Corcoran is taking the mighty Bulldogs of LaTech tonight at -3.5!
Woo-hoo, some meaningful action on WED night football. My call is Rainbow Warriors, or I'm sorry, Warriors without Rainbows by 7.
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
3 days and counting...
I haven't received any picks yet, so obviously no one is interested in the great HAW/LT tilt tonight...I can't blame you. HAW is the better team, but tough to pick them on their super strange travel schedule they had to face to play this one at LTECH tonight. But hey, it's football on Wednesday so I love it.
Also, the Twins are a must watch tonight. I have been done with this team for a month, like not watching any games done...until last night. Good god Verlander is good. 98 with that nasty curve ball...wow. I thought Denarded was going to come through for us, but I have to like our chances in the next 2. A straight up tie going into the weekend series (vs. KC, DET vs. CHISOX)would be a good thing. If this happens, I give it a 95% chance of ending in a tie and a 1-game playoff in the dome...it's a fitting end to this whole Dome experience, isn't it.
Now on to the best game of this incredible weekend...GOPHERS-BECKY at the Brickhouse.
So getting 2 guys suspended on Monday isn't exactly the way I wanted to start this week, but it might actually have some positive impact on the squad. Why? Well, first of all losing Dandridge leaves us deathly thin at S, so finally the coaching staff has decided to move the infamous Ryan Collado back to S, which likely moves Michael Carter to our nickel back. Collado can hit and tackle, but can't cover a lick - which makes him a logical S...why we didn't make this move about 2 years ago, i don't know. Getting Carter on the field more is also positive. He looks like the real deal in the limited time I've seen him on the field this year. I read he's also actually splitting snaps as a starting CB with BPT this week. Simmons has been extremely disappointing this year - time for him to wake up and make a play or 3 this weekend.
The other move is the suspension of DE Cedric McKinley. While I'm not as optimistic about this one, I do think we have a ton of depth at this spot and am not worried about this loss. He's had a few moments of greatness through 4 games, but with Jacobs and Moen and Wilhite and Henderson I think we have 4 capable DE's. I think we actually might mix in a little more 3-4 this weekend than most expect anyway. I love having Cooper on the field as the 4th LB against teams that can throw. And believe it or not, WIS is looking more and more like a throwing team this year than a grinder running team. This is mainly due to their OL, which hasn't been its usual outstanding self in 2009. This is a weak link, and their D is defintiely a weak link once again. Tolzien making his first road start in a hostile environment might allow us to capitalize on some mistakes early.
My feelings right now are that we need to win this game on defense. I think the offense will be able score some points against this porous D. Weber should have a field day throwing to Decker and hopefully others and I think we have some confidence going on the ground so we should at least have a threat there...hopefully seeing more of Kevin Whaley, I could see him taking one to the house on our first "big play" from the running game. The defense will need to be creative, and we should have the right guy in charge to make that happen. Cosgrove knows the Becky program extremely well and honestly their offense really hasn't changed that much in the last 10-12 years. I think our DL and LB's can hold the big lumbering backfield in check...it's not the lightning quick Jahvid Best, is the slow and plodding John Clay - much easier challenge for what our defense is built to stop. Like I said before, I think we can rattle Tolzien, who's really making his first big start, and get some opportunities early. Pressure is key - let's hope we can make it happen and get Mr. Tolzien looking over his shoulder all day.
No official prediction yet, but I really do like our chances this weekend. Saturday can't come soon enough.
A couple other random notes that I have run onto this week...
- Maine played some aggressive football against SYR last week. How aggressive you say? They recovered 2 onside kicks and tried 2 fake punts...in the 1st half! I love it. Nothing to lose, take a chance and make it happen. I wish more "little engine that could" type teams would take this approach. I love it.
- Who is Josh Johnson? He's your starting QB for the TB Bucs this weekend. This is the guy that the head coach said, "I would love to have him as my backup for the next 13 years in this league."...and now in week 4 he's starting him. Yikes. So, with my immense interest in NCAA Football I usually can remember most of these guys you see in the NFL...but Josh Johnson I can not place. So I looked it up and he's a 2nd year guy from San Diego. Wow. That's like starting a 2nd year guy from Alabama St. at QB...wait, I think I know a guy who did that. Basically, it looks like TB is going with the, "season's over, we might as well lose them all" approach already. Should be fun this weekend at WAS...although I'm tempted to pick TB to cover the 8.5 because I don't think WAS can score over 8 points in a game!!
- In closing I have a couple of final thoughts. First, in an idea that I LOVE, somebody can up with the plan to play "Jump Around" after the Gophs run acrossed the field and take back the axe...how f'ing amazing would that be!!
Finally, what is going to make you the most excited over the next week...
1) GOPHERS running across the field to take back the axe!
2) PURPLE housing the Pack in style on Monday Night and Favre throwing 3 TD's!
3) WILD season starting! zzzzzzzzz....zzzzzzzzzz....zzzzzz
4) TWINS clinching the division on Saturday after the Tigers drop the next 4 and we win the first 2 against the Royals after cleaning up on the Tigers the next 2 days!
5) WOLVES training camp opening up!
Which, by the way - look at this gem from the Dallas Morning News:
"McHale, who somehow was let go by the Minnesota Timberwolves despite being a native son and doing a solid job building that team (and coaching it, too, at times). For now, he's just wanting to impart as much as he can to the Mavericks."
What?!?!? Have you seen the Wolves during McHale's tenure?! I don't pretend to know the NBA as well as some do, but even I realize that this guy is insane.
It's going to be a great week - send over your picks when you have them.
Go GOPHS!
Also, the Twins are a must watch tonight. I have been done with this team for a month, like not watching any games done...until last night. Good god Verlander is good. 98 with that nasty curve ball...wow. I thought Denarded was going to come through for us, but I have to like our chances in the next 2. A straight up tie going into the weekend series (vs. KC, DET vs. CHISOX)would be a good thing. If this happens, I give it a 95% chance of ending in a tie and a 1-game playoff in the dome...it's a fitting end to this whole Dome experience, isn't it.
Now on to the best game of this incredible weekend...GOPHERS-BECKY at the Brickhouse.
So getting 2 guys suspended on Monday isn't exactly the way I wanted to start this week, but it might actually have some positive impact on the squad. Why? Well, first of all losing Dandridge leaves us deathly thin at S, so finally the coaching staff has decided to move the infamous Ryan Collado back to S, which likely moves Michael Carter to our nickel back. Collado can hit and tackle, but can't cover a lick - which makes him a logical S...why we didn't make this move about 2 years ago, i don't know. Getting Carter on the field more is also positive. He looks like the real deal in the limited time I've seen him on the field this year. I read he's also actually splitting snaps as a starting CB with BPT this week. Simmons has been extremely disappointing this year - time for him to wake up and make a play or 3 this weekend.
The other move is the suspension of DE Cedric McKinley. While I'm not as optimistic about this one, I do think we have a ton of depth at this spot and am not worried about this loss. He's had a few moments of greatness through 4 games, but with Jacobs and Moen and Wilhite and Henderson I think we have 4 capable DE's. I think we actually might mix in a little more 3-4 this weekend than most expect anyway. I love having Cooper on the field as the 4th LB against teams that can throw. And believe it or not, WIS is looking more and more like a throwing team this year than a grinder running team. This is mainly due to their OL, which hasn't been its usual outstanding self in 2009. This is a weak link, and their D is defintiely a weak link once again. Tolzien making his first road start in a hostile environment might allow us to capitalize on some mistakes early.
My feelings right now are that we need to win this game on defense. I think the offense will be able score some points against this porous D. Weber should have a field day throwing to Decker and hopefully others and I think we have some confidence going on the ground so we should at least have a threat there...hopefully seeing more of Kevin Whaley, I could see him taking one to the house on our first "big play" from the running game. The defense will need to be creative, and we should have the right guy in charge to make that happen. Cosgrove knows the Becky program extremely well and honestly their offense really hasn't changed that much in the last 10-12 years. I think our DL and LB's can hold the big lumbering backfield in check...it's not the lightning quick Jahvid Best, is the slow and plodding John Clay - much easier challenge for what our defense is built to stop. Like I said before, I think we can rattle Tolzien, who's really making his first big start, and get some opportunities early. Pressure is key - let's hope we can make it happen and get Mr. Tolzien looking over his shoulder all day.
No official prediction yet, but I really do like our chances this weekend. Saturday can't come soon enough.
A couple other random notes that I have run onto this week...
- Maine played some aggressive football against SYR last week. How aggressive you say? They recovered 2 onside kicks and tried 2 fake punts...in the 1st half! I love it. Nothing to lose, take a chance and make it happen. I wish more "little engine that could" type teams would take this approach. I love it.
- Who is Josh Johnson? He's your starting QB for the TB Bucs this weekend. This is the guy that the head coach said, "I would love to have him as my backup for the next 13 years in this league."...and now in week 4 he's starting him. Yikes. So, with my immense interest in NCAA Football I usually can remember most of these guys you see in the NFL...but Josh Johnson I can not place. So I looked it up and he's a 2nd year guy from San Diego. Wow. That's like starting a 2nd year guy from Alabama St. at QB...wait, I think I know a guy who did that. Basically, it looks like TB is going with the, "season's over, we might as well lose them all" approach already. Should be fun this weekend at WAS...although I'm tempted to pick TB to cover the 8.5 because I don't think WAS can score over 8 points in a game!!
- In closing I have a couple of final thoughts. First, in an idea that I LOVE, somebody can up with the plan to play "Jump Around" after the Gophs run acrossed the field and take back the axe...how f'ing amazing would that be!!
Finally, what is going to make you the most excited over the next week...
1) GOPHERS running across the field to take back the axe!
2) PURPLE housing the Pack in style on Monday Night and Favre throwing 3 TD's!
3) WILD season starting! zzzzzzzzz....zzzzzzzzzz....zzzzzz
4) TWINS clinching the division on Saturday after the Tigers drop the next 4 and we win the first 2 against the Royals after cleaning up on the Tigers the next 2 days!
5) WOLVES training camp opening up!
Which, by the way - look at this gem from the Dallas Morning News:
"McHale, who somehow was let go by the Minnesota Timberwolves despite being a native son and doing a solid job building that team (and coaching it, too, at times). For now, he's just wanting to impart as much as he can to the Mavericks."
What?!?!? Have you seen the Wolves during McHale's tenure?! I don't pretend to know the NBA as well as some do, but even I realize that this guy is insane.
It's going to be a great week - send over your picks when you have them.
Go GOPHS!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Week 5 Lines - return by Noon Thursday
HAW/LT is WED, so get picks to me by game time if you want that one.
COL/WV and SOMISS/UAB are THUR
PIT/LOU and UTST/BYU are FRI
HAW
LT -3.5
COL
WV -17
SOMISS
UAB no line yet
PITT
LOU 6.5
UTST
BYU -24
FSU
BC 5
CLEM
MARY 13
MICH
MSU 2.5
WIS
MN -1
VT
DUKE 15.5
VIR
NC -14
USF
SYR 7
ECU
MARSH 3
TULANE
ARMY -6
TOL
BALLST 6.5
NW
PUR -6
ALA
UK 17
CIN
MIAOH 26.5
TEM
EMU 4
ARKST
IOWA -21.5
UCLA
STAN -5
LSU
GEO -2.5
NCST
WF 0
PSU
ILL 6
CMU
BUFF 9
MEM
UCF -9
OK
MIA 7
FIU
ULM -2.5
WMU
NILL -6.5
WASH
ND -13.5
AF
NAVY -3.5
NM
TT -36
OHIO
BGU -3
UNLV
NEV -4
WY
FAU -3.5
OREST
ASU -4.5
OLE
VAN 9.5
KENT
BAY no line yet
OHIOST
IND 16.5
GT
MISST 4.5
TULSA
RICE 13.5
ARK
A&M 1.5
AUB
TN -2
NMST
SDST -16.5
USC
CAL 6.5
SMU
TCU -28
HOU
UTEP 15
WASU
ORE -31
COLST
IDAHO 4
__________________________________________
NFL
DET
CHI -12
CIN
CLE 4
OAK
HOU -10.5
SEA
IND no line yet
TEN
JAC 1
NYG
KC 10
BAL
NE -3
TB
WAS -8.5
BUF
MIA 1
NYJ
NO -7
DAL
DEN 3
STL
SF -10
SD
PIT -5
GB
MIN -3
COL/WV and SOMISS/UAB are THUR
PIT/LOU and UTST/BYU are FRI
HAW
LT -3.5
COL
WV -17
SOMISS
UAB no line yet
PITT
LOU 6.5
UTST
BYU -24
FSU
BC 5
CLEM
MARY 13
MICH
MSU 2.5
WIS
MN -1
VT
DUKE 15.5
VIR
NC -14
USF
SYR 7
ECU
MARSH 3
TULANE
ARMY -6
TOL
BALLST 6.5
NW
PUR -6
ALA
UK 17
CIN
MIAOH 26.5
TEM
EMU 4
ARKST
IOWA -21.5
UCLA
STAN -5
LSU
GEO -2.5
NCST
WF 0
PSU
ILL 6
CMU
BUFF 9
MEM
UCF -9
OK
MIA 7
FIU
ULM -2.5
WMU
NILL -6.5
WASH
ND -13.5
AF
NAVY -3.5
NM
TT -36
OHIO
BGU -3
UNLV
NEV -4
WY
FAU -3.5
OREST
ASU -4.5
OLE
VAN 9.5
KENT
BAY no line yet
OHIOST
IND 16.5
GT
MISST 4.5
TULSA
RICE 13.5
ARK
A&M 1.5
AUB
TN -2
NMST
SDST -16.5
USC
CAL 6.5
SMU
TCU -28
HOU
UTEP 15
WASU
ORE -31
COLST
IDAHO 4
__________________________________________
NFL
DET
CHI -12
CIN
CLE 4
OAK
HOU -10.5
SEA
IND no line yet
TEN
JAC 1
NYG
KC 10
BAL
NE -3
TB
WAS -8.5
BUF
MIA 1
NYJ
NO -7
DAL
DEN 3
STL
SF -10
SD
PIT -5
GB
MIN -3
Week 4 Wrap Up
Good week. 64-56 in total for the 8 of us...not bad. 22-18 NFL, 42-38 NCAA.
Updated Standings
JG 33 27 55.0%
GR 33 27 55.0%
JR 33 27 55.0%
MR 31 29 51.7%
MH 28 32 46.7%
AW 28 32 46.7%
MC 27 33 45.0%
MK 26 34 43.3%
NCAA Picks
JG 25 20 55.6%
GR 25 20 55.6%
MR 24 21 53.3%
JR 22 23 48.9%
MH 21 24 46.7%
MK 20 25 44.4%
AW 20 25 44.4%
MC 17 28 37.8%
NFL Picks
JR 11 4 73.3%
MC 10 5 66.7%
GR 8 7 53.3%
JG 8 7 53.3%
AW 8 7 53.3%
MR 7 8 46.7%
MH 7 8 46.7%
MK 6 9 40.0%
NFL picks are ridiculous right now. 73%...insane.
My pick everything stats, because I know you care:
NCAA: 102-86 54%
NFL: 31-17 65%
Not bad...in the black numbers for both right now.
Overall, a 3 way tie at the top...between the 3 guys going to Vegas in 2 weeks and 3 days. Let's stay hot for 3 more weeks, what do you think guys?
Alright, on to the games....
We'll shake it up and start NFL first.
-CAR, WTF? Is Jake Delhomme that terrible. How do they have these clunker years about once every 2 or 3 season? Bad coach, I don't think so...bad QB, yep.
- Worst team in the league? CLE, TB, STL, KC - I have to vote CLE right now.
- TB had 86 yards on Sunday against NYG...86
- Is the real NE back? I think ATL is a little overrated, but NE will continue to build and get back to elite status within the next few weeks.
- WAS, how bad are the Skins? Can Dan Snyder spend the money to blow it all up and start over again? T.Jackson said it best on ESPN, "they have spent all this money rebuilding and they can't run or throw and they can't stop the run or the pass...what have they accomplished?"
- BUF - it looks like the TO experiment is about to blow up...again. Ticking time bomb - this team is going nowhere.
- Bungals are for real? Kind of. I still don't think they sniff the playoffs.
- Can someone tell me why I changed my mind on INDY and went with ARZ? I've been anti-AZ all year (SuperBowl loser syndrome) but for some reason I listened to too many other people and went with them on Sunday night.
- MIA - the season is done for you too. Henne will not get you in the playoffs.
- OAK - can Russell be any worse? Should the NFL prevent Al Davis from running this team any further into the ground than he already has. What a horrible looking operation, and it's only getting worse.
- DEN is 3-0, but I still think they suck.
- Vikes. Wow, that was our first #4 thriller. It's nice to be 3-0, but what a struggle. Big one coming up on Monday night...have to LOVE our chances in that one.
NCAA RECAP
- crazy week started with OLE going down in ugly fashion to SC...who is better than you think this year because they have an offense!
- FSU, nice work. USF is going with their patented early season push before failing miserably to end the season...it will happen.
- MICH - what was that? IND is still not a good team, but I have moved them up a couple of notches after that one. MICH is lucky to win and still be undefeated.
- How about the ILLINI?!? Is everyone still in love with the Zooker and Juice? What a joke, they might be the worst team in the B10...along w/NW.
- WIS cruised over MSU, 38-30 is misleading. So the question is, WIS for real or SPARTY really not good? I like the latter.
- LSU is not a very good club either. They should have lost to MISST, and will lose very shortly.
- MEM is one of the worst teams in D1, with the 2 NM schools
- Maryland sucks...it's official. Thought maybe they get up for a home game with RUT, but nope...flat as a pancake.
- NCST looks to be okay as well. A nice win over PITT to help their ACC push, and that SC loss to open the year doesn't look too bad.
- TCU is good. Not a lot of hype so far, but I love that team every year.
- Is there a Hurricane coming still? Nice effort against VT! I love it, ESPN hypes it up like Gino's Canes are back and talking very big things, then they get slaugthered 31-7. Never bet against Beamer at home in a big game, he always finds a way to win.
- ALA is the best team in the country right now (post-Tebow concussion)
- CMU shouldn't lose again all season, 11-1 isn't bad.
- IDAHO has gone from absolute disaster to a 3-1 team so far with 4 covers! Nice turnaround.
- CAL, WTF? I know it's a tough place to play, but 42-3! No matter what anyone tells you, never ever ever trust CAL over an entire season.
- ARKST lost at home to TROY, now they travel to Iowa City in what Hogeye fans are calling a major trap game...are you serious!?
- Even without TEBOW, FLA might win based on their D alone. 7 ppg this year, is that good?
- OREST pooped the bed. AZ is a little better than I thought, thanks again for making the right QB decision one week too late.
- ND should have lost to PUR. They are not that good this year either. Lots of injuries piling up and the D is still very suspect.
- I saw the WASH beat down coming a mile away, off a major emotional upset and going on the road = death.
- How about HOU? Beating OKST was nice, then beating TT when you're favored is even better. Maybe they are for real?
- PSU looked pathetic. Iowa's D is good, but how do you play that poorly...especially with the fast start? Pretty sad. But it gives me a lot of hope for the Vegas week showdown against the 5-1 Gophers!!
GOPHERS - NW
Watched the tape delay version since it was my anniversary on Saturday, which really is a nice way to watch a game. 3.5 hours down to about 2 hours in watch time...not bad.
Had to love the running game and the quick start. Bennett and especially Whaley looked really nice running the football. I can't get too excited though because NW's D is brutal, but so was SYR and AF and we couldn't run on them very well. And they stuck with it and picked up the hard yards when necessary on the ground...so overall it was very encouraging. AWEB threw it okay...still think he could be a lot better. One pick and about 3 others that could/should have been picked. Gray running the ball was amazing - I didn't realize he was such a hard runner! I think the final line was something like 5 carries for 30+ yards...nice. I've been calling for it for quite a while, and I think it will finally happen this week...a pass from #5! Even the moronic B10 announcers were picking up on the #5 in the game = #5 run play strategy. I think we've got them right where we want them for a long one over the top from #5...look out Becky.
On defense, this is the first game I wasn't really happy with the D. They went with the bend but don't break approach, "Mason-Ball" against NW. I kind of understood it because of all the bizarro 5 WR sets they run, but a team with NO running game at all should not be able to move the ball that easily against us. I was thrilled with the finish to the game. NW had the ball back and they were looking to drive for the game winner, and I had that feeling that all Gopher fans get in their stomach during occasions like this...I call it "Mason-Itis". Basically, I believed that the worst would happen and we'd find a crazy way to lose this game. But the 3rd play of the drive, McKinley strips the ball and falls on it for the W. If we were in the Mason era, Ced probably tries to pick it up and kicks it out of bounds and NW scores on the next play...but this is a different, better team. Then we score and do the same thing on the next drive...nice! That's how your defense goes out and wins a game.
Bottom line - nice win, on the road, in the conference. Great start going into the next biggest game of the season. The evil red team is coming to town, without their 30,000 fans this season for the first time in 28 years! It sounds like a cool, possibly wet day at TCF...it's going to be good. Gophs started as 1 point favs, and immediately jumped to -3...I think the experts are telling us something...we are better than Becky.
