All right - it's finally here, the final game and day of the year of our lord 2008. Gophers v. Jayhawks, can you feel the excitement. Well, maybe not...but I'm stoked. I find it hard to believe that none of the "experts" are giving the Gophers any chance in this one...but more on that later.
First, how are we all doing in this exciting Bowl Season:
MK - 25
MR - 22
JR - 18
JG - 16
35 possible points gone, 65 to go...still way too early to call a winner.
However, a huge moving day is upon us right now. 4 games today, and we don't have a unanimous agreement on any one of them.
AF-HOU
JR and JG like the Falcons, who open "The Bank" next September against our beloved Gophers. (do you like "The Bank"? I've heard that thrown around a bit...it's okay, but I doubt it sticks) MK and MR went with the favored HOU club. The game is in TEXAS (favors HOU) but it's the Armed Forces Bowl (favors AF). Now on to what might really decide the game...the AF defense. Guess who has the #1 offense in the nation...FLA, nope; OK, nope; HOU...yep. 575 ypg - WOW! 414 of those through the air. However they only won 7 games after avg. 41 ppg. Why? well, they allow 31 pgg and rank 102nd overall for defense. You know what you're going to get with AF. Run, run, run. 5th in the nation at 269 ypg. AF also ranked 13th in sacks this year, which should come into play with the high-octane passing attack we'll see out of HOU. AF won 31-28 when they met in the regular season. Bottom line for me, you never bet against a service academy in the bowl games...might not be a great rule, but it's burned me too many times over the last 4 years. I like AF on the ground against a porous HOU D, and I think the AF pass rush and ability to force turnovers wins it for them in a close one...Falcons 38-34.
PITT-OREST
MK likes the Panthers, all else are with the Beavers. Pitt sports a nice defense and a very average offense coming in. They have been playing some good ball to close out the year, and it appears that Wanstedt has finally put it all together. OSU sports an equally strong defense and a much stronger offense, ratings wise. 27th vs. 63rd in favor of the Beavers. I love the Beavers balance, and they are Top 10 in getting to the QB. Pitt is also more turnover prone than OREST, and that could make all the difference in a close game like this one. I like the Beavers by a TD...28-21.
BC-VAN
JR and MK like BC, MR and JG like VANDY. To me, this is one of the biggest mismatches in the bowl season. BC is nothing special on offense, but their defense is unreal. #6 in the nationand they have forced 36 turnovers...about 3/game. However, their offense has lost it 30 times, they can't throw, and their running game is average. But it's still better than Vandy...whose offense ranks #117 in the nation - ouch. They really can't throw at all, and their running game is below avg as well. The Vandy defense is Top 30, but their offensive ineptitude is too much to overcome. This could be a very ugly one on both sides - VAN will be insanely pumped to play in a bowl game for the first time since Jesus was walking the earth, but BC wins bowl games, period. I'm looking for a turnover fest with very little offense and a lot of trick plays and wacky things happening. BC wins in a weird one 16-6.
LSU-GT
MR took LSU, the rest are on the triple option of GTECH. I love Tech in this one. 282 ypg on the ground in the ACC...wow. But the thing I really like about Tech is their defense. A Top 25 unit, the stop the run and get to the QB...very nice. LSU has had a very disappointing year, and I think they will not be real excited about playing in the Chick-fil-a Bowl. Average offense, and a decent but very underachieving defense cost them all year. A 2-headed QB didn't help much either. They only forced 16 turnovers all year, pretty pathetic for a unit like this. They lost 3 of their final 4, and I think they come in flat. GT is playing in ATL, basically at home, and their should have some fire. GT won 3 of their last 4 by beating FSU, MIA, and GEO...not bad. I like the Jackets to run wild and LSU to get frustrated on both sides of the ball...TECH wins 31-21.
GOPHERS - KANSAS
This is it, the big one. JR and JG have faith in the Gophs...MK and MR do not. It's that simple. Honestly, there could be much worse matchups for our club this year. But I think the B10 is due for a W. First, the Jayhawks: No running game to speak of, but a very good QB and passing attack ~300ypg. Their D stops the run fairly well, but their pass defense, like all B12 teams, is atrocious. They also allow a ton of sacks with the scrambling style of Reesing. The Gophers numbers actually ended up being pretty ugly this year. 104th in the nation in rushing, 57th in passing...91st in overall offense. Maybe I'm too naive, but I do believe the running game will improve tonight vs. KAN with the new style and new running game/OL coach in place. A healthy Decker could mean a world of difference to the passing attack as well, especially against a pathetic KAN D that will be missing a starting CB and starting a true freshman in his place. On D we fnished 74th overall, not great but miles ahead of last year. We are succeptible to the pass, and Reesing will get his yards. We need to stop the run completely and get pressure. We were 25th in sacks, which bodes well for our chances of getting to Reesing tonight. We also forced 30 turnovers and for the most part took care of the ball. If we can limit the huge plays by Reesing, get pressure, and win the turnover battle we should be fine. But that's a lot of ifs. I do think we'll score some points on a bad defense...but sadly, I am picking the Gophers to come up short, but cover: KAN 34-31.
That's all for today's games. 5 more big ones tomorrow.
JR/MK-IOWA, JG/MR-SC - who hates IOWA?
JR/JG - NEB, MK/MR - CLEM
JR/MR - GEO, MK/JG - MSU
JR/JG - PSU, MK/MR - USC
All like VT over CIN
I'll send out more updates as games finish up - today's game are all worth 3...tomorrow are all worth 4 each.
Also - don't forget to send over your NFL picks for the weekend as well.
later. have a happy new year and enjoy the Gophers today.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tuesday Bowl Games
Hey Guys -
A little late night update from me on today's games and what's coming tomorrow.
RUT-NCST
God damn 1/2 pt! RUT dominates the 2nd half, but tries the FG instead of plunging it in on that final drive!! AHHH!! 4th Bowl Game to be decided by 1 pt. or less against the spread already. I wish NCST would have stuck with QB#2 for a little longer, he was maybe the worst QB I've ever seen...ever.
NW-MIZZOU
This game just started the 2nd half, and it looks to be turning out how I had feared. The NW defense is slowing down MIZZOU and their offense looks surprisingly good tonight. I forgot that Bacher makes a big difference. I'm not conceding yet, but I'm not liking my Tigers by 14 right now.
Nice, they just showed a great did you know...Mike Kafka hold the record for Qb Rushing yards in one game with 217 vs. MIN on 11/1? Really? Must have missed that game. Why is it that every time I watch a game I have to hear a reference to a very painful memory from Minnesota's past (Gophers, Vikes, Wolves, etc).
And a NW TD. Looks like 0-2 for me tonight.
Tomrrow we have 3 more games on tap:
NEV-MARY
JR and MK have NEV, MR and JG have MARY. Did you know the Nevada offense is #5 in the nation? 291 rushing yds/gm...wow. Their run defense is #3 at 74.5 ypg. hmmm. They are 8th in the nation in sacks, and 23 in sacks allowed. This sounds like a good team. Maryland is nothing special, -8 turnover margin is probably their most telling stat. They played well, but shot themselves in the foot too many times. I think the pack play inspired ball in front of maybe 12,000 people on a Tuesday afternoon in Boise. NEVADA WINS 30-21 (but if the Humanitarian Bowl is played but nobody is watching does it really count?)
WMU-RICE
We all like Rice, so far when we all like a team we are 1-1. Rice is a classic all offense no defense team ranking 10th in offense and 114th in defense. They were also +13 in turnovers. WMU throws for over 300 ypg, but they can't run or stop the pass. This could be a crazy one...RICE WINS 55-47.
Finally, the nightcap...
ORE-OKST
I struggled with this game a lot, because these teams are identical. JR and MK ended up picking ORE, while JG and MR took OKST. ORE has a great running game, as does OKST. I think OKST has a slightly better passing attack, but they are the #7 and #8 offenses overall in the country. Both play good run defense and horrible pass defense, too. Turnover margin is also equal at +5 for both. The one glaring difference is that ORE has a pass rush (#6 in nation) and OKST does not (#108). I think the running games cancel each other out, and it comes down to who can throw it better, so I like the ORE pass rush to be the difference maker and ORE winning 42-38.
Should be tons of points on Tuesday - 2 under the radar games, and one really good low tier bowl game.
Enjoy.
A little late night update from me on today's games and what's coming tomorrow.
RUT-NCST
God damn 1/2 pt! RUT dominates the 2nd half, but tries the FG instead of plunging it in on that final drive!! AHHH!! 4th Bowl Game to be decided by 1 pt. or less against the spread already. I wish NCST would have stuck with QB#2 for a little longer, he was maybe the worst QB I've ever seen...ever.
NW-MIZZOU
This game just started the 2nd half, and it looks to be turning out how I had feared. The NW defense is slowing down MIZZOU and their offense looks surprisingly good tonight. I forgot that Bacher makes a big difference. I'm not conceding yet, but I'm not liking my Tigers by 14 right now.
Nice, they just showed a great did you know...Mike Kafka hold the record for Qb Rushing yards in one game with 217 vs. MIN on 11/1? Really? Must have missed that game. Why is it that every time I watch a game I have to hear a reference to a very painful memory from Minnesota's past (Gophers, Vikes, Wolves, etc).
And a NW TD. Looks like 0-2 for me tonight.
Tomrrow we have 3 more games on tap:
NEV-MARY
JR and MK have NEV, MR and JG have MARY. Did you know the Nevada offense is #5 in the nation? 291 rushing yds/gm...wow. Their run defense is #3 at 74.5 ypg. hmmm. They are 8th in the nation in sacks, and 23 in sacks allowed. This sounds like a good team. Maryland is nothing special, -8 turnover margin is probably their most telling stat. They played well, but shot themselves in the foot too many times. I think the pack play inspired ball in front of maybe 12,000 people on a Tuesday afternoon in Boise. NEVADA WINS 30-21 (but if the Humanitarian Bowl is played but nobody is watching does it really count?)
WMU-RICE
We all like Rice, so far when we all like a team we are 1-1. Rice is a classic all offense no defense team ranking 10th in offense and 114th in defense. They were also +13 in turnovers. WMU throws for over 300 ypg, but they can't run or stop the pass. This could be a crazy one...RICE WINS 55-47.
Finally, the nightcap...
