Gauntlet … THROWN DOWN:

WEEK 9

As you might expect, The BlogDog is incredibly loyal.

As you also might expect, he’s got a great memory.

You might not expect – given his laid-back demeanor – that he’s also hyper-competitive.

Those three attributes contributed to a fired-up and focused Norm this week.

I’ll back up a bit.

The BlogDog got word that Gazette columnist David Ramsey aimed his venom at yours truly earlier this week. Ramsey even went so far as to wonder what I’d been feeding The BlogDog considering Norm picked Air Force to upset TCU last week.

This didn’t sit well with The BlogDog. And not just because Ramsey didn’t offer the BlogDog any kudos after he called San Diego State’s upset a week earlier.

See, Norm has my back (Attribute No. 1 – loyalty), he also hasn’t forgotten (Attribute No. 2 – memory) something that happened in Denver a few years back. Norm and I were giving Ramsey a ride, and Ramsey climbed into shotgun, taking the BlogDog’s spot. The BlogDog stood and glared at curbside before angrily jumping in back.

He hasn’t forgotten, Ramsey.

That brings us to Attribute No. 3 – hyper-competitiveness. He wants to take out his anger and defend his and my honor by going head-to-head with The Gazette’s illustrious columnist.

So here’s the challenge, Ramsey. Starting this week, you make a pick on your blog while BlogDog makes his pick on Frank’s blog. We’ve got five games left (including the bowl). Loser sends the winner a bottle of local wine.

What do you say, Ramsey? We’ll understand if you don’t take the bet. We’re sure you haven’t forgotten what happened last time you went head-to-head with BlogDog picking the Super Bowl.

Norm’s Pick: Utah 30, Air Force 28

Norm’s 2010 Record: 5-3

Norm’s Overall Record: 30-17