Just to continue on my week of crazy accurate predictions, I'll have to point out a couple of other calls I made this week:
-GOPHS 34-27...I was way off, GOPHS 35-24.
-VIKES/SF will be a FG game...Vikes 27-24.
-SC will beat OLE...they did.
-IOWA was a good bet against PSU...sadly they were.
-NMST/NM must take the 10 points because nobody can win by more than that...20-17
Okay. Enough. Time to do it all over again this week. I'll send out the games today -good luck everyone!
One more thing - how does College Gameday choose FSU at BC over the TCF B10 opener this week!!! I think MN and WIS both beat either of these bunk ACC teams. Lame.
Updated Standings
JG 33 27 55.0%
GR 33 27 55.0%
JR 33 27 55.0%
MR 31 29 51.7%
MH 28 32 46.7%
AW 28 32 46.7%
MC 27 33 45.0%
MK 26 34 43.3%
NCAA Picks
JG 25 20 55.6%
GR 25 20 55.6%
MR 24 21 53.3%
JR 22 23 48.9%
MH 21 24 46.7%
MK 20 25 44.4%
AW 20 25 44.4%
MC 17 28 37.8%
NFL Picks
JR 11 4 73.3%
MC 10 5 66.7%
GR 8 7 53.3%
JG 8 7 53.3%
AW 8 7 53.3%
MR 7 8 46.7%
MH 7 8 46.7%
MK 6 9 40.0%
NFL picks are ridiculous right now. 73%...insane.
My pick everything stats, because I know you care:
NCAA: 102-86 54%
NFL: 31-17 65%
Not bad...in the black numbers for both right now.
Overall, a 3 way tie at the top...between the 3 guys going to Vegas in 2 weeks and 3 days. Let's stay hot for 3 more weeks, what do you think guys?
Alright, on to the games....
We'll shake it up and start NFL first.
-CAR, WTF? Is Jake Delhomme that terrible. How do they have these clunker years about once every 2 or 3 season? Bad coach, I don't think so...bad QB, yep.
- Worst team in the league? CLE, TB, STL, KC - I have to vote CLE right now.
- TB had 86 yards on Sunday against NYG...86
- Is the real NE back? I think ATL is a little overrated, but NE will continue to build and get back to elite status within the next few weeks.
- WAS, how bad are the Skins? Can Dan Snyder spend the money to blow it all up and start over again? T.Jackson said it best on ESPN, "they have spent all this money rebuilding and they can't run or throw and they can't stop the run or the pass...what have they accomplished?"
- BUF - it looks like the TO experiment is about to blow up...again. Ticking time bomb - this team is going nowhere.
- Bungals are for real? Kind of. I still don't think they sniff the playoffs.
- Can someone tell me why I changed my mind on INDY and went with ARZ? I've been anti-AZ all year (SuperBowl loser syndrome) but for some reason I listened to too many other people and went with them on Sunday night.
- MIA - the season is done for you too. Henne will not get you in the playoffs.
- OAK - can Russell be any worse? Should the NFL prevent Al Davis from running this team any further into the ground than he already has. What a horrible looking operation, and it's only getting worse.
- DEN is 3-0, but I still think they suck.
- Vikes. Wow, that was our first #4 thriller. It's nice to be 3-0, but what a struggle. Big one coming up on Monday night...have to LOVE our chances in that one.
NCAA RECAP
- crazy week started with OLE going down in ugly fashion to SC...who is better than you think this year because they have an offense!
- FSU, nice work. USF is going with their patented early season push before failing miserably to end the season...it will happen.
- MICH - what was that? IND is still not a good team, but I have moved them up a couple of notches after that one. MICH is lucky to win and still be undefeated.
- How about the ILLINI?!? Is everyone still in love with the Zooker and Juice? What a joke, they might be the worst team in the B10...along w/NW.
- WIS cruised over MSU, 38-30 is misleading. So the question is, WIS for real or SPARTY really not good? I like the latter.
- LSU is not a very good club either. They should have lost to MISST, and will lose very shortly.
- MEM is one of the worst teams in D1, with the 2 NM schools
- Maryland sucks...it's official. Thought maybe they get up for a home game with RUT, but nope...flat as a pancake.
- NCST looks to be okay as well. A nice win over PITT to help their ACC push, and that SC loss to open the year doesn't look too bad.
- TCU is good. Not a lot of hype so far, but I love that team every year.
- Is there a Hurricane coming still? Nice effort against VT! I love it, ESPN hypes it up like Gino's Canes are back and talking very big things, then they get slaugthered 31-7. Never bet against Beamer at home in a big game, he always finds a way to win.
- ALA is the best team in the country right now (post-Tebow concussion)
- CMU shouldn't lose again all season, 11-1 isn't bad.
- IDAHO has gone from absolute disaster to a 3-1 team so far with 4 covers! Nice turnaround.
- CAL, WTF? I know it's a tough place to play, but 42-3! No matter what anyone tells you, never ever ever trust CAL over an entire season.
- ARKST lost at home to TROY, now they travel to Iowa City in what Hogeye fans are calling a major trap game...are you serious!?
- Even without TEBOW, FLA might win based on their D alone. 7 ppg this year, is that good?
- OREST pooped the bed. AZ is a little better than I thought, thanks again for making the right QB decision one week too late.
- ND should have lost to PUR. They are not that good this year either. Lots of injuries piling up and the D is still very suspect.
- I saw the WASH beat down coming a mile away, off a major emotional upset and going on the road = death.
- How about HOU? Beating OKST was nice, then beating TT when you're favored is even better. Maybe they are for real?
- PSU looked pathetic. Iowa's D is good, but how do you play that poorly...especially with the fast start? Pretty sad. But it gives me a lot of hope for the Vegas week showdown against the 5-1 Gophers!!
GOPHERS - NW
Watched the tape delay version since it was my anniversary on Saturday, which really is a nice way to watch a game. 3.5 hours down to about 2 hours in watch time...not bad.
Had to love the running game and the quick start. Bennett and especially Whaley looked really nice running the football. I can't get too excited though because NW's D is brutal, but so was SYR and AF and we couldn't run on them very well. And they stuck with it and picked up the hard yards when necessary on the ground...so overall it was very encouraging. AWEB threw it okay...still think he could be a lot better. One pick and about 3 others that could/should have been picked. Gray running the ball was amazing - I didn't realize he was such a hard runner! I think the final line was something like 5 carries for 30+ yards...nice. I've been calling for it for quite a while, and I think it will finally happen this week...a pass from #5! Even the moronic B10 announcers were picking up on the #5 in the game = #5 run play strategy. I think we've got them right where we want them for a long one over the top from #5...look out Becky.
On defense, this is the first game I wasn't really happy with the D. They went with the bend but don't break approach, "Mason-Ball" against NW. I kind of understood it because of all the bizarro 5 WR sets they run, but a team with NO running game at all should not be able to move the ball that easily against us. I was thrilled with the finish to the game. NW had the ball back and they were looking to drive for the game winner, and I had that feeling that all Gopher fans get in their stomach during occasions like this...I call it "Mason-Itis". Basically, I believed that the worst would happen and we'd find a crazy way to lose this game. But the 3rd play of the drive, McKinley strips the ball and falls on it for the W. If we were in the Mason era, Ced probably tries to pick it up and kicks it out of bounds and NW scores on the next play...but this is a different, better team. Then we score and do the same thing on the next drive...nice! That's how your defense goes out and wins a game.
Bottom line - nice win, on the road, in the conference. Great start going into the next biggest game of the season. The evil red team is coming to town, without their 30,000 fans this season for the first time in 28 years! It sounds like a cool, possibly wet day at TCF...it's going to be good. Gophs started as 1 point favs, and immediately jumped to -3...I think the experts are telling us something...we are better than Becky.
Just to continue on my week of crazy accurate predictions, I'll have to point out a couple of other calls I made this week:
-GOPHS 34-27...I was way off, GOPHS 35-24.
-VIKES/SF will be a FG game...Vikes 27-24.
-SC will beat OLE...they did.
-IOWA was a good bet against PSU...sadly they were.
-NMST/NM must take the 10 points because nobody can win by more than that...20-17
Okay. Enough. Time to do it all over again this week. I'll send out the games today -good luck everyone!
One more thing - how does College Gameday choose FSU at BC over the TCF B10 opener this week!!! I think MN and WIS both beat either of these bunk ACC teams. Lame.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Quick Monday Update
With one game left for the week, here's how we're all doing:
JR: 11-3 +CAR
JG: 8-6 +CAR
MR: 7-7 +CAR
MK: 7-8
AW: 8-7
GR: 10-4 +CAR
MH: 6-9
MC: 7-7 +CAR
You guys are going to have to try and keep up with the Rollins'! Potential 75% week for me with a CAR cover tonight, and an 11 win week for Greg...not bad.
I went 33-17 in my pick everything NCAA Challenge this week (66%). My best week yet in that.
I'm also sitting at 11-4 for my pick everything NFL Challenge for this week...it's getting a little ridiculous.
Basically, I'm setting myself up for a nice 2-13 week somewhere in the near future...sweet.
I'll send out a full recap tomorrow after the Monday night tilt, and I'll send out next week's games tomorrow as well, once all NFL lines are posted.
JR: 11-3 +CAR
JG: 8-6 +CAR
MR: 7-7 +CAR
MK: 7-8
AW: 8-7
GR: 10-4 +CAR
MH: 6-9
MC: 7-7 +CAR
You guys are going to have to try and keep up with the Rollins'! Potential 75% week for me with a CAR cover tonight, and an 11 win week for Greg...not bad.
I went 33-17 in my pick everything NCAA Challenge this week (66%). My best week yet in that.
I'm also sitting at 11-4 for my pick everything NFL Challenge for this week...it's getting a little ridiculous.
Basically, I'm setting myself up for a nice 2-13 week somewhere in the near future...sweet.
I'll send out a full recap tomorrow after the Monday night tilt, and I'll send out next week's games tomorrow as well, once all NFL lines are posted.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday Update
Hate to say I told you so, but Ole Miss looked pathetic last night. They will still be a really good team this year, but definitely not in ALA's class. Also, Spurrier might have something this year. The offense, despite what they showed last night, is the best he's had in a while. The defense is tremendous - those 2 were very even teams last night.
I've had a change of heart on the Purple - I've changed that pick to BAL -13 over CLE. Just too many bad feelings on the Vikes this week, I had to make the switch.
Also we finally have a line for KC at PHI = Eagles -9.5
Please let me know if you want to change any of your NFL picks before Sunday.
That's all I got.
I've had a change of heart on the Purple - I've changed that pick to BAL -13 over CLE. Just too many bad feelings on the Vikes this week, I had to make the switch.
Also we finally have a line for KC at PHI = Eagles -9.5
Please let me know if you want to change any of your NFL picks before Sunday.
That's all I got.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Week 4 Pick Summary
NCAA
JR:GT-2.5,MN+2.5,BC+2.5,TCU+3,VT+2,ALA-15.5,CMU-16.5,AUB-31,FIU+1,OREST+2
JG:MN,IND+20,MSU+2.5,OHIOST-14.5,MIA-2,CAL-7,FLA-22.5,ARMY+10,PSU-10,WASU+44
MR:OLE-3.5,GT,MN,MICH-20,KAN-13.5,TEX-34,VT,ARK+15.5,UTAH-11.5,TT+1
MK:OLE,MIZZ-7.5,GT,MN,WIS-2.5,PITT-0,MIA,PSU,ND-8.5,WASH-7
AW:MIZZ,MN,WIS,WF-2.5,CLEM-3,MIA,ARKST-1,FLA,WASH,TT
GR:OLE,MIZZ,GT,MN,PITT,TEX,ORE+7,BOISE-17PUR+8.5,TT
MH:OLE,MN,MSU,PITT,CLEM,MIA,BOISE,PSU,WASH,TT
MC:FSU-14,MN,TCU,UTEP+34,MIA,TOL-1,MIAOH+9,NTEX+7.5,OREST,WASU
NFL
JR:NYG-7,MIN-6.5,CHI-1.5,DEN+2.5,CAR+10
JG:GB-6.5,DET+6.5,PIT-4.5,DEN,CAR
MR:MIN,DET,TEN+3,MIA+7,CAR
MK:GB,MIN,NO-4,PIT,IND+1
AW:NYG,MIN,TEN,NO,CHI
GR:NYG,MIN,CHI,ARI-1,CAR
MH:GB,ATL+4.5,MIN,NO,IND
MC:GB,MIN,NO,CHI,CAR
What a bunch of homers we are! 8 for 8 on the Gophers and 7 for 8 on the Vikes! JG, you could have made it a perfect week with a Vikes bet.
CONSENSUS PICKS
OLE-3.5, GT-2.5, MN+2.5, TT+1
GB-6.5, MIN-6.5, NO-4, CHI-1.5, CAR+10
9 games this week where at least net 50% of us like these teams.
NOTES FOR THE WEEKEND
- I didn't bet it but came dangerously close to picksing SC tonight. My PR say Ole Miss by 10, but I'm feeling an upset tonight.
- MSU at WIS: I think you have to go with the desperate team in one. MSU isn't a terrible team and could easily be 3-0. WIS isn't very good, but they used to play well at home. I like SPARTY.
- I like UNLV this week at WY -5.5...nobody touched this one, but it was on my list.
- RUT -3 looked like a no-brainer to me early in the week...but a desperate MARY team could spring an upset at home. RUT is much sketchier than I expected this year, I don't think you can trust either of these teams at all.
- #11 on my list was UCF +10 at ECU...it should be closer than that.
- MIA at VT: one of the biggest games of the week, and we've got guys going both ways on it. MIA has looked great, VT has not...which is all the more reason for me to like VT. That D at home always gives people problems. If MIA wins this one I will officially be a believer.
- I was the only one to jump on ALA this week...so far they have impressed me the most out of any team in the nation. I like ARK, but 15.5 is too light...I'm thinking more like 24 pt. win for SABAN.
- CAL at ORE: we have 1 vote for each this week. I think the jury is still out on both of them. ORE doesn't seem to be real good, but they are very tough at home. CAL looked very shakey at times against the Gophs, but they are loaded with talent and had enough poise not to fold under the pressure at the Brickhouse last week. I'll call CAL by 2 TDs.
- JG loves ARMY...or does he hate the 'Clones?!?
- BOISE is a covering machine, only GR and MH went with it this week but I like the pick...any number seems like a good one for them to cover.
- My LOCK OF THE WEEK and only me and MC picked it...OREST as a dog at home against AZ. OREST wins this game.
- IOWA at PSU: 3 guys giving PSU love, none on the Hogeyes for this week. I hate to say it, but I think Iowa is one of the better picks that nobody made this week. But it is sacreligious to bet for the Hogeyes, so thanks everyone.
- WASH at STAN: 3 of us our on WASH, zero on STAN...I hate this pick. I really this it is a huge letdown game for WASH and STAN wins and covers the 7 points this week.
- TT at HOU: over/under at 73...I LOVE the over. I'm calling for a TT 48-41 win.
- NMST at NM: 2 of the 5 worst teams in D1 this year, and nobody bet it! Neither of these teams could beat LeRoy by 10 points, so taking the Aggies and +10 is a good play here.
- Only two guys jumped on the WASU +44 sucker bet. I really thought there would be more of you. It probably isn't a terrible bet, but I still think USC runs wild and wins 48-3...so close.
NFL PICKS
I was reading this week about a challenge the Las Vegas Hilton has for the NFL picks. I can't recall how much it was to enter, but you pick 5 games per week (just like we do) and the guy with the best record at the end takes home over $200,000. Last year the winner hit 67%...so let's shoot for that. Not to brag, but currently JR and MC are both at 70% on NFL games, I'm sure that will continue.
- NYG seemed like the most obvious pick for me this week...TB might be the worst in the NFL and NYG might be the best.
- GB looks solid because STL is terrible.
- Still no line on KC-PHI...lame.
- ATL at NE scares the crap out of me. MH is the only taker this week, and he went with the Dog Falcons. Can't say I disagree. NE will find their stride eventually, but they are not there right now.
- Vikes scare me. I picked it, but I really like what Singletary has done. This has a FG Vikes win written all over it to me.
- JAC at HOU is one of only 2 games with zero action this weekend. With good reason, who the hell knows anything concrete about either of these teams?
- I almost jumped on the Kitty's this week...but it's kind of been a trendy pick so I avoided it...JG and MR think the streak could end this week.
- MR and AW went TEN at NYJ...I like that a lot. The NYJ balloon has to pop soon, and TEN is desperate to not go 0-3. Nice choice guys.
- NO looks like a strong play, I just figure they are due for something fluky in BUF.
- I liked SEA over CHI, but with no Hasselback it's a no-brainer. Bears crush.
- I love DEN at OAK. I still don't think much of DEN, but OAK is really bad. They has no business beating KC last week, and they will lose this week.
- MR with a sneaky MIA at SD pick of the Dolphins. I like it. They impressed me in hanging with INDY on Monday night. SD is on the way down this year in my opinion.
- GR likes AZ, big Kurt Warner fan? Thank you Jesus!! 2 others went IND, which is the way I would go. I just can't believe in the Cards at all.
- Nobody is trusting the 'Boys to cover 10 on Monday night. CAR is another scary desperate team that will still likely lose but should give them all they can handle. Even with DelHomme and the brutal offense, Romo is bound to give them a couple of scores right? Most overrated QB ever?
Finally....large game in Evanston.
GOPHERS at NW
So even though we gave up 35 to CAL I really like our defense. I think they come in focused on winning the game for us this week. Kafka is a runner, which we've seen, but he threw the ball okay last week as well...but when you throw 40+ times turnovers are going to happen. They can't get anything going with their RB's, and that defense that was lights out good last year is very poor this season. Greg Paulus went over 300 in the air...yeah, that's how bad they are in the secondary.
When we have the ball, I really believe we will get a running game going this week. After re-watching CAL, there were spots for our backs to do some good things, but the vision they have is really not good. Our line blocked well most of the time, but when plays were blown up it was because of the great CAL DB's. They blew up no less than 6 running plays in the backfield before it even got started. This tells me that either we're too slow and telegraphing our runs much too soon and they are rushing the line of scrimmage, and/or our WR's are not blocking well at all in the run game.
I think we come out throwing it all over the field against the brutal NW secondary this week. Once we have that in their head then the running game comes into play. Chris Spielman said it best when he stated that we have to pass to set up our run as opposed to the old adage that you need to establish the run first. A good, unpredictable mix is how this offense will succeed. We don't have the horses to power run them in all predictable running downs, but we will be able to run when you plant the thought of a lethal passing game in their head. I'm also hoping to see a little more running ability out of AWEB...and like I've been calling for for the last 2 weeks: GIVE #5 A SERIES OR TWO AT QB JUST TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS!!
Bottom line, our defense will play well and get us a couple of turnovers. The passing game exploits the brutal secondary early, and we run it well in H2 to seal the victory. It is NW, so you know we'll play them close like we always do...final tally = GOPHERS 34 NW 28.
3-1 doesn't suck when you're welcoming in the Badgers to the Brickhouse next week.
Have a great weekend everyone - should be plenty to discuss on Monday morning.
JR:GT-2.5,MN+2.5,BC+2.5,TCU+3,VT+2,ALA-15.5,CMU-16.5,AUB-31,FIU+1,OREST+2
JG:MN,IND+20,MSU+2.5,OHIOST-14.5,MIA-2,CAL-7,FLA-22.5,ARMY+10,PSU-10,WASU+44
MR:OLE-3.5,GT,MN,MICH-20,KAN-13.5,TEX-34,VT,ARK+15.5,UTAH-11.5,TT+1
MK:OLE,MIZZ-7.5,GT,MN,WIS-2.5,PITT-0,MIA,PSU,ND-8.5,WASH-7
AW:MIZZ,MN,WIS,WF-2.5,CLEM-3,MIA,ARKST-1,FLA,WASH,TT
GR:OLE,MIZZ,GT,MN,PITT,TEX,ORE+7,BOISE-17PUR+8.5,TT
MH:OLE,MN,MSU,PITT,CLEM,MIA,BOISE,PSU,WASH,TT
MC:FSU-14,MN,TCU,UTEP+34,MIA,TOL-1,MIAOH+9,NTEX+7.5,OREST,WASU
NFL
JR:NYG-7,MIN-6.5,CHI-1.5,DEN+2.5,CAR+10
JG:GB-6.5,DET+6.5,PIT-4.5,DEN,CAR
MR:MIN,DET,TEN+3,MIA+7,CAR
MK:GB,MIN,NO-4,PIT,IND+1
AW:NYG,MIN,TEN,NO,CHI
GR:NYG,MIN,CHI,ARI-1,CAR
MH:GB,ATL+4.5,MIN,NO,IND
MC:GB,MIN,NO,CHI,CAR
What a bunch of homers we are! 8 for 8 on the Gophers and 7 for 8 on the Vikes! JG, you could have made it a perfect week with a Vikes bet.
