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.
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