My friend and sometimes sports cohort Kurt Duryea called yesterday morning – about 30 minutes too early for a rainy Labor Day Monday morning, by the way.  

He was all excited. 

“We’re starting a new radio show, live every Thursday from the Gridiron, you’ll be on the panel picking college games against a fifth-grader-to-be-named-later,” Kurt unloaded into my ear just before he slid through a four-way stop somewhere near Holy Spirit. 

Wherever that is. At least, I think he was screaming “Holy Spirit.”  

Anyway, there was way (way, way) more information coming through the phone than I could process because I was still half asleep. I could tell Kurt was excited about the show, which has been an idea of his for a while, so I confirmed my interest in taking part, congratulated him on pulling everything together, and dove back under the covers. Ah! The constant hum of a floor fan on high; a steady, pelting rain on the roof; the realization that I had no responsibilities for another 24 hours … My goodness, but my Monday was going better than a chicken bliss potato from the Gridiron. 

… Until my mind got to working through all the information Kurt had just given me. At that point I felt I had to get up, start checking the week two SEC schedule, and come up with something interesting to say on the radio Thursday night. So much for a few more hours with no responsibilities, I suppose.  

Thanks a lot, Duryea. 

Speaking of the Gridiron, though, that’s from whence the WEIS Radio End Zone Show broadcast will emanate from every Thursday night from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can hear yours truly, along with Herald sports editor Shannon Fagan, WEIS Radio play-by-play announcer Nolen Sanford, Gridiron owner Jeremy Reeves and a mystery middle-schooler (more on that Thursday night) wax philosophic about a full slate of college games at the end of each week’s show. The weekly show, which will focus on high school football, will also feature in-depth coverage of local prep teams, special features, and interviews with local sports personalities and coaches. 

Like I said, my Monday holiday had been a pretty sweet one until Kurt called and kicked my brain into gear. By the time I sat down at my desk this morning, I had a full-fledged football battle plan in place: I realized there was the need for me to conjure something semi-witty to say about each game during the segment on the End Zone show.  

That in mind, I conducted a little Google/Wikipedia research on the games Kurt expects us to know something about this week. Maybe you’ll hear some of this repeated on the air or maybe I’ll spend another 30 minutes between now and Thursday night polishing my presentation. Anyway, here’s a little teaser for the Sept. 8, 2011 premiere of the WEIS Radio End Zone Show Live from the Gridiron in Centre. Don’t forget to tune in. 

(Note: WEIS is available at 100.5 FM and 990 AM, and streaming live on the Internet at www.weis990am.com). 

Alabama at Penn State

The No. 2-ranked Tide is a 10-point favorite, and I think that sounds about right. I also firmly believe Trent Richardson will improve dramatically on his 38 rushing yards from a week ago. Give him another trio of touchdowns this Saturday, and toss in a TD pass by the starting quarterback – whoever that turns out to be. Final: 28-13, Alabama

New Mexico at Arkansas

The only way this game is close is if someone puts 42 points under the Lobos’ name on the scoreboard just before the opening kickoff – or gives the Hogs only three points for every touchdown. Or both. Final: 55-12, Arkansas

Miss. State at Auburn

Auburn has one thing going for it this week – this game is at home. On the other hand, that almost wasn’t enough in week one against Junior Varsity State (or whoever they played). ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit has predicted Auburn won’t make it to a bowl game this season, and I think his forecast takes its first step towards coming true this weekend. Final: 33-21, Mississippi State

Northwestern State at LSU

The only interesting thing I could find to write about this game is that NW State’s mascot is the Demons. That noted, I believe there is going to be an exorcism this weekend in Baton Rouge. (These rosary bleeds?) Final: 60-13, LSU

Southern Illinois at Ole Miss

Southern Illinois’ mascot is a “saluki” which is another name for a Persian greyhound -- one of the first dogs ever domesticated. Egyptian pharaohs had these dogs mummified and buried with them when they died. Correspondingly, Ole Miss will wrap things up pretty fast and bury this particular pack of Salukis. Final: 48-20, Ole Miss

UAB at Florida

New Gators coach Will Muschamp said he liked what he saw from his team in its 41-3 season opening win against Florida Atlantic. Someone take a picture of Muschamp and his September smile while it lasts. He’s got Alabama and LSU back-to-back to begin the month of October. Final: 43-21, Florida

South Carolina at Georgia

Mark “hot seat” Richt might want to go ahead and start grabbing a few empty boxes each time he goes to the grocery store. On the other sideline Saturday night between the Hedges will be the old ball coach. Steve Spurrier’s team wasn’t exactly terrific last week and Gamecock fans seem awfully worried about this game. I agree, and as long as the Bulldogs aren't wearing those god-awful Under Armor uniforms again this should be a great game to watch. In the end, though, a calm, cool and collected Stephen Garcia will be the difference. Final, 30-28, South Carolina 

Central Michigan at Kentucky

The Wildcats can’t be as bad as they looked the other night against Western Kentucky. They simply can’t be. Final: 27-17, Kentucky

Cincinnati at Tennessee

This game may be high-scoring and, consequently, closer than Derek Dooley would like. But it’s Neyland Stadium, filled 103,000 screaming Volunteers all wearing road crew orange and gettin’ their corn from a jar. The Vols get one more win before their season begins to implode. Final: 23-20, Tennessee 

Connecticut at Vanderbilt

Last year, the Huskies clobbered the Commodores in their place. This year, Vandy gets UConn in Nashville. But Vanderbilt Stadium ain’t exactly the Big House -- or the Horseshoe, or the Swamp, or even Legion Field on a Tuesday afternoon in June. The smart kids' slide rules will prove little defense against  blitzing strong safeties and stunting linebackers. Final, 28-24, Connecticut 

JSU at UT-Chattanooga

Gamecock coach Jack Crowe chose Marques Ivory over Coty Blanchard before the season began, but admitted last week that “nobody makes more plays than that boy,” referring to Blanchard after he replaced the injured Ivory against UT-Martin and engineered yet another miracle win. Well, here’s hoping Crowe isn't deaf in both ears because, every year, his teams play in far more than their share of nail-biters. Seems to me that the man who even Crowe admitted may be “the best player in the league” is a good guy to have on the field if you're trying to win a football game. Final: 33-31, Jacksonville State 

Honestly, I don’t care if Shannon, Jeremy, Nolen and Kurt all out-pick me this season. But please, please let me outperform the mystery fifth grader. That’s all I want for Christmas.  

That, and an iPad.