CONSENSUS PICKS
OLE-3.5, GT-2.5, MN+2.5, TT+1
GB-6.5, MIN-6.5, NO-4, CHI-1.5, CAR+10
9 games this week where at least net 50% of us like these teams.
NOTES FOR THE WEEKEND
- I didn't bet it but came dangerously close to picksing SC tonight. My PR say Ole Miss by 10, but I'm feeling an upset tonight.
- MSU at WIS: I think you have to go with the desperate team in one. MSU isn't a terrible team and could easily be 3-0. WIS isn't very good, but they used to play well at home. I like SPARTY.
- I like UNLV this week at WY -5.5...nobody touched this one, but it was on my list.
- RUT -3 looked like a no-brainer to me early in the week...but a desperate MARY team could spring an upset at home. RUT is much sketchier than I expected this year, I don't think you can trust either of these teams at all.
- #11 on my list was UCF +10 at ECU...it should be closer than that.
- MIA at VT: one of the biggest games of the week, and we've got guys going both ways on it. MIA has looked great, VT has not...which is all the more reason for me to like VT. That D at home always gives people problems. If MIA wins this one I will officially be a believer.
- I was the only one to jump on ALA this week...so far they have impressed me the most out of any team in the nation. I like ARK, but 15.5 is too light...I'm thinking more like 24 pt. win for SABAN.
- CAL at ORE: we have 1 vote for each this week. I think the jury is still out on both of them. ORE doesn't seem to be real good, but they are very tough at home. CAL looked very shakey at times against the Gophs, but they are loaded with talent and had enough poise not to fold under the pressure at the Brickhouse last week. I'll call CAL by 2 TDs.
- JG loves ARMY...or does he hate the 'Clones?!?
- BOISE is a covering machine, only GR and MH went with it this week but I like the pick...any number seems like a good one for them to cover.
- My LOCK OF THE WEEK and only me and MC picked it...OREST as a dog at home against AZ. OREST wins this game.
- IOWA at PSU: 3 guys giving PSU love, none on the Hogeyes for this week. I hate to say it, but I think Iowa is one of the better picks that nobody made this week. But it is sacreligious to bet for the Hogeyes, so thanks everyone.
- WASH at STAN: 3 of us our on WASH, zero on STAN...I hate this pick. I really this it is a huge letdown game for WASH and STAN wins and covers the 7 points this week.
- TT at HOU: over/under at 73...I LOVE the over. I'm calling for a TT 48-41 win.
- NMST at NM: 2 of the 5 worst teams in D1 this year, and nobody bet it! Neither of these teams could beat LeRoy by 10 points, so taking the Aggies and +10 is a good play here.
- Only two guys jumped on the WASU +44 sucker bet. I really thought there would be more of you. It probably isn't a terrible bet, but I still think USC runs wild and wins 48-3...so close.
NFL PICKS
I was reading this week about a challenge the Las Vegas Hilton has for the NFL picks. I can't recall how much it was to enter, but you pick 5 games per week (just like we do) and the guy with the best record at the end takes home over $200,000. Last year the winner hit 67%...so let's shoot for that. Not to brag, but currently JR and MC are both at 70% on NFL games, I'm sure that will continue.
- NYG seemed like the most obvious pick for me this week...TB might be the worst in the NFL and NYG might be the best.
- GB looks solid because STL is terrible.
- Still no line on KC-PHI...lame.
- ATL at NE scares the crap out of me. MH is the only taker this week, and he went with the Dog Falcons. Can't say I disagree. NE will find their stride eventually, but they are not there right now.
- Vikes scare me. I picked it, but I really like what Singletary has done. This has a FG Vikes win written all over it to me.
- JAC at HOU is one of only 2 games with zero action this weekend. With good reason, who the hell knows anything concrete about either of these teams?
- I almost jumped on the Kitty's this week...but it's kind of been a trendy pick so I avoided it...JG and MR think the streak could end this week.
- MR and AW went TEN at NYJ...I like that a lot. The NYJ balloon has to pop soon, and TEN is desperate to not go 0-3. Nice choice guys.
- NO looks like a strong play, I just figure they are due for something fluky in BUF.
- I liked SEA over CHI, but with no Hasselback it's a no-brainer. Bears crush.
- I love DEN at OAK. I still don't think much of DEN, but OAK is really bad. They has no business beating KC last week, and they will lose this week.
- MR with a sneaky MIA at SD pick of the Dolphins. I like it. They impressed me in hanging with INDY on Monday night. SD is on the way down this year in my opinion.
- GR likes AZ, big Kurt Warner fan? Thank you Jesus!! 2 others went IND, which is the way I would go. I just can't believe in the Cards at all.
- Nobody is trusting the 'Boys to cover 10 on Monday night. CAR is another scary desperate team that will still likely lose but should give them all they can handle. Even with DelHomme and the brutal offense, Romo is bound to give them a couple of scores right? Most overrated QB ever?
Finally....large game in Evanston.
GOPHERS at NW
So even though we gave up 35 to CAL I really like our defense. I think they come in focused on winning the game for us this week. Kafka is a runner, which we've seen, but he threw the ball okay last week as well...but when you throw 40+ times turnovers are going to happen. They can't get anything going with their RB's, and that defense that was lights out good last year is very poor this season. Greg Paulus went over 300 in the air...yeah, that's how bad they are in the secondary.
When we have the ball, I really believe we will get a running game going this week. After re-watching CAL, there were spots for our backs to do some good things, but the vision they have is really not good. Our line blocked well most of the time, but when plays were blown up it was because of the great CAL DB's. They blew up no less than 6 running plays in the backfield before it even got started. This tells me that either we're too slow and telegraphing our runs much too soon and they are rushing the line of scrimmage, and/or our WR's are not blocking well at all in the run game.
I think we come out throwing it all over the field against the brutal NW secondary this week. Once we have that in their head then the running game comes into play. Chris Spielman said it best when he stated that we have to pass to set up our run as opposed to the old adage that you need to establish the run first. A good, unpredictable mix is how this offense will succeed. We don't have the horses to power run them in all predictable running downs, but we will be able to run when you plant the thought of a lethal passing game in their head. I'm also hoping to see a little more running ability out of AWEB...and like I've been calling for for the last 2 weeks: GIVE #5 A SERIES OR TWO AT QB JUST TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS!!
Bottom line, our defense will play well and get us a couple of turnovers. The passing game exploits the brutal secondary early, and we run it well in H2 to seal the victory. It is NW, so you know we'll play them close like we always do...final tally = GOPHERS 34 NW 28.
3-1 doesn't suck when you're welcoming in the Badgers to the Brickhouse next week.
Have a great weekend everyone - should be plenty to discuss on Monday morning.
7 of 8 are in...waiting on Corcoran
Corcoran - just waiting on you, and then we'll be set for Week 4 of the Football Challenge.
Send over the picks when you get a second and I'll send out the weekend preview.
Thanks.
Send over the picks when you get a second and I'll send out the weekend preview.
Thanks.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday Quicky
Not much today - just a couple of quick things to share...including the very interesting picture above of Mr. Locker. Wow, you got 9 more games guys.
1) Just read (and linked above) the article written by Adam Rittenberg of ESPN who spent time with the Gophs preparing for the Cal game. Really interesting stuff - check it out.
2) Good news for any of you who were concerned about the Hogeyes going into PSU for the white-out with that crazy crowd. According to some of the super-intelligent backers of my least favorite team, "The Hawks don't really audible at all, so the crowd will not be a factor."
Just when I thought you couldn't be any dumber....
I've got picks for 3 of us so far...waiting on 5 of you to send them today/tomorrow morning.
Finally - my favorite new PJ song of the day...Force of Nature
Understand she’s a force of nature
Contraband hiding deep inside her soul
Exorcising her will to lose control
She lets go
A common man, he don’t stand a chance, no
Wonderland pulling Alice in the hole
No way to save someone who won't take the rope
And just let’s go
One man stands the edge of the ocean
A beacon on dry land
Eyes upon the horizon
In the dark before the dawn
Hurricane has the trade winds blowing
A gale force shaking windows in the storm
Shipwreck on the rock that he calls home
With one light on
Somewhere there’s a siren singing
A song only he hears
All the strength that you might think
Would disappear,.. Resolving
One man stands alone, Awaiting
For her to come home
Eyes upon the horizon
In dark before the darkness meets the dawn.
Makes me ache,... Makes me shake,...
Is it so wrong to think that love can keep us safe?
Last I saw, he was out there waiting
A silhouette in the black light, full moon glow
In the sand there he stands upon the shore
Forevermore
Somewhere there’s a siren singing
A song only he hears
All the strength that you might think
Would disappear, resolving
One man stands along, Awaiting
For her to come home
Eyes are closed,.. You cannot know
But his heart don’t seem to roam.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Gambling is awesome
Not sure if any/all of you listen to and/or read Bill Simmmons on ESPN, but you should. I checked out a recent audio show he has called the BS Report with this guy Chad Millman who writes a sports gambling blog for ESPN Insider...and it was great.
I attached the link, but here are some of the highlights if you don't want to listen to the 45 minute conversation:
- Casinos are trying to find ways for the average sports gambler to spend more money so a place called the "M" hotel 45 minutes outside of Vegas has found a great solution. In game wagering...this is how it works: you get a blackberry type device and it instantly updates (every play in some cases) with new odds and new things you can bet on (run/pass, moving over/unders, who scores next, etc.)This sounds insanely dangerous and a good way to blow my entire Vegas budget in 1 quarter of a Gopher game!
- Week 2 of the NFL Season is the most dangerous week to bet on all year. The public overreacts to anything and everything they saw in week 1 and that greatly influences the lines for week 2. Examples: Bears being a 3 pt dog at home against PIT...if this was a week 1 game it would have been less thn that, but Cutler's 4 picks made it necessary. Maybe this explains why we stunk so bad, well most of us did, on our NFL picks last week!
- "Always bet against the public." This is kind of the rule I was alluding to when I was talking about how bad we typically do on our "consensus picks" for the week. If the public is all seeing the same thing, it's probably wrong...that's why Vegas continue to win.
- Not really a football rule, but could be applied to other sports...The Zig-Zag rule. In it's simplest form it goes like this, in an NBA playoff game bet against the team that lost the night before. The public typically reacts too much to each indiviual game in the playoffs and therefore usually leans toward the Game 1 winner to win game 2. So this rule states that would should take the points for the losing team in game 1 because it's the best value. I like it.
- College Football and College Basketball are the best ways to make $ gambling on sports. Basically, there are too many teams for the linesmakers to keep up to date on everything so you'll find some really solid values out there. I've always believed this, but this is the first time I've heard an "expert" validate it.
- There is an equal amount of science and chance invovled in sports gambling. I have realized this, hence the Power Ranking plan I have this year. But even if you don't go to the extent that I do, just basing picks based on your own set of knowledge and betting principles is the science side to the gambling. It's not like picking a stock randomly and hoping it works out...that would be 100% luck, but when you have some analysis and logic behind it then it becomes 50/50 luck and science.
- I guess this guy has a book out which I'm probably going to pick up...interesting stuff if you're interested. It's called "The Odds" by Chad Millman...good stuff.
Other odds and ends for a random Tuesday....
- Don't deny the hometown GOPHERS or you will be cursed...want proof?
Michael Floyd - denies Brew and breaks his collarbone
Willy Mobley - denies Brew and gets hurt than transfers from OHIOST
Bottom line - if Brew comes calling, you should accept.
Since the CAL loss we've had 4 guys commit in the last 4 days! Not a bad run, but why does this always seem to happen after the losses and not after the wins. Weird. I can't get too into the recruiting right now, but it'll be topic #1 once the calendar hits late JAN.
One other note - the horse $hit QB that ARIZONA was rolling with vs. Iowa has now been benched. Couldn't we have figured this out one week earlier before this guy totally embarassed himself on Saturday with the rainbows he was putting up there? Hogeyes get very few points on the bvoard for this win - AZ is terrible, just like about 8 other teams in the Pac 10.
Early NW-GOPHERS thoughts...I'm a little uneasy. Becky on the horizon, NW coming in off a loss to a bad bad SYR team, Kafka and the horrible memories of 2008. If all goes according to plan we are a better team than them, but that would be way too easy, so I'm sure we'll make it interesting. NW has had a terrible defense thus far, and our defense really has been solid. I mean, they gave up 37 to SYR last week...geez. If we can get the defense to control the game and get some kind of offensive consistency going it should be a W.
Then bring in the Becky and we'll take our chances. Honestly, I love us in this game right now. We'll probably be about a 3 point favorite, depending on what happens this week, but I think it's going to be the first marquee win for Mr. Brewster. It sounds like the great John Clay is going to get benched for fumbling too much against Wofford last week. And it's their first road game of the year...in a very hostile environment for a change! They start a young QB and have a terrible defense...I'm thinking a laugher for the Maroon and Gold, but we'll get to that next week.
Finally - a quick music recommendation...new PJ album...wow. I'm obviouslt a gigantic fan, but this new album just flat out rocks. I love it. Picked it up Sunday and it's been worn out already.
My first favorite...Just Breathe
Yes I understand that every life must end, aw huh,..
As we sit alone, I know someday we must go, aw huh,..
I’m a lucky man to count on both hands
The ones I love,..
Some folks just have one,
Others they got none, aw huh,..
Stay with me,..
Let’s just breathe.
Practiced are my sins,
Never gonna let me win, aw huh,..
Under everything, just another human being, aw huh,..
Yeh, I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world
To make me bleed.
Stay with me,..
You’re all I see.
Did I say that I need you?
Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn’t now I’m a fool you see,..
No one knows this more than me.
As I come clean.
I wonder everyday
as I look upon your face, aw huh,..
Everything you gave
And nothing you would take, aw huh,..
Nothing you would take,..
Everything you gave.
Did I say that I need you?
Oh, Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn’t now I’m a fool you see,..
No one know this more than me.
As I come clean.
Nothing you would take,..
everything you gave.
Hold me till I die,..
Meet you on the other side.
I attached the link, but here are some of the highlights if you don't want to listen to the 45 minute conversation:
- Casinos are trying to find ways for the average sports gambler to spend more money so a place called the "M" hotel 45 minutes outside of Vegas has found a great solution. In game wagering...this is how it works: you get a blackberry type device and it instantly updates (every play in some cases) with new odds and new things you can bet on (run/pass, moving over/unders, who scores next, etc.)This sounds insanely dangerous and a good way to blow my entire Vegas budget in 1 quarter of a Gopher game!
- Week 2 of the NFL Season is the most dangerous week to bet on all year. The public overreacts to anything and everything they saw in week 1 and that greatly influences the lines for week 2. Examples: Bears being a 3 pt dog at home against PIT...if this was a week 1 game it would have been less thn that, but Cutler's 4 picks made it necessary. Maybe this explains why we stunk so bad, well most of us did, on our NFL picks last week!
- "Always bet against the public." This is kind of the rule I was alluding to when I was talking about how bad we typically do on our "consensus picks" for the week. If the public is all seeing the same thing, it's probably wrong...that's why Vegas continue to win.
- Not really a football rule, but could be applied to other sports...The Zig-Zag rule. In it's simplest form it goes like this, in an NBA playoff game bet against the team that lost the night before. The public typically reacts too much to each indiviual game in the playoffs and therefore usually leans toward the Game 1 winner to win game 2. So this rule states that would should take the points for the losing team in game 1 because it's the best value. I like it.
- College Football and College Basketball are the best ways to make $ gambling on sports. Basically, there are too many teams for the linesmakers to keep up to date on everything so you'll find some really solid values out there. I've always believed this, but this is the first time I've heard an "expert" validate it.
- There is an equal amount of science and chance invovled in sports gambling. I have realized this, hence the Power Ranking plan I have this year. But even if you don't go to the extent that I do, just basing picks based on your own set of knowledge and betting principles is the science side to the gambling. It's not like picking a stock randomly and hoping it works out...that would be 100% luck, but when you have some analysis and logic behind it then it becomes 50/50 luck and science.
- I guess this guy has a book out which I'm probably going to pick up...interesting stuff if you're interested. It's called "The Odds" by Chad Millman...good stuff.
Other odds and ends for a random Tuesday....
- Don't deny the hometown GOPHERS or you will be cursed...want proof?
Michael Floyd - denies Brew and breaks his collarbone
Willy Mobley - denies Brew and gets hurt than transfers from OHIOST
Bottom line - if Brew comes calling, you should accept.
Since the CAL loss we've had 4 guys commit in the last 4 days! Not a bad run, but why does this always seem to happen after the losses and not after the wins. Weird. I can't get too into the recruiting right now, but it'll be topic #1 once the calendar hits late JAN.
One other note - the horse $hit QB that ARIZONA was rolling with vs. Iowa has now been benched. Couldn't we have figured this out one week earlier before this guy totally embarassed himself on Saturday with the rainbows he was putting up there? Hogeyes get very few points on the bvoard for this win - AZ is terrible, just like about 8 other teams in the Pac 10.
Early NW-GOPHERS thoughts...I'm a little uneasy. Becky on the horizon, NW coming in off a loss to a bad bad SYR team, Kafka and the horrible memories of 2008. If all goes according to plan we are a better team than them, but that would be way too easy, so I'm sure we'll make it interesting. NW has had a terrible defense thus far, and our defense really has been solid. I mean, they gave up 37 to SYR last week...geez. If we can get the defense to control the game and get some kind of offensive consistency going it should be a W.
Then bring in the Becky and we'll take our chances. Honestly, I love us in this game right now. We'll probably be about a 3 point favorite, depending on what happens this week, but I think it's going to be the first marquee win for Mr. Brewster. It sounds like the great John Clay is going to get benched for fumbling too much against Wofford last week. And it's their first road game of the year...in a very hostile environment for a change! They start a young QB and have a terrible defense...I'm thinking a laugher for the Maroon and Gold, but we'll get to that next week.
Finally - a quick music recommendation...new PJ album...wow. I'm obviouslt a gigantic fan, but this new album just flat out rocks. I love it. Picked it up Sunday and it's been worn out already.
My first favorite...Just Breathe
Yes I understand that every life must end, aw huh,..
As we sit alone, I know someday we must go, aw huh,..
I’m a lucky man to count on both hands
The ones I love,..
Some folks just have one,
Others they got none, aw huh,..
Stay with me,..
Let’s just breathe.
Practiced are my sins,
Never gonna let me win, aw huh,..
Under everything, just another human being, aw huh,..
Yeh, I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world
To make me bleed.
Stay with me,..
You’re all I see.
Did I say that I need you?
Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn’t now I’m a fool you see,..
No one knows this more than me.
As I come clean.
I wonder everyday
as I look upon your face, aw huh,..
Everything you gave
And nothing you would take, aw huh,..
Nothing you would take,..
Everything you gave.
Did I say that I need you?
Oh, Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn’t now I’m a fool you see,..
No one know this more than me.
As I come clean.
Nothing you would take,..
everything you gave.
Hold me till I die,..
Meet you on the other side.
Week 4 Lines - RETURN BY THUR at 12 NOON
Enough time off...here we go for another week of action:
OLE
SC 3.5
MIZZ
NEV 7.5
USF
FSU -14
NC
GT -2.5
MN
NW -2.5
IND
MICH -20
BUFF
TEM -2.5
MSU
WIS -2.5
FRES
CIN -15
SOMISS
KAN -13.5
LSU
MISST 14
MARSH
MEM -3.5
WF
BC 2.5
SDST
AF -15.5
UNLV
WY 5.5
RUT
MARY 3
UCF
ECU -10
PITT
NCST 0
ILL
OHIOST -14.5
TCU
CLEM -3
UTEP
TEX -34
MIA
VT 2
ARK
ALA -15.5
AKR
CMU -16.5
IDAHO
NILL -16
CAL
ORE 7
WKY
NAVY -28
ULM
FAU -4.5
TROY
ARKST -1
FLA
UK 22.5
COLST
BYU -14.5
BALLST
AUB -31
ASU
GEO -12.5
ARMY
ISU -10
ULL
NEB -26.5
BOISE
BGU 17
UAB
A&M -15
TOL
FIU 1
OHIO
TN -20.5
MIAOH
KENT -9
MDTN
NTEX 7.5
LOU
UTAH -11.5
AZ
OREST 2
VAN
RICE 8
IOWA
PSU -10
ND
PUR 8.5
WASH
STAN -7
TT
HOU -1
NMST
NM -10
WASU
USC -44
________________________________________
CLE
BAL -13
NYG
TB 7
GB
STL 6.5
KC
PHI no line yet - DMcNabb still in question
ATL
NE -4.5
SF
MIN -6.5
JAC
HOU -4
WAS
DET 6.5
TEN
NYJ -3
NO
BUF 4
CHI
SEA 1.5
PIT
CIN 4.5
DEN
OAK -2.5
MIA
SD -7
IND
ARI -1
CAR
DAL -10
OLE
SC 3.5
MIZZ
NEV 7.5
USF
FSU -14
NC
GT -2.5
MN
NW -2.5
IND
MICH -20
BUFF
TEM -2.5
MSU
WIS -2.5
FRES
CIN -15
SOMISS
KAN -13.5
LSU
MISST 14
MARSH
MEM -3.5
WF
BC 2.5
SDST
AF -15.5
UNLV
WY 5.5
RUT
MARY 3
UCF
ECU -10
PITT
NCST 0
ILL
OHIOST -14.5
TCU
CLEM -3
UTEP
TEX -34
MIA
VT 2
ARK
ALA -15.5
AKR
CMU -16.5
IDAHO
NILL -16
CAL
ORE 7
WKY
NAVY -28
ULM
FAU -4.5
TROY
ARKST -1
FLA
UK 22.5
COLST
BYU -14.5
BALLST
AUB -31
ASU
GEO -12.5
ARMY
ISU -10
ULL
NEB -26.5
BOISE
BGU 17
UAB
A&M -15
TOL
FIU 1
OHIO
TN -20.5
MIAOH
KENT -9
MDTN
NTEX 7.5
LOU
UTAH -11.5
AZ
OREST 2
VAN
RICE 8
IOWA
PSU -10
ND
PUR 8.5
WASH
STAN -7
TT
HOU -1
NMST
NM -10
WASU
USC -44
________________________________________
CLE
BAL -13
NYG
TB 7
GB
STL 6.5
KC
PHI no line yet - DMcNabb still in question
ATL
NE -4.5
SF
MIN -6.5
JAC
HOU -4
WAS
DET 6.5
TEN
NYJ -3
NO
BUF 4
CHI
SEA 1.5
PIT
CIN 4.5
DEN
OAK -2.5
MIA
SD -7
IND
ARI -1
CAR
DAL -10
Monday, September 21, 2009
Week 3 Results
Another week in the books and still a log jam at the top of the standings.
