We have reached championship week for college football.
The last week of the regular season produced a record of 4-6. The worst misses were Michigan and Oklahoma State. Both got taken to the woodshed.
The overall record stands at 78-62. With five games on this week's slate, 80 victories is a definite possibility.
Entering championship weekend, the top four in the College Football Playoff Poll are: 1. Ohio State, 2. LSU, 3. Clemson, 4. Georgia.
There was some surprising chatter Tuesday night that win or lose, the top three are in the College Football Playoff. I do not believe this is the case. I believe Clemson, a four-touchdown favorite over Virginia, has to win to get in the College Football Playoff.
I also believe win or lose, both Ohio State and LSU are in the College Football playoff.
There has been a lot of talk this week concerning how the semifinal games will line up. There is a line of thinking that Ohio State would prefer to play in the Phoenix because they have a large fan base in that area. If Ohio State, Clemson, and Georgia all win, I believe Ohio State-Georgia will play in the Fiesta and Clemson-LSU will play in the Peach.
It is going to be fun. We have not had much chaos this season. Maybe we will finally get some chaos this Saturday.
As always, picks are against the spread ad for entertainment purposes only.
Friday
Oregon vs. Utah -6.5 at Santa Clara, Calif. -- Utah's lone loss was in September at Southern Cal, a place it has never won. Since that loss, the Utes have an average margin of victory of 29 points. Wind and rain are expected for this game. Defense and power win in the mud. Utes make a playoff statement. Pick -- Utah
Saturday
Georgia vs. LSU -7.5 at Atlanta, Ga. -- Great offense against great defense. Georgia's banged-up offense will not be able to keep up. Let the good times roll. Pick -- LSU
Virginia vs. Clemson -28.0 at Charlotte, N.C. -- Quarterback Bryce Perkins and kick returner Joe Reed are legitimate weapons for Virginia, which became the final team in the Coastal Division to win the Coastal title. Clemson is Clemson and the Tigers are on a mission. Perkins will cause some headaches early, but the Wahoos can't win a scoring battle against the Tigers. Pick -- Clemson
Baylor vs. Oklahoma -8.5 at Arlington, Texas -- Oklahoma is another team looking to make a statement. The Sooners will not take the Bears lighting the second time around. Pick -- Oklahoma
Cincinnati at Memphis -9.5 -- This is a rare and interesting type of rematch. These two teams just played last Friday in Memphis -- a 34-24 victory for Memphis. The spread is wide, but I expect Cincinnati to take round two. Pick -- Cincinnati
Last Week -- 4-6
For The Season -- 78-62
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Thursday, November 28, 2019
We Have Finally Reached Rivalry Week
The picker has reached uncharted territory.
The record for the last two weeks against the spread -- 15-5. The overall slate now stands at a whomping 18 games over .500 at 74-56. That's a winning percentage of .569.
We have reached the final week of the regular season and there is a lot that remains to be decided.
The ACC Coastal Division will be decided Friday afternoon in Charlottesville as red-hot Virginia Tech goes for its 16th consecutive over arch-rival Virginia. Since Virginia Tech joined the ACC in 2004, Virginia has never beaten the Hokies.
Clemson travels to Columbia to try and pick up its sixth consecutive victory over arch-rival South Carolina. On paper, the games looks like a blowout, but the Gamecocks humiliated Clemson's defense in last year's meeting. Just remember, anything can happen.
Georgia, the only one-loss team in the top four of the College Football Playoff poll, is a heavy favorite to hammer rival Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Ohio State faces its biggest test of the season at Michigan.
