The World Series' Thursday News and Views

Hello, friends - I'm proud to say Wednesday evening was a big night of obtaining sports knowledge in the Franklin household. Not only did I learn that the 2011 World Series has officially begun, I learned that the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers are the two teams playing for that trophy with all of the flags situated evenly in a circle. The World Series is a big event for me, ya know -- not just because it's the greatest spectacle in all of Fox television not named Glee or 24, but it means two things: Baseball is almost over; and it's impossible for the season to last longer than seven more games. Plus, the World Series allows me to listen to Joe Buck and that always makes me feel better about myself. I wouldn't say I'm a "Joe Buck Hater", but if you were to lock me in a room for 24 hours with him and a handgun, I'd leave this Earth knowing suicide was the only option outside of murder. But back to the fall classic, it's the Chuck Norrises and the Dirty Birds for all the insignificant marbles. Who will win? No one knows. I'll just remind those attending games at Busch Stadium to not cross that bridge without permission from the St. Lunatics. That, we do know. Baby, I got the blues for Thursday's News and Views... -- We have a lot of stuff to let out, so let's do it quickly, and we'll lead off with the man who's known for doing the same. Rick Pitino has lost his mind. I think it's serious this time. When asked about Pittsburgh and Syracuse leaving the Big East for the ACC, Pitino gave us a quote I'm sure he'd love to have back. "My problem is not them leaving," he said. "My problem is you did it in 48 hours. Don't run away with a girl after one date when you've been dating someone else for three or four years. You've been dating this woman for 30 years, show a little respect." Again, just like he has done in the past, Rick fired one off without thinking first and I'm sure he wishes he had just kept it inside. (I'm talking about quotes, people. Relax.) Of all the possible analogies Rick could've made there, he went with the one about showing respect for a woman. That's comedy. In the same interview, Rick said there is a bit of hypocrisy from the university presidents. I think hypocrisy is the theme of the entire interview, Ricky. -- Moving on to news of another inviting spread, Vegas Insider finally released a line for this weekend's game at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky opens as a 10-point favorite against Jacksonville State. That's a 19-point swing from the +9 that Danny Sheridan of USA Today previously listed. Many of you will rush to the comments section to say this line is entirely too high, but let's not act like Kentucky football is that bad. Yes, the Cats have been more than disappointing this season, but they've played South Carolina, LSU, and Florida in the past three games. Jacksonville State is coming in off one possession wins over Austin Peay and Murray State, plus a three touchdown loss to Chattanooga earlier in the year. Kentucky is still the better team here. Does that mean Jacksonville State can't pull of an upset? Of course not. I just think UK wins this one by two touchdowns. It'll be two different talent levels lining up out there Saturday, regardless of wins, losses, and dropped passes. -- Keeneland is still a heavy favorite over football this weekend. -- Speaking of those dropped passes, Tee Martin said he has a new punishment for receivers who drop balls. Coach Martin has always punished receivers for dropped passes, but the new punishment is so severe, he couldn't share it with the public. LaRod King said it's something you don't want to do. My guess is they have to watch game film from the South Carolina game. Nothing could be worse than that. -- Joker reiterated that Bookie will keep his redshirt for the remainder of the season. Five letters, YMCMB. -- On to basketball talk, tickets are still available for the Big Blue All Stars game against the UK Villains in Rupp Arena. The game is next Monday, October 24th, at 7:30. By the looks of ticket sales, many of you still aren't excited enough for this game, so take a look at the official rosters and imagine how awesome it's going to be. The Big Blue All-Stars team is STACKED: Big Blue All-Stars John Wall DeMarcus Cousins Jodie Meeks Rajon Rondo Chuck Hayes Nazr Mohammed Tayshaun Prince Enes Kanter Keith Bogans Brandon Knight DeAndre Liggins Josh Harrellson Coach Rex Chapman UK Villains Corey Brewer Kenneth Faried Rudy Gay Eric Gordon Tyler Hansbrough Shelvin Mack Zach Randolph Nolan Smith Terrence Williams Coach Christian Laettner Now go buy tickets. -- After you buy those tickets, stick around on Ticketmaster to purchase tickets for actual UK basketball games. Tickets for the first three home games including both exhibitions are on sale now. Tickets for the Transylvania (Nov. 2), Morehouse (Nov. 7) and Marist (Nov. 11) games are available for purchase through Ticketmaster or the UK Ticket office. Tickets for the Blue-White scrimmage are also still available. Tickets. Tickets. Tickets. -- Louisville fans can also purchase tickets for U of L events, only it's a little cheaper for Card fans. Tickets for Louisville's football game against Rutgers are available on Groupon for $20. One crisp bill with Andrew Jackson's face on it will get you not just one, but four tickets to the big game in Papa John's Stadium. Four tickets! Groupon! Louisville First. -- Richie Farmer is still in a race for lieutenant governor, but he says his "dream job"  would be athletics director at Kentucky. Now, I'm no expert on politics, but it's probably not a good thing to announce your interest in one job while running for another. Then again, Richie Farmer doesn't play by the rules. A man with a mustache like that does his own thing. Or, should I say, a mustache with a man like that does its own thing. -- Is anyone else creeped out by Kansas State's media guide? I think K-State hired the same graphics artist who does the SummerSlam and Wrestlemania posters for the WWE. -- ESPN released the top ten of its NBA player rankings and the list has the entire Internet (well, not really) up in arms with its ranking of Kobe Bryant. ESPN ranked Bryant as the No. 7 player in the NBA. LeBron is ESPN's best in the league, followed by Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Durant, Kobe, Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, and Blake Griffin. If you think Kobe is underrated, how about DeMarcus Cousins at No. 82? He's at least top three in my book. John Wall was No. 40 behind Tyson Chandler, Stephen Curry, and Eric Gordon. -- 26 days and 22 hours until Kentucky and Kansas tip off in Madison Square Garden. Not that I'm excited or anything. That's all for now, folks. We'll be back in a few hours with more University of Kentucky basketball, football, and recruiting news brought to you in the most ridiculous manner possible.