A full slate of college games fill up the day on Friday. It kicks off with a rare Big Ten–Big East battle, Illinois travels to Cincinnati at noon on ABC. Then, a couple of historic rivalries: Alabama plays Auburn at 2:30 p.m. on CBS and Pittsburgh faces West Virginia at 7 p.m. on ESPN2. — Jim Williams

BOLD PREDICTIONS

1. Nevada over Boise State » Since it joined the Western Athletic Conference in 2001, Boise State has won 64 of 67 conference games and never lost one on its distinctive blue turf. Its current winning streak in the WAC is 13, but right now the hottest team in the conference is Nevada. Going into Saturday night’s late game at New Mexico State, the Wolf Pack (7-3) were unbeaten in the WAC and were leading the nation in rushing (353 yards per game). Nevada’s pistol offense has two backs with 1,000 yards and a third on the verge of exceeding the mark, a first-time achievement in the NCAA. In games between common opponents, Nevada’s victory margin is 30.2, while Boise’s is 27.4. Last year, Nevada gave Boise its toughest game in the WAC, 41-34. In 2007, the teams staged a four OT shootout, Boise winning 69-67. But Friday night on the Smurf Turf and on ESPN2, the undefeated Broncos will lose to the Wolf Pack. — Kevin Dunleavy

2. Jason Bay will regret passing on Red Sox contract offer » Sports Illustrated reported this week that Boston Red Sox outfielder — and soon-to-be free agent — Jason Bay turned down the team’s initial offer of a four-year, $60 million contract. Bad idea. Bay is a very good player — in 2009 he had an offensive season close to his best years with the Pirates. But there is a price to pay when testing the open market. Sometimes the team you really want to play for has other options. The Red Sox are very good at putting a price on a player and walking away when things get out of hand. See the Mark Teixeira negotiations last winter. Boston likely will go higher than $15 million for Bay. But if his agent plans on pushing toward $18 million, he will be earning that paycheck from a non-contender. Only a desperate team — or the Yankees — will overpay for a 31-year-old who is a fringe top-20 offensive player and just adequate in left field. — Brian McNally

3. Hoops will get presidential in Foggy Bottom » The timing for Oregon State’s visit last fall to Washington wasn’t exactly perfect. When the first-ever Beavers game for head coach Craig Robinson, Michelle Obama’s brother, took place at Howard, then president-elect Barack Obama hadn’t yet moved into the White House. Cue Robinson’s return, then, next Saturday, Nov. 28, when Oregon State makes a Thanksgiving weekend trek cross-country to the newly renovated Smith Center court to face George Washington. There’s no telling whether the President himself or the First Lady will make the short trip down F Street to catch the game in person – the Secret Service doesn’t exactly like to give that kind of information out ahead of time. But if the First Couple does attend, it’ll make for the most buzz coming out of George Washington basketball in nearly three years. — Craig Stouffer

FIVE UP & FIVE DOWN


UP

1. Mike Shanahan » Ex-Broncos coach is a hot commodity again after Jon Gruden’s extension, Dick Jauron’s firing.

2. Jim Tracy » Rockies skipper won NL Manager of the Year, signed three-year extension on the same day.

3. Brian Westbrook » Symptoms from his second concussion in three weeks have “improved significantly” according to his doctors.

4. Antawn Jamison » In first game since shoulder injury, Wizards forward scored game-high 31 points against Cavaliers.

5. Bud Selig » MLB commissioner says he is working on tightening up the 2010 playoff schedule. Thank God.


DOWN
1. Ronnie Brown » Lead Wildcat placed on injured reserve after hurting his right foot in 25-23 win over Buccaneers.

2. Rex Ryan » After 3-0 start, Rex & Co. are 1-5, prompting the Jets coach to break down in a pool of tears.

3. Mark Mangino » Former players are now speaking out regarding allegations that he has verbally abused members of his team.

4. Brady Quinn » Browns “starting” quarterback was a disaster (13-for-31, 99 yards, 2 picks) in loss to Ravens.

5. Pitching wins » Cy Young winners Tim Lincecum and Zack Greinke combine for 31 victories. It seems like other stats may carry more weight now.

— James Irwin