Baby steps at mid-season. I'll take it.
I snapped a losing streak (somewhat) last week with a 5-5 record. The big misses were the Miracle On Tenth Avenue in Atlanta and Utah falling flat against a wounded Southern Cal team.
My lack of confidence in Clemson also cost me, but I don't think even the most rabid Clemson fan saw a 58-0 beatdown of Miami on the radar. The Tigers were nearly flawless in dismantling the Hurricanes, a loss that ended Al Golden's stay at South Beach.
It's time to move on to Halloween weekend. Let's see if we can find more treats than tricks in the selections. As always, all picks are against the spread.
-- North Carolina -3 at Pittsburgh. A big game in the ACC Coastal. The winner will be well positioned for a trip to Charlotte. North Carolina is still kicking itself for that opening loss to South Carolina. The Tar Heels have not lost since the opening weekend. A big reason is defensive coordinator Gene Chizik, who has done a nice job putting some teeth in the Tar Heel defense. In his first season in charge of the Panthers, head coach Pat Narduzzi has Pitt on the fast track to respectability. I think the difference in this one is the North Carolina offense. I will give the points on the road. Take the Tar Heels.
-- West Virginia at TCU -14. Trevone Boykin and the TCU offense will shread the West Virginia defense. The Mountaineers will score some but not nearly enough. Pick TCU.
-- Louisville -11.5 at Wake Forest. The Cardinals climb to .500 overall with a victory over the Deacons. The spread of 11.5 is enough for a Deacon cover. Take Wake.
-- South Carolina at Texas A&M -16.0. The Aggies blasted the Gamecocks in Columbia last season, a loss that started a downward spiral in Columbia that has yet to hit bottom. A&M will have no trouble covering the spread at home. Pick A&M.
-- Georgia Tech -6 at Virginia. Georgia Tech pulled off the second-best finish this season when Lance Austin returned a blocked field goal 78 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the game to give the Yellow Jackets an upset of previously unbeaten Florida State. Can Tech use that miracle to build some momentum? Virginia head coach Mike London is waiting on the ax to fall. But first the ax will fall on Georgia Tech. Pick Virginia.
-- Clemson -10 at N.C. State. I feel the same way I did last week. This one makes me nervous. Ten is a lot of points. It is homecoming at N.C. State. The Wolfpack has shown respect to the unbeaten Tigers, but they also have talked about revenge for the beating they took in Death Valley last season. Emotion only lasts so long before talent takes over. This could be the Kiss of Death, but I think the Tigers will get it done. Pick Clemson.
-- Oklahoma State -3 at Texas Tech. Unbeaten Okie State travels to west Texas. The Cowboys have a big November at home with TCU, Baylor, and Oklahoma all coming to Stillwater. Looking past the trip to Lubbock could be dangerous, but I think the Cowboys will survive a shootout. Take Okie State.
-- Georgia vs. Florida -3. I don't care what they say this is still "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party". To this day, it is the only place have been overwhelmed by the smell of bourbon while standing on the sideline. Florida pulled a stunner last year by pounding Georgia. Could this be Mark Richt's last stand? A loss to the Gators could get "For Sale" signs put in his yard and finally get him into missionary work. I think Florida's defense will be the difference. Take Florida.
-- Ole Miss -7.5 at Auburn. If Ole Miss wins out, the SEC could miss the playoffs. Auburn is a three-alarm dumpster fire. The Rebels will add fuel to the fire. Take Ole Miss.
-- Notre Dame -10 at Temple. When Notre Dame scheduled this game, I am sure it expected a walk-over. Instead it gets undefeated Temple on the road with Game Day at Independence Hall. This is an interesting matchup. Will Notre Dame take Temple seriously? Can the Owls hang on Halloween? Here is a creepy stat -- Notre Dame is 15-0 all-time on Halloween. Make it 16-0.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 5-5
For The Season -- 40-44
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Friday, October 23, 2015
Getting Close To Leonard's Losers Territory
We are getting close, dangerously close to Leonard's Losers territory.