ORE-OKST
I struggled with this game a lot, because these teams are identical. JR and MK ended up picking ORE, while JG and MR took OKST. ORE has a great running game, as does OKST. I think OKST has a slightly better passing attack, but they are the #7 and #8 offenses overall in the country. Both play good run defense and horrible pass defense, too. Turnover margin is also equal at +5 for both. The one glaring difference is that ORE has a pass rush (#6 in nation) and OKST does not (#108). I think the running games cancel each other out, and it comes down to who can throw it better, so I like the ORE pass rush to be the difference maker and ORE winning 42-38.
Should be tons of points on Tuesday - 2 under the radar games, and one really good low tier bowl game.
Enjoy.
Bowl Challenge - Update & NFL PLAYOFF LINES
Hey Guys -
Hope everyone had a great Holiday. I just wanted to send out a quick update on how things are going through all 2 pt games and 1 3 pt game.
MK - 13
JR - 12
MR - 10
JG - 7
That's how we sit with 20 of the possible 100 points being played already. Only 80 left - not time to worry yet.
2 Games today, so here we go:
NCST-RUT
JR and JG like RUT, MR and MK took NCST. I love the way RUT has been playing to close the season. They have averaged 46.2 ppg over the final 5 games of the season, and they won their last 6 after a 1-5 start. NCST has the same kind of story winning their last 4 after starting 2-6. So we've got 2 hot teams on a roll coming into this one at 2pm this afternoon. NCST really doesn't do much well, besides being a +11 in turnovers they rank in the bottom half of the country in all major stats. RUT, after being a run team for so long, ranks 22nd in passing this year and also sports a top 35 defense. I just think this is a game where RUT keeps on trucking and NCST falls off a bit. RUT 34-17.
Game 2 for Monday is NW-MIZZOU
I am the only one pulling for MIZZOU in this one. After examining things a little closer, I hate my pick. Strangely enough, the team with the better ranked defense has covered 67% of the time in the bowl season. NW's defense is far superior to a brutal MIZZOU D (53rd vs. 99th). My problem is with the NW offense, which I witnessed live and in color on a sad saturday in the dome. Absolutley pathetic, and I don't see that changing. MIZZOU struggles in pass defense, as do all B12 teams, but I don't think NW can exploit that weakness. MIZZOU throws for 340/game, and I think they will do enough to surely win, but I'm nervous about the cover. It's a huge up tick for NW vs. their expectations entering the season, while the Alamo Bowl is a major let down for MIZZOU who came in with Nat'l Title hopes. I will go with my guys, but not a lot of confidence on this one...plus when there are multiple games in a day there is always one dog that covers. MIZZOU 31-17 in a nail-biter for us gamblers.
I'll send out more previews as the games come up - 3 for TUESDAY and 5 for WEDNESDAY. 5 on NEW YEAR'S DAY and 3 the day after.
The next few days should separate us, but right now it's still anyone's game.
Now, to the big leagues:
Here are the 4 lines for the WILDCARD GAMES this week - send me your 4 picks sometime this week:
ATL
AZ +1
IND
SD +1
BAL
MIA +3
PHI
MIN +2
4 home dogs - how tempting is that!
I'll shoot out a preview on these as we get closer...also thinking ahead, maybe our best shot to get together would be next weekend if the Vikes are in Carolina on Saturday? Obviously, we've got to win one first, but this might be a good option for us.
We'll stay in touch and make something work.
Later Guys - have a good week.
Hope everyone had a great Holiday. I just wanted to send out a quick update on how things are going through all 2 pt games and 1 3 pt game.
MK - 13
JR - 12
MR - 10
JG - 7
That's how we sit with 20 of the possible 100 points being played already. Only 80 left - not time to worry yet.
2 Games today, so here we go:
NCST-RUT
JR and JG like RUT, MR and MK took NCST. I love the way RUT has been playing to close the season. They have averaged 46.2 ppg over the final 5 games of the season, and they won their last 6 after a 1-5 start. NCST has the same kind of story winning their last 4 after starting 2-6. So we've got 2 hot teams on a roll coming into this one at 2pm this afternoon. NCST really doesn't do much well, besides being a +11 in turnovers they rank in the bottom half of the country in all major stats. RUT, after being a run team for so long, ranks 22nd in passing this year and also sports a top 35 defense. I just think this is a game where RUT keeps on trucking and NCST falls off a bit. RUT 34-17.
Game 2 for Monday is NW-MIZZOU
I am the only one pulling for MIZZOU in this one. After examining things a little closer, I hate my pick. Strangely enough, the team with the better ranked defense has covered 67% of the time in the bowl season. NW's defense is far superior to a brutal MIZZOU D (53rd vs. 99th). My problem is with the NW offense, which I witnessed live and in color on a sad saturday in the dome. Absolutley pathetic, and I don't see that changing. MIZZOU struggles in pass defense, as do all B12 teams, but I don't think NW can exploit that weakness. MIZZOU throws for 340/game, and I think they will do enough to surely win, but I'm nervous about the cover. It's a huge up tick for NW vs. their expectations entering the season, while the Alamo Bowl is a major let down for MIZZOU who came in with Nat'l Title hopes. I will go with my guys, but not a lot of confidence on this one...plus when there are multiple games in a day there is always one dog that covers. MIZZOU 31-17 in a nail-biter for us gamblers.
I'll send out more previews as the games come up - 3 for TUESDAY and 5 for WEDNESDAY. 5 on NEW YEAR'S DAY and 3 the day after.
The next few days should separate us, but right now it's still anyone's game.
Now, to the big leagues:
Here are the 4 lines for the WILDCARD GAMES this week - send me your 4 picks sometime this week:
ATL
AZ +1
IND
SD +1
BAL
MIA +3
PHI
MIN +2
4 home dogs - how tempting is that!
I'll shoot out a preview on these as we get closer...also thinking ahead, maybe our best shot to get together would be next weekend if the Vikes are in Carolina on Saturday? Obviously, we've got to win one first, but this might be a good option for us.
We'll stay in touch and make something work.
Later Guys - have a good week.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Bowl Challenge - Week 2
Here's the preveiw of all the upcoming Bowl Games for the week of X-mas:
TCU-BOISE tuesday night
I took the Frogs at -2, the rest of you all liked Boise. Statitically, it's a wash. Both really good looking teams on both sides of the ball. Boise is a better passing team, TCU is a better rushing team, but both have a nice offense overall. Both teams force a lot of turnovers...but TCU is better at taking care of the ball. Which leads to my pick - I think TCU is a better team. They only lost a nail-biter to Utah, which they honestly should have won (got beat by the always pesky THUR night road rule) and a route to OK. BOISE obviously didn't lose, but seriously who did they beat? Oregon on the road...that's a nice one. Other than that...nobody. So when it's a toss up like this one, I like the better defense and the team that's better in turnover margin...give me the Frogs 23-17.
ND-HAW x-mas eve night
JG likes the Rainbow Warriors, the rest of us took the Irish. HAW comes in playing extremely well winning 3 of their last 4, only losing to CIN in a tight game. HAW throws a lot, doesn't protect well, and turns it over all the time. They run for less than 100 yards per game, which is almost impossible in college. ND doesn't do much right either. They can't run, they throw okay, but the reason I picked them is that their defense is solid. It's a Top 40 National Defense, and I really believe this team will be hungry for a win. Obviously, they have HAW outmanned up front - which is always the case in matchups like this. They don't get a lot of sacks, but HAW's gameplan and ineptitude on the front line might cure that problem. They have also lost 4 of 5 coming in, so I guess this might answer the momentum question for future bowl games...does it matter how you finish going into the bowl? Bottom line, in a pick'em game like this I go with the better defense (and seriously, it's HAW vs. ND?!?!) IRISH show up and get the alumni off Weis' back for the off-season 38-28.
FAU-CMU 12/26
No mysteries here - we all like CMU to win by a TD or better. CMU comes in on a 2 game skid, and FAU has won 5 of 6 since starting 1-5. Once again, will the trend matter? It's basically a home game for CMU, which should help their cause a lot. But FAU should be pumped up to be playing anywhere in DEC. The CMU story is throwing the football and not defending the pass at all. They can run a bit, but their bread and butter is throwing it all over the field - 13th nationally. FAU also throws it well and plays little to no defense. Difference could be pass rush where CMU has one and FAU surely does not. Should be a shootout...CMU at home 47-40.
WV-NC 12/27
Great matchup here - I'm the only one picking the Heels. Seems like I'm on my own a lot so far...hmmm. In Charlotte, like a home game for NC. WV has won their last 3 bowl games with Pat White...but this is a different team. Both teams fizzled a bit at the end of the year going 2-2, so no real mometum advantage there. NC is very impressive in any one area. Offensively they are 95th in the nation, and only 63rd on defense...I thought they would be higher. They did finish a fortunate +6 in turnovers, so they are probably a little overrated. WV can't throw, anyone who has seen them the last 3 years knows that. But they run extremely well. Their defense isn't too shabby finishing in the Top 40. They were a +12 on turnover margin, so they might be even luckier than NC. Bottom line for me on this one was the fact that it's a home game for NC, and Butch and his team have done nothing but surprise me all year. In a pick'em I like the Heels 24-21.
WIS-FSU 12/27
I love it - 4 Badger haters = 4 picks for FSU. Completely emotion free right? Well, I like our chances. If you saw how WIS looked at the end of the year, you probably know why. They are not close to the team they expected to be this year, and FSU is probably a little better than most thought. Big difference for FSU...they can run the ball this year. The defense is great, just like most every year, but the offense is coming around. The speed of the pass rush and the improved running game make this a different FSU team than we're used to seeing. WIS ran it well, shocker, but QB play is a big question. The new guy seems a little better than Evridge...but that doesn't take much. WIS defense isn't horrible, but they haven't exactly been playing their best ball. MN and Cal-Poly both should have beat them and scored 30+. Better dead than red, so I like the Maroon in this one 29-17.
MIA-CAL 12/27
MR and JG like MIA, JR and MK...yep that Mike Kobow pick Cal. Once again, a home game for Cal in a bowl game...kind of shady how this seems to be the case more often than not. Cal has had some big highs and dreadful lows this year, but I feel that they are playing some good ball right now. The running game is lethal, the QB play is questionable, and the defense is pretty solid. They were an astonishing +14 in turnovers this year - Top 10 nationally. They also have a great pass rush. MIA continues to have a non-descript offense year in and year out. They lost their last 2 games, and Bob Marve won't be playing in the game (starting QB). Their defense is also top notch, but turnovers could be the death of them. A -9 was good enough for 101st place in the nation...ouch. Turnovers and home field will play a big role in this defensive battle. I think Cal has more to play for at home and might make this an ugly one...CAL 23-7.
