Stay away from mayhem. Get yourself some solid insurance: car, home, life, etc. You are in good hands with Allstate. We also like to hang out in New Orleans on New Year's Day and sponsor a kick-butt bowl game.

The second semi-final ends the day. Alabama faces Ohio State in a match up of traditional football powerhouses. The story here is the coaching match-up. Nick Saban is the devil. He never smiles. He just coaches up players and has created the biggest powerhouse in the country in Tuscaloosa. When he was coach of Michigan State and the Texas job opened up after John Mackovic was fired I said that Texas should go after him. I was right. We got Mack Brown instead. Saban has won four championships in that time at LSU and Alabama. Mack got Texas one thanks to Vince Young. I should not complain, I know. It's just... never mind.

Urban Meyer won two titles at Florida. He then had to leave mysteriously. He sat out a year and wound up at Ohio State. (I've heard a reason why, but it's not confirmed so I won't print it - what am I? A journalist?) He has gone through 3 quarterbacks this year, and with the exception of a hiccup against Virginia Tech, has just kept on winning. Ohio State destroyed Wisconsin in the Big 10 championship game. Meyer runs a spread offense and has speed no other Big 10 team has. This game should be delicious. Saban can be beat. Alabama has lost its last two Sugar Bowls. Ohio State's only victory against an SEC team in a bowl had to be vacated though. Alabama is an 8 point favorite. (TCU and Baylor are pissed.)

Patricia and Kirsten have picked Ohio State. Wow.

New Year's is always a big day in the Pool. If someone goes 5-0 they can come back and win this thing from way off the pace. Cook some food, get on your couch, and enjoy the day. Love, the Commish.