Boise State @ Louisiana Tech. Riddle me this: Why on earth are the Bulldogs of Ruston, La. in the Western Athletic Conference? I know, you’re thinking this is a gimme. Boise State is on a collision course with BCS controversy. LT is 3-5 with 0 impressive Ws. But, hey, Friday night in the Bayou can be a scary place for some carpetbaggers from Idaho. So let’s call this the proverbial “trap game.” I don’t think it’s a walkover. But I do think the Potato(e)s slip out of the swamp with a victory. They might have trouble cleaning the gris gris out of their jerseys though when they get back to that lovely blue astroturf field of theirs.

Kent State @ Akron. Just to show you I’m not cherry picking, I put this MAC East Division encounter on the board. Here’s what I know about the Golden Flashes. They are 5-4. And the name of their school still reminds me of Vietnam era protest turmoil. Here’s what I know about Akron. One W. 7 losses. Their nickname — Zips — sucks. And that Jerry Faust, that high school coach who ran Notre Dame’s program into the ground, coached in RubberTown after being run out of South Bend. The visitors, a 3 point fave, will be victorious.

Duke @ North Carolina. What hath David Cutcliffe wrought? In the Land O’ Coach K, his pigskinners are 5-3, and no longer the laughing stock of college football. (Insert Steve Kragthorpe joke here.) They are 3-1 in the less than stellar ACC. Butch Davis’ Tar Heels haven’t ascended yet as the faithful might like. Even with unis that Pat Forde called “blueberry.” But they did just win at Virginia Tech. I’d be more interested in this Tobacco Road matchup were it on the hardwood. But I’m expecting the same result. Carolina prevails.

South Carolina @ Arkansas. The old O genius meets the new O genius. Ol’ BallCoach meet Travelin’ Bobby P. Spurrier is looking more and more tired and ready for more tee times and less time in the film room. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is his last season on the sideline. Petrino needs some help on the D side of the ball. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s coaching somewhere else next season. (Okay, that is a joke.) The Hogs and Cocks have been up and down. Frankly, it’s a coin flipper. New beats Old and In The Way. Whooooooo Pig Sooey!!!!

Illinois @ Minnesota. I’m picking this game, because it’s a yawn fest and I need a few more ZZZZs before I move on with the day. The Golden Gophers play outside now, you know. Let’s see, what else is there to say? Oh yeah, Minnesota’s b-ball coach is Orlando Smith. The home team is a truly mediocre 5-4, and the Zooksterian Illini are only 2-6. But coming off an invigorating if meaningless W over Rich Rod. Zook comes back next season no matter what happens. Good for him. He needs the cushion. Minnesooooooooooooota wins in OT.

– Seedy K

Speaking of quick, can Preston Knowles elevate and launch in a nanosecond? Yes he can. But I digress.

As for the kids who trekked down Eastern Parkway from their Norris Place home, Scotty Davenport’s Bellarmine Knights simply got lost in the moment.

Big Crowd. Big Nerves. Not such a big deal.

After the game, Davenport talked about how his team’s basketball sense got lost early on. The normally fluid motion offense sputtered and misfired. It happens under the bright lights.

I’ve seen Justin Benedetti play just twice, once last season and last night. Both times he shot the lights out. He’s a weapon. Replacing Chartrael Hall, the Knight’s leading scorer and point guard, is the main task ahead. It must be addressed if BU is to meet expectations. It won’t be an easy hole to fill. That could be the Achilles heel of this edition of the Knights.

Louisville looked significantly better than a week ago. And against a significantly better team this time around.

The inevitable happened. Way sooner than later.

It’s been obvious since practice started that if Louisville is going to make any noise on the national scene, in the conference or in the Dance, Peyton Siva must emerge. He’s the guy who will, by force of his considerable game and personality and charisma, lead them there.

With a little over 10 minutes to play Wednesday night, the team became his. First he hustled back on a break to block a Forrest Smallwood layup. Serious elevation there. Moments later he rebounded an errant Jerry Smith attempt, slamming home a reverse follow up flush. Effectiveness: 10. Style Points: 11. Game on.

If Edgar Sosa willingly cedes the leadership role to Siva, this will be one feisty club by the end of the season.

Rakeem Buckles and Jared Swopshire showed signs of life. Mike Marra is still nervous. Reggie Delk appears to be the odd man out. Stephan Van Treese, in limited minutes, gave the first signs he’ll be fine providing stop gap back up in the middle.

Pitino praised Samardo Samuels’ passing out of the post. I know The Rick knows a lot more than I do about the game, and is way more observant. But I didn’t see that passing. Maybe I’ll go back and do a Ron Jaworski on the tapes.