Finally...the much anticipated Independence Bowl
NILL-LT 12/28
I took the dog LT, the rest of you are on N.ILL. This is actually a 3 pt. game, but since it's played on Sunday I thought I'd include it. LaTech runs it well, and stops the run. Which is a good thing when you play a NILL team that ranks 101st in passing offense. NILL wants to run it as well, but they too play good defense. I see lots of running the football and a very, very close game happening under the lights in Shreveport (again a Louisiana school playing basically at home in a bowl). Give me LTECH in a close one 21-20 on a missed 2 pt. conversion to win it!!
That's all for this week - 19 more next week, then 3 games in week 4 of Bowl Season.
Are you ready?!?
TCU-BOISE tuesday night
I took the Frogs at -2, the rest of you all liked Boise. Statitically, it's a wash. Both really good looking teams on both sides of the ball. Boise is a better passing team, TCU is a better rushing team, but both have a nice offense overall. Both teams force a lot of turnovers...but TCU is better at taking care of the ball. Which leads to my pick - I think TCU is a better team. They only lost a nail-biter to Utah, which they honestly should have won (got beat by the always pesky THUR night road rule) and a route to OK. BOISE obviously didn't lose, but seriously who did they beat? Oregon on the road...that's a nice one. Other than that...nobody. So when it's a toss up like this one, I like the better defense and the team that's better in turnover margin...give me the Frogs 23-17.
ND-HAW x-mas eve night
JG likes the Rainbow Warriors, the rest of us took the Irish. HAW comes in playing extremely well winning 3 of their last 4, only losing to CIN in a tight game. HAW throws a lot, doesn't protect well, and turns it over all the time. They run for less than 100 yards per game, which is almost impossible in college. ND doesn't do much right either. They can't run, they throw okay, but the reason I picked them is that their defense is solid. It's a Top 40 National Defense, and I really believe this team will be hungry for a win. Obviously, they have HAW outmanned up front - which is always the case in matchups like this. They don't get a lot of sacks, but HAW's gameplan and ineptitude on the front line might cure that problem. They have also lost 4 of 5 coming in, so I guess this might answer the momentum question for future bowl games...does it matter how you finish going into the bowl? Bottom line, in a pick'em game like this I go with the better defense (and seriously, it's HAW vs. ND?!?!) IRISH show up and get the alumni off Weis' back for the off-season 38-28.
FAU-CMU 12/26
No mysteries here - we all like CMU to win by a TD or better. CMU comes in on a 2 game skid, and FAU has won 5 of 6 since starting 1-5. Once again, will the trend matter? It's basically a home game for CMU, which should help their cause a lot. But FAU should be pumped up to be playing anywhere in DEC. The CMU story is throwing the football and not defending the pass at all. They can run a bit, but their bread and butter is throwing it all over the field - 13th nationally. FAU also throws it well and plays little to no defense. Difference could be pass rush where CMU has one and FAU surely does not. Should be a shootout...CMU at home 47-40.
WV-NC 12/27
Great matchup here - I'm the only one picking the Heels. Seems like I'm on my own a lot so far...hmmm. In Charlotte, like a home game for NC. WV has won their last 3 bowl games with Pat White...but this is a different team. Both teams fizzled a bit at the end of the year going 2-2, so no real mometum advantage there. NC is very impressive in any one area. Offensively they are 95th in the nation, and only 63rd on defense...I thought they would be higher. They did finish a fortunate +6 in turnovers, so they are probably a little overrated. WV can't throw, anyone who has seen them the last 3 years knows that. But they run extremely well. Their defense isn't too shabby finishing in the Top 40. They were a +12 on turnover margin, so they might be even luckier than NC. Bottom line for me on this one was the fact that it's a home game for NC, and Butch and his team have done nothing but surprise me all year. In a pick'em I like the Heels 24-21.
WIS-FSU 12/27
I love it - 4 Badger haters = 4 picks for FSU. Completely emotion free right? Well, I like our chances. If you saw how WIS looked at the end of the year, you probably know why. They are not close to the team they expected to be this year, and FSU is probably a little better than most thought. Big difference for FSU...they can run the ball this year. The defense is great, just like most every year, but the offense is coming around. The speed of the pass rush and the improved running game make this a different FSU team than we're used to seeing. WIS ran it well, shocker, but QB play is a big question. The new guy seems a little better than Evridge...but that doesn't take much. WIS defense isn't horrible, but they haven't exactly been playing their best ball. MN and Cal-Poly both should have beat them and scored 30+. Better dead than red, so I like the Maroon in this one 29-17.
MIA-CAL 12/27
MR and JG like MIA, JR and MK...yep that Mike Kobow pick Cal. Once again, a home game for Cal in a bowl game...kind of shady how this seems to be the case more often than not. Cal has had some big highs and dreadful lows this year, but I feel that they are playing some good ball right now. The running game is lethal, the QB play is questionable, and the defense is pretty solid. They were an astonishing +14 in turnovers this year - Top 10 nationally. They also have a great pass rush. MIA continues to have a non-descript offense year in and year out. They lost their last 2 games, and Bob Marve won't be playing in the game (starting QB). Their defense is also top notch, but turnovers could be the death of them. A -9 was good enough for 101st place in the nation...ouch. Turnovers and home field will play a big role in this defensive battle. I think Cal has more to play for at home and might make this an ugly one...CAL 23-7.
Finally...the much anticipated Independence Bowl
NILL-LT 12/28
I took the dog LT, the rest of you are on N.ILL. This is actually a 3 pt. game, but since it's played on Sunday I thought I'd include it. LaTech runs it well, and stops the run. Which is a good thing when you play a NILL team that ranks 101st in passing offense. NILL wants to run it as well, but they too play good defense. I see lots of running the football and a very, very close game happening under the lights in Shreveport (again a Louisiana school playing basically at home in a bowl). Give me LTECH in a close one 21-20 on a missed 2 pt. conversion to win it!!
That's all for this week - 19 more next week, then 3 games in week 4 of Bowl Season.
Are you ready?!?
Week 17 Results & 1 point Bowl Results
Nice weekend, huh. Well, it was for Mr. Mike Roe at least. He is only 10-4 with one to play, leading us all by at least 6 games this week! Nice work Mike.
Purple - yuck. Should have had that one. Moved the ball at will, but a -4 in the turnover bucket is pretty tough to overcome. On a good note, we might have found a QB! Who turned the light on in this guy's head?!? WTF? All of a sudden we might have some $ to spend on something other than a QB next year. I still think they definitely get in. Not betting on a Bear loss tonight, although Roe has GB, and I'm trusting his picks a lot this week. They could lose at HOU next week, but I also think we'll beat a Giant team that will be sitting a lot of guys on Sunday.
BOWLS
JR and MK each have hit 3 of 5, MR hit 2 of 5, JG has only hit 1 of 5 so far. I'm still going to put my money on JG - Roe is on his way to a 3rd straight Reg. Season title, and JG has won the first 2 BOWL titles...so I won't bet against that trend. My Navy pick was bad...but my Troy loss was weak. They had that game in hand, then all of sudden they looked incredibily scared and SOMISS ran right through them. The K that is terrible hits 3 FG's and they win...unreal. I really like Fedora, the SOMISS coach. Wearing the Gold Jerseys and losing a timeout is my new favorite inspiriational move in College Football. His squad played with fire all night, which is fun to watch. Even after an UGLY injury to by far their best player in the 1st Qtr, they sustained and made a better Troy team play scared. Nice work.
I'll ship out a preview of this week's games either today or tomorrow...have a good Holiday everyone.
One other note - not sure about the week 17 challenge. It appears obvious that Roe will be the winner, and the timelines might be a little tricky this week with people traveling. I'm thinking we cancel week 17 and wait for the playoff challenge instead. Playoffs will be counted in our Bowl Total for one combined post season score. Bowls are worth 100, playoffs will be worth a total of 50...2pts each for Wildcard games, 3 pts each for Divisional games, 5 points each for Conf. Championships, and 20 for the Super Bowl.
Later Fellas - let me know if you have any objections to canceling Week 17 off of our schedule.
Thanks.
Purple - yuck. Should have had that one. Moved the ball at will, but a -4 in the turnover bucket is pretty tough to overcome. On a good note, we might have found a QB! Who turned the light on in this guy's head?!? WTF? All of a sudden we might have some $ to spend on something other than a QB next year. I still think they definitely get in. Not betting on a Bear loss tonight, although Roe has GB, and I'm trusting his picks a lot this week. They could lose at HOU next week, but I also think we'll beat a Giant team that will be sitting a lot of guys on Sunday.
BOWLS
JR and MK each have hit 3 of 5, MR hit 2 of 5, JG has only hit 1 of 5 so far. I'm still going to put my money on JG - Roe is on his way to a 3rd straight Reg. Season title, and JG has won the first 2 BOWL titles...so I won't bet against that trend. My Navy pick was bad...but my Troy loss was weak. They had that game in hand, then all of sudden they looked incredibily scared and SOMISS ran right through them. The K that is terrible hits 3 FG's and they win...unreal. I really like Fedora, the SOMISS coach. Wearing the Gold Jerseys and losing a timeout is my new favorite inspiriational move in College Football. His squad played with fire all night, which is fun to watch. Even after an UGLY injury to by far their best player in the 1st Qtr, they sustained and made a better Troy team play scared. Nice work.
I'll ship out a preview of this week's games either today or tomorrow...have a good Holiday everyone.
One other note - not sure about the week 17 challenge. It appears obvious that Roe will be the winner, and the timelines might be a little tricky this week with people traveling. I'm thinking we cancel week 17 and wait for the playoff challenge instead. Playoffs will be counted in our Bowl Total for one combined post season score. Bowls are worth 100, playoffs will be worth a total of 50...2pts each for Wildcard games, 3 pts each for Divisional games, 5 points each for Conf. Championships, and 20 for the Super Bowl.
Later Fellas - let me know if you have any objections to canceling Week 17 off of our schedule.
Thanks.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Weekend Bowl Game Preview
* I'll send out all the picks to you guys as well, but I'm just previewing this weekend's games today*
So we've got 5 games this weekend for the Bowl Challenge as well - all worth 1 point each, so not going to win you the pool - but you can defintiely get off to a good start.
NAVY-WF
I like Navy - the rest have WF in this one. Navy beat them in the regular season. Navy, like every other year, runs the ball really well. Both teams had up and down seasons, WF really struggled to score points earlier in the year and only averaged 20 ppg on the season. 103rd in D1 offense...not good. Both teams were +16 in turnovers, so both are probably a bit overrated. Navy always plays well in bowl games, and getting 3 points made this an easy one for me.
