Cole’s Poll (Week 14)

1. Alabama – After spanking Florida, they have earned the top spot!
2. Texas – Barely, barely, barely survived McCoy’s worst decision ever… and that dude named Suh!
3. TCU – Will lose if they play Florida, by a bunch
4. Cincinnati – What a way for this team to remain undefeated, reminiscent of the Iowa Hawkeyes run.
5. Florida – Tebow, there’s no crying in football!!!
6. Ohio State – Yawn…
7. Boise State – Congratulations on beating one quality team all year.
8. Iowa – Got into the BCS after a great season and will have their horses back to showcase if they deserve it!
9. Oregon – Most of me would like to remove them from the top 10 for losing to Boise to kick off this football season.
10. Georgia Tech – The way the run football is old school and fun to watch!


• Kudos to the BCS this year for the imagination and getting it right. Sure Texas looked pathetic in the Big 12 championship, but no one can rightly argue any of the big bowls. They also put the matchups together that people want to watch.
• I am interested in watching TCU verses Boise State, Florida verses Cincy, & Texas verses Bama. Last year TCU snuck past Boise in the Poinsettia Bowl by 1 point, it will be another good game as the Broncos return to the spot of their greatest moment. Florida verse Cincy has the making of a letdown game for the Gators, a la Utah’s destruction of Bama last year. It will be interesting to see how Tebow goes out… and aren’t you glad the messiah coverage will be limited this year! Texas for Bama will not be a blowout as many experts are predicting. It will be a competitive game, just remember back to Bama verse Auburn. As much as it pains me to repeat this, kudos to the BCS!
• Outside of the Oregon and Ohio State, nobody cares, but that is preset… and it’s about time do away with the Rose Bowl tradition. Also, the Orange Bowl is perfect too, Iowa verses Georgia Tech is fitting. The Heart attack Hawkeyes verse Ramblin Wreck will be a good game and measuring stick for both teams.

Cole's Poll (Week 10)

1. Texas – Only 35 against UCF… really?
2. Florida – Tebow is getting into form with another title in his sights.
3. TCU – They get the nod over Bama because I think they would beat them.
4. Alabama – Their offense is offensive.
5. Cincinnati – Perfect place for their perfect record.
6. Georgia Tech – I am ashamed to put them here, but who else deserves it?
7. USC – See Georgia Tech, back in and up a week after their worst loss in the Pete Carroll era!!!
8. Ohio State – In the driver’s seat for another Big Ten title…
9. LSU – Only losses are to Florida and Bama.
10. Boise State – This goes against everything in my reason, but they did beat Oregon… the only team they played this year and have look ordinary against pathetic “competition”!

• OU, Notre Dame, USC, OSU, Va Tech, Ole Miss, Cal & Georgia should all be ashamed of themselves and their seasons.
• Northwestern topples Iowa… shameful!
• Hawaii should be ashamed of letting June Jones get away, SMU has won 5 games so far this year, 5!

Cole’s Poll (Week 9)

1. Texas – Looked like the best team in the country for the first time this year
2. Florida – Dominated a bad Georgia team and seem to be hitting stride at the right time
3. Alabama – Had a bye week for people to remember how they escaped Tennessee
4. Cincinnati – Outside looking in
5. TCU – Hoping to be out Boise in the BCS poll!
6. Iowa – Unreal 4th quarter saved their season… Ohio State is around the corner.
7. LSU – The start of the default teams in my top 10
8. Penn State – Only loss is to an undefeated Iowa team.
9. Georgia Tech – Do they really belong in the top 10?
10. OU – not going to define which OU this is…

• Saturday hope – Louisiana Tech upsets Boise Overrated State, LSU upsets Alabama… neither are very likely!
• End or regular season hope – Cincy, TCU, & Iowa all undefeated
• Cotton Bowl hope – Oklahoma vs. Notre Dame

Cole’s Poll (Week 8)

1. Texas
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Cincinnati
5. TCU
6. Iowa
7. USC
8. LSU
9. Penn State
10. OU

• How can a 3 loss team be in the top 10? 3 losses by a combined 5 points and they will not lose again this year, that is how.
• Boise State was shocked Sunday afternoon to see they fell below TCU in the BCS, they better get used to that position.
• Saturday was a rare day for me, no college football watching at all. Instead of football, we spent the day at Baylor’s homecoming and on the road… so this poll reflects more of the USAToday’s coaches poll than usual.

