First the results -
MK will win the NFL challenge this week...current records:
MK 9-5
JG 7-7
JR 6-8
MR 4-10
One to go - MK and JR have PHI -15, JG/MR have CLE and the points.
Finally - the complete list of Bowl Games and Lines - please get this back to me with your picks for all 34 games by FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE LATEST - games start on Saturday. 100 possible points based solely on when the games are played (they are in order starting 12/20 and ending 1/8/09 with the title game)
1 point
________________________
NAVY
WF -3
FRES
COLST 3
MEM
USF -13
BYU
AZ -3.5
TROY
SOMISS 3.5
2 points
________________________
TCU
BOISE 2
ND
HAW -1.5
FAU
CMU -6.5
WV
NC 0
WIS
FSU -5.5
MIA
CAL -6
3 points
_______________________
NILL
LT 2
NCST
RUT -6.5
NW
MIZZ -13.5
NEV
MARY 0
WMU
RICE -3
ORE
OKST -3.5
AF
HOU -3
PITT
OREST -3
BC
VAN 4
MN
KAN -10
LSU
GT -4
4 points
______________________
IOWA
SC 3
CLEM
NEB 3
MSU
GEO -6
PSU
USC -10
VT
CIN -2
OLE
TT -6
ECU
UK 2.5
UTAH
ALA -11
BUFF
UCONN -4.5
OHIOST
TEX -11
BALLST
TULSA 3
6 points
______________________
FLA
OK 3
Monday, December 15, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
NFL Picks for Today
Hey Guys -
Here's the rundown of picks for today:
JR/MK: ATL, JG/MR: TB
JR/MK/JG like WASH - Roe didn't pick this one
MK likes HOU - the rest like TEN
JG likes DET - the rest like IND
JG likes JAC - the rest took GB
JR took KC - the rest took SD
JR/MK took 49ers - MR/JG took MIA
MK likes BUF - the rest like NYJ
MR took STL - the rest like SEA
MR/JR like the CARDS - MK/JG took the Purple
JR/MR like PIT - MK/JG took BAL
JR/JG like DEN - MK/MR like CAR
MR/JG like NE - JR and MK avoided this one
JR/MR like the NYG - MK/JG like DAL
MR/JG have CLE on Monday night - JR/MK have PHI
That's it. Lots of NFL action today. I think the Vikes might surprise, but I couldn't pick them to win. Hopefully it's a good watch.
I'll post the Bowl tomorrow or tonight.
I'm going under the knife on Tuesday, so I'll be home TUES-FRI this week. I have to have hernia surgery for an umbilical hernia...sweet, huh? so I'm on the shelf for a week, and I'll have way too much time on my hands to fine tune my bowl picks for this year...they start next Saturday so shoot them over to me next week sometime.
Later Guys.
Here's the rundown of picks for today:
JR/MK: ATL, JG/MR: TB
JR/MK/JG like WASH - Roe didn't pick this one
MK likes HOU - the rest like TEN
JG likes DET - the rest like IND
JG likes JAC - the rest took GB
JR took KC - the rest took SD
JR/MK took 49ers - MR/JG took MIA
MK likes BUF - the rest like NYJ
MR took STL - the rest like SEA
MR/JR like the CARDS - MK/JG took the Purple
JR/MR like PIT - MK/JG took BAL
JR/JG like DEN - MK/MR like CAR
MR/JG like NE - JR and MK avoided this one
JR/MR like the NYG - MK/JG like DAL
MR/JG have CLE on Monday night - JR/MK have PHI
That's it. Lots of NFL action today. I think the Vikes might surprise, but I couldn't pick them to win. Hopefully it's a good watch.
I'll post the Bowl tomorrow or tonight.
I'm going under the knife on Tuesday, so I'll be home TUES-FRI this week. I have to have hernia surgery for an umbilical hernia...sweet, huh? so I'm on the shelf for a week, and I'll have way too much time on my hands to fine tune my bowl picks for this year...they start next Saturday so shoot them over to me next week sometime.
Later Guys.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Week 16 picks - All NFL
Hey Guys -
I'm not going to do the big pick preview right now - I won't have Roe's picks until later tonight, so I don't want to tip our hands.
I will post everything probably during the game tonight between NO-CHI.
Just wanted to give everyone a quick update - later.
I'm not going to do the big pick preview right now - I won't have Roe's picks until later tonight, so I don't want to tip our hands.
I will post everything probably during the game tonight between NO-CHI.
Just wanted to give everyone a quick update - later.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Week 16 games - NFL Only (please pick 15 games)
I'm still waiting on a couple of lines(missing VIKES at CARDS because of Gus/TJack debate, and missing SEA-STL for unknown reasons to me - 2 horrible teams). I'll make up something for these just for the sake of having everything listed in this post.
