Take your pick: Although plenty of sports writers are predicting (or maybe just hoping for) an upset by No. 3 Arkansas over No. 1 LSU when the Hogs come to town Friday, Fayetteville Flyer columnist Seth Gunderson isn’t one of them. “Unfortunately, as much as I want to, I’m not an absolute believer in the Hogs’ No. 3 ranking and I don’t think they’re on the same level as LSU (much less Alabama). I would love nothing more than to see the Hogs pull off the upset; however, I think that LSU’s defense will prove too much for the Hogs,” writes Gunderson, who is predicting a 34-24 LSU win. Read his full column here, and be sure to leave a comment with your prediction as there’s a free T-shirt at stake. (No word on whether LSU shirts are being offered.)
The toughest test yet: Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason admitted being a little nervous about facing a room full of reporters and cameras on Tuesday for the first time since announcing in September that he’s battling the degenerative disease ALS, The Times-Picayune reports. “Part of why I’m here is to help show and inspire people that have been diagnosed with ALS to continue living their life,” Gleason told reporters. “And if we as a group can help those people continue to live a life that’s enriching and extraordinary, then I think that’s part of my goal.” Read the full story here.
Urban legend: Despite numerous reports saying he’s all but set to become Ohio State’s next football coach, Urban Meyer says that’s not the case. “I have not been offered any job nor is there a deal in place,” the former Florida coach said in a statement released today through ESPN, where he is a college football analyst. “I plan on spending Thanksgiving with my family and will not comment on this any further.” Several websites, TV stations and The Columbus Dispatch have reported that Meyer has reached an agreement in principle with Ohio State and, barring any last-minute problems, will be introduced as the Buckeyes’ coach next week. Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith declined to comment today. Read the full story from The Associated Press here.
