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
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