NO
CHI -3
TB
ATL -2.5
WAS
CIN 6.5
TEN
HOU 3
DET
IND -17
GB
JAC 1
SD
KC 4.5
SF
MIA -7
BUF
NYJ -7.5
SEA
STL 0 (made this up, 2 bad teams = pick'em, please use this line)
MIN
ARI -3.5 (made this up, no official is listed so bet based on this one)
PIT
BAL -1.5
DEN
CAR -9
NE
OAK 7.5
NYG
DAL -2.5
CLE
PHI -15
NO
CHI -3
TB
ATL -2.5
WAS
CIN 6.5
TEN
HOU 3
DET
IND -17
GB
JAC 1
SD
KC 4.5
SF
MIA -7
BUF
NYJ -7.5
SEA
STL 0 (made this up, 2 bad teams = pick'em, please use this line)
MIN
ARI -3.5 (made this up, no official is listed so bet based on this one)
PIT
BAL -1.5
DEN
CAR -9
NE
OAK 7.5
NYG
DAL -2.5
CLE
PHI -15
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Week 15 Results - Time to go Bowling
And it's over. At least we have a fun month of bowl games, but the regular season is done.
I think I might call it a career and go out on top after this week. 13-3 overall in my NCAA picks this week...12-0 going into the evening games, I was thinking it was going to end perfectly...but I'll take 13-3 (81%).
Anywho, I ended up splitting the pot with Roe this week at 10-5 for each of us. MK went 8-7 and JG pulled up the ass end at 7-8. Overall, with 45 NFL games left to pick, here are the standings:
MR 117-108
JG 114-111
MK 110-115
JR 107-118
Roe went 89-66 in NCAA games for the year for 57% and the championship belt. All the rest of us hovered around .500 (MK 76-79, JG and JR at 74-81), overall we were a +6 collectively. Not awful, but far from good. I guess we'll have to keep practicing!
I am inspired for next year and the bowl games. I tried a new power rating system this week and went 13-3...so optimism is high right now. (we'll see how long that lasts)
NFL Standings
JG leads at 40-30, MK 34-36, JR 33-37, MR 28-42
So I think it's still anyone's game...REMINDER, WE WILL BE PICKING 15 OF THE 16 NFL GAMES THIS WEEK AND THE NEXT 2 WEEKS TO KEEP EACH WEEL WORTH 15 POINTS.
Nothing major to recap from last week. Bowl games are set - I will send out that list with lines once everything is set.
BCS - overall, I think they got it right. USC and TEXAS and actually PSU all have a claim, but the championship game could/should be a classic. That might be a good get together date for us if it works. JAN 8th - a THURSDAY NIGHT...could be fun?!?!
Other Notes:
Mike Locksley is the new coach at NM. Apparently, they got the memo on black coaches and made this guy the 4th. He was the OC at ILL most recently. My question is, was he really that special in his previous role? The Illini kind of sucked a$$ this year.
Al Groh of VIR fired his OC, who happens to be his son. That's got to be tough to do - but thumbs up for Groh for not just rolling with a poor coach because he happens to be his son. I really think Groh is one of the better coaches in the country and will get a bigger better job sometime soon.
Heisman is Saturday - appears to be a 2 man race between Tebow and Bradford. How does Tebow not get this? To me, he might be the best college player I've seen and maybe will ever see. He'll probably blow in the NFL, but there's nobody better in the NCAA. How about his fire in the ALA game - I love him.
Colt McCoy is coming back for his Sr. Season. Anyone shocked by this? I'm not so sure he won't be a bad NFL'r as well, and TEXAS will be really really good next year. This was a no-brainer for me.
Washington hired Steve Sarkesian as their new coach, the USC OC. I love the quote coming out of WASH, "we think we got our guy." Does this sound a little hesitant to anyone else? This job was being promoted as one of the sweeter jobs around, and to take a chance on a first year coach might not be what they really wanted. This quote, in context or not, sounds a little scary to me. He'll probably get a 3 year window to prove it or else I see another quick hook coming.
A couple of local notes:
Ray Edward sack tracker picked up another one on Sunday...19.5 to go in the last 3 games, I'm still confident he'll get there.
McHale will now be coaching Wittman. The media in general seems to be really down on this, but I think it's great. KOBS - I hope you feel special about attending the last game of the Randy Wittman era, sounded like a beauty. The great thing about the move is that it pulls McHale out of the front office, in title at least. Maybe he'll be a solid coach, he hasn't failed at that to prove he can't do it like he has in his other position. Wittman shouldn't get another shot in the league, he'll be a life long assistant at this point. It should be an intersting run for the next 2 months up to the break - if McHale is terrible, look out. It could finally be house cleaning time - only about 6-7 years too late! If he's decent and the team continue to look interested in FEB/MAR, then we might have found a spot for the giant from Hibbing. Time will tell. In my opinion, Foye, McCants, and others need to be gone before this team improves. Or at the very least the need to be re-cast in something that fits them. I heard Barreiro say this the other day, and I couldn't agree more - and it was why I was against the Mayo-Love trade at the start. You need to build a team by finding your pillars, your #1,2,3 options FIRST & then surround them with role players like Miller, Gomes, etc. We have a #1 or #2 in Jefferson...but that's it. Mayo had/has a chance top be a legit #1 or #2 option, but Love will only be a serviceable big man who can contribute while Miller is nothing but a 3 pt shooter. Things are at rock bottom...again. We do have money and picks galore for the coming years, but what's our track record look like in the draft and who in their right mind would come to this organization as a big-time free agent? Yikes - we might suck a lot for a long while.
