Well first Merry Christmas to everyone, hopefully you've had a safe and happy holidays. Now to the last week of the season. It's going to be a little tough on the games this week, because we aren't always sure whos going to show up or actually play this week. Anyways, off to the picks.
Game 1:
Chicago +3 @ Houston
The Bears have to win this game for them to even be considered for the playoffs, after the big win on Monday I see Chicago rolling through Houston.
Game 2:
Giants +7 @ Minnesota
The Super Bowl Champs and #1 seed in the NFC might rest some players this weekend, but I don't see them losing by more than a TD against Travaris Jackson and co.
Game 3:
Philadelphia -1.5 vs. Dallas
If the rumors from last year are true, let's get ready to welcome in the Jason Garrett head coaching experience.
Game 4:
Miami +3 @ New York Jets
The triumphant return of Chad Pennington this week in Jersey should be enough to drive enough Jets fans to jump on the Brooklyn Bridge, we can only hope.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
2008 Bowl Special
I really like a lot of these matchups, it appears to be one of the better bowl slates in a long time. I expect the Big 12's offenses to be exposed, the local teams to have the edge, and Colt McCoy to "Colt McCoy" at least 6 women in the Phoenix area.
TOP PICKS
TEXAS BOWL - Dec 30, 7:00 - Houston
Rice-3 vs Western Michigan
It's that time of year where you have to recognize what got you here. Rice and Chase Clement (4-1 ATS for me) have given me plenty to smile about this season. The Owls boast the 9th ranked passing offense in the country and shouldnt have a problem moving the ball on the Bronco's D. Rice should feel right at home playing in their hometown of Houston and are sure to head out with a chip on their shoulder. It's been a fine career for Clement and he sums it up appropriately with a convincing win for the home town fans.
PAPAJOHNS.COM - Dec 29, 2:00 - Birmingham
NC State vs Rutgers O53
Both of these teams have been on fire the second half of the season, which should make for a lot of fireworks. Rutgers has averaged 46.2 points per game over their last 5 and is 6-0 since October 18th. NC State has won 4 in a row, averaging 31.8 points per game over that stretch. Rutgers QB Mike Teel is a senior and looks to go out with a bang, while phenom Freshman Russell Wilson of NC ST (16 TDs, 1 INT) looks to put his name on the map.
PEACH - Dec 31, 6:30 - Atlanta
Georgia Tech -4 vs LSU
The Yellow Jackets have been a pleasant surprise this season, finishing as the highest ranked team in the ACC after pre-season predictions in the lower half. Credit has to go to Paul Johnson's re-invention of the option attack and the physical play the Jackets bring on both sides of the ball. They've proven they can play with the SEC after beating their cross-state rival Georgia on the road. It's been a disapointing season for LSU. Forced to start a raw freshman QB, they've never hit their stride and have been embaressed a few times. They'll be back but this is not their year. Need further proof? LSU is 2-9 ATS this year, G Tech is 8-2. Oh yeah, and they're playing in Tech's hometown.
SUGAR - Jan 2, 7:00, New Orleans
Alabama -10.5 vs Utah
As I've said before, my money is on David to get a beat down from Goliath. I'm in love with the Crimson Tide's pro-style game plan. Alabama's offensive line will open up holes all day for their running game, which will allow for a few over the top strikes on play action. On the other side of the ball, Utah won't be able to generate much offense against the SEC's finest defense. Remember what happened to Hawaii last year in the Sugar Bowl? The trend continues and the mid-major team is put in its place.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - Jan 8, 7:00, Miami
Florida -3 vs Oklahoma
I couldn't write this blog without a championship pick, which is painful because I feel like I've been asked to pick between my two sons. These teams have been my bread and butter this season..but if I have to pick, give me Tebow and the Gators. Both offenses are uber-talented and explosive, but the Gator's D packs a punch that Oklahoma's cannot match. Sam Bradford and the boys haven't seen a defense like this in the Big 12, and won't be able to put up 60 again. D'Marco Murray (Okahoma RB) has been ruled out of this game, which won't help matters for the Sooners. Sorry Sam, I love you, I really do - but Tim is my choice here.