As always, all of the picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Friday
Virginia Tech at Virginia +3 -- Until Virginia proves it can beat Virginia Tech, you have to ride the Hokies. Pick -- Virginia Tech
Washington State at Washington -7.0 -- The Apple Cup will go to the Huskies. Pick -- Washington
Saturday
Georgia at Georgia Tech +28.0 -- It doesn't show in the victory column, but Georgia Tech has made some improvement this season. But the Yellow Jackets' offense isn't strong enough to dent Georgia's powerful defense. Pick -- Georgia
Clemson at South Carolina +26.5 -- All signs point to a Clemson rout. Emotion will carry banged-up South Carolina for a short time, but talent will take over. Pick -- Clemson
Florida State at Florida -17.0 -- Odell Haggins, serving as the interim head coach at Florida State for a second time, is 4-0. If he wins this one, FSU should remove the interim immediately. I think this one will be closer than the experts think. Pick -- Florida State
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State +13.0 -- It's called Bedlam, but Oklahoma has totally dominated this series. The Cowboys have a massive mental block when they face the Sooners. The Sooners have been living on thin ice in recent weeks. Can the Pokes cut a hole in the ice? Pick -- Oklahoma State
Louisville at Kentucky -3.0 -- I believe this is the Lock of the Week. Is this point spread for real? Scott Satterfield's miracle first season with the Cardinals earns a big gold star. Pick -- Louisville
Ohio State at Michigan +9.0 -- Ohio State had total control of Penn State last week until fumble-itis made a visit. The media has been pumping up Ohio State all season as the best all-around team in the country. Can Michigan pull off an upset that would rock the CFP poll? The bigger question -- Does Michigan believe it can make it happen? Pick -- Michigan
Alabama at Auburn +4.0 -- Auburn does the nation a favor and drives a stake in Bama's dream of making the playoffs again. Pick -- Auburn
Wisconsin at Minnesota +2.5 -- The Gophers row past the Badgers and stay in the CFP hunt. Pick -- Minnesota
Last Week -- 7-3
For The Season -- 74-56
The record for the last two weeks against the spread -- 15-5. The overall slate now stands at a whomping 18 games over .500 at 74-56. That's a winning percentage of .569.
We have reached the final week of the regular season and there is a lot that remains to be decided.
The ACC Coastal Division will be decided Friday afternoon in Charlottesville as red-hot Virginia Tech goes for its 16th consecutive over arch-rival Virginia. Since Virginia Tech joined the ACC in 2004, Virginia has never beaten the Hokies.
Clemson travels to Columbia to try and pick up its sixth consecutive victory over arch-rival South Carolina. On paper, the games looks like a blowout, but the Gamecocks humiliated Clemson's defense in last year's meeting. Just remember, anything can happen.
Georgia, the only one-loss team in the top four of the College Football Playoff poll, is a heavy favorite to hammer rival Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Ohio State faces its biggest test of the season at Michigan.
As always, all of the picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Friday
Virginia Tech at Virginia +3 -- Until Virginia proves it can beat Virginia Tech, you have to ride the Hokies. Pick -- Virginia Tech
Washington State at Washington -7.0 -- The Apple Cup will go to the Huskies. Pick -- Washington
Saturday
Georgia at Georgia Tech +28.0 -- It doesn't show in the victory column, but Georgia Tech has made some improvement this season. But the Yellow Jackets' offense isn't strong enough to dent Georgia's powerful defense. Pick -- Georgia
Clemson at South Carolina +26.5 -- All signs point to a Clemson rout. Emotion will carry banged-up South Carolina for a short time, but talent will take over. Pick -- Clemson
Florida State at Florida -17.0 -- Odell Haggins, serving as the interim head coach at Florida State for a second time, is 4-0. If he wins this one, FSU should remove the interim immediately. I think this one will be closer than the experts think. Pick -- Florida State
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State +13.0 -- It's called Bedlam, but Oklahoma has totally dominated this series. The Cowboys have a massive mental block when they face the Sooners. The Sooners have been living on thin ice in recent weeks. Can the Pokes cut a hole in the ice? Pick -- Oklahoma State
Louisville at Kentucky -3.0 -- I believe this is the Lock of the Week. Is this point spread for real? Scott Satterfield's miracle first season with the Cardinals earns a big gold star. Pick -- Louisville
Ohio State at Michigan +9.0 -- Ohio State had total control of Penn State last week until fumble-itis made a visit. The media has been pumping up Ohio State all season as the best all-around team in the country. Can Michigan pull off an upset that would rock the CFP poll? The bigger question -- Does Michigan believe it can make it happen? Pick -- Michigan
Alabama at Auburn +4.0 -- Auburn does the nation a favor and drives a stake in Bama's dream of making the playoffs again. Pick -- Auburn
Wisconsin at Minnesota +2.5 -- The Gophers row past the Badgers and stay in the CFP hunt. Pick -- Minnesota
Last Week -- 7-3
For The Season -- 74-56
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Tough Week To Find Decent Games
With Clemson and South Carolina both off and the SEC celebrating Cupcake Saturday, it was a tough week to find enough interesting games.
All eyes will be on Columbus, Ohio, as the Luckeyes face their first test of the season when the Nittany Lions come to the Horseshoe. The other game that could have an impact on the CFP standings is Texas A&M traveling to Athens to tangle with Georgia.
Last week was a stellar slump buster. The record was 8-2. The misses were Georgia beating the spread at Auburn and Oklahoma failing to cover at Baylor.
The season record now stands at 14 games over .500. Not too bad for late November.