I do agree with the coach that Louisville might be less stellar at the top of its lineup, but quality doesn’t fall off that much at the 9, 10, 11 and 12 spots. Tis a deep bench.

* * * * *

On a peripheral note, the voice of the lady singing the national anthem reminded me of Lily Von Shtupp, the Teutonic Titwillow of “Blazing Saddles.” She could cut diamonds with that high note she hit at the end.

– Seedy K

Exhibit A: LeMoyne 82, Syracuse 79.

Exhibit B: Bellarmine Knights. Allow me to repeat what I said about last year’s edition of the Norris Placers. “They run the motion offense better than any team I’ve seen this year at any level.” There is no reason to believe it will be any different this season.

Exhibit D: Didn’t Bellarmine almost beat the Cards just a couple of years ago? With a far less talented squad.

Exhibit C: The Cardinals remain a work in progress. A really, really, really early work in progress.

BU lost only one player of consequence. Scotty Davenport has gone Lou Holtz on us, never failing to mention some injuries. My guess is that will be overcome by a team ready to prove its pre-season ranking of #1 in its division isn’t a fluke. Braydon Hobbs would play a lot if he were wearing the red and black.

The Cards need to find their personality as a team. The two forward spots are going to be question marks all year. Unless somebody steps up big time. Swopshire and Delk look like journeymen. Buckles looks too raw. Kuric will be a spark but he’s small. Goode and Van Treese??????

Then there’s the real key to the year: Will the Edgar Sosa we’ve been looking for again since the Texas A & M game ever show up again? If not, will he willingly had the team’s reins over to Peyton Siva?

All of which is to say, tonight’s encounter is perhaps the most intriguing “exhibition” game U of L has ever played.

– Seedy K

Some meandering ruminations:

The annual carping about the BCS can now officially begin. Anybody with any football sense watching Oregon draw and quarter Southern Cal Saturday understands that this is a team of national championship caliber. Of course, that loss to Boise in the opener shall keep them too far down the pecking order to ever make it to the last night of the season.

But, hey, how would you like to be Bama or the Gators or the Horns and have to face the Ducks in a legit national playoff quarter final? That’s right, kiddies, you wouldn’t.

Oh, I can’t go on. You know the BCS is stupid. I know the BCS is stupid. Even Lou Holtz knowsjhjjhh thhhe BSheSSSSS ish sssssshtupppid. But money talks, nobody walks. Period.

That Lane Kiffin might be an arrogant loudmouthed putz. But it seems he can coach. Tennessee’s band is wearing out “Rocky Top,” and a most favorable last season slate has the Vols on a collision course with a New Year’s Day game.

There’s something to be said for slow and steady. It works especially well in the Big 11. Prime example: the undefeated and unflappable Iowa Hawkeyes. The way I see it. The Buckeyes lose to Penn State. Which puts the black and gold on the inside track to Pasadena.

Whatever happened to Rick Neuheisel?

Not sure if it matters, but I saw Jon Gruden at the Bardstown Road Krogers yesterday. Just sayin’.

Of all the dumbfounding teams this season, and there are plenty — Cal, Ole Miss, Miami — Michigan State may be the most confusing. This is a good squad that’s up for a bit, then down. The Spartans are mired in the middle of the Big 11, and I just thought they’d start the late season with a W over Minnesota. But, nope.

Cincy vs. Pitt in a BEast season ender looks to be a reasonably spicy matchup. Assuming neither slip before then, always a proposition in play when Dave Wannstedt is wearing the head set.

Don’t be surprised if Notre Dame sneaks into a BCS bowl.

Duke has won three games in a row. Maybe it’s a good thing for the Cards that the Blue Devils backed out of its U of L contact.

Maybe it means something, maybe it doesn’t. But I saw Tommy Tuberville checking out the Dollar Menu at McDs on Hurstbourne Lane this morning.

Here are some predictions. UK will make it to a bowl game. IU will not. U of L will not. Only one of these three teams will play for the BCS title: Florida, Alabama and Texas.

Last guess, Louisville’s coach next season will be somebody that nobody’s yet mentioned. I could swear that was Nick Saban eating dinner with some Cardinal fat cats last night in the bar of the country club where I was attending a wedding.

– Seedy K

Name your fave between the two hottest new coaches on the scene.

Cincy’s Brian Kelly has turned the formerly moribund program with no tradition, no facilities and no fan base into the Beast of the BEast. And more.