UPSET SPECIAL
COTTON - Jan 2, 1:00, Dallas
Ole Miss +170 vs Texas Tech
Houston Nutt is a man to be feared. He's always been able to pull of upsets, and after his ouster at Arkansas, the man is coaching with a major chip on his shoulder. The players and fans at Ole Miss have been hungry all season and are turning up the heat at the right team, winning 5 in a row. Texas Tech is a very good team, but they peaked against Texas and had their bubble burst just a few weeks ago. They won't be as motivated as the Rebels, and with Ole Miss mixing in an unpredictable offense with an excellent defense, that will prove to be a problem. This reminds of Purdue vs Kansas State in 1998, after Michael Bishop's K-State had fallen from grace, and a hungry Drew Brees and Joe Tiller took the Alamo bowl...sad how far we have fallen.
OTHERS TO CONSIDER
USC -10 vs Penn St USC's defense will give Clark fits, RBs by commitee will wear down Nittany Lion's D
TOP PICKS
TEXAS BOWL - Dec 30, 7:00 - Houston
Rice-3 vs Western Michigan
It's that time of year where you have to recognize what got you here. Rice and Chase Clement (4-1 ATS for me) have given me plenty to smile about this season. The Owls boast the 9th ranked passing offense in the country and shouldnt have a problem moving the ball on the Bronco's D. Rice should feel right at home playing in their hometown of Houston and are sure to head out with a chip on their shoulder. It's been a fine career for Clement and he sums it up appropriately with a convincing win for the home town fans.
PAPAJOHNS.COM - Dec 29, 2:00 - Birmingham
NC State vs Rutgers O53
Both of these teams have been on fire the second half of the season, which should make for a lot of fireworks. Rutgers has averaged 46.2 points per game over their last 5 and is 6-0 since October 18th. NC State has won 4 in a row, averaging 31.8 points per game over that stretch. Rutgers QB Mike Teel is a senior and looks to go out with a bang, while phenom Freshman Russell Wilson of NC ST (16 TDs, 1 INT) looks to put his name on the map.
PEACH - Dec 31, 6:30 - Atlanta
Georgia Tech -4 vs LSU
The Yellow Jackets have been a pleasant surprise this season, finishing as the highest ranked team in the ACC after pre-season predictions in the lower half. Credit has to go to Paul Johnson's re-invention of the option attack and the physical play the Jackets bring on both sides of the ball. They've proven they can play with the SEC after beating their cross-state rival Georgia on the road. It's been a disapointing season for LSU. Forced to start a raw freshman QB, they've never hit their stride and have been embaressed a few times. They'll be back but this is not their year. Need further proof? LSU is 2-9 ATS this year, G Tech is 8-2. Oh yeah, and they're playing in Tech's hometown.
SUGAR - Jan 2, 7:00, New Orleans
Alabama -10.5 vs Utah
As I've said before, my money is on David to get a beat down from Goliath. I'm in love with the Crimson Tide's pro-style game plan. Alabama's offensive line will open up holes all day for their running game, which will allow for a few over the top strikes on play action. On the other side of the ball, Utah won't be able to generate much offense against the SEC's finest defense. Remember what happened to Hawaii last year in the Sugar Bowl? The trend continues and the mid-major team is put in its place.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - Jan 8, 7:00, Miami
Florida -3 vs Oklahoma
I couldn't write this blog without a championship pick, which is painful because I feel like I've been asked to pick between my two sons. These teams have been my bread and butter this season..but if I have to pick, give me Tebow and the Gators. Both offenses are uber-talented and explosive, but the Gator's D packs a punch that Oklahoma's cannot match. Sam Bradford and the boys haven't seen a defense like this in the Big 12, and won't be able to put up 60 again. D'Marco Murray (Okahoma RB) has been ruled out of this game, which won't help matters for the Sooners. Sorry Sam, I love you, I really do - but Tim is my choice here.
UPSET SPECIAL
COTTON - Jan 2, 1:00, Dallas
Ole Miss +170 vs Texas Tech
Houston Nutt is a man to be feared. He's always been able to pull of upsets, and after his ouster at Arkansas, the man is coaching with a major chip on his shoulder. The players and fans at Ole Miss have been hungry all season and are turning up the heat at the right team, winning 5 in a row. Texas Tech is a very good team, but they peaked against Texas and had their bubble burst just a few weeks ago. They won't be as motivated as the Rebels, and with Ole Miss mixing in an unpredictable offense with an excellent defense, that will prove to be a problem. This reminds of Purdue vs Kansas State in 1998, after Michael Bishop's K-State had fallen from grace, and a hungry Drew Brees and Joe Tiller took the Alamo bowl...sad how far we have fallen.