Here are this week's selections. As always, the picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Oklahoma State at West Virginia +7.0 -- Pokes' potent offense featuring running back Chuba Hubbard will be too much for the Mountaineers. Pick -- Oklahoma State
Texas A&M at Georgia -13.5 -- The Aggies have played a much tougher schedule. I believe they will hang inside the spread. Pick -- Texas A&M
Penn State at Ohio State -18.0 -- I just don't believe in Penn State. Pick -- Ohio State
Illinois at Iowa -15.0 -- Illinois is one of the biggest surprises of the Big 10. Pick -- Illinois
Boston College at Notre Dame -19.5 -- The Irish will dominate the Holy War. Pick -- Notre Dame
UCLA at USC -13.5 -- The Trojans were a surprise entry in the CFP Poll. Fight On! Pick -- Southern Cal
SMU at Navy -3.5 -- I think I'm going to ride with the Ponies. Pick -- SMU
Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech -4.0 -- After this one, the loser will officially be out of the Coastal Division race. I like the hot Hokies at home. Pick -- Virginia Tech
Texas at Baylor -5.5 -- Baylor gets back on the winning track. Pick -- Baylor
Duke at Wake Forest -7.0 -- Both of these teams have been suffering on offense. Wake Forest is looking for the Big Four title. Wake already has beaten North Carolina and N.C. State. Take the Demon Deacons at home. Pick -- Wake Forest
Last Week -- 8-2
For The Season -- 67-53
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Tigers Close Out Home Schedule, Dawgs Travel To Auburn
Because of a week-long road trip to the place in the desert where they have large hotels and cheap buffets, I am going to post this week's picks early. I don't return with my empty wallet until late Friday night, so I decided to go ahead and get the picks done Sunday night.
Last week the record was one game under .500 with several bad misses, including LSU finally beating Alabama. Yes, Virginia, I finally believe in LSU. The season record is now eight games over .500 with three weeks remaining in the regular season.
As always, all picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Wake Forest at Clemson -32.0 -- With the Atlantic Division title in hand, the Tigers will continue their dominating ways. I am finally beginning to believe Clemson can cover 30-point spreads on a weekly basis. Pick -- Clemson
Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech +5.5 -- Both of these teams have made improvements as the season has progressed, but Virginia Tech's improvement has showed up in the win column. Pick -- Virginia Tech
Georgia at Auburn +3.0 -- Both of these teams have mean nasty defenses and pedestrian offenses. Upset Special Of The Week. Pick -- Auburn
South Carolina at Texas A&M -10.0 -- The Gamecocks got a hold of some bad Appalachian moonshine last week. The drying out process in east Texas will not be pleasant. Pick -- Texas A&M
Navy at Notre Dame -11.0 -- The Irish are still trying to reach a New Year's Six bowl. The Navy ship is getting ready to take on water. Pick -- Notre Dame
Louisville at N.C. State +4.0 -- Louisville's positive momentum got mutilated in Miami last week. Injuries and youth have N.C. State's season circling the drain. Pick -- Louisville
Michigan State at Michigan -12.0 -- Michigan continues rolling on its way to the showdown with the Luckeyes at the end of the month. Pick -- Michigan
Texas at Iowa State -7.0 -- The Longhorns are definitely not back. Pick -- Iowa State
Minnesota at Iowa -2.0 -- Can the Golden Gophers validate their Penn State victory? Nope. Pick -- Iowa
Oklahoma at Baylor +9.5 -- Baylor's unbeaten season comes to a bitter end. Pick -- Oklahoma
Last Week -- 4-6
For The Season -- 59-51
Last week the record was one game under .500 with several bad misses, including LSU finally beating Alabama. Yes, Virginia, I finally believe in LSU. The season record is now eight games over .500 with three weeks remaining in the regular season.
As always, all picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Wake Forest at Clemson -32.0 -- With the Atlantic Division title in hand, the Tigers will continue their dominating ways. I am finally beginning to believe Clemson can cover 30-point spreads on a weekly basis. Pick -- Clemson
Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech +5.5 -- Both of these teams have made improvements as the season has progressed, but Virginia Tech's improvement has showed up in the win column. Pick -- Virginia Tech
Georgia at Auburn +3.0 -- Both of these teams have mean nasty defenses and pedestrian offenses. Upset Special Of The Week. Pick -- Auburn
South Carolina at Texas A&M -10.0 -- The Gamecocks got a hold of some bad Appalachian moonshine last week. The drying out process in east Texas will not be pleasant. Pick -- Texas A&M
Navy at Notre Dame -11.0 -- The Irish are still trying to reach a New Year's Six bowl. The Navy ship is getting ready to take on water. Pick -- Notre Dame
Louisville at N.C. State +4.0 -- Louisville's positive momentum got mutilated in Miami last week. Injuries and youth have N.C. State's season circling the drain. Pick -- Louisville
Michigan State at Michigan -12.0 -- Michigan continues rolling on its way to the showdown with the Luckeyes at the end of the month. Pick -- Michigan
Texas at Iowa State -7.0 -- The Longhorns are definitely not back. Pick -- Iowa State
Minnesota at Iowa -2.0 -- Can the Golden Gophers validate their Penn State victory? Nope. Pick -- Iowa
Oklahoma at Baylor +9.5 -- Baylor's unbeaten season comes to a bitter end. Pick -- Oklahoma
Last Week -- 4-6
For The Season -- 59-51
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Game Of The Century On Tap, Clemson Fans Need Chill Pills
Finally, we have something to talk about and two games of national interest.
