So as you already know, there was no pick recap post from this week. If you read my rant from Sunday, you should already know why it didn't happen. I've been too angry to go back and write about the Navy game, it was absolutely horrendous. On top of that, I put up a brutal 1-4. The scoreboard has been updated on the right if you are wondering where you stand. So let's get to the picks from this week's at best, decent slate. First a reminder/request: if you are going to pick, please pick them all. Also, these are the lines (from here), so pick those, no making up lines.
#16 Utah @ #4 TCU (-19.5)
Pick: Utah +19.5
TCU has played good ball this year, but a 3 score favorite against another top 25 team? I don't think so. I think this game will be a little closer, and who knows, maybe this week will be the week TCU gets their dreams crushed.
Stanford @ #9 USC (-10.5)
Pick: Stanford +10.5
I'm making this pick pretty much solely based on the good old transitive property of football. Oregon beat USC by 27. Stanford beat Oregon by 9. Clearly Stanford will beat USC by 36. MATH!
#10 Iowa @ #11 Ohio St (-17)
Pick: Iowa +17
Now Iowa lost their QB Stanzi last week EARLY in their loss to Northwestern. Stanzi is slated to sit this weekend too. While that should mean an easy win for the Buckeyes, I don't think there is a Big TenLeven team I could ever pick to cover a 17 point spread. Wayyyyy too many.
Texas Tech @ #19 Oklahoma St (-4)
Pick: Texas Tech (+4)
What can I say, we are just flat out due for a Mike Leach pirate game. Still no Dez Bryant, let's get crazy.
Notre Dame @ #12 Pittsburgh (-7)
Pick: ND +7
It's simple, if Charlie wants to stick around, this game is pretty much a must win. Beyond that, Pitt is up to 8-1 sure, but who have they beat? Youngstown St, Buffalo, Navy (too soon? too soon), Louisville, UConn, Rutgers, Cuse, S. Florida. Not a great lineup right there. ND is going to come out angry, and last I checked, Pit doesn't run the triple option. Plus, surely Weis can beat the Wannestache right?
There they are, go get em folks.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
I'm fucking terrified. Thoughts on ND's Future
I honestly don’t know where Notre Dame is going. Clearly Weis isn’t cutting it. The fact that he wasn’t fired after 3-9 should’ve used up all of his pity. I wrote a lonnnnnng post after last year’s loss to USC about whether or not Charlie should have a job anymore. At this point, I honestly don’t know what to do. On one hand, Weis clearly isn’t getting the job done. 3-9 was fucking pathetic and inexcusable. The next year, only 7-6…I mean, this shit is not ok at Notre Dame. Then you walk into this year, a talent laden team, a creampuff schedule…and you’ve already lost to a 5-5 Michigan team and a Navy team that just lost to Temple last week. I repeat TEMPLE BEAT THE TEAM THAT JUST BEAT NOTRE DAME FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!!
Pitt and Stanford both scared me before this game, now Stanford just beat down a good Oregon team, Pitt continued to kill, and we lose to Navy…Holy F. As of now I figure losing one of those is a given, both is a very decent possibility. I feel like Weis can not be trusted with this team anymore. He just isn’t producing. I wish he had succeeded, he’s a Notre Dame guy, good pedigree, but holy shit win a damn game son. I always defend based on his recruiting, and his classes have been great, but they don’t produce, so what do you do??? If the results aren’t there, a change must be made.
But then there is the flip side. First, if they weren’t already gonna leave due to fear of a Bradford-esque injury, or the upcoming labor issues and likely rookie salary cap, you’ve gotta figure if Weis is fired that both Clausen and Tate will leave early. 2nd, you have to wonder how many recruits will leave. Chris Martin, one of if not the top Defensive players in the country, has already said he’s still taking visits even w/ his commit to us, just to keep his options open in case there is a coaching change. Add to that other players who may leave. Then think about having to implement the new system of a new coach on both sides of the ball, and essentially having to hit the reset button on the program.
Plus, who do you go get? There are 3 names you will hear out of Irish fans wanting a change: Brian Kelly (head coach at Cincinatti), Jon Gruden (ESPN Commentator for MNF, former Raiders and Bucs head coach) and Skip Holtz (Head Coach at ECU, son of Lou). there are problems with all 3 options here though:
Brian Kelly: Kelly has done a hell of a job at Cinci the last 2 years. Right now, the Bearcats are undefeated, have the inside track on the Big East and a BCS spot, and a shot at the National Title game, even if it is unlikely. Kelly’s gone 30-6 at Cinci since taking over for the bowl game at the end of the 06 season. This season has been by far the best for Kelly at Cinci, rebounding well from a loss in the Orange bowl to VT 20-7. My question right now, is if I’m Brian Kelly, why leave for a high pressure situation, where you need results quickly or you will be axed, when right now you have built a program and will be treated as the man, the myth, the legend? He has no prior connection to ND, and is currently wrecking shop in arguably the weakest BCS conference…why leave?
Jon Gruden: There are some coaches that thrive in the pros, and some that thrive in college. We’ve seen what happens when that line is crossed by the likes of Spurrier and Carroll. Gruden’s ties to Notre Dame run deep: His dad was an Asst. coach for the Irish while Jon attended Clay HS in South Bend. Gruden thought about going to ND, but knew he wouldn’t get playing time, so he ended up at Dayton after a stop at Muskingum College. While Gruden has a few years of Asst. Coaching in college under his belt, he’s been a coach in the pros since 1992. Gruden had great success as the head coach of the Bucs and Raiders, but is now sitting in the MNF booth. There are 2 things that make me think Gruden won’t work. 1st is the idea that some guys are built for college ball, some are built for the pros. How many coaches can you think of that have had success in both? 2nd, there are quite a few HC jobs in the NFL that look to be vacant at years end. While Gruden has ties to the Irish, coming to Notre Dame is a step down from the NFL, that’s all there is to it. Would it really be worth it for him?
