THE CRIMSON PIGSKIN e-LETTER
SAILING ON AIR
It can be hauled on a boat trailer. Once it's been backed down the boat ramp, it can cast off like most other boats. Then the wings can be folded out and this particular boat can be transformed into a seaplane. The December issue of Popular Science magazine has a short article describing the Icon A5 – Amphibious Light Sport Aircraft and how it will increase the number of amateur pilots taking to the air and/or water due to its versatility.
The A5's stylish design looks like a giant Jet Ski crossed with a two-seat light aircraft. Doesn't look like much of a fishing craft but by the time the reverse propeller and unleaded gasoline fueled engine land in a favorite cove, the fish are likely to be on the other side of the lake. In other words, the only people who won't be impressed with your picture perfect aquatic landing will be the other fishermen.
When the fishing trip is over, fold the wings back up, or get the automatic folding winged model and let the machines do the work. Load it back on the trailer and if the garage is more than 28 feet from front to back, the compact seaplane and trailer will fit in there. Then it can be rolled back out the next time the pilot is headed in a direction with a safe water landing site.
ALL ABOARD
Travel from Oklahoma City to Fort Worth via Amtrak's Heartland Flyer rail service has picked up in recent months. This circuit of Amtrak's routes was already popular for tourists and travelers, then the increase in passengers occurred during the recent spike in fuel prices. With service departing in the morning and returning the same evening, Amtrak transports families on great day trips.
Unlike buses and commercial aircraft, the Flyer has plenty of seat and legroom. There is freedom to walk around the train and a dining car downstairs in case that nougatocity craving strikes. Get a window seat and catch the sites many others miss from the interstate. All aboard! Next stop, fun!
TULSA
The Hurricane took last weekend off after the loss at Arkansas on November 1st. This Saturday finds TU in Houston, Texas for a meeting with the University of Houston Cougars. UH is 5-4 entering this contest and is currently 3rd place in Conference USA. Ranked 25th nationally, Tulsa is at the top of the league. After this game in the birthplace of humidity, the Golden Hurricane will still be at the top of the league. 'Cane 48, Houston 24.
ARKANSAS
The Hogs took a 34-21 loss on the chinny, chin chin Saturday at South Carolina. Now at 4-6, Arkansas has the weekend off to prepare for a trip to Starkville, Mississippi on November 22nd for a winnable game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. That will be the last winnable game on the schedule because the Friday after Thanksgiving, the Razorbacks host Louisiana State. Five wins in the first year under coach Bobby Petrino isn't a complete bust. There will be a lot of Hog calling going on next fall when the team starts building with bricks instead of straw and wood.
TENNESSEE
Most of the news revolving around the University of Tennessee is about coach Phillip Fulmer coaching his last two games at UT on November 22nd and 29th. The coach has seen the highs and lows of Volunteer football winning a national championship in 1998 and ten years later watching the 2008 offense dig them into a 3-7 hole. The 109,000 fans who flood Neyland Cathedral Saturday in and Saturday out will have the spark of a new coaching staff next season and the subsequent rebuilding process but the Volunteers will be hovering around the top of the Southeastern Conference before man lands on Mars.
OKLAHOMA STATE
One of only two CPEL teams in action this week, Oklahoma State lost at Lubbock, Texas to the Texas Tech Red Raiders last Saturday night. Tech's offense made it look easy as they have against all the other opponents they faced on the way to their lofty 10-0 record and number 2 ranking. OSU had some success on offense running the ball and with short to medium range passes to the tight end but standout wide receiver Dez Bryant was invisible most of the night. Tech's defense is typically not as stout as this year's installment which makes it look like the Double T could run the table.
Saturday finds the Cowboys in the thin air of Boulder, Colorado. The Buffaloes have been a sore spot on many team's schedules in recent years but if Oklahoma State can get back on track after last week's mugging, Pistol Pete should return to Stillwater happy with a 9-2 record. If CU has other plans, OSU could be in for another long evening. OSU 38, CU 21.
OKLAHOMA
Last weekend, Oklahoma visited conference opponent Texas A&M. The Aggies are struggling this year under new head coach Mike Sherman. Saturday afternoon was no exception to this. The Sooners went home with a runaway 66-28 victory which was worse than the score indicated.
OU is idle this weekend in preparation for Texas Tech in Norman, Oklahoma on November 22nd. Tech's head coach, Mike Leach, was OU coach Bob Stoops' offensive coordinator in 1999 before he took over at Tech. Nine years later, Leach and Tech are at the top of college football. If Tech wins at Oklahoma next week Baylor can't stop the Red Raiders from reaching the Big 12 Championship game even if they could somehow upset Tech.
THE PERCENTAGES
Last week CPEL went 2-2 on the picks, thanks to OSU and Tennessee losing. This brings the season record to 36-7. That's 84% for all those amateur pilots with fishing licenses out there.
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!
Carlos
THE CRIMSON PIGSKIN e-LETTER
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