Last night, in the comfort of my basement, I watched USC trounce Georgia Tech 76-57. Better yet, I watched it with my friend Jimmy, who is a Georgia Tech student. What a great way to spend a monday night. (By the way, Jimmy is an amateur actor. Check out his cameo appearance in this short film–he’s the screaming guy that always ends up dead: The Greatest British Novel Ever)

So back to the game, with a couple quick notes/observations.

• The game was originally supposed to be officiated by ACC officials. Georgia Tech screwed this one up, so USC scrambled to get some Pac-10 referees for the Trojans’ home game in the Galen Center. This probably didn’t impact the game much, but it’s an interesting fact.
• True Freshman Demar DeRozan had his second straight game scoring in the high double digits with 17 points, one shy of his career-high 18. As DeRozan continues to feel more comfortable in the college game, watch for USC to finally meet expectations.

• Lil’ Romeo (Percy Miller) did not have any time on the floor, but he certainly got time on the camera. Maybe I should thank him: he’s enough of a TV attraction to get a USC game on East Coast television.
• Taj Gibson is a beast on the boards (19 total rebounds, 15 of those defensive). He is playing amazing basketball, and is the glue to this team.
• I don’t like the Comcast Sports Network broadcasters. I had to compliment my viewing experience with Andy Samberg videos from SNL, just to keep my ears entertained. I don’t mind CSN’s Boston Celtics coverage, but the commentary from the Galen Center was just awful.

In football news, no.11 TCU plays no. 9 Boise State today. This has no Pac-10 implications, but should be an awesome game. Plus, my friend Jon goes to TCU. I love the personal connections–gives me a team to root for in what should be a heated matchup.

TCU had a great 2008 season, highlighted by a blowout of then-No.9, now No.17 (and steadily dropping after the Vegas Bowl) Brigham Young. Notable losses include Oklahoma and a nailbiter to then-No.8 Utah. That loss placed them in the Poinsettia bowl rather than the Sugar Bowl.

Boise State went undefeated, thus earning a no. 9 spot in the polls. However, their only win against a quality opponent was a 5-point victory over Oregon (oh, the Pac-10 woes).

My pick for the game, allegiances aside, is TCU. The Horned Frogs played a much tougher schedule, and is better prepared for a high-pressure game. I predict a win by around 6 points.