Only one guy in the black this week - 8th place Mike Corcoran went 8-7, 4-1 in NFL picks to win the week. Nice work Steel Curtain.
Week Results
MC 8-7
JR 7-8
JG 7-8
MR 7-8
GR 7-8
MK 6-9
AW 6-9
MH 5-10
Overall Standings
JG 25 20 55.6%
MR 24 21 53.3%
GR 23 22 51.1%
MH 22 23 48.9%
JR 22 23 48.9%
AW 20 25 44.4%
MC 20 25 44.4%
MK 19 26 42.2%
Only 6 games separate worst from first, so still not a lot of separation...waiting for that first 13-2 week or 2-13 week to create a favorite or knock somebody out early. 3 guys making $ so far, 5 in the red through 3 weeks.
I struggled this week in the late games and finished overall at 25-27 for the "pick every game" challenge that I do. Puts me at 69-69 overall for the season. Not terrible, not good. Time to start a good stretch with conference games starting off this week.
15-25 overall in the NFL games this week - that's more like it. I'm telling you, the NFL is much tougher than the NCAA so this is a more realistic performance than week 1 was for the 8 of us. 38-42 in NCAA games this week, not bad...but room for improvement.
How did our consensus 7 picks go for week 3...2-5 (0-3 NFL), nice. I guess if everyone is liking a game as much as you do then you're probably all wrong. Thinking outside the box can do good things for you in a challenge like this.
What did we learn this week?
- The U might be back to win the ACC. Jacory Harris is my #1 Heisman guy right now (Decker has to be on this list as well, right?). I'm starting to wonder if the novelty has worn off a little with the triple option and GT...there's a reason that only a handful of teams out of 120 run it in D1...especially at the BCS level.
- BOISE vs. FRESNO was one of the most bizarre games ever. 8 TD's of over 60 yards! WTF? Boise's D didn't look BCS level, but I don't see another loss on the slate for them.
- PSU doesn't want to cover...ever. 0-3 ATS right now, 3 dominating wins but JoePa must be betting against them because they stop just short of covering every week.
- BC's 2-0 start was a mirage.CLEM is tough.
- PUR is a mirage as well. NILL isn't awful, but that is a REALLY BAD Defense in Boiley land...even our offense should put up 30+ on 10/10.
- COL won a game!!
- Should have seen it coming...when everyone predicts and expects a route by the Gators over the hated Vols it won't happen. That's how these things usually work, as I said above: don't bet on the obvious because it will probably be wrong.
- MARY is still awful. Losing at home to MDTN. wow.
- VT won in patented fashion for them. No offense all day, one drive late to win. NEB looks to be really tough, I like them to win the B12 North...well, I don't like it but I predict it.
- IND is 3-0! Maybe the weakest 3-0 start since...well, maybe ever. 0-8 in B10 is not out of the question, but I like my prediction for them to finish 10th above the 1-2 Boilers.
- Sparty, typical loss for them. ND lost Floyd for the year, which will kill them...but Sparty is now just hoping for a bowl game after a 1-2 start with a tricky stretch ahead. Start the turnaround by crushing Becky this week!! Go Sparty!
- USC got their 2009 clunker out of the way. Look for them to cruise now and not lose again. I think CAL looked great, but never bet against USC...especially after they already suffered their loss for the year.
- WASH and Steve Sarkisian are solid. I've always loved Jake Locker, but now there's actually a coach behind him who has a clue. This team could be a suprise bowl team in 2009.
- UTAH = Lost, BYU = lost...thanks football gods for ending that dream early.
- AZ is not good. WTF is the deal with their offense against the Hogeyes? The guy's deep ball, which he threw every 3rd play, looked like a Nick Punto flyball to 2nd...about 300 feet in the air. By the time it came down there were usually 3-4 Hogeyes standing around it. Nice IOWA win, but no more impressive than our L against CAL.
- I'm only going to say this once more this year...NEVER BET ON A UCONN GAME, FOR OR AGAINST THEM, YOU WILL LOSE. THEY ARE THE MOST UNPREDICTABLE TEAM IN THE HISTORY OF NCAA FOOTBALL.
- Wow, my sneaky NEV team looks good this year. Gross.
- WASU won a game! Hell is freezing over!
- CIN is a sleeeeeeper BCS Title game team. These guys are playing extremely well. Winning in Corvaillis is not easy, and they won by 10. Look out Big East. My bromance for Brian Kelly continues.
- NW lost at SYR. Can we all agree that last year was flukier than flukey for this club. The defense is awful again and I still think Kafka is bad. Gophers as underdogs next week = lock of the century!?!?
- OKST, you beat RICE by 17? Where is this super cool and productive offense I remember from 2008? Gundy, man, 42, better figure it out before the conference slate starts.
- VAN, a sentimental fav for GR, stunk up the joint with a 3 point performance at home against a major rebuilding MISST team. Some things never change.
- MIAOH scored points! 26 of them! Congrats guys, I knew you could do it.
- FSU, wow was that an A$$ whooping! The Mormons were beat before halftime. Bobby must have said something to get the fellas fired up after the sleepwalk against JAXST last week. Or do you think Bobby was even at practice this week? Seriously, I don't think that guy has anything to do with the entire program anymore besides being a figure head on the sidelines. It's funny to watch.
- Clones...2-1. They will not be denied...and they're favored again against the ARMY this week! 3-1 here we come...bowl bound, until the 0-8 in conference.
- SEC is now scoring more points (and allowing more) than any other conference. AUB 41-30, GEO 52-41 over ARK, unreal. Remember when the SEC used to play defense? Is this the B12 of 2008 all over again?
- UTEP won and covered, first week I didn't pick them. Damn it!
- TEX, had too many chances to cover but couldn't stop the TT attack. You have to be impressed when all your offense can do is throw and you still put up a fight against TEX with all the new players they have.
GOPHERS-CAL
Well, that was probably the most enjoyable Gopher loss that I can ever remember. I thought we had a chance coming in, and they proved me right by being tied up with about 8 minutes left. If we just make a couple of plays in that 4th quarter, there's a chance we win the game. I loved the play-calling and the use of MGRAY (who will now simply be known as #5 in Favre-esque fashion). I really want to see #5 under center for a series or two, just see what happens. I'm not a Weber hater, but with our complete lack of a running game I think you have to have that QB threat to run to keep them honest and open up more down the field. It also doesn't appear like we would drop off at all with the passing game as #5 is supposed to be a great passer as well. I'm not saying you hand him the keys...yet...but give him a series each half or something like that. I think this might be coming as he has been more and more integrated each week. I also hope the play-calling stays creative like this week. A lot fo teams roll those things out for the big-time opponents and then pocket it against the NW and PUR's of the world. Keep it lose and unpredictable.
The Defense impressed as well. A very shaky start had me worried, but once again the halftime adjustments were great. Cosgrove has been outstanding thus far. It really hurt not having Sherals. Collado can hit a little, but I think I might fair better in coverage situations...think Brew wants a 6'8" 220lb CB? The DL and LB's played well for the most part, too. CAL is really good. They showed some poise, which Tedford's teams have not done in the past. Riley was accurate with his deep balls and Best is just electric. How fun would it be to have that threat in our backfield? Their Defense might be the best we see all year. I know we have PSU and OSU on our schedule, but they were fast and large at all positions. That DL dominated us, and their CB's contained very well. I still can't pick them to beat USC, but they looked legit as #8 in the nation.
Brickhouse was rocking in that 4th quarter, obviously the 3rd and 16 conversion was the biggest play. Then another great pass and a TD put us behind. The Weber pick was brutal, but that's how it goes. We felt the pressure and collapsed under it.
Overall, we're 2-1 and I'm feeling REALLY good about the next 3 games to start the B10. We competed with a really good team, and the offense showed signs of life. It sounds like ED's injury is not going to be a problem. Our P Orseske has mono I guess, which is why he didn't play and won't the next couple of weeks. Hopefully Sherals will be back, NW will try to throw a lot...because they'll be behind! My major concern is the OL. We need to have some semblance of a running game going forward. The pass protection was suspect - it was a great DL - but we need more. Look for some possible personnel changes going into the next few games. This is what I think most everyone predicted through the first quarter of the schedule, but what I don't think people predicted is the confidence that we should/do have going into the next quarter of the schedule with @NW, WIS, PUR. 3-0 is VERY POSSIBLE, but even 2-1 is a must to keep this thing going strong. Total season prediction going into game 4...still 7-5. But the potential for 9-3! Go Gophers!
Vikes Recap
zzzzzzzzzzz....yawn.....zzzzzzzzzzz....yawn. Oh, we won. great.
I'll send out the games soon. College lines are posted, NFL will come out tomorrow.
Only one guy in the black this week - 8th place Mike Corcoran went 8-7, 4-1 in NFL picks to win the week. Nice work Steel Curtain.
Week Results
MC 8-7
JR 7-8
JG 7-8
MR 7-8
GR 7-8
MK 6-9
AW 6-9
MH 5-10
Overall Standings
JG 25 20 55.6%
MR 24 21 53.3%
GR 23 22 51.1%
MH 22 23 48.9%
JR 22 23 48.9%
AW 20 25 44.4%
MC 20 25 44.4%
MK 19 26 42.2%
Only 6 games separate worst from first, so still not a lot of separation...waiting for that first 13-2 week or 2-13 week to create a favorite or knock somebody out early. 3 guys making $ so far, 5 in the red through 3 weeks.
I struggled this week in the late games and finished overall at 25-27 for the "pick every game" challenge that I do. Puts me at 69-69 overall for the season. Not terrible, not good. Time to start a good stretch with conference games starting off this week.
15-25 overall in the NFL games this week - that's more like it. I'm telling you, the NFL is much tougher than the NCAA so this is a more realistic performance than week 1 was for the 8 of us. 38-42 in NCAA games this week, not bad...but room for improvement.
How did our consensus 7 picks go for week 3...2-5 (0-3 NFL), nice. I guess if everyone is liking a game as much as you do then you're probably all wrong. Thinking outside the box can do good things for you in a challenge like this.
What did we learn this week?
- The U might be back to win the ACC. Jacory Harris is my #1 Heisman guy right now (Decker has to be on this list as well, right?). I'm starting to wonder if the novelty has worn off a little with the triple option and GT...there's a reason that only a handful of teams out of 120 run it in D1...especially at the BCS level.
- BOISE vs. FRESNO was one of the most bizarre games ever. 8 TD's of over 60 yards! WTF? Boise's D didn't look BCS level, but I don't see another loss on the slate for them.
- PSU doesn't want to cover...ever. 0-3 ATS right now, 3 dominating wins but JoePa must be betting against them because they stop just short of covering every week.
- BC's 2-0 start was a mirage.CLEM is tough.
- PUR is a mirage as well. NILL isn't awful, but that is a REALLY BAD Defense in Boiley land...even our offense should put up 30+ on 10/10.
- COL won a game!!
- Should have seen it coming...when everyone predicts and expects a route by the Gators over the hated Vols it won't happen. That's how these things usually work, as I said above: don't bet on the obvious because it will probably be wrong.
- MARY is still awful. Losing at home to MDTN. wow.
- VT won in patented fashion for them. No offense all day, one drive late to win. NEB looks to be really tough, I like them to win the B12 North...well, I don't like it but I predict it.
- IND is 3-0! Maybe the weakest 3-0 start since...well, maybe ever. 0-8 in B10 is not out of the question, but I like my prediction for them to finish 10th above the 1-2 Boilers.
- Sparty, typical loss for them. ND lost Floyd for the year, which will kill them...but Sparty is now just hoping for a bowl game after a 1-2 start with a tricky stretch ahead. Start the turnaround by crushing Becky this week!! Go Sparty!
- USC got their 2009 clunker out of the way. Look for them to cruise now and not lose again. I think CAL looked great, but never bet against USC...especially after they already suffered their loss for the year.
- WASH and Steve Sarkisian are solid. I've always loved Jake Locker, but now there's actually a coach behind him who has a clue. This team could be a suprise bowl team in 2009.
- UTAH = Lost, BYU = lost...thanks football gods for ending that dream early.
- AZ is not good. WTF is the deal with their offense against the Hogeyes? The guy's deep ball, which he threw every 3rd play, looked like a Nick Punto flyball to 2nd...about 300 feet in the air. By the time it came down there were usually 3-4 Hogeyes standing around it. Nice IOWA win, but no more impressive than our L against CAL.
- I'm only going to say this once more this year...NEVER BET ON A UCONN GAME, FOR OR AGAINST THEM, YOU WILL LOSE. THEY ARE THE MOST UNPREDICTABLE TEAM IN THE HISTORY OF NCAA FOOTBALL.
- Wow, my sneaky NEV team looks good this year. Gross.
- WASU won a game! Hell is freezing over!
- CIN is a sleeeeeeper BCS Title game team. These guys are playing extremely well. Winning in Corvaillis is not easy, and they won by 10. Look out Big East. My bromance for Brian Kelly continues.
- NW lost at SYR. Can we all agree that last year was flukier than flukey for this club. The defense is awful again and I still think Kafka is bad. Gophers as underdogs next week = lock of the century!?!?
- OKST, you beat RICE by 17? Where is this super cool and productive offense I remember from 2008? Gundy, man, 42, better figure it out before the conference slate starts.
- VAN, a sentimental fav for GR, stunk up the joint with a 3 point performance at home against a major rebuilding MISST team. Some things never change.
- MIAOH scored points! 26 of them! Congrats guys, I knew you could do it.
- FSU, wow was that an A$$ whooping! The Mormons were beat before halftime. Bobby must have said something to get the fellas fired up after the sleepwalk against JAXST last week. Or do you think Bobby was even at practice this week? Seriously, I don't think that guy has anything to do with the entire program anymore besides being a figure head on the sidelines. It's funny to watch.
- Clones...2-1. They will not be denied...and they're favored again against the ARMY this week! 3-1 here we come...bowl bound, until the 0-8 in conference.
- SEC is now scoring more points (and allowing more) than any other conference. AUB 41-30, GEO 52-41 over ARK, unreal. Remember when the SEC used to play defense? Is this the B12 of 2008 all over again?
- UTEP won and covered, first week I didn't pick them. Damn it!
- TEX, had too many chances to cover but couldn't stop the TT attack. You have to be impressed when all your offense can do is throw and you still put up a fight against TEX with all the new players they have.
GOPHERS-CAL
Well, that was probably the most enjoyable Gopher loss that I can ever remember. I thought we had a chance coming in, and they proved me right by being tied up with about 8 minutes left. If we just make a couple of plays in that 4th quarter, there's a chance we win the game. I loved the play-calling and the use of MGRAY (who will now simply be known as #5 in Favre-esque fashion). I really want to see #5 under center for a series or two, just see what happens. I'm not a Weber hater, but with our complete lack of a running game I think you have to have that QB threat to run to keep them honest and open up more down the field. It also doesn't appear like we would drop off at all with the passing game as #5 is supposed to be a great passer as well. I'm not saying you hand him the keys...yet...but give him a series each half or something like that. I think this might be coming as he has been more and more integrated each week. I also hope the play-calling stays creative like this week. A lot fo teams roll those things out for the big-time opponents and then pocket it against the NW and PUR's of the world. Keep it lose and unpredictable.
The Defense impressed as well. A very shaky start had me worried, but once again the halftime adjustments were great. Cosgrove has been outstanding thus far. It really hurt not having Sherals. Collado can hit a little, but I think I might fair better in coverage situations...think Brew wants a 6'8" 220lb CB? The DL and LB's played well for the most part, too. CAL is really good. They showed some poise, which Tedford's teams have not done in the past. Riley was accurate with his deep balls and Best is just electric. How fun would it be to have that threat in our backfield? Their Defense might be the best we see all year. I know we have PSU and OSU on our schedule, but they were fast and large at all positions. That DL dominated us, and their CB's contained very well. I still can't pick them to beat USC, but they looked legit as #8 in the nation.
Brickhouse was rocking in that 4th quarter, obviously the 3rd and 16 conversion was the biggest play. Then another great pass and a TD put us behind. The Weber pick was brutal, but that's how it goes. We felt the pressure and collapsed under it.
Overall, we're 2-1 and I'm feeling REALLY good about the next 3 games to start the B10. We competed with a really good team, and the offense showed signs of life. It sounds like ED's injury is not going to be a problem. Our P Orseske has mono I guess, which is why he didn't play and won't the next couple of weeks. Hopefully Sherals will be back, NW will try to throw a lot...because they'll be behind! My major concern is the OL. We need to have some semblance of a running game going forward. The pass protection was suspect - it was a great DL - but we need more. Look for some possible personnel changes going into the next few games. This is what I think most everyone predicted through the first quarter of the schedule, but what I don't think people predicted is the confidence that we should/do have going into the next quarter of the schedule with @NW, WIS, PUR. 3-0 is VERY POSSIBLE, but even 2-1 is a must to keep this thing going strong. Total season prediction going into game 4...still 7-5. But the potential for 9-3! Go Gophers!
Vikes Recap
zzzzzzzzzzz....yawn.....zzzzzzzzzzz....yawn. Oh, we won. great.
I'll send out the games soon. College lines are posted, NFL will come out tomorrow.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Week 3 Picks - GOPHERS vs. CAL
NCAA PICKS
JR: CLEM-7,KAN-19,FLA-27.5,VT-3,TROY-7.5,WASH+23,OKST-31,TEX-17,UNLV-6,UCLA-10.5
JG: BOISE-10, EMU+22.5,NC-7,PUR-13,TN+27.5,OK-15.5,MSU+11.5,ORE-4,BYU-6,KENT+2.5
MR: GT+4,CAL-14,PSU-29.5,MSU+11.5,USC-23,RUT-14.5,OKST-31,LSU-26.5,GEO-1,TT+17
MK: MN+14,NC-7,FLA-27.5,MARY-7,VT-3,MSU+11.5,WASH+23,BYU-6,GEO-1,TEX-17
AW: GT+4,BC+7,PUR-13,VT-3,USC-23,IOWA-5.5,OREST-2,GEO-1,TT+17,HAW+6
GR: GT+4,FRES+10,CAL-14,OHIOST-21,FLA-27.5,VT-3,MSU+11.5,CIN+2,TEX-17,UCLA-10.5
MH: GT+4,BOISE-10,EMU+22.5,CAL-14,TN+27.5,UTAH+4,NAVY+8,NW-3,BYU-6,GEO-1
MC: UK-10,KAN-19,FLA-27.5,MSU+11.5,WASH+23,SOMISS-14.5,SMU-4.5,ULL+26.5,UTEP-13,TEX-17
NFL PICKS
JR: NE-5, MIN-10.5, SEA-0, PIT-3, NYG+2.5
JG: CAR+7, NE-5, CIN+9, TB+4.5, PIT-3
MR: CAR+7, NE-5, ARI+4.5, SEA-0, BAL+3.5
MK: CAR+7, SEA-0, PIT-3, DEN-3, SD-3.5
AW: NE-5, SEA-0, DEN-3, BAL+3.5, DAL-2.5
GR: NE-5, GB-9, MIN-10.5, PIT-3, NYG+2.5
MH: ATL-7, NE-5, GB-9, SEA-0, PIT-3
MC: STL+10.5, HOU+8, ARI+4.5, SF-0, PIT-3
So our consensus locks for the week are as follows: (I'll start trakcing these)
GT +4
VT -3
MSU +11.5
GEO -1
NE -5
SEA -0
PIT -3
Not a bad list there. These are games where a net of at least 4 of us agree on the pick and put it on our list.
