OK, so we made up the part about Felton calling out the Illini, but he did beat the future Baseball Hall of Famer. That's enough for a bench-clearing brawl in some sports circles, but RedEye will settle this Illinois-Georgia spat with a faceoff.

\ GUY IN CHARGE

(winner) ILLINOIS: Bruce Weber led the Illini to within one victory of the NCAA championship in 2005. So he can commiserate with Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel. Which is nice.

GEORGIA: Last season, Dennis Felton coached the Bulldogs to the Southeastern Conference Tournament title and their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2002.

BIG MAN ON CAMPUS

(winner) There's a new Mike Davis in the Big Ten, and the sophomore forward is averaging 14.9 points and 9.4 rebounds. Wouldn't Indiana like this guy?

Look out! Freshman forward Trey Thompkins, who has played only three college games, is averaging an impressive 14.3 points off the bench.

SIGNATURE WIN

(winner) It was no Music City Miracle, but Illinois' victory at Vanderbilt earlier this season could pay dividends come NCAA Tournament selection time.

The Bulldogs beat Santa Clara last month. And two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash played for Santa Clara, so this is a quality win. Right?

GRIDIRON GLORY

From the Rose Bowl to an empty vase. Every Rose Bowl has its thorn. The bloom is off the Rose Bowl. Wait, we've got more ...

(winner) The Bulldogs were tops in the national football polls. Until they lost to Alabama. Then Florida. And then Georgia Tech. So close, Georgia!

HOMETOWN ADVANTAGE

Champaign, birthplace of political wonk George Will.

(winner) Athens, birthplace of legendary band R.E.M.

THE WINNER: ILLINOIS

We're going with the proven program in Illinois. Sorry, Georgia, but as R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe crooned so poignantly, "Everybody hurts ... sometimes."

- - -

Watch dog

By Whizzer

I read that Derrick Rose says he doesn't watch "SportsCenter."

Really? The Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month doesn't watch highlights?

Seems weird to me. But it's none of my business. Here's what I'll be watching this weekend.

College Basketball

Georgia vs. Illinois

11 a.m. Saturday, ESPNU

Can't beat college hoops at the United Center.

NHL

Blackhawks at Detroit

6 p.m. Saturday, WGN

As if Detroit needs another bailout.

NFL

Bears vs. Jacksonville

Noon Sunday, CBS

I just hope the Vikings lose.

Bull riding

PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour

5 p.m. Sunday, ESPN

Why bull riding? Why not?

NBA

Bulls vs. Washington

7:30 p.m. Saturday, CSN

Feed the rookie the rock!