FRESNO-COLST
I have COLST, the rest have FRESNO. Basically, this one looks really even to me so take the points. CSU throws it a lot, Fresno is more of a runner. CSU overachieved this year right, Fresno defintiely under achieved. Hill may be moving on from Fresno, they have had some serious turnover problems, they've lost 3 of their last 5, and were actually outscored this year overall. I just think this is the classic case of a team that expected big things, lost a couple big early games, and will not play well in this low end bowl.
MEM-USF
USF is basically playing a home game in this one. JG is the only one who took MEM. MEM has a Top 25 offense, and have won 3 of 4 coming in. USF was a major disappointment this year losing 4 of 5 coming in. Turnovers have killed them (-7), but they do play nice D. I think their D (14th in Nation) shuts down the MEM running attack and their core players on offense play well at home. They are a young enough team, that they might still show up even though it isn't where they epxected to be this year.
BYU-AZ
This should be a good one. I am the only one who likes AZ. My power ratings have them as a 10 pt favorite. Both teams have really strong offenses, but AZ's defense is defintely a notch above BYU. AZ pass defense vs. BYU pass offense should tell the story - tie breaker, it's in Vegas...Mormons don't like Vegas.
TROY-SOMISS
MK has SOMISS, all else have TROY. I just think TROY is a better team. Both offense are really strong and fairly balanced. Troy's defense is much better and their lines could make the difference. Troy is Top 5 in Sacks for and Sacks Vs....while SOMISS doesn't get any sacks on D and is 76th in sacks allowed. I think Troy comes out and cruises to an easy win in this one.
Next week I'll look at all the 2 point games.
Happy Bowling!
So we've got 5 games this weekend for the Bowl Challenge as well - all worth 1 point each, so not going to win you the pool - but you can defintiely get off to a good start.
NAVY-WF
I like Navy - the rest have WF in this one. Navy beat them in the regular season. Navy, like every other year, runs the ball really well. Both teams had up and down seasons, WF really struggled to score points earlier in the year and only averaged 20 ppg on the season. 103rd in D1 offense...not good. Both teams were +16 in turnovers, so both are probably a bit overrated. Navy always plays well in bowl games, and getting 3 points made this an easy one for me.
FRESNO-COLST
I have COLST, the rest have FRESNO. Basically, this one looks really even to me so take the points. CSU throws it a lot, Fresno is more of a runner. CSU overachieved this year right, Fresno defintiely under achieved. Hill may be moving on from Fresno, they have had some serious turnover problems, they've lost 3 of their last 5, and were actually outscored this year overall. I just think this is the classic case of a team that expected big things, lost a couple big early games, and will not play well in this low end bowl.
MEM-USF
USF is basically playing a home game in this one. JG is the only one who took MEM. MEM has a Top 25 offense, and have won 3 of 4 coming in. USF was a major disappointment this year losing 4 of 5 coming in. Turnovers have killed them (-7), but they do play nice D. I think their D (14th in Nation) shuts down the MEM running attack and their core players on offense play well at home. They are a young enough team, that they might still show up even though it isn't where they epxected to be this year.
BYU-AZ
This should be a good one. I am the only one who likes AZ. My power ratings have them as a 10 pt favorite. Both teams have really strong offenses, but AZ's defense is defintely a notch above BYU. AZ pass defense vs. BYU pass offense should tell the story - tie breaker, it's in Vegas...Mormons don't like Vegas.
TROY-SOMISS
MK has SOMISS, all else have TROY. I just think TROY is a better team. Both offense are really strong and fairly balanced. Troy's defense is much better and their lines could make the difference. Troy is Top 5 in Sacks for and Sacks Vs....while SOMISS doesn't get any sacks on D and is 76th in sacks allowed. I think Troy comes out and cruises to an easy win in this one.
Next week I'll look at all the 2 point games.
Happy Bowling!
NFL Picks - Week 17
Here we go for Week 17 - still waiting on Roe's picks for the BOWLS...then I'll send those out.
NFL
Tonight - split on IND/JAC - JR/MK like INDY
JR/MR like BAL over DAL - MK/JG like Cowboys
JG likes CLE - rest of us have CIN
JR/JG have NO over DET
I have KC again - rest have MIA
JR/MR like NE - MK/JG like ARI
MR is on his own with STL over SF
We all like PIT over TEN - except JG didn't bet this one
MR likes SD - rest like TB
MR likes BUF - rest like DEN
JR/JG like HOU - MR and MK passed on this one
JG likes NYJ - MK/MR like SEA - JR picks nobody on this one
We all like the VIKES...uh-oh.
MK likes WAS - rest like PHILLY
MR likes NYG - rest like CAR
JR/MK took the BEARS - MR/JG like GB
That's all for this week. Another big one for the Purple. My prediction so far is correct, I still like them to win the last 2. This just in - TJACK is starting again on Sunday. I think it's the right move, let's see what he has. At home we're damn good - let's hope CAR wins this week as well, and we beat the G-Men next week for the #2 seed!!
Purple fever is here...until New Year's Eve at least. I'm thinking I'll send out all the Bowl picks as they come up rather than one rambling 9,000 word preview. Good times.
BTW - feeling a bit better today, not nearly as sore. Until I was listening to Common this afternoon and he started talking about how the Spanish are taking over Bowling Alleys everywhere...i laughed a lot, and it hurt a lot. Damn you Common.
Later Guys.
NFL
Tonight - split on IND/JAC - JR/MK like INDY
JR/MR like BAL over DAL - MK/JG like Cowboys
JG likes CLE - rest of us have CIN
JR/JG have NO over DET
I have KC again - rest have MIA
JR/MR like NE - MK/JG like ARI
MR is on his own with STL over SF
We all like PIT over TEN - except JG didn't bet this one
MR likes SD - rest like TB
MR likes BUF - rest like DEN
JR/JG like HOU - MR and MK passed on this one
JG likes NYJ - MK/MR like SEA - JR picks nobody on this one
We all like the VIKES...uh-oh.
MK likes WAS - rest like PHILLY
MR likes NYG - rest like CAR
JR/MK took the BEARS - MR/JG like GB
That's all for this week. Another big one for the Purple. My prediction so far is correct, I still like them to win the last 2. This just in - TJACK is starting again on Sunday. I think it's the right move, let's see what he has. At home we're damn good - let's hope CAR wins this week as well, and we beat the G-Men next week for the #2 seed!!
Purple fever is here...until New Year's Eve at least. I'm thinking I'll send out all the Bowl picks as they come up rather than one rambling 9,000 word preview. Good times.
BTW - feeling a bit better today, not nearly as sore. Until I was listening to Common this afternoon and he started talking about how the Spanish are taking over Bowling Alleys everywhere...i laughed a lot, and it hurt a lot. Damn you Common.
Later Guys.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Week 17 Games - pick 15 NFL games
Here's the list for this week - please send me your 15 picks on this one and your 34 bowl game picks.
Thanks.
Side note - surgery went well, sore as f*ck right now. Hope to be up and at 'em sometime soon.
IND
JAC 7.5
BAL
DAL -5
CIN
CLE -3
NO
DET 7.5
MIA
KC 4
ARI
NE -9
SF
STL 4.5
PIT
TEN -1
SD
TB -3
BUF
DEN -7
HOU
OAK 7.5
NYJ
SEA 4.5
ATL
MIN -3
PHI
WAS 5.5
CAR
NYG -3
GB
CHI -4.5
Thanks.
Side note - surgery went well, sore as f*ck right now. Hope to be up and at 'em sometime soon.
IND
JAC 7.5
BAL
DAL -5
CIN
CLE -3
NO
DET 7.5
MIA
KC 4
ARI
NE -9
SF
STL 4.5
PIT
TEN -1
SD
TB -3
BUF
DEN -7
HOU
OAK 7.5
NYJ
SEA 4.5
ATL
MIN -3
PHI
WAS 5.5
CAR
NYG -3
GB
CHI -4.5
Monday, December 15, 2008
Some fun stuff
Hey Guys -
I've got 2 hours to burn before a meeting, so I found some fun things to write about.
1) Graduation rates by race for NCAA Football players 59% for black kids, 76% for white kids. Not shocking, actually slightly higher on both accounts than I might have guessed. But the huge diparity between the 2 is coming into question - "experts" are saying that black kids don't get the same kind of education opportunities in HS, which is why they do worse in college. Hmmm.
2) SDST hired Brady Hoke, current or former Ball State coach. This was thought to be a landing spot for our favorite B10 Network commentator (Mase). My gut says they made the right move, although if Mase would have brought them back to 7-5 and a lame ass bowl game SDST might have been satisfied with that.
3) If you're looking for a little comedy today - check Collegefootballtalk.com and watch the YouTube clip of Gene Chizick landing at AUB. There is a guy heckling in the background, and it just hilarious. Apparently, nobody, including me, thinks they made the right move by hiring the former frontman for the Clones. I mean seriously, this guy goes 2-10 at ISU and AUB hires him? He has some major recruiting questions, which I think is the #1 talent to grab in a virtual unknown coach, and obviously he hasn't exactly coached up his ISU club over his 2 year tenure. This looks like a major blunder to me, and I'm guessing he won't last over 2-3 years without being rejected unanimously by the fans and players.
Chuck Barkley is all over this one as well. He think Turner Gill should have been hired, a black guy of course. But I like the call, I think Gill would have at least given some optimism - but with Chizik I think you kind of know what you're getting, and it isn't good. I hate that Barkley always has to play the race card, but Gill should get a bigger better job sometime soon. Scary future for that AUB squad...they better get used to looking up to Saban and ALA for quite a while.
4) Sam McGuffie, who looked so solid earlier in the year for MICH, is leaving DickRod's program and possibly heading for TEX A&M. I liked this guy, and I think this is a big-time loss for DickRod. However, I still like his odds to turn this team into a Bowl Team next year, and even better in the near future.
5) Non-football note with some Vegas relevance...Jamie Moyer, remembered best as the old man trying to pitch against the Dodgers in the playoffs while we were in Vegas, is 46...but he just signed a 2 year extension with PHIL!! Unreal. The guy has a contract until he's 48! I guess there is hope for my comeback after all.
6) Finally, in some breaking news...the former Hangtime star, Reggie Theus, was fired today by the Nets. Shocker. His unreal coaching on the cheese -ball saturday monring kiddy sitcom didn't translate into NBA success.
Okay. I think that's all I was thinking about. Back to work slackers.
I've got 2 hours to burn before a meeting, so I found some fun things to write about.
