Losers from last week, look at the rankings. This is what you have made me do. It is all your fault. Think about it. And here is sloopy’s mandatory link.

Dubious Rivalries of the Week

Old Dominion @ Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

The commonwealth throwdown. The Battle for Madison’s Shoe. The Founding Fight. This rivalry has many names, which is amusing as they have never played in football. Here is hoping that “The Battle for Madison’s Shoe” catches on.

ODU didn’t play football between 1940 and 2009, so at least it is understandable.

Tailgate of the Week

Kent St @ Louisville, Louisville, KY

My old stomping grounds. Tailgating at the actual game isn’t anything special, but I know the spots to booze up around town. Also, Louisville punches well above its weight when it comes to the restaurant scene. And its relatively cheap.

I will be eating here this Saturday. I haven’t tried it before, I will let you all know how it goes.

Beer: In my opinion, the best beer bar in the USA is Holy Grale. Built in a former Unitarian Church, it has a great selection of craft beers that you probably won’t see many other places. Plus a great burger.

Booze: Mint Julep Recipe – Henry Watterson

Pluck the mint gently from its bed, just as the dew of the evening is about to form on it. Select the choicer sprigs only, but do not rinse them. Prepare the simple syrup and measure out a half-tumbler of whiskey. Pour the whiskey into a well-frosted silver cup, throw the other ingredients away, and drink the whiskey.

Really, don’t drink that crap. If you have to adulterate your bourbon, I recommend ice. If you really, really need something else, make a Manhattan.

Game of the Century of the Week

Mississippi St @ University [sic] of Georgia, Athens, GA

After their thumping of LSU in this game last week, Mississippi St makes a surprising return. Here is hoping that they do the same this week, only more so. History suggests it is unlikely, as Georgia leads the all time series 17-6. That isn’t many games for two teams that have been in the same conference forever.

Top 25

1. Duke (3-0) 4.597 +3
2. Michigan (3-0) 4.490 +6
3. Iowa (3-0) 4.476 +10
4. Utah (3-0) 4.466 +1
5. Clemson (3-0) 4.444 +4
6. Mississippi St (3-0) 4.419
7. Maryland (2-0) 4.411 +10
8. Virginia Tech (3-0) 4.410 +11
9. Georgia (3-0) 4.393 +1
10. California (3-0) 4.390 -3
11. Southern Cal (3-0) 4.382
12. Georgia Tech (1-1) 4.352 +12
13. Oregon (3-0) 4.322 +3
14. Michigan St (2-0) 4.306 +9
15. Texas Tech (2-0) 4.300 -3
16. Alabama (3-0) 4.290 -1
17. Washington St (3-0) 4.246 +5
18. Miami FL (1-0) 4.235 NR
19. Vanderbilt (3-0) 4.233 +2
20. Wake Forest (3-0) 4.212 NR
21. Indiana (1-1) 4.209 NR
22. UCLA (2-1) 4.183 -21
23. Oklahoma St (3-0) 4.183 +2
24. Oklahoma (3-0) 4.165 NR
25. Colorado (3-0) 4.151 NR

Falling out: South Carolina, LSU, Ole Miss, Illinois, Tennessee. A bloodbath for the SEC, although 3 of the 4 were due to in-conference losses.