Boomer's Urban Renewal: Salute to the Veterans in Week 11

Honoring Veterans all over, with another great
weekend of college football action.

On this weekend, we celebrate Veterans Day (November 11th), by honoring the ones that have went before as, and the ones that are serving and protecting as out there today. Over the weekend, a number of National Anthems will be sung, America flags will be raised, and the stars and stripes will remind us, how special it is, to be able to head out to our favorite tailgate, college stadium, and watch our favorite teams each and every week. All three service academies will be in action this weekend (more on that later), as well as a number of college hoops games tipping-off on either a army base over seas or on a carrier ship off the shores of this great land. When you are out and about this weekend, take a minute to let someone you know, who has serviced this country that you care about what they are doing and thank them for their services. Now, onto the less-important things, the college football action this weekend. Six of the Top 10 teams this weekend travel on the road (including Florida State's 28-22 win over VA. Tech, last night) to take on home underdogs. The biggest task for this weekend, most importantly for the five remaining eligible undefeated teams is, "take care of your business, and move on", because at this stage of the game, you do not want to be slipping up and losing. Enjoy another great weekend, starting with College Football Live from aboard the USS San Diego, in San Diego, CA at 10AM, ESPN. My reaction, when I found out the Buckeyes & Browns had the same Bye Week.

Games to keep an eye on in Week 11: (Complete Week 11 Schedule)

#9 Louisville at Syracuse (NOON, ABC)

• It's been a magical run so far for HC Charlie Strong & the Cardinals, who go on the road for the 1st time since Oct. 13th, when they meet up with the Orange in the Carrier Dome. The Cardinals have won six-straight road games, and three-straight over Syracuse. With a date at Rutgers (Nov. 29th) looming in the near future, don't expect L-ville to take the 'Cuse lightly. 

Army at #23 Rutgers (NOON, ESPNU)

• Army the 1st of the three service academies to take the field on Saturday afternoon, will look to play the spoiler role in this one. Things haven't went so well for the Army this season, winners of just two games, but are coming off a 20-point victory over the Air Force. Rutgers, has had a week off to prepare for the nations best ground attack in Army's offense (375 ypg), after suffering their 1st-loss of the season two weeks ago, vs. Kent State, 35-23.

#11 Oregon State at #14 Stanford (3:00, FOX)

• The winner of this one keep their chances of winning the PAC-12 North division alive, as they both still have to face the #3 Oregon Ducks. Both teams will be using QB's that started the season as back-ups, while they both sport defense's that ranked in the Top 20 in points allowed. Expect the winner of this one, to represent the PAC-12 in the Rose Bowl, that is if Oregon plays in the National Championship Game.

Air Force at San Diego State (3:30, NBC Sports Network)

• Two teams with late season hopes of capturing the MWC Championship square off against each other, out in southern California. The Falcons, the 2nd service academy in action, have lost to both Army & Navy already this season, a 1st since 2005. The Aztecs, coming off a huge win last week over Boise State, 21-19 on the blue turf look to keep the late season momentum going, as they come into this game riding a 5-game winning streak.

West Virginia at Oklahoma State (3:30, ABC or ESPN2)

• Two teams ranked in the Top 10 nationally in scoring (WVU 40.8 ppg, 9th in nation; Ok State 42.3, 8th in nation), this one's got the makings of another Big XII shootout. WVU after starting the season 5-0, are currently on a 3-game skid, and have a one of the bottom defenses in the nation in scoring (39.8 ppg, 119th nationally). The Mountaineers D has had an unhappy welcome to the Big XII, allowing 39 or more points in each of the five conference games this season. Geno & Co. better get things turned around quick, or what looked like a promising 1st season in the new conference, might end up a complete nightmare at 6-6.

Navy at Troy (3:30, ESPN3)

• The Midshipmen use the triple-option offense, and have accounted for 267 ypg (7th in nation) using the ground & pound method. Navy after starting the season 1-3, are currently on a 5-game winning streak, as they take on the men of Troy. The Trojans, who almost pulled off a major upset a week ago in Knoxville, losing to the Vols 55-48, are ranked 15th nationally in passing yardage going for 315 a game.

The Buckeyes have their Bye Week this weekend, so there is no game preview for this week.

Weekend Game Picks (Last Week 6-0!, Overall 46-14) Bonus Pick 7-3

Louisville sneaks past Syracuse

Rutgers marches over Army

Oregon State wins on the road over Stanford

San Diego St. flies past Air Force

West Virginia outguns Oklahoma State

Navy trips up Troy

*Bonus Pick*

Sunday Night Football (8:20, NBC): Two teams with 7-1 records, and outstanding D's, the Bears roar past the Houston Texans in Chicago on SNF, a potential Super Bowl preview.

• The Bears continue to force teams into turning the ball over, and Bears QB Jay Cutler does just enough, for the less then 5-point victory, improving the Bears record to 8-1.