Houston -3.5 Air Force
I'll take the Falcons getting the points.
Oregon State -2 Pittsburgh
I think the Beavers should cover.
Boston College -3.5 Vanderbilt
Lionel Richie never disappoints. I'm taking the Commodores getting three and a half. And no, I haven't gotten tired of that joke (especially when their real mascot looks like this).
Kansas -9.5 Minnesota
I like the Jayhawks to cover.
Georgia Tech -4 LSU
I have a feeling that the Tigers will come to play. I'll take LSU getting the points.
New Year's Day
Iowa -3.5 South Carolina
You've gotta go with the Ole Ball Coach. I'm picking the Gamecocks with the points.
Clemson -2.5 Nebraska
For no reason whatsoever, I think Nebraska can win outright. However, I'll take the Huskers getting two and a half just to be safe.
Georgia -7.5 Michigan State
I like the Dawgs to cover.
USC -8.5 Penn State
I'd love to see Pete Carroll lose this one, but I strongly doubt it will happen. I will take Penn State with the points and the hope that their defense shows up.
Cincy -2 VA Tech
I hate to do it, but this is a solid Big East team (a contradiction of terms, maybe). I'm taking the Bearcats giving two.
TX Tech -5 Ole Miss
After losing out on a shot at the Big XII title, I like Graham Harrell to step it up and make a case for the top QB spot in the NFL draft (aka the next Dan Orlovsky). I'll take the Red Raiders giving 5.
ECU -2.5 Kentucky
Its all about finishing strong. As in, even if I go .500 for the first 20 or so bowl games, no one will remember as long as I pick the last few games correctly. Then again, No one will remember, because no one reads these. I'll take the Pirates giving two and a half.
Alabama -10.5 Utah
"Hey - remember us, we're Utah? We went 12-0 this season and if we beat Alabama, we're going to make a stink about being ranked outside the top three teams in the country. We're also not pleased about being 10.5 point underdogs." I'll take the Utes getting the points.
UConn -4.5 Buffalo
I know UConn underperformed expectations, but to be only a four and a half point favorite against Buffalo . . . ? That's embarrassing - even for a Big East team. I like UConn giving the points.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Pre-New Years Picks
After going 4-3 on the last 7 games, I'm back even at 6-6. Here are the next five games (that people may actually start to watch).
Rutgers -6.5 NC State
The Papajohns.com Bowl features a Rutgers team that never really got off the ground this season (starting 1-5) but finished with a 6 game Big East win streak and an NC State team that won their last four games to make them bowl eligible. The difference here is that the Wolfpack beat 2 ranked teams in the last month, and the Scarlet Knights . . . well they beat Syracuse and Army!! I'll take the Wolfpack with the points.
Mizzou -12.5 Northwestern
Mizzou, the other team that played in the Big XII championship, gets to face off against the fourth-best team in the Big Ten, Northwestern. I'm sure that Chase Daniel and the #4 passing team in the nation are comforted by the fact that they get to take on the 61st ranked passing defense in the country while Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech all play in major bowl games. I think Daniel uses this game to boost his draft profile in year where there are already at least 3 other QBs ahead of him.
Northwestern's defense should be good enough to put up some fight, but their passing offense (featuring QBs CJ Bacher and Mike Kafka and their 17 INTs) looks about as reliable as those Cash 4 Gold.com commercials. I'm taking Missouri giving 12.5.
Speaking of low-budget commercials, this just popped up on TV. I'm not even Italian, and I'm embarassed.
Nevada -1.5 Maryland
Somehow Maryland still gets invited to bowl games, and the state of Maryland still makes a stink that no matter how poor of a season the Terps had, they deserve a better post-season game. I think it has something to do with those snazzy Under Armor uniforms. Unfortunately for the Terps, they have to take on Wolf Pack QB Colin Kaepernick (who along with RB and top-name nominee Vai Taua make up the #2 run offense in the country) who reminds the Terps that their not playing this game in "their Hooouuuuuuussssse!!!!" I'm going with my cousin Cara on this one who said a few weeks ago that Maryland sucks this year (making her the only rational Terp fan out there). I'll take Nevada giving the points.
Rice -2 Western Michigan
I had no idea that both of these teams had 9-3 records (let lone bowl eligible). I'm picking Rice giving two points because if the team from Texas doesn't win the Texas bowl, I think it means the state can legally execute someone.
Oklahoma State -2.5 Oregon
A couple of weeks a go, I was at a bar where the bartender informed me that he was from Norman, OK, went to OSU, but was a fan of both teams. Even though it might be true, (and he managed to get us half-price pitchers) people like that piss me off. New Yorkers should be Mets or Yankees fans. Los Angelinos should root for the Lakers or the Clippers. There is no "well I just want both teams to do well" involved. One or the other. For that reason, I'm taking Oregon getting two and a half. That, and they'll probably trot out some crazy new uniform for the game.
Until New Years . . .
Rutgers -6.5 NC State
The Papajohns.com Bowl features a Rutgers team that never really got off the ground this season (starting 1-5) but finished with a 6 game Big East win streak and an NC State team that won their last four games to make them bowl eligible. The difference here is that the Wolfpack beat 2 ranked teams in the last month, and the Scarlet Knights . . . well they beat Syracuse and Army!! I'll take the Wolfpack with the points.
Mizzou -12.5 Northwestern
Mizzou, the other team that played in the Big XII championship, gets to face off against the fourth-best team in the Big Ten, Northwestern. I'm sure that Chase Daniel and the #4 passing team in the nation are comforted by the fact that they get to take on the 61st ranked passing defense in the country while Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech all play in major bowl games. I think Daniel uses this game to boost his draft profile in year where there are already at least 3 other QBs ahead of him.
Northwestern's defense should be good enough to put up some fight, but their passing offense (featuring QBs CJ Bacher and Mike Kafka and their 17 INTs) looks about as reliable as those Cash 4 Gold.com commercials. I'm taking Missouri giving 12.5.
Speaking of low-budget commercials, this just popped up on TV. I'm not even Italian, and I'm embarassed.
Nevada -1.5 Maryland
Somehow Maryland still gets invited to bowl games, and the state of Maryland still makes a stink that no matter how poor of a season the Terps had, they deserve a better post-season game. I think it has something to do with those snazzy Under Armor uniforms. Unfortunately for the Terps, they have to take on Wolf Pack QB Colin Kaepernick (who along with RB and top-name nominee Vai Taua make up the #2 run offense in the country) who reminds the Terps that their not playing this game in "their Hooouuuuuuussssse!!!!" I'm going with my cousin Cara on this one who said a few weeks ago that Maryland sucks this year (making her the only rational Terp fan out there). I'll take Nevada giving the points.
Rice -2 Western Michigan
I had no idea that both of these teams had 9-3 records (let lone bowl eligible). I'm picking Rice giving two points because if the team from Texas doesn't win the Texas bowl, I think it means the state can legally execute someone.
Oklahoma State -2.5 Oregon
A couple of weeks a go, I was at a bar where the bartender informed me that he was from Norman, OK, went to OSU, but was a fan of both teams. Even though it might be true, (and he managed to get us half-price pitchers) people like that piss me off. New Yorkers should be Mets or Yankees fans. Los Angelinos should root for the Lakers or the Clippers. There is no "well I just want both teams to do well" involved. One or the other. For that reason, I'm taking Oregon getting two and a half. That, and they'll probably trot out some crazy new uniform for the game.
Until New Years . . .
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas Week Bowls (12/23 - 12/28)
After going a weak 2-3 for the first 5 games, I'm kicking it up a notch for the next seven. BAM!! And yes, I am ten years old.
TCU -3 Boise State
This Poinsettia Bowl match up should prove to be a good game - not that anyone (myself included) will end up watching it. TCU has the number 2 ranked scoring defense in the nation (with Boise State #3), and has amazing allowed only 47.7 yards rushing per game. The Broncos on the other hand hung 61 points on Fresno State, and have scored 40+ points in each of their last five games. For BSU, this represents their first real challenge after going undefeated this season. More importantly, it represents a big challenge for RB Ian Johnson. After proposing to his girlfriend on national TV and ruining the 2007 Fiesta Bowl for OU, and having a collapsed lung last season, he really needs to step up the "Wow Factor" this year. I think he'll do it. I'm taking Boise State with the points.
Some Catholic School in Indiana -1.5 Hawaii
Ugh, at least the Irish get to go to Hawaii. If Cincy had trouble with this Warriors team, good luck to Notre Dame. I don't know how Charlie Weis will prepare for this game, especially when he must be on the phone nonstop checking up on Brady Quinn. One thing about this game does interest me - Notre Dame has all of their games televised before a national audience, whereas the majority of Hawaii's games start after 11:00pm EST. If a team falls in the Pacific and no one is there to watch it, did it ever happen? We'll find out this week. I'm taking Hawaii with the points.
Central Michigan -7 Florida Atlantic
These are two of the worst defenses in the country. I don't even think the Nuge, Kid Rock, or Eminem will turn out to watch this game. Congrats, Motor City Bowl - You've taken the title for Most Depressing Thing in Detroit! Even the Lions are thinking - "Hey, maybe we could beat one of these teams."
What's that, I have time for one more Detroit joke? Ok - this game will be so bad, you'll qualify for Federal Bailout money just by watching it. Hey!
Thank you, you've been a great audience. Please try the fish. I'll take Central Michigan giving a TD.
West Virginia -1.5 North Carolina
This game comes down to whether or not Tyler Hansbrough can successfully contain Da'Sean Butler, who is averaging 16 points per game. If he can do that, and the Tarheels can manage to score more than the 56.3 points per game the Mountaineers are allowing, I don't see any reason why UNC shouldn't win this game. I'll take the Heels getting 1.5.
An aside - I dare you to click on this link, watch the video for 30 seconds, and not have the song stuck in your head.
Florida State -5.5 Wisconsin
Good news, Seminole fans! The Champs Sports Bowl starts at 4:30 pm - just before coach Bowden's bedtime!! (See what I did there, I made a joke about Bowden's age!) Florida State players are really excited about this game. Not at the prospect of playing the Badgers, but the fact that game participants are given a "party at Best Buy" during which time they'll receive up to $400 worth of merchandise. I hate to make the obvious joke, but who is better than FSU at taking merchandise out of stores without paying for it? Do I have any insight on this game? Nope - I just like making FSU jokes. I'm taking the 'Noles giving the points here - for crying out loud, Wisconsin lost to Michigan!!
Cal -8 Miami
Cal is inviting fans to join coach Jeff Tedford and his staff after the Emerald Bowl game for a party at San Francisco's Warfield Theatre. The event will last from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and will feature rock band Tightwad Hill, which includes members of the football staff. Tickets may be purchased through ticketmaster.com. As far as I know, parties suck after you lose. I'll take Cal giving the points because people in California like parties. Hey - you try coming up with 34 of these.
LA Tech even Northern Ill.
The Bulldogs are a virtual home team, playing just an hour away from their home in Ruston (wherever that is). I think they feature LB Bobby Boucher, though he may have used up his eligibility. I do think that the NIU team that finished the season at 1-3 is more likely to show up than the one that won three straight. With the Huskies a year removed from a 2-10 season, this game wreaks of "just happy to be here." I'll take the Bulldogs to win.
Stay tuned for more games as we go into the New Year's week.
TCU -3 Boise State
This Poinsettia Bowl match up should prove to be a good game - not that anyone (myself included) will end up watching it. TCU has the number 2 ranked scoring defense in the nation (with Boise State #3), and has amazing allowed only 47.7 yards rushing per game. The Broncos on the other hand hung 61 points on Fresno State, and have scored 40+ points in each of their last five games. For BSU, this represents their first real challenge after going undefeated this season. More importantly, it represents a big challenge for RB Ian Johnson. After proposing to his girlfriend on national TV and ruining the 2007 Fiesta Bowl for OU, and having a collapsed lung last season, he really needs to step up the "Wow Factor" this year. I think he'll do it. I'm taking Boise State with the points.
Some Catholic School in Indiana -1.5 Hawaii
Ugh, at least the Irish get to go to Hawaii. If Cincy had trouble with this Warriors team, good luck to Notre Dame. I don't know how Charlie Weis will prepare for this game, especially when he must be on the phone nonstop checking up on Brady Quinn. One thing about this game does interest me - Notre Dame has all of their games televised before a national audience, whereas the majority of Hawaii's games start after 11:00pm EST. If a team falls in the Pacific and no one is there to watch it, did it ever happen? We'll find out this week. I'm taking Hawaii with the points.
Central Michigan -7 Florida Atlantic
These are two of the worst defenses in the country. I don't even think the Nuge, Kid Rock, or Eminem will turn out to watch this game. Congrats, Motor City Bowl - You've taken the title for Most Depressing Thing in Detroit! Even the Lions are thinking - "Hey, maybe we could beat one of these teams."
What's that, I have time for one more Detroit joke? Ok - this game will be so bad, you'll qualify for Federal Bailout money just by watching it. Hey!
Thank you, you've been a great audience. Please try the fish. I'll take Central Michigan giving a TD.
