Links at Lunch: Is A&M Staying Or Going? Who to Watch Week 1? Falco or Utah?

Texas A&M is going. No, it’s not. Yes it is. No, it’s not. Who really knows? The university’s relationship with the Big 12 remains as tenuous as Sid and Nancy, Bobby and Whiteny, Ronnie and Sammi. The latest from The New York Times Pete Thamel is that yes, A&M is bound for the SEC. But hold your horses, reports the Associated Press. A&M is denying any letters warning of impending departure:

"“Contrary to media reports this morning, Texas A&M did NOT send a withdrawal letter to the Big 12 on Monday,”"

So what happens next? The more this is teased, the more likely it is A&M must leave simply to save face. Either that, or the conference at large erupts in a possibly steroid fueled rage and tosses all of the Aggies’ things into the SEC.

Who’s ready to talk football?

• It’s a Pickapalooza as pundits make their final predictions for the impending campaign. Michael Felder has some surprising picks in store for this season’s Bowl Championship Series at In The Bleachers.
• Week 1 features several body bag games. Nebraska vs. Chattanooga is one of them. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t familiarize yourself with the Cornhuskers’ opening opponent, which our friends at Husker Locker breaks down.
• Penn State is also involved in a likely body bag game. For the record, there’s a lot I like about Indiana State, but the Sycamores’ matchup with the Nittany Lions isn’t favorable. Victory Bell Rings talks the pairing.
• More from the Cornhuskers, as Husker Corner writer Jimmie Allen appears on the John Ackeren radio show.
• Driving the defensive for Nebraska is Jared Crick, a powerful defensive lineman expected to make serious waves. ESPN.com Big Ten reporter Adam Rittenberg thinks so highly of Crick, he ranked him the No. 1 defensive player in the conference.
• Among Nebraska’s competition in the Big Ten is Wisconsin, a team with high hopes that begin against UNLV. The Badgers smashed the Rebels last season in Sam Boyd Stadium, but interestingly enough UNLV won on its last trip to Camp Randall Stadium. Badger of Honor breaks down what should separate 2011 from 2003.
• Northwestern and Boston College are two teams flying below the radar with highly talented pieces. The winner of Saturday’s game gets an important launching pad into its 2011 season. Soaring To Glory examines the matchup.
• Care to make some wagers on the Week 1 schedule? Golden Bear Lair discusses some likely money makers for opening weekend.
• A difficult gamble to take this season is whether Garrett Gilbert will be starting for Texas by season’s end. The third-year quarterback has been highly scrutinized the last 12 months, but Peter Bean at Burnt Orange Nation writes there’s method to Gilbert being the first string option.
• Another timeless quarterback battle that needs to be solved once and for all? Johnny Utah or Shane Falco. The college stars go head-to-head at Scarlet and Game.