When refs go too far, a coach's career goes too long, more mail (cont.)

Mailbag Crush Katy Mixon is certain LSU will top Florida on Saturday night. Kristian Dowling/Getty Images Stewart Mandel's Mailbag Submit a question or an opinion to Stewart. Name: Email: Hometown: Question: SEND Follow Stewart Mandel on Twitter

Where is the Mailbag Crush? Surely the Southern belle from Eastbound and Down has to drop in a line following LSU's roller-coaster victory last week, especially with the spotlight shining bright on the Tigers' looming showdown with Florida.
-- Mark Gribbin, Richmond, Va.

Ask and you shall receive. I caught up with a very busy Katy Mixon on Tuesday (she had an audition and was in the midst of moving) to discuss her beloved Tigers.

Stewart: So, Katy, how do you feel about LSU's season so far?

Katy: They're pulling through! That game last week was truly of another nature because all of it went down in the fourth quarter. That one was scary. All the games have been close ever since Washington, but they pull through. They're making it happen. I'm a believer.

Stewart: Now comes the big one: No. 1 Florida.

Katy: They're an unbelievable team, and it's unfortunate that Tim Tebow got hurt. It's going to be a little bit interesting for LSU if he does play. Florida's had a week off, that's the only thing [that concerns me]. I think it's going to be an intense game. I think [the Tigers] have had a good warmup with so many interesting games. I believe that they're ready for Florida.

Stewart: So what's your prediction?

Katy: Florida is great, but LSU is greater. The Tigers will pull through. I have no doubt.

Two other notes: When Katy was originally announced as the Crush, former SI.com writer and LSU diehard Pete McEntegart, who now lives in Los Angeles, asked me to pass along the name of the bar where Bayou Bengals fans congregate on Saturday's: Mr. Pocket's in Manhattan Beach. So I did, and she was quite excited, dutifully writing down the name and address. "I love it!" she said. "I'm going to go join the party." So, you're welcome, L.A.-area Tigers fans.

Also, since we're still a long way from the next season of Eastbound and Down, you'll be happy to know that Katy taped a guest spot last week for Two and a Half Men. When she finds out the air date, I'll be sure to pass it along.

A team of scientists go under ground until the end of the season. Their mission: figure out Virginia and Maryland's football teams. Can they do it?
-- Sean, Hartford, Conn.

No, they would not. And do you know who the Cavs and Terps must really flummox? Vegas. How do you set lines for these teams' games when, from week to week, you never know whether they're going to come out looking like one of the worst BCS-conference teams in the country or a team capable of beating North Carolina 16-3?

But really, Virginia and Maryland aren't all that different from the rest of their conference. On Sept. 19, Florida State beats BYU 54-28, while Boston College loses 25-7 to Clemson and Maryland loses 32-31 to Middle Tennessee State. Two weeks later, BC beats the 'Noles, and Maryland beats Clemson. Explain that.

I think you're looking at a league where A) most of the teams aren't abundantly talented, and B) aren't all that different from one another, which creates parity/mediocrity. And while Virginia Tech and Miami have looked a step above everyone else so far, I had to roll my eyes at all the e-mails I received this week regarding various BCS scenarios "assuming Virginia Tech and Miami both win out." In the topsy-turvy ACC, I wouldn't count on anybody to string together seven or eight wins in a row.

Has there been a YouTube follow-up from the Oklahoma fan in your column last week, who ranted about the beating Miami was going to take from the Sooners? It would be nice to see him eat crow, or the Sooner jersey he was so proud to wear.
--Steve Mand, Danville, Va.

Indeed, our pal uploaded both an apology to Oklahoma and Miami fans before the game and a long-winded recap of his trip to Miami afterward.

I feel bad if the exposure from my column contributed to the "comments, insults and threats on my life" he mentioned in the first video, but I'm sure it would have reached enemy eyes regardless. And hey, after riling up entire fan bases by spewing mostly mindless commentary in front of a camera, it's probably only a matter of time before he has Mark May's job.