A lot of you youngsters might not understand that reference so I will give you a brief explanation. Many years ago, there was a guy out of Athens, Ga., named Leonard Postero. He had a weekly radio show. The show was called "Leonard's Losers". During the show, he used colorful descriptions to pick losers rather than winners. Clemson was not Clemson. They were the Pickens County Felines. Georgia was the Red Clay Hounds. Georgia Tech was the Insects From The Institute.
Yes, it is getting that bad. Reverse picks on my picks.
Last week provided more head scratchers. I can't figure out Oklahoma. Michigan blew it against Michigan State with one of the worst punt attempts in history. Georgia and Missouri played a soccer match.
Last week's record was 4-7, dropping me to 35-39 for the season.
Let's try and make an assault on .500 this week. Here are the fearless selections. As always, picks are against the spread.
-- Clemson -6.5 at Miami. This one makes me nervous, real nervous. The Tigers are going on the road for just the second time this season. They have heard all week about how they have to bring their own energy in the large and empty pro stadium where Miami plays. Miami is 4-2 and capable. If Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya gets hot, the Tigers could be in trouble. My gut says upset, but I think the Tigers survive. Pick Clemson.
-- Florida State -5.0 at Georgia Tech. I keep waiting for Georgia Tech to jump up and sting somebody. I think that time as passed. Take Florida State.
-- Pittsburgh -6.5 at Syracuse. Pitt is the surprise of the ACC. The Panthers used a late field goal to beat Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Syracuse has lost three straight. Make it four. Pick Pitt.
-- Virginia at North Carolina -17.0. The Mike London Farewell Tour continues. Tar Heels roll and stay in the race for the Coastal title. Take UNC.
-- Duke at Virginia Tech -2.5. This is one Duke usually loses. But Virginia Tech is in decline and the talk of Frank Beamer hanging up it is becoming louder every day. The question is -- Can the Blue Devils break through a huge mental block and take out the Hokies. I think they can. Take Duke.
-- Texas Tech at Oklahoma -14.5. I cannot figure out Oklahoma. I have wiffed on the Sooners the last two weeks. This week they are at home against a Texas Tech team that is still struggling on defense. Pick Oklahoma.
-- Boston College at Louisville -7.5. The Boston College defense is for real. The Boston College offense is not. In this case, the half point is worth a look. In a fearless gamble, I am going to take BC.
-- Tennessee at Alabama -15.5. Alabama will have no problem covering this spread at home. Take the Tide.
-- Texas A&M at Ole Miss -6.0. Ole Miss got ambushed in Memphis last Saturday, but the Rebels will benefit from some home cooking. Take Ole Miss.
-- Utah at USC -3.5. Undefeated Utah is getting no respect as an underdog. Southern Cal is close to becoming a dumpster fire. Pick the Utes.
Last Week -- 4-7
For The Season -- 35-39
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Last Week's Lowlight -- A Sooner Scooner Wreck In Dallas
Last week's blog featured the biggest whiff of the season. An absolute total swing and a miss. Oklahoma, a double-digit favorite, got its rear end kicked in Dallas by a struggling Texas team. Big Game Bob Stoops is now just a distant memory. The Sooner Scooner has two broken wheels and cracked axle. And the Big 12 continues to look like a showdown between Baylor and TCU. But remember this. Baylor, TCU, and Oklahoma all have to visit Oklahoma State, which is still unbeaten. The Cowboys are going to have a lot to say about who wins the Big 12.
Last week's smelly 5-6 performance was highlight by several near misses. The two misses of note were TCU, which can score with anybody but can't stop anybody, and Utah, which got five picks against Cal but still managed to win by just six points.
The overall record has dipped under .500 for the first time this season -- 31-32. It is way past time to have a breakout week. Let's give it a go. Remember, there is no net with this high-wire act. As always, all selections are against the spread.
-- Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech -2.5. Watching Georgia Tech in person, I was shocked how inept Tech's offense has become. Clemson just smothered the Tech running game. The Jackets looked slow and unorganized. A couple of blown coverages by the Tigers were the only thing that allowed the Yellow Jackets to save some face. I thought Tech would show up last week. It didn't. I am going to give the Jackets one more chance to show up and be counted. Take Tech.