As for Skip…here’s the thing, you will not find someone that loves Lou Holtz more than me. But what the hell has Skip Holtz ever done to make ND fans think he is the answer?? Skip did some good work under his pops as OC between 92-94. But as a head coach: 38-23 at UConn, 29-21 currently at ECU thru last year. ECU made headlines last year, upsetting #17 VT and #8 West Virginia in the 1st two weeks of the year. But the team ended up at 9-5, losing to a decent at best Kentucky team in the Liberty Bowl. Let’s put it this way, if his last name wasn’t Holtz, nobody at ND would know who he is. Is that really the guy you want leading the way?
So the way I see it, our current head coach has proven he can’t win, and while he’s able to get great recruiting classes, hasn’t been able to produce on the field. But at the same time, can this program really afford to start over AGAIN, and would the immediate roster losses be worth any perceived coaching benefits?
What the hell do we do?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Week 10 College Football picks
So last week the lowest score anybody had was 2-3, I'm gonna call this a sign of improvement kids. Let's see if we can't all go over .500 this week shall we? Not a fantastic slate, but a couple that could be very intriguing. Game on
Vanderbilt @ #1 Florida (-35)
Pick: UF -35
Haven't had a big line game in awhile, so why not. This game has been talked about quite a bit thanks to Brandon Spikes' eye gouging and subsequent self-punishment for the full game. While Spikes is very clearly the best player on the Florida D, the unit as a whole is still very good. The O finally found some legs last week against Georgia. Finally, let's be serious, Vandy is miserable, they're gonna get stomped.
#24 Oklahoma (-6) @ Nebraska
Pick: Nebraska +6
OU is in the death spiral already, and their O has been horrible. Nebraska's O is also abhorrent, but they've still got something to play for in the Big XII North (aka Big II aa). This is gonna be a defensive battle without much scoring, meaning you take the points. Plus, now that Ndamukong Suh has been "punished" but will be playing, the Huskers are in good shape. If there is one thing you can say for the Big XII, they certainly have the funniest driving mishaps in the country. Sergio Kindle runs into an apartment complex while "texting at around 2 AM on a Saturday" Suh goes pinball on a bunch of cars "avoiding a cat at 2:30AM on a Sunday" hilarious. Here's hoping we get a story on Zac Robinson "rear ending a guy while adjusting his radio" or something soon, cause these are great.
#16 Ohio St @ #11 Penn St (-4)
Pick: PSU -4
What can I say, I just really don't trust Pryor yet. The dude is a turnover time bomb, and Penn St has a fantastic D, giving up just over 9 points a game. Expect Evan Royster to get a lot of carries for PSU in this one, coming off of 3 straight 100 yd games (it would be 5, but he just missed with a mere 94 against E. Illinois...on 8 carries). Plus, sweatervests dont repel Zombies, if the highest paid mascot in the NCAA can make it across the field, Tressel could be in trouble.
#9 LSU @ #3 Alabama (-7.5)
Pick: LSU +7.5
That damn half point. At 7 I take Bama, most likely expecting a push. As always the oddsmakers are in my soul. I think this is gonna be a close ballgame. LSU has won 5 of the last 6 against Bama, but I don't know if Jordan Jefferson has enough firepower to get by Bama's ridiculous D. On the other side, LSU also has a fantastic D. Between the guy that should win the Heisman right now, Mark Ingram, and the ever dangerous Julio Jones, Bama's got more weapons on O than LSU and I think will end up taking a close, hard fought battle here in a game that will push them up to #2 in the country.
Navy @ #22 Notre Dame (-12)
Pick: ND -12
While ND couldn't pull off the cover last weekend, 12 is a much more manageable spread. Don't expect this to be too much of a beatdown tho. Navy will stay on the ground, burning clock, and the last thing Weis is gonna do is run the score up on a service academy. That being said, the Irish O is absurdly good, and, answering my prayers, the Cannon, Michael Floyd, will be back for limited action. Now he isn't gonna be on the field for every play, but just having #3 back out there is freaking fantastic. Sadly, Armando Allen is still banged up, and may be limited, while Trevor Robinson is definitely out. Still, ND shouldn't have trouble putting up points. On the flip side, while ND isn't gonna be mentioned w/ the Bama's of the world in terms of defense, they actually are very effective at stopping the run. While Navy's option attack can scare teams a bit since you will only see it once a year, I'd much rather know a team is gonna run it 40 times a game then have to worry about if our secondary came out after a pregame gasoline shower ready to get torched by WRs.
So there they are kids, ABC. A= Always, B= Be, C= Closing, ALWAYS be closing! Let's make some money and pick some winners this week. Go get em.
Vanderbilt @ #1 Florida (-35)
Pick: UF -35
Haven't had a big line game in awhile, so why not. This game has been talked about quite a bit thanks to Brandon Spikes' eye gouging and subsequent self-punishment for the full game. While Spikes is very clearly the best player on the Florida D, the unit as a whole is still very good. The O finally found some legs last week against Georgia. Finally, let's be serious, Vandy is miserable, they're gonna get stomped.
#24 Oklahoma (-6) @ Nebraska
Pick: Nebraska +6
OU is in the death spiral already, and their O has been horrible. Nebraska's O is also abhorrent, but they've still got something to play for in the Big XII North (aka Big II aa). This is gonna be a defensive battle without much scoring, meaning you take the points. Plus, now that Ndamukong Suh has been "punished" but will be playing, the Huskers are in good shape. If there is one thing you can say for the Big XII, they certainly have the funniest driving mishaps in the country. Sergio Kindle runs into an apartment complex while "texting at around 2 AM on a Saturday" Suh goes pinball on a bunch of cars "avoiding a cat at 2:30AM on a Sunday" hilarious. Here's hoping we get a story on Zac Robinson "rear ending a guy while adjusting his radio" or something soon, cause these are great.