GOPHERS-KANSAS
The is my first off the cuff impression of our matchup. I like it for our squad. I think we're +10 to open. KAN throws well, but running and pass protection are not solid. Our defense should be able to do some good things. Our offense should be better, hopefully an improved running game at least and a healthy Decker. KAN gave up 30 pts per game this year - this bodes well for our brutal offense. I think it will be a really close game, not ready to make a pick (even though you all know which way I'll go).
GET TOGETHER OPTIONS:
GOPHERS play on DEC 31st...new year's eve. I'm guessing this will be a tough one for all 4 of us to get together. Let me discuss with Anna & family to see if this might work even for me.
JAN 9TH - FLA-OK
This seems like a more realistic option. I know Holiday calendars fill up fast, so JAN might be a better option. It's also a Thursday night - keep your calendar clear for this one.
Upcoming Contests on FOOTBALL CHALLENGE
- 3 weeks left of 15 NFL picks
- Bowl Game Challenge will be paired with NFL Playoff Challenge as well, total points will be based upon the 66% NCAA, 33% NFL like we used in the regular season.
I will post this week's games soon - remember pick 15 NFL games (all but 1)
I will also post the Bowl Games as soon as all lines are set.
Talk to you later guys.
I think I might call it a career and go out on top after this week. 13-3 overall in my NCAA picks this week...12-0 going into the evening games, I was thinking it was going to end perfectly...but I'll take 13-3 (81%).
Anywho, I ended up splitting the pot with Roe this week at 10-5 for each of us. MK went 8-7 and JG pulled up the ass end at 7-8. Overall, with 45 NFL games left to pick, here are the standings:
MR 117-108
JG 114-111
MK 110-115
JR 107-118
Roe went 89-66 in NCAA games for the year for 57% and the championship belt. All the rest of us hovered around .500 (MK 76-79, JG and JR at 74-81), overall we were a +6 collectively. Not awful, but far from good. I guess we'll have to keep practicing!
I am inspired for next year and the bowl games. I tried a new power rating system this week and went 13-3...so optimism is high right now. (we'll see how long that lasts)
NFL Standings
JG leads at 40-30, MK 34-36, JR 33-37, MR 28-42
So I think it's still anyone's game...REMINDER, WE WILL BE PICKING 15 OF THE 16 NFL GAMES THIS WEEK AND THE NEXT 2 WEEKS TO KEEP EACH WEEL WORTH 15 POINTS.
Nothing major to recap from last week. Bowl games are set - I will send out that list with lines once everything is set.
BCS - overall, I think they got it right. USC and TEXAS and actually PSU all have a claim, but the championship game could/should be a classic. That might be a good get together date for us if it works. JAN 8th - a THURSDAY NIGHT...could be fun?!?!
Other Notes:
Mike Locksley is the new coach at NM. Apparently, they got the memo on black coaches and made this guy the 4th. He was the OC at ILL most recently. My question is, was he really that special in his previous role? The Illini kind of sucked a$$ this year.
Al Groh of VIR fired his OC, who happens to be his son. That's got to be tough to do - but thumbs up for Groh for not just rolling with a poor coach because he happens to be his son. I really think Groh is one of the better coaches in the country and will get a bigger better job sometime soon.
Heisman is Saturday - appears to be a 2 man race between Tebow and Bradford. How does Tebow not get this? To me, he might be the best college player I've seen and maybe will ever see. He'll probably blow in the NFL, but there's nobody better in the NCAA. How about his fire in the ALA game - I love him.
Colt McCoy is coming back for his Sr. Season. Anyone shocked by this? I'm not so sure he won't be a bad NFL'r as well, and TEXAS will be really really good next year. This was a no-brainer for me.
Washington hired Steve Sarkesian as their new coach, the USC OC. I love the quote coming out of WASH, "we think we got our guy." Does this sound a little hesitant to anyone else? This job was being promoted as one of the sweeter jobs around, and to take a chance on a first year coach might not be what they really wanted. This quote, in context or not, sounds a little scary to me. He'll probably get a 3 year window to prove it or else I see another quick hook coming.
A couple of local notes:
Ray Edward sack tracker picked up another one on Sunday...19.5 to go in the last 3 games, I'm still confident he'll get there.