The first CFP poll came out last Tuesday -- 1. Ohio State, 2. LSU, 3. Alabama, 4. Penn State -- with Clemson and Georgia coming in at No. 5 and No. 6.
Clemson fans have been howling all week, but they all just need to take a chill pill. This poll is just a starting point. As I have said for several weeks, undefeated Clemson will not be left out of the playoffs, but one loss will probably send the Tigers to a regular bowl game. The Tigers must keep their paws on the gas.
This week has the latest Game of the Century -- LSU at Alabama. The SEC is hoping for a close game to keep alive hopes of two teams in the playoff. I believe a blowout either way will serious damage to the playoff hopes of the loser.
The Big 10 also has a big game this week -- Penn State at unbeaten Minnesota. Most observers believe the Nittany Lions will survive, but the Golden Gophers will be juiced and ready to go.
Clemson begins its march to the CFP Top Four in Raleigh against an N.C. State team that has been defenseless. The Wolfpack has lost more than a dozen starters to injury and have yet to settle on a quarterback. But State will give Clemson its best shot. If the Tigers don't take the Pack seriously, there could be trouble.
As always, all picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Georgia Tech at Virginia -16.0 -- The visiting Yellow Jackets don't have enough offense to keep up with Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins, who put on a real show in last week's key victory at North Carolina. The Cavaliers get one step closer to the Coastal title. Pick -- Virginia
Missouri at Georgia -17.0 -- Most amazing stat to date -- Georgia has yet to allow a rushing touchdown this season. That is unheard of in today's college football. Pick -- Georgia
Appalachian State at South Carolina -6.5 -- The trendy pick is to take App State, but I am going to go against the trend. Pick -- South Carolina
Clemson at N.C. State +32 -- I am guessing Clemson leads the country in point spreads of +25 or more this season. It's homecoming and a Red Out in Raleigh. Clemson has struggled at Carter-Finley in the past. All of the talk this week has been about an angry Clemson blowing the doors off State. Once again, I think Clemson will win, but the spread is just too high. Pick -- N.C. State
Florida State at Boston College -2.5 -- Lock of the Week. BC has run all over everybody but Clemson. The Seminoles minus fired head coach Willie Taggart will get boat raced out of Chestnut Hill. Pick -- Boston College
Penn State at Minnesota +7.0 -- Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck has called this the biggest game in the 10-year history of Minnesota's on-campus TCF Bank Stadium. Can Penn State handle the pressure? Can Penn State deal with the massive Gophers' offensive line? Pick -- Minnesota
Louisville at Miami (Fla.) -6.5 -- Louisville is the ACC's best feel good story this season. The Cardinals were pure garbage last season. But Scott Satterfield has made Louisville respectable in a short amount of time. Miami has been all over the board this season, but I like the Hurricanes at home. Pick -- Miami
Wake Forest at Virginia Tech +2.5 -- This will be a tough test for the fast-paced Demon Deacons, but I believe Wake has too much offense for Virginia Tech. Pick -- Wake Forest
LSU at Alabama -6.5 -- Finally, Alabama plays somebody. LSU has victories over Texas, Florida, and Auburn. The major question before this game surrounds Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He injured an ankle in the Tennessee game and had surgery to stabilize the ankle. Alabama head coach Nick Saban says his star quarterback will play. Roll Tide Roll. Pick -- Alabama
Notre Dame at Duke -7.5 -- Duke is another tough team to figure out. One week, the Blue Devils are way up. The next week, they are MIA. This one boils down to talent. The Fighting Irish have simply more players. Pick -- Notre Dame
Last Week -- 5-5
For The Season -- 55-45
The first CFP poll came out last Tuesday -- 1. Ohio State, 2. LSU, 3. Alabama, 4. Penn State -- with Clemson and Georgia coming in at No. 5 and No. 6.