#16 Ohio St @ #11 Penn St (-4)
Pick: PSU -4
What can I say, I just really don't trust Pryor yet. The dude is a turnover time bomb, and Penn St has a fantastic D, giving up just over 9 points a game. Expect Evan Royster to get a lot of carries for PSU in this one, coming off of 3 straight 100 yd games (it would be 5, but he just missed with a mere 94 against E. Illinois...on 8 carries). Plus, sweatervests dont repel Zombies, if the highest paid mascot in the NCAA can make it across the field, Tressel could be in trouble.
#9 LSU @ #3 Alabama (-7.5)
Pick: LSU +7.5
That damn half point. At 7 I take Bama, most likely expecting a push. As always the oddsmakers are in my soul. I think this is gonna be a close ballgame. LSU has won 5 of the last 6 against Bama, but I don't know if Jordan Jefferson has enough firepower to get by Bama's ridiculous D. On the other side, LSU also has a fantastic D. Between the guy that should win the Heisman right now, Mark Ingram, and the ever dangerous Julio Jones, Bama's got more weapons on O than LSU and I think will end up taking a close, hard fought battle here in a game that will push them up to #2 in the country.
Navy @ #22 Notre Dame (-12)
Pick: ND -12
While ND couldn't pull off the cover last weekend, 12 is a much more manageable spread. Don't expect this to be too much of a beatdown tho. Navy will stay on the ground, burning clock, and the last thing Weis is gonna do is run the score up on a service academy. That being said, the Irish O is absurdly good, and, answering my prayers, the Cannon, Michael Floyd, will be back for limited action. Now he isn't gonna be on the field for every play, but just having #3 back out there is freaking fantastic. Sadly, Armando Allen is still banged up, and may be limited, while Trevor Robinson is definitely out. Still, ND shouldn't have trouble putting up points. On the flip side, while ND isn't gonna be mentioned w/ the Bama's of the world in terms of defense, they actually are very effective at stopping the run. While Navy's option attack can scare teams a bit since you will only see it once a year, I'd much rather know a team is gonna run it 40 times a game then have to worry about if our secondary came out after a pregame gasoline shower ready to get torched by WRs.
So there they are kids, ABC. A= Always, B= Be, C= Closing, ALWAYS be closing! Let's make some money and pick some winners this week. Go get em.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Week 9 CFB Pick Results
Well, another week, same result. It appears I'm destined to go 2-3 from here on out. Let's do this shall we?
Georgia @ #1 Florida (-14.5) (Game in Jacksonville)
Pick: UGA +14.5
Result: 41-17 Florida: Loss
Well, the Gators finally decided to put it all together. In a game that featured quite a bit of chippiness and led to some suspensions for super stud LB Brandon Spikes for a good old fashioned eye gouge, the Gators finally looked like the #1 team in all the land during this dismantling. Tebow had 2 TDs on the ground, and 2 through the air to finally look like that Heisman guy we all remember. Meanwhile, the Dawgs gave the ball away 4 times to Florida's 0...not a winning recipe.
#3 Texas (-9) @ #14 Oklahoma St.
Pick: Texas -9
Result: 41-14 Texas: Win
Another absolute beatdown. Colt McCoy only threw for 149 and 1 TD, but Zac Robinson felt like throwing to UT's players as much as Colt did with 4 picks on the day. The Horns D took back 2 of those picks for TDs and the Offense only had to not screw up to complete this beatdown. Mack Brown's complete dominance of the Cowboys (he's never lost) continues another year.
#5 USC (-3) @ #10 Oregon
Pick: USC -3
Result: 47-20 Oregon: L
I'm such a freaking pansy, I mean, I might as well be wearing a skirt while making picks. To quote Thursday: "Man, I want to pick Oregon here, I really wanna take Oregon. USC the last couple weeks has had some real close calls, their D has gotten shredded lately, and the Ducks can put up points..." Should've trusted my gut, but I'm a lil girl it appears. The Ducks flat out killed USC. The Trojans haven't had a loss this bad since 1997. It's their first double digit loss since 2001. Jeremiah Masoli showed he doesn't need LaGarrette Blount, throwing for 222 and running for another 164 w/ 2 combined TDs. His other RB, LaMichael James (seriously, Oregon...slow your roll w/ the gratuitous name prefixes) went off for another 183 and a TD. The Ducks put up 613 total yards on the Trojans...613!! Hell of a win in what some people are calling the end of an era. I wouldn't go that far yet, SC will be back, they aren't dead yet. But I'd be lying if I said I don't love seeing them get crushed. If only I had the testicular fortitude to pick it.
#22 S. Carolina @ Tennessee (-6)
Pick: UT -6
Result: 31-13 Tenn: W
Well at least the game I felt the most confident about came through for me. SCAR gave the ball away 4 times whlie Tennessee score 2 through the air and RB Montario Hardesty (the man behind the black jerseys along w/ Beastmaster Eric Berry according to ESPN) had a huge week, running for 121 and 2 TDs.
Washington St. @ #25 Notre Dame (-27.5)
Pick: ND -27.5
Result: 40-14 ND: L
Damn you Vegas...so so so close. Obviously 4 TD lines are meant to punish you, but getting so tantalizingly close just hurts. As for the game itself, it was a pretty one sided affair. Jimmy Clausen went for 268 yds and 2 TD's on 22 of 27 passing. While many, including me, probably expected better numbers, Jimmy didn't even play the full game, giving way to backups in the 2nd half after getting a lil banged up and the result no longer being in question. The Irish had a fantastically balanced attack w/ 337 through the air and a 255 on the ground thanks to Robert Hughes and all kinds of Leprecat shenanigans. The play of the day tho came at the end of the 1st half when Golden Tate felt like reminding everyone once again that he's insanely better than everyone else:
Seriously...dude's a freak.