McHale will now be coaching Wittman. The media in general seems to be really down on this, but I think it's great. KOBS - I hope you feel special about attending the last game of the Randy Wittman era, sounded like a beauty. The great thing about the move is that it pulls McHale out of the front office, in title at least. Maybe he'll be a solid coach, he hasn't failed at that to prove he can't do it like he has in his other position. Wittman shouldn't get another shot in the league, he'll be a life long assistant at this point. It should be an intersting run for the next 2 months up to the break - if McHale is terrible, look out. It could finally be house cleaning time - only about 6-7 years too late! If he's decent and the team continue to look interested in FEB/MAR, then we might have found a spot for the giant from Hibbing. Time will tell. In my opinion, Foye, McCants, and others need to be gone before this team improves. Or at the very least the need to be re-cast in something that fits them. I heard Barreiro say this the other day, and I couldn't agree more - and it was why I was against the Mayo-Love trade at the start. You need to build a team by finding your pillars, your #1,2,3 options FIRST & then surround them with role players like Miller, Gomes, etc. We have a #1 or #2 in Jefferson...but that's it. Mayo had/has a chance top be a legit #1 or #2 option, but Love will only be a serviceable big man who can contribute while Miller is nothing but a 3 pt shooter. Things are at rock bottom...again. We do have money and picks galore for the coming years, but what's our track record look like in the draft and who in their right mind would come to this organization as a big-time free agent? Yikes - we might suck a lot for a long while.
GOPHERS-KANSAS
The is my first off the cuff impression of our matchup. I like it for our squad. I think we're +10 to open. KAN throws well, but running and pass protection are not solid. Our defense should be able to do some good things. Our offense should be better, hopefully an improved running game at least and a healthy Decker. KAN gave up 30 pts per game this year - this bodes well for our brutal offense. I think it will be a really close game, not ready to make a pick (even though you all know which way I'll go).
GET TOGETHER OPTIONS:
GOPHERS play on DEC 31st...new year's eve. I'm guessing this will be a tough one for all 4 of us to get together. Let me discuss with Anna & family to see if this might work even for me.
JAN 9TH - FLA-OK
This seems like a more realistic option. I know Holiday calendars fill up fast, so JAN might be a better option. It's also a Thursday night - keep your calendar clear for this one.
Upcoming Contests on FOOTBALL CHALLENGE
- 3 weeks left of 15 NFL picks
- Bowl Game Challenge will be paired with NFL Playoff Challenge as well, total points will be based upon the 66% NCAA, 33% NFL like we used in the regular season.
I will post this week's games soon - remember pick 15 NFL games (all but 1)
I will also post the Bowl Games as soon as all lines are set.
Talk to you later guys.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Week 15 Preview
3 of 4 sets of picks are locked and loaded, just waiting on Roe right now - but this is the only chance I have to write today, so here we go.
Anyone catch ULL last night, I loved loved loved them in that game...but I didn't include it because I figured you guys would call me a cheat picking a TUES game.
JR and MK have RUT tonight, JG likes LOU. I love these small weeks, it's actually a managable amount of games to look at and dissect. RUT rolls LOU tonight 34-20.
BUFF-BALLST
nobody picked this one, but it might be worth a watch. I think the line is right on, but if I had to bet I like Ball State to stay undefeated.
PITT-UCONN
All 3 of us have PITT in this one. UCONN just hasn't been impressive all year, but they play well at home. PITT 23-20.
NAVY-ARMY
Never close. All 3 of us like NAVY, rightfully so. 30-16 Navy.
ECU-TULSA
I like ECU,MK likes Tulsa. Tulsa may still win, but not by more than 10.
BC-VT
JR/JG like VT, MK likes BC. Toss up game, but I had to stick with my preseason ACC pick...Hokies 21-18.
WASH-CAL
This should be a fun one. MK and JG took CAL...I like CAL by 6.5 scores...59-14.
ALA-FLA
JG likes the Tide, MK and I like the GATORS. I don't ALA is in the same league as the Gators...Tebow and co roll 37-20.
USC-UCLA
Another ugly one, but for a rivalry game I think 30 is a little much. MK and JG likes the Bruins, and I kind of agree with them. Should be really close to the line on this one...I'll say USC 44-16.
WKY-FIU
Sleeper pick of the week...LOVE FIU in this one. nobody else touched it.
FIU 45-21.
ARKST-TROY
Troy covers in a close one - nobody picked it...TROY 31-17.
USF-WV
JR and JG both like WV in this one. This looks like a gimme to me. WV 27-13.
ASU-AZ
Line is too large on this one. MK likes the Devils, JG took AZ. I'll take the Devils to cover in a close one - neither is team is very good...AZST 24-21.
MIZZ-OK
Blowout alert. I know the line is big, but it should be bigger. Sooners are my pick, MK and JG both like MIZZOU. I'll say OK 59-28.
CIN-HAW
The final regular season game of the year, what a great finish - on the beach in lovely HAW. Sadly, the Rainbows won't have a chance...CIN 28-10. I like CIN - no other bets on this one.