Whatever bit the Bearcats, turning them into the most ferocious felines in college football, it’s got them hungry for more. Cincy made it to the BCS last season, and are on that proverbial collision course for another January date in somewhere sunny and sublime.

Can Brian Kelly coach QBs? Well, uh, I guess. Starter, Heisman wannabe Tony Pike goes down. No problem. Replacement Zach Collaros throws 4 TDs against the ‘Cuse, hits like 70% of his passes and runs for lots o’ yards.

Cincy hasn’t had this glossy a record — unblemished, it is — in over a half century.

Stunning really. Dumbfounding.

All for Brian Kelly, raise your hands.

Chip Kelly’s Oregon Ducks provided the season’s premier performance yesterday, battering the Men of Troy like they were some Sun Belt bottom dweller.

Quack 47, Condoms 20. It wasn’t that close.

All Oregon’s done since that season opening head scratcher in Boise is get mo’ betta every single week. They are quick on quick, bestowing heartache on heartache on the team lining up against them.

Kelly’s offense is innovative and multi-faceted. The defense plunders. And both should certainly be on display in the Rose Bowl this season.

All for Chip Kelly, raise your hands.

– Seedy K

One last Halloween metaphor, before we start talking turkey.

There were more tricks than treats for the locals on October’s last football Saturday. Now pass me that last Snickers.

If ever there was a close (or pretty close) but no cigar team, it’s the Indiana Hoosiers.

They were up 21-7, then 24-14. Iowa’s QB Ricky Stanzi was off his feed. Oh really? Well, he’d tossed 5 picks, four in the 3d quarter alone. Then he turned into Johnny AllWorld. He tossed a 92 yarder for a touch, then another for sixty six and 7 more points. The Hawkeyes came from behind as they have all season, and remain unbeaten and on a collision course with the Rose Bowl. Or mo’.

Buh bye Crimson and Cream, a feisty squad that can’t seem to get over the hump.

I’m not sure there’s anything new to say about U of L.

Will Stein looked like a keeper in his first collegiate start. Give that boy a scholly. U of L fans who decried that he would be playing instead of Scholarship Stoudt are idiots. For those who uttered the Stefan LeFors comparisons, fuhgettaboutit. But, hey, who knows?

The Cards had to survive a last minute drive, a possible fourth down Brett Favre heartbreaker and two point conversion to avoid overtime. Which is to say a win is a win is a win, but this was nothing to be proud of. To call Arkansas State mediocre would be overstatement. As would to laud Louisville’s effort.

And, please, don’t trot out the injury card. It’s football. It’s the end of October. Every team has injuries. Significant ones. Like, oh, say UK who kicked it off against Mississippi State without its two best defensive playmakers. And, oh yea, it’s starting and only experienced QB.

U of L’s offense, under the guidance of new O Coordinator Steve Kragthorpe, continued to sputter, displaying its habitual lack of creativity. And, hey, what about the stall at the end of the first half. Ist and goal . . . no score.

How about that Halloween Day crowd? Brilliant kickoff time, at an hour that made the game run into trick or treat territory. Which, I guess is why so many Cardinal fans — half a stadium’s worth — showed up in the same costume, dressed as empty seats.

I just hope the dream I had last night was a Halloween nightmare. I dreamed that Jurich actually kept Kragthorpe for another season. It was gruesome.

UK’s D lapses cost a W against another middle of the road SEC team. Anthony Dixon ran through the Cats like a hot knife through warm butter. Morgan Newton was still jittery, and made a critical mistake late when the Cats were in scoring position. The Cats need to conjure a couple of Ws, or they’ll be joining the Cards at home for Christmas.

– Seedy K

A week after going a perfect 5-0, I was back on my less than considerable game when this Saturday ended with a thump. WashU, Colorado and Team Helmet all let me down. My 2-3 tally for last weekend notwithstanding, I’m still 23-17 on the season.

And now that real autumn is upon us, I’m sure to increase that winning percentage. I’m feelin’ it this Halloween Saturday. No tricks. All treats. Here we go:

Arkansas State @ Louisville. Seems these days that a three point loss to an undefeated Big 11 team goes a long way. The Red Wolves are 2-4, but were respectable at Iowa. So this very ordinary Sun Belt squad is now only a 2 1/2 dog to the Cardinals. (The line started at 4, and has gotten more dumbfounding as kickoff approaches.) A loss Saturday and they might as well back the moving van to Steve Kragthorpe’s office before his always useless post game comments. Truth is, a win won’t make much difference. Or shouldn’t make much difference. I say Will Stein dons his Stefan LeFors Halloween duds and leads the Cards to a disturbingly narrow W.