Record this week: 2-3
Record for the year: 16-24 (.400)
But how did you kids fare?
Matt
Results this week: 3-2
Results for the year: 20-18 (.526)
Judson
Results this week: 3-2
Results for the year: 22-18 (.550)
Kristin
Results this week: 2-3
Results for the year:9-22 (.290)
David L.
Results this week: 2-3
Results for the year: 18-17 (.514)
Ryan
Results this week:2-3
Results for the year: 15-25 (.375)
Donnie B
Results this week: 2-3
Results for the year: 14-21 (.400)
2-3's abound again. Nobody was worse than that, we're slowly improving. Let's keep this trend goin kids. Til tomorrow.
Georgia @ #1 Florida (-14.5) (Game in Jacksonville)
Pick: UGA +14.5
Result: 41-17 Florida: Loss
Well, the Gators finally decided to put it all together. In a game that featured quite a bit of chippiness and led to some suspensions for super stud LB Brandon Spikes for a good old fashioned eye gouge, the Gators finally looked like the #1 team in all the land during this dismantling. Tebow had 2 TDs on the ground, and 2 through the air to finally look like that Heisman guy we all remember. Meanwhile, the Dawgs gave the ball away 4 times to Florida's 0...not a winning recipe.
#3 Texas (-9) @ #14 Oklahoma St.
Pick: Texas -9
Result: 41-14 Texas: Win
Another absolute beatdown. Colt McCoy only threw for 149 and 1 TD, but Zac Robinson felt like throwing to UT's players as much as Colt did with 4 picks on the day. The Horns D took back 2 of those picks for TDs and the Offense only had to not screw up to complete this beatdown. Mack Brown's complete dominance of the Cowboys (he's never lost) continues another year.
#5 USC (-3) @ #10 Oregon
Pick: USC -3
Result: 47-20 Oregon: L
I'm such a freaking pansy, I mean, I might as well be wearing a skirt while making picks. To quote Thursday: "Man, I want to pick Oregon here, I really wanna take Oregon. USC the last couple weeks has had some real close calls, their D has gotten shredded lately, and the Ducks can put up points..." Should've trusted my gut, but I'm a lil girl it appears. The Ducks flat out killed USC. The Trojans haven't had a loss this bad since 1997. It's their first double digit loss since 2001. Jeremiah Masoli showed he doesn't need LaGarrette Blount, throwing for 222 and running for another 164 w/ 2 combined TDs. His other RB, LaMichael James (seriously, Oregon...slow your roll w/ the gratuitous name prefixes) went off for another 183 and a TD. The Ducks put up 613 total yards on the Trojans...613!! Hell of a win in what some people are calling the end of an era. I wouldn't go that far yet, SC will be back, they aren't dead yet. But I'd be lying if I said I don't love seeing them get crushed. If only I had the testicular fortitude to pick it.
#22 S. Carolina @ Tennessee (-6)
Pick: UT -6
Result: 31-13 Tenn: W
Well at least the game I felt the most confident about came through for me. SCAR gave the ball away 4 times whlie Tennessee score 2 through the air and RB Montario Hardesty (the man behind the black jerseys along w/ Beastmaster Eric Berry according to ESPN) had a huge week, running for 121 and 2 TDs.
Washington St. @ #25 Notre Dame (-27.5)
Pick: ND -27.5
Result: 40-14 ND: L
Damn you Vegas...so so so close. Obviously 4 TD lines are meant to punish you, but getting so tantalizingly close just hurts. As for the game itself, it was a pretty one sided affair. Jimmy Clausen went for 268 yds and 2 TD's on 22 of 27 passing. While many, including me, probably expected better numbers, Jimmy didn't even play the full game, giving way to backups in the 2nd half after getting a lil banged up and the result no longer being in question. The Irish had a fantastically balanced attack w/ 337 through the air and a 255 on the ground thanks to Robert Hughes and all kinds of Leprecat shenanigans. The play of the day tho came at the end of the 1st half when Golden Tate felt like reminding everyone once again that he's insanely better than everyone else:
Seriously...dude's a freak.
Record this week: 2-3
Record for the year: 16-24 (.400)
But how did you kids fare?
Matt
Results this week: 3-2
Results for the year: 20-18 (.526)
Judson
Results this week: 3-2
Results for the year: 22-18 (.550)
Kristin
Results this week: 2-3
Results for the year:9-22 (.290)
David L.
Results this week: 2-3
Results for the year: 18-17 (.514)
Ryan
Results this week:2-3
Results for the year: 15-25 (.375)
Donnie B
Results this week: 2-3
Results for the year: 14-21 (.400)
2-3's abound again. Nobody was worse than that, we're slowly improving. Let's keep this trend goin kids. Til tomorrow.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Week 9 College Football Picks
To start, an apology. I blew it last week, didn't get picks up before heading up to ND. What can I say, I can give excuses like class, or my clinic case getting busy, but let's be serious, you will think I'm a failure anyway, so let's leave it at that. The Scoreboard has been updated w/ the week 6 results over on the right side. Also, NBA starts up this week. Spurs led it off with a curbstomp of the Hornets last night, and tonight they have the Bulls. Spurs issues with back to backs are well noted, but I like this matchup tonight as well. I'll have a post up on my thoughts on the Spurs and NBA as a whole at some point next week, but I want this marked down right now. DeJuan Blair is your Rookie of the Year. The dude's is an absolute freak and a black hole on the boards. Now, onto the picks
Georgia @ #1 Florida (-14.5) (Game in Jacksonville)
Pick: UGA +14.5
Ah the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, this game is on my bucket list of matchups to hit up at some point in my life. But what about this year? To start, the fact that Tebow is still in contention for the Heisman absolutely blows my mind. I mean, look at these numbers: 84 of 132, 1159 yds 8 TDs 4INTs, 466 rushing yards, 6 rushing TDs...really, that's a Heisman contender? Either way, the Florida D has been fantastic all year long, but there are some issues on O, even though they've gotten by unscathed to this point. The last few weeks have been close calls for the Gators, I think this will be another one. Richt tends to do some damage in this game when you least expect it, I think we'll see it again this year. Gators probably take this one again, but I'm guessing by 7 or less.