West Virginia -1.5 North Carolina
This game comes down to whether or not Tyler Hansbrough can successfully contain Da'Sean Butler, who is averaging 16 points per game. If he can do that, and the Tarheels can manage to score more than the 56.3 points per game the Mountaineers are allowing, I don't see any reason why UNC shouldn't win this game. I'll take the Heels getting 1.5.
An aside - I dare you to click on this link, watch the video for 30 seconds, and not have the song stuck in your head.
Florida State -5.5 Wisconsin
Good news, Seminole fans! The Champs Sports Bowl starts at 4:30 pm - just before coach Bowden's bedtime!! (See what I did there, I made a joke about Bowden's age!) Florida State players are really excited about this game. Not at the prospect of playing the Badgers, but the fact that game participants are given a "party at Best Buy" during which time they'll receive up to $400 worth of merchandise. I hate to make the obvious joke, but who is better than FSU at taking merchandise out of stores without paying for it? Do I have any insight on this game? Nope - I just like making FSU jokes. I'm taking the 'Noles giving the points here - for crying out loud, Wisconsin lost to Michigan!!
Cal -8 Miami
Cal is inviting fans to join coach Jeff Tedford and his staff after the Emerald Bowl game for a party at San Francisco's Warfield Theatre. The event will last from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and will feature rock band Tightwad Hill, which includes members of the football staff. Tickets may be purchased through ticketmaster.com. As far as I know, parties suck after you lose. I'll take Cal giving the points because people in California like parties. Hey - you try coming up with 34 of these.
LA Tech even Northern Ill.
The Bulldogs are a virtual home team, playing just an hour away from their home in Ruston (wherever that is). I think they feature LB Bobby Boucher, though he may have used up his eligibility. I do think that the NIU team that finished the season at 1-3 is more likely to show up than the one that won three straight. With the Huskies a year removed from a 2-10 season, this game wreaks of "just happy to be here." I'll take the Bulldogs to win.
Stay tuned for more games as we go into the New Year's week.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Pre-pre-Christmas Bowls Games (12/20 - 12/22)
Pre-pre-Christmas Bowls Games (12/20 - 12/22)
a.k.a. the games only degenerate gamblers and die-hard fans care about.
These games aren't getting the full witty treatment. Mostly because they're pretty much a Bowl Game appetizer. That and I'm lazy.
Wake Forest -3 Navy
In the inaugural Eagle Bank Bowl, we get a rematch of the Middies' upset in September. The first bowl game of the year, and we're already getting a re-run. The Demon Deacons stumbled through their ACC schedule (4-4) while Navy has played 2 hours, 3 minutes and 29 seconds without giving up a TD. I like Navy's chances here, so I'm taking the Midshipmen with the points.
Fresno State -3 Colorado State
Wow - this Fresno State team was supposed to be this year's Cinderella and they end up playing in the New Mexico Bowl against 6-6 Colorado State. On the other side of the ball, first year head coach and the rams (who haven't sniffed the post season in 3 years) could very well be in "just happy to be here" mode. I'm going with the Bulldogs giving three.
South Florida -13 Memphis
Contrary to popular belief, the inaugural St. Petersburg Bowl will actually be played in Southern Florida and not Northern Russia. This bodes well for USF considering they are from Southern Florida and not Northern Russia. There's no Memphis in Russia. I'll take the Bulls giving the points.
Arizona -2.5 BYU
Hooray for Mormons in Las Vegas!! I love it when BYU plays in the Las Vegas Bowl. It conjures up images of guys in white shirts and skinny black ties doing good deeds in the face of evil. Kind of like a Kevin Costner movie. Hooray for Democracy!! I like BYU getting the points.
Troy State -4 Southern Miss
Troy State features a QB named Levi Brown. Here's what I know about guys named Levi - they're good at making jeans knocking up governors' daughters - neither of which are prerequisites for throwing a football (well, unless you're at Miami). I think the Golden Eagles win this one getting four.
a.k.a. the games only degenerate gamblers and die-hard fans care about.
These games aren't getting the full witty treatment. Mostly because they're pretty much a Bowl Game appetizer. That and I'm lazy.
Wake Forest -3 Navy
In the inaugural Eagle Bank Bowl, we get a rematch of the Middies' upset in September. The first bowl game of the year, and we're already getting a re-run. The Demon Deacons stumbled through their ACC schedule (4-4) while Navy has played 2 hours, 3 minutes and 29 seconds without giving up a TD. I like Navy's chances here, so I'm taking the Midshipmen with the points.
Fresno State -3 Colorado State
Wow - this Fresno State team was supposed to be this year's Cinderella and they end up playing in the New Mexico Bowl against 6-6 Colorado State. On the other side of the ball, first year head coach and the rams (who haven't sniffed the post season in 3 years) could very well be in "just happy to be here" mode. I'm going with the Bulldogs giving three.
South Florida -13 Memphis
Contrary to popular belief, the inaugural St. Petersburg Bowl will actually be played in Southern Florida and not Northern Russia. This bodes well for USF considering they are from Southern Florida and not Northern Russia. There's no Memphis in Russia. I'll take the Bulls giving the points.
Arizona -2.5 BYU
Hooray for Mormons in Las Vegas!! I love it when BYU plays in the Las Vegas Bowl. It conjures up images of guys in white shirts and skinny black ties doing good deeds in the face of evil. Kind of like a Kevin Costner movie. Hooray for Democracy!! I like BYU getting the points.
Troy State -4 Southern Miss
Troy State features a QB named Levi Brown. Here's what I know about guys named Levi - they're good at making jeans knocking up governors' daughters - neither of which are prerequisites for throwing a football (well, unless you're at Miami). I think the Golden Eagles win this one getting four.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Week 15 Results and Bowl Schedule
Week 15: 3-2 (Kudos to ECU for winning the C-USA title after s***ting the bed for most of the season).
Regular Season: 42-32-1
Winning Percentage: .567
Below is the 2008-2009 Bowl Schedule:
Regular Season: 42-32-1
Winning Percentage: .567
Below is the 2008-2009 Bowl Schedule:
| EagleBank Bowl Wake Forest vs. Navy | Washington, D.C. RFK Stadium | Dec. 20, 11 a.m. | ESPN |
| New Mexico Colorado State vs. Fresno State | Albuquerque University Stadium | Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| magicJack St. Petersburg Memphis vs. South Florida | St. Petersburg. Fla. Tropicana Field | Dec. 20, 4:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| Pioneer Las Vegas BYU vs. Arizona | Las Vegas Sam Boyd Stadium | Dec. 20, 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| R+L Carriers New Orleans Southern Miss vs. Troy | New Orleans Superdome | Dec. 21, 8:15 p.m. | ESPN |
| San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Boise State vs. TCU | San Diego Qualcomm Stadium | Dec. 23, 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| Sheraton Hawaii Hawaii vs. Notre Dame | Honolulu Aloha Stadium | Dec. 24, 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| Motor City Florida Atlantic vs. Central Michigan | Detroit Ford Field | Dec. 26, 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| Meineke Car Care West Virginia vs. North Carolina | Charlotte, N.C. Bank of America Stadium | Dec. 27, 1 p.m. | ESPN |
| Champs Sports Wisconsin vs. Florida State | Orlando, Fla. Florida Citrus Bowl | Dec. 27, 4:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Emerald Miami (Fla.) vs. California | San Francisco AT&T Park | Dec. 27, 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| Independence Northern Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech | Shreveport, La. Independence Stadium | Dec. 28, 8:15 p.m. | ESPN |
| Papajohns.com NC State vs. Rutgers | Birmingham, Ala. Legion Field | Dec. 29, 3 p.m. | ESPN |
| Valero Alamo Missouri vs. Northwestern | San Antonio Alamodome | Dec. 29, 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| Roady's Humanitarian Maryland vs. Nevada | Boise, Idaho Bronco Stadium | Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Texas Rice vs. Western Michigan | Houston Reliant Stadium | Dec. 30, 8 p.m. | NFL Network |
| Pacific Life Holiday Oklahoma State vs. Oregon | San Diego Qualcomm Stadium | Dec. 30, 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Houston vs. Air Force | Fort Worth, Texas Amon G. Carter Stadium | Dec. 31, Noon | ESPN |
| Brut Sun Oregon State vs. Pittsburgh | El Paso, Texas Sun Bowl | Dec. 31, 2 p.m. | CBS |
| Gaylord Hotels Music City Boston College vs. Vanderbilt | Nashville, Tenn. LP Field | Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Insight Kansas vs. Minnesota | Tempe, Ariz. Sun Devil Stadium | Dec. 31, 5:30 p.m. | NFL Network |
| Chick-fil-A LSU vs. Georgia Tech | Atlanta Georgia Dome | Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Outback South Carolina vs. Iowa | Tampa, Fla. Raymond James Stadium | Jan. 1, 2009, 11 a.m. | ESPN |
| Capital One Georgia vs. Michigan State | Orlando, Fla. Florida Citrus Bowl | Jan. 1, 2009, 1 p.m. | ABC |
| Konica Minolta Gator Clemson vs. Nebraska | Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville Municipal Stadium | Jan. 1, 2009, 1 p.m. | CBS |
| Rose Bowl Game Presented by Citi Penn State vs. USC | Pasadena, Calif. Rose Bowl | Jan. 1, 2009, 4:30 p.m. | ABC |
| FedEx Orange Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech | Miami Dolphin Stadium | Jan. 1, 2009, 8:30 p.m. | FOX |
| AT&T Cotton Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech | Dallas Cotton Bowl | Jan. 2, 2009, 2 p.m. | FOX |
| AutoZone Liberty Kentucky vs. East Carolina | Memphis, Tenn. Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium | Jan. 2, 2009, 5 p.m. | ESPN |
| Allstate Sugar Utah vs. Alabama | New Orleans Superdome | Jan. 2, 2009, 8 p.m. | FOX |
| International Buffalo vs. Connecticut | Toronto Rogers Centre | Jan. 3, 2009, Noon | ESPN2 |
| Tostitos Fiesta Ohio State vs. Texas | Glendale, Ariz. University of Phoenix Stadium | Jan. 5, 2009, 8 p.m. | FOX |
| GMAC Tulsa vs. Ball State | Mobile, Ala. Ladd-Peebles Stadium | Jan. 6, 2009, 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| FedEx BCS National Championship Game Florida vs. Oklahoma | Miami Dolphin Stadium | Jan. 8, |
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Week 15 - Championship Week
News out of South Bend this week is that Charlie Weis will stay on for next season. The good news is that Charlie will be the coach of Notre Dame next season. The bad news is that Charlie Weis will be the coach of Notre Dame next season.
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
This week, we have a tie - between the writers at ESPN.com and the Nittany Lion. First, ESPN.com - for this headline alone:
Gators' top rusher Rainey to play with groin injury
I don't know, but I always heard that if you keep playing with it, it'll fall off . . .
As for the Nittany Lion - a co-member of the "Fellowship of the Foam and Fur" - he was suspended for the season after his arrest for DUI this week. I really wish he had been in costume for it. I would have loved to have seen the mugshot. Not that I ever did anything stupid/intoxicated in the George costume . . . Self-appointed deputy traffic cop Joe Paterno must berolling in his grave upset about this one.
On to the picks . . .
Navy -11 ARMY
After nearly being shutout by a middle of the road Rutgers team last week, the Black Knights take on one of the better Navy teams in recent history - and one that beat the same Rutgers team that Army lost to last week. This Army squad is greatly improved over past seasons (currently ranked 9th in rushing yards per game with 254.2), but are they improved enough to hang with Navy and at least make a run at ending their 5-year losing streak? I say no. Navy's #1 run game is just too potent, and even with top-named QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada questionable with a hamstring injury I like the Middies to cover. Next week watch them take on these guys in a post-season tune-up.
WEST VIRGINIA -7 South Florida
West Virginia has a great running game, and South Florida has nearly as good of a run defense. Logic says that USF is 2-4 in the Big East, and their 7-4 overall record is due mostly to a weak OOC schedule (wins against UT-Martin and Florida International). Then again, this is the Big East. Whatever could go against logic usually does. The Bulls were crushed by Rutgers, but last week beat a better-than-average UConn team. I think it could easily be a push. Or a Mountaineer blowout. Last night I was leaning heavily towards USF with the points. Now I'm thinking there's just no way that could be right. Oh well, I'll go with West Virginia to cover in this battle of Last Year's Great QBs Who Faded in 2008.
TULSA -12.5 East Carolina
I'm picking the Pirates to finish the season strong. And while we're on the subject, this whole Somali pirate thing is deeply upsetting to me. Pirates are supposed to look like this, not this. These guys aren't wearing blouses or eye patches, they don't carry parrots, and I'm pretty sure they don't say "Yarrrr!" or "Matey."Come on, pirates, show a little pride! Even this guy knew how to dress for the occasion. I'll take ECU with the points.
FLORIDA -10 Alabama
I really want to take the Gators giving ten, and I know this is the one that I'll kick myself over on Sunday. So, being thecoward smart person that I am, I'm going to pass on this one. Plus, I really couldn't think of any jokes for it.
