Brett Fera sports editor

Baseball

Was that a 'lil bit 'o Billy Buckner revisited yesterday, a la Yankees third baseman Aaron Boone? I'm convinced that damned curse also rolled right through his legs on that slow roller. Something just tells me Pedro and his Beantown mates are going to send Ra-jah and the Bombers packing again for their showdown with those magical fish from South Florida ÷ who are making their second trip to the Series in seven years.

Boston 4, Yankees 1

Volleyball

Despite a disappointing season so far, coach Rubio's kids will take two of three, for David, you have the hotness ÷ that uncanny ability some coaches have to teach sports they simply can't play. From what I hear, golf coach Greg Allen can't golf well. Basketball assistant Josh Pastner makes better plays in his television ads ÷ and Rubio is what, like a foot shorter than Kim Glass? He's still one of the nation's best though. Pure Hotness.

Cats crush Ducks, Beavers before losing close one to the Wahine.

Soccer

The best part of sport is its unsung heroes. Candice Wilks, Mallory Miller and Kelly Nelson get most of the credit ÷ and deservedly so ÷ for the success of this year's lady Wildcats. But Jennifer Klein and Erin Clewett are two of this team's unsung heroes, and the two major reasons why soccer is my favorite sport on campus this year and why I've become a UA women's soccer groupie. I am, I swear.

Arizona 3, Arizona State 1

Football

Finally getting a shot, Texas Tech fifth-year senior B.J. Symons is it. The guy is no Eli Manning, no Brock Berlin and certainly no Andrew Walter. He's better, on pace to throw for 6,000 yards and 55 touchdowns. Whoa. He chucks it more than 50 per and is still the No. 7-rated passer in Division I. What's even sweeter? He now refers to himself in the third person. "B.J. feels good," he said earlier this week. I'm sure he does. B.J. for H.T.

B. J. Symons' (QB, Texas Tech) line: 492.3 y.p.g., 165.83 QB rating

Shane Dale assistant sports editor

Baseball

It took 23 years and one day on Earth for my faith in God to finally be shaken. I can't imagine God allowing the torment that has come to Cubs fans in the last two days. It was looking good: both Cubs aces (if necessary) going up against a couple of mediocre Marlins pitchers. But curses seem to outweigh logic these days. That's why I can't go with the Sox, even with Pedro on the mound.

Yankees 9, Red Sox 1

Volleyball

Oregon State's mediocre, and Oregon's really bad. The Ducks have lost their first seven Pacific 10 Conference matches. The Beavers have won three of eight in the Pac-10. Meanwhile, Arizona proved they're not that bad after beating a UCLA team last weekend that was ranked in the top-10. That should be more than enough momentum for the Cats to sweep the Oregon schools at McKale.

Arizona over Oregon 3-0,Oregon State 3-2

Soccer

How can a Wildcat justify picking ASU over the UA? Because the Sun Devils' soccer program is ranked in the top 25? Because ASU is 8-2-2 and 2-0 in the Pac-10? Because Arizona is 4-7-1 and 0-2 in the Pac-10? Because ASU has a higher profile team? Nah. Mallory Miller nets a couple for Arizona on Saturday ÷ enough to squeak out the win.

Arizona 2, ASU 1

Football

Texas Tech's quarterback has a 67.3 percent completion percentage, 2,954 passing yards and 27 passing touchdowns. Oh, and he also has 200 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs. Yet you never hear anything about this guy. Even more ridiculous is that the Red Raiders are 5-1 and missing from the Top 25. Maybe after they beat No. 23 Oklahoma State this weekend, TT and their QB will get the attention they deserve.

B.J. Symons, Texas Tech

Charles Renning senior sports writer

Baseball

Game 3 was just another example of why the Beer League (American League) should get rid of the DH. Clemons or Pedro wouldn't be so tough if they had to step in the box. The Evil Empire falls at the hands of Pedro, who goes the distance and shuts out Yankees, but let's just hope the Sox don't win it all and the curse remains.

Red Sox win

Volleyball

To be perfectly honest with all of you, I have no idea whom the volleyball team is playing this weekend. I do know they won their first Pac-10 game last weekend in an upset over UCLA. I'll say they improve on last weekend's one win with two this weekend. Volleyball will be a good way to fill a football-less weekend either today or tomorrow.

UA beats Oregon and OSU

Soccer

No matter what sport, any game between Arizona and those bastards from up North is gonna be a good one. I'm not saying it's gonna be Sox/Yankees hatred, but I would like to see Erin Clewett drop a Scum Devil, Dom Zimmer-style. Tempe might have the better squad, but I'll take the 'Cats in this one.

UA 3, ASU 2.

Football

Heavner for Heisman: it's got a nice ring to it. Maybe next year. But a QB will win it. Michigan State's Jeff Smoker is taking home the hardware this year. He's off the sauce and tossin' the rock. After the Spartans run the table against four straight top-20 teams, bust out the sparkling cider and Smoker can strike that familiar pose.

Jeff Smoker, QB, Michigan State