That annoying crown in the field and the whole spectator setup for soccer at Kansas University makes it a chore to watch games. Shame because it appears as if the Jayhawks could be worth watching this season, thanks to the addition of goal-scorer extraordinaire Emily Cressy, a redshirt freshman from Ventura, Calif.

Cressy not only became the first KU newcomer in seven years to score multiple points (a goal and an assist) in her debut, she also was selected Big 12 Newcomer of the Week.

From futbol to football, it should be an exciting fall.

This week's football predictions:

Kansas 59, Florida International 14: Prediction: Dezmon Briscoe will catch three touchdown passes against the Golden Panthers, kicking off what will be a monster season for the sophomore from Dallas.

Kansas State 55, North Texas 20: Sometimes, a coach's son starts at quarterback because he is the coach's son. Sometimes a coach is able to land a hot-shot recruit because he is the recruit's father. In the case of North Texas freshman quarterback Riley Dodge, the latter is the case. Coach Todd Dodge's son will get a chance to show just how good he is once his father can recruit enough blocking. That time hasn't come yet.

Missouri 42, Illinois 24: As nonconference rivalries go, this is one of the better ones. Emotion can become an equalizer for the underdog, but the talent disparity is too great to swing the outcome in this one. Ron Zook has made phenomenal recruiting strides at Illinois, but the talented players aren't yet experienced enough to pull off an upset of this magnitude.

Colorado 35, Colorado State 10: If Colorado really has improved as much as anticipated, this one shouldn't be a problem for the Buffs.

Oklahoma State 35, Washington State 31: No matter the margin and Oklahoma State football game isn't over until it's over. They score so quickly, utilizing explosive stars such as receiver Dez Bryant, and give up points so quickly that huge comebacks in both directions are the norm rather than the exception.

Nebraska 42, Western Michigan 10: Hiring football coaches who grew up near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border has worked out well for Oklahoma and Kansas. Bob Stoops is from Youngstown, Ohio. Mark Mangino from nearby New Castle, Pa. New Cornhuskers coach Bo Pelini is from Youngstown.

(The contest is currently closed. Good luck to all who entered.)