-- Vanderbilt at South Carolina -3.5. A stunning week in Columbia with the news about Steve Spurrier led to the great debate -- quitter or not a quitter? I say you can't spelled quitter without UT. Shawn Elliott was named interim head coach and made one immediate change -- rap and rock music throughout practice. Another change was more physical practices. I expect the Gamecocks to relax and play and run over punchless Vandy. Pick South Carolina.
-- Boston College at Clemson -15.5. Boston College has one of the nation's best defensive units and one of the nation's worst offensive units. Not a good combination for facing Clemson. BC is usually really tough on the Tigers, but I think Clemson is going to wrap up this remarkable three-game home stand with a big victory over the Eagles. Clemson.
-- Missouri at Georgia -16.0. Georgia is wounded. Nick Chubb is gone for the season with torn knee ligaments. The rumblings about firing Georgia head coach Mark Richt are getting louder by the hour. But with the season slipping away, I think Georgia will rise up and slap Missouri. Take the Dawgs.
-- Ole Miss -10.5 at Memphis. Watch out Rebels. If you go to sleep, high-powered Memphis could blow your doors off. The guess here is the Rebels make the 65-mile trip to Memphis and show the Tigers some SEC defense. Take Ole Miss.
-- Virginia Tech at Miami (Fla.) -6.0. I don't know what to do with this one. Both of these teams have head coaches sitting on white-hot hot seats. Hokie fans say Beamer has lost it and is too old. Miami fans just want Al Golden and his tie gone. The six points is for home field which isn't much of an advantage because Miami fans don't show up. I'm going to hold my nose and pick the Hurricanes. Take Miami.
-- Michigan State at Michigan -7.0. A real test for a surprising Michigan team that has been on a roll. Jim Harbaugh has put some pride and teeth back into the Wolverines. This could be an old-fashioned Big 10 slobber knocker. This one needs rain, mud, gray skies, and wind. Many observers believe Michigan State is the No. 1 challenger to Ohio State, but I think Sparty gets loss No. 1 Saturday in Ann Arbor. Take the Wolverines.
-- Oklahoma -4.5 at Kansas State. Oklahoma hangover? The Sooners pissed me off with that lame effort in the Red River Rivalry. I'm counting on another Sooner meltdown. Kansas State has dropped heartbreakers to Oklahoma State and TCU, but I like the Wildcats, the wizard Bill Snyder, and the points at home. Take Kansas State.
-- Alabama -4.5 at Texas A&M. After destroying Georgia, all of the talk was about how Alabama is not dead yet. But I think Alabama's hopes of an SEC West title will end in College Station. Take the Aggies.
-- Florida at LSU -6.5. Florida took a hit during the week when redshirt freshman quarterback Will Grier was suspended for take an over-the-counter supplement. Grier said he didn't know it was a banded substance. Grier should have read the publication the NCAA produces every year to let student-athletes know not to take substance until their trainer approves it. And it's not fine print. It's common sense. Grier's mistake did not come at a good time. Unbeaten LSU awaits in Baton Rouge. I think the Gators will slow down LSU's Leonard Fournette some, but I don't think they've going to stop him. The Bayou Bengals will end Florida's brief run of success. Take LSU.
-- Southern Cal at Notre Dame -7.0. What was USC athletic director Pat Hayden thinking when he decided to hire Steve Sarkisian? Didn't he know there were plenty of stories about Sarkisian's erratic behavior at both Washington and USC? Hayden can blame it on the search firm that vetted Sarkisian but that's a pretty weak excuse. Several observers say Hayden should also hit the road for botching the hire. The facts are Southern Cal was awful last Thursday night in a loss to Washington, and Sarkisian is history. The Trojans travel to South Bend and they are in no way, shape, or form ready to face the talented Irish. Notre Dame in a rout.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 5-6
Season Record -- 31-32
Last week's smelly 5-6 performance was highlight by several near misses. The two misses of note were TCU, which can score with anybody but can't stop anybody, and Utah, which got five picks against Cal but still managed to win by just six points.