1) Graduation rates by race for NCAA Football players 59% for black kids, 76% for white kids. Not shocking, actually slightly higher on both accounts than I might have guessed. But the huge diparity between the 2 is coming into question - "experts" are saying that black kids don't get the same kind of education opportunities in HS, which is why they do worse in college. Hmmm.
2) SDST hired Brady Hoke, current or former Ball State coach. This was thought to be a landing spot for our favorite B10 Network commentator (Mase). My gut says they made the right move, although if Mase would have brought them back to 7-5 and a lame ass bowl game SDST might have been satisfied with that.
3) If you're looking for a little comedy today - check Collegefootballtalk.com and watch the YouTube clip of Gene Chizick landing at AUB. There is a guy heckling in the background, and it just hilarious. Apparently, nobody, including me, thinks they made the right move by hiring the former frontman for the Clones. I mean seriously, this guy goes 2-10 at ISU and AUB hires him? He has some major recruiting questions, which I think is the #1 talent to grab in a virtual unknown coach, and obviously he hasn't exactly coached up his ISU club over his 2 year tenure. This looks like a major blunder to me, and I'm guessing he won't last over 2-3 years without being rejected unanimously by the fans and players.
Chuck Barkley is all over this one as well. He think Turner Gill should have been hired, a black guy of course. But I like the call, I think Gill would have at least given some optimism - but with Chizik I think you kind of know what you're getting, and it isn't good. I hate that Barkley always has to play the race card, but Gill should get a bigger better job sometime soon. Scary future for that AUB squad...they better get used to looking up to Saban and ALA for quite a while.
4) Sam McGuffie, who looked so solid earlier in the year for MICH, is leaving DickRod's program and possibly heading for TEX A&M. I liked this guy, and I think this is a big-time loss for DickRod. However, I still like his odds to turn this team into a Bowl Team next year, and even better in the near future.
5) Non-football note with some Vegas relevance...Jamie Moyer, remembered best as the old man trying to pitch against the Dodgers in the playoffs while we were in Vegas, is 46...but he just signed a 2 year extension with PHIL!! Unreal. The guy has a contract until he's 48! I guess there is hope for my comeback after all.
6) Finally, in some breaking news...the former Hangtime star, Reggie Theus, was fired today by the Nets. Shocker. His unreal coaching on the cheese -ball saturday monring kiddy sitcom didn't translate into NBA success.
Okay. I think that's all I was thinking about. Back to work slackers.
BOWLS!! and Wk 16 Results
First the results -
MK will win the NFL challenge this week...current records:
MK 9-5
JG 7-7
JR 6-8
MR 4-10
One to go - MK and JR have PHI -15, JG/MR have CLE and the points.
Finally - the complete list of Bowl Games and Lines - please get this back to me with your picks for all 34 games by FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE LATEST - games start on Saturday. 100 possible points based solely on when the games are played (they are in order starting 12/20 and ending 1/8/09 with the title game)
1 point
________________________
NAVY
WF -3
FRES
COLST 3
MEM
USF -13
BYU
AZ -3.5
TROY
SOMISS 3.5
2 points
________________________
TCU
BOISE 2
ND
HAW -1.5
FAU
CMU -6.5
WV
NC 0
WIS
FSU -5.5
MIA
CAL -6
3 points
_______________________
NILL
LT 2
NCST
RUT -6.5
NW
MIZZ -13.5
NEV
MARY 0
WMU
RICE -3
ORE
OKST -3.5
AF
HOU -3
PITT
OREST -3
BC
VAN 4
MN
KAN -10
LSU
GT -4
4 points
______________________
IOWA
SC 3
CLEM
NEB 3
MSU
GEO -6
PSU
USC -10
VT
CIN -2
OLE
TT -6
ECU
UK 2.5
UTAH
ALA -11
BUFF
UCONN -4.5
OHIOST
TEX -11
BALLST
TULSA 3
6 points
______________________
FLA
OK 3
MK will win the NFL challenge this week...current records:
MK 9-5
JG 7-7
JR 6-8
MR 4-10
One to go - MK and JR have PHI -15, JG/MR have CLE and the points.
Finally - the complete list of Bowl Games and Lines - please get this back to me with your picks for all 34 games by FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE LATEST - games start on Saturday. 100 possible points based solely on when the games are played (they are in order starting 12/20 and ending 1/8/09 with the title game)
1 point
________________________
NAVY
WF -3
FRES
COLST 3
MEM
USF -13
BYU
AZ -3.5
TROY
SOMISS 3.5
2 points
________________________
TCU
BOISE 2
ND
HAW -1.5
FAU
CMU -6.5
WV
NC 0
WIS
FSU -5.5
MIA
CAL -6
3 points
_______________________
NILL
LT 2
NCST
RUT -6.5
NW
MIZZ -13.5
NEV
MARY 0
WMU
RICE -3
ORE
OKST -3.5
AF
HOU -3
PITT
OREST -3
BC
VAN 4
MN
KAN -10
LSU
GT -4
4 points
______________________
IOWA
SC 3
CLEM
NEB 3
MSU
GEO -6
PSU
USC -10
VT
CIN -2
OLE
TT -6
ECU
UK 2.5
UTAH
ALA -11
BUFF
UCONN -4.5
OHIOST
TEX -11
BALLST
TULSA 3
6 points
______________________
FLA
OK 3
Sunday, December 14, 2008
NFL Picks for Today
Hey Guys -
Here's the rundown of picks for today:
JR/MK: ATL, JG/MR: TB
JR/MK/JG like WASH - Roe didn't pick this one
MK likes HOU - the rest like TEN
JG likes DET - the rest like IND
JG likes JAC - the rest took GB
JR took KC - the rest took SD
JR/MK took 49ers - MR/JG took MIA
MK likes BUF - the rest like NYJ
MR took STL - the rest like SEA
MR/JR like the CARDS - MK/JG took the Purple
JR/MR like PIT - MK/JG took BAL
JR/JG like DEN - MK/MR like CAR
MR/JG like NE - JR and MK avoided this one
JR/MR like the NYG - MK/JG like DAL
MR/JG have CLE on Monday night - JR/MK have PHI
That's it. Lots of NFL action today. I think the Vikes might surprise, but I couldn't pick them to win. Hopefully it's a good watch.
I'll post the Bowl tomorrow or tonight.
I'm going under the knife on Tuesday, so I'll be home TUES-FRI this week. I have to have hernia surgery for an umbilical hernia...sweet, huh? so I'm on the shelf for a week, and I'll have way too much time on my hands to fine tune my bowl picks for this year...they start next Saturday so shoot them over to me next week sometime.
Later Guys.
Here's the rundown of picks for today:
JR/MK: ATL, JG/MR: TB
JR/MK/JG like WASH - Roe didn't pick this one
MK likes HOU - the rest like TEN
JG likes DET - the rest like IND
JG likes JAC - the rest took GB
JR took KC - the rest took SD
JR/MK took 49ers - MR/JG took MIA
MK likes BUF - the rest like NYJ
MR took STL - the rest like SEA
MR/JR like the CARDS - MK/JG took the Purple
JR/MR like PIT - MK/JG took BAL
JR/JG like DEN - MK/MR like CAR
MR/JG like NE - JR and MK avoided this one
JR/MR like the NYG - MK/JG like DAL
MR/JG have CLE on Monday night - JR/MK have PHI
That's it. Lots of NFL action today. I think the Vikes might surprise, but I couldn't pick them to win. Hopefully it's a good watch.
I'll post the Bowl tomorrow or tonight.
I'm going under the knife on Tuesday, so I'll be home TUES-FRI this week. I have to have hernia surgery for an umbilical hernia...sweet, huh? so I'm on the shelf for a week, and I'll have way too much time on my hands to fine tune my bowl picks for this year...they start next Saturday so shoot them over to me next week sometime.
Later Guys.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Week 16 picks - All NFL
Hey Guys -
I'm not going to do the big pick preview right now - I won't have Roe's picks until later tonight, so I don't want to tip our hands.
I will post everything probably during the game tonight between NO-CHI.
Just wanted to give everyone a quick update - later.
I'm not going to do the big pick preview right now - I won't have Roe's picks until later tonight, so I don't want to tip our hands.
I will post everything probably during the game tonight between NO-CHI.
Just wanted to give everyone a quick update - later.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Week 16 games - NFL Only (please pick 15 games)
I'm still waiting on a couple of lines(missing VIKES at CARDS because of Gus/TJack debate, and missing SEA-STL for unknown reasons to me - 2 horrible teams). I'll make up something for these just for the sake of having everything listed in this post.
NO
CHI -3
TB
ATL -2.5
WAS
CIN 6.5
TEN
HOU 3
DET
IND -17
GB
JAC 1
SD
KC 4.5
SF
MIA -7
BUF
NYJ -7.5
SEA
STL 0 (made this up, 2 bad teams = pick'em, please use this line)
MIN
ARI -3.5 (made this up, no official is listed so bet based on this one)
PIT
BAL -1.5
DEN
CAR -9
NE
OAK 7.5
NYG
DAL -2.5
CLE
PHI -15
NO
CHI -3
TB
ATL -2.5
WAS
CIN 6.5
TEN
HOU 3
DET
IND -17
GB
JAC 1
SD
KC 4.5
SF
MIA -7
BUF
NYJ -7.5
SEA
STL 0 (made this up, 2 bad teams = pick'em, please use this line)
MIN
ARI -3.5 (made this up, no official is listed so bet based on this one)
PIT
BAL -1.5
DEN
CAR -9
NE
OAK 7.5
NYG
DAL -2.5
CLE
PHI -15
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Week 15 Results - Time to go Bowling
And it's over. At least we have a fun month of bowl games, but the regular season is done.
I think I might call it a career and go out on top after this week. 13-3 overall in my NCAA picks this week...12-0 going into the evening games, I was thinking it was going to end perfectly...but I'll take 13-3 (81%).
Anywho, I ended up splitting the pot with Roe this week at 10-5 for each of us. MK went 8-7 and JG pulled up the ass end at 7-8. Overall, with 45 NFL games left to pick, here are the standings:
MR 117-108
JG 114-111
MK 110-115
JR 107-118
Roe went 89-66 in NCAA games for the year for 57% and the championship belt. All the rest of us hovered around .500 (MK 76-79, JG and JR at 74-81), overall we were a +6 collectively. Not awful, but far from good. I guess we'll have to keep practicing!
I am inspired for next year and the bowl games. I tried a new power rating system this week and went 13-3...so optimism is high right now. (we'll see how long that lasts)
NFL Standings
JG leads at 40-30, MK 34-36, JR 33-37, MR 28-42
So I think it's still anyone's game...REMINDER, WE WILL BE PICKING 15 OF THE 16 NFL GAMES THIS WEEK AND THE NEXT 2 WEEKS TO KEEP EACH WEEL WORTH 15 POINTS.