USC -35 UCLA
I just don't think the Trojans can get over this emotional hurdle and still win by 5 TD's - even if they do get to wear their home uniforms. UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel has agreed to call a time-out at the start of the game, thus negating any advantage the Bruins would have gained due to Pete Carroll's refusal to do laundry. Seriously? I understand sportsmanship and everything, but you can't tell me this is the "greatest rivalry in sports" when one coach is willing to hurt his own team to make things "fair." Here's a heads-up, Rick. You guys are going to get slaughtered this week. At home. AND you're allowing your rivals to wear their home unis too? Please, save tradition for the alumni association. You're there to win football games. Which, if everything goes as planned, you'll have done only 33% of the time this year - the first sub .500 regular season since 1999. I'm sure Theo Epstein would be fine with handing the Tampa Bay Rays $100 million dollars so they have a "fair shot" at re-signing David Price when he becomes a free agent in 2013.
Man do I hate Pete Carroll.
I'll take USC giving the points, only so I can listen to them complain next week when they're the odd team out of the National Championship game.
TROY STATE -11 Arkansas State
Troy State just has to win to be the Sun Belt Champs, not blow the Red Wolves out. However, Troy has not one, but TWO guys name Lee on their team - Khalil and Boris (whose name suggests he might run a Russian-Chinese restaurant in the off season). I'm going with Troy to cover the spread.
Stay tuned for the Bowl Picks - coming soon!!
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
This week, we have a tie - between the writers at ESPN.com and the Nittany Lion. First, ESPN.com - for this headline alone:
Gators' top rusher Rainey to play with groin injury
I don't know, but I always heard that if you keep playing with it, it'll fall off . . .
As for the Nittany Lion - a co-member of the "Fellowship of the Foam and Fur" - he was suspended for the season after his arrest for DUI this week. I really wish he had been in costume for it. I would have loved to have seen the mugshot. Not that I ever did anything stupid/intoxicated in the George costume . . . Self-appointed deputy traffic cop Joe Paterno must be
On to the picks . . .
Navy -11 ARMY
After nearly being shutout by a middle of the road Rutgers team last week, the Black Knights take on one of the better Navy teams in recent history - and one that beat the same Rutgers team that Army lost to last week. This Army squad is greatly improved over past seasons (currently ranked 9th in rushing yards per game with 254.2), but are they improved enough to hang with Navy and at least make a run at ending their 5-year losing streak? I say no. Navy's #1 run game is just too potent, and even with top-named QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada questionable with a hamstring injury I like the Middies to cover. Next week watch them take on these guys in a post-season tune-up.
WEST VIRGINIA -7 South Florida
West Virginia has a great running game, and South Florida has nearly as good of a run defense. Logic says that USF is 2-4 in the Big East, and their 7-4 overall record is due mostly to a weak OOC schedule (wins against UT-Martin and Florida International). Then again, this is the Big East. Whatever could go against logic usually does. The Bulls were crushed by Rutgers, but last week beat a better-than-average UConn team. I think it could easily be a push. Or a Mountaineer blowout. Last night I was leaning heavily towards USF with the points. Now I'm thinking there's just no way that could be right. Oh well, I'll go with West Virginia to cover in this battle of Last Year's Great QBs Who Faded in 2008.
TULSA -12.5 East Carolina
I'm picking the Pirates to finish the season strong. And while we're on the subject, this whole Somali pirate thing is deeply upsetting to me. Pirates are supposed to look like this, not this. These guys aren't wearing blouses or eye patches, they don't carry parrots, and I'm pretty sure they don't say "Yarrrr!" or "Matey."Come on, pirates, show a little pride! Even this guy knew how to dress for the occasion. I'll take ECU with the points.
FLORIDA -10 Alabama
I really want to take the Gators giving ten, and I know this is the one that I'll kick myself over on Sunday. So, being the
USC -35 UCLA
I just don't think the Trojans can get over this emotional hurdle and still win by 5 TD's - even if they do get to wear their home uniforms. UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel has agreed to call a time-out at the start of the game, thus negating any advantage the Bruins would have gained due to Pete Carroll's refusal to do laundry. Seriously? I understand sportsmanship and everything, but you can't tell me this is the "greatest rivalry in sports" when one coach is willing to hurt his own team to make things "fair." Here's a heads-up, Rick. You guys are going to get slaughtered this week. At home. AND you're allowing your rivals to wear their home unis too? Please, save tradition for the alumni association. You're there to win football games. Which, if everything goes as planned, you'll have done only 33% of the time this year - the first sub .500 regular season since 1999. I'm sure Theo Epstein would be fine with handing the Tampa Bay Rays $100 million dollars so they have a "fair shot" at re-signing David Price when he becomes a free agent in 2013.
Man do I hate Pete Carroll.
I'll take USC giving the points, only so I can listen to them complain next week when they're the odd team out of the National Championship game.
TROY STATE -11 Arkansas State
Troy State just has to win to be the Sun Belt Champs, not blow the Red Wolves out. However, Troy has not one, but TWO guys name Lee on their team - Khalil and Boris (whose name suggests he might run a Russian-Chinese restaurant in the off season). I'm going with Troy to cover the spread.
Stay tuned for the Bowl Picks - coming soon!!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Week 14 Results
Clearly Notre Dame is even worse than I thought. Though they did score three points against USC this year - three more than they scored last year, which is nice. At this rate, they'll beat the Trojans by 2020. Maybe they can convince Lou Holtz to come back and coach the team . . .
Week 14 Results: 3-2
Season: 39-30-1
Week 14 Results: 3-2
Season: 39-30-1
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Week 14 - Happy Turkey Day!!
One win away from being bowl eligible, I'm feeling pretty confident about my post-season chances. Pretty much the opposite of how all of South Bend is feeling.
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
I had to really think hard about this one, but I'm going to give the award to everyone at Notre Dame. Aside from losing to the Orange last week, reports came out that Charlie Weis' buyout would be $4 - $5 million dollars, and the Irish are 32 point underdogs (see below) against rival USC. To top things off, former WR Jeff Samardzija said about Weis, "He's a great coach. He's got a track record for it. If there's somebody out there with a better record, who's a better fit, I'd like to hear who it is." Well you're right, Jeff - Charlie is a great fit. Mainly because he's the only guy there who wears size 56 khakis and there must be a ton of them in the AD's office. On to the picks.
USC -32 Notre Dame
I don't care how badly the Irish played against Syracuse last week, a 32 point spread is too big for even me to take. I'll go with the Irish taking the points.
BUFFALO -9 Kent State
With MAC "Powerhouse" Ball State quietly finishing up their 12-0 schedule this week (after playing zero games on Fridays or Saturdays since before Halloween), they will face Buffalo in the MAC Championship for the right to go on to the Ted Nugent Motor City Bowl. Argue all you want that they deserve a shot at the NCAA Championship, but with three other undefeated teams (as of this writing), all of which have played far tougher schedules than Ball State, I think the Cardinals are well suited for the "Winner of the MAC Bowl."
Now, for the Bulls-Golden Flashes match up, I really like this Buffalo team. I wasn't so high on them after they started 2-4, but after rattling off 5 straight wins (including two-straight in OT), I think they have an outside shot to beat Ball State. Bulls QB (Randolph, NJ's own Drew Willy) has turned the team around, and I don't think that the defense of Kent State (ranked 101st in points allowed) will match up well with Buffalo, who have scored 25+ points in all but two of their games this season. HOWEVER, Buffalo has already sealed up their spot in the MAC championship, and a 9 point spread seems kind of steep for a team that will look to rest a lot of starters in a game played where it is currently snowing. I'll take Kent State with the points here.
MIZZOU -15.5 Kansas
Neither team has anything to play for (except Kansas having a winning season), but I don't think the Tigers will step off the gas with the Big XII Championship game coming up in a week. Then they have to spend the whole week prepping for Texas/Oklahoma/Texas Tech. They'd better start reading up on them all now. I like Mizzou to cover.
FAU -4.5 FIU
If Florida Atlantic University wins, they become bowl eligible. I'm not sure, but I think they get an automatic invite to the Boca Raton Bowl against the winner of the Del Vista Vikings and the Fighting Prunes of Century Village. I'll take the Owls of FAU to cover.
BC -6.5 Maryland
I had dessert with my cousin who went to Maryland last night. She told me that the football team sucks. It made me think though (as I had my second piece of pie and remembered I hadn't written this post yet). If I couldn't focus on writing an easy blog during Thanksgiving, how can Ralph Friedgen focus on his game against BC? That guy loves pie. I'm taking the Eagles to cover.
Until next week . . .
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
I had to really think hard about this one, but I'm going to give the award to everyone at Notre Dame. Aside from losing to the Orange last week, reports came out that Charlie Weis' buyout would be $4 - $5 million dollars, and the Irish are 32 point underdogs (see below) against rival USC. To top things off, former WR Jeff Samardzija said about Weis, "He's a great coach. He's got a track record for it. If there's somebody out there with a better record, who's a better fit, I'd like to hear who it is." Well you're right, Jeff - Charlie is a great fit. Mainly because he's the only guy there who wears size 56 khakis and there must be a ton of them in the AD's office. On to the picks.
USC -32 Notre Dame
I don't care how badly the Irish played against Syracuse last week, a 32 point spread is too big for even me to take. I'll go with the Irish taking the points.
BUFFALO -9 Kent State
With MAC "Powerhouse" Ball State quietly finishing up their 12-0 schedule this week (after playing zero games on Fridays or Saturdays since before Halloween), they will face Buffalo in the MAC Championship for the right to go on to the Ted Nugent Motor City Bowl. Argue all you want that they deserve a shot at the NCAA Championship, but with three other undefeated teams (as of this writing), all of which have played far tougher schedules than Ball State, I think the Cardinals are well suited for the "Winner of the MAC Bowl."
Now, for the Bulls-Golden Flashes match up, I really like this Buffalo team. I wasn't so high on them after they started 2-4, but after rattling off 5 straight wins (including two-straight in OT), I think they have an outside shot to beat Ball State. Bulls QB (Randolph, NJ's own Drew Willy) has turned the team around, and I don't think that the defense of Kent State (ranked 101st in points allowed) will match up well with Buffalo, who have scored 25+ points in all but two of their games this season. HOWEVER, Buffalo has already sealed up their spot in the MAC championship, and a 9 point spread seems kind of steep for a team that will look to rest a lot of starters in a game played where it is currently snowing. I'll take Kent State with the points here.
MIZZOU -15.5 Kansas
Neither team has anything to play for (except Kansas having a winning season), but I don't think the Tigers will step off the gas with the Big XII Championship game coming up in a week. Then they have to spend the whole week prepping for Texas/Oklahoma/Texas Tech. They'd better start reading up on them all now. I like Mizzou to cover.
FAU -4.5 FIU
If Florida Atlantic University wins, they become bowl eligible. I'm not sure, but I think they get an automatic invite to the Boca Raton Bowl against the winner of the Del Vista Vikings and the Fighting Prunes of Century Village. I'll take the Owls of FAU to cover.
BC -6.5 Maryland
I had dessert with my cousin who went to Maryland last night. She told me that the football team sucks. It made me think though (as I had my second piece of pie and remembered I hadn't written this post yet). If I couldn't focus on writing an easy blog during Thanksgiving, how can Ralph Friedgen focus on his game against BC? That guy loves pie. I'm taking the Eagles to cover.
Until next week . . .
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Week 13 Results
After a solid week, I'm one win away from bowl eligibility. As long as I don't pull a Notre Dame, things looks good. Seriously, Irish? After nearly losing to Navy in the last 90 second of your game, and then losing to Syracuse (who all but switched to "basketball season is here!" mode) you're a loss to USC away from going .500 and 0-4 against AP Top 25 teams this season. AND, your own fans are throwing snowballs at you. Thanks for the quote, Associated Press. You couldn't have found a better player to interview. I'm sure he's glad the Irish don't have names on the backs of their uniforms. Also, who knew so many Philly fans went to Notre Dame?
Week 13: 3-2
Season: 36-28-1
Week 13: 3-2
Season: 36-28-1
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Week 13 - A little bit of luck
Big week for college football - OU-Texas Tech, Utah-BYU, and the always intense Florida-Citadel!! Some of these teams are very evenly matched and I could have a hard time picking the winners without a little bit of luck. Granted with people losing their savings, and a report by the government that a huge earthquake could devastate middle America, I figure a 2-3 week isn't such a horrible thing, right? Now a 1-4 week on the other hand . .
On other thought - I know that their SEC schedule is done, but #4 Florida scheduled Citadel for a late season match up? I know its a good game for their stats and helps out the bowl picture, but that's just mean. Although, as Michael Scott says, "Sometimes the ends justifies the mean."
On other thought - I know that their SEC schedule is done, but #4 Florida scheduled Citadel for a late season match up? I know its a good game for their stats and helps out the bowl picture, but that's just mean. Although, as Michael Scott says, "Sometimes the ends justifies the mean."