The overall record has dipped under .500 for the first time this season -- 31-32. It is way past time to have a breakout week. Let's give it a go. Remember, there is no net with this high-wire act. As always, all selections are against the spread.
-- Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech -2.5. Watching Georgia Tech in person, I was shocked how inept Tech's offense has become. Clemson just smothered the Tech running game. The Jackets looked slow and unorganized. A couple of blown coverages by the Tigers were the only thing that allowed the Yellow Jackets to save some face. I thought Tech would show up last week. It didn't. I am going to give the Jackets one more chance to show up and be counted. Take Tech.
-- Vanderbilt at South Carolina -3.5. A stunning week in Columbia with the news about Steve Spurrier led to the great debate -- quitter or not a quitter? I say you can't spelled quitter without UT. Shawn Elliott was named interim head coach and made one immediate change -- rap and rock music throughout practice. Another change was more physical practices. I expect the Gamecocks to relax and play and run over punchless Vandy. Pick South Carolina.
-- Boston College at Clemson -15.5. Boston College has one of the nation's best defensive units and one of the nation's worst offensive units. Not a good combination for facing Clemson. BC is usually really tough on the Tigers, but I think Clemson is going to wrap up this remarkable three-game home stand with a big victory over the Eagles. Clemson.
-- Missouri at Georgia -16.0. Georgia is wounded. Nick Chubb is gone for the season with torn knee ligaments. The rumblings about firing Georgia head coach Mark Richt are getting louder by the hour. But with the season slipping away, I think Georgia will rise up and slap Missouri. Take the Dawgs.
-- Ole Miss -10.5 at Memphis. Watch out Rebels. If you go to sleep, high-powered Memphis could blow your doors off. The guess here is the Rebels make the 65-mile trip to Memphis and show the Tigers some SEC defense. Take Ole Miss.
-- Virginia Tech at Miami (Fla.) -6.0. I don't know what to do with this one. Both of these teams have head coaches sitting on white-hot hot seats. Hokie fans say Beamer has lost it and is too old. Miami fans just want Al Golden and his tie gone. The six points is for home field which isn't much of an advantage because Miami fans don't show up. I'm going to hold my nose and pick the Hurricanes. Take Miami.
-- Michigan State at Michigan -7.0. A real test for a surprising Michigan team that has been on a roll. Jim Harbaugh has put some pride and teeth back into the Wolverines. This could be an old-fashioned Big 10 slobber knocker. This one needs rain, mud, gray skies, and wind. Many observers believe Michigan State is the No. 1 challenger to Ohio State, but I think Sparty gets loss No. 1 Saturday in Ann Arbor. Take the Wolverines.
-- Oklahoma -4.5 at Kansas State. Oklahoma hangover? The Sooners pissed me off with that lame effort in the Red River Rivalry. I'm counting on another Sooner meltdown. Kansas State has dropped heartbreakers to Oklahoma State and TCU, but I like the Wildcats, the wizard Bill Snyder, and the points at home. Take Kansas State.
-- Alabama -4.5 at Texas A&M. After destroying Georgia, all of the talk was about how Alabama is not dead yet. But I think Alabama's hopes of an SEC West title will end in College Station. Take the Aggies.
-- Florida at LSU -6.5. Florida took a hit during the week when redshirt freshman quarterback Will Grier was suspended for take an over-the-counter supplement. Grier said he didn't know it was a banded substance. Grier should have read the publication the NCAA produces every year to let student-athletes know not to take substance until their trainer approves it. And it's not fine print. It's common sense. Grier's mistake did not come at a good time. Unbeaten LSU awaits in Baton Rouge. I think the Gators will slow down LSU's Leonard Fournette some, but I don't think they've going to stop him. The Bayou Bengals will end Florida's brief run of success. Take LSU.