#3 Texas (-9) @ #14 Oklahoma St.
Pick: Texas -9
Oh what this game could've been. Without Dez Bryant, I just don't think that Okie St has the firepower to keep up with the Horns. Texas finally got their offense back on track, and the Cowboys aren't exactly known for being defensive stoppers. I think UT just has the Cowboys beat at every side of the matchup and could see this being a pretty high scoring game.
#5 USC (-3) @ #10 Oregon
Pick: USC -3
Man, I want to pick Oregon here, I really wanna take Oregon. USC the last couple weeks has had some real close calls, their D has gotten shredded lately, and the Ducks can put up points. The problem with USC is they have been sneaking by each week, and I think there is just too much talent on that team for Oregon. They'v already had their mystery Pac 10 loss, and as much as I want to pick the Ducks, I gotta go with the smart pick to try and save my brutal record.
#22 S. Carolina @ Tennessee (-6)
Pick: UT -6
Not gonna lie, when I saw this matchup I was thinkin I got my upset special now, I'm gonna get a nice line to play with, this will be great. Freakin Vegas, always inside of my soul, have UT as a 6 point favorite. No matter, I don't trust the OBC this year, especially having to go to Neyland. Plus, Kiffin is all pumped up cause Weezy name-checked him, that's gotta be worth at least 3 points.
Washington St. @ #25 Notre Dame (-27.5)
Pick: ND -27.5
So ND, a team that since week 1 has had every game come down to the last drive, finds itself back in the top 25 as a 4 TD favorite. Why would I possibly pick the Cardiac Catholics to cover 28? Well, in part, I'm a huge homer. The other reason? Wazzu is terrible, 1-6 on the year, and they give up points by the boatload. Not only that, but ND's offense was not fantastic last week, and they will be looking to come back strong and put up points. Look for Golden Tate to have yet another 100+yard game and Clausen go for probably over 400yds. Hopefully I'll be able to sit back and enjoy an Irish game as opposed to wondering if my blood pressure is higher than the attendance at the stadium.
So there they are kids, go to work.
Georgia @ #1 Florida (-14.5) (Game in Jacksonville)
Pick: UGA +14.5
Ah the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, this game is on my bucket list of matchups to hit up at some point in my life. But what about this year? To start, the fact that Tebow is still in contention for the Heisman absolutely blows my mind. I mean, look at these numbers: 84 of 132, 1159 yds 8 TDs 4INTs, 466 rushing yards, 6 rushing TDs...really, that's a Heisman contender? Either way, the Florida D has been fantastic all year long, but there are some issues on O, even though they've gotten by unscathed to this point. The last few weeks have been close calls for the Gators, I think this will be another one. Richt tends to do some damage in this game when you least expect it, I think we'll see it again this year. Gators probably take this one again, but I'm guessing by 7 or less.
#3 Texas (-9) @ #14 Oklahoma St.
Pick: Texas -9
Oh what this game could've been. Without Dez Bryant, I just don't think that Okie St has the firepower to keep up with the Horns. Texas finally got their offense back on track, and the Cowboys aren't exactly known for being defensive stoppers. I think UT just has the Cowboys beat at every side of the matchup and could see this being a pretty high scoring game.
#5 USC (-3) @ #10 Oregon
Pick: USC -3
Man, I want to pick Oregon here, I really wanna take Oregon. USC the last couple weeks has had some real close calls, their D has gotten shredded lately, and the Ducks can put up points. The problem with USC is they have been sneaking by each week, and I think there is just too much talent on that team for Oregon. They'v already had their mystery Pac 10 loss, and as much as I want to pick the Ducks, I gotta go with the smart pick to try and save my brutal record.
#22 S. Carolina @ Tennessee (-6)
Pick: UT -6
Not gonna lie, when I saw this matchup I was thinkin I got my upset special now, I'm gonna get a nice line to play with, this will be great. Freakin Vegas, always inside of my soul, have UT as a 6 point favorite. No matter, I don't trust the OBC this year, especially having to go to Neyland. Plus, Kiffin is all pumped up cause Weezy name-checked him, that's gotta be worth at least 3 points.
Washington St. @ #25 Notre Dame (-27.5)
Pick: ND -27.5
So ND, a team that since week 1 has had every game come down to the last drive, finds itself back in the top 25 as a 4 TD favorite. Why would I possibly pick the Cardiac Catholics to cover 28? Well, in part, I'm a huge homer. The other reason? Wazzu is terrible, 1-6 on the year, and they give up points by the boatload. Not only that, but ND's offense was not fantastic last week, and they will be looking to come back strong and put up points. Look for Golden Tate to have yet another 100+yard game and Clausen go for probably over 400yds. Hopefully I'll be able to sit back and enjoy an Irish game as opposed to wondering if my blood pressure is higher than the attendance at the stadium.