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, who said about his fans, "It's amazing some of the things that people would say [on a message board] or yell at you of a personal nature. You almost want to tell them, 'Get a life.'" Yeah, seriously. Who are these people that spend multiple hours on college football message boards? They need to get a life! On to my picks.
Unlv -12 San Diego State
This game will be the last of the season for the Aztecs, and could very well be the same for a good number of their coaching staff. UNLV (5-6) on the other hand is on the verge of being bowl eligible after going 2-10 last year. Let's not over think this game. SDSU ranks 112th or worse in both offense and defense. UNLV is paying for a postseason spot. I'm going to take the Rebels to cover.
NOTE: When Gary Busey calls shotgun, LET HIM HAVE IT!! When you make Sean Stewart and Jeff Conway look sane, and Rodney King is mediating your disputes, you are not playing with a full deck. Gary's love for Jeff lives, "5,000 miles past Heaven." Right.
Oklahoma -6.5 Texas Tech
Let's get this one out of the way. I don't want to sound cocky, and I've realized that the Sooners have a real advantage going into this game. Star of my fantasy college football team, Sam Bradford! Bradford, who leads the top scoring offense in the nation, will be playing at home in arguably the biggest game of his young career, and he'll be doing it in front of a very friendly home crowd (where the Red Raiders haven't fared that well in the past). However, on the opposite side of the ball, is the top QB-WR tandem in the nation in Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree who have connected for 18 TDs this season, and head up the #1 passing offensive in the NCAA. Unfortunately, neither team defends the pass especially well, with Texas Tech ranked 99th and OU ranked 94th. I'll go out on a limb and take the over in this game, even if its 75.5. As for the line, I like Oklahoma to win this one, making a total mess of the Big XII South with one week to play. I'll take the Sooners with the points.
NOTE: I just saw the new Guitar Hero commercial featuring Kobe, A-Rod, Tony Hawk and Michael Phelps. Oh please - like those four guys hang out in their boxers and lip-sync to Old Time Rock & Roll together. Clearly that would never happen; A-Rod wears Madonna's panties.
Washington -7 Washington State
Really, someone has to win this game? This is like the anti-OU/TX Tech. If these two teams put up a negative score, it wouldn't surprise me. Granted with Washington ranked 117th in scoring defense, and Washington State ranked 119th, it could be a real shootout. Granted both teams rank at the bottom in scoring offense, so that makes it a bit of a moot point. Rumor has it, to boost their offense, the Huskies are heavily recruiting Cody Paul. Looks like he could help. Maybe this is the week that the Washington steps up and defends the honor of Ty Willingham.
Nah. I'll take the Cougars and their Tardy RB with the points.
Vandy -3 Tennessee
Yikes. The Vols are a 3 point underdog to a team without an athletic department. Better skip that one. I don't think Bruce Pearl would come out for games at this point.
CINCY -5 Pitt
The Big East title will likely come down to this game. I hate to keep beating a dead horse, but barring a miracle, one of these two teams will likely play North Carolina in the least exciting Orange Bowl ever. Meanwhile #14 BYU will play in the Armed Forces Bowl against Rice or Houston.
I'm sorry, but when the two "dominant" teams in the Big East are outscoring opponents by under a touchdown per game, we need to rethink some of these automatic bowl bids (and yes, I know that Big East teams went 4-2 in bowl games last season).
My key takeaway from this game - field goals. I think the game will be close, and could possibly go into sudden death overtime (wouldn't that be exciting!!) Here's where it gets interesting. The Bearcats rank 103rd in defending against field goals. Pitt ranks 10th in field goals this season, connecting on 88.9% of them. Is this a relatively meaningless stat? YES!! But you try finding a unique angle about this game. I'm taking The Panthers with the points.
UTAH -6 Byu
Utah is still undefeated, and goes into this game looking to win the MWC title outright. BYU, and Utah have managed to end up just about where they were ranked in the pre-season coaches polls, which makes you wonder if any of the coaches have watched either of these teams play. I'd say its doubtful, since they play most of their games on the same days as the coaches do, and most of the Utah/BYU games aren't televised nationally (thanks Notre Dame & NBC! - although last week's near comeback victory by Navy where the Irish allowed Navy to recover two onside kicks in under a minute reminded me of how fun a real-life Madden game can be.) This game will air on "The Mtn." which is the TV network of the MWC. Fantastic programming here - I think the BYU-Utah game is preceded by "A Day in the Life - UNLV Cheerleaders." You can click it - its safe for work.
Bottom line - I don't see how BYU can stop Brian Johnson, and I salute him for it. And yes, I've been waiting all season for that. I'll take the Utes to cover the spread.
Until next week . . .
Yikes. The Vols are a 3 point underdog to a team without an athletic department. Better skip that one. I don't think Bruce Pearl would come out for games at this point.
CINCY -5 Pitt
The Big East title will likely come down to this game. I hate to keep beating a dead horse, but barring a miracle, one of these two teams will likely play North Carolina in the least exciting Orange Bowl ever. Meanwhile #14 BYU will play in the Armed Forces Bowl against Rice or Houston.
I'm sorry, but when the two "dominant" teams in the Big East are outscoring opponents by under a touchdown per game, we need to rethink some of these automatic bowl bids (and yes, I know that Big East teams went 4-2 in bowl games last season).
My key takeaway from this game - field goals. I think the game will be close, and could possibly go into sudden death overtime (wouldn't that be exciting!!) Here's where it gets interesting. The Bearcats rank 103rd in defending against field goals. Pitt ranks 10th in field goals this season, connecting on 88.9% of them. Is this a relatively meaningless stat? YES!! But you try finding a unique angle about this game. I'm taking The Panthers with the points.
UTAH -6 Byu
Utah is still undefeated, and goes into this game looking to win the MWC title outright. BYU, and Utah have managed to end up just about where they were ranked in the pre-season coaches polls, which makes you wonder if any of the coaches have watched either of these teams play. I'd say its doubtful, since they play most of their games on the same days as the coaches do, and most of the Utah/BYU games aren't televised nationally (thanks Notre Dame & NBC! - although last week's near comeback victory by Navy where the Irish allowed Navy to recover two onside kicks in under a minute reminded me of how fun a real-life Madden game can be.) This game will air on "The Mtn." which is the TV network of the MWC. Fantastic programming here - I think the BYU-Utah game is preceded by "A Day in the Life - UNLV Cheerleaders." You can click it - its safe for work.
Bottom line - I don't see how BYU can stop Brian Johnson, and I salute him for it. And yes, I've been waiting all season for that. I'll take the Utes to cover the spread.
Until next week . . .
Week 12 Results
Week 12: 3-2
Season: 33-26-1
With three weeks left, I'd have to do worse than 4-11 to finish below .500 for the season. Not bad for someone who struggled to stay above water for the entire 2007 campaign.
Season: 33-26-1
With three weeks left, I'd have to do worse than 4-11 to finish below .500 for the season. Not bad for someone who struggled to stay above water for the entire 2007 campaign.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Week 12 - Where the Pats by 3.5 is as crazy as Gary Busey
I LOVE Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. Steven Adler might just be my new favorite TV character. The Busey-Adler dynamic is almost as entertaining as Haim-Feldman. Or at the very least, Barnum & Bailey.
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
Not wanting to disappoint, a group of Florida State football players were involved in a brawl with a fraternity this week. In the Student Union. At lunch.
Allegedly, the brawl involved a number of Seminole players coming to the aid of WR Taiwan Easterling. Reports out of FSU name African American fraternity chapter Phi Beta Sigma as being involved (let's not get into the fact that the race of the fraternity was part of the news report), which is surprising, because usually Taiwan is at odds with China . . . Right.
If Easterling is suspended this week, it would mark the 6th time this season that one or more wide receivers have missed a game because of a suspension. Well done, FSU - way to keep up that stellar reputation.
On to the picks
UPDATE: I just saw Kenickie's crack. Thanks, VH1. I wasn't sure if I could dislike Grease any more than I already did.
USC -23 Stanford
If this guy is rooting for the Spartans, I say pick em! I'll take USC giving the points.
Ucla -7 Washington
Ty Willingham expressed his frustration this week with the progress of the nation's universities in hiring minority football coaches. Not to get on a soapbox here, because I am all for equal opportunities, but Ty - you weren't fired because you're black. You were fired because you're winless. "Obviously, we've got to remake the system," Willingham said. "It's not working." No, Ty - what's not working is your offensive scheme. A -26.7 scoring margin is no way to go through life. Neither of these teams can run the ball well, and neither does a particularly good job at scoring either. However, Washington just cannot win. Maybe they'll finally break into the win collumn next week against Washington State, but UCLA isn't going to lose against this awful team, unless they run the annexation of Puerto Rico. I'll take the Bruins to cover.
Michigan -4 Northwestern
After winning five straight to start the season, Northwestern has gone 2-3 and looks worse than they really are after getting schooled by Ohio State last week, 45-10. Michigan is just plain bad. QB Steven Threet has the second lowest pass completion rate (50.8%) and the fewest yards per pass attempt in the Big Ten (5.6), Michigan's rushing game is averaging the lowest yards per game (314), and the Wolverines have the fewest number of first downs per game in the conference (16). I'm sure Rich Rodriguez is still wishing he was here rather than here. The good news? Big Blue gets a fresh start with their 2-0 basketball team. The bad news, this is a football game, and Michigan isn't covering the spread. I'll take Northwestern with the points.
Texas -12.5 Kansas
FACT: The Jayhawks have allowed 21+ points in 60% of their games this season.
FACT: Texas has lost only 10 games since 2001 when they score 20 or more points.
FACT: Though Texas QB Colt McCoy may no longer be the Heisman front runner, he still leads the country in completion percentage (78.0%).
FACT: Kansas is allowing 276.3 yards passing per game, fourth-worst in the nation.
FACT: Once Texas beats Kansas, and Oklahoma ruins Texas Tech's perfect season next week, there will be three teams with 6-1 records in the Big XII South, with Baylor (3-7), Texas A&M (4-6), and Oklahoma State (36 point loser to Texas Tech) all getting a chance to play spoiler.
This shouldn't be too tough to figure out; I like the Longhorns to cover.
UPDATE: George Washington Basketball Starts Today. If this team is anything like last year's squad - the tears will rain down like a monsoon.
Byu -5.5 Air Force
TRAP GAME ALERT
There are four 8-win teams in the Mountain West Conference, which is more than the SEC, the Big Ten, and the Big East. Two of those MWC teams are playing each other this week, and one of them, sadly, is going to the Las Vegas Bowl (Sponsored by Nick Papageorgio - no corrective lenses required!). NOTE: Is that chicken or beef on the end?
Somehow, a team with an above .750 win percentage is going to end up having to watch Kentucky (2-4 in SEC play) play in a better post-season bowl game. But enough about the glory of the BCS conferences. I think BYU might look past this game to their matchup with Utah next week. Maybe not enough to lose, but enough to give the Falcons a chance at keeping it close. I'll take Air Force with the points.
Until next week . . .
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
Not wanting to disappoint, a group of Florida State football players were involved in a brawl with a fraternity this week. In the Student Union. At lunch.
Allegedly, the brawl involved a number of Seminole players coming to the aid of WR Taiwan Easterling. Reports out of FSU name African American fraternity chapter Phi Beta Sigma as being involved (let's not get into the fact that the race of the fraternity was part of the news report), which is surprising, because usually Taiwan is at odds with China . . . Right.
If Easterling is suspended this week, it would mark the 6th time this season that one or more wide receivers have missed a game because of a suspension. Well done, FSU - way to keep up that stellar reputation.
On to the picks
UPDATE: I just saw Kenickie's crack. Thanks, VH1. I wasn't sure if I could dislike Grease any more than I already did.
USC -23 Stanford
If this guy is rooting for the Spartans, I say pick em! I'll take USC giving the points.
Ucla -7 Washington
Ty Willingham expressed his frustration this week with the progress of the nation's universities in hiring minority football coaches. Not to get on a soapbox here, because I am all for equal opportunities, but Ty - you weren't fired because you're black. You were fired because you're winless. "Obviously, we've got to remake the system," Willingham said. "It's not working." No, Ty - what's not working is your offensive scheme. A -26.7 scoring margin is no way to go through life. Neither of these teams can run the ball well, and neither does a particularly good job at scoring either. However, Washington just cannot win. Maybe they'll finally break into the win collumn next week against Washington State, but UCLA isn't going to lose against this awful team, unless they run the annexation of Puerto Rico. I'll take the Bruins to cover.
Michigan -4 Northwestern
After winning five straight to start the season, Northwestern has gone 2-3 and looks worse than they really are after getting schooled by Ohio State last week, 45-10. Michigan is just plain bad. QB Steven Threet has the second lowest pass completion rate (50.8%) and the fewest yards per pass attempt in the Big Ten (5.6), Michigan's rushing game is averaging the lowest yards per game (314), and the Wolverines have the fewest number of first downs per game in the conference (16). I'm sure Rich Rodriguez is still wishing he was here rather than here. The good news? Big Blue gets a fresh start with their 2-0 basketball team. The bad news, this is a football game, and Michigan isn't covering the spread. I'll take Northwestern with the points.