Southern Cal @ Oregon. What is it about those Ducks that I can’t stay away? My name is Seedy K and I’m a Quackaholic. Last week, I made the mistake of picking against my favorite unis in all of sports. Sigh. This week, one-loss SoCal comes a callin’. I just read an interesting and flattering profile on Pete Carroll. So I don’t hate him quite as much as I used to. But those Trojans sure have made skirting the eligibility rule book a fine art. I think the Ship of Troy (Is that an apt metaphor?) has righted itself. Nonetheless, I can’t again go against the Green, and Black and Neon Yellow of Quack. Oregon goes W.

Ole Miss @ Auburn. The Rebels are 5-2, and have a two game hum woikin’. The Tigers have finally fallen prey to the Chizik Effect. They won their first five and have dropped three conference encounters in a row. The faithful are starting to go Bill Battle on their first year coach. Whatever did they expect? His record at Iowa State was deplorable. Mississippi might finally be gettin’ its groove on after a disappointing start. There are serious trends in play here. Who am I to disagree? The Rebs return to Oxford town with a W.

Duke @ Virginia. Only a fool would take a pick in this one. Hey, I’ve been called worse. David Cutcliffe’s Blue Devils have lost thrice, but are 2-0 in the ACC. Of course, Ws over NC State and Maryland aren’t exactly resume builders. Plus there’s that loss to, ahem, Richmond. But hope springs eternal in the Land of K, especially when hoops is on the horizon. The Wahoos lost three. Then won three. Then were pummeled by the Ramblin’ Wreck. I have no clue. But when I flipped the coin, it came up Thomas Jefferson.

Mississippi State @ Kentucky. So intense is Rich Brooks, he mixed up his holidays. He thought it was Christmas and went Scrooge when his charges wanted to wear black like the fans. Actually, I love him for his stand. Old school rules. After all, the cheer is not “Go Big Black.” The Cowbells are 3-5, and were respectable against the Gators last week. But, hell, everybody’s lookin’ sharp against Team Tebow. QB by Committee wins. Especially when that Cobb fella is sittin’ in the chairman’s seat. Mississippi State leaves the Bluegrass black and blue.

– Seedy K

But, hey, I’ve never let such reasoning get in the way before. And it’s too late to stop now.

As ragged as the performance was, it didn’t disappoint. This will be a fascinating Louisville Cardinal team to watch develop — or not — perhaps the most interesting of the Pitino era at Louisville.

One guy’s opinion is that the maturation of Peyton Siva into his inevitable role as team leader is the key to the season. Also whether the titular leaders — Smith and Sosa — allow him to fill the role.

As solid as last night’s starting five might eventually be, there are no real play makers among them. Jerry Smith needs to be wide open to get off his shot since he needs an extra beat to wind up. Swopshire is also earnest but a half step slow in his moves and reactions. Reggie Delk was intimidated by TWill last season to the point where he was of no help to the team. I can’t fathom how he can just turn bravado back on this year. Samardo Samuels continues to want to impersonate Cliff Rozier. It’s like tossing the ball in a black hole when it goes into the pivot. He passed it back out only once last night, resulting in a three by Sosa. And Edgar Sosa appears destined to be the vexation he has been every time he’s taken the court with the exception of the Texas A & M game and his winning bucket against the Cats last season. He certainly won’t be a detriment to the team, but it’s gonna be a roller coaster ride.

Now for the rest of the guys. Peyton Siva is U of L’s best pure point guard, well, maybe ever. But certainly the best since Phil Bond. And that was a long time ago. Preston Knowles will continue to bring great energy off the bench. If ever there was a guy who needs to open the game on the pine, then come in for impact, it’s Knowles. Like I wrote yesterday, before the game, we’re going to love Kyle Kuric more and more with each passing game. Terrence Jennings remains an enigma. If he ever decides it’s time to dedicate himself, he’ll be one of the Cards’ best big men ever. If not, he’s Kendall Dartez. Buckles will be a keeper. Whether it happens this year or not remains to be seen. I also like George Goode, but my sense is The Rick will never give him a legit chance. (And he is, after all, the coach.) Mike Marra’s also a keeper. Van Treese?????????

My early assessment is that shooting will have to carry the club. Plus they will have to be even more relentless on D than last season. That Siva and at least one other guy will have to prove they can be a catalyst on O. The team is short. But it’s deep. While Siva may be the only NBAish player on the team, the bottom of the bench isn’t much of a drop off. For example, Goode is a way better than average third string center.