Assuming I'm right on all of these, which is usually the case (340-331 this year), here's how the 8-team playoff would play out:
ACC - VT
B12 - OK
B10 - PSU
SEC - FLA
P10 - USC
BE - CIN
NON-BCS - UTAH
WILDCARD - TEX/ALA/TT - I'll take TEXAS
Seeding:
1-FLA
2-OK
3-TEX
4-USC
5-PSU
6-UT
7-CIN
8-VT
VT-FLA
PSU-USC
CIN-OK
UT-TEX
How nice would this shape up? FLA houses VT, USC is better than PSU...FLA-USC in one semi-final
OK beats CIN...again, TEX beats UT...OK-TEX rematch in the other semi final
FLA wins and OK beats TEX this time...so we end up in the same place we are now with GATORS-SOONERS playing for the title.
I love the Gators right now in this one by the way.
NFL
All 3 of us like the Raiders tonight...yikes.
MK took JAX at CHI - that team looks done to me, but I'll be pulling for them.
I took the PACK, I know I'm a horrible person, but I saw HOU and they bad.
JG likes the Falcons, I kind of agree but betting against NO at home is scary.
JG also like PHILLY - I don't bet against the Giants ever this year.
I did take TEN over CLE...see the NYG rule.
I took MIA, MK took BUF. This should be close, but I'm picking MIA based on recent trend of BUF sucking more than MIA.
JR and JG like NYJ, MK likes SF. I still think the JETS are a bit of a question mark, but the 49ers suck. Only 4 points? It's a layup.
JG likes NE at SEA. I think I've picked for a SEA rebound about 6 weeks in a row (they are the TEN VOLS of the NFL) but I'm convinced it won't happen. The sweatshirt will have his squad ready to play after the embarassment last week.
MK finally likes CAR on MONDAY NIGHT. Not sure on that one, I'm kind of leaning toward TB.
RANDOM NOTES AND THOUGHTS
Why do I love USC and Pete Carroll? This week at UCLA they will be wearing the home reds against the home blues of UCLA. Carroll is forfeiting 1 timeout per half to do this - that's awesome.
Penn State's Nittany Lion, the actual mascot, got a DUI and can't go to the bowl game.
I was going to comment on who will coach ND next year, but I guess that mystery has been solved. Chuck is back for another year - great, more shittiness out of South Bend - I love it.
Minority Coaches or lack of them - I'm pretty sick of this issue. Maybe it's because I'm a white guy, but seriously, these are multi-million dollar programs - don't you think they can hire whoever the hell they want to run the show? Do I think more black coaches should probably get a chance and more should be hired? Sure. But I am so sick of hearing the arguement. The arguement comes up because the general public feels that either guy could do the job the same (black guy or white guy) but there is a huge ratio problem. Well, I could make the same arguement for white WR's, or black K's, or white DB's. Bottom line, whether it is an NCAA "Rooney" Rule or not, it doesn't mean more black coaches will get hired. The track records haven't exactly been stellar as of late, much like those of white WR's. It comes down to the underlying perception that black people are dumb which is why they can't coach or play QB or run a company. I'm not saying this is true or that I believe this, but this is the underlying issue that causes all the turmoil that surrounds this situation every time a black guy gets fired or a white guy gets hired over a black guy. Sorry for the rant, just sick of this crap.
One other note - Sly Croom, ousted at MISS ST, never had a chance. The South really doesn't live like the rest of the country, and I find it really hard to believe that a black head coach will ever have a lot of success in the SEC. We'll see, but I don't think it will happen.
Speaking of, lots of nice jobs out there right now...MISS ST, AUB, WASH, KST, SYR - well, not great jobs I guess, but BCS conference jobs.
That's all I gots for now.
DEFINITELY NEED TO FIGURE OUT A DAY TO HANG OUT AGAIN. GOPHERS BOWL GAME SHOULD BE SET LATE SUNDAY / EARLY MONDAY, MAYBE WE CAN SET SOMETHING UP AROUND THAT.
We'll be in touch - have a good championship weekend guys.
No Vikes preview this week, we have a bye.
Later.
Anyone catch ULL last night, I loved loved loved them in that game...but I didn't include it because I figured you guys would call me a cheat picking a TUES game.
JR and MK have RUT tonight, JG likes LOU. I love these small weeks, it's actually a managable amount of games to look at and dissect. RUT rolls LOU tonight 34-20.
BUFF-BALLST
nobody picked this one, but it might be worth a watch. I think the line is right on, but if I had to bet I like Ball State to stay undefeated.
PITT-UCONN
All 3 of us have PITT in this one. UCONN just hasn't been impressive all year, but they play well at home. PITT 23-20.
NAVY-ARMY
Never close. All 3 of us like NAVY, rightfully so. 30-16 Navy.