Texas -12.5 Kansas
FACT: The Jayhawks have allowed 21+ points in 60% of their games this season.
FACT: Texas has lost only 10 games since 2001 when they score 20 or more points.
FACT: Though Texas QB Colt McCoy may no longer be the Heisman front runner, he still leads the country in completion percentage (78.0%).
FACT: Kansas is allowing 276.3 yards passing per game, fourth-worst in the nation.
FACT: Once Texas beats Kansas, and Oklahoma ruins Texas Tech's perfect season next week, there will be three teams with 6-1 records in the Big XII South, with Baylor (3-7), Texas A&M (4-6), and Oklahoma State (36 point loser to Texas Tech) all getting a chance to play spoiler.
This shouldn't be too tough to figure out; I like the Longhorns to cover.
UPDATE: George Washington Basketball Starts Today. If this team is anything like last year's squad - the tears will rain down like a monsoon.
Byu -5.5 Air Force
TRAP GAME ALERT
There are four 8-win teams in the Mountain West Conference, which is more than the SEC, the Big Ten, and the Big East. Two of those MWC teams are playing each other this week, and one of them, sadly, is going to the Las Vegas Bowl (Sponsored by Nick Papageorgio - no corrective lenses required!). NOTE: Is that chicken or beef on the end?
Somehow, a team with an above .750 win percentage is going to end up having to watch Kentucky (2-4 in SEC play) play in a better post-season bowl game. But enough about the glory of the BCS conferences. I think BYU might look past this game to their matchup with Utah next week. Maybe not enough to lose, but enough to give the Falcons a chance at keeping it close. I'll take Air Force with the points.
Until next week . . .
Week 11 Results
Week 11: 4-1
Season: 30-24-1
I was an interception in the end zone away from a 5-0 week. Oh well, 4-1 isn't anything to sneeze at.
Season: 30-24-1
I was an interception in the end zone away from a 5-0 week. Oh well, 4-1 isn't anything to sneeze at.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Week 11 - HOPE
This week we proved that Hope isn't just a place in Arkansas. Its also what I need to keep me over .500. Oh, and we elected a new president who is big on hope too. Its what his hometown Northwestern Wildcats will need a lot of against Ohio State this week.
Bonehead of the Week:
The Marshall employee who left the cart in the back of the end zone. I'll let you take a look for yourself.
"Total focus . . . Ohhh!!" And thanks, ESPN for all of the camera angles.
On to the picks . . .
RUTGERS -15 Syracuse (the Babaian-Blumenstock Classic)
Rutgers, coming off the bye week, has won their last two games in impressive fashion, beating two of the top teams in the (insert synonym for overrated here) Big East. The Scarlet Knights look like they finally have rounded the corner, hit their stride, and a load of other "we're finally doing well" cliches. Syracuse on the other hand . . . well talking about how bad they has become a cliche itself. What nice things can I say about this Orange team? They've matched their Big East win total from last season, and are guaranteed at least the same number of wins as they had in 2007 as well - two big positives! What else? . . . their mascot can beat Penn State. Now the reality: Syracuse is winless on the road this season, and they play their home games in a dome. Forecast for Piscataway, NJ on Saturday? Rain. Really, what else would you expect from NJ? The biggest question I'm left with is whether or not Rutgers can win this game by 15. I'll probably kick myself for this one on Sunday, but I like the Scarlet Knights to cover.
BC -3 Notre Dame (the Holy War or the "We'll Both be Happy to be Bowl Eligible at the End of the Season" Classic)
The likelihood that both of these teams will not head to a bowl game is slim. However, reports that Jimmy Clausen is less than 100% heading into Chestnut Hill this week, and the fact that the Eagles could potentially lose out the season has many fans of Jesuit football teams worried. On top of that, Charlie Weis had an MRI on Wednesday that revealed he has a torn anterior cruciate, medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments, his lateral meniscus and the posterior capsule, which Weis admitted, "I don't even know what it is." Do you hear that, JoePa? Charlie barely has a knee left to stand on, but he doesn't coach from the press box.
Sorry - I got sidetracked.
This game will come down to offensive efficiency. BC's run attack is their strong point, ND's is their passing game. Though the Irish mixed their passing game well with some success on the ground, they have yet to show that they can do without the arm of Jimmy Clausen and still win. The Eagles know that in order to play in something better than the Eagle Bank Bowl, they're going to have to win this game and then steal another of their next three. For the Irish, I just don't see a big road win here. I'll take BC to cover and win their 6th straight against the Irish.
ECU -8 Marshall
Talk about two teams that started off the season in opposite places and managed to meet in the middle. Kind of like these guys. Yeah, that's it! ECU and Marshall are cousins. The Pirates are the cocky guy that starts out strong and then lost 3 straight to bring him back to earth. And The Herd is the funny guy that is all over the place but manages to end up just fine. Except that Marshall is in West Virginia and they marry their cousins there. Well, one of these teams is going to lose, and the other is going to celebrate as the top in the CoUSinA East. I like Marshall with the points.
Fresno State -2 Nevada
Fresno State lost to Louisiana Tech last week because they could not for the life of them stop the run. In fact, the Bulldogs have allowed 200+ yards rushing in 5 of their last 6 games. This is bad news since Nevada just happens to be averaging 300+ yards per game, making them the 4th best in the nation. This could go bad quickly. Couple that with the fact that Fresno State has one home win this season, and I shudder to think how far the Bulldogs have fallen since beating Rutgers. I like the Wolfpack getting the points.
Alabama -3 LSU
So you may have heard about this one. Evidently Alabama coach Nick Saban used to coach at LSU, and this week he's heading back there for the first time since he left. Wait, he won a National Championship with them too? Gee, that must be awkward. No wonder LSU fans hate Saban so much, I mean, what else did he do besides turn them into a contender in the tough SEC, rebuild their athletic facilities, restock their team through great recruiting, put up a 48-12 record, and win 2 SEC championships and a national title? Talk about doing nothing in five seasons for the Purple and Gold.
How worked up are Tiger fans? Let me share some comments from the "Tiger Droppings" message board:
Oh-wee-oh You suck Nick!
and
I will give $100 to anybody who throws a brick at Saban. Has to hit him in the head though.
followed by
If he can hit him without it being picked off, I'll throw in towards getting him a scholarship
I don't know how Alabama can go into a highly hostile Baton Rouge and win, but I have difficulty seeing LSU as the team that ruins Saban's record. Oh what the heck, who doesn't like storybook endings? I'm taking the Tigers with the points. Another #1 falls. Hooray BCS!!
Until next week . . .
Bonehead of the Week:
The Marshall employee who left the cart in the back of the end zone. I'll let you take a look for yourself.
"Total focus . . . Ohhh!!" And thanks, ESPN for all of the camera angles.
On to the picks . . .
RUTGERS -15 Syracuse (the Babaian-Blumenstock Classic)
Rutgers, coming off the bye week, has won their last two games in impressive fashion, beating two of the top teams in the (insert synonym for overrated here) Big East. The Scarlet Knights look like they finally have rounded the corner, hit their stride, and a load of other "we're finally doing well" cliches. Syracuse on the other hand . . . well talking about how bad they has become a cliche itself. What nice things can I say about this Orange team? They've matched their Big East win total from last season, and are guaranteed at least the same number of wins as they had in 2007 as well - two big positives! What else? . . . their mascot can beat Penn State. Now the reality: Syracuse is winless on the road this season, and they play their home games in a dome. Forecast for Piscataway, NJ on Saturday? Rain. Really, what else would you expect from NJ? The biggest question I'm left with is whether or not Rutgers can win this game by 15. I'll probably kick myself for this one on Sunday, but I like the Scarlet Knights to cover.
BC -3 Notre Dame (the Holy War or the "We'll Both be Happy to be Bowl Eligible at the End of the Season" Classic)
The likelihood that both of these teams will not head to a bowl game is slim. However, reports that Jimmy Clausen is less than 100% heading into Chestnut Hill this week, and the fact that the Eagles could potentially lose out the season has many fans of Jesuit football teams worried. On top of that, Charlie Weis had an MRI on Wednesday that revealed he has a torn anterior cruciate, medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments, his lateral meniscus and the posterior capsule, which Weis admitted, "I don't even know what it is." Do you hear that, JoePa? Charlie barely has a knee left to stand on, but he doesn't coach from the press box.
Sorry - I got sidetracked.
This game will come down to offensive efficiency. BC's run attack is their strong point, ND's is their passing game. Though the Irish mixed their passing game well with some success on the ground, they have yet to show that they can do without the arm of Jimmy Clausen and still win. The Eagles know that in order to play in something better than the Eagle Bank Bowl, they're going to have to win this game and then steal another of their next three. For the Irish, I just don't see a big road win here. I'll take BC to cover and win their 6th straight against the Irish.
ECU -8 Marshall
Talk about two teams that started off the season in opposite places and managed to meet in the middle. Kind of like these guys. Yeah, that's it! ECU and Marshall are cousins. The Pirates are the cocky guy that starts out strong and then lost 3 straight to bring him back to earth. And The Herd is the funny guy that is all over the place but manages to end up just fine. Except that Marshall is in West Virginia and they marry their cousins there. Well, one of these teams is going to lose, and the other is going to celebrate as the top in the CoUSinA East. I like Marshall with the points.
Fresno State -2 Nevada
Fresno State lost to Louisiana Tech last week because they could not for the life of them stop the run. In fact, the Bulldogs have allowed 200+ yards rushing in 5 of their last 6 games. This is bad news since Nevada just happens to be averaging 300+ yards per game, making them the 4th best in the nation. This could go bad quickly. Couple that with the fact that Fresno State has one home win this season, and I shudder to think how far the Bulldogs have fallen since beating Rutgers. I like the Wolfpack getting the points.
Alabama -3 LSU
So you may have heard about this one. Evidently Alabama coach Nick Saban used to coach at LSU, and this week he's heading back there for the first time since he left. Wait, he won a National Championship with them too? Gee, that must be awkward. No wonder LSU fans hate Saban so much, I mean, what else did he do besides turn them into a contender in the tough SEC, rebuild their athletic facilities, restock their team through great recruiting, put up a 48-12 record, and win 2 SEC championships and a national title? Talk about doing nothing in five seasons for the Purple and Gold.
How worked up are Tiger fans? Let me share some comments from the "Tiger Droppings" message board:
Oh-wee-oh You suck Nick!
and
I will give $100 to anybody who throws a brick at Saban. Has to hit him in the head though.
followed by
If he can hit him without it being picked off, I'll throw in towards getting him a scholarship
I don't know how Alabama can go into a highly hostile Baton Rouge and win, but I have difficulty seeing LSU as the team that ruins Saban's record. Oh what the heck, who doesn't like storybook endings? I'm taking the Tigers with the points. Another #1 falls. Hooray BCS!!
Until next week . . .
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Week 10 Results
Week 10 Results: 3-2
Season: 26-23-1
Can we turn this thing around and stay above .500? YES WE CAN!!
Season: 26-23-1
Can we turn this thing around and stay above .500? YES WE CAN!!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Week 10 - Cocktails!!
What could be better than Halloween followed by the 86th Annual World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party? Taking the day off on Friday, that's what. I'll be spending October 31 in the land of the witches, Salem, MA. What's up, witches? After watching the first episode of Season 2 of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, and seeing what a mess Rodney King has become due to alcohol abuse (not to mention the state of Steven Adler - oops, wrong Steven Adler), I've decided to lay off the drinking. For the next few days at least, or until I need advice on a Penn State game - whichever comes first.
On a side note, I refuse to be called out by this guy. That's right, The Mark, the gauntlet has been thrown. I may write this crappy blog, but at least I never slept with Lumbergh.
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
I usually don't stray away from football with this pick, but being in the NYC area, I have to point out Isiah Thomas, who was allegedly hospitalized this week after overdosing on prescription Lunesta. Well either Zeke or his 17-year old daughter. As the reports continue to come out, it seems police responded to a 911 call at the Thomas home, and an unidentified man was rushed to the hospital unconscious after taking more than the recommended dosage of sleeping medication. Howeve, Thomas denies it was him, insisting it was his 17-year-old daughter, Lauren, who required treatment.
My favorite quote from this fiasco? Police chief David Hall, who defended his officers saying, "We know the difference between a 47-year-old black male and a young black female." With the way that Thomas ran the Knicks last year, its a wonder that he knows the difference himself. Seriously, though. OD'ing on Lunesta isn't funny, and we wish Isiah/his daughter a speedy recovery.
On to the Picks
Western KY -16.5 North Texas
As if the 0-8 start could get any worse for the Mean Green, North Texas announced Tuesday that
15 of their 86 players had failed a drug test earlier this fall. I guess Denton, TX isn't just the Home of Happiness, but also of "street drugs." Street drugs? Who am I, my 8th grade guidance counselor? Regardless, the Hilltoppers are pretty bad in their own right, mustering just over 10 points per game against D-1 teams this year. I'm guessing that Western Kentucky will probably be able to score more than the 20 points they put up last week when they face the 119th ranked defense in the nation. I'm taking WKY and their ridiculous mascot to cover.
