I mentioned last week that our trip to Michigan St. could surpass the Spokane adventure in scope and downright insanity. Six hours into the journey, I can safely say that was not an exaggeration.

Last night, after watching Texas defeat Oral Roberts we packed up the SUV and headed out for five days of driving and college hoops. Our route first takes us to Nashville for tonight’s game between Belmont and Austin Peay. The following day, we travel to Illinois for a contest between the Fighting Illini and Miami of Ohio. Friday puts us in Toronto, with the doubleheader in Auburn Hills looming on Saturday.

This update from the road comes courtesy of my passenger’s iPhone. I’ve dictated this entry while Dexy’s Midnight Runners plead with Eileen on the stereo and we fight through the heavy fog on I-30.

Roughly 20 minutes ago, we crossed into Arkansas where the stench was immediately overpowering. If we manage not to suffocate, more updates can be expected from the road.

Update (8:15 A.M CST): About 45 miles southwest of Memphis, we pass a trailer full of sheep. Their bleating cries could easily be heard over the sound of the highway — “Baa means no!”

Update (11:35 A.M. CST): Less than 40 miles from Nashville and fatigue is mixing with relief as we approach the first destination. We have not stopped in five hours, so we’ve been feasting on a healthy mix of Monster, Starburst, Wheat Thins, and Mountain Dew — truly a breakfast of champions.

Update (5:34 P.M. CST): After a day spent at the campuses of Belmont and Vanderbilt, we are cramming dinner down our throats before heading back to the arena for a 7:05 tip. While you can’t see this one on TV, you can still have hoops for supper by tuning in to Memphis/Cincinnati (6 PM CT, ESPN2) or Nicholls State/UNC (8 PM, ESPNU).