So there they are kids, go to work.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Week 7 College Football Picks
Sorry I didn't get a results post up this week. It's a combo of lawyering, bloodlust for Southern Cal consuming me, and not being good at blogging. My bad, the scoreboard will be updated shortly so you can see where you stand. You may also note that there will be a bit of a shakeup. I'm pushing scores that only have 2 weeks or less worth of picks to the bottom, cause it throws things off, just roll with it. If you are one of those people, come back, make picks, and you will be returned to where your win % dictates. After a largely pedestrian slate last week, this week is an absolutely stacked slate, w/ plenty of heated rivalry fun. Let's do the damn thing:
Arkansas @ #1 Florida (-24.5)
Pick: Arkansas +24.5
I think we all agree that Florida is the better team here: consensus #1, the Messiah Rhinoceros at QB, quarkbacks running 4.0s everywhere, Brandon Spikes ready to murder at any point, the whole 9. But Arkansas brings one of the top offenses in the country to Gainsville this weekend. Ryan Mallet, along with being able to throw a full keg through the goalposts from the 50 on one knee (just ask any Michigan fan), has shown that he has a full handle on the offense, coming in just under 1500yds on the year with a 13:3 TD to pick ratio. Not too shabby. Granted, Florida has only given up 32 points all year, but I think Arkansas will put some points up and at least keep this within 3 TDs.
#4 Virginia Tech(-3) @ #19 Georgia Tech
Pick: GT +3
This is one of my big upset picks for the week (I bet you can't guess the other one w/o scrolling down). VT is wayyyy to high up at #4 IMO. They should've lost to Nebraska, and while they did beat Miami convincingly, I think the conditions did more to shut down Jacory Harris than the Hokies did. I'm still not convinced Tyrod Taylor is any good, and Beamerball may work against regular offenses, but what about the sexy triple option? I don't think so. Plus we all know that isn't really a graft on Beamer, it's an allergic reaction, from a sting, from BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES! (meme via EDSBS).
#22 South Carolina @ #2 Alabama (-17)
Pick: Bama -17
I probably would've taken Bama up to 27. Alabama in my mind SHOULD be the #1 team in all the land. They have played and killed some solid teams this year, have a ridiculously good D, and are also putting up points in bunches. The Gamecocks jaunt in the top 25 comes to an end this week, Nick Saban; Roll Tide.
#20 Oklahoma "@" #3 Texas (-3.5) (Neutral site game, Cotton Bowl, Dallas)
Pick: Texas -3.5
Oh what this game could have been if Sam Bradford didn't get broken like bigamy laws by the Mormons. While it's not the battle of unbeatens, Heisman frontrunner on the line battle we all thought it would be in the preseason, don't let OU's 2 losses make you think this isn't a huge game. The anger of UT fans about OU getting the Big XII Title and Nat'l Title shot, even after losing to the Horns by 10, has yet to subside. Throw in some good old fashioned Hatfield-McCoy style hate, a returning Bradford, and a decimated UT RB core, and you've got yourself a ballgame kids. I think the Horns have too much talent on O for the Sooners to keep up, mainly behind Sooner-killer Jordan Shipley. As an added bonus for those without a dog in the fight, this being the early game, here's a drinking game to catch you up with those at the State Fair:
#6USC (-10) @ #25 Notre Dame
Pick: ND +10
It has to be done this year. This is the best shot ND has had since 05 to beat the hated Trojans. Southern Cal is bringing true frosh Matt Barkley as their starting QB. Barkley has been a servicable QB, mostly protected by a strong run game and a conservative play call(to date: 58.9 completion %, 958 yds, 3TD, 2INT). The main story of this game will be the ND offense, primarily the 8th ranked passing attack under Jimmy Clausen, against the absurdly good D of USC this year, who has only allowed 43 points in their 5 games so far. We've all seen the dominant stats of the last two years. ND hasn't even scored a TD on the Trojans since the 06 matchup. A lot of the problem has been the Irish O-line, which left a young Clausen open to lots of punishment from whatever world class LB USC was touting that year. While SC lost a lot of talent on D this year, Taylor Mays, who may be the best D player in the country, has led an absurdly talented unit this year. This is a game of huge importance. USC needs a big win here to keep themselves in the title conversation on the weekend we will see the first BCS standings. What it means for Notre Dame though is so much more. The program is coming off 2 of the worst seasons in a long and storied history. It's been 7 years since the Irish have gotten a W over the Trojans (technically...), and the last 2 efforts have been inexcusably pathetic. Charlie Weis was given another shot, even tho many were ready to go pitchfork/torch mob after last year's SC game. If ND wants to show it still belongs in the minds of football, they have to show up this weekend and play their best game possible. Weis knows how important this game is, anywhere from 12 to 16 four and five star recruits will be guests of the Irish this weekend. A win here will likely lead to another top 5 recruiting class, and puts ND in the drivers seat for a BCS bid. But a loss...especially a blowout...well, I wont even talk about what it will mean, because it wont be pretty. Reports keep coming out that the ND players have more confidence in this game than any Weis team has ever had going into this game. They've got the offensive firepower to score at will, and see a true frosh lined up on the other side at the most important position on the field. Everything is lining up to give the Irish their best shot at a win. There's no such thing as a moral victory, BEAT SC!!
So there you have it kids, a full slate with some great matchups, do your dirty work in the comments. FUSC, never forget
Arkansas @ #1 Florida (-24.5)
Pick: Arkansas +24.5
I think we all agree that Florida is the better team here: consensus #1, the Messiah Rhinoceros at QB, quarkbacks running 4.0s everywhere, Brandon Spikes ready to murder at any point, the whole 9. But Arkansas brings one of the top offenses in the country to Gainsville this weekend. Ryan Mallet, along with being able to throw a full keg through the goalposts from the 50 on one knee (just ask any Michigan fan), has shown that he has a full handle on the offense, coming in just under 1500yds on the year with a 13:3 TD to pick ratio. Not too shabby. Granted, Florida has only given up 32 points all year, but I think Arkansas will put some points up and at least keep this within 3 TDs.