BIG WEEKEND GAMES
TN at FLA (-27.5)
This should be a giant shit-storm for the Kiffin family and the Vols. The comments that have been made back and forth have bumped this game up to the top of the list for both of these teams coming in...unfortunately the Gators have 10x the talent and should house these guys...GATORS 42-7
NEB at VT (-3)
Is NEB for real? Kind of. They will be better, but I doubt their offense will do anything in Blacksburg. VT will have their struggles on offense as well as the baby blackshirts are trying to reappear...special teams make the difference, as it usually does for VT...HOKIES 22-13
AZ at IOWA (-5.5)
Another defensive battle could happen in Iowa City. Neither team moves the ball extremely well, but the defenses should be strong. Sadly, I think Iowa may have woken up from their 1st game sleep-walk and I like them to win this week. That is really hard to say, so I'll predict...HOGEYES 6-0 over AZ
CIN at OREST (-2)
If Cincy is for real, they win this one. OREST was this close to a Rose Bowl last year, and they have a pretty good squad returning...but I love Brian Kelly (potential next coach of The OHIOST?)...CIN wins 34-30
FSU at BYU (-6)
Mormons face on of the last few tests on their schedule. The Noles are reeling after the loss to MIA and struggle against Jacksonville St. (who?) I'm still not sold on BYU as a "great" team, but FSU's struggles and history in games like this leads me to pick the Mormons again...BYU 32-20
WV at AUB (-5.5)
Fairly even teams, but I think they are moving in opposite directions. Chizik already matched his final year Cyclone win total at 2-0 for 2009, and I think Bill Stewart will continue to drive the Mountaineers down into irrelevance...AUB, now with offense!, wins 27-17.
GEO at ARK (+1)
Don't sleep on the Hogs. As much as I hate Petrino, they are the real deal this year. Our panel went 4 for GEO and 0 for ARK...call it my 11th NCAA game for the week....UPSET ARK wins 24-21.
UPSET SPECIALS
NILL - they will for sure cover and possibly win +13 at PUR
GT - I like them to win, as all of you do, at MIA tonight
If you don't know my #1 upset special...you don't know me...GOPHERS +14 to outright Win on Saturday morning.
GOPHERS host #8 CAL - 11am
Everything is in place for this to be the kick-off of soemthing special for the Maroon and Gold. As I told you earlier, I think the offense is better than it has played and the defense seems to have picked up and improved off of last year's nice turn around. CAL has a dynamic running game and a stellar D - esecially strong on the DL and DB areas. Special teams are not as good - but the Gophers have a a great looking group thus far, so they need to be difference makers on Saturday. So you can either go to the game, or I'll tell what's going to happen right here:
Gophers kick first - CAL tries to run Best twice without much luck, and then it gets exciting. Kevin Riley is still not a great QB, so the more we get him to throw the better off we are. He surprises early and gives the Bears a couple of 1st downs before it happens...turnover Big Play Traye Simmons picks him off and the Gophers take over. Fisch gets funky and we run a play action on 1st down after the turnover and draw a pass interference call deep to Decker. We stick to the air and draw everyone to Decker before hitting Eskridge out of the backfield for a big gainer and Hoese punches in the next play. By this time, the stadium will be blowing up and you will not be able to hear yourself think! We'll battle back and forth throughout the 1st half and go in to the locker room with a lead at 14-10.
H2 starts with a Stoudamire kick return out to around midfield. That's when Fisch goes back into his playbook and sketches out a 1st for the Gophers...a Marquies Gray PASS! CAL will see #5 come in and immediately commit to the QB run, but Gray fakes the shotgun run, steps back, and hits HAYO! on a bomb for 6 points! At 21-10 the Gopehrs are believeing in miracles and start to feel the pressure. Best will rattle off a couple of backbreaking runs and pull this thing back to 21-18 heading into the 4th. That's when Gopher fans start the old, "I've seen this before" feeling or the "same old shit" comments. No. Not this time. Our 6-39 record against ranked teams was in the dome - those evil demons have been exorcised and the new and improved Golden Gophers squad will find a way to make the big play and win this game.
FINAL - GOPHERS win 27-24...can you smell the roses?!?!?
Was that optimistic enough for you?
RANDOM THOUGHTS on PICKS
Time to discuss the great ones and not so great ones (in my opinion) for Week 3.
- EMU over MICH, coming off a ND hangover I love this pick...should have thought of it myself!
- MR, GR, MH - non-believers. Thank You Kobow for taking the Maroon and Gold and preventing a 0 confidence week for our club.
- GR - OHIOST? This team has looked shaky at best through 2 weeks going on the road against a TOLEDO team with an offense? Yikes. I think team Sweater Vest is just hoping to come back with a W.
- JG/MH - TN +27.5 - do you know how bad FLA wants to destory these guys and how much more talent they have at every spot on the field? I don't expect the starters to leave the field no matter what the score...Urban will put up 100 if he can.
- MK - Maryland? Wow, these guys are terrible! I know it's only 7, but against a dominating James Madison team last week they needed OT...scared yet?
- I love that IND is a 4.5 pt dog at a MAC school AKR and nobody takes them. Wow, they must be awful.
- I went against my USC boys this week. I think they'll be on letdown mode and WASH is much better than anyone realizes. WASH covers easily.
- Love the SOMISS pick by MC...again, it was on my list but didn't make Top 10.
- AW - you picked IOWA - didn't you learn from cheering for Becky last time!
- MC - SMU - another pick I love. I'll say it again, anytime you can bet against WASU you should do it.
- MH - NW - interesting pick. I think SYR is better, but far from good. NW should be able to handle this one, but the jury might still be out on them as well.
- MIAOH is hoping to score their first points of the year in game #3...is it mean or funny that their new HC is the former ND Offensive Coordinator?!
- JG doesn't disappoint and bets against the Clones. He couldn't force himself to bet against Iowa...how bad does Arizona have to be to force this action!?!?
- MC - thanks for picking up on the UTEP train and picking them this week. I didn't do well the last 2 weeks with them, so best of luck to you.
NFL
No major surprises here, except for how well we picked them last week! I think it's a lot tougher group of games to call this time around. 5 games with spreads of 7+ is a lot for the average NFL week.
Only JR and GR went with the Purple...I honestly feel like they are a different team this year, super bowl home boy.\
Some sneaky ones that I kind of like: NO winning at PHI, OAK over KC, BAL over SD
Purple vs. DET really doesn't warrant a preview. Worst team in the league against a Super Bowl contender in Week 2...sounds ugly. Vikes will probably sleep walk a bit and then coast to an easy win and hopefully cover...38-20.
Happy Football! See some of you this weekend, hopefully talk to most all of you...especially after the 3-0 Gophers are ranked in the next poll!!!
GO-PHER KOOL-AID, X, X, X-X-X, GOP-PHER KOOL-AID, X, X, X-X-X
BIG WAVE
I scream in affirmation
Of connecting dislocations
And exceeding limitations
By achieving levitation
Got me a big wave, ride me a big wave, got me a big wave.
Got me a big wave, ride me a big wave, got me a big wave.
JR: CLEM-7,KAN-19,FLA-27.5,VT-3,TROY-7.5,WASH+23,OKST-31,TEX-17,UNLV-6,UCLA-10.5
JG: BOISE-10, EMU+22.5,NC-7,PUR-13,TN+27.5,OK-15.5,MSU+11.5,ORE-4,BYU-6,KENT+2.5
MR: GT+4,CAL-14,PSU-29.5,MSU+11.5,USC-23,RUT-14.5,OKST-31,LSU-26.5,GEO-1,TT+17
MK: MN+14,NC-7,FLA-27.5,MARY-7,VT-3,MSU+11.5,WASH+23,BYU-6,GEO-1,TEX-17
AW: GT+4,BC+7,PUR-13,VT-3,USC-23,IOWA-5.5,OREST-2,GEO-1,TT+17,HAW+6
GR: GT+4,FRES+10,CAL-14,OHIOST-21,FLA-27.5,VT-3,MSU+11.5,CIN+2,TEX-17,UCLA-10.5
MH: GT+4,BOISE-10,EMU+22.5,CAL-14,TN+27.5,UTAH+4,NAVY+8,NW-3,BYU-6,GEO-1
MC: UK-10,KAN-19,FLA-27.5,MSU+11.5,WASH+23,SOMISS-14.5,SMU-4.5,ULL+26.5,UTEP-13,TEX-17
NFL PICKS
JR: NE-5, MIN-10.5, SEA-0, PIT-3, NYG+2.5
JG: CAR+7, NE-5, CIN+9, TB+4.5, PIT-3
MR: CAR+7, NE-5, ARI+4.5, SEA-0, BAL+3.5
MK: CAR+7, SEA-0, PIT-3, DEN-3, SD-3.5
AW: NE-5, SEA-0, DEN-3, BAL+3.5, DAL-2.5
GR: NE-5, GB-9, MIN-10.5, PIT-3, NYG+2.5
MH: ATL-7, NE-5, GB-9, SEA-0, PIT-3
MC: STL+10.5, HOU+8, ARI+4.5, SF-0, PIT-3
So our consensus locks for the week are as follows: (I'll start trakcing these)
GT +4
VT -3
MSU +11.5
GEO -1
NE -5
SEA -0
PIT -3
Not a bad list there. These are games where a net of at least 4 of us agree on the pick and put it on our list.
BIG WEEKEND GAMES
TN at FLA (-27.5)
This should be a giant shit-storm for the Kiffin family and the Vols. The comments that have been made back and forth have bumped this game up to the top of the list for both of these teams coming in...unfortunately the Gators have 10x the talent and should house these guys...GATORS 42-7
NEB at VT (-3)
Is NEB for real? Kind of. They will be better, but I doubt their offense will do anything in Blacksburg. VT will have their struggles on offense as well as the baby blackshirts are trying to reappear...special teams make the difference, as it usually does for VT...HOKIES 22-13
AZ at IOWA (-5.5)
Another defensive battle could happen in Iowa City. Neither team moves the ball extremely well, but the defenses should be strong. Sadly, I think Iowa may have woken up from their 1st game sleep-walk and I like them to win this week. That is really hard to say, so I'll predict...HOGEYES 6-0 over AZ
CIN at OREST (-2)
If Cincy is for real, they win this one. OREST was this close to a Rose Bowl last year, and they have a pretty good squad returning...but I love Brian Kelly (potential next coach of The OHIOST?)...CIN wins 34-30
FSU at BYU (-6)
Mormons face on of the last few tests on their schedule. The Noles are reeling after the loss to MIA and struggle against Jacksonville St. (who?) I'm still not sold on BYU as a "great" team, but FSU's struggles and history in games like this leads me to pick the Mormons again...BYU 32-20
WV at AUB (-5.5)
Fairly even teams, but I think they are moving in opposite directions. Chizik already matched his final year Cyclone win total at 2-0 for 2009, and I think Bill Stewart will continue to drive the Mountaineers down into irrelevance...AUB, now with offense!, wins 27-17.
GEO at ARK (+1)
Don't sleep on the Hogs. As much as I hate Petrino, they are the real deal this year. Our panel went 4 for GEO and 0 for ARK...call it my 11th NCAA game for the week....UPSET ARK wins 24-21.
UPSET SPECIALS
NILL - they will for sure cover and possibly win +13 at PUR
GT - I like them to win, as all of you do, at MIA tonight
If you don't know my #1 upset special...you don't know me...GOPHERS +14 to outright Win on Saturday morning.
GOPHERS host #8 CAL - 11am
Everything is in place for this to be the kick-off of soemthing special for the Maroon and Gold. As I told you earlier, I think the offense is better than it has played and the defense seems to have picked up and improved off of last year's nice turn around. CAL has a dynamic running game and a stellar D - esecially strong on the DL and DB areas. Special teams are not as good - but the Gophers have a a great looking group thus far, so they need to be difference makers on Saturday. So you can either go to the game, or I'll tell what's going to happen right here:
Gophers kick first - CAL tries to run Best twice without much luck, and then it gets exciting. Kevin Riley is still not a great QB, so the more we get him to throw the better off we are. He surprises early and gives the Bears a couple of 1st downs before it happens...turnover Big Play Traye Simmons picks him off and the Gophers take over. Fisch gets funky and we run a play action on 1st down after the turnover and draw a pass interference call deep to Decker. We stick to the air and draw everyone to Decker before hitting Eskridge out of the backfield for a big gainer and Hoese punches in the next play. By this time, the stadium will be blowing up and you will not be able to hear yourself think! We'll battle back and forth throughout the 1st half and go in to the locker room with a lead at 14-10.
H2 starts with a Stoudamire kick return out to around midfield. That's when Fisch goes back into his playbook and sketches out a 1st for the Gophers...a Marquies Gray PASS! CAL will see #5 come in and immediately commit to the QB run, but Gray fakes the shotgun run, steps back, and hits HAYO! on a bomb for 6 points! At 21-10 the Gopehrs are believeing in miracles and start to feel the pressure. Best will rattle off a couple of backbreaking runs and pull this thing back to 21-18 heading into the 4th. That's when Gopher fans start the old, "I've seen this before" feeling or the "same old shit" comments. No. Not this time. Our 6-39 record against ranked teams was in the dome - those evil demons have been exorcised and the new and improved Golden Gophers squad will find a way to make the big play and win this game.
FINAL - GOPHERS win 27-24...can you smell the roses?!?!?
Was that optimistic enough for you?
RANDOM THOUGHTS on PICKS
Time to discuss the great ones and not so great ones (in my opinion) for Week 3.
- EMU over MICH, coming off a ND hangover I love this pick...should have thought of it myself!
- MR, GR, MH - non-believers. Thank You Kobow for taking the Maroon and Gold and preventing a 0 confidence week for our club.
- GR - OHIOST? This team has looked shaky at best through 2 weeks going on the road against a TOLEDO team with an offense? Yikes. I think team Sweater Vest is just hoping to come back with a W.
- JG/MH - TN +27.5 - do you know how bad FLA wants to destory these guys and how much more talent they have at every spot on the field? I don't expect the starters to leave the field no matter what the score...Urban will put up 100 if he can.
- MK - Maryland? Wow, these guys are terrible! I know it's only 7, but against a dominating James Madison team last week they needed OT...scared yet?
- I love that IND is a 4.5 pt dog at a MAC school AKR and nobody takes them. Wow, they must be awful.
- I went against my USC boys this week. I think they'll be on letdown mode and WASH is much better than anyone realizes. WASH covers easily.
- Love the SOMISS pick by MC...again, it was on my list but didn't make Top 10.
- AW - you picked IOWA - didn't you learn from cheering for Becky last time!
- MC - SMU - another pick I love. I'll say it again, anytime you can bet against WASU you should do it.
- MH - NW - interesting pick. I think SYR is better, but far from good. NW should be able to handle this one, but the jury might still be out on them as well.
- MIAOH is hoping to score their first points of the year in game #3...is it mean or funny that their new HC is the former ND Offensive Coordinator?!
- JG doesn't disappoint and bets against the Clones. He couldn't force himself to bet against Iowa...how bad does Arizona have to be to force this action!?!?
- MC - thanks for picking up on the UTEP train and picking them this week. I didn't do well the last 2 weeks with them, so best of luck to you.
NFL
No major surprises here, except for how well we picked them last week! I think it's a lot tougher group of games to call this time around. 5 games with spreads of 7+ is a lot for the average NFL week.
Only JR and GR went with the Purple...I honestly feel like they are a different team this year, super bowl home boy.\
Some sneaky ones that I kind of like: NO winning at PHI, OAK over KC, BAL over SD
Purple vs. DET really doesn't warrant a preview. Worst team in the league against a Super Bowl contender in Week 2...sounds ugly. Vikes will probably sleep walk a bit and then coast to an easy win and hopefully cover...38-20.
Happy Football! See some of you this weekend, hopefully talk to most all of you...especially after the 3-0 Gophers are ranked in the next poll!!!
GO-PHER KOOL-AID, X, X, X-X-X, GOP-PHER KOOL-AID, X, X, X-X-X
BIG WAVE
I scream in affirmation
Of connecting dislocations
And exceeding limitations
By achieving levitation
Got me a big wave, ride me a big wave, got me a big wave.
Got me a big wave, ride me a big wave, got me a big wave.
Further proof that the BCS and the polls are ridiculous
Here's one guy's ballot this week (from CFT.com):
The Associated Press voter from the Cleveland Plain Dealer is a bit confused. Ranking Florida at No. 5 is his most egregious crime, but having Houston at No. 4 and UCLA at No. 12 is nearly as unspeakable. We're just scratching the surface here. Michigan is No. 6 and Texas is No. 8.
And here are the current rankings from one of the BCS computer ratings:
No. -1 Massey Ratings . . . This is one of the six computer ratings used by the BCS, but the only one that has Pittsburgh at No. 1 and Florida at No. 533. Don't worry Gator fans. When you trim the list down from the one including all 715 college teams to just FBS schools, Florida rockets all the way up to No. 103. Of course, schedule difficulty plays a huge role in this early-season computer madness, but that doesn't explain Otterbein College getting ranked one spot higher than No. 17 USC.
How sad is that? These obviously can both be fixed as the season goes on, but really how can they depend on these things to choose a champion!?!? FLA at #5 in the nation?!? The defending National Champs that are 2-0 and outscoring opponents 59 to 4.5 through 2 games. Yep, for sure 5th...or at least behind HOU! Yes, nice win HOU, but I'm sorry you are not #4! Can we find 70 competant people to vote in this poll please.
The computer ranking is almost more of a concern than the poll. Otterbein College is ranked ahead of USC. Digest that one for a second...the same Trojans that just beat Ohio State would be expected to lose to Otterbein based on these rankings. Then you have the Gators at 103 among D1 teams. Can this one poll for this one week be enough to throw out all moronic computer rankings from all future BCS decisions!? Please!
Keep it simple - 6 BCS conference winners, 1 wild card team, 1 non-BCS conference winner. 8 teams. No guess work. Too simple I guess.
The Associated Press voter from the Cleveland Plain Dealer is a bit confused. Ranking Florida at No. 5 is his most egregious crime, but having Houston at No. 4 and UCLA at No. 12 is nearly as unspeakable. We're just scratching the surface here. Michigan is No. 6 and Texas is No. 8.
And here are the current rankings from one of the BCS computer ratings:
No. -1 Massey Ratings . . . This is one of the six computer ratings used by the BCS, but the only one that has Pittsburgh at No. 1 and Florida at No. 533. Don't worry Gator fans. When you trim the list down from the one including all 715 college teams to just FBS schools, Florida rockets all the way up to No. 103. Of course, schedule difficulty plays a huge role in this early-season computer madness, but that doesn't explain Otterbein College getting ranked one spot higher than No. 17 USC.
How sad is that? These obviously can both be fixed as the season goes on, but really how can they depend on these things to choose a champion!?!? FLA at #5 in the nation?!? The defending National Champs that are 2-0 and outscoring opponents 59 to 4.5 through 2 games. Yep, for sure 5th...or at least behind HOU! Yes, nice win HOU, but I'm sorry you are not #4! Can we find 70 competant people to vote in this poll please.
The computer ranking is almost more of a concern than the poll. Otterbein College is ranked ahead of USC. Digest that one for a second...the same Trojans that just beat Ohio State would be expected to lose to Otterbein based on these rankings. Then you have the Gators at 103 among D1 teams. Can this one poll for this one week be enough to throw out all moronic computer rankings from all future BCS decisions!? Please!
Keep it simple - 6 BCS conference winners, 1 wild card team, 1 non-BCS conference winner. 8 teams. No guess work. Too simple I guess.
After further review...our offense doesn't suck
So I watched the replay of GOPHERS-AF last night, and I came away with a very different opinion of what our offense has done this year than I had on Saturday night. We ran the ball well vs. AF, we just didn't run enough. Bennett and Eskridge were going for 4-6 yards nearly every carry, but we failed to convert a couple of short ones that killed us. Weber looked much sharper than he did against SYR, and used more weapons earlier in the game (which we forget when Decker catches the last 6passes from AWEB in the 4th qtr).
Why then have we scored 23 and 20 points in our 2 games against medicore defenses? Penalties!! Honestly, this is the issue right now on offense. We had 8 for 69 yards against AF...7 of those were on offense, 3 on Decker! Everytime we'd start rolling and moving the ball we would have a penalty or two or even three on one occasion.
AF also controlled the ball nearly the entire game, so we didn't get a chance to put up a ton of yards with minimal possessions. We had the one Gray fumble, which gave them 3 points. We ran for 4.5 ypc, but like I said - we didn't continue to run the ball in the 2nd half...which was probably the right call considering how well we threw in the 2nd half. 4-11 on 3rd down...obviously this needs to improve. 2 bad Weber throws, 2 poorly executed short yardage runs, and 3 dropped passes are why we didn't convert every single 3rd down. The drops were ridiculous against AF - I didn't realize it while watching it live, but there were at least 4-5 balls that should have been caught and would have put Weber up over 300 yards for the game.