Cole’s Poll (Week 7)

1. Alabama – I have no idea how I feel about this team.
2. Texas – Congrats on beating OU’s 2nd string offense by 3.
3. Florida – They really are # 1, but deserve to drop for a week since the zebras gave them a win against the razorbacks!
4. Cincinnati – They look for real and have no one left on their schedule.
5. Iowa – All of a sudden they look legit to win the Big Ten.
6. USC –They looked poorly coached and undisciplined in the 4th quarter, but still go the “W.”
7. Miami – The Canes should win out, it will be interesting to see where they end up
8. Penn State – Looking back, the Iowa loss is not so bad
9. TCU – BYU is the only team left on their schedule, but their real battle is with Boise State who is still getting props for their Fiesta win…
10. LSU – Default pick for the top 10.

• The Big 12 North took a beating with Kansas, Nebraska, & Missouri all loosing.
• Boise State looked pathetic this week. Although they beat Tulsa, that should count as 2 losses and take them out of BCS consideration. It is too bad OU lost and will not be able to have a rematch with them in the Fiesta Bowl.
• Is it possible for a team to lose and move up in the rankings? If so, OU and Notre Dame would both be moving up…

Cole's Poll (Week 6)

1. Florida – Passed their only real test of the regular season, 13-3.
2. Texas – Passed the test of not losing before their season begins (and ends with OU)
3. Alabama – Passed the “test” of Ole Miss (who will say goodbye to the top 25)
4. Virginia Tech – Passed everyone they will pass in the poll already!
5. USC – Passed on playing the week before dominating Notre Dame in South Bend
6. Iowa – Passed by Michigan when the most exciting true freshman in the country had an off night
7. Kansas – Passed for 442 yards against a terrible Iowa State team (a loss is coming).
8. Cincinnati – Passed over for any real recognition this year
9. Miami – Passed by FLAM… is that an airport?
10. Ohio State – Passed for 87 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT… terrible!

• It was good the see Bradford return to the field this week, but if OU (offensive, double meaning, life) plays that way again next week it might be short-lived.
• Did anyone doubt the player the media has dubbed the messiah would return to the field? Welcome back Tebow and kudos for the sneak to secure final first down to run out the clock.
• FSU needs a clue. Sure Bobby Bowden has lost 3 weeks in a row to sub par teams, but 1). He doesn’t even call the plays or wear a headset or look involved in the games, and 2). You don’t call out the man who built your program into what it is through a board of trustees meeting… that is just bad form!

Cole's Poll (Week 5)

1. Florida – Is there any doubt that next week is their biggest all regular season?
2. Texas – Are the Stankhorns licking their chops for OU or are they nervous???
3. Alabama – Does no one remember what happened to them against Utah last year?
4. Virginia Tech – Can they jump Bama if Bama looses?
5. USC – Fearful of playing in the Rose Bowl instead of at it come January?
6. Iowa – Beat Penn State in Happy Valley and struggle against Arkansas State?
7. Cincinnati – Forget Boise State, why aren’t people talking about this team going undefeated and missing out on the BCS championship game?
8. Miami – Was this the same team that got destroyed last week?
9. Ohio State – Think they still have nightmares about their USC choke job?
10. Oregon – Where was this team in week 1?

• OU should call this the year of the injuries... just imagine if their 2 best players were playing this year, do you think they would still have 2 losses by a combined 2 points? Too bad for Sooner Nation!
• LSU pulled out another close win. Although it is not being discussed, this year is eerily similar to their last championship year when the pulled out close win after close win.
• Boise State in the top 5 or 10 is a joke!