Nothing major to recap from last week. Bowl games are set - I will send out that list with lines once everything is set.
BCS - overall, I think they got it right. USC and TEXAS and actually PSU all have a claim, but the championship game could/should be a classic. That might be a good get together date for us if it works. JAN 8th - a THURSDAY NIGHT...could be fun?!?!
Other Notes:
Mike Locksley is the new coach at NM. Apparently, they got the memo on black coaches and made this guy the 4th. He was the OC at ILL most recently. My question is, was he really that special in his previous role? The Illini kind of sucked a$$ this year.
Al Groh of VIR fired his OC, who happens to be his son. That's got to be tough to do - but thumbs up for Groh for not just rolling with a poor coach because he happens to be his son. I really think Groh is one of the better coaches in the country and will get a bigger better job sometime soon.
Heisman is Saturday - appears to be a 2 man race between Tebow and Bradford. How does Tebow not get this? To me, he might be the best college player I've seen and maybe will ever see. He'll probably blow in the NFL, but there's nobody better in the NCAA. How about his fire in the ALA game - I love him.
Colt McCoy is coming back for his Sr. Season. Anyone shocked by this? I'm not so sure he won't be a bad NFL'r as well, and TEXAS will be really really good next year. This was a no-brainer for me.
Washington hired Steve Sarkesian as their new coach, the USC OC. I love the quote coming out of WASH, "we think we got our guy." Does this sound a little hesitant to anyone else? This job was being promoted as one of the sweeter jobs around, and to take a chance on a first year coach might not be what they really wanted. This quote, in context or not, sounds a little scary to me. He'll probably get a 3 year window to prove it or else I see another quick hook coming.
A couple of local notes:
Ray Edward sack tracker picked up another one on Sunday...19.5 to go in the last 3 games, I'm still confident he'll get there.
McHale will now be coaching Wittman. The media in general seems to be really down on this, but I think it's great. KOBS - I hope you feel special about attending the last game of the Randy Wittman era, sounded like a beauty. The great thing about the move is that it pulls McHale out of the front office, in title at least. Maybe he'll be a solid coach, he hasn't failed at that to prove he can't do it like he has in his other position. Wittman shouldn't get another shot in the league, he'll be a life long assistant at this point. It should be an intersting run for the next 2 months up to the break - if McHale is terrible, look out. It could finally be house cleaning time - only about 6-7 years too late! If he's decent and the team continue to look interested in FEB/MAR, then we might have found a spot for the giant from Hibbing. Time will tell. In my opinion, Foye, McCants, and others need to be gone before this team improves. Or at the very least the need to be re-cast in something that fits them. I heard Barreiro say this the other day, and I couldn't agree more - and it was why I was against the Mayo-Love trade at the start. You need to build a team by finding your pillars, your #1,2,3 options FIRST & then surround them with role players like Miller, Gomes, etc. We have a #1 or #2 in Jefferson...but that's it. Mayo had/has a chance top be a legit #1 or #2 option, but Love will only be a serviceable big man who can contribute while Miller is nothing but a 3 pt shooter. Things are at rock bottom...again. We do have money and picks galore for the coming years, but what's our track record look like in the draft and who in their right mind would come to this organization as a big-time free agent? Yikes - we might suck a lot for a long while.
GOPHERS-KANSAS
The is my first off the cuff impression of our matchup. I like it for our squad. I think we're +10 to open. KAN throws well, but running and pass protection are not solid. Our defense should be able to do some good things. Our offense should be better, hopefully an improved running game at least and a healthy Decker. KAN gave up 30 pts per game this year - this bodes well for our brutal offense. I think it will be a really close game, not ready to make a pick (even though you all know which way I'll go).
GET TOGETHER OPTIONS:
GOPHERS play on DEC 31st...new year's eve. I'm guessing this will be a tough one for all 4 of us to get together. Let me discuss with Anna & family to see if this might work even for me.
JAN 9TH - FLA-OK
This seems like a more realistic option. I know Holiday calendars fill up fast, so JAN might be a better option. It's also a Thursday night - keep your calendar clear for this one.
Upcoming Contests on FOOTBALL CHALLENGE
- 3 weeks left of 15 NFL picks
- Bowl Game Challenge will be paired with NFL Playoff Challenge as well, total points will be based upon the 66% NCAA, 33% NFL like we used in the regular season.
I will post this week's games soon - remember pick 15 NFL games (all but 1)
I will also post the Bowl Games as soon as all lines are set.
Talk to you later guys.
I think I might call it a career and go out on top after this week. 13-3 overall in my NCAA picks this week...12-0 going into the evening games, I was thinking it was going to end perfectly...but I'll take 13-3 (81%).
Anywho, I ended up splitting the pot with Roe this week at 10-5 for each of us. MK went 8-7 and JG pulled up the ass end at 7-8. Overall, with 45 NFL games left to pick, here are the standings:
MR 117-108
JG 114-111
MK 110-115
JR 107-118
Roe went 89-66 in NCAA games for the year for 57% and the championship belt. All the rest of us hovered around .500 (MK 76-79, JG and JR at 74-81), overall we were a +6 collectively. Not awful, but far from good. I guess we'll have to keep practicing!
I am inspired for next year and the bowl games. I tried a new power rating system this week and went 13-3...so optimism is high right now. (we'll see how long that lasts)
NFL Standings
JG leads at 40-30, MK 34-36, JR 33-37, MR 28-42
So I think it's still anyone's game...REMINDER, WE WILL BE PICKING 15 OF THE 16 NFL GAMES THIS WEEK AND THE NEXT 2 WEEKS TO KEEP EACH WEEL WORTH 15 POINTS.
Nothing major to recap from last week. Bowl games are set - I will send out that list with lines once everything is set.
BCS - overall, I think they got it right. USC and TEXAS and actually PSU all have a claim, but the championship game could/should be a classic. That might be a good get together date for us if it works. JAN 8th - a THURSDAY NIGHT...could be fun?!?!
Other Notes:
Mike Locksley is the new coach at NM. Apparently, they got the memo on black coaches and made this guy the 4th. He was the OC at ILL most recently. My question is, was he really that special in his previous role? The Illini kind of sucked a$$ this year.
Al Groh of VIR fired his OC, who happens to be his son. That's got to be tough to do - but thumbs up for Groh for not just rolling with a poor coach because he happens to be his son. I really think Groh is one of the better coaches in the country and will get a bigger better job sometime soon.
Heisman is Saturday - appears to be a 2 man race between Tebow and Bradford. How does Tebow not get this? To me, he might be the best college player I've seen and maybe will ever see. He'll probably blow in the NFL, but there's nobody better in the NCAA. How about his fire in the ALA game - I love him.
Colt McCoy is coming back for his Sr. Season. Anyone shocked by this? I'm not so sure he won't be a bad NFL'r as well, and TEXAS will be really really good next year. This was a no-brainer for me.
Washington hired Steve Sarkesian as their new coach, the USC OC. I love the quote coming out of WASH, "we think we got our guy." Does this sound a little hesitant to anyone else? This job was being promoted as one of the sweeter jobs around, and to take a chance on a first year coach might not be what they really wanted. This quote, in context or not, sounds a little scary to me. He'll probably get a 3 year window to prove it or else I see another quick hook coming.
A couple of local notes:
Ray Edward sack tracker picked up another one on Sunday...19.5 to go in the last 3 games, I'm still confident he'll get there.
McHale will now be coaching Wittman. The media in general seems to be really down on this, but I think it's great. KOBS - I hope you feel special about attending the last game of the Randy Wittman era, sounded like a beauty. The great thing about the move is that it pulls McHale out of the front office, in title at least. Maybe he'll be a solid coach, he hasn't failed at that to prove he can't do it like he has in his other position. Wittman shouldn't get another shot in the league, he'll be a life long assistant at this point. It should be an intersting run for the next 2 months up to the break - if McHale is terrible, look out. It could finally be house cleaning time - only about 6-7 years too late! If he's decent and the team continue to look interested in FEB/MAR, then we might have found a spot for the giant from Hibbing. Time will tell. In my opinion, Foye, McCants, and others need to be gone before this team improves. Or at the very least the need to be re-cast in something that fits them. I heard Barreiro say this the other day, and I couldn't agree more - and it was why I was against the Mayo-Love trade at the start. You need to build a team by finding your pillars, your #1,2,3 options FIRST & then surround them with role players like Miller, Gomes, etc. We have a #1 or #2 in Jefferson...but that's it. Mayo had/has a chance top be a legit #1 or #2 option, but Love will only be a serviceable big man who can contribute while Miller is nothing but a 3 pt shooter. Things are at rock bottom...again. We do have money and picks galore for the coming years, but what's our track record look like in the draft and who in their right mind would come to this organization as a big-time free agent? Yikes - we might suck a lot for a long while.
GOPHERS-KANSAS
The is my first off the cuff impression of our matchup. I like it for our squad. I think we're +10 to open. KAN throws well, but running and pass protection are not solid. Our defense should be able to do some good things. Our offense should be better, hopefully an improved running game at least and a healthy Decker. KAN gave up 30 pts per game this year - this bodes well for our brutal offense. I think it will be a really close game, not ready to make a pick (even though you all know which way I'll go).
GET TOGETHER OPTIONS:
GOPHERS play on DEC 31st...new year's eve. I'm guessing this will be a tough one for all 4 of us to get together. Let me discuss with Anna & family to see if this might work even for me.
JAN 9TH - FLA-OK
This seems like a more realistic option. I know Holiday calendars fill up fast, so JAN might be a better option. It's also a Thursday night - keep your calendar clear for this one.
Upcoming Contests on FOOTBALL CHALLENGE
- 3 weeks left of 15 NFL picks
- Bowl Game Challenge will be paired with NFL Playoff Challenge as well, total points will be based upon the 66% NCAA, 33% NFL like we used in the regular season.
I will post this week's games soon - remember pick 15 NFL games (all but 1)
I will also post the Bowl Games as soon as all lines are set.
Talk to you later guys.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Week 15 Preview
3 of 4 sets of picks are locked and loaded, just waiting on Roe right now - but this is the only chance I have to write today, so here we go.
Anyone catch ULL last night, I loved loved loved them in that game...but I didn't include it because I figured you guys would call me a cheat picking a TUES game.
JR and MK have RUT tonight, JG likes LOU. I love these small weeks, it's actually a managable amount of games to look at and dissect. RUT rolls LOU tonight 34-20.