OTHERS TO CONSIDER
USC -10 vs Penn St USC's defense will give Clark fits, RBs by commitee will wear down Nittany Lion's D
Wake -3 vs Navy Wake has already seen Navy's novel attack this year, Navy won't knock off Wake twice
Houston -2.5 vs Air Force Another rematch, but this one's in Houston's backyard sans Hurricane, Case Keenum is the next Kevin Kolb
Minnesota +10.5 vs Kansas Minnesota always plays randomly well when they're an underdog in this range (I've won twice with them like this), Kansas isn't that sweet
Notre Dame +1.5 vs Hawaii If Irish can't snap this bowl streak against far inferior talent-laden Warriors, Weis should be fired on the field after the game
Arizona vs BYU O62 Two very good offenses square off in what should be a shootout.
Tulsa +115 vs Ball State Both teams have had their moment in the sun and have fallen from Grace, Oklahoma's leftovers are better than Purdue's.
College Pick'Em Final
PICK'em FINAL
Thanks for playing guys. Happy holidays and better luck next year
-2008 Champ
1st: Dave 4-6, 80-59 57.5%
2nd: Lee 8-2, 74-65 53.2%
3rd: Webmaster 7-3, 70-69 50.3%
Also-rans
Stasko 4-6, 62-68 47.7%
Freeman 3-7, 55-74 42.6%
Next week - Bowl Special
Thanks for playing guys. Happy holidays and better luck next year
-2008 Champ
1st: Dave 4-6, 80-59 57.5%
2nd: Lee 8-2, 74-65 53.2%
3rd: Webmaster 7-3, 70-69 50.3%
Also-rans
Stasko 4-6, 62-68 47.7%
Freeman 3-7, 55-74 42.6%
Next week - Bowl Special
Friday, December 5, 2008
The Epic Path to the Meineke Bowl, Vol 2 Number 15
Last week before bowl season. November was a headache, hopefully that -10 degree wind chill in Chicago doubles as a breath of fresh air.
PICKS
Ball State -15 vs Buffalo (Detroit, Friday) An indoor, turfed stadium should provide a nice launching pad for the Cardinal passing attack that appears to have a major advantage over Buffalo's suspect secondary. I could see the Bulls putting up points themselves, so you might want to hedge with the Over, which is currently around 62.
West Virginia -7.5 vs South Florida They're planning a white-out in Morgantown for Pat White's last game, so the crowd and the team should be pumped up. The Mountaineers are 6-2 in their last 8 games and headed in opposite direction of the Bulls who are 2-4 in their last 6. The weather is calling for sub 30 degree temperatures and snow, and I've got a feeling Grothe and the boys from Tampa won't take too kindly to it. I also had a chance to watch Jim Leavitt coach a few weeks ago, and came away understanding why this team is known to choke in the second half of seasons.
Troy -11 vs Arkansas State Troy has lost to LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, and by 1 point on the road to Louisiana-Monroe; other than that they've been their competition soundly and are clearly the class of the Sun Belt. Expect more of the same this week at home against mediocre at best Arkansas State.
Florida -10 vs Alabama (Atlanta) In case you've been in a coma, Florida has been throttling everything in their site since they were upset by Mississippi in late September. This team is clicking on all cylinders and is downright scary. Alabama is a good team but has overachieved thus far, and is not in the Gator's class. I expect Bama to play tough but in the end the talent level of Tebow and Florida will be too much for the Tide to overcome.