So what does this all mean - I am not nearly as down on our offense as I thought I was. I think there are a lot of little wrinkles that Fisch is saving for when we really need them (i.e. CAL this week!) 1. Catch the ball, 2. Stop making penalties on offense...if these things can happen I think our offense can be solid.
One other reason we have not scored as well is the major lack of big plays, or as Chilly would say "explosive plays". We have the speedy gamebreakers that can make this happen, I think it's just a matter of taking a chance and getting a break here or there to get us a couple of long TD's and quick scoring drives. We can't expect to go 80 yards and 15 plays every drive - the best of the best cannot do that. You have to have the big plays, but you have to take a chance at getting them as well.
This is just a little prelude to the GOPHERS-CAL prediction coming later today...I just didn't want you to think I'm out of my mind when I tell you our offense isn't terrible and we can score some points this week...and go 9-3...and win the B10...
All picks are in - I'll send out the weekly list later today. Thanks!
Why then have we scored 23 and 20 points in our 2 games against medicore defenses? Penalties!! Honestly, this is the issue right now on offense. We had 8 for 69 yards against AF...7 of those were on offense, 3 on Decker! Everytime we'd start rolling and moving the ball we would have a penalty or two or even three on one occasion.
AF also controlled the ball nearly the entire game, so we didn't get a chance to put up a ton of yards with minimal possessions. We had the one Gray fumble, which gave them 3 points. We ran for 4.5 ypc, but like I said - we didn't continue to run the ball in the 2nd half...which was probably the right call considering how well we threw in the 2nd half. 4-11 on 3rd down...obviously this needs to improve. 2 bad Weber throws, 2 poorly executed short yardage runs, and 3 dropped passes are why we didn't convert every single 3rd down. The drops were ridiculous against AF - I didn't realize it while watching it live, but there were at least 4-5 balls that should have been caught and would have put Weber up over 300 yards for the game.
So what does this all mean - I am not nearly as down on our offense as I thought I was. I think there are a lot of little wrinkles that Fisch is saving for when we really need them (i.e. CAL this week!) 1. Catch the ball, 2. Stop making penalties on offense...if these things can happen I think our offense can be solid.
One other reason we have not scored as well is the major lack of big plays, or as Chilly would say "explosive plays". We have the speedy gamebreakers that can make this happen, I think it's just a matter of taking a chance and getting a break here or there to get us a couple of long TD's and quick scoring drives. We can't expect to go 80 yards and 15 plays every drive - the best of the best cannot do that. You have to have the big plays, but you have to take a chance at getting them as well.
This is just a little prelude to the GOPHERS-CAL prediction coming later today...I just didn't want you to think I'm out of my mind when I tell you our offense isn't terrible and we can score some points this week...and go 9-3...and win the B10...
All picks are in - I'll send out the weekly list later today. Thanks!
6 are in...2 to go
Waiting on ROE and CORCORAN...as soon as I have them all I'll send out the list for this week.
I'm still brewing up a formula for a Gopher Victory...this might take a while.
I'm still brewing up a formula for a Gopher Victory...this might take a while.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Thoughts from WEEK 2
We're 2-0, Purple 1-0...that's about all the important stuff that came out of this weekend. But there were a few other tidbits I felt like I needed to touch on...in no particular order:
1)During our pregame action at Sally's we were watching Becky almost lose to Fresno. These 2 guys behind me, after a Fresno TD in which everyone cheered, make the comment that "they don't get it" as they sat in silence. I first assumed they were Becky fans, until I saw they were wearing Maroon and Gold. I had to ask, what don't we get - that we hate WIS and want them to lose? (I had a few in me at the time, so I was probably a little more aggressive than usual). They said we need WIS and IOWA and everyone in the B10 to win all their games to help the Gophers. I tried to explain to them that it is really almost 100% irrelevant for our club. Unless we're BCS bound or they are, which isn't the case this season, a WIS loss has zero impact on us. The B10 has automatic bowl tie-ins and we'll be slotted in these games based solely on what our record is and what these bowls choose. If we beat a 0-4 WIS team or a 4-0 WIS team - it makes no difference! Apparently, these were two of the dumber Gopher fans in history and they just kept arguing that we needed WIS to win today for some reason that was never made clear to me. I guess the message is, if you are going to cheer for a rival you better get your shit together and figure out what the hell is going on or I will harass you.
2)Morons #2. While sitting in our seats we had no less than 3 people ask why we were cheering for a MICH win over ND. Come on! It's ND! Are you kidding me! Not that I'm a MICH fan at all, but they rank about 100 notches higher on the favorite team list vs. the Irish...and they should for everyone unless you have some unusual tie that doesn't allow you to hate ND. I put these people into the same group as those that like the Yankees and Lakers. If ND loses, it is a good day.
3) Brewster vs. KFAN - this was bizarre. Did anyone hear this today during the PA show? They started the show by saying the U said no players or coaches will be available to be on KFAN because they weren't happy with how they were being portrayed by the station. So PA and everyone else basically spent the entire day bashing everything that is Brewster and Gophers Football. Not that I blame them, it was a stupid stance by Brewster when you have a team desperate for any attention it can get and a station that gives them an average of 2 minutes per week. I know they are not the biggest supporters, but this is still a very bad idea by Brew. Then at the end of the show KFAN reported that is was a mistake and miscommunication. Whatever, I'm betting the powers at the U told him to fix this immediately. More stunts like this will not help Timmy's chances at an extension if they don't win more than 6-7 games this year.
4) GOPHER Schedule - remember how difficult it was shaping up to be when the season started? Well, let's look ahead and see how many games we really won't have a chance in this season:
CAL - will be extremely tough, but we're at home, they suck on the road...who knows.
NW - looked awful, Kafka still can't throw - we might be favored or at least a pickem
WIS - we should win this game
PUR - we should win this game
PSU - not nearly as dominant as once thought - OL in shambles, great D...but during Vegas week anything can happen
OSU - haven't looked real good at all. Pryor can't throw, D looks a little suspect...even so this will be a very tough one.
SPARTY - very winnable on Halloween night at the Brickhouse.
ILL - finally the world is realizing what I told you all along, these guys are overrated and we will win this game.
SDST - please.
IOWA - tough at Kinnick, but seriously this team is nothing special either. We have played tough on the road in Brew's tenure, so I'll take our chances.
I honestly only see 3 very likely losses, and maybe 1-2 more. If we win less than 7 games I will be very surprised this season. B10 = weak! Who knew leaving MICH off the slate would be a good thing in 2009!
5) And finally, in an event that will become symbolic to the Virgina Cavaliers season of 2009, their mascot Cavman rides in on a horse before every home game. Well, during the home opener last week against TCU he fell off. Yep, your 2009 Virgina Cavaliers. You can watch it in the link above...hilarious.
Everyone is paid in full so we are locked and loaded for the next 20+ weeks. Thanks for getting this is to me on time guys - makes it much easier as we inch closer to the actual payout at the end of the season.
Send me your picks sometime in the next 24 hours - I'll send out the full preview tomorrow.
PJ - Indifference
i will light the match this mornin', so i won't be alone
watch as she lies silent, for soon light will be gone
i will stand arms outstretched, pretend i'm free to roam
i will make my way, through, one more day in hell...
how much difference does it make
how much difference does it make...
i will hold the candle till it burns up my arm
i'll keep takin' punches until their will grows tired
i will stare the sun down until my eyes go blind
hey i won't change direction, and i won't change my mind
how much difference does it make
how much difference does it make..
how much difference...
i'll swallow poison, until i grow immune
i will scream my lungs out till it fills this room
how much difference
how much difference
how much difference does it make
how much difference does it make...
1)During our pregame action at Sally's we were watching Becky almost lose to Fresno. These 2 guys behind me, after a Fresno TD in which everyone cheered, make the comment that "they don't get it" as they sat in silence. I first assumed they were Becky fans, until I saw they were wearing Maroon and Gold. I had to ask, what don't we get - that we hate WIS and want them to lose? (I had a few in me at the time, so I was probably a little more aggressive than usual). They said we need WIS and IOWA and everyone in the B10 to win all their games to help the Gophers. I tried to explain to them that it is really almost 100% irrelevant for our club. Unless we're BCS bound or they are, which isn't the case this season, a WIS loss has zero impact on us. The B10 has automatic bowl tie-ins and we'll be slotted in these games based solely on what our record is and what these bowls choose. If we beat a 0-4 WIS team or a 4-0 WIS team - it makes no difference! Apparently, these were two of the dumber Gopher fans in history and they just kept arguing that we needed WIS to win today for some reason that was never made clear to me. I guess the message is, if you are going to cheer for a rival you better get your shit together and figure out what the hell is going on or I will harass you.
2)Morons #2. While sitting in our seats we had no less than 3 people ask why we were cheering for a MICH win over ND. Come on! It's ND! Are you kidding me! Not that I'm a MICH fan at all, but they rank about 100 notches higher on the favorite team list vs. the Irish...and they should for everyone unless you have some unusual tie that doesn't allow you to hate ND. I put these people into the same group as those that like the Yankees and Lakers. If ND loses, it is a good day.
3) Brewster vs. KFAN - this was bizarre. Did anyone hear this today during the PA show? They started the show by saying the U said no players or coaches will be available to be on KFAN because they weren't happy with how they were being portrayed by the station. So PA and everyone else basically spent the entire day bashing everything that is Brewster and Gophers Football. Not that I blame them, it was a stupid stance by Brewster when you have a team desperate for any attention it can get and a station that gives them an average of 2 minutes per week. I know they are not the biggest supporters, but this is still a very bad idea by Brew. Then at the end of the show KFAN reported that is was a mistake and miscommunication. Whatever, I'm betting the powers at the U told him to fix this immediately. More stunts like this will not help Timmy's chances at an extension if they don't win more than 6-7 games this year.
4) GOPHER Schedule - remember how difficult it was shaping up to be when the season started? Well, let's look ahead and see how many games we really won't have a chance in this season:
CAL - will be extremely tough, but we're at home, they suck on the road...who knows.
NW - looked awful, Kafka still can't throw - we might be favored or at least a pickem
WIS - we should win this game
PUR - we should win this game
PSU - not nearly as dominant as once thought - OL in shambles, great D...but during Vegas week anything can happen
OSU - haven't looked real good at all. Pryor can't throw, D looks a little suspect...even so this will be a very tough one.
SPARTY - very winnable on Halloween night at the Brickhouse.
ILL - finally the world is realizing what I told you all along, these guys are overrated and we will win this game.
SDST - please.
IOWA - tough at Kinnick, but seriously this team is nothing special either. We have played tough on the road in Brew's tenure, so I'll take our chances.
I honestly only see 3 very likely losses, and maybe 1-2 more. If we win less than 7 games I will be very surprised this season. B10 = weak! Who knew leaving MICH off the slate would be a good thing in 2009!
5) And finally, in an event that will become symbolic to the Virgina Cavaliers season of 2009, their mascot Cavman rides in on a horse before every home game. Well, during the home opener last week against TCU he fell off. Yep, your 2009 Virgina Cavaliers. You can watch it in the link above...hilarious.
Everyone is paid in full so we are locked and loaded for the next 20+ weeks. Thanks for getting this is to me on time guys - makes it much easier as we inch closer to the actual payout at the end of the season.
Send me your picks sometime in the next 24 hours - I'll send out the full preview tomorrow.
PJ - Indifference
i will light the match this mornin', so i won't be alone
watch as she lies silent, for soon light will be gone
i will stand arms outstretched, pretend i'm free to roam
i will make my way, through, one more day in hell...
how much difference does it make
how much difference does it make...
i will hold the candle till it burns up my arm
i'll keep takin' punches until their will grows tired
i will stare the sun down until my eyes go blind
hey i won't change direction, and i won't change my mind
how much difference does it make
how much difference does it make..
how much difference...
i'll swallow poison, until i grow immune
i will scream my lungs out till it fills this room
how much difference
how much difference
how much difference does it make
how much difference does it make...
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
WEEK 3 NFL Games
CAR
ATL -7
STL
WAS -10.5
HOU
TEN -8
NO
PHI NO LINE POSTED YET DUE TO MCNABB INJURY QUESTIONS
NE
NYJ 5
OAK
KC -3.5
ARI
JAC -4.5
CIN
GB -9
MIN
DET 10.5
TB
BUF -4.5
SEA
SF 0
PIT
CHI 3
CLE
DEN -3
BAL
SD -3.5
NYG
DAL -2.5
IND
MIA 3
Please pick 5 of these and 10 from the previous list of NCAA Games and send to me by Noon on Thursday.
ATL -7
STL
WAS -10.5
HOU
TEN -8
NO
PHI NO LINE POSTED YET DUE TO MCNABB INJURY QUESTIONS
NE
NYJ 5
OAK
KC -3.5
ARI
JAC -4.5
CIN
GB -9
MIN
DET 10.5
TB
BUF -4.5
SEA
SF 0
PIT
CHI 3
CLE
DEN -3
BAL
SD -3.5
NYG
DAL -2.5
IND
MIA 3
Please pick 5 of these and 10 from the previous list of NCAA Games and send to me by Noon on Thursday.
Week 2 Recap
Not much changed from the first week 2 results I sent over, but here's the final tally.
JR:9-6
JG:9-6
AW:9-6
GR:9-6
MR:8-7
MH:7-8
MK:6-9
MC:6-9
Here's where we are for overall standings:
JG 18 12 60.0%
MH 17 13 56.7%
MR 17 13 56.7%
GR 16 14 53.3%
JR 15 15 50.0%
AW 14 16 46.7%
MK 13 17 43.3%
MC 12 18 40.0%
So 6 games separates worst and first...4 over .500, 1 at .500, 3 below .500
122-118 in total, so overall a pretty nice start for most of us.
What happened this week - besides dominating the NFL (except the 2 Mondat Nighters...ouch!) we also hit a few college games.
I went 26-20 on Saturday in my "pick every game" challenge, and 11-5 on Sunday. Who says the NFL is tougher to pick than College?!?
Not a lot of time to post a lot of specific info right now, but I'm sure I'll throw something out there sometime tomorrow. Also, I will send out the NFL games right after this.
Big week coming up - who's ready!?!?
JR:9-6
JG:9-6
AW:9-6
GR:9-6
MR:8-7
MH:7-8
MK:6-9
MC:6-9
Here's where we are for overall standings:
JG 18 12 60.0%
MH 17 13 56.7%
MR 17 13 56.7%
GR 16 14 53.3%
JR 15 15 50.0%
AW 14 16 46.7%
MK 13 17 43.3%
MC 12 18 40.0%
So 6 games separates worst and first...4 over .500, 1 at .500, 3 below .500
122-118 in total, so overall a pretty nice start for most of us.
What happened this week - besides dominating the NFL (except the 2 Mondat Nighters...ouch!) we also hit a few college games.
I went 26-20 on Saturday in my "pick every game" challenge, and 11-5 on Sunday. Who says the NFL is tougher to pick than College?!?
Not a lot of time to post a lot of specific info right now, but I'm sure I'll throw something out there sometime tomorrow. Also, I will send out the NFL games right after this.
Big week coming up - who's ready!?!?
Monday, September 14, 2009
Week 3 College Games
Here's the NCAA list - I'll send out NFL games as soon as all are available.
Please pick 10 and get to me by NOON on THURSDAY.
GT
MIA -4
BOISE
FRES 10
LOU
UK -10
EMU
MICH -22.5
CAL
MN 14
ECU
NC -7
TEM
PSU -29.5
BC
CLEM -7
BALLST
ARMY -7
DUKE
KAN -19
NILL
PUR -13
OHIOST
TOL 21
NTEX
ALA no line posted as of today
WY
COL -7.5
TN
FLA -27.5
MDTN
MARY -7
TULSA
OK -15.5
NEB
VT -3
IND
AKR -4.5
UAB
TROY -7.5
MSU
ND -11.5
USC
WASH 23
UTAH
ORE -4
VIR
SOMISS -14.5
AZ
IOWA -5.5
FIU
RUT -14.5
UCONN
BAY -10.5
NEV
COLST 3
SDST
IDAHO 3.5
SMU
WASU 4.5
NAVY
PITT -8
BUFF
UCF -4
CIN
OREST -2
NW
SYR 3
RICE
OKST -31
MISST
VAN -8
UTST
A&M -17
BGU
MARSH 2.5
FAU
SC -21
MIAOH
WMU -17
FSU
BYU -6
ISU
KENT 2.5
ULL
LSU -26.5
AF
NM 16
WV
AUB -5.5
GEO
ARK 1
UTEP
NMST 13
TT
TEX -17
SJST
STAN -18
HAW
UNLV -6
ULM
ASU -18
KST
UCLA -10.5
Please pick 10 and get to me by NOON on THURSDAY.
GT
MIA -4
BOISE
FRES 10
LOU
UK -10
EMU
MICH -22.5
CAL
MN 14
ECU
NC -7
TEM
PSU -29.5
BC
CLEM -7
BALLST
ARMY -7
DUKE
KAN -19
NILL
PUR -13
OHIOST
TOL 21
NTEX
ALA no line posted as of today
WY
COL -7.5
TN
FLA -27.5
MDTN
MARY -7
TULSA
OK -15.5
NEB
VT -3
IND
AKR -4.5
UAB
TROY -7.5
MSU
ND -11.5
USC
WASH 23
UTAH
ORE -4
VIR
SOMISS -14.5
AZ
IOWA -5.5
FIU
RUT -14.5
UCONN
BAY -10.5
NEV
COLST 3
SDST
IDAHO 3.5
SMU
WASU 4.5
NAVY
PITT -8
BUFF
UCF -4
CIN
OREST -2
NW
SYR 3
RICE
OKST -31
MISST
VAN -8
UTST
A&M -17
BGU
MARSH 2.5
FAU
SC -21
MIAOH
WMU -17
FSU
BYU -6
ISU
KENT 2.5
ULL
LSU -26.5
AF
NM 16
WV
AUB -5.5
GEO
ARK 1
UTEP
NMST 13
TT
TEX -17
SJST
STAN -18
HAW
UNLV -6
ULM
ASU -18
KST
UCLA -10.5
Partial Week 2 Results
Week 2 almost in the books - here's where we are right now with 2 Monday Night games left.
JR: 9-6
JG: 9-5 + SD
MR: 8-6 + NE
MK: 6-7 + NE and SD
AW: 8-6 + BUF
GR: 9-5 + NE
MH: 7-6 + NE and SD
MC: 6-8 + SD
So lots of action left for tonight, but overall no major disasters this week...most of us should finish in the black. This is mainly due to some crushing on NFL games yesterday...a combined 27-4 for all of us yesterday for a tough 88%! Nice. It's just that easy.
I have most of the NCAA lines, but no NFL lines yet...so I'll check again at the end of the day and send out what I can today with an update for all missing games on Tuesday.
GOPHERS 2-0
That was fun. A struggle to watch for most of the evening, they did come through when it mattered, just like last week. Triplett is the National Def Player of the Week...not bad. AWEB looked better at times, but the offense still needs to figure it out...and fast. The 8th ranked Golden Bears are coming in early next Saturday morning. This might be the best team we play all year. They are solid at every spot and have been crushing everyone this year.
Signs of hope for the 14 pt. Dog Gophers: It's a 9am internal clock game time for Cal, which is a good thing. Cal struggles on the road and this is their first trip of the year. They have ORE and USC on the horizon, so a potential over looking of the Gophers make this a trap game. We are going to need a lot of these things to work in our favor because I think we are outmanned and nearly every spot on the field...but you know I'll find a way to pick the Gophers come Thursday!
I'll send picks over later with a full week recap.
JR: 9-6
JG: 9-5 + SD
MR: 8-6 + NE
MK: 6-7 + NE and SD
AW: 8-6 + BUF
GR: 9-5 + NE
MH: 7-6 + NE and SD
MC: 6-8 + SD
So lots of action left for tonight, but overall no major disasters this week...most of us should finish in the black. This is mainly due to some crushing on NFL games yesterday...a combined 27-4 for all of us yesterday for a tough 88%! Nice. It's just that easy.
I have most of the NCAA lines, but no NFL lines yet...so I'll check again at the end of the day and send out what I can today with an update for all missing games on Tuesday.
GOPHERS 2-0
That was fun. A struggle to watch for most of the evening, they did come through when it mattered, just like last week. Triplett is the National Def Player of the Week...not bad. AWEB looked better at times, but the offense still needs to figure it out...and fast. The 8th ranked Golden Bears are coming in early next Saturday morning. This might be the best team we play all year. They are solid at every spot and have been crushing everyone this year.
Signs of hope for the 14 pt. Dog Gophers: It's a 9am internal clock game time for Cal, which is a good thing. Cal struggles on the road and this is their first trip of the year. They have ORE and USC on the horizon, so a potential over looking of the Gophers make this a trap game. We are going to need a lot of these things to work in our favor because I think we are outmanned and nearly every spot on the field...but you know I'll find a way to pick the Gophers come Thursday!