Like I said it’s way early. Lots of cob webs on display last night. If they were playing Bellarmine, it would have been an L for the Cards. (Which it may very well be next Wednesday in a game I’m really looking forward to seeing.) Somewhere along the way, during the 492d free throw maybe, I wrote: “Anything over Final 32 will be gravy.”

But I also think it’s a team that gets in the Dance as maybe a 7 or 8 seed, and, bingo, they’re in the Sweet Sixteen. We’ll see.

One more thing, I loved seeing Ralph Willard on the bench. For several years I’ve thought U of L would benefit from an old head that The Rick would listen to. His buddy is a perfect complement.

– Seedy K

Seems like there are now about 150 members of U of L’s 82 time National Champion Lady Birds. And, my, my, aren’t they all tanned this year. Nothing like throwing caution to the wind, risking skin cancer and heading to the ovens for a glow before taking the court. These gals are givin’ it up in the name of one of America’s great disciplines, dance teamery.

The first former Cardinal I saw in the house was the ever present Phil Rollins. He was a star before the Cards moved to Freedom Hall. But he could sure nail the jumper at the Jefferson County Armory.

I don’t know if the team’s new warm ups for the whole season will be those wonderfully understated sweatshirts they wore last night, but I sure hope so. Old school. Stylin’ in a low key way.

And I loved the rendition of the national anthem by the Tuba Ensemble.

– Seedy K

I am talking about U of L hoops tipoff, which is now less than three hours away. The Rick says he considers it truly an exhibition. That’s legit. Especially with a retrofitted lineup full of new faces. It doesn’t make it any less exciting — or important — to the red & black faithful. And, hey, I’m sure a member of that frat.

I intend to weigh in on what the season might hold in store for the Cards, as well as the Cats, Hoosiers and Hilltoppers, but want the preseason to play out a bit first. Tonight is also the Blue/ White scrimmage, so I guess it’s TIVO Time.

And now for a little of this and a thimble of that:

Sheriff Cal expanding his Jurisdiction. Not doubt you’ve heard by now, that UK — The Cats are under new management, don’t you know? — will be practicing at Freedom Hall Sunday evening. No publicity, you understand, the NCAA doesn’t allow that. Rest assured Coach Cal is hoping to fill the place, just to, you know, let his adversary on the Belknap campus know he’s around and toting some might big guns.

I understand, and decry, the incredibly virulent enmity that exists between the red and blue factions in the state during basketball season. I thought the brouhaha, such as it was, over Coach Cal’s failure to mention Pitino when reciting the panoply of UK coaches, was nothing to get riled about.

However, I do consider this upcoming practice in Freedom Hall a shot across the bow. Make no mistake, the intent is to provoke. As if we need any more of that.

That said, Calipari’s visit to Louisville gives us a chance to . . .

. . . Get a Closer Whiff. I’ve talked to several diehard UK fans today, and a couple admitted there does seem to be this stench that follows UK’s new coach wherever he moves. UMass. Memphis.

And now there’s this John Wall mess. I understand the NCAA transgressions being bandied about John Wall arise from a time before Coach Cal was the head Wildcat.

Just sayin’. You gotta admit this kind of stuff just always seems to be wherever he is.

If the guy really has brass onions, he’ll take the team to Porcini’s after the practice.

Purple Evil. That’s how my favorite Cheesehead referred to Bret Favre today. The prodigal son returns to Green Bay this weekend. Frankly, Scarlett, I don’t give a damn. Which didn’t prevent me from mentioning it, for a little filler.)

Kragthorpe’s Replacement. Just like I told an old buddy I ran into at the store today: I know nothing. And anybody who says they do is lying. He asked about a fellow who he knows used to be one of my main sources. Operative phrase “used to be.” We both laughed when I mentioned my source has drunk so much of TJ’s Kool Aid that he’s delusional. If he knew something, which I doubt he does, he wouldn’t share for fear of getting kicked out of the luxury suite.

Big Blue Brooks. I could slap myself when I think of how much grief I used to give Rich Brooks. (Who knows, maybe some day I’ll feel that way about Steve Kragthorpe? . . . Nah!!!!) Brooks put the kibosh on a short-lived players’ movement to wear black unis this Saturday. “We’re the Big Blue,” said Brooks. Hear, hear. I hate that schools wear black when it’s not one of their colors. Especially Duke. Anyway, Go Cats, beat the Cowbells.

Cardinal to Watch. Kyle Kuric. Remember where you read it first. He’s a classic Hoosier type of player. I mean that as a compliment. Understands the game. Gets the most of his abilities. Has an instinct for the ball, especially off the boards. Jimmy Rayl shooting range, i.e. can hit from anywhere inside the gym.

Later . . .

– Seedy K