Clemson fans have been howling all week, but they all just need to take a chill pill. This poll is just a starting point. As I have said for several weeks, undefeated Clemson will not be left out of the playoffs, but one loss will probably send the Tigers to a regular bowl game. The Tigers must keep their paws on the gas.
This week has the latest Game of the Century -- LSU at Alabama. The SEC is hoping for a close game to keep alive hopes of two teams in the playoff. I believe a blowout either way will serious damage to the playoff hopes of the loser.
The Big 10 also has a big game this week -- Penn State at unbeaten Minnesota. Most observers believe the Nittany Lions will survive, but the Golden Gophers will be juiced and ready to go.
Clemson begins its march to the CFP Top Four in Raleigh against an N.C. State team that has been defenseless. The Wolfpack has lost more than a dozen starters to injury and have yet to settle on a quarterback. But State will give Clemson its best shot. If the Tigers don't take the Pack seriously, there could be trouble.
As always, all picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Georgia Tech at Virginia -16.0 -- The visiting Yellow Jackets don't have enough offense to keep up with Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins, who put on a real show in last week's key victory at North Carolina. The Cavaliers get one step closer to the Coastal title. Pick -- Virginia
Missouri at Georgia -17.0 -- Most amazing stat to date -- Georgia has yet to allow a rushing touchdown this season. That is unheard of in today's college football. Pick -- Georgia
Appalachian State at South Carolina -6.5 -- The trendy pick is to take App State, but I am going to go against the trend. Pick -- South Carolina
Clemson at N.C. State +32 -- I am guessing Clemson leads the country in point spreads of +25 or more this season. It's homecoming and a Red Out in Raleigh. Clemson has struggled at Carter-Finley in the past. All of the talk this week has been about an angry Clemson blowing the doors off State. Once again, I think Clemson will win, but the spread is just too high. Pick -- N.C. State
Florida State at Boston College -2.5 -- Lock of the Week. BC has run all over everybody but Clemson. The Seminoles minus fired head coach Willie Taggart will get boat raced out of Chestnut Hill. Pick -- Boston College
Penn State at Minnesota +7.0 -- Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck has called this the biggest game in the 10-year history of Minnesota's on-campus TCF Bank Stadium. Can Penn State handle the pressure? Can Penn State deal with the massive Gophers' offensive line? Pick -- Minnesota
Louisville at Miami (Fla.) -6.5 -- Louisville is the ACC's best feel good story this season. The Cardinals were pure garbage last season. But Scott Satterfield has made Louisville respectable in a short amount of time. Miami has been all over the board this season, but I like the Hurricanes at home. Pick -- Miami
Wake Forest at Virginia Tech +2.5 -- This will be a tough test for the fast-paced Demon Deacons, but I believe Wake has too much offense for Virginia Tech. Pick -- Wake Forest
LSU at Alabama -6.5 -- Finally, Alabama plays somebody. LSU has victories over Texas, Florida, and Auburn. The major question before this game surrounds Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He injured an ankle in the Tennessee game and had surgery to stabilize the ankle. Alabama head coach Nick Saban says his star quarterback will play. Roll Tide Roll. Pick -- Alabama
Notre Dame at Duke -7.5 -- Duke is another tough team to figure out. One week, the Blue Devils are way up. The next week, they are MIA. This one boils down to talent. The Fighting Irish have simply more players. Pick -- Notre Dame
Last Week -- 5-5
For The Season -- 55-45
Thursday, October 31, 2019
They Always Remember November
Two months down in college football, one month to go. And a lot to be decided.
There are not many big games this week. The first Saturday in November is a deep breath before we head to the finish line.
The biggest news last week was Oklahoma being knocked from the ranks of the unbeatens when its defense refused to show up against Kansas State.
The first real poll -- the College Football Playoff Poll -- comes out Tuesday night. My prediction for the first poll -- 1. LSU, 2. Ohio State, 3. Alabama, 4. Clemson. LSU's victory over Texas is starting to fade because the Longhorns are fading. Ohio State is the media darling, but the Luckeyes have some serious tests remaining. Alabama is missing Tua, which means the Tide is in trouble if Tua can't play. Clemson has better numbers than the media wants to admit. Clemson is as good or better than anybody in the country. Anybody. Clemson's problem is the national perception of the ACC. But as long as the Tigers continue to win, they will be fine.
With Oklahoma's loss, the SEC has cranked up the PR machine and started lobbying heavily for two spots in the CFP. This is the way I can see the SEC just getting one team. Florida beats Georgia. LSU beats Alabama. Auburn beats Alabama. LSU beats Florida in the SEC Championship Game.
