By Daisy Barringer

Remember last year when the 6-3 Buccaneers marched into San Francisco and destroyed the 3-6 49ers with a 21-0 shutout? Our first shutout at home since 1977? Yeah, me neither. Because that’s the thing about pain. The only way humans can handle it is by forgetting what it feels like. (Seriously though, how come I can’t remember that game, but can remember every time that psychopath felon I used to date called me a whore on a crowded 33 Stanyan? What? I can’t afford a therapist and I need to talk to SOMEONE about this crap. Anyway.)

Okay, while you ponder my life problems, I’ll break down my thoughts on what’s going to happen when Tampa Bay comes back to SF this weekend for a showdown between two teams who are at the top of their respective divisions.

Let’s start with the bad because, honestly, who in his right mind is like “Tell me something awesome and then destroy it with something terrible?” Seriously. If you know someone who asks for the good news first, that person is a masochist and you should proceed accordingly. Likely with handcuffs and whips.

The Bad

  • I already mentioned that Tampa Bay destroyed the 49ers last year. But whatever, that was last year. WHO CARES. (Crap. I mixing my bads and goods. Whatever. Deal with it.)
  • The 49ers are ranked 27th in pass defense. (Although we do like to intercept!)
  • QB Josh Freeman is pretty good. He threw for a season-best 287 yards on Monday night against the Colts with a passing and rushing TD.
  • LaGarette Blout. God, I love the names in football. LaGarette. So good! Anyway, not only does he have a name that’s fun to say, he’s also an awesome running back. Dude has rushed for 279 yards over the last three weeks. Scary.
  • 49ers nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga is “highly unlikely” to play due to what people are saying is a staph infection. I don’t like this one bit. Also, how the hell does someone get a staph infection? Yucky.


The Good

  • The Bucs coach declared his team “the west coast killers” this week. Um, sorry dude, but your team only won two games in California and Seattle between the years of 2003 and 2009. Just because you had some great wins last year against SF and Arizona does not make you a “West Coast Killer.” Also, seriously? Who are you? Biggie Smalls?
  • Short week for Tampa Bay who also has to fly across the country. When the Niners get in the red zone, they score.
  • Blout might be awesome, but the 49ers haven’t allowed a 100-yard game in 26 games and this year haven’t allowed a rushing TD.
  • Alex Smith looks good. THERE. I SAID IT. But seriously. He does.
  • Michael Crabtree is apparently 100% recovered.
  • Gore: Has he found his rhythm? My fantasy team and I can only hope.

Listen, people. I don’t know what’s going to happen on Sunday. Honestly, I think it’s going to crazy battle until the last second. Hard hits, tough defense, and a battle of wills. That being said, I have a good feeling that when the clock winds down at the end of the 4th, 49ers’ fans will have something to cheer about. (Knock on wood. No seriously. Knock on wood. Yes, your head will suffice. Just knock already!)