Cole's Poll (Week 4)

1. Florida – Uh-oh Tebow got hurt.
2. Texas – Making a case for #1
3. Alabama – Many thought they would get upset, but they dominated the hogs.
4. LSU – Great goal line stand to win the game, but they need that against MSST?
5. OU – Have you heard… Bradford is trying to get cleared for Miami next week!
6. Michigan – Forcier is fun to watch.
7. Va Tech – Bama loss + Nebraska miracle + Miami domination = Top 10
8. Cincinnati – Watch out… nasty nati might just go undefeated, because they don’t play ANYONE all year!
9. Houston – A great win thanks to bonehead coach (Mike Leach)
10. Boise State – Maybe the Oregon game was worthy of respect

• The 4, 5, 6, 9, 18, 22, 24 all lose… rankings are worthless… outside of this poll!
• It is unbelievable to think that Penn State lost to Iowa again after Iowa knocked them out of the championship game last year.
• Mike Leach cannot help himself. He cost his team a likely victory by going for it when he could have put his team up by 8 in the 4th quarter with a field goal. To top it off, he had horrendous play calling on the final drive to seal the deal. Congrats to Houston.

Cole's Poll (Week 3)

1. Florida – where was the beating they were to give Tennessee?
2. Texas – waiting for OU 10/17
3. Alabama – Ole Miss in 2 weeks
4. Ole Miss – Bama in 2 weeks
5. California – USC in 2 weeks
6. Penn State – cupcakes until 10/24
7. Miami – has the game of the week, the next two weeks (@ Va. Tech, v. OU)
8. LSU – Georgia in 2 weeks, Florida the following week = goodbye top 10!
9. Oklahoma = @ Miami in 2 weeks… will Bradford make the trip?
10. Michigan – They are probably not this good...

• Washington went winless last year (0-12), then beats USC this year? This speaks more to how pathetic Pete Carroll is after big games than it does to how good Washington already is in year one of Sarkisian. Pathetic Pete!
• Michigan and Kansas look really good as of now, but it is hard to believe they will keep winning once they play real competition.
• Nebraska won’t be sleeping for a few days… tough loss.

Cole's Poll (week 2)

1. Florida
2. USC
3. Texas
4. Alabama
5. Ole Miss
6. Penn State
7. California
8. North Carolina – Probably too high after last week
9. LSU – Here by default, not because they’ve earned it
10. Utah

Boise State, BYU, & TCU get no love from me in my poll and will most likely not appear this season. Boise State plays no one all year. BYU beat OU, but would have lost big if Bradford would not have gotten hurt. TCU needs to beat someone before they get respect. Utah… maybe they have a case after last year’s dismantling of Alabama.

Cole’s Poll (Week 1)

1. Florida – Undisputed top team in the country.
2. USC – Only Ohio State should be able to beat them, but they usually choke, will it happen again this year?
3. Texas – The Red River Shootout is all they care about, and for good reason.
4. Alabama – Will they fare better in their conference championship game with Florida… doubtful!
5. Oklahoma State – Could the hype be real… doubtful!
6. Penn State – Can a team with a cupcake schedule make the title game… I hope not!
7. Ole Miss – I thought Snead was suppose to be awesome?!?
8. Ohio State – Navy… seriously?
9. California – Looked good, but they usually do in September.
10. North Carolina – Granted they are an ACC team, but they are the ACC team to beat.

It was good to see Notre Dame, Michigan, Tennessee, Miami, and Arkansas win their openers, because when they are good college football is better. Most of these teams will face gigantic beatings in the coming weeks, but for one week they did good and get recognition. Also, congratulation to SMU and North Texas for matching their win totals last year in week one… hopefully they can win more than last year!

25 Random Things About Me

1. I don't really sleep well (which is why I'm doing this now), especially when I'm not with Christy.

2. I am a violent sneezer! When I sneeze it's loud and out of control... It's the worst.

3. I remember exactly when I met Christy: July 28, 4:58 PM, 2002. She was in the passenger seat of Amy's Lexus wearing a yellow hat... I also knew we would get married after our second date, which freaked me and Fredo out… his response was shock when I walked in the door and told him after that date.