The Big 10 still has three unbeatens -- Ohio State, Penn State, and Minnesota. I give Ohio State the best chance to finish the season undefeated. Minnesota is a fraud. Penn State will vomit in its shoes when the time comes.
If Clemson is 13-0, the Tigers will be in the playoff. There is one month to play, but I do believe this is the year Clemson cannot afford to lose a game. A loss to South Carolina or a loss to North Carolina (if the Heels get there) in the ACC Championship Game, I believe would keep the Tigers out of the playoff.
I am not going to waste time picking the Clemson-Wofford game. The best thing about Saturday at Clemson is Military Appreciation Day. Nobody does Military Appreciation Day like Clemson.
Last week's record was a winning 6-4 to move the season record to 10 games over .500.
Here are this week's selections. All picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Georgia vs. Florida +6.5 -- This game is and always will be the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Florida head coach Dan Mullen has stoked the rivalry with shots at the Dawgs. The loser is out of the CFP. On paper, this game boils down to the defenses. Both offenses have been ordinary. The Dawgs will go as far as Jake Fromm takes them. Pick -- Florida
TCU at Oklahoma State -3.0 -- The Pokes got a big victory at Iowa State last Saturday. I think they will lasso the Frogs. Pick -- Oklahoma State
Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech +8.0 -- Yet another match up in the zany ACC Coastal. Just when you think the Panthers are going to take control of the division, they mess it up. The eight points is tempting, but I just don't trust Tech's weak offense. Pick -- Pittsburgh
Vanderbilt at South Carolina -15.0 -- Vanderbilt is bad. South Carolina is starting to lose interest. Pick -- South Carolina
Boston College at Syracuse -3.0 -- These two teams are the two biggest disappointments in the ACC. Neither team is getting anything from its quarterback. But the Eagles have two sledge hammers are running back. I expect AJ Dillon to have a big game. Pick -- Boston College
N.C. State at Wake Forest -7.5 -- This spread is not high enough. Pick -- Wake Forest
Virginia Tech at Notre Dame -17.5 -- Notre Dame got destroyed at the Big House last week. Will the Irish get off the mat for the Hokies? I like the Irish at home. Pick -- Notre Dame
Miami (Fla.) at Florida State -3.5 -- Impossible game to predict. Both of these teams have plenty of talent. Both of these teams are wildly inconsistent. I am taking the Seminoles at home. Pick -- Florida State
Kansas State at Kansas +6.0 -- Kansas State must come back to Earth after upsetting Oklahoma last Saturday. Kansas head coach Les Miles has given the Jayhawks a pulse. Upset special. Pick -- Kansas
Virginia at North Carolina -2.5 -- Before the Virginia Tech game, I made North Carolina my pick to win the Coastal. Then the Tar Heels lost in six overtimes. But the Tar Heels are still alive in the hunt for the division title. I think the Heels take control of the Coastal Saturday night. Pick -- North Carolina
Last Week -- 6-4
For The Season -- 50-40
There are not many big games this week. The first Saturday in November is a deep breath before we head to the finish line.
The biggest news last week was Oklahoma being knocked from the ranks of the unbeatens when its defense refused to show up against Kansas State.
The first real poll -- the College Football Playoff Poll -- comes out Tuesday night. My prediction for the first poll -- 1. LSU, 2. Ohio State, 3. Alabama, 4. Clemson. LSU's victory over Texas is starting to fade because the Longhorns are fading. Ohio State is the media darling, but the Luckeyes have some serious tests remaining. Alabama is missing Tua, which means the Tide is in trouble if Tua can't play. Clemson has better numbers than the media wants to admit. Clemson is as good or better than anybody in the country. Anybody. Clemson's problem is the national perception of the ACC. But as long as the Tigers continue to win, they will be fine.
With Oklahoma's loss, the SEC has cranked up the PR machine and started lobbying heavily for two spots in the CFP. This is the way I can see the SEC just getting one team. Florida beats Georgia. LSU beats Alabama. Auburn beats Alabama. LSU beats Florida in the SEC Championship Game.
The Big 10 still has three unbeatens -- Ohio State, Penn State, and Minnesota. I give Ohio State the best chance to finish the season undefeated. Minnesota is a fraud. Penn State will vomit in its shoes when the time comes.
If Clemson is 13-0, the Tigers will be in the playoff. There is one month to play, but I do believe this is the year Clemson cannot afford to lose a game. A loss to South Carolina or a loss to North Carolina (if the Heels get there) in the ACC Championship Game, I believe would keep the Tigers out of the playoff.
