Now young and old can Beat Burger

The only thing that would make tonight's game between Clemson and Alabama better would be if Frank Howard and Bear Bryant were stalking the sidelines in the Georgia Dome.

Such a classic showdown between these two rural football schools is the stuff of legends, with The Bear wearing his houndstooth hat and Howard chewing and spitting Penn's Thin tobacco juice on the shoes of his opponents.

Unfortunately, they just don't make 'em like that anymore. Today's college coaches fall far short when it comes to personality and presence. They make up for it, however, with probation and paychecks.

I know many of our Beat Burger players are old enough to remember these two old coaches, but some of you aren't. But we're glad to have you youngsters along for the ride.

We've even updated the contest in its fourth season so today's computer-savvy generation can play online with just a few clicks at their desktop (www.charleston.net/beatburger).

Personally, I still prefer filling out the form and licking a stamp. It gives you a true feeling of participation when you drop it in the mailbox.

But you know how the world is changing. For better or worse, we've come a long way since Bear Bryant and Frank Howard coached this game.

The picks

CLEMSON vs. ALABAMA — The folks from Tuscaloosa aren't paying Nick Saban $4 million a year to lose to Tommy Bowden. So this is a big game for the Crimson Tide as Alabama fights its way back to the top. But Clemson is loaded, on both sides of the ball, and if this is going to be the year of the Tiger, this would be a great way to start.

Clemson by 9.

WEBBER INT. at THE CITADEL— Today marks the unveiling of The Citadel's recently renovated football stadium, and by all accounts it is a sight to behold. But this should be a scrimmage for Kevin Higgins' Bulldogs as they prepare for next week's tangle with the Clemson Tigers.

Citadel by 40.

PRESBYTERIAN at WOFFORD — The Blue Hose are better, but still haven't beaten a Southern Conference team since 1979.

Wofford by 28.

S.C. STATE at CENTRAL FLORIDA — Ever wonder what happened to George O'Leary? The Bulldogs are about to find out.

Central Florida by 15.

VIRGINIA TECH at EAST CAROLINA — Frank Beamer's team was under the national microscope last year after the tragic shooting in Blacksburg. This season, things are back to normal. Fear the Hokie.

Virginia Tech by 30.

SOUTHERN CAL at VIRGINIA — Southern Cal is still Southern Cal. And Virginia is still Virginia.

Southern Cal by 24.

HAWAII at FLORIDA — The Warriors were exposed by Georgia in the last Sugar Bowl. Now, they don't even have their top gun, Colt Brennan. Looks like the end of the rainbow.

Florida by 30.

MICHIGAN STATE at CALIFORNIA — Michigan State always looks better on paper than on the field.

California by 10.

ILLINOIS at MISSOURI — This one will be played in St. Louis, which will favor Mizzou.

Missouri by 11.

OKLAHOMA STATE at WASHINGTON STATE — Roy Rogers is riding tonight.

Oklahoma State by 7.

Reach Ken Burger at 937-5598 or kburger@postandcourier.com.