Florida -5.5 Georgia
Call it what you will, but there isn't a better game on Florida's schedule this season than the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Last year's game featured a classy celebration by the Bullldogs after a Knowshon Moreno TD. I'm guessing neither team will need any extra motivation, since the winner of this game is likely taking the SEC East title and a shot at one of the major 2009 bowl games. Since I had no older siblings and I didn't go to a school with a football team, by default I followed the school my cousin Erin went to - the Gators during the days of the Ole Ball Coach and Danny Wuerffel, of whom Spurrier once said, "Danny is the best quarterback that has ever played college football." Who cares that Wuerffel didn't quite make it in the NFL? How many people can say they won an NCAA championship and a World League Championship?
I think this game comes down to the Lord. If Wuerffel, the son of a Lutheran chaplain, could lead Florida to two national championship games, just imagine what Tebow, the son of two Christian Missionaries can do! That and the Gator defense is holding opponents to under 12 points per game. But mostly the Lord. I'm taking the Gators to cover.
Virginia -1.5 Miami
Somehow, Virginia is 5-3 this season, yet they are being outscored on average by 4.5 points per game. What does that mean? Not much, besides that fact that I'm a stat head. That, and they really haven't had many close games (outside of their last two games, an OT win vs. NC State, and a 7 point upset of GA Tech). Lately, though, the Cavaliers seem to be making a run at the ACC Coastal title. In fact, senior RB Cedric Peerman has just come into his own, with 6 of his 7 TD's coming in his last four games. Two straight wins against two ranked opponents could set Virginia up for a letdown. However, Miami is one of the younger and more inexperienced ACC teams (two of their top WR's are true freshmen), and try as he might, the specter of last season's 48-0 beating at the hands of Virginia to close the Orange Bowl is hanging over coach Randy Shannon's head. I don't love the fact that Virginia is only favored by 1.5 at home (which likely means that Danny Sheridan knows something that I don't), but in this case I'm trusting my gut and taking the Cavaliers to cover.
USC -43 Washington
Poor Ty Willingham. I'm beginning to wonder if Notre Dame fans would even take him back at this point. A week after losing to the last team that employed him, the University of Washington announced that it was firing Ty Willingham . . . at the end of the season. I'm sure the Huskies are ready to go out and defend the honor of their coach against a USC team that dismantled Washington State by 69 points two weeks ago. Now the Trojans will see if they can do the same at home to arguably the worst BCS conference team in the nation (nothing is more awkward than three white guys flexing). Interesting stat - Washington is 0-29 since 2001 in games where they have scored fewer than 20 points (USC is giving up less than 9 points per game this season). The good news? This game isn't televised nationally. I'm taking USC to cover.
West VA -4.5 UConn
Sorry, I've been sleeping on the Big East all season. I just looked at the standings and realized that South Florida is the only ranked team (#24) and that two of the better teams in the conference (the Huskies and Pitt) have both lost to Rutgers. The only thing more disappointing than the Big Eas(y)t this season, is this Sunday night's match up between the Colts and the Patriots. I don't even think Tom Brady and his gangrenous leg will watch that game (you were prepared for a gross photo, right?). Getting back to the college game, the winner of this game (sadly) is almost guaranteed a BCS Bowl Game bid, which might just be one of the funniest/saddest things I've seen in a while. As for the game, I'll take West Virginia to cover the spread against UConn's Tyler "Don't Call Me the Hefty Lefty, We're Not Related" Lorenzen.
Until next week . . .
On a side note, I refuse to be called out by this guy. That's right, The Mark, the gauntlet has been thrown. I may write this crappy blog, but at least I never slept with Lumbergh.
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
I usually don't stray away from football with this pick, but being in the NYC area, I have to point out Isiah Thomas, who was allegedly hospitalized this week after overdosing on prescription Lunesta. Well either Zeke or his 17-year old daughter. As the reports continue to come out, it seems police responded to a 911 call at the Thomas home, and an unidentified man was rushed to the hospital unconscious after taking more than the recommended dosage of sleeping medication. Howeve, Thomas denies it was him, insisting it was his 17-year-old daughter, Lauren, who required treatment.
My favorite quote from this fiasco? Police chief David Hall, who defended his officers saying, "We know the difference between a 47-year-old black male and a young black female." With the way that Thomas ran the Knicks last year, its a wonder that he knows the difference himself. Seriously, though. OD'ing on Lunesta isn't funny, and we wish Isiah/his daughter a speedy recovery.
On to the Picks
Western KY -16.5 North Texas
As if the 0-8 start could get any worse for the Mean Green, North Texas announced Tuesday that
15 of their 86 players had failed a drug test earlier this fall. I guess Denton, TX isn't just the Home of Happiness, but also of "street drugs." Street drugs? Who am I, my 8th grade guidance counselor? Regardless, the Hilltoppers are pretty bad in their own right, mustering just over 10 points per game against D-1 teams this year. I'm guessing that Western Kentucky will probably be able to score more than the 20 points they put up last week when they face the 119th ranked defense in the nation. I'm taking WKY and their ridiculous mascot to cover.
Florida -5.5 Georgia
Call it what you will, but there isn't a better game on Florida's schedule this season than the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Last year's game featured a classy celebration by the Bullldogs after a Knowshon Moreno TD. I'm guessing neither team will need any extra motivation, since the winner of this game is likely taking the SEC East title and a shot at one of the major 2009 bowl games. Since I had no older siblings and I didn't go to a school with a football team, by default I followed the school my cousin Erin went to - the Gators during the days of the Ole Ball Coach and Danny Wuerffel, of whom Spurrier once said, "Danny is the best quarterback that has ever played college football." Who cares that Wuerffel didn't quite make it in the NFL? How many people can say they won an NCAA championship and a World League Championship?
I think this game comes down to the Lord. If Wuerffel, the son of a Lutheran chaplain, could lead Florida to two national championship games, just imagine what Tebow, the son of two Christian Missionaries can do! That and the Gator defense is holding opponents to under 12 points per game. But mostly the Lord. I'm taking the Gators to cover.
Virginia -1.5 Miami
Somehow, Virginia is 5-3 this season, yet they are being outscored on average by 4.5 points per game. What does that mean? Not much, besides that fact that I'm a stat head. That, and they really haven't had many close games (outside of their last two games, an OT win vs. NC State, and a 7 point upset of GA Tech). Lately, though, the Cavaliers seem to be making a run at the ACC Coastal title. In fact, senior RB Cedric Peerman has just come into his own, with 6 of his 7 TD's coming in his last four games. Two straight wins against two ranked opponents could set Virginia up for a letdown. However, Miami is one of the younger and more inexperienced ACC teams (two of their top WR's are true freshmen), and try as he might, the specter of last season's 48-0 beating at the hands of Virginia to close the Orange Bowl is hanging over coach Randy Shannon's head. I don't love the fact that Virginia is only favored by 1.5 at home (which likely means that Danny Sheridan knows something that I don't), but in this case I'm trusting my gut and taking the Cavaliers to cover.
USC -43 Washington
Poor Ty Willingham. I'm beginning to wonder if Notre Dame fans would even take him back at this point. A week after losing to the last team that employed him, the University of Washington announced that it was firing Ty Willingham . . . at the end of the season. I'm sure the Huskies are ready to go out and defend the honor of their coach against a USC team that dismantled Washington State by 69 points two weeks ago. Now the Trojans will see if they can do the same at home to arguably the worst BCS conference team in the nation (nothing is more awkward than three white guys flexing). Interesting stat - Washington is 0-29 since 2001 in games where they have scored fewer than 20 points (USC is giving up less than 9 points per game this season). The good news? This game isn't televised nationally. I'm taking USC to cover.
West VA -4.5 UConn
Sorry, I've been sleeping on the Big East all season. I just looked at the standings and realized that South Florida is the only ranked team (#24) and that two of the better teams in the conference (the Huskies and Pitt) have both lost to Rutgers. The only thing more disappointing than the Big Eas(y)t this season, is this Sunday night's match up between the Colts and the Patriots. I don't even think Tom Brady and his gangrenous leg will watch that game (you were prepared for a gross photo, right?). Getting back to the college game, the winner of this game (sadly) is almost guaranteed a BCS Bowl Game bid, which might just be one of the funniest/saddest things I've seen in a while. As for the game, I'll take West Virginia to cover the spread against UConn's Tyler "Don't Call Me the Hefty Lefty, We're Not Related" Lorenzen.
Until next week . . .
Week 9 Results
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
Week 9 results: 2-3
Season results: 23-21-1 (dangerously close to .500)
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
I will not pick against Penn State when drunk readers tell me not to.
Week 9 results: 2-3
Season results: 23-21-1 (dangerously close to .500)
Friday, October 24, 2008
Week 9 - Devil's Night!!!
Let me start off by saying that I got this message from a reader last night:
Reader: "Where's the blog?"
Me: "I'll post it tomorrow. Its like 11:30 and I have to go to bed."
Reader: "Bed?! It's Devil's Night!!"
Me: "Devil's Night?"
Reader: "Watch 'The Crow.'"
Me: "Aren't you somebody's husband? Don't you have to be responsible or something?"
Let me just say that A) I have seen the Crow, B) I know what Devil's Night is, and C) I'm pretty sure Devil's night is the NIGHT before Halloween, not the WEEK before Halloween. Thanks for the IM, though.
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK:
Iowa OL James Ferentz who was suspended from the team for underage drinking. While this is bad enough, the coach of the team is also Ferentz' dad, Kirk Ferentz. According to a statement released by the team, Coach Ferentz said, "I was extremely disappointed to learn of James' very poor decision making on several levels. This offense will be treated seriously and his punishment will include immediate and total suspension from all team activities."
Ferentz also added that James will be grounded for three weeks and that he has lost his X-Box 360 privileges until he has "thought long and hard about what he did."
On to the Picks
VANDY -10.5 Duke
So I picked Vanderbilt earlier this season because they seemed like a solid sleeper team. And then they promptly fell asleep, losing two games in a row. However, despite losing 24-14, completing just 50% of his passes, and being picked off twice, Vandy coach Bobby Johnson said that new starting QB Mackenzi Adams "managed the game well and executed the game plan." Duke is not going to be as aggressive as Georgia was, unless there are strippers involved. Allegedly. I like the Commodores to cover the spread.
BYU -22.5 Unlv
I love it when teams from Vegas are involved in ridiculously large spreads against seemingly overrated teams. I'm not even doing research on this one. I'll take the Fighting Mormons to cover.
ARMY -1.5 La Tech
"Go Army, Beat LATech!" doesn't quite have the same ring to it as "Go Army, Beat Navy!" Either way, I don't see the Black Knights having much of a problem with this game; RB Collin Mooney has had three straight weeks of 170+ yards rushing, and the Bulldogs don't figure to hold him to under 100 yards. I'll take Army to cover the spread. It wouldn't be patriotic to do otherwise.
Penn State -2.5 THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
By special request - even though I was planning on picking this one anyway.
Somehow, Penn State has managed to make it through a brutal non-conference schedule (Syracuse, Temple) and four games against the weaker half of Big Ten teams without a loss. Amazing. The Buckeyes on the other hand have one loss (to some team from California) and that loss came without College-Football-Fantasy-League-Stud Beanie Wells. Word out of Happy Valley is that Joe Pa is so excited for this game, he might even watch this one from the sidelines!!
On a side note, I remember when I used to go to the Old People's home with Hebrew School and we used to sing Hanukkah songs for the residents. Some of them just sat there, not really sure what was going on, but happy that there was so much excitement. You draw your own parallels.
Penn State has had a great season so far, but I'm not sure they've really been tested. The Buckeyes on the other hand have a healthy RB who should be the first one to really test the Penn State defense. This should be a really exciting game, but I think the Buck stops here. I'm taking THE OSU with the points.
Michigan State -3.5 MICHIGAN
Congrats to Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez. Ten months after the University of Michigan hired him as its football coach, he signed a contract with the school that runs through 2013. Unfortunately for Rodriguez, I don't think he came all the way from West Virginia to be 3.5 underdogs at home to Michigan State. This is a guy who was coaching the best team in an overrated conference last year. Now he's stuck coaching a mediocre team in an overrated conference. But hey, at least his contract was finalized! I'm going with Sparty to cover the spread.
Until next week . . .
Reader: "Where's the blog?"
Me: "I'll post it tomorrow. Its like 11:30 and I have to go to bed."
Reader: "Bed?! It's Devil's Night!!"
Me: "Devil's Night?"
Reader: "Watch 'The Crow.'"
Me: "Aren't you somebody's husband? Don't you have to be responsible or something?"
Let me just say that A) I have seen the Crow, B) I know what Devil's Night is, and C) I'm pretty sure Devil's night is the NIGHT before Halloween, not the WEEK before Halloween. Thanks for the IM, though.
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK:
Iowa OL James Ferentz who was suspended from the team for underage drinking. While this is bad enough, the coach of the team is also Ferentz' dad, Kirk Ferentz. According to a statement released by the team, Coach Ferentz said, "I was extremely disappointed to learn of James' very poor decision making on several levels. This offense will be treated seriously and his punishment will include immediate and total suspension from all team activities."