I am not going to waste time picking the Clemson-Wofford game. The best thing about Saturday at Clemson is Military Appreciation Day. Nobody does Military Appreciation Day like Clemson.
Last week's record was a winning 6-4 to move the season record to 10 games over .500.
Here are this week's selections. All picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Georgia vs. Florida +6.5 -- This game is and always will be the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Florida head coach Dan Mullen has stoked the rivalry with shots at the Dawgs. The loser is out of the CFP. On paper, this game boils down to the defenses. Both offenses have been ordinary. The Dawgs will go as far as Jake Fromm takes them. Pick -- Florida
TCU at Oklahoma State -3.0 -- The Pokes got a big victory at Iowa State last Saturday. I think they will lasso the Frogs. Pick -- Oklahoma State
Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech +8.0 -- Yet another match up in the zany ACC Coastal. Just when you think the Panthers are going to take control of the division, they mess it up. The eight points is tempting, but I just don't trust Tech's weak offense. Pick -- Pittsburgh
Vanderbilt at South Carolina -15.0 -- Vanderbilt is bad. South Carolina is starting to lose interest. Pick -- South Carolina
Boston College at Syracuse -3.0 -- These two teams are the two biggest disappointments in the ACC. Neither team is getting anything from its quarterback. But the Eagles have two sledge hammers are running back. I expect AJ Dillon to have a big game. Pick -- Boston College
N.C. State at Wake Forest -7.5 -- This spread is not high enough. Pick -- Wake Forest
Virginia Tech at Notre Dame -17.5 -- Notre Dame got destroyed at the Big House last week. Will the Irish get off the mat for the Hokies? I like the Irish at home. Pick -- Notre Dame
Miami (Fla.) at Florida State -3.5 -- Impossible game to predict. Both of these teams have plenty of talent. Both of these teams are wildly inconsistent. I am taking the Seminoles at home. Pick -- Florida State
Kansas State at Kansas +6.0 -- Kansas State must come back to Earth after upsetting Oklahoma last Saturday. Kansas head coach Les Miles has given the Jayhawks a pulse. Upset special. Pick -- Kansas
Virginia at North Carolina -2.5 -- Before the Virginia Tech game, I made North Carolina my pick to win the Coastal. Then the Tar Heels lost in six overtimes. But the Tar Heels are still alive in the hunt for the division title. I think the Heels take control of the Coastal Saturday night. Pick -- North Carolina
Last Week -- 6-4
For The Season -- 50-40
Friday, October 25, 2019
It's Official. I'm In A Slump.
There is no sugar coating last week. It was the worst week of the season.
After getting off to a hot start, I have thrown a rod and blown two tires. The picking machine is in the ditch.
That's why I have tagged this blog -- Fearless Football Forecasting Without A Net. Some radio pickers go back and revise their lousy picks and make excuses. My lousy picks stay on the blog for all to see.
Let's see if we can't get this thing out of the ditch and going back to the plus side of .500.
Another week, another drop in the AP poll for Clemson. No surprise. The national media is rooting hard against Clemson-Alabama No. 5 and will do anything they can to try and pick apart the Tigers. There now is no doubt Clemson is being held to a higher standard. But it does not matter. The only poll that matters is the College Football Playoff poll, which comes out in less than two weeks. As long as Clemson's defense continues to play lights out, the Tigers will be in either Atlanta or Phoenix on Dec. 28.
South Carolina has not been able to capitalize on its massive upset victory in Athens. SEC officials helped Florida escape Williams-Brice with a victory, and then the Gamecocks got a slap on the wrist from the NCAA. Don't laugh or wag your finger at the Gamecocks. It can happen to anybody. South Carolina admitted the mistake, the NCAA handed out the punishment, so we can all move on down the line. This week, South Carolina travels to Tennessee. This looks like a classic letdown game.
Georgia continues to disappoint. There seems to be something major missing in Athens. The talking heads trying to take apart Clemson's offense should spend more time on looking at Georgia's lack of offensive production. Georgia's offense is stuck in neutral and lacks any type of imagination. But even with a lack of imagination, the Bulldogs have the offensive line and running backs to pound the ball. The meeting with Florida next week will decide who wins the SEC East.