4. I am obsessive compulsive, about most everything from tidiness to working out, and wish/pray I'd be that way about my dissertation!

5. I cannot stand peanut butter or hot dogs. Peanuts give me headaches and make me nauseous, hot dogs are just disgusting. Ironically, I will eat corn dogs.

6. Chloe and Coleman make me smile even when I don't feel like it.

7. I'm more competitive than you.

8. I don't really know when to say when... so be careful when messing with me, you'll probably regret it!

9. I'm a Dallas Cowboy, OU Sooner, Dallas Maverick, Chicago Cub & Texas Ranger, and Dallas Stars fan in that order.

10. If someone offered me 1 million dollars or to pay off my mortgage, I'd accept with gratitude and without hesitation.

11. Mission work thrills me, but it's never been easy. On missions trips I've broken my hand, been poisoned (food and medicinally), had 2 horrible ankle sprains, almost got bitten by a "2 step killer" snake, got malaria, was arrested, and spat upon... and every time I tell the stories people sign-up to go too!

12. Being a parent is the hardest and most rewarding task I've ever done... that dissertation is the next hardest thing, but no reward yet.

13. Right now my soda of choice is Diet Pepsi... I like Dr. Pepper (with Strawberries) better, but am trying to be healthier... doubt it will last!

14. I overanalyze and read too much into most everything, at least I think I do...

15. I crack myself up, and others too... If they have a good sense of humor.

16. Ideas and execution I enjoy, details not so much.

17. To relax, sometimes I will simply put on a hat.

18. Although I want to be (and have improved a bit), I'm not much of a handy-man. With that being said I replaced part of my fence and window trim, so I must be getting better... Brent, could you come over and fix my window thing?

19. If I ever write a book, I will publish it under the name Cole Coleman... Thank you Zig.

20. I have 9 accountability partners and meet with them all at least once every two weeks.

21. I get migraines all the time. Probably 2 times a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. When diagnosed by my specialist he told me, "You have chronic migraines." I paid money for that bit of helpful insight!!!

22. Instead of bad words, I like to say Jiminy Cricket or John Brown when fired up.

23. I recently wore out the keyboard on my laptop and have to replace it. While it's obviously good I don't have to purchase a new computer, I'm not sure it's good I type that much.

24. "I would rather cut my leg off and beat myself to death with it," is my favorite thing to say when I don't want to do something. Compliments to Pendergrast for the saying.

25. When in public, I have a tendency to think I know people, I don’t really know. For instance, a few months ago while visiting my in-laws in Texas I went up to an old college friend and started a conversation… the problem is that she had no clue who I was.

A Man Playing Against Grade Schoolers

Blake Griffin might be more amazing than we think. The windmill is impressive, but splitting the defenders and throwing down like he did is unreal. He looks like a man playing against grade schoolers. Here are the highlights from today's game:

Family College Pick’em Results

Chloe absolutely dominated the family picks, and she also dominated the general population. She picked her stats based on the mascots, all by herself. Here is how she did:

1. Chloe: 24-10
2. Unlce: 22-12
3. Cole: 20-14
4. Grandad: 19-15
5. Brother: 17-17
5. Christy: 17-17
5. Aunt: 17-17
8. Dad: 13-21

Chloe did awesome! She ranked 362 in the country, or in the top 99.8%. Perhaps I should have her pick for me from now on...

Cole's Final College Football Poll

Here is my final poll for this year’s college football season:

1. Florida
2. USC
3. Utah
4. Texas
5. Oklahoma
6. TCU
7. Penn State
8. Alabama
9. Texas Tech
10. Oregon
11. Georgia
12. Virginia Tech
13. Cincinnati
14. Ole Miss
15. Oklahoma State

• Oklahoma had 5 bad plays that cost them the national championship. They lost in the worst kind of way, which is why the loss is going to linger with Sooner nation for a long time.
• Texas is not who people thought they were. Struggling to beat Ohio State in a final drive removed them from the conversations about deserving the title… but at least they won.
• Utah proved that it is impossible to become a national champion if you are outside of the BCS schools. They beat the Big 10, Pac 10, SEC, TCU, & BYU and did not get to sniff the national championship game.