#4 Virginia Tech(-3) @ #19 Georgia Tech
Pick: GT +3
This is one of my big upset picks for the week (I bet you can't guess the other one w/o scrolling down). VT is wayyyy to high up at #4 IMO. They should've lost to Nebraska, and while they did beat Miami convincingly, I think the conditions did more to shut down Jacory Harris than the Hokies did. I'm still not convinced Tyrod Taylor is any good, and Beamerball may work against regular offenses, but what about the sexy triple option? I don't think so. Plus we all know that isn't really a graft on Beamer, it's an allergic reaction, from a sting, from BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES! (meme via EDSBS).
#22 South Carolina @ #2 Alabama (-17)
Pick: Bama -17
I probably would've taken Bama up to 27. Alabama in my mind SHOULD be the #1 team in all the land. They have played and killed some solid teams this year, have a ridiculously good D, and are also putting up points in bunches. The Gamecocks jaunt in the top 25 comes to an end this week, Nick Saban; Roll Tide.
#20 Oklahoma "@" #3 Texas (-3.5) (Neutral site game, Cotton Bowl, Dallas)
Pick: Texas -3.5
Oh what this game could have been if Sam Bradford didn't get broken like bigamy laws by the Mormons. While it's not the battle of unbeatens, Heisman frontrunner on the line battle we all thought it would be in the preseason, don't let OU's 2 losses make you think this isn't a huge game. The anger of UT fans about OU getting the Big XII Title and Nat'l Title shot, even after losing to the Horns by 10, has yet to subside. Throw in some good old fashioned Hatfield-McCoy style hate, a returning Bradford, and a decimated UT RB core, and you've got yourself a ballgame kids. I think the Horns have too much talent on O for the Sooners to keep up, mainly behind Sooner-killer Jordan Shipley. As an added bonus for those without a dog in the fight, this being the early game, here's a drinking game to catch you up with those at the State Fair:
- Drink every time it's mentioned Shipley and McCoy are roomates/BFFs
- Drink every time it's mentioned that Shipley and McCoy's dad's were roomates/teammates at Abilene Christian
- Drink every time you see a sign that says 45-35
- Drink every time they bring up how much Bradford and McCoy respect/admire each other
- Drink for every Heisman mention
- Divide in 2, half the people drink every time you hear Boomer Sooner, half drink twice every time you hear Texas Fight(have to make up the difference in times, just trust me, OU knows maybe 2 songs)
- Drink every time Tebow gets inexplicably brought up (o/u is 6.5)
#6USC (-10) @ #25 Notre Dame
Pick: ND +10
It has to be done this year. This is the best shot ND has had since 05 to beat the hated Trojans. Southern Cal is bringing true frosh Matt Barkley as their starting QB. Barkley has been a servicable QB, mostly protected by a strong run game and a conservative play call(to date: 58.9 completion %, 958 yds, 3TD, 2INT). The main story of this game will be the ND offense, primarily the 8th ranked passing attack under Jimmy Clausen, against the absurdly good D of USC this year, who has only allowed 43 points in their 5 games so far. We've all seen the dominant stats of the last two years. ND hasn't even scored a TD on the Trojans since the 06 matchup. A lot of the problem has been the Irish O-line, which left a young Clausen open to lots of punishment from whatever world class LB USC was touting that year. While SC lost a lot of talent on D this year, Taylor Mays, who may be the best D player in the country, has led an absurdly talented unit this year. This is a game of huge importance. USC needs a big win here to keep themselves in the title conversation on the weekend we will see the first BCS standings. What it means for Notre Dame though is so much more. The program is coming off 2 of the worst seasons in a long and storied history. It's been 7 years since the Irish have gotten a W over the Trojans (technically...), and the last 2 efforts have been inexcusably pathetic. Charlie Weis was given another shot, even tho many were ready to go pitchfork/torch mob after last year's SC game. If ND wants to show it still belongs in the minds of football, they have to show up this weekend and play their best game possible. Weis knows how important this game is, anywhere from 12 to 16 four and five star recruits will be guests of the Irish this weekend. A win here will likely lead to another top 5 recruiting class, and puts ND in the drivers seat for a BCS bid. But a loss...especially a blowout...well, I wont even talk about what it will mean, because it wont be pretty. Reports keep coming out that the ND players have more confidence in this game than any Weis team has ever had going into this game. They've got the offensive firepower to score at will, and see a true frosh lined up on the other side at the most important position on the field. Everything is lining up to give the Irish their best shot at a win. There's no such thing as a moral victory, BEAT SC!!
So there you have it kids, a full slate with some great matchups, do your dirty work in the comments. FUSC, never forget
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Week 6 picks
Alright kids, I'm hoping that this week, without the benefit(detriment) of a homeriffic anchor, I can turn things around and drop a sexy 5-0 on you kids. Let's jump right in and pick some games.
#1 Florida (-7.5) @ #4 LSU (note, this line came from sportsbook as centsports doesn't have it up yet)
Pick: LSU +7.5
As of right now, there are too many questions surround Florida and the QB position. In all honesty, Tebow probably shouldn't play after that nassssssty concussion inducing pinball shot he took between the untouched blitz and his lineman's knee. HOWEVAH, it's more likely that the decision will be left in Tebow's hands. The dude is a flat out gamer and there is maybe a snowball's chance in hell of him sitting out against a top 5 rival if he gets to make the call. Even if he doesn't play, the backup Brantley is a hell of a QB. Originally he had committed to Texas, but seeing the writing on the wall, decided he'd rather be a Gator. Brantley comes in with a good pedigree and a plethora of state HS records. While he isn't a human/rhino hybrid, he can get the job done. All that being said, Les Miles is having one of those years where all of his insanely ballsy play calls work. The talent level on this team is very high, especially at RB. Throw in the fact that this game is being played at Death Valley, I think more than a TD is too much to cover. Tigah bait tigah bait tigah bait.
