Showdown of egos begins this week

By By Austin Bishop / EMG sports director
September 8, 2004
I have long contended that you can't work in the media without having at least a little bit of an ego.
Consider Al Brown well-equipped.
But as much as Al may be endowed with an ego, I may have him topped. I know this and readily admit it. That's why it's fun when you have a couple of self-confident folks who actually believe some of the things they say on the air or in print go head-to-head in a matchup of pride.
Al, who operates WZKR radio (103.3 FM) in Meridian, heartily took up the challenge I flung out at him last week. And, beginning this week, we will begin picking college football games in this column.
Look for some sparks to fly as the season goes on, but this looks to be a pretty tame week.
We picked five games this week and appear to be in the same boat.
Auburn at Miss. State
I would sure like to see State win this game.
Wouldn't that be a great story? Sylvester Croom comes riding into town and not only beats Tulane in the opener but leads the Bulldogs to a victory over his old 'Iron Bowl' nemesis in Auburn.
Al says he respects what Croom has brought to MSU and points out that State is on the way up. I have to agree with Al on this point. The Bulldogs will likely win more than the two games I had logged for them in the win column before the season began, but this won't be one of them.
THE PICKS: Al says Auburn, 31-13. Austin says Auburn, 27-17.
Ole Miss at Alabama
The Rebels are reeling from an opening-season loss to Memphis, while Alabama thumped the dickens out of Utah State.
Ole Miss fans should remember that the Rebs lost to Memphis by 10 points last year and bounced back to have a good season. And, don't forget, Memphis is very, very good.
Al says listen to the 'Bama-Ole Miss game on 103.3 and to expect a "dandy." I can't believe Al really used the word dandy, but he did.
Ain't that dandy.
I also think the game could be a 'dandy', but don't know how long the Rebels can hang with the Tide in Tuscaloosa.
THE PICKS: Al gives Alabama a one-point 17-16 win. Austin says Alabama wins 31-14.
USM at Nebraska
In years past a prognosticator as wise and knowing as myself would pick Southern Miss to upset Nebraska.
I just don't see it that way this year.
Al says this is a game in which you are tempted to go with USM because of it's defense and that he sees it as a close one.
I'm not so sure.
THE PICKS: Al says Nebraska 27, USM 20. Austin goes with the Cornhuskers 31-10.