BUFF-BALLST
nobody picked this one, but it might be worth a watch. I think the line is right on, but if I had to bet I like Ball State to stay undefeated.
PITT-UCONN
All 3 of us have PITT in this one. UCONN just hasn't been impressive all year, but they play well at home. PITT 23-20.
NAVY-ARMY
Never close. All 3 of us like NAVY, rightfully so. 30-16 Navy.
ECU-TULSA
I like ECU,MK likes Tulsa. Tulsa may still win, but not by more than 10.
BC-VT
JR/JG like VT, MK likes BC. Toss up game, but I had to stick with my preseason ACC pick...Hokies 21-18.
WASH-CAL
This should be a fun one. MK and JG took CAL...I like CAL by 6.5 scores...59-14.
ALA-FLA
JG likes the Tide, MK and I like the GATORS. I don't ALA is in the same league as the Gators...Tebow and co roll 37-20.
USC-UCLA
Another ugly one, but for a rivalry game I think 30 is a little much. MK and JG likes the Bruins, and I kind of agree with them. Should be really close to the line on this one...I'll say USC 44-16.
WKY-FIU
Sleeper pick of the week...LOVE FIU in this one. nobody else touched it.
FIU 45-21.
ARKST-TROY
Troy covers in a close one - nobody picked it...TROY 31-17.
USF-WV
JR and JG both like WV in this one. This looks like a gimme to me. WV 27-13.
ASU-AZ
Line is too large on this one. MK likes the Devils, JG took AZ. I'll take the Devils to cover in a close one - neither is team is very good...AZST 24-21.
MIZZ-OK
Blowout alert. I know the line is big, but it should be bigger. Sooners are my pick, MK and JG both like MIZZOU. I'll say OK 59-28.
CIN-HAW
The final regular season game of the year, what a great finish - on the beach in lovely HAW. Sadly, the Rainbows won't have a chance...CIN 28-10. I like CIN - no other bets on this one.
Assuming I'm right on all of these, which is usually the case (340-331 this year), here's how the 8-team playoff would play out:
ACC - VT
B12 - OK
B10 - PSU
SEC - FLA
P10 - USC
BE - CIN
NON-BCS - UTAH
WILDCARD - TEX/ALA/TT - I'll take TEXAS
Seeding:
1-FLA
2-OK
3-TEX
4-USC
5-PSU
6-UT
7-CIN
8-VT
VT-FLA
PSU-USC
CIN-OK
UT-TEX
How nice would this shape up? FLA houses VT, USC is better than PSU...FLA-USC in one semi-final
OK beats CIN...again, TEX beats UT...OK-TEX rematch in the other semi final
FLA wins and OK beats TEX this time...so we end up in the same place we are now with GATORS-SOONERS playing for the title.
I love the Gators right now in this one by the way.
NFL
All 3 of us like the Raiders tonight...yikes.
MK took JAX at CHI - that team looks done to me, but I'll be pulling for them.
I took the PACK, I know I'm a horrible person, but I saw HOU and they bad.
JG likes the Falcons, I kind of agree but betting against NO at home is scary.
JG also like PHILLY - I don't bet against the Giants ever this year.
I did take TEN over CLE...see the NYG rule.
I took MIA, MK took BUF. This should be close, but I'm picking MIA based on recent trend of BUF sucking more than MIA.
JR and JG like NYJ, MK likes SF. I still think the JETS are a bit of a question mark, but the 49ers suck. Only 4 points? It's a layup.
JG likes NE at SEA. I think I've picked for a SEA rebound about 6 weeks in a row (they are the TEN VOLS of the NFL) but I'm convinced it won't happen. The sweatshirt will have his squad ready to play after the embarassment last week.
MK finally likes CAR on MONDAY NIGHT. Not sure on that one, I'm kind of leaning toward TB.
RANDOM NOTES AND THOUGHTS
Why do I love USC and Pete Carroll? This week at UCLA they will be wearing the home reds against the home blues of UCLA. Carroll is forfeiting 1 timeout per half to do this - that's awesome.
Penn State's Nittany Lion, the actual mascot, got a DUI and can't go to the bowl game.
I was going to comment on who will coach ND next year, but I guess that mystery has been solved. Chuck is back for another year - great, more shittiness out of South Bend - I love it.
Minority Coaches or lack of them - I'm pretty sick of this issue. Maybe it's because I'm a white guy, but seriously, these are multi-million dollar programs - don't you think they can hire whoever the hell they want to run the show? Do I think more black coaches should probably get a chance and more should be hired? Sure. But I am so sick of hearing the arguement. The arguement comes up because the general public feels that either guy could do the job the same (black guy or white guy) but there is a huge ratio problem. Well, I could make the same arguement for white WR's, or black K's, or white DB's. Bottom line, whether it is an NCAA "Rooney" Rule or not, it doesn't mean more black coaches will get hired. The track records haven't exactly been stellar as of late, much like those of white WR's. It comes down to the underlying perception that black people are dumb which is why they can't coach or play QB or run a company. I'm not saying this is true or that I believe this, but this is the underlying issue that causes all the turmoil that surrounds this situation every time a black guy gets fired or a white guy gets hired over a black guy. Sorry for the rant, just sick of this crap.
One other note - Sly Croom, ousted at MISS ST, never had a chance. The South really doesn't live like the rest of the country, and I find it really hard to believe that a black head coach will ever have a lot of success in the SEC. We'll see, but I don't think it will happen.
Speaking of, lots of nice jobs out there right now...MISS ST, AUB, WASH, KST, SYR - well, not great jobs I guess, but BCS conference jobs.
That's all I gots for now.
DEFINITELY NEED TO FIGURE OUT A DAY TO HANG OUT AGAIN. GOPHERS BOWL GAME SHOULD BE SET LATE SUNDAY / EARLY MONDAY, MAYBE WE CAN SET SOMETHING UP AROUND THAT.
We'll be in touch - have a good championship weekend guys.
No Vikes preview this week, we have a bye.
Later.
Anyone catch ULL last night, I loved loved loved them in that game...but I didn't include it because I figured you guys would call me a cheat picking a TUES game.
JR and MK have RUT tonight, JG likes LOU. I love these small weeks, it's actually a managable amount of games to look at and dissect. RUT rolls LOU tonight 34-20.
BUFF-BALLST
nobody picked this one, but it might be worth a watch. I think the line is right on, but if I had to bet I like Ball State to stay undefeated.
PITT-UCONN
All 3 of us have PITT in this one. UCONN just hasn't been impressive all year, but they play well at home. PITT 23-20.
NAVY-ARMY
Never close. All 3 of us like NAVY, rightfully so. 30-16 Navy.
ECU-TULSA
I like ECU,MK likes Tulsa. Tulsa may still win, but not by more than 10.
BC-VT
JR/JG like VT, MK likes BC. Toss up game, but I had to stick with my preseason ACC pick...Hokies 21-18.
WASH-CAL
This should be a fun one. MK and JG took CAL...I like CAL by 6.5 scores...59-14.
ALA-FLA
JG likes the Tide, MK and I like the GATORS. I don't ALA is in the same league as the Gators...Tebow and co roll 37-20.
USC-UCLA
Another ugly one, but for a rivalry game I think 30 is a little much. MK and JG likes the Bruins, and I kind of agree with them. Should be really close to the line on this one...I'll say USC 44-16.
WKY-FIU
Sleeper pick of the week...LOVE FIU in this one. nobody else touched it.
FIU 45-21.
ARKST-TROY
Troy covers in a close one - nobody picked it...TROY 31-17.
USF-WV
JR and JG both like WV in this one. This looks like a gimme to me. WV 27-13.
ASU-AZ
Line is too large on this one. MK likes the Devils, JG took AZ. I'll take the Devils to cover in a close one - neither is team is very good...AZST 24-21.
MIZZ-OK
Blowout alert. I know the line is big, but it should be bigger. Sooners are my pick, MK and JG both like MIZZOU. I'll say OK 59-28.
CIN-HAW
The final regular season game of the year, what a great finish - on the beach in lovely HAW. Sadly, the Rainbows won't have a chance...CIN 28-10. I like CIN - no other bets on this one.
Assuming I'm right on all of these, which is usually the case (340-331 this year), here's how the 8-team playoff would play out:
ACC - VT
B12 - OK
B10 - PSU
SEC - FLA
P10 - USC
BE - CIN
NON-BCS - UTAH
WILDCARD - TEX/ALA/TT - I'll take TEXAS
Seeding:
1-FLA
2-OK
3-TEX
4-USC
5-PSU
6-UT
7-CIN
8-VT
VT-FLA
PSU-USC
CIN-OK
UT-TEX
How nice would this shape up? FLA houses VT, USC is better than PSU...FLA-USC in one semi-final
OK beats CIN...again, TEX beats UT...OK-TEX rematch in the other semi final
FLA wins and OK beats TEX this time...so we end up in the same place we are now with GATORS-SOONERS playing for the title.
I love the Gators right now in this one by the way.
NFL
All 3 of us like the Raiders tonight...yikes.
MK took JAX at CHI - that team looks done to me, but I'll be pulling for them.
I took the PACK, I know I'm a horrible person, but I saw HOU and they bad.
JG likes the Falcons, I kind of agree but betting against NO at home is scary.
JG also like PHILLY - I don't bet against the Giants ever this year.
I did take TEN over CLE...see the NYG rule.
I took MIA, MK took BUF. This should be close, but I'm picking MIA based on recent trend of BUF sucking more than MIA.
JR and JG like NYJ, MK likes SF. I still think the JETS are a bit of a question mark, but the 49ers suck. Only 4 points? It's a layup.
JG likes NE at SEA. I think I've picked for a SEA rebound about 6 weeks in a row (they are the TEN VOLS of the NFL) but I'm convinced it won't happen. The sweatshirt will have his squad ready to play after the embarassment last week.
MK finally likes CAR on MONDAY NIGHT. Not sure on that one, I'm kind of leaning toward TB.
RANDOM NOTES AND THOUGHTS
Why do I love USC and Pete Carroll? This week at UCLA they will be wearing the home reds against the home blues of UCLA. Carroll is forfeiting 1 timeout per half to do this - that's awesome.
Penn State's Nittany Lion, the actual mascot, got a DUI and can't go to the bowl game.
I was going to comment on who will coach ND next year, but I guess that mystery has been solved. Chuck is back for another year - great, more shittiness out of South Bend - I love it.