ECU-TULSA
I like ECU,MK likes Tulsa. Tulsa may still win, but not by more than 10.
BC-VT
JR/JG like VT, MK likes BC. Toss up game, but I had to stick with my preseason ACC pick...Hokies 21-18.
WASH-CAL
This should be a fun one. MK and JG took CAL...I like CAL by 6.5 scores...59-14.
ALA-FLA
JG likes the Tide, MK and I like the GATORS. I don't ALA is in the same league as the Gators...Tebow and co roll 37-20.
USC-UCLA
Another ugly one, but for a rivalry game I think 30 is a little much. MK and JG likes the Bruins, and I kind of agree with them. Should be really close to the line on this one...I'll say USC 44-16.
WKY-FIU
Sleeper pick of the week...LOVE FIU in this one. nobody else touched it.
FIU 45-21.
ARKST-TROY
Troy covers in a close one - nobody picked it...TROY 31-17.
USF-WV
JR and JG both like WV in this one. This looks like a gimme to me. WV 27-13.
ASU-AZ
Line is too large on this one. MK likes the Devils, JG took AZ. I'll take the Devils to cover in a close one - neither is team is very good...AZST 24-21.
MIZZ-OK
Blowout alert. I know the line is big, but it should be bigger. Sooners are my pick, MK and JG both like MIZZOU. I'll say OK 59-28.
CIN-HAW
The final regular season game of the year, what a great finish - on the beach in lovely HAW. Sadly, the Rainbows won't have a chance...CIN 28-10. I like CIN - no other bets on this one.
Assuming I'm right on all of these, which is usually the case (340-331 this year), here's how the 8-team playoff would play out:
ACC - VT
B12 - OK
B10 - PSU
SEC - FLA
P10 - USC
BE - CIN
NON-BCS - UTAH
WILDCARD - TEX/ALA/TT - I'll take TEXAS
Seeding:
1-FLA
2-OK
3-TEX
4-USC
5-PSU
6-UT
7-CIN
8-VT
VT-FLA
PSU-USC
CIN-OK
UT-TEX
How nice would this shape up? FLA houses VT, USC is better than PSU...FLA-USC in one semi-final
OK beats CIN...again, TEX beats UT...OK-TEX rematch in the other semi final
FLA wins and OK beats TEX this time...so we end up in the same place we are now with GATORS-SOONERS playing for the title.
I love the Gators right now in this one by the way.
NFL
All 3 of us like the Raiders tonight...yikes.
MK took JAX at CHI - that team looks done to me, but I'll be pulling for them.
I took the PACK, I know I'm a horrible person, but I saw HOU and they bad.
JG likes the Falcons, I kind of agree but betting against NO at home is scary.
JG also like PHILLY - I don't bet against the Giants ever this year.
I did take TEN over CLE...see the NYG rule.
I took MIA, MK took BUF. This should be close, but I'm picking MIA based on recent trend of BUF sucking more than MIA.
JR and JG like NYJ, MK likes SF. I still think the JETS are a bit of a question mark, but the 49ers suck. Only 4 points? It's a layup.
JG likes NE at SEA. I think I've picked for a SEA rebound about 6 weeks in a row (they are the TEN VOLS of the NFL) but I'm convinced it won't happen. The sweatshirt will have his squad ready to play after the embarassment last week.
MK finally likes CAR on MONDAY NIGHT. Not sure on that one, I'm kind of leaning toward TB.
RANDOM NOTES AND THOUGHTS
Why do I love USC and Pete Carroll? This week at UCLA they will be wearing the home reds against the home blues of UCLA. Carroll is forfeiting 1 timeout per half to do this - that's awesome.
Penn State's Nittany Lion, the actual mascot, got a DUI and can't go to the bowl game.
I was going to comment on who will coach ND next year, but I guess that mystery has been solved. Chuck is back for another year - great, more shittiness out of South Bend - I love it.
Minority Coaches or lack of them - I'm pretty sick of this issue. Maybe it's because I'm a white guy, but seriously, these are multi-million dollar programs - don't you think they can hire whoever the hell they want to run the show? Do I think more black coaches should probably get a chance and more should be hired? Sure. But I am so sick of hearing the arguement. The arguement comes up because the general public feels that either guy could do the job the same (black guy or white guy) but there is a huge ratio problem. Well, I could make the same arguement for white WR's, or black K's, or white DB's. Bottom line, whether it is an NCAA "Rooney" Rule or not, it doesn't mean more black coaches will get hired. The track records haven't exactly been stellar as of late, much like those of white WR's. It comes down to the underlying perception that black people are dumb which is why they can't coach or play QB or run a company. I'm not saying this is true or that I believe this, but this is the underlying issue that causes all the turmoil that surrounds this situation every time a black guy gets fired or a white guy gets hired over a black guy. Sorry for the rant, just sick of this crap.