#3 Alabama (-5.5) @ #20 Ole Miss
Pick: Bama -5.5
So many SEC home dogs, so little time apparently. This matchup would've been much more exciting had the Rebs not been exposed a few weeks back. I don't think Ole Miss has a shot in this ballgame. Saban's D is absurdly talented and they will just grind you into a pulp. My only fear is that Bama grinds this game down so much they don't cover the 5.5. That being said, Nick Saban, Roll Tide.
Michigan @ #12 Iowa (-8)
Pick: Michigan +8
Yes, Michigan grossly trapped me last week. It wasn't even a good one, it looked like something Wily Coyote would've set up with poorly painted signs and Acme bombs easily visible. Yet I happily skipped right into the middle of the trap and got clowned. Sloppy conditions slowed Michigan's new lifeblood in Tate Forcier, yet they still damn near pulled it off. As for Iowa, they are good, they could very well win this, and probably should. But they don't beat people by 8 points. If it's 3-2, they are happy. 8 is WAYYYY too much. Points me.
Colorado @ #2 Texas (-32)
Pick: Texas -32
We haven't had a huge crazy line in awhile it feels like, so why not. This would typically seem like too many points for a conference game, but Colorado is flat out miserable at football. This may be Big XII football, but they look more like they are playing intramurals. Texas knows how to put up points and should give Colt a nice little boost for his Heisman campaign in this one.
#13 Oregon (-3.5) @ UCLA (Again from sportsbook)
Pick: UCLA +3.5
With LaGarrette Blount still suspended for the time being, the Ducks offense now rests firmly on the shoulders of QB Jeremiah Masoli. However, we don't know how healthy Masoli is. From what I've seen in reports and on Twitter (if you are on there hit me up @NDEddieMac), the Ducks want to limit Masoli, using him only if necessary. So missing the top 2 players from the offense, and on the road, there is way too much going against the Fighting Nikes for me this week.
Are you ready to jump on board the comeback train kids? Do your dirty work in the comments. Also, just as a heads up, you have to pick the lines I picked against. Sure, lines change, but this is the only way to keep everyone on an even playing field. Go get em
#1 Florida (-7.5) @ #4 LSU (note, this line came from sportsbook as centsports doesn't have it up yet)
Pick: LSU +7.5
As of right now, there are too many questions surround Florida and the QB position. In all honesty, Tebow probably shouldn't play after that nassssssty concussion inducing pinball shot he took between the untouched blitz and his lineman's knee. HOWEVAH, it's more likely that the decision will be left in Tebow's hands. The dude is a flat out gamer and there is maybe a snowball's chance in hell of him sitting out against a top 5 rival if he gets to make the call. Even if he doesn't play, the backup Brantley is a hell of a QB. Originally he had committed to Texas, but seeing the writing on the wall, decided he'd rather be a Gator. Brantley comes in with a good pedigree and a plethora of state HS records. While he isn't a human/rhino hybrid, he can get the job done. All that being said, Les Miles is having one of those years where all of his insanely ballsy play calls work. The talent level on this team is very high, especially at RB. Throw in the fact that this game is being played at Death Valley, I think more than a TD is too much to cover. Tigah bait tigah bait tigah bait.
#3 Alabama (-5.5) @ #20 Ole Miss
Pick: Bama -5.5
So many SEC home dogs, so little time apparently. This matchup would've been much more exciting had the Rebs not been exposed a few weeks back. I don't think Ole Miss has a shot in this ballgame. Saban's D is absurdly talented and they will just grind you into a pulp. My only fear is that Bama grinds this game down so much they don't cover the 5.5. That being said, Nick Saban, Roll Tide.
Michigan @ #12 Iowa (-8)
Pick: Michigan +8
Yes, Michigan grossly trapped me last week. It wasn't even a good one, it looked like something Wily Coyote would've set up with poorly painted signs and Acme bombs easily visible. Yet I happily skipped right into the middle of the trap and got clowned. Sloppy conditions slowed Michigan's new lifeblood in Tate Forcier, yet they still damn near pulled it off. As for Iowa, they are good, they could very well win this, and probably should. But they don't beat people by 8 points. If it's 3-2, they are happy. 8 is WAYYYY too much. Points me.
Colorado @ #2 Texas (-32)
Pick: Texas -32
We haven't had a huge crazy line in awhile it feels like, so why not. This would typically seem like too many points for a conference game, but Colorado is flat out miserable at football. This may be Big XII football, but they look more like they are playing intramurals. Texas knows how to put up points and should give Colt a nice little boost for his Heisman campaign in this one.
#13 Oregon (-3.5) @ UCLA (Again from sportsbook)
Pick: UCLA +3.5
With LaGarrette Blount still suspended for the time being, the Ducks offense now rests firmly on the shoulders of QB Jeremiah Masoli. However, we don't know how healthy Masoli is. From what I've seen in reports and on Twitter (if you are on there hit me up @NDEddieMac), the Ducks want to limit Masoli, using him only if necessary. So missing the top 2 players from the offense, and on the road, there is way too much going against the Fighting Nikes for me this week.
Are you ready to jump on board the comeback train kids? Do your dirty work in the comments. Also, just as a heads up, you have to pick the lines I picked against. Sure, lines change, but this is the only way to keep everyone on an even playing field. Go get em
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