Minority Coaches or lack of them - I'm pretty sick of this issue. Maybe it's because I'm a white guy, but seriously, these are multi-million dollar programs - don't you think they can hire whoever the hell they want to run the show? Do I think more black coaches should probably get a chance and more should be hired? Sure. But I am so sick of hearing the arguement. The arguement comes up because the general public feels that either guy could do the job the same (black guy or white guy) but there is a huge ratio problem. Well, I could make the same arguement for white WR's, or black K's, or white DB's. Bottom line, whether it is an NCAA "Rooney" Rule or not, it doesn't mean more black coaches will get hired. The track records haven't exactly been stellar as of late, much like those of white WR's. It comes down to the underlying perception that black people are dumb which is why they can't coach or play QB or run a company. I'm not saying this is true or that I believe this, but this is the underlying issue that causes all the turmoil that surrounds this situation every time a black guy gets fired or a white guy gets hired over a black guy. Sorry for the rant, just sick of this crap.
One other note - Sly Croom, ousted at MISS ST, never had a chance. The South really doesn't live like the rest of the country, and I find it really hard to believe that a black head coach will ever have a lot of success in the SEC. We'll see, but I don't think it will happen.
Speaking of, lots of nice jobs out there right now...MISS ST, AUB, WASH, KST, SYR - well, not great jobs I guess, but BCS conference jobs.
That's all I gots for now.
DEFINITELY NEED TO FIGURE OUT A DAY TO HANG OUT AGAIN. GOPHERS BOWL GAME SHOULD BE SET LATE SUNDAY / EARLY MONDAY, MAYBE WE CAN SET SOMETHING UP AROUND THAT.
We'll be in touch - have a good championship weekend guys.
No Vikes preview this week, we have a bye.
Later.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Week 15 Games
*missing a bunch of NFL spreads right now - I'll post them when I have them*
*if you'd like to pick one of those games, let me know and you can change it later if you don't like the spread*
MDTN
ULL -4
LOU
RUT -11
BUFF
BALLST -14.5
PITT
UCONN -3
NAVY
ARMY 11
ECU
TULSA -13.5
BC
VT 1
WASH
CAL -34
ALA
FLA -10
USC
UCLA 30
WKY
FIU -7
ARKST
TROY -11
USF
WV -7
AZST
ARI -10.5
MIZZ
OK -16.5
CIN
HAW 7.5
OAK
SD -10
JAC
CHI
MIN
DET
HOU
GB
CIN
IND -13.5
ATL
NO -3
PHI
NYG -9
CLE
TEN -13.5
MIA
BUF -1
KC
DEN -9
NYJ
SF 4
NE
SEA 4.5
STL
ARI -13.5
DAL
PIT -3
WAS
BAL
TB
CAR -3
*if you'd like to pick one of those games, let me know and you can change it later if you don't like the spread*
MDTN
ULL -4
LOU
RUT -11
BUFF
BALLST -14.5
PITT
UCONN -3
NAVY
ARMY 11
ECU
TULSA -13.5
BC
VT 1
WASH
CAL -34
ALA
FLA -10
USC
UCLA 30
WKY
FIU -7
ARKST
TROY -11
USF
WV -7
AZST
ARI -10.5
MIZZ
OK -16.5
CIN
HAW 7.5
OAK
SD -10
JAC
CHI
MIN
DET
HOU
GB
CIN
IND -13.5
ATL
NO -3
PHI
NYG -9
CLE
TEN -13.5
MIA
BUF -1
KC
DEN -9
NYJ
SF 4
NE
SEA 4.5
STL
ARI -13.5
DAL
PIT -3
WAS
BAL
TB
CAR -3
Week 14 Results
14 down, 1 to go...for college football at least. It feels like we just started, and now it's over already. At least we have an exciting bowl game to look forward to this year.
So how'd we do last week?
MK takes the cake again at 8-7
JR, MR, and JG all went 6-9...ugly.
MK hits 5-5 in NCAA picks
JR, MR both go only 4-6
JG pulls up the rear at 3-7...brutal NCAA week for all of us.
NFL was only slightly better:
MK, JG tie for the win at 3-2
JR and MR both go 2-3
OVERALL
MR 107-103
JG 107-103
MK 102-108
JR 97-113
So I'm basically eliminated, but you never know i guess. Dead heat at the top with MR and JG.ROE has a 12 game lead on NCAA picks - nobody will catch him there. JG has a 7 game lead on NFL games - also very tough to catch.
My best call of the year so far had to be in a text to JG prior to the Vikes game...I called 35-13 Vikes...I missed slightly, 34-14 Vikes. Wow, maybe I should just stick to picking scores and forget about winners!
THOUGHTS ON THE NCAA WEEK
A&M gave up a bogus late one to TEX to not cover. That changes the whole week if they hold on.
LSU - wow, not good this year. ARK is actually a lot better team than most think - look out for them in the coming years.
I bet on NEB...kick me in the nuts next time you see me for that one.
AZST looks like they crushed UCLA, but had 4, yep 4 defensive TD's to make this one a laugher.
CLEM starting to turn it on at the end of the year - I don't like hiring on Swinney full time though - I think it's always best to not hire interim coaches...see Bill Stewart at WV.
MIZZOU - WTF? KAN, I had just given up on your squad, not you beat MIZZOU? Neither of these teams is much to worry about. No defense either way.
Noles - wow. Tebow is unreal, and that FLA team is playing better than any team I've seen in a while. How classic was the Tebow picture I saw about 1,000 times with the blood coming out of his nose and his face all mud...heisman moment?
TT - you need a huge comeback to beat BAY? They do not deserve to be a part of the B12 championship talk - I know the record says otherwise, but they are not close to OK or TEX right now.
Civil War - I called it! Woo-hoo, I got one right! The Ducks are just plain better than the Beavers. It's strange, but this ORE club is climbing up my personal favorite rankings very quickly. I like em a lot. Thank you Beavers for not winning and saving us the Penn St-ORE ST rematch that would be watched by 11 people in the Rose Bowl.
OK - loads of offense, but god their defense scares me. FLA by 14+ over them in a championship game...which was also my call at the beginning of the year. (I know lots of pats on the back for me so far, but I need some love since I've been in last since Week 2!)
ND-USC - that was fun. ND did get their first 1st down in the 3rd qtr. Chuck is as good as gone. I bet they throw the farm at Urban Meyer, especially if he wins another title this year. He has said that ND is his dream job...
KIFFIN to TEN - I think this is the right move for TEN. Hell, it might have been the right move for the GOPHS 2 years ago, but we'll see what happens. He has a bit of an asshole side to him it appears, so we'll see how that rolls in the League of Extraordinary Coaches. Sounds like daddy is following him, which won't hurt...or will he be like Evertt Withers and run complex pro schemes that no body can figure out? Either way, good pick TN.
GOPHER BOWL HOPES
We'll probably know as soon as the games are over on Saturday where our squad will end up. Possibilities include the Champs Sports Bowl against someone like FSU or possibly the Insight Bowl against someone like KAN. Either would be fun - I'm just stoked to have another game to end the season on a better note than 55-0.
I'll post the games for the 15th and FINAL week of NCAA football. After this week we'll be picking 15 NFL games, which is basically all of them. Buckle up.
So how'd we do last week?
MK takes the cake again at 8-7
JR, MR, and JG all went 6-9...ugly.
MK hits 5-5 in NCAA picks
JR, MR both go only 4-6
JG pulls up the rear at 3-7...brutal NCAA week for all of us.
NFL was only slightly better:
MK, JG tie for the win at 3-2
JR and MR both go 2-3
OVERALL
MR 107-103
JG 107-103
MK 102-108
JR 97-113
So I'm basically eliminated, but you never know i guess. Dead heat at the top with MR and JG.ROE has a 12 game lead on NCAA picks - nobody will catch him there. JG has a 7 game lead on NFL games - also very tough to catch.
My best call of the year so far had to be in a text to JG prior to the Vikes game...I called 35-13 Vikes...I missed slightly, 34-14 Vikes. Wow, maybe I should just stick to picking scores and forget about winners!
THOUGHTS ON THE NCAA WEEK
A&M gave up a bogus late one to TEX to not cover. That changes the whole week if they hold on.
LSU - wow, not good this year. ARK is actually a lot better team than most think - look out for them in the coming years.
I bet on NEB...kick me in the nuts next time you see me for that one.
AZST looks like they crushed UCLA, but had 4, yep 4 defensive TD's to make this one a laugher.
CLEM starting to turn it on at the end of the year - I don't like hiring on Swinney full time though - I think it's always best to not hire interim coaches...see Bill Stewart at WV.
MIZZOU - WTF? KAN, I had just given up on your squad, not you beat MIZZOU? Neither of these teams is much to worry about. No defense either way.
Noles - wow. Tebow is unreal, and that FLA team is playing better than any team I've seen in a while. How classic was the Tebow picture I saw about 1,000 times with the blood coming out of his nose and his face all mud...heisman moment?
TT - you need a huge comeback to beat BAY? They do not deserve to be a part of the B12 championship talk - I know the record says otherwise, but they are not close to OK or TEX right now.
Civil War - I called it! Woo-hoo, I got one right! The Ducks are just plain better than the Beavers. It's strange, but this ORE club is climbing up my personal favorite rankings very quickly. I like em a lot. Thank you Beavers for not winning and saving us the Penn St-ORE ST rematch that would be watched by 11 people in the Rose Bowl.
OK - loads of offense, but god their defense scares me. FLA by 14+ over them in a championship game...which was also my call at the beginning of the year. (I know lots of pats on the back for me so far, but I need some love since I've been in last since Week 2!)
ND-USC - that was fun. ND did get their first 1st down in the 3rd qtr. Chuck is as good as gone. I bet they throw the farm at Urban Meyer, especially if he wins another title this year. He has said that ND is his dream job...
KIFFIN to TEN - I think this is the right move for TEN. Hell, it might have been the right move for the GOPHS 2 years ago, but we'll see what happens. He has a bit of an asshole side to him it appears, so we'll see how that rolls in the League of Extraordinary Coaches. Sounds like daddy is following him, which won't hurt...or will he be like Evertt Withers and run complex pro schemes that no body can figure out? Either way, good pick TN.
GOPHER BOWL HOPES
We'll probably know as soon as the games are over on Saturday where our squad will end up. Possibilities include the Champs Sports Bowl against someone like FSU or possibly the Insight Bowl against someone like KAN. Either would be fun - I'm just stoked to have another game to end the season on a better note than 55-0.
I'll post the games for the 15th and FINAL week of NCAA football. After this week we'll be picking 15 NFL games, which is basically all of them. Buckle up.
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