-- Southern Cal at Notre Dame -7.0. What was USC athletic director Pat Hayden thinking when he decided to hire Steve Sarkisian? Didn't he know there were plenty of stories about Sarkisian's erratic behavior at both Washington and USC? Hayden can blame it on the search firm that vetted Sarkisian but that's a pretty weak excuse. Several observers say Hayden should also hit the road for botching the hire. The facts are Southern Cal was awful last Thursday night in a loss to Washington, and Sarkisian is history. The Trojans travel to South Bend and they are in no way, shape, or form ready to face the talented Irish. Notre Dame in a rout.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 5-6
Season Record -- 31-32
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
October Starts With Crash
Last week's picks were a total disaster. Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, and Ole Miss all went belly up and I could not recover.
The 4-7 slate for the week leaves me at .500 -- 26-26 -- for the season. Mediocre is not a strong enough word. I can think of a lot of words to describe what is going on, but I want to keep this blog in PG territory.
Well, let's see if we can get a clue this week. As always, the mighty and fearless selections are against the spread.
-- N.C. State at Virginia Tech Pick: Y'all know how I feel about Friday night college football. I hate it. Friday is for high schools. But the ACC has to collect all the checks it can, so N.C. State travels to Virginia Tech. State's rampage through cupcakes came to an end last week when Louisville handed the Wolfpack its first loss. The Hokies are struggling and the "Beamer needs to retire" talk is sure to gain some steam if the current trend continues. It is tough to pick against Virginia Tech at home, but I am going to take N.C. State.
-- LSU -13.5 at South Carolina: It has been a tough week in Columbia because of the massive amount of water, washed out roads, crumbling dams, etc. Then the word came on Wednesday that the game is being moved to Baton Rouge. Charlotte was not an option because the Panthers have sodded their field. A season that has started unraveling for the Gamecocks just continues to fall apart. LSU is led by running back Leonard Fournette, the best thing to come to Baton Rouge since gumbo. Tacklers bounce off of him like bullets bounce off Superman. Fournette has rushed for 200 or more yards in three straight games. Make it four. Take the Bayou Bengals.
-- Georgia Tech at Clemson -7: The classic trap game. Clemson used a lot of energy and emotion to hold off Notre Dame in one of the worst rainstorms in the history of Death Valley. The talk this week has been about focusing on Tech. Tech's triple option has been struggling, but Tech head coach Paul Johnson always seems to find a way against Clemson. The difference in this one is defense and special teams. Clemson has a defense and above average special teams. Tech has neither. Clemson.
-- Oklahoma State at West Virginia -7. Last time the Cowboys went to Morgantown, they got blasted. I don't think the Pokes are going to get blasted this time, but I do believe they will suffer their first loss. Take West Virginia.
-- Oklahoma -17 vs. Texas. Seriously, do we have to play this game? When Texas players are tweeting at halftime that they want to transfer from the program, you've got major problems. Plus, Texas head coach Charlie Strong got a vote of confidence this week. That's always trouble. Cue the violin music. Kiss of death. Texas has three wheels over the cliff. The program is a mess. Can't we just enjoy the Texas State Fair where they deep fry everything without having to watch the carnage that is going to take place in the old Cotton Bowl? Pass me a corndog and go heavy on the Sooners.
-- Virginia at Pittsburgh -8.5. The Mike London farewell tour continues. Pitt.
-- Wake Forest at Boston College -7.5. The Deacons played Florida State close. But I like Boston College at home. Take the Eagles.
-- Northwestern at Michigan -7.5. Northwestern's undefeated season comes to a screeching halt. Hail to the Victors. Take Michigan.
-- TCU -9 at Kansas State. Watch out TCU. Kansas State almost upset Oklahoma State in Stillwater with a wide receiver who had to play quarterback in an emergency situation. Bill Snyder will keep the Wildcats in the game for a while, but I just think the Horned Frogs have too much offensive firepower. Take TCU.
-- Miami (Fla.) at Florida State -9.5. Miami fans are flying "Fire Al Golden" banners at away games. Here's a Vegas bet for you. Who gets fired first -- Golden, London, or Strong? Florida State isn't Florida State. Yet. My gut tells me this will be closer than 9.5, but I'm not going to listen to my gut. I think Miami will fall by double digits. Chop, chop, chop. FSU.
