As we launch the last episode of the Perfect Football Weekend, we’re making preparations for that favorite of all activities…
KORRIOTH:  (raises eyebrow)
LSIK&T:  Well, okay – second  favorite.
KORRIOTH:  Was gonna say.
LSIK&T:  Hush, you.
KORRIOTH:  (grunt)
…that being the cherished road trip.
OZY MCCOOL:  Do we get to come this  time, m’Liege?
LSIK&T:  Sure, Ozy.  I think there’s room in the trunk for you this year.
OZY MCCOOL:  Aw, man…
Anyway, the Horned Frogs of Texas Christian are going into hostile territory tonight – to the city of Houston, TX, to play in the Texas Bowl (formerly the EV1.net Houston Bowl) against – yeah, you guessed it – the Houston Cougars.  And I’ll be right there with ’em.
MERLIN:  Not terribly unlike four years ago when they hosted Boise State in their own bowl game.
LSIK&T:  WHO???
MERLIN:  Uh…Smurf Turf State?
LSIK&T:  Better, Wizard.
MERLIN:  Sorry, sir.
The Frogs are actually favored, but the entire game will hinge on how well the Swiss-cheese secondary handles the renowned Houston passing game.  As it did two years ago, a field goal late will decide this one.
Small side note:  Looks like the Frogs are once again the visitors, for jersey purposes, meaning they’ll wear all white.  Oh, well – as long as they wear the purple pants…
Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys play a completely meaningless game against the Warshington Washington Fore Redskins to close out the NFL regular season.  Other than the chance to get Terry Glenn some work and shoot for a franchise-record 14th regular-season victory, the game means less than squat.  I’m not even gonna get pissed off should they lose – which’ll stick in LC John Wardle’s craw mercilessly.
K’HADIBAK’H:  You are  the sadistic one, aren’t you?
LSIK&T:  Well, I do  have a reputation to maintain.
OZY MCCOOL:  Point.
Wednesday, Jan 2, the 4th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners get their toughest test of the year when they play in the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Arizona against the 9th-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers.  The Mountaineers have two very dangerous offensive weapons in Pat White and Steve Slaton, so OU needs to have a care.  I like OU, though, as long as Sam Bradford plays the entire game.
Monday, January 7, the PFW is proud to say that one of its teams – #2 LSU – goes up against #1 Ohio State University in the BCS championship game in New Orleans.  A home game of sorts for the Tigers, they’re actually favored in this one, by 4½.  Look for a defensive struggle, as both defenses would give the Detroit Lions absolute hell.
We’re back Tuesday, January 8th for the recap and benediction.  In the meantime, perhaps the Humble Devildog will explain why Bucky is a two-point dog to UTennessee, of all teams…