Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Week 5, back with a vengence

After I missed a week, I'm ready to pick some real winners (so I hope). I apologize for a lack of humor - I'm working on three hours of sleep while working a pretty big conference for some of the biggest movers and shakers in the world. In fact, this afternoon I peed next to Usher. True story. I half expected Little John to pop out of the stall screaming, "YEAAAAAAAAH!" At least he washed his hands. I'd be disappointed if he hadn't washed his hands.

By the way - I just learned that I'll be writing language to recognize Dikembe Mutombo's efforts to help eradicate neglected tropical diseases (don't ask, I don't know why they're neglected either). It reminded me of a story I heard about him that every time he walked into a bar or a party while at Georgetown, he yelled, "Who wants to sex the Mutombo?!" I'm hoping to meet him and ask him if it ever worked. I'm guessing that won't happen. Hopefully I'll have more amusing celeb stories next week. Rumor has it I have to write stuff for Shakira tomorrow.

Mo Clarett nominee - So many to choose from this week, we'll go with Antonio Henton of Ohio State who was arrested on charges of soliciting a prostitute. Just when you thought the Buckeyes had the upper hand in taunting Michigan for losing to App State, Big Blue can counter with this. Henton, who is a third string QB, had little to say in court when arraigned this week. The judge, on the other hand, remarked that, "Your head is hung down and you're looking extremely sad." No kidding - you'd be sad too if you blew money on a hooker and didn't even get a handy out of it.

On to the picks . . .

Home team in BOLD

West Virginia -7 South Florida

After upsetting the Mountaineers on their home turf last year, everyone is wondering if this year's Big East Cinderella can repeat at home this week. Unfortunately, there are fewer things worse than a West Virginian seeking revenge - just ask Eliza Dusku and Emmanuelle Chriqui.
That being said, South Florida may have some momentum after upsetting Auburn and dismantling North Carolina this season. The Bulls highly-touted QB Matt Grothe has yet to throw an INT, and has passed for 200+ yards in 2 of his 3 games. However, Grothe will have to shoulder the majority of the scoring unless South Florida can find a way to stop the 1-2 combo of Steve Slaton (9TDs) and Pat White (6TDs), something no team has been able to do this season. I don't think South Florida can repeat history and I'll take West Virginia giving 7.


LSU -39.5 Tulane


This game is a big "numbers" game. LSU has forced nine interceptions in four games this year, including an incredible 6 against Mississippi State. Tulane QB Scott Elliott has a 4:1 INT to TD ratio this year and comes into the game with a QB rating of 84.34. LSU is still looking to steal 1st place votes from USC, and the Trojans will have their hands full trying to contain Washington's do-it-all QB Jake Locker. The Bayou Bengals are 16th in the nation in scoring (41.3 ppg), but are giving up a paltry 5.8 per game (which is skewed by the 16 that SC scored on them last week). This in state rivalry is barely a rivalry, with LSU winning the last 15 games they played against each other. A rivalry where one team wins 15 more times than the other? Most Red Sox fans seem to think so. I don't, and I also don't think the Green Wave stands a chance against the Tigers. LSU covers here giving the points.




Since I'm short on time, here are my three final picks:

USC -20.5 @ Washington - This is Ty's time to show Notre Dame that they might have made a long-term mistake. I'll take Washington with the points.


Hawaii -25.5 @ Idaho - Ho hum. Just another road trip for the best passing game in the land. Colt Brennan should have no trouble beating this spread. In the first half. I'll take the Rainbow Warriors giving 3+ TDs.

Clemson -3 @ GA Tech - I'm still not sure when the Yellowjackets will get the respect they deserve. Maybe beating Clemson will get them noticed. I hope so. I'm taking GA Tech getting three points.

Until next week . . .

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