Why in the world ESPN would ever schedule a 49ers-Cardinals Monday Night Game is beyond me but that's exactly what we're getting tonight. You can expect some pretty low numbers as far as ratings go tonight, but ESPN knows that, and they don't really seem to be concerned....

Despite the NFL's immense popularity among TV viewing audiences in America, ESPN executives told Arizona State University students Friday that it is still a challenge to get the nation to care about the game.

Visiting with students at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication in Phoenix, ESPN Monday Night Football producer Jay Rothman and director Chip Dean spoke of the weekly task of creating content and story lines that appeal beyond a local level.

"It's more of a national kind of scope we put on the game and games like Arizona and San Francisco are more challenging," Rothman said, referring to this week's Monday night game between the Cardinals and the 49ers, two teams that lack the national profile of the Dallas Cowboys or the New England Patriots.

For reasons that have nothing to do with the crapiness level of this game, I won't be doing a live-blog tonight, but after reading that....I'm almost glad I'm not. If you're watching, expect a lot of talk about teams other than the ones on the field and maybe some presidential anecdotes from Tony throughout the night. Feel free to use this spot as your open thread, and I'll see you tomorrow with video and comments, and try to enjoy the game if you're taking it in.

ESPN executives say MNF a tough sell (AZ Republic)

3-0 in yesterday's games, so I've got that going for me. AA still has shopping to do today, so I'll be in and out of here all day. Enjoy your Christmas eve and get some nog and join me for the Score-fest that will be the Hawaii Bowl. Cheers!
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Arizona State (7-5) v. Hawaii (10-3)

Date/Time: December 24, 8pm ET
Aloha Stadium, Hawaii

Network: ESPN

Weather: Umm, it's Hawaii people.

Past Results (4):

Dec. 24, 2005	Nevada 49, Central Florida 48
Dec. 24, 2004	Hawaii 59, UAB 40
Dec. 25, 2003	Hawaii 54, Houston 48 (3OT)
Dec. 25, 2002	Tulane 36, Hawaii 28

Player(s) to Watch: ASU's Junior Running Back #26- Ryan Torain

If ASU wants to keep this even remotely close they need to run the ball. The question is if they will. Even though the coaching staff throws the ball almost every play Torain managed to pick up 1,069 yards on the season. He averages 5.2 yards per carry and the Devils will need to control the clock.

Hawaii's Junior Quarterback #15- Colton Brennan

The numbers this kid has put up are sick. 4,990 Yards/53 TDs/72%. With 2 TDs he'll break David Klinger's single season record. Colt also has some legs making it hard to continually pressure him.

Deciding Factor(s): There's only one, and that's ASU defense. They were second in the PAC-10, and will have to stop the Nation's #1 offense. Hawaii led all Division I-A programs this season in total offense (549.9 yards per game), passing yards (432.2 per) and points per game (47.3).

ASU has seen a lot of offenses like Hawaii's in the pass-filled PAC-10, but they haven't seen a QB as accurate as Brennan.

Crazy Stat: The Warrior's Defensive Coordinator is ex-Falcons coach and cowboy Jerry Glanville.

Spread: Hawaii -6.5, O/U 71.5

AA's Pick and Analysis: This one is going to be wild. Both defenses are below average and both offenses love to pass. If you haven't seen Colt Brennan this year you are in for something special. He is easily the most accurate QB in the NCAAs, and still has one year left in college to hone his skills.

If ASU runs the ball consistently they might be able to control the clock, but I think they will be down early and have to pass to keep up.

Prediction Hawaii 51-35
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"You don't come in my house and party ON me."- Mark Jones, describing Colt Brennan talking trash to ASU

"Colt has such great balistics on the ball"- David Norrie

"I have no problem with guys bumping their gums"- MJ
"There's a lot of gum bumping on the islands"- DN

"He's a stud that's for sure. One of those bodies by Jake"- MJ

"John Buccigross and Steve Levy up next with Sports Desk.....or sorry Sports Center."- MJ