As always, picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Oklahoma State at Iowa State -10.5 -- Pokes might pull this one out, but the spread is too high. Pick -- Iowa State
South Carolina at Tennessee +4.0 -- In this battle for survival, I am going to take the Vols. Pick -- Tennessee
Boston College at Clemson +34.0 -- This game will be played in a phone booth. Boston College has two sledge hammers at running back. Last week, the Eagles rushed for more than 400 yards against N.C. State. State entered the BC game allowing just 66 yards per game on the ground. Add in the possibility of rain and I believe the spread is just too high. Pick -- Boston College
Wisconsin at Ohio State -14.5 -- Ohio State finally plays a team with a pulse, but the result will be the same. Pick -- Ohio State
Miami (Fla.) at Pittsburgh -5.5 -- Pittsburgh has now established itself as the favorite in the Coastal Division. Pick -- Pittsburgh
Virginia at Louisville +3.5 -- If the season ended today, Louisville head coach Scott Satterfield would be the ACC Coach of the Year. The Cardinals are playing with passion every Saturday. Virginia laid an egg in Miami. Can the Hoos win a road game? Pick -- Louisville
Auburn at LSU -10.5 -- I think LSU will dominate this game start to finish. Pick -- LSU
Duke at North Carolina -3.5 -- Can anybody figure out Duke? The Blue Devils are the most up and down team in the ACC. I think this will be a down week. Pick -- North Carolina
Notre Dame at Michigan Pick'em -- Since 2012, Michigan is 1-14 against Top 10 teams. I just have a feeling. I hope it is not something I ate. Pick -- Michigan
Penn State at Michigan State +6.5 -- Be careful Penn State. Be very careful. Pick -- Penn State
Last Week -- 2-8
For The Season -- 44-36
After getting off to a hot start, I have thrown a rod and blown two tires. The picking machine is in the ditch.
That's why I have tagged this blog -- Fearless Football Forecasting Without A Net. Some radio pickers go back and revise their lousy picks and make excuses. My lousy picks stay on the blog for all to see.
Let's see if we can't get this thing out of the ditch and going back to the plus side of .500.
Another week, another drop in the AP poll for Clemson. No surprise. The national media is rooting hard against Clemson-Alabama No. 5 and will do anything they can to try and pick apart the Tigers. There now is no doubt Clemson is being held to a higher standard. But it does not matter. The only poll that matters is the College Football Playoff poll, which comes out in less than two weeks. As long as Clemson's defense continues to play lights out, the Tigers will be in either Atlanta or Phoenix on Dec. 28.
South Carolina has not been able to capitalize on its massive upset victory in Athens. SEC officials helped Florida escape Williams-Brice with a victory, and then the Gamecocks got a slap on the wrist from the NCAA. Don't laugh or wag your finger at the Gamecocks. It can happen to anybody. South Carolina admitted the mistake, the NCAA handed out the punishment, so we can all move on down the line. This week, South Carolina travels to Tennessee. This looks like a classic letdown game.
Georgia continues to disappoint. There seems to be something major missing in Athens. The talking heads trying to take apart Clemson's offense should spend more time on looking at Georgia's lack of offensive production. Georgia's offense is stuck in neutral and lacks any type of imagination. But even with a lack of imagination, the Bulldogs have the offensive line and running backs to pound the ball. The meeting with Florida next week will decide who wins the SEC East.
As always, picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Oklahoma State at Iowa State -10.5 -- Pokes might pull this one out, but the spread is too high. Pick -- Iowa State
South Carolina at Tennessee +4.0 -- In this battle for survival, I am going to take the Vols. Pick -- Tennessee
Boston College at Clemson +34.0 -- This game will be played in a phone booth. Boston College has two sledge hammers at running back. Last week, the Eagles rushed for more than 400 yards against N.C. State. State entered the BC game allowing just 66 yards per game on the ground. Add in the possibility of rain and I believe the spread is just too high. Pick -- Boston College
Wisconsin at Ohio State -14.5 -- Ohio State finally plays a team with a pulse, but the result will be the same. Pick -- Ohio State
Miami (Fla.) at Pittsburgh -5.5 -- Pittsburgh has now established itself as the favorite in the Coastal Division. Pick -- Pittsburgh
Virginia at Louisville +3.5 -- If the season ended today, Louisville head coach Scott Satterfield would be the ACC Coach of the Year. The Cardinals are playing with passion every Saturday. Virginia laid an egg in Miami. Can the Hoos win a road game? Pick -- Louisville
Auburn at LSU -10.5 -- I think LSU will dominate this game start to finish. Pick -- LSU
Duke at North Carolina -3.5 -- Can anybody figure out Duke? The Blue Devils are the most up and down team in the ACC. I think this will be a down week. Pick -- North Carolina
Notre Dame at Michigan Pick'em -- Since 2012, Michigan is 1-14 against Top 10 teams. I just have a feeling. I hope it is not something I ate. Pick -- Michigan
Penn State at Michigan State +6.5 -- Be careful Penn State. Be very careful. Pick -- Penn State
Last Week -- 2-8
For The Season -- 44-36
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