your season thus far.

Heck, The ... my 200.5E should suffice for my limited needs anyhow!