two predictions I respect...
rodney and cecil...

     A lot of predictions on this game have been made by a lot of guessers. We can go over a few of them, but for my money there is only two I really listen two. Rodney Orr and Cecil Hurt. Rodney published the great website Tider Insider and the Tuscaloosa News is lucky enough to pay him write.  Okay, these might be the two biggest homers in the history of prognostications, but I've noticed they are fair about giving their expertise on winners and scores. On the big game tonight both have picked scores that are pretty close to each other.  I've known each for two or three decades and both are top shelf guys. Cecil Hurt is a well known national writer who has turned down several bigger gigs in larger cities. Rodney came into Tuscaloosa a life time Bama fan with an idea about recruiting information, but more importantly allowing fans to express their opinions. Tider Insider has been growing in leaps and bounds. They are now doing radio and television, both of which are simply called Tider Insider TV and Tider Insider radio. Rodney competes with a lot of national media sites but his family has remained loyal. Bravo to him for understanding just what 'Bama fans want. Another thing he will not do is to rate players. I respect that.

      Cecil Hurt has been writing for The Tuscaloosa News from the time that Moses got his tablets. Most Alabama fans consider both to be of equal importance. What I like about Cecil is that he writes columns that are easy to read and have a lot of common sense. He's also cashed in some on his recognition with the Cecil Hurt Show. This is a low key and information loaded telecast you shouldn't miss. His column in the News is full of inside information and gives the fans a little peek of what really goes on in Tide Sports. I think a lot of fans probably think that Cecil is the only person who has ever written for the Tuscaloosa News and Tide football  and basketball.  In reality, for most living Tide fans this might be true. I love to hear his magnolia dipped accent on the radio. When Cecil writes or talks I listen.

      Alabama has some other print and media guys I like and respect. Kevin Scarbinsky and Paul Finebaum come to mind. Both are nice guys. Paul has national exposure for his expertise in the SEC. Kevin and Paul are both brave enough to express their opinions in a state where everyone has a gun or two, and a six-pack is a standard equipment in their trucks. I thought Kevin's article about the lore of Notre Dame might be true, but his tone in the article was condescending . Paul is just Paul. He stirs the pot, BUT he gets it right in most cases. Paul is in a growth industry and Kevin is employed by an animal likely to go extinct in the next few years. So if Kevin rubs a nerve, as he frequently does, keep that  in mind. He is literally writing for his paycheck. Plus, Kevin has ditched that funky French hat and that's a good thing.

Some predictions from national writers:

• Davis Dodge -     Alabama 16-13
• Bruce Feldman - Notre Dame 17-16
• Lou Holtz - Notre Dame
• Las Vegas - Tide by10
• Jerry Palm - Alabama 20-17
• Chip Patterson - Notre Dame 21-20
• Game Day Crew - 4-1 Alabama
• RODNEY ORR -  ALABAMA 24-16
• CECIL HURT - ALABAMA 27-16