PICK 'EM
I just need one to lock this thing up; The Webmaster has has an absurd November shooting for the silver
Dave 76-53 59%
Lee 66-63 51%
Ken 63-66 49%
Stasko 58-61 49%
Freeman 52-67 44%
Games this Week
BALL ST -14.5 vs BUFFALO
UCLA +30 vs USC
ARIZONA -10.5 vs ASU
HAWAII +7.5 vs Cincinnatti
TULSA -13.5 vs East Carolina
V TECH +1 vs Boston College
FLORIDA -9.5 vs Alabama
OKLAHOMA -17 vs Missouri
WEST VIRGINIA -7 vs S. Florida
ARMY +11 vs NAVY
Dave: Ball St, USC,ASU,Cincy,ECU,V Tech,Florida,Oklahoma,WVU,Army
Lee: Ball St, UCLA,ASU,Hawaii,ECU,V Tech,Florida,Oklahoma,SFU,Navy
Ken: Ball St, UCLA,AZ,Hawaii,Tulsa,BC,Florida,Oklahoma,S. Florida,Navy
Stasko: Ball St, UCLA,AZ,Cincy,Tulsa,BC,Bama,Oklahoma,WVU,Navy
Freeman: Ball St, USC,ASU,Hawaii,Tulsa,BC,Florida,Oklahoma,WVU,Army
PICKS
Ball State -15 vs Buffalo (Detroit, Friday) An indoor, turfed stadium should provide a nice launching pad for the Cardinal passing attack that appears to have a major advantage over Buffalo's suspect secondary. I could see the Bulls putting up points themselves, so you might want to hedge with the Over, which is currently around 62.
West Virginia -7.5 vs South Florida They're planning a white-out in Morgantown for Pat White's last game, so the crowd and the team should be pumped up. The Mountaineers are 6-2 in their last 8 games and headed in opposite direction of the Bulls who are 2-4 in their last 6. The weather is calling for sub 30 degree temperatures and snow, and I've got a feeling Grothe and the boys from Tampa won't take too kindly to it. I also had a chance to watch Jim Leavitt coach a few weeks ago, and came away understanding why this team is known to choke in the second half of seasons.
Troy -11 vs Arkansas State Troy has lost to LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, and by 1 point on the road to Louisiana-Monroe; other than that they've been their competition soundly and are clearly the class of the Sun Belt. Expect more of the same this week at home against mediocre at best Arkansas State.
Florida -10 vs Alabama (Atlanta) In case you've been in a coma, Florida has been throttling everything in their site since they were upset by Mississippi in late September. This team is clicking on all cylinders and is downright scary. Alabama is a good team but has overachieved thus far, and is not in the Gator's class. I expect Bama to play tough but in the end the talent level of Tebow and Florida will be too much for the Tide to overcome.
PICK 'EM
I just need one to lock this thing up; The Webmaster has has an absurd November shooting for the silver
Dave 76-53 59%
Lee 66-63 51%
Ken 63-66 49%
Stasko 58-61 49%
Freeman 52-67 44%
Games this Week
BALL ST -14.5 vs BUFFALO
UCLA +30 vs USC
ARIZONA -10.5 vs ASU
HAWAII +7.5 vs Cincinnatti
TULSA -13.5 vs East Carolina
V TECH +1 vs Boston College
FLORIDA -9.5 vs Alabama
OKLAHOMA -17 vs Missouri
WEST VIRGINIA -7 vs S. Florida
ARMY +11 vs NAVY
Dave: Ball St, USC,ASU,Cincy,ECU,V Tech,Florida,Oklahoma,WVU,Army
Lee: Ball St, UCLA,ASU,Hawaii,ECU,V Tech,Florida,Oklahoma,SFU,Navy
Ken: Ball St, UCLA,AZ,Hawaii,Tulsa,BC,Florida,Oklahoma,S. Florida,Navy
Stasko: Ball St, UCLA,AZ,Cincy,Tulsa,BC,Bama,Oklahoma,WVU,Navy
Freeman: Ball St, USC,ASU,Hawaii,Tulsa,BC,Florida,Oklahoma,WVU,Army
Picks from Peter Kings Ass, Vol 2.14
Quick Picks this week.
Tennessee -13.5 vs. Cleveland
New York Jets -3.5 @ San Francisco
New England -4.5 @ Seattle
Atlanta +3 @ New Orleans
Denver -9 vs. Kansas City
Tennessee -13.5 vs. Cleveland
New York Jets -3.5 @ San Francisco
New England -4.5 @ Seattle
Atlanta +3 @ New Orleans
Denver -9 vs. Kansas City
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