Moment of truth

The moment of truth arrives for the Jacksonville State football team Sunday at 6 p.m.

That's when the Gamecocks discover if they're in or out of the NCAA playoffs, although I suspect they'll have an inkling several hours before that.

There are compelling arguments on both sides of the issue.

On the FOR side: They will be one of the hottest teams in the country, having won their last three games in a row; if the process is anything like the one in basketball, that accounts for something. They also beat one of the teams from their own league they figure to be competing against (Tennessee State). And they have an impact player in quarterback Ryan Perrilloux.

On the CON side: They lost to two of the teams from their own league they figure to be competing against -- UT Martin and Eastern Kentucky, teams playing each other Saturday for an automatic bid. And Tennessee State beat both of them. The CAA should have an overwhelming number of options, which will reduce spots for everybody else.

I expect the gamecocks to be out and spending the next few days gnashing their teeth over what might have been. Look at it this way -- at least they got another week of practice out of the suspense.

Do you think they're in or out? Post your argument for or against. Beat on the system if you want. As Dr. Frazier Crane said, "I'm listening." How many of you are out there talking?