One other note - Sly Croom, ousted at MISS ST, never had a chance. The South really doesn't live like the rest of the country, and I find it really hard to believe that a black head coach will ever have a lot of success in the SEC. We'll see, but I don't think it will happen.
Speaking of, lots of nice jobs out there right now...MISS ST, AUB, WASH, KST, SYR - well, not great jobs I guess, but BCS conference jobs.
That's all I gots for now.
DEFINITELY NEED TO FIGURE OUT A DAY TO HANG OUT AGAIN. GOPHERS BOWL GAME SHOULD BE SET LATE SUNDAY / EARLY MONDAY, MAYBE WE CAN SET SOMETHING UP AROUND THAT.
We'll be in touch - have a good championship weekend guys.
No Vikes preview this week, we have a bye.
Later.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Week 15 Games
*missing a bunch of NFL spreads right now - I'll post them when I have them*
*if you'd like to pick one of those games, let me know and you can change it later if you don't like the spread*
MDTN
ULL -4
LOU
RUT -11
BUFF
BALLST -14.5
PITT
UCONN -3
NAVY
ARMY 11
ECU
TULSA -13.5
BC
VT 1
WASH
CAL -34
ALA
FLA -10
USC
UCLA 30
WKY
FIU -7
ARKST
TROY -11
USF
WV -7
AZST
ARI -10.5
MIZZ
OK -16.5
CIN
HAW 7.5
OAK
SD -10
JAC
CHI
MIN
DET
HOU
GB
CIN
IND -13.5
ATL
NO -3
PHI
NYG -9
CLE
TEN -13.5
MIA
BUF -1
KC
DEN -9
NYJ
SF 4
NE
SEA 4.5
STL
ARI -13.5
DAL
PIT -3
WAS
BAL
TB
CAR -3
*if you'd like to pick one of those games, let me know and you can change it later if you don't like the spread*
MDTN
ULL -4
LOU
RUT -11
BUFF
BALLST -14.5
PITT
UCONN -3
NAVY
ARMY 11
ECU
TULSA -13.5
BC
VT 1
WASH
CAL -34
ALA
FLA -10
USC
UCLA 30
WKY
FIU -7
ARKST
TROY -11
USF
WV -7
AZST
ARI -10.5
MIZZ
OK -16.5
CIN
HAW 7.5
OAK
SD -10
JAC
CHI
MIN
DET
HOU
GB
CIN
IND -13.5
ATL
NO -3
PHI
NYG -9
CLE
TEN -13.5
MIA
BUF -1
KC
DEN -9
NYJ
SF 4
NE
SEA 4.5
STL
ARI -13.5
DAL
PIT -3
WAS
BAL
TB
CAR -3
Week 14 Results
14 down, 1 to go...for college football at least. It feels like we just started, and now it's over already. At least we have an exciting bowl game to look forward to this year.
So how'd we do last week?
MK takes the cake again at 8-7
JR, MR, and JG all went 6-9...ugly.
MK hits 5-5 in NCAA picks
JR, MR both go only 4-6
JG pulls up the rear at 3-7...brutal NCAA week for all of us.
NFL was only slightly better:
MK, JG tie for the win at 3-2
JR and MR both go 2-3
OVERALL
MR 107-103
JG 107-103
MK 102-108
JR 97-113
So I'm basically eliminated, but you never know i guess. Dead heat at the top with MR and JG.ROE has a 12 game lead on NCAA picks - nobody will catch him there. JG has a 7 game lead on NFL games - also very tough to catch.
My best call of the year so far had to be in a text to JG prior to the Vikes game...I called 35-13 Vikes...I missed slightly, 34-14 Vikes. Wow, maybe I should just stick to picking scores and forget about winners!
THOUGHTS ON THE NCAA WEEK
A&M gave up a bogus late one to TEX to not cover. That changes the whole week if they hold on.
LSU - wow, not good this year. ARK is actually a lot better team than most think - look out for them in the coming years.
I bet on NEB...kick me in the nuts next time you see me for that one.
AZST looks like they crushed UCLA, but had 4, yep 4 defensive TD's to make this one a laugher.
CLEM starting to turn it on at the end of the year - I don't like hiring on Swinney full time though - I think it's always best to not hire interim coaches...see Bill Stewart at WV.
MIZZOU - WTF? KAN, I had just given up on your squad, not you beat MIZZOU? Neither of these teams is much to worry about. No defense either way.
Noles - wow. Tebow is unreal, and that FLA team is playing better than any team I've seen in a while. How classic was the Tebow picture I saw about 1,000 times with the blood coming out of his nose and his face all mud...heisman moment?
TT - you need a huge comeback to beat BAY? They do not deserve to be a part of the B12 championship talk - I know the record says otherwise, but they are not close to OK or TEX right now.
Civil War - I called it! Woo-hoo, I got one right! The Ducks are just plain better than the Beavers. It's strange, but this ORE club is climbing up my personal favorite rankings very quickly. I like em a lot. Thank you Beavers for not winning and saving us the Penn St-ORE ST rematch that would be watched by 11 people in the Rose Bowl.