Ferentz also added that James will be grounded for three weeks and that he has lost his X-Box 360 privileges until he has "thought long and hard about what he did."
On to the Picks
VANDY -10.5 Duke
So I picked Vanderbilt earlier this season because they seemed like a solid sleeper team. And then they promptly fell asleep, losing two games in a row. However, despite losing 24-14, completing just 50% of his passes, and being picked off twice, Vandy coach Bobby Johnson said that new starting QB Mackenzi Adams "managed the game well and executed the game plan." Duke is not going to be as aggressive as Georgia was, unless there are strippers involved. Allegedly. I like the Commodores to cover the spread.
BYU -22.5 Unlv
I love it when teams from Vegas are involved in ridiculously large spreads against seemingly overrated teams. I'm not even doing research on this one. I'll take the Fighting Mormons to cover.
ARMY -1.5 La Tech
"Go Army, Beat LATech!" doesn't quite have the same ring to it as "Go Army, Beat Navy!" Either way, I don't see the Black Knights having much of a problem with this game; RB Collin Mooney has had three straight weeks of 170+ yards rushing, and the Bulldogs don't figure to hold him to under 100 yards. I'll take Army to cover the spread. It wouldn't be patriotic to do otherwise.
Penn State -2.5 THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
By special request - even though I was planning on picking this one anyway.
Somehow, Penn State has managed to make it through a brutal non-conference schedule (Syracuse, Temple) and four games against the weaker half of Big Ten teams without a loss. Amazing. The Buckeyes on the other hand have one loss (to some team from California) and that loss came without College-Football-Fantasy-League-Stud Beanie Wells. Word out of Happy Valley is that Joe Pa is so excited for this game, he might even watch this one from the sidelines!!
On a side note, I remember when I used to go to the Old People's home with Hebrew School and we used to sing Hanukkah songs for the residents. Some of them just sat there, not really sure what was going on, but happy that there was so much excitement. You draw your own parallels.
Penn State has had a great season so far, but I'm not sure they've really been tested. The Buckeyes on the other hand have a healthy RB who should be the first one to really test the Penn State defense. This should be a really exciting game, but I think the Buck stops here. I'm taking THE OSU with the points.
Michigan State -3.5 MICHIGAN
Congrats to Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez. Ten months after the University of Michigan hired him as its football coach, he signed a contract with the school that runs through 2013. Unfortunately for Rodriguez, I don't think he came all the way from West Virginia to be 3.5 underdogs at home to Michigan State. This is a guy who was coaching the best team in an overrated conference last year. Now he's stuck coaching a mediocre team in an overrated conference. But hey, at least his contract was finalized! I'm going with Sparty to cover the spread.
Until next week . . .
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Week 8 Results
Evidently I'm funny when I've been drinking, and I can almost make coherent football picks. Who knew? Thanks to Maryland for deciding this week was going to be their big win of the season.
Week 8: 2-3
Season: 21-18-1
Week 8: 2-3
Season: 21-18-1
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Week 8 . . . and humbled
So while I wasn't shut out last week, I did go 1-4, and the Red Sox are on the verge of watching the Tampa Bay Rays celebrate an American League Championship in Boston. Between this and the fact that I've been getting to work by 8am and leaving after 7pm everyday (including the weekend) for the last 2 weeks, I'm a bit on edge. Forgive me if this becomes incomprehensible by the end. I'm drinking. Heavily.
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
Narrowly beating out ND's Will Yeatman (suspended for the season after blowing a measly .02 at a house party - fine he's under age and has a prior DUI conviction) is Michigan's Mike Milano who was suspended after being investigated for an alleged assault on a Wolverines hockey player during the weekend. I'm not really that surprised that a walk-on running back got into a fight over the weekend, but I'm more surprised that a 5-foot-7, 193-pound walk-on running back took on a 5-11, 197 pound hockey player, and put him in the hospital. Seriously, Anaheim, you may want to re-think drafting Steve Kampfer if he's losing fights to a guy he is a solid 4 inches taller than.
The Sox just left men stranded for the second straight inning. We're in the top the third and I'm on my second beer. Glorious.
On to the picks.
Wake Forest -1 Maryland
Ugh, I can't stand the ACC.
Maryland fans irritate me. Guess what, no one cares about Ralph Friedgen anymore or if he must protect this houuuuuuuuuse. Case in point - the Terps were shut out by Virginia last week 31-0, and I know Maryland fans who keep pointing to the fact that they beat two ranked teams this season (numbers 20 and 23). Wake Forest features true Freshman Brandon "Teddy" Pendergrass. He is so smooth. See what I did there? I made a joke involving a running back with quick moves and an R&B singer. Oh, who cares? I'll take the Deacons to cover.
Sidebar: I just watched a commercial for the Bayville Scream Park featuring the Temple of Terror. Its a Halloween theme park on Long Island. The Temple of Terror on Long Island? I'll bet there are a few of those during the High Holy Days. Hey!!
Yup, this blog post is going to be a winner. I can feel it.
Bowling Green -9 Miami, OH
The Redhawks of Miami have one win - against Charleston Southern. Not Charleston. Not Southern. Charleston Southern. I'm not sure, but I think its an all-star team of sorts - like the EA Sports teams that play exhibition games before college basketball seasons. Bowling Green beat Pitt. Miami, OH is winless on the road. Bowling Green is winless at home. MAC Football - Catch the Excitement!! I'll take BGU to cover.
Sidebar 2: Evan Longoria just homered off of Dice-K. Seriously, he needs to drill one of these Rays in the ass to get them off the plate. Pedro wouldn't stand for this. Clemens wouldn't stand for this. This is the third homer Matsuzaka has given up tonight. [Note: for the sake of all things right and racially sensitive, I am restraining myself and will not make a WWII comment here. But I thought about it.] Come on, Dice-K - show some F**CKING SACK!!! Yes I'm on Beer 3. Keep it to yourself.
South Florida -24 Syracuse
The Bulls have had 2 weeks to prepare for Syracuse, the 105th ranked defense in the country. How will they deal with such a formidable opponent? QB Matt Grothe could throw left-handed, and I still think South Florida wins by 14. Sorry, B, the Orange are just outmatched. I'm going with the Bulls to cover.
Sidebar 3: Dice-K goes 4 innings and gives up 5 runs. In his first at-bat Varitek struck out with a runner on base, making him 0-11 in the ALCS, and he allowed Iwamura to steal third. Where's Manny when you need him? No, thank you Scott Boras. Enjoy your winter vacationing with Boston's money. I'm officially drunk. On the bright side, there's a "no-Dereks-with-mustache-clause." Bummer. Dude.
Kentucky -9 Arkansas
Neither of these teams stands out to me. Kentucky hung with #2 Alabama for 4 quarters before losing 17-14. The Wildcats are also outscoring opponents by 15+ points this year. On the other side of the coin, Arkansas' QB is named Casey Dick. Sorry, Kentucky, but when the QB of the other team is a Dick, you're not going to to win. I'll take the Razorbacks with the points.
Sidebar 4: Down by 5 runs, the Red Sox bring in the Pride of Hyde Park, MA (and my favorite reliever) Manny Delcarmen and his 22.50 ALCS ERA who promptly walks the first two men he sees. Not even Craig Sager's jacket could ruin this moment for me. And yes, Papelbon is on in the 7th inning. On a 1-0 pitch, he becomes the first pitcher to back B.J. Upton off the plate. Wonderful. This is followed by a successful double steal on Jason Varitek who is sporting Johnny Damon's arm tonight. I know I'm looking forward to three more years of .220 baseball from the Captain. By the way, it is now 7-0 on a 2 RBI double by Upton. Beer number 5, why not?
LSU -3 South Carolina
The Tigers were rolling this season until they ran into the buzz saw that is Florida and lost 51-21. So much for taking Tim Tebow out of the game, huh Frenchie? For South Carolina, Steve Spurrier's Smell(e)y pick is paying off - two straight wins and not just because of their offense. The Gamecocks have the #3 ranked defense in the country, and I really don't think LSU will have enough firepower to win this one on the road. I'm taking South Carolina with the points.
Sidebar 5: A leadoff double for Jed "Mike" Lowrie . . . and Varitek flies out to center. But along comes PAPI!!!! I'm out of beer - time to switch to Tequila! Ole!!
Until next week . . .
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
Narrowly beating out ND's Will Yeatman (suspended for the season after blowing a measly .02 at a house party - fine he's under age and has a prior DUI conviction) is Michigan's Mike Milano who was suspended after being investigated for an alleged assault on a Wolverines hockey player during the weekend. I'm not really that surprised that a walk-on running back got into a fight over the weekend, but I'm more surprised that a 5-foot-7, 193-pound walk-on running back took on a 5-11, 197 pound hockey player, and put him in the hospital. Seriously, Anaheim, you may want to re-think drafting Steve Kampfer if he's losing fights to a guy he is a solid 4 inches taller than.
The Sox just left men stranded for the second straight inning. We're in the top the third and I'm on my second beer. Glorious.
On to the picks.
Wake Forest -1 Maryland
Ugh, I can't stand the ACC.
Maryland fans irritate me. Guess what, no one cares about Ralph Friedgen anymore or if he must protect this houuuuuuuuuse. Case in point - the Terps were shut out by Virginia last week 31-0, and I know Maryland fans who keep pointing to the fact that they beat two ranked teams this season (numbers 20 and 23). Wake Forest features true Freshman Brandon "Teddy" Pendergrass. He is so smooth. See what I did there? I made a joke involving a running back with quick moves and an R&B singer. Oh, who cares? I'll take the Deacons to cover.
Sidebar: I just watched a commercial for the Bayville Scream Park featuring the Temple of Terror. Its a Halloween theme park on Long Island. The Temple of Terror on Long Island? I'll bet there are a few of those during the High Holy Days. Hey!!
Yup, this blog post is going to be a winner. I can feel it.
Bowling Green -9 Miami, OH
The Redhawks of Miami have one win - against Charleston Southern. Not Charleston. Not Southern. Charleston Southern. I'm not sure, but I think its an all-star team of sorts - like the EA Sports teams that play exhibition games before college basketball seasons. Bowling Green beat Pitt. Miami, OH is winless on the road. Bowling Green is winless at home. MAC Football - Catch the Excitement!! I'll take BGU to cover.
Sidebar 2: Evan Longoria just homered off of Dice-K. Seriously, he needs to drill one of these Rays in the ass to get them off the plate. Pedro wouldn't stand for this. Clemens wouldn't stand for this. This is the third homer Matsuzaka has given up tonight. [Note: for the sake of all things right and racially sensitive, I am restraining myself and will not make a WWII comment here. But I thought about it.] Come on, Dice-K - show some F**CKING SACK!!! Yes I'm on Beer 3. Keep it to yourself.
South Florida -24 Syracuse
The Bulls have had 2 weeks to prepare for Syracuse, the 105th ranked defense in the country. How will they deal with such a formidable opponent? QB Matt Grothe could throw left-handed, and I still think South Florida wins by 14. Sorry, B, the Orange are just outmatched. I'm going with the Bulls to cover.
Sidebar 3: Dice-K goes 4 innings and gives up 5 runs. In his first at-bat Varitek struck out with a runner on base, making him 0-11 in the ALCS, and he allowed Iwamura to steal third. Where's Manny when you need him? No, thank you Scott Boras. Enjoy your winter vacationing with Boston's money. I'm officially drunk. On the bright side, there's a "no-Dereks-with-mustache-clause." Bummer. Dude.
Kentucky -9 Arkansas
Neither of these teams stands out to me. Kentucky hung with #2 Alabama for 4 quarters before losing 17-14. The Wildcats are also outscoring opponents by 15+ points this year. On the other side of the coin, Arkansas' QB is named Casey Dick. Sorry, Kentucky, but when the QB of the other team is a Dick, you're not going to to win. I'll take the Razorbacks with the points.
Sidebar 4: Down by 5 runs, the Red Sox bring in the Pride of Hyde Park, MA (and my favorite reliever) Manny Delcarmen and his 22.50 ALCS ERA who promptly walks the first two men he sees. Not even Craig Sager's jacket could ruin this moment for me. And yes, Papelbon is on in the 7th inning. On a 1-0 pitch, he becomes the first pitcher to back B.J. Upton off the plate. Wonderful. This is followed by a successful double steal on Jason Varitek who is sporting Johnny Damon's arm tonight. I know I'm looking forward to three more years of .220 baseball from the Captain. By the way, it is now 7-0 on a 2 RBI double by Upton. Beer number 5, why not?
LSU -3 South Carolina
The Tigers were rolling this season until they ran into the buzz saw that is Florida and lost 51-21. So much for taking Tim Tebow out of the game, huh Frenchie? For South Carolina, Steve Spurrier's Smell(e)y pick is paying off - two straight wins and not just because of their offense. The Gamecocks have the #3 ranked defense in the country, and I really don't think LSU will have enough firepower to win this one on the road. I'm taking South Carolina with the points.
