With no teleconference scheduled for today -- the short week moved it up to yesterday -- we can focus on the weekly picks this morning. Since UConn is playing Friday night, you'll need to get your entries in a little earlier.
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I suggested on Tuesday that UConn and Rutgers should be a trophy game, tossing out a few ideas. There was some positive response (specifically, one positive response coming out of Orlando, Fla.) to this one being an annual battle for the Golden EZ-Pass. And I have to concur.
Imagine the excitement pulsating throughout the stadium as the EZ-Pass is presented to the winning team at midfield. Shouts of "We gonna OWN the Jersey Turnpike, tonight" resonating from overjoyed players. Of course, the losing coach would be required to dig into his wallet to hand over the $29 activation fee. The visiting team will either have a (relatively) easy bus ride back home, zipping through turnpike traffic and enjoying the full wonder that is the EZ-Pass -- OR, should they lose, be stuck in misery waiting hours on end through the tolls.

Either that or just play for The Big Vat of Sunday Gravy With Sausage, Meatballs and a Little Pork for Added Flavor (too wordy?).
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Game 1: Connecticut (-5) over RUTGERS - Huskies venture to the land of Gym, Tan and Laundry, jump on a few grenades and come away with the robbery. And if that sentence makes no sense, you probably don't own an Ed Hardy T-shirt.
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Game 2: SOUTH FLORIDA (-7.5) over Syracuse - Orange smoked Maine and Colgate the past two games. I think have a real chance to make the Division I-AA playoff this year.
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Game 3: Michigan State (+4.5) over MICHIGAN - Mark Dantonio will coach from the press box Saturday. Michigan considering letting Rich Rodriguez coach from the local Tim Horton's.
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Game 4: LOUISVILLE (-17) over Memphis - Louisville struggling. But Memphis just isn't very good.
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Game 5: Miami-Ohio (+17) over CINCINNATI - Cincinnati fans just hoping Reds manage to get a hit during their inevitable three-games-and-out to the Phillies.
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Game 6: NORTH CAROLINA STATE (-10) over Boston College - BC just hoping to keep fans interested into the second half.
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Game 7: Nevada-Las Vegas (+27) over WEST VIRGINIA - Kenny Mayne was once a backup quarterback for the Runnin' Rebels. Wonder why they haven't been relevant since...forever.
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Game 8: Alabama (-6.5) over SOUTH CAROLINA -
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Game 9: Louisiana State (+6.5) over FLORIDA - Good news. It's a 7:30 p.m. start. No major conflict with the Rays 5 p.m. game. That guy in Sarasota who follows the Rays is very excited.

Game 10: NOTRE DAME (-6) over Pittsburgh - Good to see Dave Wannstedt was able to check out the Ryder Cup last week. Like the Member's Only jacket, too.
Game 11: MIAMI (-6.5) over Florida State -

Game 12: STANFORD (-9.5) over Southern Cal -

Game 13: Southern Conn. State (-9) over NEW HAVEN - Winner gets pizza from Sally's. Loser gets it from Pizza Hut.
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Results
1. Caleb Mandrake 11-1
2. Gabe 10-2
Pete 10-2
4. B-Stew 9-3
5. Vinny 8-4
6. Govphalen 7-5
7. Chip 6-6
ian 6-6
sammy 6-6
harper 6-6
11. gary 4-8
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Standings
1. Pete 35-24-3
2. B-Stew 33-26-3
3. caleb mandranke 32-27-3
4. Chip 31-28-3
Ian 31-28-3
Gabe 31-28-3
7. Gary 30-29-3
8. Vinny 29-30-3
9. sammy 27-32-3
10. GovernorPhalen 25-34-3
11. Uconnbob 12-9-1
12. Walt 7-4-1
13. harper 6-6
14. Rollo V. 5-6-1
15. seanO 4-6-1
16. BostonDan 3-7-1