-- California at Utah -7. Gameday is on campus. The pressure of being the Pac 12 frontrunner. Can Utah handle success? This will be interesting test for Utah, but I think Utes are for real. Take Utah.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 4-7
Season -- 26-26
The 4-7 slate for the week leaves me at .500 -- 26-26 -- for the season. Mediocre is not a strong enough word. I can think of a lot of words to describe what is going on, but I want to keep this blog in PG territory.
Well, let's see if we can get a clue this week. As always, the mighty and fearless selections are against the spread.
-- N.C. State at Virginia Tech Pick: Y'all know how I feel about Friday night college football. I hate it. Friday is for high schools. But the ACC has to collect all the checks it can, so N.C. State travels to Virginia Tech. State's rampage through cupcakes came to an end last week when Louisville handed the Wolfpack its first loss. The Hokies are struggling and the "Beamer needs to retire" talk is sure to gain some steam if the current trend continues. It is tough to pick against Virginia Tech at home, but I am going to take N.C. State.
-- LSU -13.5 at South Carolina: It has been a tough week in Columbia because of the massive amount of water, washed out roads, crumbling dams, etc. Then the word came on Wednesday that the game is being moved to Baton Rouge. Charlotte was not an option because the Panthers have sodded their field. A season that has started unraveling for the Gamecocks just continues to fall apart. LSU is led by running back Leonard Fournette, the best thing to come to Baton Rouge since gumbo. Tacklers bounce off of him like bullets bounce off Superman. Fournette has rushed for 200 or more yards in three straight games. Make it four. Take the Bayou Bengals.
-- Georgia Tech at Clemson -7: The classic trap game. Clemson used a lot of energy and emotion to hold off Notre Dame in one of the worst rainstorms in the history of Death Valley. The talk this week has been about focusing on Tech. Tech's triple option has been struggling, but Tech head coach Paul Johnson always seems to find a way against Clemson. The difference in this one is defense and special teams. Clemson has a defense and above average special teams. Tech has neither. Clemson.
-- Oklahoma State at West Virginia -7. Last time the Cowboys went to Morgantown, they got blasted. I don't think the Pokes are going to get blasted this time, but I do believe they will suffer their first loss. Take West Virginia.
-- Oklahoma -17 vs. Texas. Seriously, do we have to play this game? When Texas players are tweeting at halftime that they want to transfer from the program, you've got major problems. Plus, Texas head coach Charlie Strong got a vote of confidence this week. That's always trouble. Cue the violin music. Kiss of death. Texas has three wheels over the cliff. The program is a mess. Can't we just enjoy the Texas State Fair where they deep fry everything without having to watch the carnage that is going to take place in the old Cotton Bowl? Pass me a corndog and go heavy on the Sooners.
-- Virginia at Pittsburgh -8.5. The Mike London farewell tour continues. Pitt.
-- Wake Forest at Boston College -7.5. The Deacons played Florida State close. But I like Boston College at home. Take the Eagles.
-- Northwestern at Michigan -7.5. Northwestern's undefeated season comes to a screeching halt. Hail to the Victors. Take Michigan.
-- TCU -9 at Kansas State. Watch out TCU. Kansas State almost upset Oklahoma State in Stillwater with a wide receiver who had to play quarterback in an emergency situation. Bill Snyder will keep the Wildcats in the game for a while, but I just think the Horned Frogs have too much offensive firepower. Take TCU.
-- Miami (Fla.) at Florida State -9.5. Miami fans are flying "Fire Al Golden" banners at away games. Here's a Vegas bet for you. Who gets fired first -- Golden, London, or Strong? Florida State isn't Florida State. Yet. My gut tells me this will be closer than 9.5, but I'm not going to listen to my gut. I think Miami will fall by double digits. Chop, chop, chop. FSU.
-- California at Utah -7. Gameday is on campus. The pressure of being the Pac 12 frontrunner. Can Utah handle success? This will be interesting test for Utah, but I think Utes are for real. Take Utah.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 4-7
Season -- 26-26
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