Now I'm not giving up on my Crimson Tide. We will win this week and we will destroy Auburn next week. Then on Dec. 5 we will march into the Georgia Dome and crush Florida. Ending Tim Tebow and Urban Meyers chance of a third title in four years, and avenge our loss to them last year. Then we will play Texas for the title.

Until then, I'm in basketball mode.

The college hoop marathon has tipped off, the season opening tournaments have begun and I hope that Purdue doesn't let me down this season. Last year, I had them picked to win the Big 10 conference, but when Robbie Hummel went down for part of the season that dream faded quickly. They did bounce back and win the Big Ten tournament, but got eliminated in the Sweet 16.

This year, the Boilermakers have their sights on the Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium. The last time Purdue went to the Final Four was in 1980 at Market Square Arena and they have only been there one time before that.

I think they can do it. If Hummel can stay healthy, which is a key part to the Boilermakers offense, then I think Purdue will not only make it the Final Four, I think they can win the Big Ten outright and the Big Ten tournament.

Now you're probably sitting there saying how can he say that?

That's easy. Outside of Hummel, Purdue returns four other starters from its 27-win season a year ago. Last year, JaJuan Johnson averaged 13.4 points a game while E'Twaun Moore averaged 13.8 points. Hummel averaged 12.5 points, last year even after missing five complete games and several minutes in other ones.

Now lets throw in some of the new players that the Boilermakers have, such as, D.J. Byrd, the standout from North Montgomery. In his first game, he scored 13 points in 19 minutes. So, he has the potential of being a very huge asset for Purdue this season.

Purdue has the potential this year of being one of the best teams in school history and as a fan of the Boilermaker basketball, I am thrilled and can't wait to watch this season.