It’s nice that our lives are becoming normal again.

No longer do I watch nothing but the cable news channels. No
longer do I hear sirens in my sleep and cringe at the sound of an
airplane.

Networks are airing regular schedules again, including ESPN,
which had no sports to show for an entire week.

And by God, the rite of fall — college football — is back.

We were denied some excellent games last week. Saturday’s
lineup doesn’t bring the excitement Florida-Tennessee and
Georgia Tech-Florida State would have, but it’ll be therapeutic just
to watch football again.

It’s funny that of all major conferences, the SEC was pushing the
hardest to play games last week. You can almost see the
Southern mentality (“Them terrorists ain’t gonna scare us. We still
got a ball game to play”) in action.

I’m not mocking; I’m applauding. In fact, it made me proud that my
school’s conference was willing to play. The SEC would have too,
had the NFL not canceled its games.

Regardless, last Tuesday’s tragedy makes it seem like months
since we last saw a football game, so imagine what the players
must feel like. Programs throughout the nation will basically be
facing a second season-opener.

Teams must be rusty, and defenses will own the field as offenses
struggle to regain their fluidity. If nothing else, football should be a
diversion from the horrors in New York that have consumed our
thoughts. So, sit back and relax — finally. Enjoy what will be a very
emotional weekend.

For the season: 11-10 overall; 4-17 against the spread
(yikes! I was 0-7 on Sept.

Auburn (by 2) at Syracuse

This may not be the best contest on Saturday, but it’s the most
interesting.

The Tigers finally added a solid non-conference opponent, but
they’re in dangerous territory for several reasons.

For one, the timing is horrendous. The Tigers must venture out of
the ugliest village on the plains to upstate New York. Imagine what
folks from Auburn must think about flying over the Big Apple they
saw smoldering all last week. How focused will the Tigers be after
such a worrisome flight?

Syracuse isn’t a great team, but they’ve played some. Auburn
shouldn’t be nearly as tough since Syracuse has already battled
top-tier powers Georgia Tech and Tennessee.

Auburn, meanwhile, was denied its first chance at a quality
opponent when the LSU game was postponed. Plus, the
Orangemen defense held Tech and made the Vol offense look
silly for three quarters. Throw in an emotional Carrier Dome, and
this one spells disaster for the unbeaten Tigers. … SYRACUSE
17, AUBURN 13

No. 21 Ohio State at No. 14 UCLA (by 6 1/2)

The Bruins are one of the nation’s most underrated teams. Also,
the Big 10 isn’t what it used to be. A number of results so far have
proved that. … UCLA 27, OHIO STATE 19

Arkansas at Alabama (by 9 1/2)

This is a turning-point game for Alabama. Should the Tide win this
one, they could be a successful team. But a loss may mean
another disastrous year. I’m banking on the latter, but it will be
close … ALABAMA 10, ARKANSAS 9

Southern Cal at No. 7 Oregon (by 6 1/2)

The Trojans let me down by losing to K-State after I made them my
upset special.

The Ducks survived the Badgers, making them battle-tested for
Pac-10 play. …

OREGON 24, SOUTHERN CAL 16

No. 25 Louisville at Illinois (by 3 1/2)

Cards’ quarterback Dave Ragone and Illinois’ Kurt Kittner could
combine for 800-plus yards. … LOUISVILLE 38, ILLINOIS 31

Virginia at No. 19 Clemson (by 11 1/2)

Tigers dominate to throw themselves into the ACC title hunt. …
CLEMSON 41, VIRGINIA 17

Michigan State at No. 23 Notre Dame (by 9)

The Irish look to avenge last year’s loss. Coach Bob Davie needs
to do something. Fans in South Bend don’t accept mediocrity for
long. … NOTRE DAME 17, MICHIGAN STATE 12

– Gentry Estes is sports editor for The Red & Black. Pigskin
Picks appears every Friday.