Family College Bowl Pick’em Development

In my family college bowl pick’em challenge, we have an unbelievable development taking place... Chloe is winning through the half-way mark. When I finished making my picks, Chloe ran by and I told her (not yet 3) that I had some questions for her. I would ask something like, "Chloe who do you like, the Broncos of the Frogs," and she would give me her answer. Though unlikely for this string of random picks to continue, a little girl is dominating through 14 of 30 games!

(If you are curious about the other rankings, I am 1 pick behind and Christy is 2 picks behind, and my Dad is in last place 6 picks behind.)

National Championship Dr. Pepper

Back in August I got this Dr. Pepper and decided to save it for one of two games, the OU National Championship game or the Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl… needless to say I am planning on enjoying this wonderful beverage on January 8, 2009, sometime around 8:00 PM. Boomer Sooner!

Cole's Poll, December 7

There will be one more poll, but not until after the championship game. Florida is the early favorite (+3), and people are basically giving them the edge due to their defense. Another reason for the favoritism is due to “Big Game” Bob’s recent bowl struggles, which is somewhat fair. In thinking back to both games, it is hard to get motivated for Boise State or West Virginia. However, that is no excuse for losing to a loser school, or getting schooled by very motivated West Virginia Team. My prediction is that this year’s OU team will come out swinging and the game could very well come down to who has the ball last. I see OU beating Florida just like LSU did last year in what should surely be an instant classic that OU will be happy to watch again! Here is my final regular season poll:

1. OU
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. Texas Tech
5. USC
6. Penn State
7. Alabama
8. Utah
9. Cincinnati
10. Ohio State
11. TCU
12. Oklahoma State
13. Boise State
14. Georgia Tech
15. Oregon

• Oklahoma vs. Florida is going to be a great game. Hopefully, OU’s explosiveness will keep the Gators on their heels. It will be fun to root against Tebow too, who is one of the greatest people who has ever played football.
• Pittsburgh is all excited about getting to play in the Sun Bowl, the Sun Bowl. That is always a huge disappointment to everyone I know of, but in Pittsburgh they shouted with excitement about the game.
• Notre Dame kept Charlie Weis for another year and play Hawaii in the Hawaiian bowl, they might actually break their bowl losing streak.

OU, Tech, & Texas

The recent Big XII controversy seems like smoke and mirrors to me. Why ESPN and Kirk Herbstreit especially would lobby so hard for Texas, makes no sense either. It is funny that those claiming that Texas was cheated by the system are failing to look at the whole story.

OU lost to Texas by 10. Texas lost to Tech by 6. Tech lost to OU by 44. Those are the 3 scores that are most important in this whole scenario. All 3 of them lost to each other. Just because Tech got blown out by OU does not eliminate them from consideration for the South title. Tech is the team that is getting hosed in the controversy. They beat Texas without controversy and should be considered for the BCS bowl based upon what Texas has been claiming is the most important factor in deciding such matters, head-to-head.

Neutral field has also been a hot topic, but why has no one mentioned that OU was dominating the game before their star defensive player left the game? If Ryan Reynolds would not have torn a knee ligament, the score would have been different. Texas’ loss to Tech can be blamed on a failure to execute by the true goat(s) of their season, Curtis Brown and/or Blake Gideon.

Concerning letting BCS rankings determine the division champion. It makes total sense and is the smartest way to handle a 3-way tie. Why? It puts the team with the best chance of winning a national championship in a position to win a national championship, which is the ultimate desire of every major conference. The only other fair way to determine a champion in a 3 team tie scenario is to look at the point differential between common opponents. In this scenario, OU would easily have won the South as well.

Now a special note to Texas fans and the rest of the whiners out there: Heed Mack Brown’s words (after they blew their season by choking at Tech,) “We need to be classy in defeat and give them credit for what they did.”

Kansas City