The Orange fought from completely off the radar to their current spot at No. 5 thanks to marquee wins over California, North Carolina, and Florida. In the process, Syracuse has seen Wesley Johnson transform into a household name Andy Rautins now does more than just shoot. So Kentucky has the talent, and Syracuse has shown the ability to improveeven complete one of the greatest and quickest ascents to the No 1 spot in years. Texas is on the chopping block this Saturday when they meet North Carolina. Note to pollsters: If Texas wins, the margin of victory compared to Kentuckys 68-66 win over North Carolina as well as Syracuses 87-71 victory are worth noting Tennessee, however, awaits on Jan 10 for the Jayhawks first true test this season At that point, Kansas can be reevaluated Until then, the nations No 1 should be a team thats shown its worthy. Like Kentucky or Syracuse, for starters.Follow Jonathan Lintner on Twitter.. 
Think the NFL Network is happy about having the two undefeated 13-0 teams on Thursday and Saturday night Maybe not if the Colts don’t play their starters much, which has been rumored to be a possibility. Of course it goes without saying that the following pick AGAINST THE SPREAD is for RECREATIONAL USE ONLY. Only Rick Pitino, LeGarrette Blount, Donte’ Stallworth, Braylon Edwards, Bob Griese, Miguel Cabrera, Tila Tequila, Bill Belichick, Steve Phillips, Travis Henry, Serena Williams, Michael Jordan, Tony Romo, Elizabeth Lambert, Tiger Woods, Richard Heene (a.k.a. Balloon Boy’s father), the Liver’s biological father (a.k.a.

The Most Interesting Man in the World) and all Somali Pirates would be drunk enough to question the Esteemed Liver's pick. Last week’s record: 9-7 2009 record against the spread: 122-84-2 (.592) Thursday, December 17 Indianapolis at Jacksonville (3) Colts coach Jim Caldwell, whom The Liver had never even heard speak before watching a press conference of his today, said that “our guys are feeling good and eager to play, so we’re going to turn it loose.” You would think that with history on the line, the Colts players would want to win out. If any news breaks from now until kickoff regarding any yanking of key Colts (I’m talking about Mr. Manning now) players, The Liver reserves the right to change his pick before kickoff. This is what sucks about this time of year when some teams don’t need the win (Indy) and other teams (Jacksonville) need it to stay in thewild card picture. If the season ended today, Jacksonville would be one of the two AFCwild cards.