So, I hear, the Curse of the Bambino is over. Done. Dead like Ashlee Simpson’s career. Now, we’re lead to believe that the pain of an entire region is gone. But where does that pain go? Who has the next curse? We all know by now about the [Curse of the Goat][1], the one haunting the Chicago Cubs. In 1945, William “Billy Goat” Sianis tried to bring his pet goat into Wrigley Field for game four of the World Series. When the goat smelled worse than an [outhouse][2] , ushers told Sianis to leave. In retaliation, he put a curse on the Cubs, saying “they aren’t going to win any more.” Wrigley Field has not hosted a World Series since, and, alas, the Curse of the Billy Goat has grown tired and cliche. So who has the next curse? Who will be the next team “hexed” for the next hundred years?* Here are some ideas from the local teams:**The Curse of the 12th Man:** On New Year’s Day in 1969, Kansas led Penn State 14-13 with 15 seconds to go in the Orange Bowl. The Nittany Lions went for the two point conversion and the win. The Jayhawks broke up a pass from Penn State’s Chuck Burkhart, and with good reason. KU was flagged for having 12 men on the field. On their second chance at the two point try, the Nittany Lions ran in the winning score from the one yard line. Kansas has not played in a major bowl since.**The Curse of Vincent Askew:** Shortly after winning the NCAA Championship in 1988, KU coach Larry Brown was flagged by the NCAA for purchasing an airplane ticket for Jayhawk recruit Vincent Askew. The Jayhawks have advanced to four Final Fours since the violation, but have lost all in painful fashion.**The Curse of Don Denkinger:** In 1985, the Royals trailed in the series against the Cardinals 3-2, and also in the sixth game 1-0. Denkinger called the Royals’ Jorge Orta safe at first on a grounder to the Cardinals’ Jack Clark, but TV replays showed that the throw to pitcher Todd Worrell had beaten Orta to the bag. The Royals rallied to win the game and the series, but have not been to the postseason since.**The Curse of Joe Montana:** In January 1994, the Chiefs won two thrilling postseason games 27-24 over Pittsburgh and 28-20 at Houston. In the AFC Championship game, Montana, nearing the end of a forgettable Chiefs career, was knocked out against Buffalo. The Chiefs haven’t won a playoff game since._*Note: There is no such thing as a curse. Curses are like the Loch Ness Monster or Milli Vanilli’s popularity. Figments of imagination. Do you want to know the real reason behind the Red Sox curse? They weren’t good enough. Just like the teams listed above._**Week Nine Picks: Kansas 27, Iowa State 14:** The Cyclones had problems moving the ball against Baylor. Mark Mangino picks up his first road conference win. **Lawrence High 42, Topeka High 10:** Lions take out their frustrations and advance to state. **Washburn Rural 17, Free State 13:** Don’t worry, Firebirds. You made your season last week by beating Lawrence High. **Colts 35, Chiefs 20:** Anybody who thinks the Chiefs will win this matchup is kidding themselves. **Upset Special: Oklahoma State 24, Oklahoma 20:** Sooners lose in-state bragging rights again.**Big Tex Kevin Romary Super Sucky Picks (Record Withheld To Protect the Innocent):** _Note From Big Tex: I’d say my picks suck, but that would be an understatement. Let me stress again that these picks are for entertainment purposes only._ **Kansas 24, Iowa State 14:** Kansas wins this game ugly. But, ugly wins are better than pretty losses. Adam Barmann starts and finishes this game. I wouldn’t expect Jason Swanson to get too many snaps. **Lawrence 35, Topeka 14:** Bad, bad, bad week to be a Trojan. You think the Lions are a little PO’d after falling to the Firebirds by two extra points? I think the answer is “yes”. The Lions are headed to the playoffs. **Free State 21, Washburn Rural 13:** With a win, the Firebirds not only make the playoffs, but can qualify as the number one seed in their district. It would be great to have both the birds and cats in the postseason at the same time. **Chiefs 56, Indianapolis 49:** Both teams deactivated their punters for this one. Why bring along an extra kicker when you can bring along another offensive weapon? Like Larry Johnson!!!!! OK, OK, I’m kidding. Last team with the ball wins. Chiefs get it last. I’m back on the bandwagon! **Upset Special: My next correct pick here will be the first of the season. Arizona 27, Oregon State 21:** Maybe it’s because Bob Stoops just ran it up late on the Hawks. But, I’m feeling the power of the Stoops here. Work with me people, work with me! [1]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Goat_curse [2]: http://www.digitalcity.com/kansascity/bars/venue.adp?sbid=111941622