I'll send picks over later with a full week recap.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Week 2 - Picks are in - TCF Opens
An eventful week in Gopher history is almost coming to it's dramatic climax - but to bridge the gap until 6pm on Saturday here are our Football Challenge picks:
NCAA PICKS
JR: GT, NC, NW, SMU, NTEX, MN, TT, UTEP, USC, ORE
JG: FRES, ISU, ND, OKST, UCLA, ALA, MN, LSU, PUR, OREST
MR: GT, NW, WF, FLA, TEX, SC, AF, TT, USC, UTAH
MK: GT, COL, IND, MICH, OKST, MIZZ, MN, RICE, OHIOST, ORE
AW: GT, WF, WIS, ARMY, MICH, IDAHO, HAW, MN, USC, PUR
GR: CLEM, PSU, PITT, NEB, MICH, OKST, TN, MN, USC, ORE
MH: CLEM, ISU, ND, NAVY, GEO, MN, LSU, MIAOH, USC, ORE
MC: FLA, OKST, IDAHO, TEX, KST, AF, TT, MIAOH, USC, ORE
NFL PICKS
JR: ATL, BAL, MIN, JAC, DAL
JG: ATL, BAL, DEN, MIN, SD
MR: ATL, PHI, MIN, JAC, NE
MK: MIN, HOU, DAL, NE, SD
AW: MIN, ARI, NYG, CHI, BUF
GR: BAL, MIN, NO, DAL, NE
MH: MIN, NYG, SEA, NE, SD
MC: BAL, PHI, CIN, MIN, SD
So there you go - week 2 picks are locked and loaded.
CLEM-GT
This was the easiest pick of the week for me. GTECH at home on Thursday, short week to prepare for the option, and the fact that GT is just a better team. GR and MH disagree, but lots of folks on board with GT tonight. Oddly - no body decided to wager on the TEN-PIT NFL opener this evening. I'll take TEN and GT in my 2 game parlay.
MK sent in his picks with the comment that he hates his college picks. Well, it could be ugly, in my opinion, for MK this week. COL at TOL - what did you see out of COL that would make you pick them on the road? IND over WMU - I know it's a pick 'em, but IND might finish last in the MAC this year...WMU wins this one. RICE?!? They are terrible this year and they are playing at TTECH and only getting 25 pts! TT scores 1/2 a hundred here in a route and cover. Then maybe the biggest question...Mr. Anti-OHIOST picks them over USC! I know you probably hate USC more, but seriously I don't think this one will be close...7 people bet it - 6 for USC..you are on an island MK.
Other locks (popular picks) ORE by 5 of us with 2 on PUR, 4 on OKST nobody for HOU, 3 on MICH and 2 on ND, 4 on GT and 2 on CLEM. GOPHERS also getting the love for another week with 6 on board and 2 against us...MR and MC.
JG held true to form and bet against Becky and the Hogeyes for the 45th week in a row...thanks for that. I actually like both FRESNO and ISU this week to cover, but I didn't have enough faith to include them.
Who else is on an island this week?
MK with COL - ick, did Hawkins get fired yet?
JR with NC - how do you not pick this one! UCONN is still terrible!!!
MK with IND - see above
GR with PSU - this just in, SYR really isn't that good. PSU might double this spread...nice pick.
AW with WIS - come on Bomb, this is an unwritten rule...if you can't bet against WIS/IA then find another game! You are really going to be pulling for them on Saturday?!? How can you live with yourself...at least it isn't Iowa I guess.
JG with FRES - nice!
AW with ARMY - anytime you can bet a pick'em game against DUKE on the road it's a good bet
GR with PITT - I always knew you were a closet Wannsteadt fan - I think the Bulls scare them a bit and cover this week.
GR with NEB - after hanging with Pete a couple of times he's brought you on board - Go Big Re...no, I can't do it. I still hate NEB. ARKST can be tricky, but NEB will roll and cover.
MH with NAVY - liked last week so much that he thinks they win by more than 7.5 hosting LT...they should.
JR with SMU - UAB won for me LW, but they really are bad...they only played RICE. SMU can score and will cover.
JG on UCLA/GR on TN - numbers tell me UCLA here, but TN scares me. The talent is still there and now the swagger is coming back...this is a very tough call for me but I took points and UCLA.
MR with SC / MH with GEO - tough line at the 7.5 teaser number - my gut is to go SC because more than a TD in an SEC game is probably too much...but GEO will not play 2 clunkers in a row, espeically at home. I still take SC.
MK with MIZZ - impressive last week, due for a letdown...I like BGSU.
JR with NTEX - wanted to pick them LW, didn't and they covered. I did pick OHIO, and they didn't cover...I'm picking this out of spite.
AW with HAW - more of us should have probably jumped on the Rainbows this week...WASU sucks.
MC with KST - don't like this one - I think ULL might win outright, but for sure covers.
JG with ALA - Lots of points...but they'll take care of it.
JR with UTEP - KAN on the road is scary bad, UTEP coming off a stinker in week 1...upset??!??!??
MR with UTAH - not the team they were last year, but SJST might still be in shell shock from the crushing last week.
JG with OREST - don't like it. UNLV might win this one outright, but I for sure like a cover.
GOPHERS vs. AF
As I mentioned before, I think this is eerily similar to last season's start. The change this year is TCF Bank Stadium. I think we come out with a ton of fire and some jitters early - how can you not!? AF will not throw, so it's just stopping the run, which I think we have the horses to do. I honestly don't expect D to be a problem in this one. The offense has them outmanned and should be able to move the ball. I think we need to stick with the running game more than we did last week, and I expect 100+ out of Bennett. AWEB hopefully gets over the bro-mance with ED a little earlier this time around and he finds some of the other weapons before the late 4th qtr. I also want to see some MGRAY please. I was extremely concerned about this game as early as last week, but I am really at a calm right now. All is right with the world, we're 1-0 and heading back to campus - there is no way this perfect story ends with an L. GOPHERS get a couple of turnovers and light up the scoreboard at times to win 38-17. 2-0, bring on the Bears...I hope it's 45 and raining next week!
NFL
Week 2 allows us to open up our world to the NFL as well.
Our Favorites
ATL - 3 votes
BAL - 4 votes
DAL - 3 votes
NE - 4 votes, 1 against
SD - 4 votes
But far and away the biggest favorite of the week...PURPLE - 8 in favor, 0 against. So it's automatic right?
Head Scratchers
JG: DEN over CIN - hmmmm, DEN? Did you know they traded Cutler and Marshall is suspended. I guess he's a big Kyle Orton fan. But before I say anything more it is the Bungals so I'd give the Chanhassen Storm a chance against them.
MK: HOU over NYJ - nobody else touched this one. Personally, I think Boy Wonder Sanchez wins his first game and Schaub probably gets hurt again.
GR: NO over DET - actually, I really like this pick. I think NO wins this one 38-10 and covers easily. DET is coming off an 0-16 and starting a rookie QB...do the math.
AW: NYG over WAS - I don't think anyone really knows anything about WAS, so everyone avoided it except Bombadeer. If I had to pick, I take the NYG.
AW: CHI over GB - love the pick. I had marked the Pack earlier in the week, but thought through it and realized that this is a 6-10 team that really didn't improve and is changing defensive schemes. While the Bears got a QB, have to be better on D and don't play in WIS. Nice pick Bomb.
MH: SEA over STL - STL has some sleeper potential, but SEA is the definite favorite to win the division. Probably a good pick, but there is the mystery factor with STL.
That's all I got - it starts up tonight for both leagues. But we all know the big one is on Saturday - my plan is to get close to TCF early and be primed for 6pm. I'll try and share some pics/commentary throughout the day via the blog and/or twitter. Which, BTW, can be done through your text messaging on any phone...espeically if you have unlimited texting it could be slick. I also found a new app that translates voice into text for quick tweets, which could get funny as we approach 6pm! But the best part right now is that Common is on board and giving non-stop updates of Deuce's football games. Priceless.
See some of you this weekend - have a good one and good luck!
AW: BUF over NE - this one caught me by surprise. I think BUF is looking like a disaster this year and Jauron will be out the door before the end of the year. NE is returning Mr. Brady and might score 50 this week at home. Championship!
NCAA PICKS
JR: GT, NC, NW, SMU, NTEX, MN, TT, UTEP, USC, ORE
JG: FRES, ISU, ND, OKST, UCLA, ALA, MN, LSU, PUR, OREST
MR: GT, NW, WF, FLA, TEX, SC, AF, TT, USC, UTAH
MK: GT, COL, IND, MICH, OKST, MIZZ, MN, RICE, OHIOST, ORE
AW: GT, WF, WIS, ARMY, MICH, IDAHO, HAW, MN, USC, PUR
GR: CLEM, PSU, PITT, NEB, MICH, OKST, TN, MN, USC, ORE
MH: CLEM, ISU, ND, NAVY, GEO, MN, LSU, MIAOH, USC, ORE
MC: FLA, OKST, IDAHO, TEX, KST, AF, TT, MIAOH, USC, ORE
NFL PICKS
JR: ATL, BAL, MIN, JAC, DAL
JG: ATL, BAL, DEN, MIN, SD
MR: ATL, PHI, MIN, JAC, NE
MK: MIN, HOU, DAL, NE, SD
AW: MIN, ARI, NYG, CHI, BUF
GR: BAL, MIN, NO, DAL, NE
MH: MIN, NYG, SEA, NE, SD
MC: BAL, PHI, CIN, MIN, SD
So there you go - week 2 picks are locked and loaded.
CLEM-GT
This was the easiest pick of the week for me. GTECH at home on Thursday, short week to prepare for the option, and the fact that GT is just a better team. GR and MH disagree, but lots of folks on board with GT tonight. Oddly - no body decided to wager on the TEN-PIT NFL opener this evening. I'll take TEN and GT in my 2 game parlay.
MK sent in his picks with the comment that he hates his college picks. Well, it could be ugly, in my opinion, for MK this week. COL at TOL - what did you see out of COL that would make you pick them on the road? IND over WMU - I know it's a pick 'em, but IND might finish last in the MAC this year...WMU wins this one. RICE?!? They are terrible this year and they are playing at TTECH and only getting 25 pts! TT scores 1/2 a hundred here in a route and cover. Then maybe the biggest question...Mr. Anti-OHIOST picks them over USC! I know you probably hate USC more, but seriously I don't think this one will be close...7 people bet it - 6 for USC..you are on an island MK.
Other locks (popular picks) ORE by 5 of us with 2 on PUR, 4 on OKST nobody for HOU, 3 on MICH and 2 on ND, 4 on GT and 2 on CLEM. GOPHERS also getting the love for another week with 6 on board and 2 against us...MR and MC.
JG held true to form and bet against Becky and the Hogeyes for the 45th week in a row...thanks for that. I actually like both FRESNO and ISU this week to cover, but I didn't have enough faith to include them.
Who else is on an island this week?
MK with COL - ick, did Hawkins get fired yet?
JR with NC - how do you not pick this one! UCONN is still terrible!!!
MK with IND - see above
GR with PSU - this just in, SYR really isn't that good. PSU might double this spread...nice pick.
AW with WIS - come on Bomb, this is an unwritten rule...if you can't bet against WIS/IA then find another game! You are really going to be pulling for them on Saturday?!? How can you live with yourself...at least it isn't Iowa I guess.
JG with FRES - nice!
AW with ARMY - anytime you can bet a pick'em game against DUKE on the road it's a good bet
GR with PITT - I always knew you were a closet Wannsteadt fan - I think the Bulls scare them a bit and cover this week.
GR with NEB - after hanging with Pete a couple of times he's brought you on board - Go Big Re...no, I can't do it. I still hate NEB. ARKST can be tricky, but NEB will roll and cover.
MH with NAVY - liked last week so much that he thinks they win by more than 7.5 hosting LT...they should.
JR with SMU - UAB won for me LW, but they really are bad...they only played RICE. SMU can score and will cover.
JG on UCLA/GR on TN - numbers tell me UCLA here, but TN scares me. The talent is still there and now the swagger is coming back...this is a very tough call for me but I took points and UCLA.
MR with SC / MH with GEO - tough line at the 7.5 teaser number - my gut is to go SC because more than a TD in an SEC game is probably too much...but GEO will not play 2 clunkers in a row, espeically at home. I still take SC.
MK with MIZZ - impressive last week, due for a letdown...I like BGSU.
JR with NTEX - wanted to pick them LW, didn't and they covered. I did pick OHIO, and they didn't cover...I'm picking this out of spite.
AW with HAW - more of us should have probably jumped on the Rainbows this week...WASU sucks.
MC with KST - don't like this one - I think ULL might win outright, but for sure covers.
JG with ALA - Lots of points...but they'll take care of it.
JR with UTEP - KAN on the road is scary bad, UTEP coming off a stinker in week 1...upset??!??!??
MR with UTAH - not the team they were last year, but SJST might still be in shell shock from the crushing last week.
JG with OREST - don't like it. UNLV might win this one outright, but I for sure like a cover.
GOPHERS vs. AF
As I mentioned before, I think this is eerily similar to last season's start. The change this year is TCF Bank Stadium. I think we come out with a ton of fire and some jitters early - how can you not!? AF will not throw, so it's just stopping the run, which I think we have the horses to do. I honestly don't expect D to be a problem in this one. The offense has them outmanned and should be able to move the ball. I think we need to stick with the running game more than we did last week, and I expect 100+ out of Bennett. AWEB hopefully gets over the bro-mance with ED a little earlier this time around and he finds some of the other weapons before the late 4th qtr. I also want to see some MGRAY please. I was extremely concerned about this game as early as last week, but I am really at a calm right now. All is right with the world, we're 1-0 and heading back to campus - there is no way this perfect story ends with an L. GOPHERS get a couple of turnovers and light up the scoreboard at times to win 38-17. 2-0, bring on the Bears...I hope it's 45 and raining next week!
NFL
Week 2 allows us to open up our world to the NFL as well.
Our Favorites
ATL - 3 votes
BAL - 4 votes
DAL - 3 votes
NE - 4 votes, 1 against
SD - 4 votes
But far and away the biggest favorite of the week...PURPLE - 8 in favor, 0 against. So it's automatic right?
Head Scratchers
JG: DEN over CIN - hmmmm, DEN? Did you know they traded Cutler and Marshall is suspended. I guess he's a big Kyle Orton fan. But before I say anything more it is the Bungals so I'd give the Chanhassen Storm a chance against them.
MK: HOU over NYJ - nobody else touched this one. Personally, I think Boy Wonder Sanchez wins his first game and Schaub probably gets hurt again.
GR: NO over DET - actually, I really like this pick. I think NO wins this one 38-10 and covers easily. DET is coming off an 0-16 and starting a rookie QB...do the math.
AW: NYG over WAS - I don't think anyone really knows anything about WAS, so everyone avoided it except Bombadeer. If I had to pick, I take the NYG.
AW: CHI over GB - love the pick. I had marked the Pack earlier in the week, but thought through it and realized that this is a 6-10 team that really didn't improve and is changing defensive schemes. While the Bears got a QB, have to be better on D and don't play in WIS. Nice pick Bomb.
MH: SEA over STL - STL has some sleeper potential, but SEA is the definite favorite to win the division. Probably a good pick, but there is the mystery factor with STL.
That's all I got - it starts up tonight for both leagues. But we all know the big one is on Saturday - my plan is to get close to TCF early and be primed for 6pm. I'll try and share some pics/commentary throughout the day via the blog and/or twitter. Which, BTW, can be done through your text messaging on any phone...espeically if you have unlimited texting it could be slick. I also found a new app that translates voice into text for quick tweets, which could get funny as we approach 6pm! But the best part right now is that Common is on board and giving non-stop updates of Deuce's football games. Priceless.
See some of you this weekend - have a good one and good luck!
AW: BUF over NE - this one caught me by surprise. I think BUF is looking like a disaster this year and Jauron will be out the door before the end of the year. NE is returning Mr. Brady and might score 50 this week at home. Championship!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Anxious Boredom
Is it Saturday yet?!?
I thought this was going to be easy with a short week of work and games starting again on Thursday but I think I'm ready to fire up the Gopher Kool-Aid right now and wait it out until 6pm on Saturday! Seriously, this is probably the most excited I've been for a game in a looooooong time...maybe ever.
I've been thinking of how we win the opener on Saturday and reading a lot of the doubters comments out there. Then I started thinking about your 2008 Gophers. Remember how confident we were going into week 1 hosting No.Ill at the Dome and everyone was predicting a crush? Then we ended up winning on a last second 4th down play and pass knock down in the end zone. The next week we had to go to Bowling Green, who had just beat Pitt, and the whole world thought we were toast (4 pt dogs). What happened in that game? We crushed - forced turnovers like crazy, ran the offense well, and housed an overmatched BGSU team.
Doesn't this sound familiar? We should have gone in and housed the Orange last week, but ended up winning in OT on a late FG. Now looking ahead, we welcome in AF who just won 72-0 and a lot of the experts are saying we will likely get beat. So to stick with the trend, I'm guessing we come out and force a few turnovers in the sloppy rain (how cool is it that weather can actually be a factor!) and look 1000% better on offense than we did last week. Early gut feeling on the final score...GOPHERS 38 AF 21...and the party doesn't stop until after we beat Cal on next Saturday!
You probably all know that I'm kind of the eternal optimist when it comes to my favorite squad, but I really do like our chances this week. Why? Well, I think our D will hold them in check, and they are far from impressive on the defensive side of the ball themselves. Only 3 of their front 7 are back from a mediocre D in 2008, so I think we get the running game going and stick with it this week...especially if weather is a factor. Bottom line, I don't think there is any way we lose the TCF Opener.
Pick update - 5 are in, waiting on picks from GREG, KOBOW, ROE - please send by Noon Tomorrow.
Lots more coming tomorrow with a preview of all picks and game predictions from the guy who went 6-9 (18-22 overall) last week. So that's something to look forward to!
In My Tree
up here in my tree, yeah
newspapers matter not to me, yeah
no more crowbars to my head, yeah
i'm trading stories with the leaves instead, yeah
wave to all my friends, yeah
they don't seem to notice me, no
all their eyes trained on the street, yo, oh
sidewalk cigarettes and scenes, (tem-pted)
up here so high i start to shake
up here so high the sky i scrape
i'm so high i hold just one breath here within my chest
just like innocence
I thought this was going to be easy with a short week of work and games starting again on Thursday but I think I'm ready to fire up the Gopher Kool-Aid right now and wait it out until 6pm on Saturday! Seriously, this is probably the most excited I've been for a game in a looooooong time...maybe ever.
I've been thinking of how we win the opener on Saturday and reading a lot of the doubters comments out there. Then I started thinking about your 2008 Gophers. Remember how confident we were going into week 1 hosting No.Ill at the Dome and everyone was predicting a crush? Then we ended up winning on a last second 4th down play and pass knock down in the end zone. The next week we had to go to Bowling Green, who had just beat Pitt, and the whole world thought we were toast (4 pt dogs). What happened in that game? We crushed - forced turnovers like crazy, ran the offense well, and housed an overmatched BGSU team.
Doesn't this sound familiar? We should have gone in and housed the Orange last week, but ended up winning in OT on a late FG. Now looking ahead, we welcome in AF who just won 72-0 and a lot of the experts are saying we will likely get beat. So to stick with the trend, I'm guessing we come out and force a few turnovers in the sloppy rain (how cool is it that weather can actually be a factor!) and look 1000% better on offense than we did last week. Early gut feeling on the final score...GOPHERS 38 AF 21...and the party doesn't stop until after we beat Cal on next Saturday!
You probably all know that I'm kind of the eternal optimist when it comes to my favorite squad, but I really do like our chances this week. Why? Well, I think our D will hold them in check, and they are far from impressive on the defensive side of the ball themselves. Only 3 of their front 7 are back from a mediocre D in 2008, so I think we get the running game going and stick with it this week...especially if weather is a factor. Bottom line, I don't think there is any way we lose the TCF Opener.
Pick update - 5 are in, waiting on picks from GREG, KOBOW, ROE - please send by Noon Tomorrow.
Lots more coming tomorrow with a preview of all picks and game predictions from the guy who went 6-9 (18-22 overall) last week. So that's something to look forward to!
In My Tree
up here in my tree, yeah
newspapers matter not to me, yeah
no more crowbars to my head, yeah
i'm trading stories with the leaves instead, yeah
wave to all my friends, yeah
they don't seem to notice me, no
all their eyes trained on the street, yo, oh
sidewalk cigarettes and scenes, (tem-pted)
up here so high i start to shake
up here so high the sky i scrape
i'm so high i hold just one breath here within my chest
just like innocence
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Notes on a football free Tuesday
Just a couple of things to discuss right now - waiting for a meeting so I've got 15 minutes...here we go.
IOWA fans are hilarious. I watched this, and laughed. The Hogeye faithful are okay with a close win because UNI would be a middle of the pack team in the B10. This is a D1AA squad that was playing without their top WR, starting 2 true freshman at CB, and missing 2 of their top 3 RB's...and they should have beaten Iowa! On Iowa message boards the discussion was around how this effects their National Championship hopes...you can't make it up. The worst part is that if the Panthers were just able to get a kick off in the last 7 seconds they could have won. I realize they are a nice D1AA team, but when you are talking B10 title and National Championships in Hogeye land for 2009, you should not be playing UNI to a 17-16 thriller. I think it's just a sign of all the good things to come for the remainder of the year for my favorite club.