Sidebar 5: A leadoff double for Jed "Mike" Lowrie . . . and Varitek flies out to center. But along comes PAPI!!!! I'm out of beer - time to switch to Tequila! Ole!!
Until next week . . .
Monday, October 13, 2008
Week 7 Results
Well, my winning ways finally caught up to me. I went against better judgment on the Red River Shootout (Texas upset the Sooners and the Zambutos), Rutgers managed to surprise Cinci, Nebraska made a game of it against Texas Tech, and Lionel Ritchie was upset by Mississippi State.
My old friends Hawaii managed to cover against dreadful Louisiana Tech.
Week 7: 1-4
Season: 19-15-1
My old friends Hawaii managed to cover against dreadful Louisiana Tech.
Week 7: 1-4
Season: 19-15-1
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Week 7 - Happy New Year
Sorry this blog is going to be a short one. I've been a bit out of the loop this week with Yom Kippur and attempting to stay up late and follow one of the baseball teams that is still playing in September.
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
LSU lineman Ricky Jean-Francois. Ricky - first off, your last name is hyphenated, and both last names are French!! Not exactly a people that typically strike fear in the hearts of opponents. I think the last French person I was mildly afraid of was André the Giant. This week, Ricky publicly announced that he and the Tigers were going to "try our best to take [Tim Tebow] out of the game" this week against the Gators. I'm glad he's made this proclamation, and put a target on his back. I'm sure the Florida O-Line will have no extra motivation for knocking the pass rushers on their asses this week. Way to open yourself up to a few eye gouges and other street fighting maneuvers when you're making your way to the QB this week. Plus, at 6'3", 230lbs Tebow isn't exactly the smallest guy on the field. And he has the Lord on his side. Next time you decide to put a target on your back, Frenchy, stick to things you're good at. Like eating cheese, drinking wine and surrendering.
On to the picks
CINCINNATI -7.5 Rutgers
I'm sorry. This Rutgers team was almost as overhyped as this season of Project Runway. Both of which had huge expectations, and both of which have generally sucked. The Bearcats have one loss (in which they got doubled up) to Oklahoma, but otherwise have been plauing pretty good ball. The Scarlet Knights have one win (a 38-0 rout of MEAC powerhouse Morgan State) and four losses in which they've played . . . uninspired. QB Mike Teel, the hero of last season's squad, has thrown 7 interceptions and has gotten drilled more than a few times this year.
It isn't looking much better for Rutgers this week, or against UConn the next, or against Pitt the week after that. Frankly, this 7.5 point spread looks too good to pass up. I'll take Cincinnati to cover this week.
HAWAII -7.5 La Tech
Yes, this Hawaii team is very much not good. However, they did shock Fresno State in OT last week (well after midnight on the East Coast, so pretty much no one but degenerate gamblers saw it). LA Tech might be .500 this season, but they're still a Western Athletic Conference team from Louisiana, and even I know that Louisiana is not in the western United States. To make matters worse for the Bulldogs, Hawaii is riding on the arm of Inoke Funaki who has a proper Hawaii QB name. I'll take the Warriors to cover.
OU -6.5 Texas
I know better and there are people at the CDC who could unleash bubonic plague or cholera on me if I don't choose correctly. Key stats of the game: 244 ypg. That's what Texas' pass defense allows, ranking them 96th in the nation. 361 ypg. That's what OU's pass offense averages. The power of Sam Bradford compels you!! The power of Sam Bradford compels you!! I'll take the Sooners to cover.
Vandy -2.5 Mississippi State
I think I just like their mascot. Yeah, that must be it. I'll take Commomdores to cover the spread.
Texas Tech -20.5 Nebraska
The last time Nebraska visited Texas Tech, they were decimated by 60 (no, not a typo). The Red Raiders feature Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree, the top QB-WR duo this side ofTom Brady Matt Cassel – Randy Moss. Huskers QB Joe Ganz could make a game of it, but if Nebraska couldn't stop Chase Daniel last week, their defense is not going to stop the Red Raiders' pass game in Lubbock. Late in the game, I see this one falling apart faster than a Wall Street rally. I originally thought Nebraska could make a game of it, but after losing to Mizzou last week 52-17, I thought better of it. I'll take Texas Tech giving the points.
Until next week . . .
BONEHEAD OF THE WEEK
LSU lineman Ricky Jean-Francois. Ricky - first off, your last name is hyphenated, and both last names are French!! Not exactly a people that typically strike fear in the hearts of opponents. I think the last French person I was mildly afraid of was André the Giant. This week, Ricky publicly announced that he and the Tigers were going to "try our best to take [Tim Tebow] out of the game" this week against the Gators. I'm glad he's made this proclamation, and put a target on his back. I'm sure the Florida O-Line will have no extra motivation for knocking the pass rushers on their asses this week. Way to open yourself up to a few eye gouges and other street fighting maneuvers when you're making your way to the QB this week. Plus, at 6'3", 230lbs Tebow isn't exactly the smallest guy on the field. And he has the Lord on his side. Next time you decide to put a target on your back, Frenchy, stick to things you're good at. Like eating cheese, drinking wine and surrendering.
On to the picks
CINCINNATI -7.5 Rutgers
I'm sorry. This Rutgers team was almost as overhyped as this season of Project Runway. Both of which had huge expectations, and both of which have generally sucked. The Bearcats have one loss (in which they got doubled up) to Oklahoma, but otherwise have been plauing pretty good ball. The Scarlet Knights have one win (a 38-0 rout of MEAC powerhouse Morgan State) and four losses in which they've played . . . uninspired. QB Mike Teel, the hero of last season's squad, has thrown 7 interceptions and has gotten drilled more than a few times this year.
It isn't looking much better for Rutgers this week, or against UConn the next, or against Pitt the week after that. Frankly, this 7.5 point spread looks too good to pass up. I'll take Cincinnati to cover this week.
HAWAII -7.5 La Tech
Yes, this Hawaii team is very much not good. However, they did shock Fresno State in OT last week (well after midnight on the East Coast, so pretty much no one but degenerate gamblers saw it). LA Tech might be .500 this season, but they're still a Western Athletic Conference team from Louisiana, and even I know that Louisiana is not in the western United States. To make matters worse for the Bulldogs, Hawaii is riding on the arm of Inoke Funaki who has a proper Hawaii QB name. I'll take the Warriors to cover.
OU -6.5 Texas
I know better and there are people at the CDC who could unleash bubonic plague or cholera on me if I don't choose correctly. Key stats of the game: 244 ypg. That's what Texas' pass defense allows, ranking them 96th in the nation. 361 ypg. That's what OU's pass offense averages. The power of Sam Bradford compels you!! The power of Sam Bradford compels you!! I'll take the Sooners to cover.
Vandy -2.5 Mississippi State
I think I just like their mascot. Yeah, that must be it. I'll take Commomdores to cover the spread.
Texas Tech -20.5 Nebraska
The last time Nebraska visited Texas Tech, they were decimated by 60 (no, not a typo). The Red Raiders feature Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree, the top QB-WR duo this side of
Until next week . . .
Week 6 Results
Well done by me this week. I only missed the UTEP-So Miss game, successfully taking the stronger of the Universities of Louisiana.
Week 6: 4-1
Season: 18-11-1
Week 6: 4-1
Season: 18-11-1
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Week 6 Picks - A bridge to nowhere
I was watching the VP debate last night, and with some of those intelligent answers, Sarah Palin is reminding me of Will Ferrell in Old School when he has to debate James Carville. I half expected Gov. Palin to nearly pass out after some of her answers and start asking, "What happened? I blacked out." Regardless, Joe Biden thinks that Joe Biden did Joe Biden proud!
Bonehead of the Week - I'm going to blame the cafeteria staff at Georgetown for this one. The Cornell-Georgetown game for this weekend was canceled after a norovirus outbreak left over 170 students at Georgetown with nausea, stomach cramping and diarrhea. "Our job now is continue to treat the sick and most importantly, to prevent the spread of the illness," said Dr. James C. Welsh, assistant vice president for student health. "Hand-washing is going to be our mantra." Well I'm glad that it took an outbreak of the runs to get the Hoyas to wash their hands. At GW we always were taught to wash our hands after pooping and before we eat. I guess they forgot to teach that over at Georgetown. Then again, vomiting at Georgetown is nothing new.
On to the picks
AIR FORCE -5 Navy
This Air Force team is misleading. At 3-1, the Falcons look pretty good on paper. Last week's loss to Utah was very telling. Shea Smith completed just 7 of 13 passes and Utah gave up three second half TD's to let the Utes come from behind to win (plus, these days anything associated with Shea seems to fall apart in the end). Is Navy as good as Utah? No. However, Navy, who beat overrated Rutgers and then a solid Wake Forest team last week, features a run offense that might just be superior to Air Force's. Navy RB Eric Kettani has averaged 154 yards per game over those two wins, and I think he'll be able to keep Navy in the game long enough to make it a close one. I'll go with the Midshipmen getting the points.
Side note: Last night I learned that debate moderator Gwen Ifill broke her ankle prepping for last night's debate. Really? Were the answers to these questions on the tops of mountains? Did they involve jumping out of planes? How did that happen. This would have more interesting than hearing about John Maverick and Joe "call me Joe Biden" Biden all night.
Mizzou -10.5 NEBRASKA
Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Nebraska QB Joe Ganz is averaging just under 250 yards passing per game against mediocre teams.
Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel
The Huskers are 3-1 and have yet to play on the road.
Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel
Nebraska has won 15 home games in a row against the Tigers
Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel
I'll take Missouri giving 10.5.
SO. MISS -8 Utep
Fact: Utep went 0-3 before blowing out Central Florida 58-13 last week.
Fact: Southern Miss stayed in their game with Marshall for three quarters last week despite being penalized for 129 yards.
Fact: There is nothing interesting about this game.
I'll take the Golden Eagles to cover.
Let's just cut to the chase with the other two games:
Ohio State -1 WISCONSIN
Seriously? OSU is only favored by 1? This is too easy.
I'm going with the Buckeyes to cover.
UL Lafayette -2 UL MONROE
The exciting battle of the University of Louisianas!!
The Ragin' Cajuns take on the Warhawks!!
I'm not sure which one is which!!
However, UL Monroe has a WR named Zeek Zacharie. The only people I know named Zeek (or Zeke) had dysentery and died. For that reason I'll take UL Lafayette to cover.
Until next week . . .
Bonehead of the Week - I'm going to blame the cafeteria staff at Georgetown for this one. The Cornell-Georgetown game for this weekend was canceled after a norovirus outbreak left over 170 students at Georgetown with nausea, stomach cramping and diarrhea. "Our job now is continue to treat the sick and most importantly, to prevent the spread of the illness," said Dr. James C. Welsh, assistant vice president for student health. "Hand-washing is going to be our mantra." Well I'm glad that it took an outbreak of the runs to get the Hoyas to wash their hands. At GW we always were taught to wash our hands after pooping and before we eat. I guess they forgot to teach that over at Georgetown. Then again, vomiting at Georgetown is nothing new.
On to the picks
AIR FORCE -5 Navy
This Air Force team is misleading. At 3-1, the Falcons look pretty good on paper. Last week's loss to Utah was very telling. Shea Smith completed just 7 of 13 passes and Utah gave up three second half TD's to let the Utes come from behind to win (plus, these days anything associated with Shea seems to fall apart in the end). Is Navy as good as Utah? No. However, Navy, who beat overrated Rutgers and then a solid Wake Forest team last week, features a run offense that might just be superior to Air Force's. Navy RB Eric Kettani has averaged 154 yards per game over those two wins, and I think he'll be able to keep Navy in the game long enough to make it a close one. I'll go with the Midshipmen getting the points.
Side note: Last night I learned that debate moderator Gwen Ifill broke her ankle prepping for last night's debate. Really? Were the answers to these questions on the tops of mountains? Did they involve jumping out of planes? How did that happen. This would have more interesting than hearing about John Maverick and Joe "call me Joe Biden" Biden all night.
Mizzou -10.5 NEBRASKA
Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Nebraska QB Joe Ganz is averaging just under 250 yards passing per game against mediocre teams.
Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel
The Huskers are 3-1 and have yet to play on the road.
Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel
Nebraska has won 15 home games in a row against the Tigers
Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel Chase Daniel
I'll take Missouri giving 10.5.
SO. MISS -8 Utep
Fact: Utep went 0-3 before blowing out Central Florida 58-13 last week.
Fact: Southern Miss stayed in their game with Marshall for three quarters last week despite being penalized for 129 yards.
Fact: There is nothing interesting about this game.
I'll take the Golden Eagles to cover.
Let's just cut to the chase with the other two games:
Ohio State -1 WISCONSIN
Seriously? OSU is only favored by 1? This is too easy.
I'm going with the Buckeyes to cover.
UL Lafayette -2 UL MONROE
The exciting battle of the University of Louisianas!!
The Ragin' Cajuns take on the Warhawks!!
I'm not sure which one is which!!
However, UL Monroe has a WR named Zeek Zacharie. The only people I know named Zeek (or Zeke) had dysentery and died. For that reason I'll take UL Lafayette to cover.
Until next week . . .
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