Game of the Week

The eyes of Texas and the eyes of the nation will be on Austin Saturday night when Ohio State and Texas square off. A game of this magnitude requires the expertise of weatherman extraordinaire Mark Mathis, who is off to a flying start. Mark not only nailed the forecast for the California-Tennessee game, he predicted the Volunteers would crush the Golden Bears, so in our book he is 2-0. Mark is back for more and has a surprising prediction:

"Is it me or is it getting hot in Texas? Lake Travis, Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium, the State Capital, Willie Nelson, George Bush and a real stupid defensive back! Matthew McConaughey says "a very good team is coming to our house and wants to steal something that we own ... a national championship ... when the University of Texas Longhorns play for the love of his brother lining up next to him, for the pride of giving his personal best every down, for the honor of every grandparent that could and could not be at the game, the final whistle will blow and we will be victorious ... and the wannabe thieves will be sent home hurting, humbled, and with a respect for our character ... let's hook 'em."

I think I'm going to throw up! Maybe McConaughey and Tarell Brown shared the same jail cell.

I have to apologize to my family and friends in Austin, but the Buckeyes are heading home with a 21-7 victory over the national champions.

Look for partly cloudy skies in Austin with a temperature of 83 degrees at kickoff. There is a 30% chance of showers but don't look for any at D.K.R Memorial Stadium."

John Maher, Austin American-Statesman: Texas fans returned from Columbus a year ago with horror stories of rude, abusive Ohio State fans. Has all been forgiven? (registration).

Brian Kollars, Dayton Daily News, and John Bridges, Austin American-Statesman: Why Ohio State will win. Why Texas will win (registration).

Doug Lesmerises, Cleveland Plain Dealer: When you add it all up, this is a matchup of the largest athletic departments in the country.

B.G. Brooks, Rocky Mountain News: To Ohio State, it's big, but it's not Michigan big.