OK - loads of offense, but god their defense scares me. FLA by 14+ over them in a championship game...which was also my call at the beginning of the year. (I know lots of pats on the back for me so far, but I need some love since I've been in last since Week 2!)
ND-USC - that was fun. ND did get their first 1st down in the 3rd qtr. Chuck is as good as gone. I bet they throw the farm at Urban Meyer, especially if he wins another title this year. He has said that ND is his dream job...
KIFFIN to TEN - I think this is the right move for TEN. Hell, it might have been the right move for the GOPHS 2 years ago, but we'll see what happens. He has a bit of an asshole side to him it appears, so we'll see how that rolls in the League of Extraordinary Coaches. Sounds like daddy is following him, which won't hurt...or will he be like Evertt Withers and run complex pro schemes that no body can figure out? Either way, good pick TN.
GOPHER BOWL HOPES
We'll probably know as soon as the games are over on Saturday where our squad will end up. Possibilities include the Champs Sports Bowl against someone like FSU or possibly the Insight Bowl against someone like KAN. Either would be fun - I'm just stoked to have another game to end the season on a better note than 55-0.
I'll post the games for the 15th and FINAL week of NCAA football. After this week we'll be picking 15 NFL games, which is basically all of them. Buckle up.
So how'd we do last week?
MK takes the cake again at 8-7
JR, MR, and JG all went 6-9...ugly.
MK hits 5-5 in NCAA picks
JR, MR both go only 4-6
JG pulls up the rear at 3-7...brutal NCAA week for all of us.
NFL was only slightly better:
MK, JG tie for the win at 3-2
JR and MR both go 2-3
OVERALL
MR 107-103
JG 107-103
MK 102-108
JR 97-113
So I'm basically eliminated, but you never know i guess. Dead heat at the top with MR and JG.ROE has a 12 game lead on NCAA picks - nobody will catch him there. JG has a 7 game lead on NFL games - also very tough to catch.
My best call of the year so far had to be in a text to JG prior to the Vikes game...I called 35-13 Vikes...I missed slightly, 34-14 Vikes. Wow, maybe I should just stick to picking scores and forget about winners!
THOUGHTS ON THE NCAA WEEK
A&M gave up a bogus late one to TEX to not cover. That changes the whole week if they hold on.
LSU - wow, not good this year. ARK is actually a lot better team than most think - look out for them in the coming years.
I bet on NEB...kick me in the nuts next time you see me for that one.
AZST looks like they crushed UCLA, but had 4, yep 4 defensive TD's to make this one a laugher.
CLEM starting to turn it on at the end of the year - I don't like hiring on Swinney full time though - I think it's always best to not hire interim coaches...see Bill Stewart at WV.
MIZZOU - WTF? KAN, I had just given up on your squad, not you beat MIZZOU? Neither of these teams is much to worry about. No defense either way.
Noles - wow. Tebow is unreal, and that FLA team is playing better than any team I've seen in a while. How classic was the Tebow picture I saw about 1,000 times with the blood coming out of his nose and his face all mud...heisman moment?
TT - you need a huge comeback to beat BAY? They do not deserve to be a part of the B12 championship talk - I know the record says otherwise, but they are not close to OK or TEX right now.
Civil War - I called it! Woo-hoo, I got one right! The Ducks are just plain better than the Beavers. It's strange, but this ORE club is climbing up my personal favorite rankings very quickly. I like em a lot. Thank you Beavers for not winning and saving us the Penn St-ORE ST rematch that would be watched by 11 people in the Rose Bowl.
OK - loads of offense, but god their defense scares me. FLA by 14+ over them in a championship game...which was also my call at the beginning of the year. (I know lots of pats on the back for me so far, but I need some love since I've been in last since Week 2!)
ND-USC - that was fun. ND did get their first 1st down in the 3rd qtr. Chuck is as good as gone. I bet they throw the farm at Urban Meyer, especially if he wins another title this year. He has said that ND is his dream job...
KIFFIN to TEN - I think this is the right move for TEN. Hell, it might have been the right move for the GOPHS 2 years ago, but we'll see what happens. He has a bit of an asshole side to him it appears, so we'll see how that rolls in the League of Extraordinary Coaches. Sounds like daddy is following him, which won't hurt...or will he be like Evertt Withers and run complex pro schemes that no body can figure out? Either way, good pick TN.
GOPHER BOWL HOPES
We'll probably know as soon as the games are over on Saturday where our squad will end up. Possibilities include the Champs Sports Bowl against someone like FSU or possibly the Insight Bowl against someone like KAN. Either would be fun - I'm just stoked to have another game to end the season on a better note than 55-0.
I'll post the games for the 15th and FINAL week of NCAA football. After this week we'll be picking 15 NFL games, which is basically all of them. Buckle up.
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