A couple of QB notes...
Sam Bradford apparently reads the bible, specifically the story of David vs. Goliath, before every game. Really Sam? You won the Heisman, you play for Oklahoma, do you realize that you are not David in this story? He's trying to get into the Tebow stratosphere with his biblical tendencies.
And the complete opposite to this story...Terrelle Pryor. I hope you've all seen his Mike Vick comments. He wore some kind of tribute to Vick on his eye black for the game against Navy (good karma) and had these genius quotes afterword...'everyone kills people, everyone murders people'. Everyone Terrelle? Yikes. I know the guy is only 19, but can you be a bigger moron than going out and defending Mike Vick? I hope the Buckeyes get waxed by 40 this week against the Trojans. I don't care what it does for the B10, I want to see teams like OSU, IOWA, WIS, MICH lose as many games as possible.
Good news on Gopher injury front - everyone is okay and expected to play against AF.
Finally, I know most of you have been hesitant to join Twitter, but here's another reason. Common Man broke down and as of today is officially on board. I found it to be an extremely fun and useful way to banter throughout college football saturday this past week. Especially if you can do it from your phone, I think you should jump on board! I'll be throwing lots of things out there this week watching lots of football - it's same as texting but it goes to everyone and it's free!
IOWA fans are hilarious. I watched this
A couple of QB notes...
Sam Bradford apparently reads the bible, specifically the story of David vs. Goliath, before every game. Really Sam? You won the Heisman, you play for Oklahoma, do you realize that you are not David in this story? He's trying to get into the Tebow stratosphere with his biblical tendencies.
And the complete opposite to this story...Terrelle Pryor. I hope you've all seen his Mike Vick comments. He wore some kind of tribute to Vick on his eye black for the game against Navy (good karma) and had these genius quotes afterword...'everyone kills people, everyone murders people'. Everyone Terrelle? Yikes. I know the guy is only 19, but can you be a bigger moron than going out and defending Mike Vick? I hope the Buckeyes get waxed by 40 this week against the Trojans. I don't care what it does for the B10, I want to see teams like OSU, IOWA, WIS, MICH lose as many games as possible.
Good news on Gopher injury front - everyone is okay and expected to play against AF.
Finally, I know most of you have been hesitant to join Twitter, but here's another reason. Common Man broke down and as of today is officially on board. I found it to be an extremely fun and useful way to banter throughout college football saturday this past week. Especially if you can do it from your phone, I think you should jump on board! I'll be throwing lots of things out there this week watching lots of football - it's same as texting but it goes to everyone and it's free!
Week 1 Recap
One long, extended week of the Football Challenge is in the books. Here are the results:
MH 10 5
JG 9 6
MR 9 6
MK 7 8
GR 7 8
JR 6 9
MC 6 9
AW 5 10
Nice start for MH, one of the new guys. 67% is pretty damn good. 3 money makers in week 1 and 5 losers, which isn't too bad either.
Almost all $ is in - waiting on KOBOW - PLEASE SEND YOUR CHECK IN THE MAIL TODAY FOR $130 (40 for this year and 90 that you still owe from the previous years). I NEED THIS BY NEXT SATURDAY OR YOU ARE OUT.
So, on to the games:
In case you missed it, we had our 1st nominee for game of the year last night with MIA at FSU. Outstanding 4+ hour watch for Labor Day evening. Two really nice looking QB's and offenses, but what happened to the elite defenses that both of these Florida schools used to have? In my mind - the Gopher offense, if run correctly, should look very similar to what FSU runs. Lots of wide open passing and running effectively when necessary. Jimbo Fisher has done an incredible job turning around that offense, so lets hope we see something like that soon from Mr. Fisch.
Worst bet of the week, and it wasn't even close. JR and GR both jumped on RUT at -6...we were only off by about 38 points! I'm not for getting rid of Brewster (at least right now) but if we ever would I would throw the farm at Brian Kelly of CIN. The guy went through 4 QB's last year and won the Big East - he replaces 10 starters from a good defense this year and they looked great in game 1 against RUT. That's coaching - no "working the kinks out" no "we're young and need time", just balls to the wall kick ass offense (and defense) from game 1. That's what I want from our club.
Now I'll run through some quick conference highlights before discussing the big Gophers win (can it be a big win if was only SYR?)
ACC
Ouch. Thank god MIA and FSU looked great last night because this was not shaping up to be a great start for the ACC. VT hung with ALA for a while, but was outgained by 300 yards for the game. DUKE and VIR both lost to D1AA teams, yeah...kind of like IOWA almost did, but they actually lost. VIR had 7 turnovers in their game against W&M! MARY got their doors blown off by a CAL team that was seeking revenge for losing me $ on that game last year. NCST looked very shaky on THUR in the SC loss and WF lost at home to an improving but still bad BAY team. WEEK GRADE: D
B12
Lots of good and some very bad for the B12 in week 1. The previously mentioned BAY win was nice. COL losing to rival CSU, while not a shocker, isn't a good thing. Dan Hawkins is on a very hot seat right now. The Clones won, might be the last time I can say that this year. KST barely snuck by the football power known as UMASS, looks like a long one for Coach Snyder. MIZZ housed an over-rated ILL team. I'm still not sure why the whole world was so in love with ILL before Saturday night. MIZZ impressed, they look to have reloaded rather than being rebuilding. OKST got the best win of the week over GEO - I was surprised by this one, but GEO just quit doing anything on offense. In the worst moment of the week for the B12, the mighty Sooners went down to the Mormons. Bradford out for 2-4 I guess, lots of bad stuff right now for OK. Still, beat TEX and you're okay. WEEk GRADE: C
BIG EAST
Overall, really good. SYR played better than I expected, even though I still think they are terrible. UCONN won at OHIO which was kind of an upset for me. The previously mentioned CIN blowout of RUT was also a big one. A lot of people, including me, thought RUT was BEAST title material this year with their weak schedule - apparently not. Not a great team in this conference, but maybe some good ones. WEEK GRADE: A-
BIG 10
Yuck. ILL looks horrible and gets housed on ESPN, IND squeaks by EKY, IOWA wins by 1 point over UNI, Gophers look terrible but win at SYR, OHIOST sturggles mightily with NAVY, WIS struggles to finish off NILL. That's about 5 more close calls than there should have been in week 1. PSU looked like the class of the conference, both MICH and MSU rolled impressively, PUR and NW also surprised me with giant offensive outputs. WEEK GRADE: D
P10
Started with a stinker on THUR and the poor performance by ORE, but after that it was pretty strong. WASU is going to be terrible again, not a surprise since they might have the worst coach in D1. WASH was the only other loser, but they played really well against LSU. No real impressive wins, but overall a nice "taking care of business" kind of week for the P10. WEEK GRADE: A-
SEC
ALA looked really good. I underestimated them with the new QB and OL replacements, but they put up nearly 500 yards against one of the best D's in the nation. They jolt up to a co #1 for me with OLE MISS in the West. LSU was shaky, but won...same for SC. Only disappointment for the SEC was GEO laying an egg in the 2nd half against OKST. All in all a very strong week for the SEC with some of the disappointing teams from last year looking like they made some nice improvements for 2009. WEEK GRADE: A-
GOPHERS at SYR
So I haven't had a chance to re-watch this yet, but I don't think much is going to change. You couldn't ask for a better start - 14-3 right where we want them, time to step on their neck and end it. Or revert back to not being able to cover the bubble screen and make it a nail-biter. I thought Weber was awful for 3.5 quarters, but the game tying drive was nice - that's what we need every time! Throw to Green, throw to Tow-Arnett, throw to Decker when he's open. I really think we should have seen Gray for a series or two early in H2, but I think that will happen this week against AF. The running game was okay - it looked better than 2008, but still has a ways to go. The OL didn't look great once again. Stommes (starting LT) was injured early and never returned, so that didn't help. But all in all I don't think we established the "pound the rock" mentality that we wanted against an under-sized SYR D. Decker was ridiculous - as usual. Imagine how effective he's be if the defense didn't know every throw was coming his way!?!? On the other side, I was ready with a fire Cosgrove rant after the 1st half, but then a funny thing happened. We made adjustments!! And SYR did nothing in the 2nd half. We also dropped at least 2 or 3 INT's that could have completely changed the game around. I was happy with the way the D played. We also lost a starting corener, Sherals, for most of the 2nd half. Sounds like nothing serious, so we should be at full strength. How about our new K & P! They were the most impressive part of the entire game for me. Let's hope they kick just as well outside as they do in the sticky Carrier Dome. Bottom line - we won, we are 1-0, on to game #2. I've heard it 1000 times, but they always say the most improvement happends between game 1 and 2, so it should be better this week.
AF didn't struggle this week with a 72-0 crushing in which they threw the ball 7 times. Yep, the passing game is not a threat for next week. I think we have enough size inside and enough improved speed at the LB spots to control the triple option attack. I'll throw an official preview out there in a couple of days, but I'm not really as scared of this game as I was about a week ago. Let's hope the Gophers improve their playcalling and discipline for this week and we are able to roll through to a victory in the home opener. And, oh yeah, it's the 1st game ever at TCF...kind of a big deal. On a 1-10 excitement scale I'm at about a 37.5 right now! Thank god it's a short week of work and we'll only be without football for Tuesday and Wednesday.
I sent out the lines yesterday - please get me your picks (JG turned them in within about 1 hour of when I sent them out!) and we'll get ready to kick off week 2. We've got NCAA and NFL on Thursday.
Bomb - if you are getting this email, please let me know. Apparently, he isn't receiving any of this so I'm not sure if he's just blocking emails from the site or what, but maybe MK/JG can forward the list to Bomb and see if that works for him. Just a thought - let me know if anyone else is having issues.
1 week in the books - PJ closes us down...
the direction of the eye
so misleading
the defection of the soul
nauseously quick
I don't question
our existence
I just question
our modern needs
I will walk...with my hands bound
I will walk...with my face blood
I will walk...with my shadow flag
into your garden
garden of stone
MH 10 5
JG 9 6
MR 9 6
MK 7 8
GR 7 8
JR 6 9
MC 6 9
AW 5 10
Nice start for MH, one of the new guys. 67% is pretty damn good. 3 money makers in week 1 and 5 losers, which isn't too bad either.
Almost all $ is in - waiting on KOBOW - PLEASE SEND YOUR CHECK IN THE MAIL TODAY FOR $130 (40 for this year and 90 that you still owe from the previous years). I NEED THIS BY NEXT SATURDAY OR YOU ARE OUT.
So, on to the games:
In case you missed it, we had our 1st nominee for game of the year last night with MIA at FSU. Outstanding 4+ hour watch for Labor Day evening. Two really nice looking QB's and offenses, but what happened to the elite defenses that both of these Florida schools used to have? In my mind - the Gopher offense, if run correctly, should look very similar to what FSU runs. Lots of wide open passing and running effectively when necessary. Jimbo Fisher has done an incredible job turning around that offense, so lets hope we see something like that soon from Mr. Fisch.
Worst bet of the week, and it wasn't even close. JR and GR both jumped on RUT at -6...we were only off by about 38 points! I'm not for getting rid of Brewster (at least right now) but if we ever would I would throw the farm at Brian Kelly of CIN. The guy went through 4 QB's last year and won the Big East - he replaces 10 starters from a good defense this year and they looked great in game 1 against RUT. That's coaching - no "working the kinks out" no "we're young and need time", just balls to the wall kick ass offense (and defense) from game 1. That's what I want from our club.
Now I'll run through some quick conference highlights before discussing the big Gophers win (can it be a big win if was only SYR?)
ACC
Ouch. Thank god MIA and FSU looked great last night because this was not shaping up to be a great start for the ACC. VT hung with ALA for a while, but was outgained by 300 yards for the game. DUKE and VIR both lost to D1AA teams, yeah...kind of like IOWA almost did, but they actually lost. VIR had 7 turnovers in their game against W&M! MARY got their doors blown off by a CAL team that was seeking revenge for losing me $ on that game last year. NCST looked very shaky on THUR in the SC loss and WF lost at home to an improving but still bad BAY team. WEEK GRADE: D
B12
Lots of good and some very bad for the B12 in week 1. The previously mentioned BAY win was nice. COL losing to rival CSU, while not a shocker, isn't a good thing. Dan Hawkins is on a very hot seat right now. The Clones won, might be the last time I can say that this year. KST barely snuck by the football power known as UMASS, looks like a long one for Coach Snyder. MIZZ housed an over-rated ILL team. I'm still not sure why the whole world was so in love with ILL before Saturday night. MIZZ impressed, they look to have reloaded rather than being rebuilding. OKST got the best win of the week over GEO - I was surprised by this one, but GEO just quit doing anything on offense. In the worst moment of the week for the B12, the mighty Sooners went down to the Mormons. Bradford out for 2-4 I guess, lots of bad stuff right now for OK. Still, beat TEX and you're okay. WEEk GRADE: C
BIG EAST
Overall, really good. SYR played better than I expected, even though I still think they are terrible. UCONN won at OHIO which was kind of an upset for me. The previously mentioned CIN blowout of RUT was also a big one. A lot of people, including me, thought RUT was BEAST title material this year with their weak schedule - apparently not. Not a great team in this conference, but maybe some good ones. WEEK GRADE: A-
BIG 10
Yuck. ILL looks horrible and gets housed on ESPN, IND squeaks by EKY, IOWA wins by 1 point over UNI, Gophers look terrible but win at SYR, OHIOST sturggles mightily with NAVY, WIS struggles to finish off NILL. That's about 5 more close calls than there should have been in week 1. PSU looked like the class of the conference, both MICH and MSU rolled impressively, PUR and NW also surprised me with giant offensive outputs. WEEK GRADE: D
P10
Started with a stinker on THUR and the poor performance by ORE, but after that it was pretty strong. WASU is going to be terrible again, not a surprise since they might have the worst coach in D1. WASH was the only other loser, but they played really well against LSU. No real impressive wins, but overall a nice "taking care of business" kind of week for the P10. WEEK GRADE: A-
SEC
ALA looked really good. I underestimated them with the new QB and OL replacements, but they put up nearly 500 yards against one of the best D's in the nation. They jolt up to a co #1 for me with OLE MISS in the West. LSU was shaky, but won...same for SC. Only disappointment for the SEC was GEO laying an egg in the 2nd half against OKST. All in all a very strong week for the SEC with some of the disappointing teams from last year looking like they made some nice improvements for 2009. WEEK GRADE: A-
GOPHERS at SYR
So I haven't had a chance to re-watch this yet, but I don't think much is going to change. You couldn't ask for a better start - 14-3 right where we want them, time to step on their neck and end it. Or revert back to not being able to cover the bubble screen and make it a nail-biter. I thought Weber was awful for 3.5 quarters, but the game tying drive was nice - that's what we need every time! Throw to Green, throw to Tow-Arnett, throw to Decker when he's open. I really think we should have seen Gray for a series or two early in H2, but I think that will happen this week against AF. The running game was okay - it looked better than 2008, but still has a ways to go. The OL didn't look great once again. Stommes (starting LT) was injured early and never returned, so that didn't help. But all in all I don't think we established the "pound the rock" mentality that we wanted against an under-sized SYR D. Decker was ridiculous - as usual. Imagine how effective he's be if the defense didn't know every throw was coming his way!?!? On the other side, I was ready with a fire Cosgrove rant after the 1st half, but then a funny thing happened. We made adjustments!! And SYR did nothing in the 2nd half. We also dropped at least 2 or 3 INT's that could have completely changed the game around. I was happy with the way the D played. We also lost a starting corener, Sherals, for most of the 2nd half. Sounds like nothing serious, so we should be at full strength. How about our new K & P! They were the most impressive part of the entire game for me. Let's hope they kick just as well outside as they do in the sticky Carrier Dome. Bottom line - we won, we are 1-0, on to game #2. I've heard it 1000 times, but they always say the most improvement happends between game 1 and 2, so it should be better this week.
AF didn't struggle this week with a 72-0 crushing in which they threw the ball 7 times. Yep, the passing game is not a threat for next week. I think we have enough size inside and enough improved speed at the LB spots to control the triple option attack. I'll throw an official preview out there in a couple of days, but I'm not really as scared of this game as I was about a week ago. Let's hope the Gophers improve their playcalling and discipline for this week and we are able to roll through to a victory in the home opener. And, oh yeah, it's the 1st game ever at TCF...kind of a big deal. On a 1-10 excitement scale I'm at about a 37.5 right now! Thank god it's a short week of work and we'll only be without football for Tuesday and Wednesday.
I sent out the lines yesterday - please get me your picks (JG turned them in within about 1 hour of when I sent them out!) and we'll get ready to kick off week 2. We've got NCAA and NFL on Thursday.
Bomb - if you are getting this email, please let me know. Apparently, he isn't receiving any of this so I'm not sure if he's just blocking emails from the site or what, but maybe MK/JG can forward the list to Bomb and see if that works for him. Just a thought - let me know if anyone else is having issues.
1 week in the books - PJ closes us down...
the direction of the eye
so misleading
the defection of the soul
nauseously quick
I don't question
our existence
I just question
our modern needs
I will walk...with my hands bound
I will walk...with my face blood
I will walk...with my shadow flag
into your garden
garden of stone
Monday, September 7, 2009
WEEK 2 Lines - please return by THUR at NOON
Here we go for week 2. NFL fires up on Thursday as well, so please send me *10 NCAA PICKS AND 5 NFL PICKS FOR A TOTAL OF 15 GAMES*
There are 2 college games left today, but I will send out a week 1 recap either tonight or tomorrow. Looks like lots of parody thus far, which is a good thing.
CLEM
GT -4.5
COL
TOL 3.5
NC
UCONN 3.5
EMU
NW -17.5
WMU
IND 0
CMU
MSU -14.5
STAN
WF -1.5
SYR
PSU -28
FRES
WIS -9
DUKE
ARMY 0
PITT
BUFF 11
IOWA
ISU 7
TROY
FLA -37
MARSH
VT -19.5
KENT
BC -19
ARKST
NEB -24
ND
MICH 4.5
HOU
OKST -14.5
TCU
VIR 12
IDAHO
WASH -20.5
ECU
WV -7
LT
NAVY -7.5
BYU
TULANE 18
TEX
WY 33
SMU
UAB -11
UCLA
TN -9
USF
WKY 24
MISST
AUB -14.5
SC
GEO -7.5
BGU
MIZZ -17
OHIO
NTEX 3
HAW
WASU 2.5
KST
ULL 7
FIU
ALA -33.5
MEM
MDTN 0
UCF
SOMISS -14.5
AF
MN -4.5
RICE
TT -25
VAN
LSU -14
KAN
UTEP 11
MIAOH
BOISE -36
TULSA
NM 17
USC
OHIOST 6
PUR
ORE -9.5
UTAH
SJST 13
OREST
UNLV 8.5
NFL GAMES--------------------
TEN
PIT -5
MIA
ATL -4
KC
BAL -7
PHI
CAR -2.5
DEN
CIN 2.5
MIN
CLE 3
NYJ
HOU -3.5
JAC
IND -7
DET
NO -10.5
DAL
TB 3
SF
ARI -7
WAS
NYG -6
STL
SEA -7
CHI
GB -3
BUF
NE -9.5
SD
OAK 7
There are 2 college games left today, but I will send out a week 1 recap either tonight or tomorrow. Looks like lots of parody thus far, which is a good thing.
CLEM
GT -4.5
COL
TOL 3.5
NC
UCONN 3.5
EMU
NW -17.5
WMU
IND 0
CMU
MSU -14.5
STAN
WF -1.5
SYR
PSU -28
FRES
WIS -9
DUKE
ARMY 0
PITT
BUFF 11
IOWA
ISU 7
TROY
FLA -37
MARSH
VT -19.5
KENT
BC -19
ARKST
NEB -24
ND
MICH 4.5
HOU
OKST -14.5
TCU
VIR 12
IDAHO
WASH -20.5
ECU
WV -7
LT
NAVY -7.5
BYU
TULANE 18
TEX
WY 33
SMU
UAB -11
UCLA
TN -9
USF
WKY 24
MISST
AUB -14.5
SC
GEO -7.5
BGU
MIZZ -17
OHIO
NTEX 3
HAW
WASU 2.5
KST
ULL 7
FIU
ALA -33.5
MEM
MDTN 0
UCF
SOMISS -14.5
AF
MN -4.5
RICE
TT -25
VAN
LSU -14
KAN
UTEP 11
MIAOH
BOISE -36
TULSA
NM 17
USC
OHIOST 6
PUR
ORE -9.5
UTAH
SJST 13
OREST
UNLV 8.5
NFL GAMES--------------------
TEN
PIT -5
MIA
ATL -4
KC
BAL -7
PHI
CAR -2.5
DEN
CIN 2.5
MIN
CLE 3
NYJ
HOU -3.5
JAC
IND -7
DET
NO -10.5
DAL
TB 3
SF
ARI -7
WAS
NYG -6
STL
SEA -7
CHI
GB -3
BUF
NE -9.5
SD
OAK 7
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